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 Blessed Nation
Friday, July 04, 2008
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"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance."
God blesses a nation because of its prayers, not its power. He blesses a nation because of its character, not its commerce. He blesses a nation because of its trust in Him, not its advanced technology. God blesses a nation because of its fear of the Lord and not its fear of man. God blesses a nation who loves God and expresses that love in caring for the impoverished and diseased. God blesses a nation because of His church and not the size of its economy. Prosperity may be the result of a God-fearing nation, but it is not the cause. People believe in God when they get enough of themselves and realize there has to be more to this life than meeting their every need. God blesses a nation when individuals gather corporately in vibrant Christian worship, and the church is God’s means to awaken a nation. Nations who try to control the church lose God’s blessing. God’s blessing cannot be governed. Every time government intercedes to manage faith, the faithful become more marginalized. Countries that restrict church competition and rely on a state church monopoly miss the mark. The church is meant to be released to restore the ravished character of culture. Christians are ‘salt and light’ (Matthew 5:13-14) in the middle of thirsty and dark nations. When believers gather together in a bond of love, they create a thirst for righteousness and shed light on the ways of the Lord.
Nations are wise who encourage competition among churches. Freedom of religion feeds faithfulness to God. God expects His church to grow and engage with the culture. This is how He changes a nation. When countries have church choices, they can compare what is best for their families. A church that drifts into irrelevance and isolation is of little concern to Satan. He wants religion to come across as ambiguous and antiquated. However, churches who are alive and well serve a mighty and compassionate Christ. These types of trusting institutions make a difference in their communities. A church that is growing and alive becomes a catalyst for good things. Indeed, God blesses nations where the church is allowed to compete. Stewardship trumps entitlement. Sick churches are not kept alive by outside funding. They either change or close. God blesses nations when His bride’s worship is alive, engaging and relevant. Therefore, avoid churches where membership is just a status symbol. Attend church where God is loved and feared, and worship where you see the Lord high and lifted up. Soak up the teachings of the Bible that transform your life. Band together with a group of believers who are disciples and who disciple others in the faith. Choose a body of believers where the character lessons you teach your children at home converge with their small group lessons on Sunday. If church is not working for you, then prayerfully find one that works best in this season of life. God blesses nations who humbly seek Him, “…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14)! Copyright Wisdom Hunters, LLC, used by permission
 Boyd Bailey, CEO of Ministry Ventures, uses his entrepreneurial experiences to assist and consult professionals as they seek to pursue their passions. Given his position in Ministry Ventures, likened to a venture capital firm for early stage ministries, Boyd understands both sides of the “passion fence.” One side is for those who enjoy their present professional position yet want to serve ministry and participate in a meaningful way. The other side is for those that have chosen to be in, not around, full time ministry. The unique environment Boyd currently directs at Ministry Ventures evidences how a combination of ministry supporters and entrepreneurs are required to achieve a successful ministry pursuit. Moreover, Executive Coaching and facilitating Wisdom Hunter Resources are a significant part of God’s compelling call on his life! read moreScripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
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