Friday night Bob and I went to Grand Haven. We enjoy going out there to have supper, and then walking the pier. I'll show you more of that tomorrow.
The photo above is of a hill overlooking the harbor in Grand Haven, Michigan. Until a few months ago, that anchor was a cross. Someone came into town, who didn't even live in Michigan and threatened to sue if the cross stayed up. He apparently goes all over the country doing this sort of thing. The ACLU got involved and although the great majority of citizens voted for the cross to stay, it was changed to an anchor.
It seems that every week, something else happens in the world, or in our country that take away more religious freedoms. Decisions by the Supreme Court, Media that pushes an agenda and for that matter politicians that do the same, terrorism, wars... The Bible tells us in the last days times will be hard and Christians will be hated. I believe all these things are signs of the times.
These things are disheartening, but we are called to continue on; to speak the truth while showing God's love. And, we can remember that we know how this story ends!
"I have told you these things so that in me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble but take heart. I have overcome the world." John 16:33
21 comments:
I'll follow God's command, not mans...after this week, my family is taking a stand...just saying...and be prepared, us Christians will be attacked. Thank you for your post, Mari. Blessings
It is sad to see a few people, bullies really, dominating the majority of people, as in the case of that cross.
I agree l00%, Mari. Sad times, but believing in Him
and His word keeps us going.
xoxo
Mari, I agree with you completely.
My sister in Indiana, has told me how all the Christian books are being removed from the public library.
It's sad to read/hear/see such hatred in the world. To me no matter WHAT religion...not just Christians. I think if you're a good Christian there should be love of ALL, not just those that believe in MY God. But wars have been about religion for centuries....it's just not today times, but history and surely into the future.
Still, it's disheartening to know that we can't have a say or a thought without provoking the ever-growing hatred. And it's just not the anchor either...the flag, the gay marriage rights, the politicians, the government butting in, I could go on and on.
Mari, thank you so much for sharing this here. It is certainly a sign of the times. When I first saw the picture of the anchor the thought I had was remembering the hymn "I Have an Anchor". We truly are losing our religious freedoms and I fear, at a lot faster rate than any of us realize. John 16:33 definitely is a great hope for us to remember!
The principles this country was founded on are all being eaten away by hatred and evil. It is so sad to watch it happening. My faith is strong. I believe we will have to stay strong and endure what comes, but I sure won't go down without a fight. My vote will still count for something and my prayers will still be lifted.
I so feel the same as you...thanks for the reminder of John 16:33.
I believe that true Christians will agree with you. I know I do. My Pastor had a great message last night on the need for us to stand strong, to get busy before He comes, as we need to be ready. I am on the Lord's side, and He is my Anchor.
How very sad. It really seems that we no longer have religious freedom and I think it will only get worse for Christians.
On a happy note, I've added you to our email list so my husband will email you once our baby is born :)
So glad we have many Christian bloggers to visit with.
The Anchor was a good replacement. The unbelievers just
don't know God is our Anchor.
Hi Mari! What a sad state of affairs... I'm sure the sailors of the area used that cross as a compass and a directional. As it should be!
I guess the anchor is nice, but the whole idea of erasing such a beautiful image of faith is so sad. All we can do is live our lives the best way, the most faithful way we can. With the Lord, it will be enough.
Michigan is beautiful though. I hope you and Bob had a good time.
Ceil
Take heart!!
I'm looking forward to the day when "social" Christianity is no longer a thing and Christ and His church will be defined by those who trust Him as Lord.
I like your post Mari. I was thinking about the issues of this past week also. Some things that happened in the South were awful....just awful. As I listened then to the news the rest of the week, I had to spend some time in the Word. Psalms 37 was especially comforting.
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
2
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
3
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5
Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
6
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
7
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
8
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.
Too bad for the godless, the Cross is our Anchor. And EVERY knee shall bow. God bless you my friend. xoxo
I agree Mari. That it seems we hear so much today about hatred & violence & not even just about religion. Many have their priorities wrong & worship the wrong things!
But I still hold onto my faith in humanity too. That enough of us will get tired of hearing media glorify all the bad & shine a light on all the good that is around us too. The good is just boring news - but it IS there & we need to hold on to that too & not be easy to give up to the other. Xoxo
So true, Mari, so true.
So very true!
Very well said Mari, and I do believe the end times are coming.
I determine to remain true to God, Christ, The Holy Spirit and THE WORD....period...
Interesting how as usual Christians aren't allowed to have our "offensive" symbols up, but they have no problem with putting the things that offend us right in our faces. But the first is such a good reminder, and I love the scripture CherDecor posted - so comforting! I pray we can raise our kiddos well in these crazy times.
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