As evening falls, calm my heart and mind.
Give me peace and guard all that is mine.
Forgive me Lord, and show me Your design.
Hold me Lord, and I’ll always be fine.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen.
Politics
God Reigns No Matter What
The following is my article that was published in The News Tribune (Tacoma) this morning. To God be the glory!
I was reminded recently of the strong feelings many have concerning this election and potential ramifications of the outcome. I took a seemingly “hands off” approach in a comment about the election on Twitter, but I am anything but “hands off”. You see, I voted and did my civic duty, but I am not stressing about who will win or who will lose. Some people have threatened to leave the country if so and so is elected – thinking that the grass will be greener somewhere else. The problem with that thinking is that often people find artificial turf where they end up landing. Instead of fleeing, why not stay and fight for change, or better yet, pray and trust God.
So, with that being said, I wrote the following post on Twitter: “In the grand scheme of things, it makes no difference who wins. What truly matters is that God is and always will be sovereign. Jesus is Lord and God’s Kingdom will last forever. Vote your conscience but remember who reigns. To God be the glory, always and forever.“
One of my Twitter followers soon responded with the comment, “Unfollow”. I guess she did not like that tweet. After I questioned her, she responded, but it was clear she either did not understand what I was saying or completely disagreed with me. I had tried to make myself clear, but to no avail. She appeared to be more wrapped up in this election than trusting God. I am not saying we should be completely nonchalant or passive about the election, but I am not going to curl up in a ball and cry if my candidate/party loses. I will continue to trust God.
Election Day is two days away. Some of you have voted already. Some may be still contemplating their ballot. Whatever the case, we will all come through this election season with leaders elected to office. Whoever is elected, know that God will not be surprised or disappointed. That was the point of my above Tweet. God is sovereign. God has a plan. God will get what He wants. And so, trust in Him and pray.
Holy God, this election season has been a source of stress for many. Some are inflamed with hatred over the opposing candidate/party. Our leaders, who are supposed to have our backs and faithfully govern us, are playing an intricate chess game with one another in an effort to advance their own agendas. Oh God, this is not how it should be. But I give you thanks that that is not the way of things in Your Kingdom. As King You rule with all authority but also with our best interests close to Your heart – defeating death and giving us life and salvation through Jesus Your dear Son. And so, may we look to You for our hope and not to the leaders of this country. Give us wisdom to select the leaders You have chosen to advance Your agenda. And give us peace to live in this country no matter who is in office – knowing their rule is limited but Yours is eternal. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
The Savior
The following is the article I wrote for The News Tribune (Tacoma) for today. To God be the glory!
I have been dreading this time of 2020 for a long time. I knew it was coming but I tried to convince myself it was just a nightmare, so I just shook my head and tried to make it go away. And now I just want to stick my fingers in my ears and yell, “LA LA LA LA…” and go to my happy place. But I have a feeling nothing is going to help except to retreat to the only happy place that is filled with joy like none other.
Yes, the presidential campaign has officially taken off with a certain candidate (who shall remain unnamed) choosing a running mate to challenge another candidate (who shall remain unnamed). Soon the airways will be flooded with ads attacking the other candidate/party. Social media will be flooded with memes trying to convince people, through deception, to vote a certain way. Articles, seemingly written by reputable sources, will be passed around with “vital and earth-shattering” information about a particular candidate. It is the same old game that is played every 4 years, but I have a feeling this year will be much worse.
You see, people are clamoring for a savior to save them. There is a pandemic going on; the economy is suffering; people are losing their jobs; radicals from the left and right are fighting for supremacy; and the polar ice caps are melting. Basically, the world is seemingly self-destructing. A savior is needed, and many are turning to this election for that savior.
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” [Philippians 3:20]
Yes, we live here on this flawed and sin-filled earth. We are decaying and moving towards death. World peace is nothing more than a fantasy that is unobtainable. We want a restored world where everyone just gets along or, worse yet, one side has enough power to force the other side to knuckle under and submit quietly.
NEWS FLASH: A savior is not coming in this or any election, but THE Savior has arrived. Jesus Christ is that Savior and he is the only Savior you truly need. He is also returning to bring home those who call on his holy name – to a place where peace, joy, love and life will be eternal; a place where the sovereign King will be on the throne and death; sin and evil will be no more. That which you are longing for is a reality. It is just a matter of for whom you are waiting: a savior or the Savior.
And so, my happy place will be gazing into the promises of God through Jesus Christ. I may still put my fingers in my ears to block out this world but instead of “LA LA LA LA!”, I will be singing praises to my God and King for the hope that is Jesus Christ – my only Savior. To God be all glory, honor, praise and worship, now and forever, Amen.
God Help Us
The political climate in the United States is embarrassing, scary, bang-my-head-on-a-wall frustrating, and a whole host of other metaphors. But I am not going to venture into the political arena here and offer my 2 cents, as there are many who would bury me. Instead, I plead with God to help us – here and now. We live in a messed up, sin-fallen, corrupt world. Our leaders need help. We need help.
So with all of this in mind, I wrote the following poem.
God help us here and now.
Your blessing please avow.
Their actions disallow.
Before You may they bow.
God help us here and now.
Your wisdom please endow.
Without You they know not how,
To please You here and now.
God help us here and now.
Unity where art thou?
So many broken vows
Oh God, save us anyhow
Concerned
I am concerned.
I am concerned that people would rather draw battle lines
rather than come together.
