Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke

I recently spoke with someone who was constructing a list of deceased ministers who had impacted his life, some more than others, but all to some degree. When we consider those who have left us and their influence on our lives, we realize how powerful their relationship was upon us.

This reminds me of a verse of scripture where God points out what He had done to reach His people with a message of repentance. “And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy” (II Chron. 36:15-16). Please listen to the ministers God has put in your life to help you and guide you. Their lives and influence will be of great benefit to you. Failure to listen results in sad consequences.

Another verse from the Holy scripture should be a stern warning to our nation. We shall soon be celebrating our 250th anniversary as a nation. Often filled with flaws, for sure, but an opportunity to build something great by the grace of God. America did not become great on her own but because God taught us character, integrity and love through His word. We have not always listened to His messages as we should and much strife has been the result. However, His word still rings true. “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). As a nation we should hear God’s voice and repent of our selfishness and sinful ways. He will hear, He will forgive (see II Chron. 7:14). May God grant unto us a better future than our past or our present.