Remembering Our Roots
by Steve McVey
"WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and affirm THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.
(signed) G. Washington"
Last month the Grace Walk team had a great time together in Atlanta when we met for our annual Grace Walk Leadership Summit. We had participants from across the United States and Canada gather together to be encouraged in our own grace walk through sharing with each other, through teaching and through worship. It was a good time to laugh and cry together, to share communion and pray for each other and to affirm our unified passion to make the message of our Father’s love and grace known to everybody we can reach.
Normally, our Latin American Grace Walk team members would have participated in the meeting, but this year we planned to have a separate meeting for our Spanish speaking team. The meeting will be in Guadalajara, Mexico on March 19-21, 2010.
There are two things you can pray about during the weeks to come. The first is to pray and consider joining us in Guadalajara in March. We are opening this event to those who want to attend. Guadalajara is a modern city with beautiful Mexican architecture and culture. It is a completely safe place to visit and we will stay in a nice hotel.
The second matter to pray about is helping with the cost of sponsoring this event. We hope to bring our National Directors from Argentina and El Salvador to the meetings. Other costs will be food and hotel rooms for our leadership within Mexico. Please pray about these two things and plan to participate with us.
by Steve McVey
The truth is that we don’t always feel like we’re on a spiritual mountaintop. Sometimes we feel the cold winds of circumstances blowing through our lives like howling winds in a cold valley. When we feel that way, we can be confident that we are in good company.
From the void of circumstantial happiness in his life, Job wrote: If only I knew where to find God, I would go to his throne and talk with him there. I would lay out my case and present my arguments. Then I would listen to his reply and understand what he says to me. Would He merely argue with me in his greatness? No, he would give me a fair hearing. Fair and honest people can reason with him, so I would be acquitted by my Judge. I go east, but he is not there. I go west, but I cannot find him. I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden. I turn to the south, but I cannot find him. (Job 23:3-9)
Was this kind of honesty an expression of doubt in God? Not at all. Job’s faith is seen clearly in verses 10-12 of this chapter when he said, But he knows where I am going. And when he has tested me like gold in a fire, he will pronounce me innocent. "For I have stayed in God's paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands but have treasured his word in my heart.
What was Job’s response when he felt no joy? He trusted anyway. He treasured in his heart the words that God had spoken to Him. He clung to God even when he felt nothing positive from it.
There are those within the body of Christ who communicate by their actions and teachings that it is somehow “unspiritual” to not feel upbeat all the time. Those folks are to be pitied. They look like caricatures of Christianity. Their faulty beliefs force them into hypocritical behavior. Their smiles look hollow and their words are empty and don’t sound authentic.
During the times when our feelings don’t align with our faith, it is important to remember that it’s okay. Many believers have experienced the same. The Apostle Paul wrote that his burdens were so heavy at times he despaired of life. (2 Corinthians 1:8) The great prophet, Elijah, once sat down under a tree so dejected and despondent that he asked God to just go ahead and let him die. (1 Kings 19:4) Countless others could be mentioned both from Scripture and from church history who experienced moments when their emotions bottomed out.
When we feel nothing, God’s grace shines brightest. It’s one thing to trust Him when everything is going our way, but when circumstances close in on us, trusting Him is evidence of supernatural grace flowing through us. Do you find yourself not feeling the “joy of the Lord” the way you want? If so, be assured you’re at a place where the current of grace can run deeper and wider than usual in you.
Whether you feel His presence or not, just trust Him. Be assured that He knows the path you are walking and He is quietly walking it with you. Cling to Jesus and know that the Sun will shine again for one simple reason – Great is His faithfulness.
FOR A LIMITED TIME WE ARE
OFFERING TWO SPECIALS FOR
WALKING IN THE WILL OF GOD
by Steve McVey
Book discount price of $8.00 each - Regular Price: $12.00
Purchase Walking In The Will of God 3 DVD Companion set
Walking in the Will of God
and the children's book, Promiseland