Dear editor,

An old lesson, but new to some.

If you study the Old Testament, then you understand that when nations and people sinned against God, his wrath was poured out on them. He literally destroyed them.

Today, we are not under the law but under his grace. If we had been under the law, he would have destroyed America long ago.

It is by his mercy and grace that he forgives the sinner who truly repents and turns from his sins. America&8217;s sins are many, but we serve a merciful and forgiving God.

Is God judging America because sin is so rampant today? Is this his way of getting our attention &8212; wars tornados, floods, hurricanes, break-up of families, corruption in the business world, loss of jobs, etc.?

The word says he is a jealous God. He will have no other gods before him &8212; jobs, families, pleasures &8212; Deuteronomy 5:7-9. He says if we keep his commandments, we will be blessed (Deuteronomy 28: 1-14; Exodus 20: 3-17). The greatest of these commandments is love. How can we say we love God and hate our brother? Love is of God.

Admit that we can&8217;t love, but ask and allow God to love our brothers through us. When we truly begin to show remorse and true repentance, we take the first step, and God will forgive and take the second step.

Why is it so hard for man to humble himself and ask for forgiveness? Could it be that Satan holds us back because of our pride? God hates pride more than anything, and I can see why. It separates us from him. God loves a humble and contrite spirit. As I have said, his promise is to forgive us. How much more should we, as his children, forgive each other in order that he can forgive us?

If we have asked Jesus into our hearts, we have been born again and made pure and righteous by his shed blood. By this act of obedience, Jesus made a way for us to have access to his father, our heavenly Father. He is available for prayer 24 hours a day.

Is God trying to wake America up? Is he trying to get our attention? What does the future hold for our children and grandchildren? Only God knows, but this I know without a shadow of doubt, God&8217;s Word is true, and he will gladly forgive us if we rid ourselves of pride and humble ourselves and turn from our wicked

ways, ask him to forgive our sins and heal our land.

Such a small thing to ask, and in return, God will save America.

A believer on his knees is the greatest source of power in the world.

Ann Bracken