I pray everyone had a happy and joyous Thanksgiving Day with friends and family. It’s just not the same celebration as when I was growing up, yet it is. I mean, Thanksgiving is still the kick-off weekend for the holiday season, but the reverence and the true thought of “giving thanks” seems to be fading into the shadows of commerce more and more every year. It was nearly a crime to do business on Thanksgiving Day in the 50’s, but today the family is ever-more-so being dragged apart with members protecting their employment by having to work away from home. It used to be that a holiday decoration was never seen before Thanksgiving, but now it seems the first of November isn’t early enough for some. It’s also the day children are to have their Christmas gift wish lists ready for distribution. One small boy was giving his lists to his parents with the following instructions: “Fax this list to Santa; Email this list to God and I want to talk direct to Grandma.” Most kids still know who really butters their bread when it comes to getting what they want. An end run around mom and dad, touchdown! Don’t let them try to fool ya, grandparents love their job and only wish they could have had their grandchildren first. Spoil them rotten with love, then send them home.
A six-year-old was asked where his grandmother lived. “Oh”, he said, “She lives at the airport and when we want her, we just go get her. Then when we’re done having her visit, we take her back to the airport.”
Two young boys were spending the night at their grandmother’s house. At bedtime, the two boys knelt beside their beds to say their prayers. The youngest one began praying at the top of his lungs, “I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE. I PRAY FOR A NEW PLAY STATION. I PRAY FOR A NEW DVD...” His older brother leaned over and nudged him saying, “Why are you shouting your prayers? God isn’t deaf ya know!” The younger replied with confidence, “No, but grandma is!”
[Haggai 1: 2-11] After 70 years of captivity, God graciously allowed the Israelites to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. In Ezra 3:10, the work began with great joy. Soon afterward though, the Israelites let adversities stop the work and the temple of God remained barren and desolate. The message God sent through Haggai was: “Consider your ways!” The Israelites were willing to put forth for themselves, but not for God. Are we like the Israelites? Where are our priorities? “Do you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.” (1 Corinthians 3: 16-17) The coming holiday season is a strange time of the year. That’s when people celebrate the birth of the “Prince Of Peace” by buying toy guns, video games full of violence, disrespect for others and the glorification of illegal activity, cell phones for secret texting and an array of “look at me” clothing accessories. Are we spoiling our children by giving into their every want and desire, or are we destroying the temple of God? Are we “providing” for ourselves when we spend more time on our houses, lawns and cars than we spend on God’s work, or are we destroying the temple of God? Why are we having so much trouble in life lately? Is God holding back because we’re not working on the temple? I think so. Read Haggai again and decide for yourself.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Are You Sleeping Well?
I’m hearing from friends and family concerning the recent financial problems across the country and around the world. Some are being laid off at their place of employment and others have watched their employer simply shut the doors to businesses decades old. Others are now well-aware that their debt far surpasses their means to pay it off, as their average income dwindles. It’s hard times for those who have not been living within their means and a pay-as-you-go plan. I seriously believe this crisis would have been avoided if our lawmakers and representatives of the people, state and federal, had to actually follow the rules and laws they themselves impose on the rest of us. Somehow I think they would have seen this coming if they actually had to buy their own gas, and car, life and health insurance, or deal with a banker, or Freddy and Fanny for a roof over their head. Have you ever heard of a retired elected official living off Social Security and Medi-Care? Ain’t gonna happen. But if they had to, things would be a lot different.
A farmer owned some land along the Atlantic seacoast and constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic coast, dreading the awful storms that raged there, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops. One day a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. “Are you a good farm hand?” asked the farmer. “Well, I can sleep when the wind blows”, answered the little man. Puzzled by his answer, the farmer desperate for help, hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk. The farmer was well pleased with the man’s work. Then one night the wind began to howl loudly, a storm was coming in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired man’s sleeping quarters. He shook the little man, “Get up! A storm is coming! We must get things tied down before they blow away!” The little man rolled over in his bed and firmly said, “No sir! I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows.” Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all the haystacks had already been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured, everything was tied down; nothing could blow away. The farmer understood what his hired man meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.
