Update and Repost from January 24, 2018
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn” (Ps 89:14-16).
“Indeed, The LORD is my light and my salvation– whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life– of whom shall I be afraid? One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple” (Ps 27:1 , 4).
“When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face” (Ps 11:3-5, 7).
It breaks my heart how callous and cold we have become as a nation. Even those who profess to believers in Jesus Christ tend to lash out at others when offended. IT’S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE THIS WAY.
When I hear the phrase “there is a special place in hell” for someone who does something we don’t agree with it grieves my spirit. People loosely say things that have little biblical truth. Jesus died so that others might be set free from sin and destruction. We don’t have that right to dismiss someone to hell ((Jn 3:16, 36.). Hell isn’t a special place. Hell was originally designed for Satan and his demons (Matt 13:41,50; Rev 20:11-15; 21:8). Hell will also punish the sin of those who reject Christ (Matt 13:41,50; Rev 20:11-15; 21:8). Christ gave his life as a ransom for the lost (Matt 20:28). He gives everyone the opportunity to accept salvation (Rom 3:3; 10:9-10).
There is a difference between being right, self-righteous and righteous:
Right is defined in Webster’s as acting or judging in accordance with truth or fact such as time proved her right. Being in accordance with what is just, good, or proper or conforming to facts or truth.
Self-righteous is characterized by a certainty, especially an unfounded one, that one is totally correct or morally superior. Someone who is convinced of one’s own righteousness especially in contrast with the actions and beliefs of others.
Webster’s defines righteous as acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin. Morally right or justifiable a righteous decision; arising from an outraged sense of justice or morality righteous indignation.
The Bible says all our righteous acts are like filthy rags (Isa 64:6). The term “filthy rags” is very strong. The word filthy is a translation of the Hebrew word iddah, which literally means something unclean like a stained garment or “the bodily fluids from a woman’s menstrual cycle.” This does not mean that all of our acts are unacceptable in the eyes of God. Isaiah is referring to people whose righteousness is in fact hypocritical. Our right standing before God or “righteousness” is not based on our own good works. We are saved not by what we have done, but by what Christ has done. We are not accepted by God because of our work, but in spite of them.
Biblical righteousness entails more. God the Father is righteous (just); Jesus Christ his Son is the Righteous (Just) One; the Father through the Son and in the Spirit gives the gift of righteousness (justice) to repentant sinners for salvation (Ps 89:14, Mal 4:2, Rom 5:17). We are declared righteous (just) by the Father through the Son and made right by the Holy Spirit working within us. We have a covenant relationship with the living God of all grace and mercy.
I’ve learned that it more important for me not to be right in my own eyes, but, to sow seeds of righteousness that will reap a crop of love in these coming days (Hosea 10:12). The Church of Jesus Christ will become the source of revival and will bring healing to the divisions in the United States and in many other nations as we come together in the unity of faith pursuing righteousness, faith, love and shalom (peace), along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim 2:22). Unity is needed for the oil of anointing from Jesus Christ, the Head, to pass down through the Body of Christ (Ps 133:1-3). This unity is not something that can be found in the world or the world systems. 
People of God, we have the opportunity to impact our culture for the Kingdom of God in this generation. We can be a part of rebuilding the righteous foundations in America in our day. Isaiah 58:9-12 says: “Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.“If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves [ that time] in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called repairer of broken walls, restorer of streets with dwellings.
We are called to be repairers of the breach, to bridge the gap in our society. To rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the good and right way. Restore righteousness to the places that have be devastated. Our families, communities, cities and nation. The nation is watching to see if we will stand for God’s Word and will we live righteously. We can rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations (Isa 61:4).
When we hunger and thirst for righteousness we become tenacious in our pursuit of God (Matt 5:6). We will be compelled to make a difference and repair what is broken in our society through whatever sphere of influence we have been given.
We are moving into a new season. The Bible says there is a time and season for everything under the sun. Deliverance and revival is coming to America. The Light of the Lord will lead the way. As darkness covers the face of the earth we will see revival, restoration and resurrection take place.
Psalm 24:1-2, says “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.” We must be willing to pursue righteousness rather than be right or self-righteous. Let’s continue to pray for our nation, region, cities, communities, churches and families.
May the grace, joy, and peace of God be yours through Jesus Christ our loving Lord. To Him be glory, now and forever.
Blessings,
Dr. Francine
BEYOND CHURCH WALLS 