WASTED BREATH

As we watch a group of brave men take a stand upon the Senate floor for hours that seem to have no end, it calls into question as to whether these gentlemen are essentially "wasting their breath?” Most certainly there are Americans on both sides of the fence that would agree to that being the case.

However, Jesus tells a parable that is rather fitting for the situation we saw displayed.

Luke 18:1-5 Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. "There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me legal protection from my opponent.' "For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.'"

This parable displays one of the greatest acts of a "peaceful war." Through her persistence, the widow gave the judge no peace until she received what she knew she needed, and what she knew was just. Through the display in the senate, we saw persistence for what is right and just.

It is interesting that Jesus pointed out more than once that the judge was not a man that feared God, yet he surrendered due to the fact that he was the weaker in the battle by his own acknowledgement.

Luke 18:6-8 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"

In this passage, the unrighteous judge recognizes God, and that He is just. The judge is also well aware that the elect cry out to the Lord day and night. For Him to know this, the elect had to have made it clear to all, who they were, and to whom they belonged. This judge knew that through their PUBLIC prayers, God would act swiftly on their behalf. These believers did not fear praying out in the open and making their request known to God for all eyes to see.

As we watch the courage displayed on Capitol Hill, perhaps we Christians need to consider carefully just what it is going to take to see victory. We applaud the men who have stood for us so long, but is more required for GOD to turn His face back to us and bring about His justice quickly?

Friends, we used to be known as a Christian nation. We used to pray in the public square, sending forth the message who we were, and to whom we belonged. While it is important for us to pray privately, it is now my firm belief that God is waiting on us to once again meet Him in the public square and show the unrighteous who our God really is. Like our good senators, let not our words be a mere wasting of breath.

When the Son of Man comes, will He find that kind of faith on the earth?

Hope for the Depressed

Dear Huldah,
 
I have a friend that has slid into a depression. She is a widow and has recently been caring for a friend battling breast cancer. My friend is a believer in Jesus and God. I thought if you believed and were saved that the holy spirit would protect you from depression. Am I wrong? How should I try to help my friend?

Regards,

JS
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Dear J.S.,

All of us, Christian or not, are susceptible to depression. From the fall of man we have brought sin and sadness into the world. There are good men in the Bible that fell into depression, and for various reasons. Job, when his family was killed; David, when he sinned with Bathsheba and was punished by God with the loss of his child; Elijah, when he felt alone while being pursued by the evil queen Jezebel.

The good news is, no matter what the circumstances, for those who have the Holy Spirit indwelling in them, depression does not last forever, especially for those who call on His name.

The righteous cry, and the Lord hears
And delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17-18

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

‘Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Sharing scriptures like these with your friend could cause her to remember to turn to God in her time of need if she isn’t doing so already. Sometimes we tend to shut Him out when we really need Him the most. Honestly, it is He who can do for your friend far more than you or anyone else ever could.

My final thoughts are, to be there for her when you can. Perhaps drop her a note daily with a scripture, or offer to study a book in the Bible with her so she has someone to help guide her. Leading the depressed Christian back to the feet of Christ is ALWAYS the most effective in helping them to overcome.

Blessings to you and your friend.

Maidservant Huldah