Disappearance of Values

Scripture: "Say to them, 'This is what the LORD says: " 'When men fall down, do they not get up? When a man turns away, does he not return? Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return. I have listened attentively, but they do not say what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, saying, "What have I done?" Each pursues his own course like a horse charging into battle. Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the dove, the swift and the thrush observe the time of their migration. But my people do not know the requirements of the LORD. .....Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when they are punished, says the LORD. (Jeremiah 8:4-7 & 12)

Just about every morning, I read from a Chronological Bible out loud as my friend drives us to work. It's so interesting to read the books in chronological order as they happened. I'm going through Jeremiah these days, and I read the above scripture just this morning. This afternoon (Tuesday) at lunch, just before I began to write Wednesday's blog, I read Peter's sharing from Monday, and it seems that the Lord is leading the authors down similar paths of thinking.

The above scripture touched me because it sounds sooo much like America today. Every day I hear about how there are near violent protests against Proposition 8 that passed here in California, indicating that marriage should only be between a man and a woman, and not between same sexes. (Amen!!) But the sinful have gathered together and are trying to undermine what the voters have just unanimously voted on. This is only a small example of the chipping away of modern values that I am (and we all are) witnessing.

Let me be clear. I have nothing personal against the protesters. People are people, we can't all agree on all things, and I'm no better a person than they are, for I am a sinner too. But the difference is - I believe in what the bible has to say, and the path that the Lord has carved out for us as believers. We follow Christ, we live by His Spirit, even if it goes against the grain of society. But it doesn't break my heart any less to see how the world is changing around me, where people no longer even "know how to blush." (vs. 12)

I know I wrote along similar lines last Wednesday, but this scripture touched me, and makes me all the more aware that we Christians are all fast becoming a minority who believe in basic morals, values and ethics that seem to be dying quickly in a nation that wants desperately to follow their own sinful desires and wants.

In Exodus 32, when Aaron created a golden calf to worship, because the Israelites demanded him to do so, I am certain there were at least a handful who stood back and watched in horror, as the calf was raised up to "take the place" of God Almighty to worship. I feel like those few Israelites! I stand here with my mouth open in astonishment and my heart breaking for there is only One God to be worshipped - but it seems like fewer and fewer know Who He is, therefore, living their lives for themselves, their own desires and pleasures. They don't realize God's heart is breaking, for He never meant for His creatures to use and abuse each other as they do. We are created in His image. It is heartbreaking that so few know that, and would rather live sinful lives, entirely void of God.

I'm not talking just about the marriage issue. But it's hard to watch even our youth, the TV shows they are exposed to, the movies they attend, and sexuality gone rampant in ones so young. And often, how little they think of themselves because they have no one and no One to take them in and guide them towards what is emotionally, spiritually and physically good and healthy for them. They are our future, and I fear for what is ahead unless God intervenes in a big way.

As before, I encourage you all, as well as myself - to keep shining the Light of Christ in all you do. Share whenever you find an opportunity. Always with love and respect. But we must band together more so then ever. And most of all

Prayer request: For non-believers who know not what they are doing.

Prayer: Lord, we ask you to help us to make difference in this world for Your sake. Help us to shine Your light on an ever darkening world, in loving and respectful ways. Help our nation to turn back to you. Please place your hand of guidance on the judges that are now being asked to overturn Proposition 8 as "unconstitutional". Strengthen our minds and hearts to know Your Word better, to be able to defend our faith as well as to share our faith. Help each one of us to make time for You in ways we never have before. Amen