National Day of Repentance 2020

September 22, 2020 Gracie

A National Day of Repentance

Dear fellow Christians –

You may have heard that Saturday, September 26^th (just a few days away) is designated as the National Day of Repentance 2020.

There’s so much at stake here in America that I urge you to take part and pray.

America is in desperate need of prayer.

It’s impossible not to see the great divide unfolding in our country, provoked by those who want to destroy her.

Even so, I’m encouraged by the prayer and repentance events scheduled to take place all over the nation.

Why Should a Whole Nation Repent?

There’s a simple answer to that – because our nation has turned away from God.

Now is not the time to bury our heads in the sand, and pretend that wickedness isn’t happening, and even increasing on our soil.

Sexual trafficking and child exploitation

Christians cursed and mocked

A complicit news media

Churches threatened

Millions of babies brutally ripped from their mothers’ wombs

Family values made fun of as Hollywood “entertainment”

So many heartbreaking things going on.

Even though there’s always been a spiritual battle between the forces of good and evil around us, we can see it with our own eyes now like never before.

We have to face it – God allows bad things to happen, even under a good President who believes in the power of prayer.

There’s no doubt, this contentious election is bringing out the worst in people. I’ve seen it and I’m sure you’ve seen it too.

It might be difficult to understand this now, but the Bible teaches that something good will eventually come from all of this turmoil for those who love God.

Therefore, we must pray and repent as a nation.

Praying shouldn’t end on November 4th.

We’ve gone so far down a rabbit hole of wickedness, we may only be able to recover just a little of our respectability as a God-fearing nation.

But, it may be enough to spark a much-needed spiritual revival.

Throne of Judgment

God is love, but just in case you’re being told otherwise, He is also a God of Righteous Judgment.

Do we really think that our Creator God will not execute judgment on America (and the world for that matter), in His timing, for those who don’t repent and follow Jesus as Lord and Savior?

Those who do not believe in the Son, who do not receive Him as Savior, will be judged on the day of wrath (Romans 2:5–6). – Got Questions website.

That day is coming.

Have you accepted Christ into your life?

Please don’t delay.

Are you prideful, believing in your own greatness, or do you have a repentant heart?

Simply being a “good” person may earn you friends here on earth, but it doesn’t get you into Heaven.

We truly aren’t “good”, we have all fallen short.

Salvation in Jesus Christ is the only answer.

The Bible and the National Day of Repentance 2020

You don’t need any book other than the Bible to tell you what we need to do right now – while we still can in the public square.

day of repentance

How do we pray for repentance?

It’s in the Book – the Bible, that is.

Currently, my studies have focused on the major and minor prophets.

Undoubtedly, the verses therein are focused on the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel and God’s judgment. But, we need only to learn from the history of God’s people that disobedience to God, rejecting Him, and lawlessness lead to a path of destruction. I can’t tell you how many times in my readings that I have recognized America, as a whole and looking at the culture, making the same disastrous mistakes.

What’s Next On The Timeline?

Only God knows the timing of prophetic events that will happen to our great nation and globally.

As Christians, I believe we need to follow the historical call of the prophets in Scripture and pray for nationwide repentance.

In Daniel 9:15-18, the prophet pleads for God’s people at that time.

Take heart, fellow believers, our God has great compassion.

Maranatha!

¹⁵And now, O Lord our God, who have brought Your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand and have made a name for Yourself, as it is this day—we have sinned, we have been wicked. ¹⁶O Lord, in accordance with all Your righteous acts, let now Your anger and Your wrath turn away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; for because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people have become a reproach to all those around us. ¹⁷So now, our God, listen to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplications, and for Your sake, O Lord, let Your face shine on Your desolate sanctuary. ¹⁸O my God, incline Your ear and hear! Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city which is called by Your name; for we are not presenting our supplications before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion.

On this National Day of Repentance 2020, it’s time to call on “the Great I Am.”

# # #

Quotation from gotquestions.org, from “What is the biblical understanding of the wrath of God?” n.d., para. 3. Web. Accessed September 16, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.gotquestions.org/wrath-of-God.html

Photo source credits:
– Group prayer photo by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash

– Woman praying photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Our Exceptional God

Pure Flix Review

September 14, 2020 Gracie

Have I Got a Television Streaming Platform for You!

pure flix review

Are you tired of what’s on mainstream television?

