A National Healthcare Plan

S - Deut. 4:6-9 (NLT): "If you obey them carefully, you will display your wisdom and intelligence to the surrounding nations. When they hear about these laws, they will exclaim, `What other nation is as wise and prudent as this!' For what great nation has a god as near to them as the LORD our God is near to us whenever we call on him? And what great nation has laws and regulations as fair as this body of laws that I am giving you today? "But watch out! Be very careful never to forget what you have seen the LORD do for you. Do not let these things escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren."

O - These regulations of the Lord (we now call this ideal the rule of law) are beautiful because they set a single and public measure for all people, leaders and the least, rich and poor, the mighty and the weak. This facet of national life is good to all nations who engage it; those who don't always live out the tragic consequences. The rule of law, however, is set in dynamic tension with two other equally important realities: 1. a constant recognition of the nearness of God and 2. experiences of the Living God carefully remembered and intentionally communicated to the next generation(s). All three are required for any nation/culture to be healthy. This is also true for any family and any individual. Find examples of this powerful triad at any level and the result is always a wisdom and discernment worthy of affirmation.

A - I am thinking about our nation and about my family (Jan, Jake and Heather). The US is big on rule of law and very weak on the other two. I'm okay at the first two and am thinking about the sharing/telling part. Jake has heard so many stories because of my public speaking his entire life until he left our home to form his own. I do need to revisit these stories and to chat about them again with Jake, Heather and Jan. I would like my life to example the fairness, wisdom and a discerning which is consistently reflective of the Kingdom of Heaven.

P - Lord of Heaven and Earth,

Thank you for the instruction, nearness and life experience you make available to all. I do remember so many of your awesome activities on my behalf in matters spiritual and human, eternal and temporal, in things seen and unseen. I welcome your presence, shepherding, decision making, course correcting love and authority to engage me again and again. Please help me to live out this awesome and healthy dynamic … unto all you intend for all those you intend … now and to the generations to come.

Steve