Turning Our Nation Around in 140 Days

I have been a fan and appreciated the truth and diligence of Dr. Charles Stanley for many years.  Yesterday I heard him present another message that describes the truth regarding the state of our nation.  The message, “Turning the Tide” is one that all should hear.  Dr. Charles Stanley challenges us to pray for our nation for 140-days.  Why that number?  I don’t have a clue.  I DO know that he hears from GOD and there’s a reason.  He reminds us of the importance and value of praying.  We’ve all seen our nation go in directions that fail our chances of the freedoms and prosperity our nation is founded upon.

You can get the message “Turning the Tide” at: http:www.intouch.org The video is also available online at the same site.

Let’s pray for the nation that we claim as our own.  Let’s pray that wisdom will find it’s way into the hearts of those in key political positions.

How GOD turned my tide around

In the mid 1980′s I was floating along in life like many others.  The truth is, I was sinking…but was so absorbed in my life that I didn’t see the water rising around me.  Then one day I watched Charles Stanley on TV presenting a message entitled, “Spiritual Blindness”. I remember at one point he said, “Saved? What do I need to be saved from?”  Exactly! I thought.  I didn’t need this GOD stuff, besides I already proclaimed to be a Christian, so I was good.  I had my fire insurance and now I could justify my self-centered life.

Then he explained how I was born into this world a sinner and my only chance was to accept Christ as my personal savior.  Yeah…ok.  That was a bit too much and I listened to the end, turned it off and felt like I did my “Christian thing” for the year.

The next day I was changing a fuel pump on my truck.  As I laid under the truck the radio squawked on and I didn’t pay much attention until I recognized a familiar voice.  It was Charles Stanley and I was once again hearing the same “Spiritual Blindness” message.  How in the world did I get that station on?  I’m sure I had something else playing.  As I was a captive audience under the truck I listened once again.

The next day I was driving across town and put the radio on.  The first thing I heard was, “Saved? What do I need to be saved from?”  Charles Stanley again.  I’ve come to realize that coincidences don’t occur.

Since it was near Christmas time, I heard an advertisement about the Word of Faith Church in New Orleans East; they had a Christmas presentation planned. I thought it would be a good idea to take my wife and Mother-in-law…after all, they would appreciate it and I would come out looking like the caring guy.

As we sat in the darkened sanctuary, the music and singing went on.  It was really good and found myself being drawn into the show.  I always had some odd idea that Christian people were different – almost like those that were brainwashed into following some belief.

At the end of the presentation some little man went to the front and spoke.  He talked about our need for Christ and salvation. I knew something was happening far beyond some reaction to an emotional appeal.  When he offered an alter call, I somehow found myself standing at the front.  I’m still not sure how I got there; only that I had the strange sensation that I was elevated above the ground.  Much has happened during the following 25 plus years.  More often than not I’ve found that I’ve failed the GOD that sent his Son to save me.  Yet, I’ve found that He forgives when I am unable to forgive myself and sometimes others.

I know that I know that I know that the message that I heard from Charles Stanley way back then was for me and everyone around me.  I know that this man who so intimately lives with God as his guide and savior knows when GOD is speaking to him.

Final Thoughts

Now is the time that we need to get our act together.  Our nation needs it and if you don’t know GOD and have a regular relationship with him, ask what it is that keeps you from making a step for yourself, your family and those that you can positively impact.