Have you ever heard of True North? You can’t find it with a compass because when the arrows on the compass point north, it’s not really pointing to the North Pole.
Geographically, the North Pole is the top of the earth. It’s a fixed position that never changes. That’s why it’s called, “True North.” It’s from this position that mapmakers draw their maps.
A compass, however, doesn’t point true north. It points 1,300 miles away from the North Pole and that’s called, “magnetic north.”
What’s my point? If I were a sailor sailing for the North Pole and all I had was a compass, I’d miss my mark by 1,300. That’s a big difference. So big that I may never discover the right harbor I set out for.
For those of us searching for truth today, we’re not going to find in our world. If we follow the world, we will miss our mark. True North, so to speak, is the truth of God’s Word. It’s fixed. It’s certain. It’s absolute. It’s the true map that will guide us toward the right harbor.
While I have nothing personal against Obama, and I can appreciate the excitement this historical event has created, I simply don’t agree with his views and values. They are not true north. Therefore, I must become intentional about these uncharted waters we find ourselves in. I must keep to the Truth of God’s Word or else go off course.
Obama has a hard road ahead of him—just as McCain would have had if he’d been elected President. Our world is already in choppy waters. As people of true north, we need to become active in prayer and duty so that we can help guide America toward true north. We can do that through: Re-Pentance, Prayer, Preparation, and Position.
Re-pentance: In order to hit true north, you and I must began with repentance—personal, political, and national. The bible says, “If my people who are called by name will humble themselves, seek my face, turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Prayer: Prayer is the work we do that moves the hand of God. We need to be actively praying for Obama, those who surround him, for our families, America and her safety—but most importantly the protection of our Christian heritage. “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone– for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.” (1 Tim 2:2)
Preparation: It’s possible that we are headed for judgment. I know that’s not easy to hear. The good news is we may be in position to see Christ’s glorious return as well! Either way, we need to be prepared.
Hard times are still ahead for America. With foreclosures, a failing economy, and rising prices things are tough for many. We can be prepared for the worst. The first thing we need to do is get out of debt. Steps to do that can be found by visiting the website of Dave Ramsey.
Once we’re out of debt, we are in a position to help others. You know, we’ve come a long way from how it use to be—kids playing in the backyard, knowing our neighbors, working in our communities, etc… God often uses difficult times to bring us back to where we need to be—helping one another. What a time–such as now–to be a blessing to someone less fortunate than we are.
Most importantly, we need to be sharing the love of Jesus Christ. Adversity has a way of bringing people to a decision about the fragility of life and their eternity. When they come searching, we want to be prepared to tell them about Jesus. “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence “ (1 Peter 3:15).
Position: Our position is in Christ. We must not forget where our confidence, hope, and security lie as Believer’s. When our faith gets weak, remember that faith is not my trusting in God. Faith is believing that God will remain true to His character. For He is fixed, steady, certain, and absolutely trustworthy. “Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments” (Deut 7:9)
I want to help guide America toward the right harbor. That means I must set my course according to “True North”—God’s standards and nothing less.
I’m also heading north to MN to speak at the Hearts at Home Conference this weekend. The weather forecast is predicating snow. Yea!! We’ll talk again next week when I return.
God Bless…
Bonita says
I’m headed north with you (not Minnesota).
Kathy S. says
Oh man, you are going to be so close and i am not going:(
Yes! True North. Love the Word, be a student of the Word, Abide in the Word, and pray, pray, pray…
I have a friend that goes so I will get to listen to the tape:)
God bless your travel, and hey, at least you get to go back home!
Gracepoint says
I am appalled that I keep hearing these type comments from Christian Community regarding Obama’s nomination. Almost like you guys think that because he dont share ‘all of your values’ world is about to come to end. That is unbeliavable!! Ignorant the least, racist in worst!. I think you forgot that Obama is Christian too but I guess in your mind you’re ‘more’ or ‘better’ Christian that he is. I forgive you since you don’t know what you’re talking about. Please read Lysa’s blog over and over regarding Obama’s election!
Laurie Ann says
Using the Bible and God as our compass, we will definitely find True North! Great post!
elaine @ peace for the journey says
What an arduous, difficult week this has been for me in my faith journey. Hard, friend. Thankfully, I’m rallying again in my “true north”, holding onto the truth thread by thread. My anchor is sure but it’s indeed been rattled these past few days.
Just keeping it real.
peace~elaine
Jill says
Micca,
I love your words in this post and it was great to hear them this weekend at H@H. I was blessed and encouraged with your story. Thank you for sharing. I had to tell it to my SS class this morning – they were sorry they missed it. May God bless you as the journey continues. Thanks again, Jill
Micca says
Dear Gracepoint, thank you for your comment. I agree with you on one point.
1.)God indeed loves us all equally, Obama, me, and you. Praise His Holy Name!
I also understand your anger that causes you to speak out in defense of Obama. You see, I have that same kind of anger that causes me to protect and defend the author of Truth—my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That’s the purpose of my post. I’m not looking for popularity or applause. I’m looking to serve my King by protecting the faith—which we are command to do in the book of James. God’s Word clearly states His moral standard and world views—not mine—but God’s. So it’s not that Obama disagrees with my standard. He disagrees with God’s.
Again, I have nothing personal against Obama. My comments have nothing to do with the color of his skin. I’m not sure where you’re coming from on that issue.
It is my hope and prayer that Obama, because he is a child of God, will allow the Spirit of God to change his convictions so that they match the Lords. In fact, I’m praying that God uses Obama’s “life-change” to bring about a spiritual revolution in America! Now, wouldn’t that be an historical event to remember throughout generations!!
May God’s will alone be done. I wish you many, many blessings…