Author: dianafmurphy@gmail.com

There are evil forces at work in our world. Nothing new about that, but I believe the devil and his demons are trying to take over the United States of America. I also believe many are standing against this evil, and I pray more will stand up for what’s right. Our country needs fearless warriors in this battle.

After David had been chosen by God to be the king of Israel to replace King Saul, he found himself an enemy of the king.  He was running for his life and at war with those in power. First Samuel gives us a glimpse of what David did in the face of his enemy’s pursuits. The Psalms reveal much about David’s heart and his relationship with God during this time of his life. I see some similarities with our situation today.

First, David knew his enemy. He knew evil forces were working through King Saul and his army. “Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him” (1 Samuel 16:14). David was able to escape from Saul’s threats because of his awareness of them. David knew his enemy, and with the help of his cohorts he knew where his enemy was and acted accordingly.  He was alert!

Second, David had a friend close to his enemy. Jonathan, son of King Saul was David’s friend and confidant.  (1 Samuel 20) Jonathan reveals his father’s intentions against David and defends David when speaking to the king. Because David knew what King Saul was up to he could prepare, and escape to safety.

Third, and most importantly, David walked with God. He was not afraid to cry out to God and plead for his life.

“O God, whom I praise, do not remain silent, for wicked and deceiful men have opened their mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying tongues. With words of hatred they surround me; they attack me without cause. In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship” (Psalm 109:1-5).

David prayed to and praised God. He trusted God to take care of him.

“With my mouth I will greatly extol the Lord; in the great throng I will praise him. For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him” (Psalm 109:30-31).

Today, we have an enemy! Satan has deceived people, even government leaders who are taking our country down the wrong path! Like David, let’s be aware of Satan’s attacks and be alert.

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

We need to be informed of what’s happening in our local, state, and national governments. We need to communicate with our representatives and especially if they are trying to do the right things. They need our encouragement! Show them your support and friendship as much as possible. Pray for them. Also, pray for those who are not doing what’s right. Let them know what you think about their policies and actions. You can even call the White House! All the while, remember our enemy is the devil who is deceiving and working through many bad characters.

Finally, stay close to God! In Ephesians chapter 6, Paul encourages us in this war against the devil! We are not without recourse. God has given us the necessary armor!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:10-13).

To summarize the rest of the Ephesians passage:

The armor: truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit (God’s Word). 

Then: PRAY

God, have mercy and bless the USA!

“How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, ‘Violence!’ but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted” (Habakkuk l:2-4).

Every time I read the words of the Old Testament prophets it seems like I’m reading about the United States of America. Our Nation has slipped very far from what our founding fathers intended when they established our plan of government.

The corruption in our government is mind boggling! How will this ever be untangled? Will justice ever be served? There are slivers of right actions happening. Oh, how I pray for the voices of truth to become louder and persistent in overcoming the evil of our time. We know, in the end, truth will triumph. In the meantime, we, like the prophets of old, must continue to voice the truth of God’s Word.

At our church we are completing a course called, Biblical Citizenship in Modern America published by Rick Green and Patriot Academy. If you are not familiar with this, I encourage you to investigate the possibility of using this course at your church or even in your home. It is video-based and teaches about our founding fathers and the Constitution of the United States. The web site is BiblicalCitizens.com.

Did you know there is a federal law stipulating that every September 17^th, public schools are to read and study the Constitution? I didn’t know that either until I went through this course. I wonder if we would be in a different place in our country if public schools followed that law. According to Rick Green, ninety percent of public schools do not. He even suggested that we, as citizens, should approach our school districts and volunteer to be an ambassador for the Constitution.

I highly recommend this course and hope it spreads far and wide over these United States. This country is worth saving! I leave you with Habakkuk’s prayer.

“LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2).

“The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because in his early years he walked in the ways his father David had followed. He . . . sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel” 2 Chronicles 17:3-4

Considering today’s situation in the United States of America, I was struck by the simplicity of what King Jehoshaphat did during his reign over Judah. This was a difficult time for God’s people. The kingdom was divided, and many kings no longer followed God’s ways. But Jehoshaphat had a plan, and the result was peace and power. We would do well to follow his plan today.