[2 Timothy 3] Those who are prepared, spiritually, mentally and physically, have nothing to fear in this life. The hired man in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm. Are you sleeping well? Can you sleep while stormy winds howl through your life? You can. Security in the storms of life is accomplished by grounding ones self in the Word of God. If we all could hold true to the fruit of the spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5: 22-26), our needs would always hold priority over our wants, keeping our lives in a manageable order, even in the midst of a storm. The world wants you to have the newest and the best, which overpowers your need for God. God has promised eternal security and has prepared a place of rest for those who are prepared. Do you comfort yourself in God’s will for man? Can you sleep when the wind blows?
A farmer owned some land along the Atlantic seacoast and constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic coast, dreading the awful storms that raged there, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops. One day a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. “Are you a good farm hand?” asked the farmer. “Well, I can sleep when the wind blows”, answered the little man. Puzzled by his answer, the farmer desperate for help, hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk. The farmer was well pleased with the man’s work. Then one night the wind began to howl loudly, a storm was coming in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired man’s sleeping quarters. He shook the little man, “Get up! A storm is coming! We must get things tied down before they blow away!” The little man rolled over in his bed and firmly said, “No sir! I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows.” Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all the haystacks had already been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured, everything was tied down; nothing could blow away. The farmer understood what his hired man meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.
[2 Timothy 3] Those who are prepared, spiritually, mentally and physically, have nothing to fear in this life. The hired man in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm. Are you sleeping well? Can you sleep while stormy winds howl through your life? You can. Security in the storms of life is accomplished by grounding ones self in the Word of God. If we all could hold true to the fruit of the spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5: 22-26), our needs would always hold priority over our wants, keeping our lives in a manageable order, even in the midst of a storm. The world wants you to have the newest and the best, which overpowers your need for God. God has promised eternal security and has prepared a place of rest for those who are prepared. Do you comfort yourself in God’s will for man? Can you sleep when the wind blows?
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Foul Smelling
A man came into my office the other day looking for advise. He explained to me how he has seen a change in his son and felt that he was really serious about confronting his problem with alcohol abuse. I’ll be the first one to tell you I’ve been there, done that, and ain’t going back, so whenever someone else has decided to give it up I’m there to help and encourage. The father talked about some of the things that were going on with his son which rattled a lot of old dead bones in my closet. Memories better forgotten, but valuable lessons that can be shared with others looking to change their lifestyle. A lot of people in my life tried to show me the ways of my errors, but nothing changes a person until that person decides in his own mind that change is needed. Even when my alcohol soaked body and mind started to fail me, family, friends and customers started to shun me, my false sense of being 7 foot tall and bullet-proof kept me traveling on the road to destruction. We always think we have things under control even when we know very well we are out of control. One day I finally came to my senses as I had been observing others around me, living the same lifestyle, throwing away their life for one more drink. I discovered I had too much to lose and a lot more life to experience in sober love.
Charlie was 15 and was sure he knew everything there was to know about life in the country. He had a way with creatures of the wild and thought he had a gift for taming them. His old father on several occasions warned Charlie not to fool with skunks, but the boy just smiled and dismissed the warning as valueless. One day while crossing a field his eye spotted a beautiful skunk. Confident in his ability with wildlife, Charlie carefully approached the striped kitty. The creature was enthralled as the boy advanced toward him on all fours, cooing and speaking softly. This assured Charlie of his gift and inflated his confidence. Finally he was within two feet of the exotic creature. Slowly he reached out to stroke the fur of the lovely animal, but somehow something went terribly wrong. In an instant the little animal wheeled around, raised its tail and plastered Charlie with its horrible, foul smelling spray. In an instant, Charlie not only found out he had overestimated his skill with animals, he was so tainted with the skunk’s sickening aroma, he was suddenly a man without a home or friends. His mother wouldn’t let him in the house, he had to sleep in the barn. He couldn’t go to school nor did his friends want to be around him, even his girlfriend fled when he approached her. Poor Charlie. Too bad he was not smart enough to take his dad’s advise.
