Astonished!

I couldn’t help but be astonished. Every day, living in a foreign country, I see the devastating affects of a controlling government, an immoral culture, and an apathetic populace. As a concerned U.S. citizen, I don't want America to experience the same decay. I want to see America’s godly heritage preserved.

So, to make my tiny voice heard, I occasionally sign petitions and write letters to U.S. government leaders through conservative organizations like Focus on the Family, Liberty Counsel, and the Media Research Center. A petition of 250,000 signers will get the attention of any congressman. A petition of 300,000 concerned citizens is considered huge.

So, I could hardly believe my eyes when I read that nearly 100,000,000 Americans voted last week for their “American Idol”!!! Does that mean that 99,700,000 Americans care more for entertainment than for the sanctity of life, for the preservation of marriage, or for the promotion of Biblical principles? Is the moral decay of America really this bad?

Neither could I help but make a parallel with the term “American Idol”. One of the Ten Commandments is, “You shall not make for yourself an idol.” Now, I know Kris Allen is no golden calf, but when God’s people care more about voting for an “American Idol” than about 'voting' for God’s values, then certainly we are guilty of something terribly close to idol worship.

Well, forgive me for preaching, but it hurts to see the foundations of our country dissolving. We are being blessed to see an incredible growth in the number of Christian churches throughout Asian countries – an amazing outpouring of God’s grace. Now we need to keep singing: America, America, God shed His grace on thee.

P.S. Hannah arrived safely last week along with her college friend, Allie. It has been great to have them both here. Please continue praying for Sara. She, like many others, is still looking for a job. We baptized 4 people yesterday. God continues to add to His Kingdom.