As artists we have trained our eyes and minds to see, evaluate, and appreciate what many take for granted, or fail to see entirely. We are trained to analyze light in all its forms. Shapes, value, composition, color, texture, drawing, edges, and color temperature are all important tools and part of our vocabulary.
As a landscape painter and realist, I survey the American landscape and marvel at its beauty, variety, and ever-changing moods…all given us by a faithful, kind, gracious and loving Creator.
However, as I look deeper with spiritual eyes, beyond the physical beauty, I see a country considerably less beautiful. Where is the true beauty of a person or nation found, is it found in its physical beauty or in its character? We know clearly from holy Scripture that God looks upon the heart, never the outward appearance.
There is overwhelming evidence that our country was founded on a belief and trust in the God of the Bible. Daniel Webster (1782-1852), a famous politician and diplomat serving under three US Presidents said: “If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper, but if we and our prosperity neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity.” (Click images to enlarge)
How serious is the judgment upon a nation that once covenanted with, trusted in, and called upon the God of the Bible, but now has not only broken that covenant but at the highest levels of government proudly creates law that desecrates and attempts to destroy the family, the meaning of the rainbow, and innocent life, all the while violently opposing and suppressing truth?
America has replaced the true light of the world, the eternal light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with darkness. Darkness is loved more than the Light because Light exposes personal and national wickedness. We have replaced the truth with a lie and give wholehearted approval and encouragement to those that do the same. Stupidly, there is the arrogant belief that there will be no consequences for such rebellious behavior, but God will not be mocked. His Word stands regardless of man’s denial of it.
Psalm 2: “Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed (Jesus), saying, ‘Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!’
“He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury, saying, ‘But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain.’
“I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.’”
“Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the LORD with reverence and rejoice with trembling. Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!”
So, as we light up the night sky with fireworks, be aware we’re no longer celebrating our nation’s Christian heritage and the liberties our forefathers gave their lives for; we are now lighting up the sky celebrating with pride our wickedness and perceived freedom from the bonds and cords of our Creator. As Tucker Carlson has said, we are experiencing an “inversion of virtue.” Here’s a list of virtues, has our country increased or decreased in these? (Courage, temperance, sincerity, generosity, patience, faith, hope, chastity, justice, kindness, compassion, cleanliness, forgiveness, responsibility, diligence, perseverance, friendliness, humility, moderation, gratitude, prudence, honesty, integrity, and truthfulness).
Because of our rejection of God, one step-after-another, He has turned individuals and our nation over to a depraved mind (insanity) filling hearts with all manner of unrighteousness…”wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; {they are} gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.” (Romans 1:29-32)
Thomas Cole – “The Course of Empire-Destruction” – Oil (1836)
Is there hope for America? Absolutely. However, that will only be found in Jesus Christ. Apart from repentance and trust in Him, every plan, strategy, and hope of man will end in failure and destruction. Is Satan, the adversary, happy? No! He wants more. He wants total annihilation and destruction of America. His desire is to kill, steal and destroy all that remains of good.
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