The Scripture records, in the third year of his reign he sent officials to teach in the towns of Judah. Second Chronicles 17:8 and 9 tell us he sent Levites with the officials to go around to all the towns of Judah.  They took the Book of the Law of the Lord and taught the people. Education was important to Jehoshaphat. In those days teaching was done by word of mouth. Books were not readily available. Levites were the ones who served at the temple and had access to the Book of the Law.

Jehoshaphat also built up his military. “He stationed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and put garrisons in Judah and in the town of Ephraim” (2 Chronicles 17:2). The surrounding kingdoms were fearful and did not make war with Jehoshaphat. (2 Chronicles 17:10).  King Jehoshaphat became more and more powerful and there was peace in his kingdom.

Today, God’s law, the Bible is readily available.  According to Wordsrated.com there are an average of 100 million Bibles printed each year.  Twenty million are sold each year with the US  accounting for a quarter of newly printed Bible sales every year. Imagine if all those Bibles were read and those people taught someone else about the Bible, I think our country would be in a much better place.

It is the church and families who must educate the people in the things of God. We must ask ourselves if we are fulfilling the Great Commission Jesus gave to his followers. (Matthew 28:19-20) It starts in the home. Our children need parents to stand strong on God’s Word, so they know the truth and won’t be swayed by the lies of today’s culture.  Strong families make strong churches and strong churches make strong communities. Strong communities make strong states and strong states make a strong nation! Do we stand strong on the truth of God’s Word?

Our government’s job is to maintain a strong military.  Article 1 Section 8 of our Constitution gives this duty to the legislature. Congress is to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. We must pray for our leaders to fulfill their duties well. We need a strong military.

It seems like a simple plan to educate people in God’s word and to maintain a strong military as Jehoshaphat did. If we followed that plan in the United States, I think we would be well on the way to solving many of the problems in our country. Keep praying friends! Keep praying!

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Revelation 3:20-21).

Eight years ago, my husband Wayne left this world for his eternal home with the Lord. It’s a day I’ll never forget, but today I choose to focus on a special memory I have of Wayne. It was the day of my retirement celebration (Unknown to me at the time) and Wayne had been asked to be a part of it. My second graders tried very hard to keep the secret that this was the day their teacher was to be celebrated. As they lined up for our walk to the usual chapel service on Wednesday I could see and hear them whispering to each other with suspicious smiles and giggles.

After our singing of praises to the Lord it was announced what was really happening. Then Wayne appeared at the end of the pew where I sat in the middle of my second graders. He was holding a bouquet of flowers and motioning for me to come. I remember his inviting smile and treasure this memory. There were other memorable moments that day, but my husband’s smile and invitation to come with him was most memorable for me!

I sometimes imagine Wayne standing at heaven’s door ready to welcome me with his beautiful smile and motioning for me to come. I don’t know if he will have a bouquet of flowers or something even more beautiful. But I know this: I want to be faithful in serving Jesus so that I will one day be greeted in heaven by my Savior and Wayne.

Dear Reader, do you know Jesus? He is our only hope for this life and the next.  Life is short so do not delay becoming right with God. He desires you to be His child.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

“When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”  Psalm 11:3

There is a monument standing 81 ft tall in Plymouth, MA. It is called National Monument to the Forefathers. I recently learned about this monument in a class at our church, called Biblical Citizenship in Modern America by Rick Green. You may have heard of him if you are familiar with WallBuilders Live! w/David Barton. I had no idea this monument existed and was ecstatic when I heard about it! It is on my “to visit” list.

The monument is made up of allegorical figures depicting Faith, Morality, Education, Law, and Liberty. Every part of the statues on the monument has a special meaning. It was built in 1889 to honor the passengers of the Mayflower.  This monument shows the foundation on which our country was built. We find the ideals, depicted on this monument, in the writings of our forefathers and in the documents of the founding of the United States of America: The Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. (There is a website for the monument to learn more. Also, there is a very informative video by Kirk Cameron at https://amac.us/the-important-powerful-message-of-americas-little-known-national-monument.)

