November 8, 2012

 

So, how do you respond in the wake of a national election that just repudiated your beliefs and values?

 

The Apostle wrote the challenge below to a Church that was engaging a pagan culture and ruled by a hostile government. He understood that the public practice of their Christian faith could be hazardous to their health. Afterall, remember that Paul was writing this 12th Chapter of Romans from prison for the crime of preaching Christ.

 

While times were a bit more extreme than our times but the truths still apply. What the great Apostle counsels them to do is sound advice for you today. Here are three things you should do to engage this rapidly changing culture you find yourself surrounded with.

 

SURRENDER

 

You have two choices that face you today. You can surrender to your Christ or surrender to your culture.

 

Paul urges the former - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is true worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

 

You must decrease so Christ can increase. You must die to your selfishness and come alive in His holiness.

 

Have you surrendered to Christ?

 

SERVICE

 

You need to conquer your culture in the same way Christ did and the same way the Early Christians did - by serving it. Surrendered people serve.

 

You may be asking, "How should I serve?"

 

Paul provides specific answers - "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.  For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."

 

You may be asking, "Who do I serve?"

 

Primarily you serve your family and the faith community where God has placed you and you do it with joy!

 

Are you using your spiritual gifts and talents to serve your brothers and sisters?

 

SINCERITY

 

Again, you have a choice! You can respond to your culture with cynicism or sincerity.

 

When you serve your fellowship and your community you must do it with the motive of giving not getting. You don't calculate or qualify friends or enemies, when you see a need you simply meet it. When you find a hurt you help to heal it. You give God's truth a chance to shine through your sincerity -  ^"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. ¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not think you are superior.¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

 

Do you believe the power of goodness is stronger than the power of government?  Will you live in sincerity or give into evil?

 

Be surrendered. Be a servant. Se sincere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 7, 2012

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23

 

I stood in line longer than I ever have waited to vote this morning. It was exciting to see so many Americans coming to the polls, regardless how they voted.

Voting is still going on hot and heavy as I write this post as the polls don't close for another three hours. So, the outcome of this crucial National Presidential Election is still in doubt.

 

In case you are worried about the outcome of the election let me share with you one thing that is not in doubt and will not be in doubt regardless how the election results turn out. IF THE LORD IS YOUR SHEPHERD - THE FUTURE WILL BE YOUR FRIEND!

 

There is a good reason this beloved Psalm is beloved! It offers enduring hope in an uncertain world!

 

However the election turns out, you will have the Good Shepherd's provision!

 

Regardless who the next President is, you will have the Good Shepherd's presence!

 

Whoever wins the Presidency you will enjoy the Good Shepherd's protection!

 

Regardless how the election turns out you will have the Good Shepherd's peace!
 

No matter who the next President is, you will have the Good Shepherd's promise

Which ever political party prevails you will have the Good Shepherd's power!

 

Regardless who wins the most electoral votes, you will someday enjoy the Good Shepherd's paradise!

As important as this election is (and it IS important) it is not nearly as significant as your choice to choose God as your Good Shepherd because when the Lord is your Shepherd the future is your friend!

Have you confessed your sinfulness, repented of your sin and accepted Jesus as your Savior? That's when He becomes your Shepherd and when He becomes your Shepherd your future is your friend!

 

 

 

November 6, 2012

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10

Those who have not yet cast their vote will do so today. It is Election Day in America!
 

 Like you, after voting I will be tuned into the radio, internet and TV all day receiving updates on the voting trends and tallies.Perhaps by late in the night or in the morning hours of Wednesday we will know who the 45th President of the United States will be.

As usual, American voters will decide between two candidates who each claim their vision for America's future will make life better for the American people. Each voter will decide if he prefers more government, higher taxes, and less freedom or smaller government, lower tax rates and more individual freedom. And, in addition, he must decide which candidate is more believable and most capable of delivering on his promises.
 

 Well, I have formed my opinion and have made my decision how I will cast my ballot. I feel good about my choice.
 

I hope my guy wins. But regardless of the outcome of the election, I am confident about my life and my future! My confidence is not grounded in what a President Obama would do or what a President Romney will do, my confidence rests on what Jesus already HAS done!

