And Still, We RISE from the Rubble #UNITE Link Party

Ash poured down like rain, on 9-11, and this last week around my very home.

My children choke, complain. Raw throats ache, from the ashes left scattered on our car. A sky smoggy, dark, reminding us of the fires, out of control, here in the great Northwest.

Yet, we are a nation who rises. Falling bodies, towers crumbling, grave men and women, cut off from generations….all because of their patriotic choice to…

Bravely run towards the flames.

The sky grew thick with haze. Smoke filled our beings, fires raged in Washington, Oregon, and Montana, while the world was watching Hurricane Harvey.

Some talk of the apocalypse.

Doubts, questions. Finger pointing. Yet, have we forgotten…He is Sovereign, His Lordship has dominion over all creation?

We are at the mercy of a Father who aches for the hearts of His people.

And no man, regardless of how powerful or important can dictate the wind and rain, command the heavens to do what they want.

God is the author. And it’s His name alone that should be lifted high.

Others bow. Bend to fear. Cave to the deception, doubting God is good. Twisting scriptures, thinking God is mean or hateful, betraying us like the rest.

The stories swirl like the strong winds, lies lean in like falling rain scattering in every direction.

The reminder of what hate breeds still surfaces in images, left over from September eleventh.

Yet, the character of Biblical Christianity, of morals, faith, and the foundation of our country, still presses on….

Never running away from destruction or clothed deceitfully in deception.

His solid ground was the making of this great nation, people looking for purity and truth, humbled before God, rallied by freedom and goodness for all Americans, red, yellow, black, and white.

Still, the darkness of night falls on many, like my family, a few weeks ago.

And the sun still rises, its light shining, when threats of destruction come from North Korea, or neighboring nations….

Or worse yet….from pews, naysayers, or fellow Americans.

Because of the increase in wickedness, Matthew 24:12 tells us, “The hearts of many will grow cold.”

Yet, I say rise. Rise from the ashes and live. Stand like those firefighters holding our flag, bravely amongst the rubble.

Draw towards The One, the God who has never failed us. Let’s focus our spiritual eyes on the Creator of our nation, The Founder of true freedom, The Author of our existence….

Because life, this day, and our hope is greater than decay. Beauty is the forte that delights in being birthed from ashes.

Let’s be a nation who remembers. Be a people who clings to the Sovereign God of Grace, in endurance, faith and perseverance.

It’s time to refuse to bow to hate or division. Let’s keep our eyes towards the light so we cannot see the shadows.

Let’s hold tight to a God who resurrects dead bones, thriving not because of our own strength, but because of the God we acknowledge, gives our every breath.

And I don’t know what your life looks like as you read this. Maybe ashes have fallen heavy on your heart because of finances or tough relationships, or temptations of sin or doubt.

Maybe you feel covered in darkness, struggling to hold on, given to discouragment and despair because of the flurry of weathering circumstances around you?

But, today, we can hold onto The Word, our sword, have the hope of a truth that frees us. We are carrying the breastplate of righteousness, having feet shod with the Gospel of Peace, equipping and sustaining us.

Yes, He is our righteousness, the One on a white horse, The Author and Finisher of our Faith who equips us.

And the wind of His Spirit is greater than any hurricane.

No one can take away our freedom. Jesus is the Savior who gives hope, real joy, and purpose.

We serve a BIG God who loves us deeply. The Holy One who ran towards the Pharisees, confronting faulty religion, sin, hate, and sickness.

So why would we tremble in fear?

Love is His weapon, compassion the medicine found in relationship with Him.

His very blood, the sacrifice, offered to demonstrate what it means to be a follower of a God who offers salvation, rising from the rubble, through the tomb once hidden in darkness…

Evil will soon experience its final defeat.

He shed His blood so you and I could stand. So, strengthen your legs and rise, friends. Rise from these ashes and live.

Stand tall and firm. Confident Jesus is still near, regardless of what you are facing.

The ash have lifted around our house. By grace, the rains finally came quenching the flames causing my children to struggle breathing, releiving throats burning through the night, broken coughs during the day.

And just like that….Blue sky. Light. Sun never ceasing. Hope again for tomorrow.

Still, on this day, I don’t forget. Men and women fought so we could be brave, living with confidence, freedom and opportunity.

Now let’s go in His strength, rising from the ashes in confidence, representing Him well.

2 Chronicles 4:11, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

UNITE LINK PARTY

I am back from my summer sabbatical. Thank you for your patience in letting me work through some family situations, manage having a house full, and all God has given me!

I hope is to be here every Monday and Thursday evening. Tuesday (Or Monday night) I’ll post UNITE, this blog hop wher everyone is welcome to add a blog post, or two, promote and connect their message.

Below is this weeks linky! Please continue to pray for the fires, hurricanes, and all God is taking America through!  Lots of love to each of you!

Here is how our ALL-INLCLUSIVE, NO-RULES Link up works!

1. Add a family friendly post below.
2. Consider lining back and/or following Rich Faith Rising on Twitter, Facebook or subscribe by adding your e-mail for post updates.
3. Will you also comment the post before yours!?  (Remember: The more that join us the better. Makes it more fun for everyone!)  Now, let’s get going….