Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
(2 Corinthians 3:12-18 (NIV))
What is your hope?
Does a veil cover your heart?
With the 4th of July just a day away, I want to ask a serious question. Do you feel that there is a veil over our country? In other words, is there a veil over the hearts of the people?
I am hopeful, for I was privileged to see something over the last few days that has given me hope even in the midst of all of the issues that our country faces.
I took my daughter up to Washington, D.C. for a two week intensive American Sign Language course at Galaudette University. I have a cousin who lives in D.C. that I have not seen in a while. He lives not too far from Galaudette University. I visited with him and saw a side of D.C. that the media does not present. I did not see all communities, but the ones that I did see are all a good example of the melting pot. I discovered that the actual residential areas of the city are basically little communities with a small “downtown” area of restaurants and shops. Everybody walks from their homes to these areas and it appears that, even though there is noise and a lot of activity, it is safe to be out in the “neighborhoods” at any time.
Two days before I arrived in D.C., there was a bad storm and many areas where without power. I found many of the radio stations, Christian and secular, offering information on how to find help in the middle of the high temperatures and power outages. I did a lot of driving and many of the stop lights were out. Everyone was very polite and did not try to take advantage of the power problems. Many churches that had power opened up their doors to those who did not.
This is the power of the USA. It is not the political issues or the government, but it is the people. Even in the midst of the political issues going on in their backyard, and the difficulties from the storm, the faith of the people in each other was impressive, despite political opinions.
I know that many have their hearts covered by a veil, yet, I see the work of the Holy Spirit also. There is a strong presence of the Holy Spirit in D.C. I heard it manifested through the large number of calls asking people to pray for and / or help those in need.
As I drove home, I looked upon my drive with a different outlook. I do not know what God has in store for this country, but I do now know that faith is strong. I do know that we, as the Body of Christ, need to be united in this faith and fully rely on the fact that it is not our leaders, but God who is in control. If we can regain this knowledge, then God can still use this country to His greater glory.
I pray that we can lift our veil!
Copyright 1998 – 2012 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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