Jesus, the Son of God, born of a virgin and the Word become flesh came promising a better life to those who would believe in Him. And not just a better life but an ABUNDANT life - a life that is fulfilling and forever - the life of faith!

As an American and someone who takes citizenship seriously, I will rest my hopes on a candidate I believe will be most likely to improve life in America. But I will vest my faith in Jesus for this current life and in the life to come!


 


 

 

 

November 5, 2012

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." Proverbs 14:34

This is a very straight forward statement. It is very simple and yet quite complex.

I would think that if you ask the average citizen of any nation, "Would you rather have your nation be righteous or disgraced?" My guess is that most of them would say, "I want a righteous nation!"

 

While righteousness is important to any nation, it is absolutely essential to the United States!

 

Here's why!

 

America is the only nation to have been founded on the idea that human rights are given by God and the purpose of government is to protect those rights. And America is the only nation to ever have codified those protections in a legal document (The Constitution).

 

Rights have as much to do with responsibility as they do with freedom. In a sense, that what righteousness is - the responsible exercise of freedom. The responsible exercise of freedom means doing what God says is right! How can you hope to maintain your rights if you do what God says is wrong? Unrighteousness is therefore, a direct threat to freedom! When you under mind what is right you under mind your rights!

 

Think about that if you think that righteousness does not matter.

 

As a very simple example remember what happened when you were a child and you did something wrong. When your parents discovered you had done wrong you were punished and that punishment involved some sort of loss of freedom. Maybe you were grounded for a day or maybe you had to go to your room for an hour or two - your "unrighteousness" caused you to lose (if only temporarily) some rights.

 

What happened on a very small scale in your home is a microcosm of what happens on a national scale when unrighteousness becomes epidemic.

 

More great empires have crumbled from within due to the moral and cultural decay resulting from rampant unrighteousness.

 

In addition to the Holy Scriptures, many of the Founding Fathers cautioned against immoral and irresponsible actions of unrighteousness!

 

Doing what is right is essential to keeping America free and strong. Not only does righteousness protect freedom (and it does) more importantly it earns God's favor and blessing. There is no substitute for that!

 

Wonder what is wrong with American? Unrighteousness is what is wrong with America!

 

Do you want to get America right again? Then do right by obeying God and living according to His Word!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cross references:

1. Proverbs 14:34 : Pr 11:11

November 4, 2012

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." 1 Timothy 2:1-2   

 

You have no doubt seen the You Tube video with the four-year old girl who was crying because she was tired of seeing and hearing Mitt Romney and "Bronco Bama".

 

No doubt some of you feel the same about all the ads, debates and news shows about the candidates.

 

So, what should campaign weary Christians be doing just 48 hours from election day?

 

"First then, I urge supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people"

 

We need to be praying!

 

Supplications are heartfelt requests for God to provide something that you deem essential. It might be protection for the candidates. It may be for wisdom and courage for you. It may be for a fair and just election.

 

Prayers are requests made in accordance with God's Word and His will.

 

Intercessions are prayers for the spiritual condition of our leaders and our nation. They are for calling upon God for His mercy upon our land. They are calling for salvation for our President and Congressmen and mayors and councilmen. Pray that evil be restrained and righteousness prevails.

 

Thanksgivings are just that! Thank God for the peace and freedom that we enjoy in this land. Thank Him that you were blessed enough to have been born in America. Thank Him for those who have served and sacrificed to preserve our freedoms.

 

We do not need political commercials or strategies or advisers, we need a divine and supernatural movement of God's Spirit upon our nation. That only comes through supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving!

 

Months and months of campaigning is 48 hours from coming to a conclusion. Prayer is how

should be spending your time between now and the moment you walk into that booth.

November 3, 2012

^"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone." Ephesians 2:14-20

 

In three days we will go to the polls and choose between two flawed and imperfect candidates. One of them will lead us for the next four years and have a significant impact on our daily lives and future.

 

But, thank God, we get the privilege of casting a vote and having a voice in the eventual outcome!

 

That great freedom was purchased for us by the bravery, sacrifice and blood of courageous patriots throughout the generations who loved freedom more than life. Think of them when you cast that ballot on Tuesday.

