Greetings Cascade Family and Friends,
It's getting hot in here! The temperature in Atlanta as well as our social climate is at an all-time high. The climate of fear, hatred, contempt for one another, disrespect for authority, and careless disregard for human lives, in our communities and nationwide, has accelerated to the point where people are crying out, "What can we do to stop this madness?" Biblical history tells us that when God's people went through similar trials, the Prophet Joshua tore his clothes and lay prostrate before God, praying for the deliverance of his people. We should do likewise.
What can we do to stop the madness? Tear off those senseless garments and fall on our faces before God in prayer! We should all wear the robe of righteousness and God will not withhold any good thing from us. Do not wear the garment of indifference--be clothed with compassion. Think about someone else. As long as we have our eyes, ears and hearts only occupied with our own cares and concerns, we will have no concern about the sufferings of others.
All too often we respond to unfavorable situations out of spite or with revenge in our hearts. Remove these coverings and be clothed with a spirit of kindness that encourages, refreshes and builds up. We must cover ourselves with humility so that no offense, insult or neglect can upset us or lead us to rise up in pride and retaliate. Remove the garment of intimidation, coercion, and brute force and be covered with meekness. The meek person returns blessings for curses, and prays for those who abuse. Be clothed with patience that creates inner-strength and destroys stress and anxiety; forgiveness that rejects living with double standards; love which binds everything together in perfect harmony; and thanksgiving which has to be for us a way of life. In the name of Jesus, thank God daily for everything!
God told Joshua to stand because it was the nation that had sinned and disobeyed God's covenant. The nation had taken the devoted things, stolen and acted deceitfully. Therefore, the nation is unable to stand before its enemies because it has become a thing devoted to destruction. God said to Joshua, "I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you." Has the grand ole USA lost favor with God-the God of our weary years, God of our silent tears; the God in whom we trusted to build this nation, God in whom we trust to sustain this nation? God's answer is in Joshua 7:13, "Sanctify {purify} yourselves for tomorrow." This is what we must do to stop the madness.
Peace and Blessings,
Rev. Tanya Y. Pittman