[James 4: 1-12] The wisdom of our heavenly Father likewise goes unheeded too often, resulting in the world turning on us and spraying the terrible, foul smelling, odor of sin and shame on us. (v.7) “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (v. 8) Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James says we must change our worldly laughter to mourning and our worldly joy to gloom. We must humble ourselves before the Lord and He, not the world, will lift us up. Yeh, I thought full participation in the world was making me happy, yet at the same time I knew it was deceiving me. The more I take to heart the advise of my heavenly Father, found in His Word, the Bible, the easier life becomes and I have no need to seek any substitute for the comforts I have living the Christian lifestyle. Seek heavenly things first.
Charlie was 15 and was sure he knew everything there was to know about life in the country. He had a way with creatures of the wild and thought he had a gift for taming them. His old father on several occasions warned Charlie not to fool with skunks, but the boy just smiled and dismissed the warning as valueless. One day while crossing a field his eye spotted a beautiful skunk. Confident in his ability with wildlife, Charlie carefully approached the striped kitty. The creature was enthralled as the boy advanced toward him on all fours, cooing and speaking softly. This assured Charlie of his gift and inflated his confidence. Finally he was within two feet of the exotic creature. Slowly he reached out to stroke the fur of the lovely animal, but somehow something went terribly wrong. In an instant the little animal wheeled around, raised its tail and plastered Charlie with its horrible, foul smelling spray. In an instant, Charlie not only found out he had overestimated his skill with animals, he was so tainted with the skunk’s sickening aroma, he was suddenly a man without a home or friends. His mother wouldn’t let him in the house, he had to sleep in the barn. He couldn’t go to school nor did his friends want to be around him, even his girlfriend fled when he approached her. Poor Charlie. Too bad he was not smart enough to take his dad’s advise.
[James 4: 1-12] The wisdom of our heavenly Father likewise goes unheeded too often, resulting in the world turning on us and spraying the terrible, foul smelling, odor of sin and shame on us. (v.7) “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (v. 8) Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James says we must change our worldly laughter to mourning and our worldly joy to gloom. We must humble ourselves before the Lord and He, not the world, will lift us up. Yeh, I thought full participation in the world was making me happy, yet at the same time I knew it was deceiving me. The more I take to heart the advise of my heavenly Father, found in His Word, the Bible, the easier life becomes and I have no need to seek any substitute for the comforts I have living the Christian lifestyle. Seek heavenly things first.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Who's In Charge?
“Take me to your leader!” Remember the years of science fiction movies where the alien from outer space demanded to meet with a leader? I often wondered how the alien knew the person they were talking to wasn’t who they were looking for. I consider myself somewhat a leader, but in my lifetime one thing’s for sure, I’m glad for the leaders we have had over the years in this country. I’ve experienced some mighty anxious times in the past, what we now call “historical moments in time”. Just some of the things that come to mind are; the Great Northeast Blackout in 1965, where I grew up; the Assassination of President Kennedy, Nov. 22 1963, a very solemn Thanksgiving that year; Equal Rights Movements, over the years, some good, some not so good; Urban Riots, a very ugly time; Sputnik; Communism, it’s rise and fall; the Atomic Bomb Era; the Race to the Moon, which wasn’t a race at all; Vietnam and now it’s brother Iraq; the Berlin Wall; the loss of two NASA Shuttles; 9-11; and of course our present World Wide Financial Crisis. I’ve really only touched the hem of the historical garment, but it’s a reminder that as a people we’ve survived history, moving on to make more history, in spite of ourselves. I think sometimes the only lessons we learn from history is how to stick our necks out farther, thumbing our nose at the possibility of losing our head, all the while playing chicken with the guillotine operator. Just who is in charge, anyway?