That question found in Psalm 11:3 is so very relevant to our situation in America today. What can we do? We are losing the values and virtues depicted on that monument and consequently, our freedoms. The following verses in Psalm 11 give us a place to start.

“The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men, his eyes examine them. The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face” (Psalm 11:4-7).

God is in control. Jesus is still King of kings and Lord of Lords. God is a God of justice and the wicked will be punished and the righteous will receive everlasting life with Jesus.  Psalm 27:14 reminds us. “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:13 and 14, “You are the salt of the earth.  You are the light of the world.” So, while we’re waiting for the Lord, we are to make a difference in the world. Are we making things better? Salt enhances the flavor and makes food taste better. It also preserves and heals. Our lives must have that effect on our culture. Light reveals, brightens and illuminates our way.  Do our lives show others the way to Jesus? Do we reveal the truth of God’s Word through what we say and do? Are we showing others the way of salvation and life everlasting?

As you stand strong on God’s truth, learn more about the founding of our country. Read the Constitution. Then, do what you can to help others do the same.  Contact your representatives and senators in the state and federal government. Sign appropriate petitions, listen to what candidates say and vote accordingly. Watch or listen to news outlets that are not biased and stay informed. Vote accordingly. Pray, pray, and pray.  Be an informed, truth-founded, Biblical citizen.

I pray our country can once again be a freedom loving country. Whatever the outcome, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth” (Psalm 57:11).

I often feel discouraged. Maybe you do, too. Just listening to the news or reading the newspaper can bring those feelings of discouragement. There is only one way to rise above those feelings and that is to stay connected to God’s Word.

The Psalms speak loudly with encouragement for me. David, as God’s anointed king, had more than his share of troubles, and yet, he continued to trust God. I am not being chased by enemies who seek my life. (At least, I don’t think so.) But I live in a country that is quickly deteriorating before our very eyes! We have government leaders who no longer govern by the Constitution given us by our forefathers who sacrificed much to establish a new government. We seem to have lost our way and hang weak and vulnerable among the nations of the world. Yes, I’m feeling discouragement.

I know I can’t stay in that place. So, I keep going back to the Word. Also, I look for the voices of truth. Satan want us to believe his lies. He has deceived many, but I see God at work. I’m hearing some leaders speaking and acting upon truth. I pray for them! People are responding to the gospel and churches are growing. God’s Word is living and active, drawing people to Jesus, the only Savior we have! I praise God!

“Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O LORD, my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave” (Psalm 86:11-13).

I attended a Good Friday service last evening.  The suffering of Jesus was presented by the reading of Scripture, dramatic videos, music, and nails in an old cross. My mind revolted at the images showing the beatings, thorns on His head, nails in hands, the awful torture put upon my Savior!  My eyes wanted to turn away! But I must not turn away! Those were my sins that caused that suffering. Jesus allowed that cruelty because He loved me! He was taking my punishment!

Oh, that I would look full upon His suffering and turn myself away from all sin! I must look at the beaten back, the face streaked with blood, the torn and blood-covered hands and feet. It is only through such sacrifice that I have the freedom to choose life and turn from sin. “It is finished.” Jesus paid the debt of sin in full. The sacrifice was finished, but Jesus was not! Sunday came and Jesus rose triumphant over death forever! I am free!

“Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God smitten by him and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4-5).

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6a).

Happy Resurrection Day!

The weary, young man walked with determined steps. He knew this mission to the region of Moriah was serious and very important. He could see it in his father’s somber face. They had walked for three days. Even the servants who led the donkey sensed this was no ordinary journey. They were going to offer a burnt offering to Almighty God. But something was different about this planned sacrifice.

The young man’s father had gathered and cut the wood. The servants had arranged it on the donkey’s back. The father had carried the knife and fire pot all this distance. Now the young man was carrying the wood and they had left the donkey and servants behind while he and his father journeyed on ahead. The question burning in the young man’s heart was finally spoken.  “Father, where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

With the confidence of one who completely trusts the Almighty the father said, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.”

