Exodus 7:3, "And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt."

As I read this passage I thought of America.  My heart is burdened because I believe America has a heart problem with God.  As we continue to grow increasingly hardened, God is multiplying His signs and wonders in the land. The signs are miraculous, but in the negative rather than the positive. 

America has the curse of God upon it, and there will be no improvement nationally until we repent of our wickedness.  Abortion, Homosexuality, Materialism, Hedonism, are all the sins of America.  And the worst part about all of this, it is sanctioned by our government and is increasingly becoming the norm of society. 

God hardened the heart of Pharaoh in order to carryout His plan of delivering Israel and destroying Egypt.  And you know, God is in control today, and is at work cursing America and lifting up some other nations to carryout His plan for today. 

In the midst of this, we need to keep our heart soft and tender before God.  It is easy to justify your goodness, and fail to be what God wants you to be, if you compare yourself to those who live wickedly around you.

I want to close with two verses about being careful to maintain the heart and humility the Lord desires in us:

• Proverbs 4:23, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

• 2 Corinthians 10:12, "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and  comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

We must make sure our heart is right with God! 

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. What do you think about the condition of the United States?

2. Culturally are you happy with the direction of our nation?  Is there something you can do to enhance things in our country?

3. Is your heart right with God?  What is the basis for your answer?

4. How important is it that you be salt and light in your church and community?