One Nation...

“…One nation under God…”, “In God we trust”, “God Bless America”, Take a good look at most of our country’s founding documents, landmarks, and patriotic songs. The Supreme Court proudly displays a sculptured likeness of Moses holding the Ten Commandments on the pinnacle above the steps leading to the main entrance. The Liberty Bell is clearly inscribed with “…Proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants…” quoted from Leviticus 25:10. America’s patriotic songs ring out in prayer to Almighty God for the nation. Almost all of them impart a trust in God as Creator and Sustainer of mankind in general and the USA in particular. God’s name is associated with the United States of America almost as closely as with Israel!

Oh, how far we have fallen from where we once stood! A nation founded on freedom of religion (the freedom to worship God according to personal conviction) is quickly becoming a nation standing for freedom from Bible based faith! Each year the United States draws farther from her godly beginning. Rejection of the God of Heaven cunningly disguised as religious tolerance roams this nation like a roaring lion (I Peter 5:8). God’s chosen nation found themselves in a similar situation and the prophet Hosea penned a warning from God to His people, Israel.

Hosea said “…there is no truth or mercy or knowledge of God in the land…My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:1-6). Knowledge, as defined in Hebrew, is gained by personal experience. Hosea is saying that the people had no individual contact with God. They knew about God, but they didn’t interact with Him personally. Time spent together and regular communication is the key to knowing someone—anyone—even God.

“…For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings… (Hosea 6:6). Sacrifices and offerings are no substitute for close fellowship with the Creator. God commands His people to worship Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Come to the Father in Truth—Jesus is the Truth and the only way to God (John 14:6). In the spirit—in all sincerity—with one’s entire being (Jeremiah 29:13).

“…The prophet is a fool and the spiritual man is insane…” (Hosea 9:7). The media often depicts Christians as foolish or insane. Therefore, many Christians fear speaking in the name of the Lord. A united Christian effort is desperately needed and personally experiencing God through prayer is the only way to begin.

“…their [Israel’s] heart is divided…” (Hosea 10:2). The fast-paced materialistic lifestyle most Americans endure results in hearts divided between necessary daily duties, leisure activities, and time with God. Divided hearts result in idolatry as surely as bowing down to a statue. God expects to occupy the first place, most important, primary position in every heart belonging to Him.

“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face [seek God’s presence], and turn from their wicked ways [an evil lifestyle or one of inferior spiritual quality], then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land [physical and spiritual healing of the people and/or the country]” (II Chronicles 7:14). God’s people are uniquely and exclusively qualified to stir God’s heart and move His hand for the benefit of the entire country. Unfortunately, ancient Israel didn’t listen to Hosea or the Lord their God. Assyria defeated Israel in 722 BC resulting in the ten lost tribes of Israel. God’s chosen people ceased to be an independent nation until 1948 AD. What will God’s chosen people living in the United States do with the knowledge of God and what will the outcome be?

American Christians unite and pray for the USA as Daniel prayed for Jerusalem, “O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations, and the city [USA] which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies. O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city [the USA] and Your people are called by Your name.” (Daniel 9:18-19).

God bless America!!!