Do TV shows and movies which promote an agenda, or mock Christianity, make you mad?

Also important, do you know what your kids (grandkids) are watching when you’re not in the room?

Have I got an option for you. 🙂

You may want to check out Pure Flix.

This streaming service is not just for families with kids.

If you’re a Christian single looking for inspirational movies, you can find them easily on Pure Flix at any time of day.

There are no agenda-pushing talking heads, Hollywood celebs hating on America, political commercials, sports stars disrespecting our national anthem, or commercials.

We’ve been so pleased with it, here’s my Pure Flix review.

Pure Flix Movies

The first thing I noticed after we subscribed was the extensive list of family-friendly movies and old television shows which are available with a click of the remote.

Notice that I said “family-friendly.”

Not every movie or TV show offered on Pure Flix is Christian-themed, although there are many.

Even so, there’s still no need to worry about your children seeing something they shouldn’t.

Thanks to Pure Flix, we’ve watched hilarious old TV episodes of “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “I Married Joan,” and “Father Knows Best”.

As far as movies, there are options in the genres of romance (think of Hallmark movies before they became secularly-influenced), comedies, adventure, animation, and drama.

It’s been great to see some older favorites too, like “God’s Not Dead,” “I’m Not Ashamed,” and “The Case For Christ.”

Pure Flix vs. Netflix

I know there are a lot of people out there hooked on Netflix.

Some people rave on Facebook about how great some of the series are.

But, there’s a dark side to the streaming platform, despite the secular critics trying to persuade you otherwise.

pure flix movies

Netflix does air disturbing content that kids shouldn’t be watching.

There are programs which mock Jesus Christ, plus a disgusting new one which exploits children. I did watch the trailer for the show “Cuties” and have read about some of the content. It will make your blood boil. I can’t believe some secular critics are still trying to defend this show, but this is our world now.

what your kids are watching

If you’re a Netflix member ready to drop the service, you may want to check out a trending movement online called “Cancel Netflix.”

God bless those caring people who started the campaign.

The “just don’t watch it” crowd apparently don’t know (or don’t care) about the alarming statistics of child trafficking in the United States alone. Providing so-called educational shows with scantily-clad children (including some partial nudity) gyrating to music is sick.

Potential Issues With the Streaming Service

Back to a better topic.

Any technical issues we’ve had with Pure Flix, we’ve gotten help from their customer service department, and in some cases, have fixed ourselves.

The only current glitsch we have is that sometimes our “Favorites” library doesn’t show up immediately. Other reviewers have mentioned a “buffering” issue, but that’s never been a concern for us.

Pure Flix Cost

Several other reviewers mention that the cost of Pure Flix is high compared to other Christian streaming apps.

You have a choice of paying monthly or yearly. The yearly plan costs $83.33 ($6.95/month), after the 7-day free trial period.

After the first year that cost will increase to $99.99 ($8.33/month) which is still a great value for family-friendly entertainment.

If you prefer, there are other Christian streaming services you can choose from that are a little cheaper per month and with longer free trial periods.

# # #

Our Exceptional God

The Lamp Of Heaven

September 8, 2020 Gracie

Thankful For The Light

Have you ever walked around in the middle of the night when it’s pitch-black dark?

Ouchhhhhh! I stubbed my toe.

Who moved the couch?

Finally you find the light switch and flip it on.

The welcoming light obediently floods the room.

Yay! No more stumbling around in the dark.

Aren’t you thankful for the light?

Morning Has Broken

the Lamp of Heaven

As the dawn starts to break, the sun begins its morning dance across the sky.

Our magnificent Sun, the lamp of Heaven, lights up a world of over 7.6 billion people.

Depending on your time zone, people start to wake.

Millions everywhere yawn and stretch – ready to face the day.

Each day brings new responsibilities stacked on top of old ones still demanding attention.

Sadly, we don’t have much time to slow down and smell the roses.

The Lamp of Heaven is Powerful

the lamp of heaven is powerful

How powerful is the sun?

The Sun’s energy, composed of hydrogen and helium fusion, is comparable to a nuclear explosion!

Nuclear explosions strike fear in the hearts of men, but the Lamp of Heaven is so perfectly made by our Creator, that these perfectly-combined explosions enable life to exist on earth.

No small miracle.

The sun lights our days so we can see nature all around us. (Even a blind person can feel the warmth of the sun.)
– Courtesy of The Institute For Creation Research.¹

Aren’t you thankful for the sun?