[1 Timothy 2: 1-2] “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intersession 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.” I received an email from a friend the day after the elections reminding me of just who I am and who’s in charge. It’s a very well thought out and written essay by a minister of the gospel, Randy Missildine. I want to share a few thoughts from it, and if you wish to read his entire column, I have it posted on my blog. It’s entitled, “Where Do We Go From Here?”. The national election for the next president of the United States has been decided and with mixed emotions some citizens are elated and some disappointed, but all are asking, “What’s going to happen now?” and “What does the future hold?”. As a Christian, where do I go from here, what do I do now? If you’re worried about what decisions the new president will make, what policies he will try to enact, what direction he will take this country in, then pray for him. PRAY HARD! Pray the president and the congress will look to God for guidance, the they will seek to do His will. And remember this one thing. God is still in control. Some think we are looking into the depths of God’s wrath on this country for the evil we have allowed to blossom over recent decades. Maybe so, I don’t know. Read your Bible and you’ll discover God has in the past allowed bad things to happen to accomplish His will. If God is indeed bringing punishment upon this nation, faithful Christians may suffer some of the consequences. The righteous often suffer with the unrighteous, but Christians must be faithful. Our leaders are appointed of God. Read God’s will on this matter, (Romans 13: 1-7 & 1 Peter 2: 13-17). It doesn’t matter who the president is, who’s in congress or even what kind of government we have. Our first loyalty is to God and his will. We should never be afraid of what the future holds, rather rejoice over our future reward, (2 Timothy 4:8). Pray, Pray, Pray.
[1 Timothy 2: 1-2] “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intersession 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.” I received an email from a friend the day after the elections reminding me of just who I am and who’s in charge. It’s a very well thought out and written essay by a minister of the gospel, Randy Missildine. I want to share a few thoughts from it, and if you wish to read his entire column, I have it posted on my blog. It’s entitled, “Where Do We Go From Here?”. The national election for the next president of the United States has been decided and with mixed emotions some citizens are elated and some disappointed, but all are asking, “What’s going to happen now?” and “What does the future hold?”. As a Christian, where do I go from here, what do I do now? If you’re worried about what decisions the new president will make, what policies he will try to enact, what direction he will take this country in, then pray for him. PRAY HARD! Pray the president and the congress will look to God for guidance, the they will seek to do His will. And remember this one thing. God is still in control. Some think we are looking into the depths of God’s wrath on this country for the evil we have allowed to blossom over recent decades. Maybe so, I don’t know. Read your Bible and you’ll discover God has in the past allowed bad things to happen to accomplish His will. If God is indeed bringing punishment upon this nation, faithful Christians may suffer some of the consequences. The righteous often suffer with the unrighteous, but Christians must be faithful. Our leaders are appointed of God. Read God’s will on this matter, (Romans 13: 1-7 & 1 Peter 2: 13-17). It doesn’t matter who the president is, who’s in congress or even what kind of government we have. Our first loyalty is to God and his will. We should never be afraid of what the future holds, rather rejoice over our future reward, (2 Timothy 4:8). Pray, Pray, Pray.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Where Do We Go From Here?
I received this in my e-mail the other day and it sure reminded me of who I am!!
Thought you might find these words encouraging from a brother in Christ.
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2008, 2:45 PM
Where Do We Go From Here?
November 5, 2008
Before you read this, I have two favors to ask. Number one, please read the entire piece. I know it’s a little long, and you may disagree with some of what I say, but I believe it’s worth your time. Number two, pause, take a deep breath, and say a prayer of thanks to God. Thank Him for His love for you. Thank Him for sending His Son to die for your sins. Thank Him for allowing you to be His child and to be called “Christian.” And thank Him for His bountiful blessings that He showers us with each and every day. Go ahead, pray right now. I’ll wait.
