We Brits are a self-deprecating lot, really. I can’t even
bring myself to say I’m better at this than most.
Having dear friends from across the pond to visit our
country over the next couple of weeks has brought this out in stark relief as
we have been planning where to take them. What we apologetically refer to as a “pile
of old rocks” is viewed with awe because these stones at Stonehenge were
erected between 4 and 5,000 years ago. Castles and royal palaces are looked at
with wide-eyed wonder by those whose country has a history dating back only a
few hundred years, with presidents instead of kings and queens. Museums,
memorials and gravestones of those who fought so valiantly for the truth of the
Word of God in this country are a must-see – and I am starting to wonder why I
haven’t made the effort to visit many of these places before.
I am so thankful to be entertaining these friends from
America. I have found a new love for my own country through their excitement about visiting, that I believe lay deep
inside me, but had been squashed by the prevailing cultural mind-set. I have even discovered that my own home-town
is referred to as the “stopping place of Kings and Queens”, for example the
Roman Emperor of the West, Magnus Maximus, stopped in Finchampstead on his way
to London to claim his throne in 383 AD, according to legend.
I am delighted to be welcoming these friends, Elizabeth and
her family, and Teresa, to my home-country. And not just because I want to show
them the best our country has to offer. These friends are deeply precious to
me, for our friendship was bought by the blood of Christ, it is founded on Him
and the work He has done in each of our lives, and whilst writing online
messages and even talking over the phone brings us close together, every once
in a while to be able to look someone deep in the eyes and share a hug can
convey more than a thousand words.
May God bless them on their travels here. And may God open
the way for meeting face to face with other dear friends in His good timing.
And dear Lord, I pray for this country of mine, this beautiful country with such a rich history, a history full of You and Your work here. Lord, it breaks my heart that a country which once looked to You for her guidance has now hardened her heart against You, and the laws of the land increasingly turn against You and Your ways. Lord, I pray You will raise up godly men in this country who will bring a prophetic voice to this nation, who will hold up Your Word in Spirit and in Truth, that as a nation we may humble ourselves before You and call upon Your Name. I pray for all Your people in this land, Lord, that we would let our light shine before men that they may see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven. Lord, You will be glorified through our nation, whether it be through our disobedience or through our obedience. I pray in Your mercy it would be through our repentance and turning to You. Amen.
And dear Lord, I pray for this country of mine, this beautiful country with such a rich history, a history full of You and Your work here. Lord, it breaks my heart that a country which once looked to You for her guidance has now hardened her heart against You, and the laws of the land increasingly turn against You and Your ways. Lord, I pray You will raise up godly men in this country who will bring a prophetic voice to this nation, who will hold up Your Word in Spirit and in Truth, that as a nation we may humble ourselves before You and call upon Your Name. I pray for all Your people in this land, Lord, that we would let our light shine before men that they may see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven. Lord, You will be glorified through our nation, whether it be through our disobedience or through our obedience. I pray in Your mercy it would be through our repentance and turning to You. Amen.
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