The Day After Election Day Thoughts

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
Romans 13:1

I know these blogs are a little off of my usual tone, but my heart is heavy for a different reason than those I am listening to today. As I watch the reactions of Christians to the election I wonder if we believe the verse above or not. When it was written, the people reading it were dealing with leaders who were often godless and corrupt. They had a much tougher situation for applying this than we do today. With each comment that comes out of our mouths about our newly elected leader, about the choice of the American people, we need to remind ourselves that we are representing Christ. Our job to choose is now over. Now it is our job to give honor and PRAYER where they are due! I did not pray for a certain man to be elected, I prayed for God's will to be done in our nation. I did not vote for the one who was chosen, but I will honor, pray for, and show respect and Christlike love for the man and his family that God has allowed to have this office. I pray that they will not hear ugliness and pointless babbling from the church, but a Body of Christ ready to love even when they are disappointed, a church who has a God big enough to do ANYTHING through ANYONE! We serve a BIG GOD, people! He can handle this one, too! I say we pray, continue steadfastly in our mission of reaching souls, and watch God show His power. Who knows what He has planned?!

Election Day Thoughts

As I was having my quiet time this morning I read these verses. Once again a reminder of what we all know but can forget as we watch those in power. Even the most powerful man in the world has no power in comparison to our God. Regardless of the outcome today, our mission as Christians remains unchanged. Whether we appreciate the policies and beliefs of the man (or woman) in power or not, we are in the business of souls, of spirits, of what will last beyond the ending of this world and all its kingdoms. It doesn't matter if we meet the physical needs of those around us if we are not reaching them with Christ. Physical needs continue to return, people continue in their ways, and cycles of poverty and wealth will twist and turn again and again. We must be there with Living Water that offers the opportunity to thirst no more. We cannot rely on government policies or the money of others to do our job - WE are the hands and feet of Christ. We pray for our leaders, they can't get into office unless God has a purpose for them there according to Romans. We stop spending all of our energy trying to make those who are unsaved act like they are. Instead we work vigilantly for the harvest of souls and ask ourselves not what others are doing but what we are doing for those around us. Sometimes I wonder whether we should be asking God to have mercy on our nation or on the church. If we spent half as much energy meeting the needs of teen mothers, and sons without positive role models, and those with AIDS, as we do working to have our voice heard on laws on abortion and gay marriage, maybe they wouldn't be such issues in this country. Today I will vote and wait to see what we have chosen, and today I will pray for revival among those who fear God's Name. How can the fire spread when we are not contagious?!!

Psalm 33

4 For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.

5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars;
he puts the deep into storehouses.

8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the people of the world revere him.

9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.

10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.

13 From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;

14 from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth-

15 he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.

16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.

17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.

18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.

Encouraged

Thank you so much for your sweet words of encouragement and prayers! I am doing much better as I begin this week. I had the sweetest voice mail from a friend today - just reminded me again of how richly blessed I am. There is something that just wraps your heart up like a blanket when someone calls and offers anything they can think of to help you through a rough spot! Love you, Jennifer!

Something is currently wrong with my pictures but I will get some up here as soon as that gets fixed. Until then, here are some verses God has given me in this trial that I am reading each day and just allowing them to soak into my spirit. May they bless you today!

Psalm 34

1 I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.

2 My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.

6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.

10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.