So…, the election is over and a winner has been declared. Some of you are very happy and joyful right now. Some of you are unhappy and upset. In fact, some of you are downright afraid. It’s been there a while, that fear, even before the election. I’ve seen it in your faces, heard it in your voices. You worried what would happen if it turned out the way you didn’t want. You fretted over the future with a leader you didn’t want. Now that the results are in, it seems your fears are confirmed and you are imagining the worst. “What’s going to happen now?” and “What does the future hold?” are questions that you’re groping to find the answers to. As Christians, where do we go from here? What do we do?
1. We pray. Many of us have been praying since the campaigning started last year. We’ve prayed that the right man would be chosen; that the man chosen would seek God’s face and wisdom as he leads. Why should we stop doing that now? The Holy Spirit teaches us to pray for our leaders and all in authority. "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior,"- I Timothy 2:1-3
If you’re worried about what decisions the new president will make, what policies he will try to enact, what direction he will take this country in, then pray for him! Pray hard. Pray that the president and the congress will look to God for guidance, that they will seek to do His will. Some of you may even be viewing the new president (and congress and governors, etc.) as an enemy; diametrically opposed to everything you believe in and stand for. Jesus teaches us to “love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you”.- (Matthew 5:44) So keep praying. If you believe the new president isn’t the kind of man he needs to be, pray that he will change. Pray that he will be shown the truth, that he will accept it and live and govern and lead as God would have him to. We’ve also prayed that God’s will would be done in all things. We have the results. Do we accept that as God’s will? If we practice what we preach, we should. And we should pray that we continue to accept His will in all things (Matthew 6:10; 26:42). Pray, pray, pray.
2. We remember that God is in control. If we accept that what has happened is God’s will, then we realize that He’s in control. “… for God is King of all the earth.”- Psalm 47:7 God’s plan has been working since day one, even when humans tried to mess it up. (See Genesis 3) Realizing that God is in control means we need to remember that God often uses what we would consider “bad things” to accomplish His will. Joseph was sold into slavery (a bad thing) in order to save his family later (a good thing) and preserve the lineage of the Messiah (a great thing). God used the enemies of His people to attack and kill many of them (a bad thing) in order to bring them back to God (a good thing). Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross (a horrible thing) in order to save us from our sins (the most wonderful thing of all). Maybe (and I mean maybe, because I don’t know the future nor the immediate plans of God) God is trying to give us a “wake up call” as He often did to the Israelites. Perhaps God’s patience has run out and He intends to punish this nation for its sinfulness. I don’t know, but if so, remember He’s still in control. And, if that punishment does come…
3. We will not be afraid. God may very well want and need to punish this nation. For many years now, this country has been steadily moving away from God and more towards sin and Satan. But as Christians, as those trying to follow His will, as those who have committed their lives to living for Him, we should not be afraid because He has promised to take care of us and be with us. “Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”- Joshua 1:9
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.”- Isaiah 41:10
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don't worry about tomorrow,… ”- Matthew 6:33-34a
“...for He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ Therefore, we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’”- Hebrews 13:5b-6
“...And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”- Matthew 28:20b
If God does indeed punish this nation, faithful Christians may suffer some of the consequences. The righteous often suffer with the unrighteous. But we should never be afraid of what the future holds. Rather we should rejoice over our future reward. “In the future, there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.”- 2 Timothy 4:8
4. Pray for forgiveness and for the nation to return to God. If God brings (or is already bringing) punishment on this nation for its sins, we need to once again hit our knees and pray. Pray that God would turn His wrath away from this nation. (See Psalm 106:23; Daniel 9:16) Pray that the nation would repent of its sins. Pray that we would realize we need God, that we must follow Him and do His will. “Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord- the people He has chosen to be His own possession!”- Psalm 33:12
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people”- Proverbs 14:34
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful.”- James 5:16
5. Be a Christian. It doesn’t matter who the president is, who’s in congress, or even what kind of government we have. Our first loyalty is to God and His will. His word teaches us to be a Christian no matter where we are or what we are doing. “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”- Colossians 3:17
“Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men,”- Colossians 3:23
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…”- Matthew 6:33a
Remember Daniel and the three young men who served God faithfully even though they were captives in a Godless country. Remember Paul and the early Christians who served Christ even though they lived under a decadent Roman rule and were eventually persecuted and many put to death by that same government. Remember your brothers and sisters in foreign lands who do not enjoy the religious freedoms we do, who must worship in secret or in the midst of great hardship. If they can be faithful under those extreme circumstances, so can we, even if we eventually face those same circumstances.
