Give Honor To Whom Honor Is Due

Yesterday I forgot to mention anything about Martin Luther King, Jr.  How he changed a nation, because he had a dream of equality for all, and especially for those of African American descent who lived under a heavy burden.

It got me thinking of how there is probably not a nationality, that has not been enslaved at one time or another.  I think of St. Patrick, who was a slave to the Celts, before he came back to bring them to the Saving Grace of Christ.  Joseph, that great patriarch of the Israelites was a slave as well.  He, too, brought delivery to not only his own people, but to the people who had enslaved him, as well.  Daniel, another great prophet of the Old Testament gained high honors and helped the nations he served, but he too, started as a slave.

Slavery is an evil that robs the person of not only  their rights, but of their individuality and gifts.  But with God's help, those chains cannot keep the submitted soul from breaking free to greater heights in the spirit.  Martin Luther King, Jr. knew that even though African Americans were considered free, they were still bound by invisible chains.  They were not allowed to go to certain places or do certain things.  They were limited by the chains of racism and bigotry.  In spite of that limitation, he spoke loudly and often for those chains to be broken and true freedom to come..  Truly he deserves the honor that has come to him.  He has led a nation and brought insight and understanding to break the yoke of indifference, suffering, and shame.  What courage he and those who stood with him, had.  What a destiny God planned for him.  To change a nation, to stand up to what was wrong, and work for change, took a definite call from God.

I see that change at work in my own family.  Our diverse backgrounds brought together in unity and love.  "Our children are a heritage of the Lord."  He gives each one a path to follow.  He knows where it will lead, and because of the courage of men and women like Martin Luther King, Jr., and Queen Esther, and those like them, that stood up to what was wrong to make changes for the good of all, we live our lives in a better place.    My hope for the children who hold the future in their destinies, is that they will have the courage and strength to stand up for what is right, to not be afraid to speak up with faith and hope in the changes they see need to happen, and to not ever forget that it is God who is the One to shake the nations, and all that they do, must be under His Covering.

Even though yesterday was the day to celebrate and honor Martin Luther King, Jr., I wish to extend that honor not only to one day, but to challenge us to remember the men and women of faith who have gone before us and made changes for the good in each generation.  There is a host of them, that we should honor and applaud.  Martin Luther King, Jr. is honored on his birthday, for the life he lived in giving of himself totally to his cause.  Let us remember him and as we remember him, let us also add our thoughts of the others who made such a difference for the good.  Let freedom ring for all people everywhere.  Let us take what we have learned from Martin Luther King, Jr, and use it to go even further in the goal of equality.

Let us remember the greatest words of equality ever, "He whom the Son has set free is free indeed."  If Jesus has set you free, than you are a victor in life.  "You are more than a conqueror."  A conqueror?  More than a conqueror?  A conqueror is the complete victor in a battle.  There is no contest.  He gains it all.  You are more than that.  So, remember your heritage of faith.  Remember the saints that have gone before you.  Read the list of "mighty men and women" in God's Word.  Let the victories God led them in encourage your hearts, souls, and spirits.  May you feel God's Power flowing through you and giving you strength.  May you find the destiny God has called you to.  Make the changes in your world.  Make the difference around you.  Be the ONE.  Be the surrendered soul to God's plans.  Believe His Word.  Put His Word to action in your life.  A very dear friend gave me a precious gift recently.  It is a book by Beth Moore, on praying Gods Word, to overcome the strongholds in your life.  She mentions the spiritual armor, and then states, "There is only one weapon we fight with, in that armor, and that is the  Sword of the Spirit.".  Then, she says, "Along side of the Sword of the Spirit, I believe that prayer is your second weapon."  It is a weapon that works in sync with the Word of God.  You pray His Word, and watch what happens.  Apply that Word in prayer.  Apply that Word to your life in acting upon it.  Take the verses that God has leap out at you, and let those words become a strong tower for you.  Jesus IS the Word of God.  He is there for you.  Let Him lead you in this journey.  Let this Word, "be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path."  God bless you.