 To avoid drifting away and losing heart, to continue to rest in right standing (righteousness), whether we “feel righteous” or not, before God and man, we must acknowledge that the Word of God is living and active every day, even during the dark days when we think that we are walking alone and that God has abandoned us. This journey is, in a word, faith.
How does a man become righteous before God? Many might argue that one must follow certain religious rules, recite the perfect number of scriptures, or pray a specific prayer to become righteous in His sight. But to understand what righteousness is, how to obtain it, and how to avoid drifting away from it, we’ll need to understand how the kingdom of God operates. But before I lose you on the whole righteousness thing, know this: righteousness in its simplest definition simply means, being in “right standing.”
I’ve discovered that it’s the PRACTICE OF PRAYER and NOT THE PERFECTION OF IT that God wants us to pursue. And that’s great news, because practice is achievable; perfection is not.
Here’s a great verse to know and believe in. It’s short enough to memorize and of great comfort when you’re feeling down, lonely or discouraged. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…” [James 4:8] Now that sounds like a great deal to me!  A national treasure — dare I say a global treasure — is in danger of being overrun, lost and forgotten if we don’t rise up and take a stand for God, His people and this nation. That treasure is America, under God. For way too long, we have allowed the founding principles of our nation — God’s principles, instructions and wisdom — to suffer abuse, so-called correction and even abandonment.
 Unlike Gideon’s bizarre nighttime raid with trumpets, torches, and shouting, Joshua’s battle at Jericho was executed in broad daylight. No one fled the battle scene out of fear, wondering how many soldiers were out there in the night.
The battle of Jericho was a live-fire Memorex event. Remember those old commercials for Memorex? “Is it live or is it Memorex?”  I’m not sure how I would have reacted upon seeing an angel sitting under an oak tree watching me sweat my brains out, wheat particles and wheat dust flying everywhere. Such was the case for a young lad named Gideon.
Talk about a holy boldness with an attitude! I think it’s safe to say that Gideon was a powder keg just waiting for the opportunity to blow.  In James 1:5 the Bible says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach.”
How awesome is that! Generously AND without reproach!  A difference maker is willing to step out of his or her comfort zone, take a risk, and trust in God. When a difference maker finds that the current circumstances are out of his or her control, they pray. When they find the circumstances are under control, they plan.
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