Hello Fellow Traveler,
Yesterday, my heart shattered into pieces, and my eyes overflowed with tears of sorrow. I could only cry, “God, forgive us for how careless we have raised our children. We purposely removed You from our schools, workplaces, homes, social gatherings, and government—even our places of worship. We have allowed the demons of this world to grab our children and infiltrate their lives.
The movies they watch, the music they hear, the heroes they worship, the closed-door churches they attend, and their communities are full of hatred and prejudice! Yes, Father, we have brought this upon ourselves and can’t understand why. Please forgive us for our love of self and culture. We are more of this world than Yours. Open our eyes to the truth and help us to find a way back!” In Jesus Name, Amen.
So, if you are wondering what my prayer is about, it concerns the shooting at the Georgia Apalachee High School yesterday—the shooter, a 14-year-old kid, and four dead – 2 students and two teachers. And the words of the politicians and our government officials went round and round, all over town. “Gun control legislation is what we need, and a child should never have to go to school and be made to do shooter drills.” Oh yes, my ears rang with the same old, same old—no solution in sight. Until we admit we are the problem and find a way to heal our hearts and our land with God, it will only get worse.
The solution is complex and multifaceted; the church and Christians must stand up with God in the middle! You can not be seat warmers in your place of worship; you must go out and change the world. And you can’t sit at home and vocalize what needs to be done. Poof, it is gone within the air; the results are nothing. Think about how you can stand up to make a difference in our country, and then do it!
Next week, I will tell you how I found a way to get out into our community and bring joy and light. My prayers are with the two student’s families, the two teacher’s families, and the shooter’s family. I will lift the community of Apalachee High School and our country to God in my daily prayers. You should, too.
A Bible verse came to me while writing the post. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 The Message/Remix
“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all of the time; thank God No Matter What Happens. This is the way God wants you, who belong to Christ Jesus to live.”
Heavenly Father,
I come before you with thankfulness in this time of sorrow. I am grateful for all you do for us, even when we turn our backs on you.
Please heal my broken heart for your blessed children. I love them so much, Father, and see hopeful promises within each of them. And then their light of promise is taken away. Please help the families who lost their loved ones yesterday feel Your presence and understand the “why.” Bless them with your mercy, grace, love, and joy. Walk with them through this devastating road they must travel. Thank you, Jesus, for everything! In Jesus Name Amen.
God Bless You!
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