This story about Abraham and his son, Isaac is recorded in Genesis 22. One can only imagine what words were said or not said as the father binds his son and places him on the wood. Just as the father takes the knife to slay his son, God stops him. Abraham has passed the test. God provided the ram for the burnt offering and Isaac was spared.

Abraham trusted God so much he believed God would raise Isaac from the dead. (Hebrews 11:19) So he was willing to sacrifice even his own son. That is strong faith! Future generations were blessed because of that faith! Through Isaac’s descendants the whole world has been blessed by the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. All who choose Jesus are blessed with the promise of life everlasting.

I often fail to trust God and when I read this account of Abraham I’m reminded again. I worship the same God Abraham worshipped. Why is it so hard to trust Him? It’s when I focus too much on “me” and not enough on God. I allow my troubles to get between me and God. The writer of Hebrews (after listing those great heroes of faith) gives hope to us who struggle.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:2-3).

I can trust the Almighty with every part of my life! I have Jesus at God’s throne interceding for me and the example of numerous “faith walkers” who went before me. God keeps His promises!

“And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route” (Matthew 2:12).

Do you ever feel like your “get up and go” has gotten up and gone? I have. Then I have to determine, is this just laziness or do I really need a rest? It can be either of those, you know.  I found myself in this place recently and did take time to rest for a few days after having most of my family here during Christmas/New Year weeks. I enjoyed every minute of their visit, but realized it also took much of my energy.

We spent three days without power during the coldest days of the year-single digits! Running the generator and keeping up with the gasoline supply was tiresome. We didn’t run it at night so the nights were very cold. Thankfully, power was restored before the third night! Praise to God and the folks working on the power lines.

So, yes, I was tired. I did the laundry and a bit of cleaning after everyone went home and then I rested. After a while I realized it was time to get up and get something done. I was bluntly reminded of this one day when someone on the radio was talking about the passage from Isaiah 52:1-3. In summary, it says wake up, get dressed, dust yourself off and get going. When God has something to say, He usually says it more than once.  The preacher’s sermon this past Sunday was just that: Discipleship requires us to listen to God, then get up and go where God says to go, using the wise men and Joseph, as examples.

The wise men went home a different way so King Herod would not harm the Baby Jesus and Joseph obeyed God by taking Mary and Jesus to safety in Egypt.  I don’t know what this year may bring my way, but whatever it is I am determined to listen to God’s leading and with His help, obey.

Today, I need to get up and go to my basement where all the Christmas stuff is waiting for me to put away.

Happy New Year!

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10).

Christmas let-down! Do you ever feel like Christmas was wonderful but now what? I remember as a child being a bit disappointed with gifts received. Okay, maybe it was more than a “bit”.

I’m grown up now and I’ve discovered life is full of disappointments. I have also learned Christmas isn’t about the gifts under the tree. It’s about the Gift in the manger. The Gift, Jesus gave His all. He gave us a way to escape this sinful and dangerous world to a new, pure, and everlasting one!  We are given the opportunity to accept the Gift and when we accept, we will never be disappointed with Jesus. His promises never fail!

Galatians3:26-27 says, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Being a part of God’s family doesn’t take us out of this world and its disappointments, but we have a hope for the future and the Holy Spirit living in us (Acts 2:38). Being clothed with Jesus gives us a new way of life and a new perspective on the disappointments that come our way.

So, maybe you didn’t get everything you wanted under the Christmas tree, don’t despair. God is still offering the Gift in the manger by way of the cross and empty tomb. If you are not clothed with Jesus, please consider accepting the Gift. There is judgment coming for all who refused to accept Jesus. (Read 2 Peter, chapter 2.) God loves you and desires to adopt you as His son or daughter.

After the anticipation leading up to Christmas and the happy celebrations we experience during this season, one can feel a let-down for sure after it’s all over. But, as a child of God we have a greater anticipation, the second coming of our Lord!

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:11-14).

May your New Year be filled with blessings and good health!