Trust the Lord to raise up Godly people, be willing to let Him use you

A good beginning for this post - given its timing - would be what was stated in the post on being a role model. Or, perhaps on teaching others to overcome difficulties or forgiveness - after all, all these things, firmly standing for the right things, and numerous other posts in this blog all relate to Father's Day.

Instead - yes, I know this sounds silly - but, here's a question about dictionaries. If you had a choice between a perfect definition and something people made up, which would you choose?

Hopefully, the perfect one, otherwise you could pick up a pile of mud and leaves and define it as whatever your favorite meal is. Or, you could define a random squirrel as a nation's capital. The first one would taste bad, and the second could lead to jokes concerning nuts that are in bad taste - and are likely pretty old, anyway. The point is that neither definition makes any sense.

We do the same with the word "father" for various reasons when we use only human definitions - false pride, selfishness, and so on. This is why God's definition of a loving, personal man who always gives of himself is vital - after all, God is personal and desires a relationship with us. It is also why the focus here will be how anyone can fill that role, just like Mordecai raising Esther. This doesn't mean the way the world says it - because the world only focuses on the physical - but the tenderhearted, unconditional love God has for us, whereby we call Him "Abba" - that word really means "Daddy," not just "Father." This is a term of great tenderness and trust, the way a small child should see a father.

Of course, as noted before, the devil counterfeits everything God makes. We need to help others overcome and become more resilient, be role models, etc., as the above links said. This post links several former posts ideas together with some other things to help show how we can pray for - and sow seeds of - repentance revival.

Humbling Oneself to Take the Spiritual Lead

God's Word recognizes that. Take 2 Timothy 2:1 or any other verse which speaks of being strong in the Lord, or the call to stand in Ephesians 6:11-13 before the full armor of God is discussed showing us how to fight the battle. The verbs for being strong, standings, etc. imply a continual action from outside. It's a continual action of letting the Lord strengthen us, or help us to stand (through the full armor of God) so we can stand in that evil day and, having done all, to stand.

 As I note in my free blogbook for all, the story of the Shunemmite woman lays the groundwork for how anyone, even a child, can be a spiritual leader when nobody else is willing. It requires that the person be a Godly example as she was and not follow the ways of the world. It's very easy for a person to be drawn away when their minds and hearts are not focused on Jesus.

That's why it's vital that any leader be humble and let God be the one to guide through His Holy Spirit. I'm not going as far as I've heard some preachers go - they say that people were never meant to marry (and thus conceive) apart from being born again believers in Jesus Christ who are led by Him to be Christlike individuals. Books could be filled on debate about what the alternatives would be and how God might or might not use such institutions for His purposes. Not only that, but we are all sinners in need of a Saviouir.  We must rely on Him to have the strength to overcome our weaknesses, and on others to help us to do so, because He uses otehrs to help us.

That is how the devil has counterfeited fatherhood and families in general over the years. There have been ideas such as a refusal to admit one's wrongs and apologize to an insistence on phsyical toughness to many other things that have nothing to do with Godlness as it shows in the Bible.

Indeed, Biblical manhood has nothing to do with toughness - men are called to be tender, affectionate with their words and actions, and so on. Look at how Paul spoke of the way he nursed the Thessalonian church.(1 Thess.2:7-12)

For there to be a Revival in America or anywhere, we need leaders. God's Word clearly says that His people can pray, call on him, turn from their wicked ways, etc.. So, it doesn't take a ruler to do so. A couple of businessmen in 1857 devoted to prayer begin a Revival in New York City. They simply met and prayed at lunch each day, and brought more and more in to join them. These prayer meetings and the subsequent turning away from sin and adopting honest, fair, etc. business practices and honoring God in all they did spread from New York to Chicago and elsewhere.

However, we do need people to step up and lead like these men did. They don't lead because they are rulers, they lead because they are following Godly principles and encourage the people to follow Christ like they do.

This, then, is what we must Honor on Father's Day, not the fact that a person has a title, but the fact that a person leads with Godly character and the unconditional love, compassion, and so on that Christ exemplifies. 

Remember that Jesus Christ is God in flesh.(That is what Sonshi means, not physical relations.) In the beginning was the word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. And, the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.(John 1:1,14) Jesus Christ is God in flesh, so we must use His example as to how to live our lives. Yes, He took bold stands against sin, but He also loved the sinner.

