Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards. Give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out. Give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thomas Aquinas (1225 -1274)
In November of 2013 I wrote this in a blog post:
On Wednesday morning I was still reeling from the news that same-sex marriage was passed into law in Illinois. The trends in our culture weigh heavily on me. I have been studying the book of Ezekiel, and I see many parallels between Ezekiel’s description of the culture then and the present day. Throughout the ages, people and sin remain the same. We have a tendency to rebel against God’s ways.
Since then the Supreme Court has decided in favor of same-sex marriage. Our local school district has opened bathrooms and locker rooms to transgender individuals, without regard to their biological identity.
The moral chaos and confusion is disheartening but our role as Christians is to remain obedient to God and to proclaim the Gospel.
We have instructions and prayer support from Jesus.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28: 19-20
I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours . . .
I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one. John 17: 9, 11
My prayer: Thank-you, Lord Jesus, for your intercession for us. May we, with your help, be steadfast in proclaiming the Gospel.
Linking with Tell it to Me Tuesdays, Weekend Whispers, Word of God Speak, Faith Filled Friday
That whole situation is a heart-breaker for me. I’d known much in the history, and other nations, and focusing re: how our world could be broken and crashing. I often think that Sodom and Gomorrah as a fairly small area was thoroughly crashed forever, now our whole world could be in that happening. Some of the people are worshiping other gods or going to same-sex marriage. Breaks my heart. Anyhow, thank you for sharing. I can LOVE the people, but not agree with it. For the past 52 years I’ve known much of it in my family situation, and, now that I’m 70 I’ve known and seen much. As I already said, thank you for sharing.
Dear Joanne, God hears when we weep for our country. Like Sue said, we can give thanks because God is sovereign–and desires to redeem all. Have a blessed Sunday!
I keep forgetting that the world’s sin is no surprise to God – thankful for His redemption and sovereingty this morning.
Sue, thanks for visiting. I’m giving thanks with you for our redemption and God’s sovereignty. Have a blessed Sunday!
Dear Carol! It all just sickens me to the core and just lays so heavily upon my heart. I took comfort in your words today and thank you for the gentle reminder that He is with us always…even now in these dark and perilous days. God help us to be as faithful to stand up and defend Him as He was faithful to hang on that old, rugged cross in our defense! God bless you, my friend.
Cheryl, thank-you for your message. I think we are in a time when we must hold each other up in prayer, encouraging a steadfast faith. We have a wonderful Savior. Have a blessed weekend!