Those of you who know me personally know that I am an eternal optimist. It takes a lot to get me down and into a depressed frame of mind. I don’t know what the next four years will be like for this country. I don’t know if we will continue down the path of sin or if we will wake up and, as a nation, turn our hearts back to God. I don’t know what the world will be like in the future for my two beautiful and precious children. What I do know is that I am saved, by the Grace of God and the gift of His son, Jesus Christ and His precious blood shed for me as are all faithful and obedient Christians. I know that He’s in control of all things and that He has promised to be with me, guide me, help me, and strengthen me. I know that I will do my very best to live faithfully for Him, that I will teach the children He’s blessed me with to love Him and keep His commandments. I know that I will continue to share the knowledge of Jesus with others so that those who are lost can be saved from their sins and have a home in heaven one day. I know that I will continue to pray for this nation and its leaders to govern well and to seek God in their leading. I will pray that as a nation, we will return to God, confess our sins to Him and beg His forgiveness and mercy. And I will continue to thank Him for His everlasting love for me.
Randy Missildine, Minister
Waynesboro Church of Christ
wabopreacher@bellsouth.net
May God Bless You Today!!!!
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God." Romans 8:28
"If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
Thought you might find these words encouraging from a brother in Christ.
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2008, 2:45 PM
Where Do We Go From Here?
November 5, 2008
Before you read this, I have two favors to ask. Number one, please read the entire piece. I know it’s a little long, and you may disagree with some of what I say, but I believe it’s worth your time. Number two, pause, take a deep breath, and say a prayer of thanks to God. Thank Him for His love for you. Thank Him for sending His Son to die for your sins. Thank Him for allowing you to be His child and to be called “Christian.” And thank Him for His bountiful blessings that He showers us with each and every day. Go ahead, pray right now. I’ll wait.
So…, the election is over and a winner has been declared. Some of you are very happy and joyful right now. Some of you are unhappy and upset. In fact, some of you are downright afraid. It’s been there a while, that fear, even before the election. I’ve seen it in your faces, heard it in your voices. You worried what would happen if it turned out the way you didn’t want. You fretted over the future with a leader you didn’t want. Now that the results are in, it seems your fears are confirmed and you are imagining the worst. “What’s going to happen now?” and “What does the future hold?” are questions that you’re groping to find the answers to. As Christians, where do we go from here? What do we do?
1. We pray. Many of us have been praying since the campaigning started last year. We’ve prayed that the right man would be chosen; that the man chosen would seek God’s face and wisdom as he leads. Why should we stop doing that now? The Holy Spirit teaches us to pray for our leaders and all in authority. "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior,"- I Timothy 2:1-3
If you’re worried about what decisions the new president will make, what policies he will try to enact, what direction he will take this country in, then pray for him! Pray hard. Pray that the president and the congress will look to God for guidance, that they will seek to do His will. Some of you may even be viewing the new president (and congress and governors, etc.) as an enemy; diametrically opposed to everything you believe in and stand for. Jesus teaches us to “love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you”.- (Matthew 5:44) So keep praying. If you believe the new president isn’t the kind of man he needs to be, pray that he will change. Pray that he will be shown the truth, that he will accept it and live and govern and lead as God would have him to. We’ve also prayed that God’s will would be done in all things. We have the results. Do we accept that as God’s will? If we practice what we preach, we should. And we should pray that we continue to accept His will in all things (Matthew 6:10; 26:42). Pray, pray, pray.
