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Inspired Message: Merry Christmas - Points to Ponder
What are you building?
“You can not build up a nation by tearing down the leaders.”
A while ago, I was cleaning out old files and notebooks. That quote was written on a page in an old notebook prior to 2015 when I moved to Hanover. No clue as to who said it, but I thought it applies very well to the world today. So, I presented it to my Wednesday prayer and discussion group and asked for some scriptures to back it up. I was not disappointed in their knowledge of scripture.
Let me start with this found in James 3:9-10 (NIV)
We, myself included, are guilty of what can be called “talking out of both sides of our mouths”. When we are angered, frustrated, tired or just plain fed up with those around us the words come spewing out as “verbal magma”. The words are meant to burn and scorch those who hear and lay baren the land. Is this not what is happening in our country? In the world?
As difficult as it is in this current atmosphere of constantly protesting one thing or another, let us remember the word of Paul to the Romans (13:1-2 NIV)
Everyone has a right to their own opinions; I am certainly not suggesting otherwise. (Believe me, I have my opinions!) The thought that I am trying to share is that “Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. (Matthew 12:25 NIV)
As much as we may disagree with those in leadership, tearing down the leaders is not what we are directed to do. As a nation and as individuals, our edict is to pray for them. (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NKJ)
No, we cannot change the world, but we can change our own hearts and minds. If enough of us do that, well who knows? Maybe others will see us and change their own hearts and minds!
Your imperfect Sister in Christ,
Cindy Lee Nonnemacher
Author
“You can not build up a nation by tearing down the leaders.”
A while ago, I was cleaning out old files and notebooks. That quote was written on a page in an old notebook prior to 2015 when I moved to Hanover. No clue as to who said it, but I thought it applies very well to the world today. So, I presented it to my Wednesday prayer and discussion group and asked for some scriptures to back it up. I was not disappointed in their knowledge of scripture.
Let me start with this found in James 3:9-10 (NIV)
- With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
We, myself included, are guilty of what can be called “talking out of both sides of our mouths”. When we are angered, frustrated, tired or just plain fed up with those around us the words come spewing out as “verbal magma”. The words are meant to burn and scorch those who hear and lay baren the land. Is this not what is happening in our country? In the world?
As difficult as it is in this current atmosphere of constantly protesting one thing or another, let us remember the word of Paul to the Romans (13:1-2 NIV)
- Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Everyone has a right to their own opinions; I am certainly not suggesting otherwise. (Believe me, I have my opinions!) The thought that I am trying to share is that “Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. (Matthew 12:25 NIV)
As much as we may disagree with those in leadership, tearing down the leaders is not what we are directed to do. As a nation and as individuals, our edict is to pray for them. (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NKJ)
- Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
No, we cannot change the world, but we can change our own hearts and minds. If enough of us do that, well who knows? Maybe others will see us and change their own hearts and minds!
Your imperfect Sister in Christ,
Cindy Lee Nonnemacher
Author
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Cindy Lee, the author of Connecting the Light, publishes "Inspired Messages" every few weeks. Each of these messages provide insight and inspiration in a world gone a muck! Drawn from her own life and often reflecting current events, you will find these messages have a practical side when facing life in the real world. Want to hear what others are saying? Click Here.