Archive for the ‘Discipleship’ Category

by Michael Euliss

I hope this finds you enjoying a great holiday and remembering the importance of this Independence Day celebration. So many have given so much so that we could enjoy the freedoms that we tend to take for granted here, 200+ years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the conclusion of the Revolutionary War. Unfortunately,  it seems, we the people, have struggled with passing on the historical significance of those days. Our nation seems to be standing by idling,  allowing a small amount of people rewrite history and restate our values  Remember John Adam’s words that he penned to his wife Abigail on July 4, 1776 after congress voted to become independent from England on July 2.

“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

-John Adams

As Christian leaders our first response must be to ask ourselves, “What part of this problem do I own?”

I know that the LORD is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the LORDS side.  – Abraham Lincoln

In order to do that we need to seek wisdom from the LORD to discern the proper response. How do we do that?

• Pray.  Pray for our country. Pray for our Leaders. Pray for our churches. Pray for our pastors. Ask God to give us wisdom and discernment as to the proper actions to take, who to speak with, what to say, etc.
• Listen. Listen to God’s promptings. Listen to God’s direction. Listen for the subtle messages that are being shared in our communities, on our televisions, and in our governments.
• Educate. Educate this generation about God, scripture, heroes, and our history.  Not just the history that begins in 1492 but all of history so that this generation understands the importance of their roots.  The illumination of ignorance starts with you.
• Act. Begin today to take God-guided action within your communities.  James 2:17 tells us, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Discern where God is calling you to act and do it. When our nation sees the power of God reflected by the actions of its people, it will begin to re-acknowledge its own roots.
• Share. Share information. Share scripture. Share your story. Acts 2:42-45 speaks of sharing.    “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” They shared.
• Encourage. 1Thessalonians 5:14 tells us, “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone”.  Encourage your brothers and sisters, encourage your elected officials, encourage your pastor. Encourage all those you come in contact with to make wise decisions and to do nothing that would reflect anything but His message.

Notice that these suggestions use the acronym, PLEASE.  Please do something to stop ignorance and apathy today.

PLEASE Share with us any ideas you may have.

Several years ago, as a child, I remember watching the Red Skelton show.  I also remember the episode when he explained the Pledge of Allegiance as it was explained by his principle. Now through the beauty of YouTube, we are able to bring you that clip and its wisdom.