"It is time to seek the Lord"

Dear Friends in Christ -

Have you been watching the political debates? I have. And I've been trying to watch them prayerfully, carefully listening to what both sides have to say, listening for truth and justice and hope and strength.

One thing is clear: our country's in a whale of a mess at the moment. And political leaders are now beginning to say out loud what we've feared in our hearts - that we're likely headed into a recession.

We've sort of seen it coming, haven't we? Haven't we seen the handwriting on the wall?

This is what today's Old Testament lesson (from the Forward Day by Day readings) had to say (Hosea 10:1-15):
"Israel is a luxuriant vine that yields its fruit. The more his fruit increased the more altars he built; as his country improved, he improved his pillars. Their heart is false [though]; now they must bear their guilt."

Hmmm . . . here's how I see that word applying to us today: Our country has been so blessed! But the more blessed we've been, the more we've spent. As we had more resources, we've focused on getting ahead for ourselves, on building our own things. This way of managing things reveals that our hearts are false, that we haven't been committed to God's agenda first. And now we've got to bear the consequences.

When I hear that, I feel . . . well, I feel convicted. I recognize that I, too, have had a hand in the mess. And that I've got to make some different choices if things are to move forward in a better way - for myself and for my nation.

Here's the remedy that Hosea suggests for healing the troubles:
"Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord."

As we hear God's call and seek the Lord, God will "come and rain righteousness upon [us]." May it be so, Lord; may it be so.

Faithfully yours,
Janet+
PS - Oh - about those debates. It's a great blessing to live in a democracy, so don't squander the good gift God has given to us. KNOW God's core values. LISTEN to the political process and consider how the candidate's positions align with God's values. PRAY for discernment in casting your ballot. And VOTE.