In the Beginning

In the beginning, there was Nothing.

God spoke, and the Nothing became the Something Spectacular.

You and I are living on it now.

The lights of heaven are the sun, moon, and stars; and all these are the work of God’s hands. (1.) The sun is the greatest light of all, more than a million times greater than the earth, and the most glorious and useful of all the lamps of heaven, a noble instance of the Creator’s wisdom, power, and goodness, and an invaluable blessing to the creatures of this lower world. – Matthew Henry, Christian minister and author.²

God’s creation wonderfully highlights His majesty and perfect love for us.

What a gift!

And someday, the Son (not the Sun) will directly light our lives for eternity.

Make no doubt about it in Isaiah 60:10 below, the prophet was speaking God’s word to Israel – His chosen people.

The saved people of Israel, of course, but what about us too?

God does not forget the Church.

As Christians who believe in salvation through Jesus Christ alone, we are also a part of God’s larger redemptive plan.

This is yet one more reason to delight in God.

Here’s what we have to look forward to!

The Lord our everlasting light

# # #

¹ Quotation from The Institute For Creation Research, from “Nature Reveals God’s Power” n.d., para. 3. Web. Accessed 3 September, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.icr.org/power-of-God/.

² Matthew Henry Commentary, Genesis 1, courtesy of https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/genesis/1.html, n.d., para. 6. Web. Accessed 3 September, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/genesis/1.html

Our Exceptional God

Battling Your “Less Thans”

September 1, 2020 Gracie

Help When Battling Your Less Thans

battling your less thans

Do you sometimes feel “less than?”

I’m talking about every time you feel less popular, less successful, less attractive, less smart, or less “anything.”

Please stop.

I’m talking to you, my dear sister in Christ.

Cover your ears, and do your best “la la la’s“ to drown out any negative people who like to make you feel “less than” them.

No one is saying this is easy.

Battling your “less thans” gets easier with practice, but it starts with not knowing who you are, but whose you are.

Say Yes to Confidence in His Promises

Confidence when battling your less thans

Have you ever watched the TLC reality TV show, “Say Yes to the Dress?”

The show features future brides (and their wedding parties) picking out their wedding attire in preparation for the Big Day.

Occasionally I’ll tune in.

I admit, I love to look at wedding dresses!

However, there was an episode that made me sad.

The bride said she needed to buy a phenomenal dress so that she could finally feel “significant.”

Have you ever felt invisible when you’re around other people?

Ultimately, a killer dress (or anything like that) isn’t the answer.

You may feel like a nobody, but please remember this, in Christ Jesus you are so valuable to Him that He died on the cross for you.

God Uses Less Thans To Do Extraordinary Things

The Bible is full of people just like us who didn’t think they had what it takes when God called them to a task.

less thans can do extraordinary things

Remember the historical account of Queen Esther?

She was a young Hebrew maiden who, thru Godly intervention, eventually became the queen of Persia.

As intriguing as that is – God was actually putting her in place to deliver her people from destruction by the evil Haman.

All of God’s people are ordinary people who have been made extraordinary by the purpose He has given them.– Oswald Chambers, Evangelist and Christian minister.¹

So, you may not be in line to become a heroic queen, but your life is just as important.

We are on this earth for just a short time, really.

Don’t let Satan’s attempts to make you feel worthless distract you from your confidence in our loving Father.

God hears your whispered prayers

You’ll never be lost in the crowd with Jesus.

He’s coming back some day . . . for you.

our citizenship is in Heaven

If You’re Feeling Irrelevant

Dear One,

Please never doubt the Father’s love for you.

Take time each day to realize that you are priceless – an individual with so much potential, who was created to shine His light into the lives of others.

Turn off the naysayers, slay your doubts, and transform your “less than” thoughts to a “loved-more-than-I-could-ever-know” Child of God!

# # #

¹ Oswald Chambers quotation, as quoted from Christian quotes.info

Our Exceptional God

“Get ‘Em Lord” Prayers

August 25, 2020 Gracie

“Get ‘Em Lord” Prayers

Hands down, the most popular post on my blog, Delight-in-God.com, is an article I wrote called, “How To Pray For Someone You Don’t Like.”

In that article, Pastor J. Josh Smith shared valuable Biblical insight about how to pray for our enemies.

