Take a Stand

Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?

Psalm 94:16

At the beginning of the 2011 U.S. Open, NBC broadcast a lead-in meant to stir the hearts of patriotic Americans. With flags flying in the breeze and soldiers standing at attention, a group of children held their hands over their hearts and recited the ‘Pledge of Allegiance.’  

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America…” They paused, and the picture cut from the children to soldiers standing at attention, saluting our Nation’s most honored symbol.  

“And to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation…” There was a discernable sense of pride on the faces of the children as they took the sacred pledge. The pause lingered, the viewers awaited the declaration of the real reason for our freedom…   

“With liberty and justice for all.” the kids proudly proclaimed.  

And with that the announcer began NBC’s coverage of the U.S. Open Championship.

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“Under God” had been cut from the ‘Pledge of Allegiance’ not once, but twice. Sadly, NBC had removed the most important statement in the ‘Pledge’ on purpose. Within minutes the telephone switchboard had overloaded, and their email mailbox was full from the responses of true Americans.  

In their feeble apology an hour later, NBC stated, “Regrettably, a portion of the Pledge of Allegiance that was in that feature was edited out. It was not done to upset anyone and we’d like to apologize to those of you who were offended by it.”

Funny, but no one mentioned that the word “indivisible” had also been edited. The reason? By cutting ‘under God’, NBC was trying to render our United States divided, so they couldn’t use it either.  

And in truth, we are no longer ‘one nation, under God.’ We have been effectively divided by left wing liberals, gays and homosexuals, and every other godless enterprise that hates God.

But unless you are willing to take a stand with God, as David did in today’s text, remain quiet. No one wants your opinion.  

I hope that statement makes you angry…angry enough to take action.

Prayer

“God, I am sorry for not standing up for You and this great Nation. I re-pledge my allegiance to You. Open doors for me and give me another opportunity to speak on Your behalf.  In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

From Snapshots: a spiritual look at daily life

By Invitation Only

June 3

Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.

Luke 14:15

She had not always been a popular woman. But today they were begging for an invitation to tonight’s party. Reporters lined the sidewalks by the gate, waiting for her to appear and bless them with an invitation. They stood for hours, waiting.

When the owner of the estate made her appearance, it was brief. She smiled and read a short, pre-written statement; “As none of you responded to my prior invitations, I have invited a select group to dine with me tonight. My guests will be arriving momentarily, please be considerate and allow them to pass. Once again, this banquet is by invitation only. Please do not attempt to gain entrance or you will be arrested, and I will prefer charges against you.” With that she returned to the house.

Ten minutes later, limousines from every escort company in the city began pulling up to the gate. They provided proof of invitation, then drove to the large portico and presented their guests to the hostess.

To the paparazzi’s amazement, the guests appeared to be beggars and homeless people. The hostess had them chauffeured from their cardboard homes as though they were royalty!

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In the blink of an eye all invitations to the Feast in the Kingdom will be sealed and no more will be issued. The King will determine that the banquet should begin, and there will be no admittance to those who do not have a personal invitation.

Until then God continues to issue an open Invitation to any and all who would receive Him. Because of the blood of Jesus we have the right to R.S.V.P.; which is to tell the Host whether or not we plan to attend.

Those who respond will partake of all the goodness of the Kingdom. They will be seated in a position of prominence at the King’s table.

And just like those in today’s story, there will be many who will be turned away, never having accepted God’s Son. Admittance to Heaven is by Invitation only. Have you sent your R.S.V.P.?

Prayer

“I gratefully accept Your Invitation today, Lord. Thank You for sending Your Son to escort me to the Dinner Party. Amen.”