This is why it is possible to say that anyone can provide that kind of Godly leadership, the kind a father should. Some people will struggle because they lack certain things. Some might not have learned how to provide for others or remain committed to something or show that love, but that is why God provided the comforter, the Holy Spirit, to every believer, so He can teach them. That just means relying on Him to do so.

An example to us

 

A perfect example is my great-grandfather. He spoke in glowing terms about his mother all the time, but never mentioned his father once. My great uncle says that even if you got him to where he would spout off about everything he wouldn't mention anything about his dad. His dad died in an accident, and it was sad for him in his late teens, but his mother died in a much worse accident, a house two years earlier, yet while he never shared about that accident he would about what she was like before then.

The family figures that my great-grandfather's dad was either never there or not very nice. My great-grandpa never learned how to be a loving, caring father who children always talked about how wonderful he was and looked up to him so consistently. And yet, he was that way as a father himself, a wonderful, gentle, loving man who his children, my grandma and her siblings, would often talk about so lovingly.

There are a few other things that point to his having trusted Christ as his Savior during a Billy Sunday Revival in 1912. I won't get into those, but suffice it to say that the man was changed on the inside at some point in his late teens, he learned to do things as he had not learned how to do otherwise because he did not have the example to show him.

Letting God show us how

This example is one of many which could be used to demonstrate the fact that God can and will teach us how to be the loving, caring people we should once we trust Him. The Holy Spirit works in people to change their hearts and help them to be more like Jesus.

This, therefore, means that we must trust him too guide us in the things that we have lacked for so long. Not only for the last 40 years, but the last 400, as I have often said in this blog.

 We must trust the Lord to heal this land by raising up leaders, but they must be the right kind; those who will be kind, loving, caring, etc., but will not wilt in the face of pressure.  person can certainly be emotional (like John Knox, founder of the Presbyterian church, when he punished his children), the key to strength Biblically is going through with it even when it is emotional. Some thigns can be difficult, but that goes back to the fact being strong in the Lord means a continual strengthening from outside.

leaders must be committed to what they do - that's why it's vital that a leader be able to show he or she cares in everything they say and do. It's why leadership is about showing that other people matter, as has been noted numerous times here, such as in this post. It's a joy, not a a burden, to be able to make a difference in the world.

Much of the problem we have in this lack of leadership is that we look at things the wrong way. We always have - we're imperfect people, and as sinners, we all need God's help to guide us in the right direction. Some, like I was, always try to behave well and the main problem is not realizing the problems that thought life can cause; that's what got me saved was realizing that even my thought life caused me to fall short of the glory of God, and I also didn't always do or say what was right. For others, it's a rebellious nature that they must trust the Lord to bring under control.

Whatever the problem is, we know this. We know God is a loving, personal God who gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who was God in flesh. He just chose to manifest Himself this way because it was easiest for us to understand, God gave that gave for a reason, Jesus came for a purpose. That purpose was to willingly suffer and die for each of us, taking on the sins of the whole world. Then, He rose from the dead, having triumphed over sin and death. Talk about a great task and greater victory! All one must do to have a personal relationship with Him is call on Him to save them from the punishment for their sins and forgive them and make them new inside. Because, He took the punishment we all deserve for our sins. You can see more abut this, and talk to someone to grow spiritually, here.

I noted before in this post that many people - through the Internet - have a desire to be connected, yet also seems to hide behind computer screens, perhaps because tehre is so much pressure in today's world. A relationship with God can give us the peace we need to make it in this world, so we don't just play video games or get online all the time. Each of us can step out and lead, sharing our faith in Christ and being able to withstand all that comes our way.

We need to be able to admit we make mistakes, but strive not to make them. Be blameless, as one of those verses in 1 Thessalonians says which I mentioned. That doesn't mean sinless, it means not being involved in eveil so if someone accuses you, people will know it's false because you wouldn't do whatever it is. Of course, that also means getting rid of sin in your life, such as addictions. Reformers Unanimous is a great group which offers help in a Christlike way for those; there are chapters in many churches.

It also means taking the lead in prayer, spending time with others, and so on even if you don't feel like it; I loved what one youth group girl said about how she felt really sick just before her group was to lead worship this Sunday. "I feel sick. Let's do this." She was determined not to let something little get in the way of serving the Lord - and, of course, serving others, too, but with the ultimate goal being to glorify God.

That should be our attitude, too;not only for our families, but for anyone who needs that role model, that encoruagement, whatever they need. This world provides lots of discouragement, we need to go out and build others up, not tear them down.

