I have begun a new preaching series in the Book of Judges.  It is a very modern Book--like reading this morning's newspaper.  The Book of Judges reveal a dark time in the history of Isrsael.  I am concerned that I personally, as well as the church, respond properly to the dark days ahead for us as a country.  The people of Israel instead of becoming a distinct people, compromised when it came to God's truth and became just like their culture. The sins of the culture became the sins of God's people. God's people had no influence on the culture, the culture influenced God's people.  It is my prayer that I live a distinctly godly life so that I might be a light in the darkness, and have an influence on those around me for the good of  God's people and for the glory of God's name and gospel.  I know that there are some difficult and challenging and courageous and risky choices ahead to be made for Christ.  Lord, may I rely on your grace and enablement to stay steadfast in following Christ.