
Last night as I was preparing to turn in I thought about all of the political turmoil in America and how we as a nation seem to have no direction. Politicians seem to be unyielding in their attempt to make America unrecognizable and, unfortunately, many of us seem to be unwittingly allowing this to happen. At the same time, horrific actions, strife and struggle seem to be on the upswing throughout the world as if mankind has fully opened the door to Satan in his attempt to steal our souls from a loving God.
Thinking about my fears and concerns for my country, my family and my fellow man, I decided to take this weekend completely off from the political arena. I need to purge myself of worry and spend more time with my God seeking direction on what to do in dealing with these things. Two complete days away will do me good and I can devote my thoughts to the positive and upright things that we are fortunate to have.
To start things off, I watched the short DVD presentation of "The Cross", Billy Graham's finale to America. Simple and clear, Dr. Graham presents his answer to America's problem not in a preachy way, but in a beautiful presentation which includes two young people who were lost but then found Jesus. The stories are interspersed with clips from some of his best Billy Graham Crusade moments and scenes from his home and surroundings in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. All throughout, Dr. Graham was relaxed and seated at home as if we were just visiting in person with him. He interjected some of his guidance and wisdom while talking about what we needed to do. I'll leave the specifics of his remarks for each of you to watch first hand.
The presentation ends with his simple prayer and a very moving scene of Christians of all ages and colors climbing the mountain to stand at the foot of the Cross. It was very well done.
Reflecting on it afterwards, it brought me back to my senses on how to deal with things. I must use the Cross, for it provides the answers to everything and quiets my fears. Just as the famous scripture passage which I opened with tells us, Jesus and the Cross are the answer. For our loving Father to give up His Son to a horrific death so that we might have the opportunity to live is all we need to know. If we love Him, follow Him and witness for Him, we have nothing to fear. It will allow us to unlock the bondage and fear of the here and now knowing that we will inherit the Glory to come. It doesn't matter who we are, what we have done or not done, or why. Through Jesus Christ, we can truly have the peace and love that we all want and need.
I'm going to spend today and tomorrow at peace, enjoying the beauty and nature of my home area, focusing on what my mission is in life for the remainder of my life, and, of course, worshiping Him tomorrow, the Day of Rest. It will be a personal family retreat of an informal nature, but it's something that I feel drawn to do and I know it will restore my positive spirit to fight on for my God and country in the weeks and months ahead.
"The Cross" will be shown on several networks next Thursday evening, November 7th, throughout the country. I would urge each of you to check your listings and give thirty minutes of your time to it. I think it will touch your heart and soul in the way that Billy Graham does so well.
Have a wonderful and fulfilling weekend and remember who brought you here. Thanks be to God.