Unite for perfect peace in Jesus - for everyone, especially youth, gangs

Little was made of a historic truce between gang members in Baltimore after that city and Ferguson suffered horrible violence; sadly violence continues in Baltimore. This is sad, because the truce shows that these groups can get along when they know there is a need to unite for a common cause.

As noted in previous posts, the enemy in this conflict is spiritual. It showed up just recently in Texas and was nearly deadly except for the prayers of others putting other police there to prevent it. This is a sure sign of two things. The problem is an attitude among many that opposes God, when God's Word and even secularists clearly states we are all one race - the human race. Second, groups banding together for the Lord in prayer and repentance can make a difference. I don't know who all has been praying, but those prayers at that time or days or weeks ago were vital, and God will reward the effort of those who prayed or passed the word along.

Therefore, it is important for these groups to come together again, this time under a different banner, one of rustling against powers, principalities, and the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.(Ephesians 6:12.)

Of course, to do that each person must realize the perfect love the Creator of the universe - ourselves included - has for each of us. We must realize that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Each of us must realize we have a purpose that goes beyond acting tough and defending turf.(My apologies if that term is really outdated. :-) At least you can say that I am genuine when I am willing to use words like that, and I can laugh at myself when i am tempted to use words like "rumble" for fight. :-))

Even if my term was outdated, one thing that isn't outdated is unconditional love. I am truly sorry that so little has been shown to some that they reach out to a gang for a sense of belonging or love or something else. God calls us to help and protect the orphans - and, really,  all children since we must have compassion for the less fortunate - and widows. When people don't do their job though, it means we must rely on God for help. We have, sadly, not been teaching anyone about God's love. I'm sorry we have not done so.

You have a chance to make it right nowfrom this moment on, though. Yes, you are fearfully and wonderfully made, and here for such a time as this. Psalm 27:10 says "When my mother and father forsake me, the Lord will take me up." A lot of young people have, sadly, been rendered spiritual orphans by a system of oppression and evil. It's time to take this world back.

How can I help?

You have likely heard much about ending violence. In fact, there have been demonstrations in Baltimore and other inner cities against violence. Sadly, these are not covered by the media in great detail, which shows part of the spirit of evil that is only interested in stirring things up. (One wonders if the very fact race is mentioned is designed to bring ratings even if unimportant at times; that is something for people more trained in the field to discuss, though.)

However, what is needed is a change on the inside by many. That change can only come about through true repentance. when i wrote earlier of turning from the nation's evils for the last 400 years, I mentioned how we must show God we want change, and that even a very close follower of God like Daniel, who had never taken part in the horrible sinning in Israel, nonetheless prayed for God's forgiveness for his country and for himself.(Daniel 9)

Different posts here speak of a few ways you can change, but remember that GOd is the one who must do it we can't do this in our own strength.I won't recap everything I've said before, but i encourage you to read and realize that it is only through God's strength because we focus so much on the flesh and on this world when it won't last. It is just a stopover.

Get Your Heavenly Home Established First

Our final destination must be decided here. Of course, children below the age of accountability go to God's perfect Heaven because Jesus Christ, God in flesh, died to take the punishment for their sins and rose again, and he created them not understanding and cares about those who are powerless. he wants to end oppression here on Earth, too. But, that means forgetting the fights over this worldly realm and getting one's sights set on what is above.

Becasue, once you reach that age of accountability, you must call on Jesus by faith to save yo from your sinsu, which is very sim;e as shown here. (See here for other languages.) If you don't, you are separated from God forever by your sins when you die, in a horrible place meant only for the devil and his angels - the leaders of spiritual wickedness which are riling things up, causing oppression, and so on.

Once you call on Jesus to save you by simple faith, though, He gives you a Heavenly mansion, and you can know for sure you have eternal life.(John 10:28-29, 1 John 5:13, Jude 24, etc.) In fact, your eternal life starts right away as you can have life more abundantly right here on Earth.(John 10:10) So, then what?

Ambassador (your name) from Heaven

Instead of representing a gang which has flawed humans, you can represent God Himself. See, every believer has the Holy Spirit living int hem, and because of this each of us is an ambassador of Jesus Christ.(2 Cor. 5:20) Since Jesus ascended into Heaven, He called us to be His disciples and to show His love to others and help others, not disputing with them but working with each other.

I understand that perhaps in your life you have seen very little peace, but God can change your heart. Sometimes it might mean getting rid of certain things, but others can cope okay with them. I'm reminded of a story I've told before, how one woman in our church was saved out of alcoholism and for the last 44 years of her life never went into a restaurant with a bar in it. her friends could becuase they could handle it, but the demons of her past were so large she couldn't go into one without being tempted to start drinking again. In that case, of course, it's better never to start.

