Is America Still God's Own Country?

The United States of America is no doubt one of the strongest countries of the world as it is widely agreed. A country full of opportunities, aids, encouragement and most importantly is the freedom power of her citizens within and in a few cases outside their domain. What a great privilege! This is why quite a number of people from different part of the world desire to be citizens of this great country or at least pay a visit to what is known as God’s Own Country. This reminds me of what a radio presenter once said – “America is such a wonderful place full of riches and opportunities for everyone. It is possible that if one do not visit America one may not be permitted to enter heaven. Therefore, make sure you get there before death comes calling”. The statement really amused me because I saw in it the ardent desire of a man towards a country that has in God we trust written on their currency.

However, my question is –Is America still trusting God? Are they interested in allowing God to direct the affairs of their country? These are questions begging for answers now especially with the declaration of the Supreme Court in U.S.A. consenting to gay marriage. Is the concession really a victory for America? America started on a godly note where the commandment of God was used as yard stick in the rule of law. The Ten Commandments in the Bible (Book of Exodus) was pasted in schools to guide and help children grow in the way of the LORD. At such times the issue of gay marriage was not paramount because the Word of God was exalted above human emotions. However, things took a different turn when human laws stood against that laid down by God; the same Judiciary ruled that The Ten Commandments be removed from schools just in the name of freedom. Freedom is indeed God’s desire for His people which includes Americans but the freedom has bounds, otherwise it becomes something else.

 

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

                                                Galatians 5:13

The Word of God says we must not use our freedom to benefit the flesh. It is not for fleshy gains rather it ought to be for godly gains. And a God’s Own Country will desire to do what the owner bids. If a subordinate decides to take decisions without consulting with the superior it means there will be discord and confusion. But God is not the author of confusion in the midst of His own people who sincerely trust Him indeed. I still believe that the tag ‘God’s Own Country’ attached to U.S.A. is worth it on the condition that they obey the infallible Word of God.

Marriage is a blessing to families and nations when it is done properly. The truth is that without a man and woman coming together there cannot be reproduction. I heard that some people said the gay couples will adopt children but the question is from where? From the same proper sexual union of man and woman that is being despised?

The candid advice to nations about gay marriage is that all should submit to God alone. God abhors disobedience (Genesis 19). It is time to have a rethink. God bless all nations of the world that have chosen to honour God. Shalom.

 

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

                                                                                Proverbs 14:34

God’s Leadership Attributes 3 (David’s Confession)

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                              Psalms 23:6

Friend, this verse is an overwhelming confession by David due to the tender loving leadership of God. You know when someone does something outstanding for you that touches your heart and before you could frame the exact words to say in appreciation, you already over heard yourself say ‘I love you’ or ‘I can’t just do without you’. And you’re stunned at the confession. That was the same situation David was in because of God’s method of shepherding. Has anybody ever said wonderful things concerning what you have done or contributed to their lives? It may not be said to you directly, it could be told to people elsewhere. And because of the confession others come to submit to your leadership. If not, let’s have a rethink on our leadership methods.

Imagine! David said “I will dwell in the house of the LORD (Leader) forever”. Ha! That’s powerful! It means that he’s sure that staying with his leader wouldn’t amount to any form of loss. His confession was neither done under duress nor under any form of pressure. It was done with his common sense intact. Beloved how many people have left your ministry or Christian organisation simply because of your wrong approach to the issue of leadership? Is it not sad that the workers in your office are always leaving? Every New Year you are sure that you have to search for replacements. Why not check inwards as well. Please don’t just set aside this matter.

When you consider your leadership style using the microscope of sincerity you will not regret it. And once adjustments are made things would change. If you were a leader with three sheep before you realise what is happening the number would increase to five and on it goes. A lot of sheep are out there without shepherd bleating for help! And when you arise to the occasion they would turn to you and say ‘Be Our Leader’.

Excerpts from Be Our Leader written by Oluwaseyi Alamu

God’s Leadership Attributes 2

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with are; thy staff they comfort me; thy rod thy staff they comfort me.

Leaders don’t leave even at the face of dangers. They are protective of their followers in such a way that they are made not to be afraid of difficulties. God is always around to see His disciples through whatever situation they’re in. He doesn’t hide when things may be rough, only to show up when it becomes smooth despite oppositions.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Kindly consider the issue of enemies. Enemies are opposing forces which could be through man, harsh economic conditions or spiritual forces. Yet amidst these adversities, God prepares a table; a suitable platform full of provisions.

Leaders don’t hide under the guise of oppositions rather they make provision suitable for their followers despite oppositions. With this wonderful provision, promotion, attention and increase normally come the way of the led. As leaders let us have our focus on creating avenues of provision for those that look up to us instead of concentrating on the oppositions. Because when we do we sink the boat in which we and our followers are in, thus leading to destruction.

Once this godly attributes of leadership are put in place be sure that you will not only have followers but loyal followers. Followers that will also confess as David did when he experienced God’s guidance....

 Excerpts from Be Our Leader written by Oluwaseyi Alamu

God’s Leadership Attributes

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want

God’s leadership ensures that His followers do not get unnecessarily stranded no matter how difficult or cruel the environment may be. And that is a vital strength that any leader can exhibit.

 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me besides the still waters

He makes sure that those led by Him are taken to a place of comfort where there are available resources (green pastures) to meet any scarcity experienced. God creates opportunities and a level playing field for His followers. Leading them beside still waters: a place where needs are met in an atmosphere that void of rancour. Please note that any leader that cannot create a peaceful environment amongst the led has fallen short of his purpose.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

God wants His followers to live rightly even when others around them do the wrong things. This is because He has a name, in other words He has integrity and He’s concerned about the soul of His followers. Here, it is also worthy to note that leaders are not only concerned about an aspect of the led but all that concerns them.

              

                                                                 Excerpts from Be Our Leader written by Oluwaseyi Alamu