 

What a blessing we have as Americans! Only by the grace of God were we born in thise great land. Therefore, it behooves us to be responsible citizens so we can pass the blessings of this great nation to the next generation and continue to be a blessing to other nations around the world.

 

Those of us who are Christians have an added responsibility to be exemplary citizens of the USA because we are also citizens of another Kingdom - the Kingdom of God. You and I represent that Kingdom in this world.

 

Our citizenship in that Kingdom was also purchased by the blood of One Who loved our freedom greater than His life. Jesus, the Son of God, became the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world. He did all He could to help bring the power and principles of His perfect Kingdom into this imperfect world. And as troubled as our world and our nation is, imagine what it would be like without the influence of Christians and biblical truth.

 

So, we hold dual-citizenship and we are called to bring as much of the Perfect Kingdom as we can into the fallen kingdom to preserve it and to persuade others to believe in Christ and enter the eternal Kingdom through faith in Christ.

 

I close with this challenge. Since you will spend the vast majority of your life in the perfect, holy, everlasting Kingdom of God, and since that is influenced by how you live in this perishing world, how should you live today? Which kingdom should you live for? Which values should you cherish? What should you love and Who should you live for?

 

November 2, 2012

      
"Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor." 1 Peter 2:17

There are some reasons for optimism if you are backing Governor Romney, as I am.

1. There is a real hunger for leadership in our nation and Mitt Romney has demonstrated leadership in his appearances on the debates.

2. With the economy struggling there is a need for someone with a successful business background to address the serious financial challenges. Gov. Romney has that resume. He is a proven business leader.

3. The results of the 2010 mid-term elections show a conservative resurgence. Also, the Scott Walker recall election in Wisconsin was another example of a conservative trend even in a liberal state. Gov. Walker, a conservative Republican won the election for Governor. When the Teacher’s Union organized a recall vote to counter his efforts to force them to contribute to their pensions in order to help balance the State Budget, he won the recall election by a greater margin than his first election. None of the major pollsters saw either one of those landslide victories coming.

4. According to reliable reports, Gov. Romney is leading in the early voting by a 52% to 45% margin. None of the pollsters have predicted anything like that.

 

5. Just several months ago the electoral vote map was heavily in the favor of the President and it was hard to find many scenarios that would work in Gov. Romney’s favor. Now that is changing and a path to 270 votes is looking more possible.

6. One of the strongest points for the President was his likeability factor. Those favorability numbers have taken a tumble do to his poor performance in the first debate, his harsh tone in the third debate and the negative tone of his campaign.

7. The President has had trouble running on his very poor record on the economy and his very unpopular healthcare reform law. His plan for his second term sounds like more of the same. That is not inspiring the electorate.

8. There is mounting evidence that the President badly mishandled the Benghazi attack and is now covering it up so as to not hurt his re-election chances.

But, the power of an incumbent President is massive and they are rarely defeated for re-election. So, even though there are some positive trends in favor of Gov. Romney, the election is still very much in doubt. You must vote and encourage others to go to the polls.

There are crucial issues at stake in this election:

1) Gov. Romney winning the White House and Republicans winning the Senate is our last chance to overturn the Obama-care Law.

2) Our relationship with Israel has been very negatively affected and this further destabilizes the Middle East.

3) During this next Presidential term there will be several Supreme Court vacancies to be filled. It would do serious harm to the Constitution and the nation if two or three liberal justices were appointed.

 

4) The President has not submitted a budget during his entire term while adding nearly 6 trillion dollars to the debt. He fully intends to continue adding another 4 to 5 trillion in a second term.

All elections are important and it is important for all citizens to be well informed when they go to cast their vote. Christians should not only be well informed but "prayed up" when they go to vote. Their prayers should be for God's wisdom and for discernment of His will. Also, their prayers should be prayers of blessing and wisdom for the President.

 

Because of the condition of our economy, the instability of world economies and the growing threat of terrorism, this election is the most important of our lifetime.Treat it as such.

 

But after you have prayed and voted, trust the results to God and take comfort in the knowledge He is Sovereign and is in control. We don't have to vote on that!