Good Morning,

As we finish out the week I want to focus upon Proverbs 14:34 "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."

There is a level of pride in the United States that is dangerous.  This country operates as though it doesn't need God, that living any way you want is okay, and that we are stronger than any of the consequences that God may bring upon us.  More profound words have rarely been penned than the words, righteousness exalts a nation. The principle is eternal because God's Word proclaims it so. It is as true today as it was three-thousand years ago.  I have often stated that America's greatness isn't because of its great Constitution, nor is it because of the wonderful natural resources we enjoy, it isn't because of American ingenuity or our work ethic, but rather it has been blessed because it was founded upon righteousness.  No matter if people want to admit it or not, our country was founded upon Judaeo-Christian principles.  It is righteousness that exalts a nation!

In like manner, sin is a shame and a blot for any nation.  The world never seems to learn that. And, the devil works hard to make sure they do not.   As you consider the devastation of the past several years, hurricanes and flooding, school shootings, the break down of the family, the redefining of marriage, the 2008 financial collapse, and the 9-11 attacks, America has had its share of adversity.  The experts try to analyze every challenging event, but rarely does anyone consider that the root cause for most of our problems is sin.  Yes, sin is a reproach to any people!  Psalm 9:17 proclaims, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God."  The United States is one of those nations that have forgotten God.  We must take back our schools, our universities, our government, and the ultra-liberal news media, and make sure that we have a healthy dose of morality and God returned to this great country.

God help us, as believers, to be salt and light, in a world and nation ravaged by sin and corruption.

I trust you will take time to worship the Lord this weekend in a good Bible preaching church.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott