Today's Reading is from: Obadiah.

There are groups that believe the church has replaced Israel. I will not apologize for what I am about to say because I don't apologize for telling the truth. The church has not nor ever will replace Israel. We have been grafted in.

With that being said, the nation that stands with Israel will be blessed by God. I believe whole heartedly that God has blessed America because we have stood with Israel. Make no mistake about it if we as a nation turn our backs on Israel we are asking for failure.

The reason it's important to vote every election is because if we get someone in office that is against Israel that is a reflection on the people.

Notice a couple of thoughts about the nation that went against God's people. Some things the nation of Edom did that we should take to heart.

1.) They were prideful verses 3-4

My how that has happened today

"We are the greatest nation on earth"

" We have the best jobs"

"People are always coming to us for help"

"That's my president!"

Friend, may I remind you that proverbs says pride cometh before destruction. May I also remind you that God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble.

2.) They were guilty of joining the other team. Verse 11

If we go along with someone that is going against Israel we are just as guilty as the person going against them.

A person that is in the store and watches someone steal something and doesn't report it or do something about it they are just as guilty.

Some know my story of the first six months of my life how I was abused. If you don't know the story and are interested in learning more contact me and I will be glad to tell you my testimony. Where I was getting to was my biological father was the one that did all the abuse but my biological mother was just as guilty because she let it happen.

The Edomites didn't offer any help to Israel against the enemy but rather did like Jonah, if you will, and watched everything go down. Of course we know that Nineveh was not going to be judged at the time because of their repentance but Israel was going to be judged and the Edomites sat and watched it all go down.

I wouldn't want the blood of Israel on my hands because of not putting people in office that support Israel

3.) They were guilty of taking things by affliction rather than standing with them to protect their possessions in hard times verse 13

They went in and took possessions at a time of calamity. May we never use circumstances to get gain of others.

Many have used a death of a loved one to get all they can from others for their own gain.

Many have used a hard time as a crutch to get gain and help when they no it's not right.

I don't want to be guilty of using someone's hard time to get personal gain.

These are three things they did and God judged them for it.

You can never win going against God's land.

Life application: standing with Israel is the right and blessed way. We must pray for Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to read this fire-starter devotional. If it was a blessing please pass it along to others. If you have any questions or comments please send me an email to Justin@rtfministries.net.