I’m just gonna say it – praying for God to bless our enemies isn’t easy to do.

Why do we have to do that when a “get ‘em, Lord” prayer feels sooo much better?

get 'em Lord

What’s Wrong With a “Get ‘Em Lord” Prayer?

We want quick justice when we’ve been wronged.

Think about that coworker who stole your idea and got all the credit and the accompanying raise.

Or, the neighbor who lets his dog trample your petunias and use your yard as a community toilet every morning.

Oh, that is so annoying.

Get ‘em, Lord.

From a biblical standpoint, we have to be very, very careful with a “get em” prayer.

A lot of it rides on the nature of the “wrong” we experienced and, very much so, on our intent when asking the Lord for justice.

There’s a huge difference between a mean person who irritates us, and an actual enemy of the faith.

What are Imprecatory Prayers?

Asking God to rain down His wrath on our enemies is called imprecatory prayer.

One of the synonyms for imprecate is to “damn.”

That’s pretty serious business and requires cautious consideration.

We know that the Lord Himself called out enemies of the faith, (the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees), in Matthew 23:31-33.

Imprecatory psalms, from David and others, and the imprecatory pleas in the Book of Jeremiah are some other examples.

Therefore, give their children over to famine
And deliver them up to the power of the sword;
And let their wives become childless and widowed.
Let their men also be smitten to death,
Their young men struck down by the sword in battle. – Jeremiah 18:21, (NASB).¹

That’s a pretty obvious “get ‘em Lord” plea from the prophet Jeremiah.

We have this verse from King David, in Psalm 17:13:

Arise, O Lord, confront him, bring him low;
Deliver my soul from the wicked with your sword – Psalm 17:13, (NASB).²

David says “with your sword.” – no mistaking what he meant.

Was that wrong of King David to pray that?

There is no taint of personal jealousy, spite, or ambition in these psalms. Rather, there is a deep concern for God’s people. There is a desire for God’s glory to be displayed. In the case of David’s imprecations, those who opposed the king opposed God, because the king was God’s anointed. In the case of the other imprecatory psalms, they are all national, not personal in character. The psalmists in every case had a deep desire that God’s plan might be fulfilled through His people for His glory.

Thus it helps to understand the imprecatory psalms if we view them in light of God’s purpose and in light of the psalmist’s attitude. He was not seeking vengeance or being selfish. Rather, he was asking God to vindicate His people who had been mistreated and to fulfill His plan through them. – Stephen J. Cole, author and theologian.³

What About What Jesus Said at the Sermon on the Mount?

Sermon on the Mount – Source credit, Geralt

On one hand, we have the imprecatory prayers and pleas throughout Bible, and on the other, we also have the very real command from Jesus at the Sermon on the Mount to ”pray for those who persecute you”.

To clarify: His imprecatory prayers were against enemies of the faith.

Using imprecatory prayers from the Psalms today should only be done against our spiritual enemies (Ephesians 6:12). Praying imprecations on human foes is unjustifiable, as it would require taking these prayers out of context. In the New Testament, Jesus exhorts us to pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44–48; Luke 6:27–38), but praying for their death or for bad things to happen to them isn’t what He meant. Instead, we are to pray for their salvation first and foremost, and then for God’s will to be done. There’s no greater blessing than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and that’s what Jesus means by praying for and blessing those who curse us. – Got Questions website.

Seeking Justice and Get ’em Lord Prayers

Vengeance is the Lord’s.

Understandably, we rightly grieve when we see evil in our world, like sexual trafficking, for instance.

Pray against perversion, take a stand, call it out, demand justice and jailing the perpetrators. There’s nothing wrong with that.

God hears those prayers, and He hears the cries of the innocents.

He hates Sin, more than we could ever imagine.

It’s in our nature to seek justice in this fallen world, but it must be on God’s terms within the justice system that He has established, not our personal plans to retaliate.

This is a hard topic, so I hope this is helpful.

# # #

³Steven J. Cole quotation is courtesy of bible.org. from “Psalm 137: Difficult Words, But True” n.d. 1993. Web. Accessed August 19, 2020. Retrieved from https://bible.org/seriespage/psalm-137-difficult-words-true.

⁴ Quotation from gotquestions.org, from “What is imprecatory prayer?” n.d., para. 4. Web. Accessed August 19, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.gotquestions.org/imprecatory-prayer.html

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