Day 1 - Week 49 - Right on the cusp of halfway!

Here we are on the edge of halfway!  Trekking along the Appalachian Trail we would be just a little bit southwest of Gettysburg National Monument.  In the morning, you might wake to look to the east to view the scene pictured.

Gettysburg - a sight of such sorry and yet where President Lincoln issued such great words to a broken country.  "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."  Most of us know the opening sentence, don't we? 

But I love the closing even more..."It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they have, thus far, so nobly carried on. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom; and that this government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." 

I love the spirit of patriotism that this evokes in me...I hope it does in you as well.  We hear so many negative things about our country, but this country has and continues to serve a great purpose.  It is a land of liberty and one that many, many people would love to be able to call their home.  As we continue through this turbulent election year, I hope we can all remember that America has been a blessed nation; I pray that God continues to bless us, but I also am fearful that as we change the course of our country from one that was born out of the desire to enable people to draw closer to God, to one that distances itself from God and His teachings, that His hand of blessing may not be so often felt.  And while I am deeply patriotic, I also view myself first and foremost as a child of God, joining with Christian brothers and sisters worldwide in a fellowship even sweeter than that of patriotism.  I love the words in Revelation that remind me that in the great forever there will be representatives from every nation, tribe, people and language!!  What a glorious scene that will be!

So...where were we?  Oh yes, we are trekking along and looking back...here is our current review list:

Praise and Thanksgiving (4)

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Psalm 100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.

Psalm 100:5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Revelation 4:11 You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.

Promises of God (10)

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (ESV)

Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will support you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.

Obedience (10)
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
Lamentations 3:40 Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:11 Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be persistent in prayer.
Romans 12:18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.



Now this week's additional verse of obedience....

Hebrews 10:25  "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (NKJV)

This will be an interesting verse this week because I know of so many Christians right now that are struggling with finding a church home.  More so than ever before, it seems.  Well, we must!  We need to be in Christian assembly on a regular basis.  Here's a challenge...if you are not currently in regular worship in a congregation of believers, join me in praying over this verse this week and opening our hearts to where God is leading us.