I am concerned that people would rather fire shots across the bow
rather than lay down arms.
I am concerned that people would rather strive for the last word
rather than listen to words.
I am concerned that people would rather craft hated-filled words for others
rather than truly listen and consider the impact of their own words.
I am concerned that people would rather hide behind social media posts
rather than honestly listen and talk with one another.
I am concerned that people would rather create sides/parties
rather than strive for unity.
I am concerned.
I am concerned that people aren’t running to God.
I am concerned that people aren’t dropping to their knees in prayer.
I am concerned that the blame-game doesn’t included one’s own actions.
I am concerned that it is always someone else’s fault.
I am concerned that this country is in a win-lose internal battle.
I am concerned that this nation is turning to other gods for help.
I am concerned.
But I am also hopeful,
because Jesus reigns and always will,
God is still God,
and the Holy Spirit is still active;
and therefore I will pray for this country.
I will pray for it’s leaders,
I will pray for it’s citizens,
I will pray for it’s success,
that God may be glorified.
Be concerned, but be hopeful.
God has already won.
The Pastor -|—
In Your Kingdom
Holy God,
In this world,we are divided into political parties;
but in Your kingdom, we are one family.
In this world, we fight for political supremacy;
but in Your kingdom, You sit on the throne.
In this world, discourse is often hate-filled and divisive;
but in Your kingdom, we shout, “Holy, Holy, Holy“.
In this world, pride drives our lives;
but in Your kingdom, we are humbled under Your mighty hand.
It is no wonder, oh God, that this country is going from bad to worse.
More than ever, we need Your intervention,
and therefore I ask for wisdom and discernment for our elected leaders.
May they come together for a common cause.
May their discourse serve to unite people.
May they govern rightly.
In this world, leaders come and go;
but in Your kingdom, You reign forever and ever.
To YOU be the glory,
oh God,
always and forever,
Amen!
The Pastor -|—
I’ve Had Enough
It is time for me to resurrect this blog.
I have let it slip into a very deep hibernation but it’s time for it to come back to life. Why, you may ask. Well, I’ve had enough.
I’ve had enough of the whining.
I’ve had enough of the whining about how bad our politicians are. I don’t care if your Democrat or Republican or some other party I haven’t heard of before. I’m just tired of the mean-spirited internet memes. I’m tired of the “news” articles about how bad this person is or how terrible this person’s policies are compared to this person. I’m tired of the celebrities getting on their high horse as if they are claiming some moral authority.
Whining, whining, whining.
What ever happened to praying?
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. [1 Timothy 2:1-2]
I have published passive aggressive posts on social media calling out the whining and calling people to prayer. Well, I can hardly do that if I don’t lead by example. So I am going to do that here. I am going to compile a list of local, state and national leaders and pray for them; some of which I will post here. The prayers won’t be political in nature. I am simply going to pray for our leaders that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Enough is enough. Many of you are praying and to that I say AMEN and TO GOD BE THE GLORY. Everyone else, get on your knees. If you want a better country, it’s not going to happen because of an election. It will happen when the people turn back to God.
And so, let us pray…
The (Feisty) Pastor -|—
True Delight
Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
[Psalm 1:1-2]
Previously I wrote about the church keeping it’s focus and not getting distracted with a worldly gospel that has politics at it’s core. It’s a gospel that is ramping up more and more as we approach Inauguration Day. The rhetoric is aimed at pitting two sides against one another; not leading towards unity but rather a “war” of sorts. I am seeing Christians and Christian leaders posting articles and updates that have a hate-filled taste to them. It bothers me. I try to avoid such things but it’s all over the place. I see the posts and quickly gloss over them; trying not to get drawn into the fray. And believe me it is tempting. So in response I am trying to focus on taking delight in God through Jesus Christ and letting THE Gospel shed light in the darkness. It’s only through Jesus that we will find hope. It is only through love that we can battle hate. So excuse me as I go and delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it…
All praise be to God our Father through Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen
The Pastor -|—
What Gospel are you Preaching?
Hey there Church…
We are not to ignore the world but neither are we to conform to it. (Romans 12:1-2)
We are to pray for our leaders. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
We are not forbidden from serving in public office but rather we are to serve Chirst in the vocation to which we are called.
We are to submit to our government authorities. (Romans 13:1-7)
Our government does not bear the sword in vain. (Romans 13:4)
…but I am concerned about something. What Gospel are you preaching? I am seeing way too many Christians on social media too focused on politics and politicians. Don’t get me wrong, though, I am not trying to pass judgment but rather wondering.
~ Is this really our call as Christians?
~ Is political rhetoric going to save souls?
~ Is complaining about politicians going to give people hope?
~ Is bashing our government going to encourage people?
I am not throwing my support behind any political party here but rather I want the Church to focus. There are greater issues in the world than who’s boycotting what political party or who is in office. Don’t ignore politics but also don’t make politics the Gospel you preach. The Gospel is that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins, that we may have the hope of everlasting life. That should be our core message and that is what people should be hearing from the Church. I know I need to hear that on a daily basis.
Let’s keep our eye on the ball and remember what our mission is. Jesus saves not politics.
The Pastor -|—
Pray, pray, pray
God is in control!
Jesus IS King!
God WILL BE glorified!
So…
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
[1 Timothy 2:1-2]
Enough said 🙂
Praise be to God!
edh -|—
The Heart of a Pastor 