Delta Dawn When the Light Comes On: Week 4

"God spoke to Moses, 'Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground'." Exodus 3:5. Moses' encounter with God on a mountainside reveals much about how we might act if the Lord suddenly stood before us. Apparently, we'd advise God that we're not qualified for whatever He came to talk to us about!

One year some 300 saleswomen met at Omaha, Nebraska. I was chosen as the keynote speaker. My assignment was to inspire, encourage and challenge these saleswomen to greater efficiency, higher goals and greater income. They applauded.

At lunch, I turned on my little cassette player and sang a Frankie Laine classic:

"I believe for every drop of rain that falls, a flower grows.

I believe that somewhere in the darkest night, a candle glows.

I believe for everyone who goes astray, someone will come to show the way.

I believe! I believe!"

Forks fell silent. Cigarettes were snuffed out. My feet grew unbearably hot! I stepped out of my shoes. A Holy God, Himself, had entered the room.

"I believe above the storm the smallest prayer will still be heard.

I believe that Someone in the great Somewhere, hears every word.

Every time I hear a newborn baby cry, or touch a leaf, or see the sky,

Then I know why I believe!"

I turned off the music and said, "I believe in you! God does, too," No applause.

What an opportunity to engage Him by encouraging one another! I fled into the next room just to worship. A basic truth is revealed: One can give without loving but one cannot love without giving. True reverence belongs to God and God alone.

Our Founders were not perfect individuals. They had foibles and personality flaws like every man. They knew that the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life would ruin any effort to realize the reality of Jesus' redemption. Not born of a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (self-mastery) was the only path to self-governing a nation. Founders 'hot footed' it to Biblical correction, direction, protection and provision. With this, they would stir one another up to love and good works. Noting that the heart of man is continuously evil throughout the Bible, and that it was true of them, it would be true of leaders in the future. The Constitution was their joint effort to build walls of freedom around this new nation. Prayer, fasting, and gathering together for strength was common and essential. Whitefield, Finney, the Westley brothers and other pastors of the time began the first Great Awakening to Biblical truth and righteous living. Circuit riding from north to south, the people realized King Jesus was the Author of a God guided city on a hill which welcomed all people into a life of liberty, freedom from slavery and gainful property possession -- the American way!

"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchmen stays awake in vain." 127:1

Next Week; The Storehouse