Also, use Jesus Himself as a role model, and learn of things like the Fruit of the Spirit. Let God guide and direc your steps, as He'll have big things for you.

You can print out this free blogbook at takethespirituallead.blogspot.com that also shows you more about what to do in an organized way to shape your destiny, your future, your family, and your community.

Develop sign of peace that will allow you to stand up against the violence of the inner city, and trust the Lord to use you to make a difference. Unite to start churches in homes if need be, use the tools at places like www.Godlife.com and m.Godlife.com - you can contact people there who help as volunteers, in fact. While there are many good churches around, you also have to avoid the ones that aren't right doctrinally, so here are some great sermons from one I'd recommend. Dr. Tony Evans is also a very good preacher.

Most importantly, you are needed not only to act as ambassadors of Jesus Christ to save your community, but also your country. However, you can't do that on your own -e ven with your own younger brothers, sisters, cousins, etc. you must rely on Jesus and the power of prayer.(Subjects such as prayer can be found at the menu on the right in the church link I gave.)

This way, you can hear the Lrod say to you "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" when He returns for you - and, He will, one day, rule and reign on this Earth and everythign will be perfect. Until though, we are here to make this world better, but we can't save the world from lost souls, but we are here to save souls from a lost and dying world.

It's just that when God hears the prayers of the faithful, repentant hearts of this nation, he will heal the land, and things might get better here, too.

Repentance only the start - do great things for God

There is no doubt that America needs a repentance revival. I have already discussed how repentance begins with each one of us, like the example of how many of us may have reacted angrily to someone cutting us off in traffic when we were going nowhere important compared to that person, who might hve been rushing to the hospital to see a dying relative. We've all sinned and come short of the glory of God.(Rom.3:23)

 It begins with the church, but of course repentance among those who have trusted Christ as their Savior is the same thing, since the Church is made up of all believers, from the palaces to the slums, from the big cities to the jungles.

From there, we could see repentance breakout with many who have never trusted Christ as Savior as they come to know Him; that must be the ultimate goal of our prayers. In the meantime, there can be pockets of people who repent and call on Jesus Christ by faith alone to forgive them for their sins, believing that he died to take the punishment for your sins and rose from the dead. You the reader could do that now.

I wrote a blog here (if you don't wish to click links, takethespirituallead.blogspot.com) which I hope will be copied and sent to many many people; it's really a blogged book. It shows how women and even children can be the spiritual leaders in their families. It is based on the story of the Shunemmite woman starting in 2nd Kings 4:8.

That free book I wrote and blogged is just one way in which we can encourage others to be the leaders. It shares many important things, and I won't go over them all here.

I also have a book about two young people who are the only Christians in there somewhat dysfunctional home, titled Discovering Grace (as an ebook it's "Discovering Grace: Following God Through Turmoil"). There is now a sequel, Discovering Grace 2 Young Leaders. These books, which can be purchased as ebooks, are very inexpensive. You can get them here, the Nook Store, Amazon, etc.

I can't pretend to know what it is like in the inner cities, although "Take the spiritual lead" attempts to address a variety of issues that inner city youth may face. In the same way, my books don't necessarily cover what it is like in the inner city, but they do cover some parts of it, and how young people can cope by putting their trust in Jesus Christ. There are certainly Jmmys out there who are tempted to hide in video games but eralize there's a big hole in their heart only Jesus can fill (and who will leave them to protect their family). There are surely Graces and Jimmys who can lead, Erins who need an older sibling to be the parent, etc..

All that is to say this. I'm not perfect, but God uses me in a way that I pray is very effective. I do these things for His glory, not for myself. This is how anyone can be. Each one of us has the ability, even if it is just through prayer, to be used of God on His team to do great things.

So, repenting and turning toward Jesus is only the start. I have seen God do great things, but what He wants is a willing heart, one that wishes to glorify Him and Him alone. Because God alone is worthy of that. He created us, He made you, and you are fearfully and wonderfully made by Him. It doesn't matter what you are like on the outside. I've mentioned I have a number of handicaps. But it is what is on the inside that matters.

Because what is on the inside is all that matters, that is why repentance is vital, but also why it is only the beginning. Repentance, and then turning to God for help leading your family, your community, and your nation. Yeah that sounds like a big task. Yeah it is. But that is why prayer is vital as a part of it.