DIVINELY CONSCRIPTED

This Sunday, May 26, 2024 sermon, Pastor Cockrell compared and contrasted the Backslider to the Apostate and today’s devotional reiterates an imperative that was imposed to all of us, examine yourselves. Our Devotional Team will tackle the subject, “The Climate of Our Country and the Christian” which is sure to stir up our thinking about our walk in this world.

In the climactic scene of the old Civil War film, “Glory,” the men of the Massachusetts 54th regiment valiantly lead the charge to besiege the Confederates’ Fort Wagner in July 1863. History shows that their courage greatly boosted morale for the Union side of the conflict, significantly turning the tide of that war. Likewise, Scripture gives accounts of warriors like Abraham {Genesis 15:6}, David {Psalm 51:10}, Gideon, and others, who in times of desolation and struggle, subdued formidable enemies, pleaded the mercy of the God of Hosts (Psalm 80:7) and relied on Him for victory---victory that could ONLY be accomplished with HIS help, preceded by their humble repentance.

While the above accounts centered around military battles, we twenty-first century Christ followers must understand that we’ve been divinely “conscripted” into a far more insidious war—one with dire consequences in time and eternal repercussions for ourselves and our progeny. Freedom of religion and of speech are among the major potential casualties approaching the chopping block, unless we, the body of Christ, repent individually and collectively, and renounce our apathy when it comes to who we elect to office, locally, and nationally. We can no longer afford such indifference as it pertains to where candidates seeking office stand on issues in which God has made HIS position CLEAR!  “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” [ Proverbs 14:34]. While we’re individually responsible for our own actions, the ripple effects extend to the entire family, community, church, and nation!

Too many Christ-professing souls have joined ranks with the “wrong- is- right, and right- is -wrong” crowd of Isaiah 5:20. How FOOLISH! Although our nation was founded on the principles of freedom of religion and speech, etc., we have decided over the past sixty years or so that we are too “evolved,” too intelligent to earnestly acknowledge the God of the universe in ALL our ways—in effect, calling Him a liar! [1 John 5:10] Oh, but we’re seeing the “tip of the iceberg” effects of such grossly flawed thinking now, aren’t we! Nevertheless, let’s not be in despair; we, like the prophet Daniel, must PROSTRATE ourselves before our Holy God, repent of our evil ways, and PLEAD HIS MERCY!! Yes, if judgment BEGINS with us, the body of Christ, pursuant to 1 Peter 4:17, shouldn’t our most fundamental goal be to examine our ways through the lens of Scripture and clean out our own heart house? Absolutely! Let us be about it!

PRAYER: Dear Abba, may we recall the words of Daniel 9:9, 10, and also remember that Your solid foundation forever stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” [2 Tim. 2:19]. Thank You, Father, in Christ’s holy name; amen!
By Sis. Denise Diggs