Anyone who knows me at all, can tell you how much I love this country. I think America is the best nation on the planet. I love our history. I especially love the ideals and principles upon which our great nation was founded upon.

The belief that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" still rings true in my heart and spirit.

Our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, still moves me every time I hear it or sing it aloud. The less familiar last verse says in part,

"Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land

Praise the Power that has made and preserved us as a nation.

Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust";

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."

What's happening to our country? Our national values are being watered down by people who seemingly don't know the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution or our godly history; taking our freedoms with it. How can we sit idly by and watch these foundational virtues be destroyed?

There is still hope for America! As Christians we are called to action by God through His holy word. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 is says, "if my people, who are called by my name, will 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." As believers, we are called upon to...

1. Humble our selves before the Lord

2. Pray

3. Seek God's Face

4. Repent of our sins (individually and collectively)

Scripture reminds us that, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people" (Pro. 14:34).

What can you do? Join with hundreds of thousands of others by being involved over the next thirty or so by praying and fasting for this great land of ours. Go to www.prayandact.org.

We are praying specifically in three areas:

• • Sanctity of life
• • Sacredness of marriage
• • Preservation of religious liberty

It's time to act. It's time to call upon the Lord. It's time to restore America's future and hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Pastor Brian

"Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my HOPE is in you all day long."
Psalm 25:5

How does one possess a hope that last all day long? Many times we are challenged to hold on to hope for even an hour depending on the circumstances. There is one way to having and maintaining hope that last through out the day.

1. Position yourself to find hope- The best position is always on your knees. Recognizing that God is our source of comfort, strength and hope; you take your rightful and meek position under His care and watchful eye. By reaching the conclusion you need Him and turning to Him; you are now in a place to receive His grace and wisdom. This verse starts with the word "guide." It's an obvious prayer asking for God's help. To be hopeful, we all need God's help.

2. Purpose to know the truth- In this verse David is asking to be led in the truth. He was an intelligent man and a quite capable leader; however, he was also keening aware of man's own selfish desires and heart. So instead of relying on his own wisdom, he asks God to guide him in truth. We shouldn't trust in our own understanding, but "in all our ways acknowledge him and he will make our paths straight." He is the God of truth.

3. Patiently wait to be taught- The Lord imparts wisdom to those who wait patiently before Him. There is a wisdom of this world, but it is lacking compared to the ways of God. God reminds us of this in Isaiah 55:8, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD." If we learn God's ways and do things His way, there is always hope.

If you do these three things, you will find yourself on the roadway to hope that last all day and everyday.