2. We remember that God is in control. If we accept that what has happened is God’s will, then we realize that He’s in control. “… for God is King of all the earth.”- Psalm 47:7 God’s plan has been working since day one, even when humans tried to mess it up. (See Genesis 3) Realizing that God is in control means we need to remember that God often uses what we would consider “bad things” to accomplish His will. Joseph was sold into slavery (a bad thing) in order to save his family later (a good thing) and preserve the lineage of the Messiah (a great thing). God used the enemies of His people to attack and kill many of them (a bad thing) in order to bring them back to God (a good thing). Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross (a horrible thing) in order to save us from our sins (the most wonderful thing of all). Maybe (and I mean maybe, because I don’t know the future nor the immediate plans of God) God is trying to give us a “wake up call” as He often did to the Israelites. Perhaps God’s patience has run out and He intends to punish this nation for its sinfulness. I don’t know, but if so, remember He’s still in control. And, if that punishment does come…
3. We will not be afraid. God may very well want and need to punish this nation. For many years now, this country has been steadily moving away from God and more towards sin and Satan. But as Christians, as those trying to follow His will, as those who have committed their lives to living for Him, we should not be afraid because He has promised to take care of us and be with us. “Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”- Joshua 1:9
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.”- Isaiah 41:10
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don't worry about tomorrow,… ”- Matthew 6:33-34a
“...for He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ Therefore, we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’”- Hebrews 13:5b-6
“...And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”- Matthew 28:20b
If God does indeed punish this nation, faithful Christians may suffer some of the consequences. The righteous often suffer with the unrighteous. But we should never be afraid of what the future holds. Rather we should rejoice over our future reward. “In the future, there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.”- 2 Timothy 4:8
4. Pray for forgiveness and for the nation to return to God. If God brings (or is already bringing) punishment on this nation for its sins, we need to once again hit our knees and pray. Pray that God would turn His wrath away from this nation. (See Psalm 106:23; Daniel 9:16) Pray that the nation would repent of its sins. Pray that we would realize we need God, that we must follow Him and do His will. “Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord- the people He has chosen to be His own possession!”- Psalm 33:12
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people”- Proverbs 14:34
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful.”- James 5:16
5. Be a Christian. It doesn’t matter who the president is, who’s in congress, or even what kind of government we have. Our first loyalty is to God and His will. His word teaches us to be a Christian no matter where we are or what we are doing. “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”- Colossians 3:17
“Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men,”- Colossians 3:23
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…”- Matthew 6:33a
Remember Daniel and the three young men who served God faithfully even though they were captives in a Godless country. Remember Paul and the early Christians who served Christ even though they lived under a decadent Roman rule and were eventually persecuted and many put to death by that same government. Remember your brothers and sisters in foreign lands who do not enjoy the religious freedoms we do, who must worship in secret or in the midst of great hardship. If they can be faithful under those extreme circumstances, so can we, even if we eventually face those same circumstances.
Those of you who know me personally know that I am an eternal optimist. It takes a lot to get me down and into a depressed frame of mind. I don’t know what the next four years will be like for this country. I don’t know if we will continue down the path of sin or if we will wake up and, as a nation, turn our hearts back to God. I don’t know what the world will be like in the future for my two beautiful and precious children. What I do know is that I am saved, by the Grace of God and the gift of His son, Jesus Christ and His precious blood shed for me as are all faithful and obedient Christians. I know that He’s in control of all things and that He has promised to be with me, guide me, help me, and strengthen me. I know that I will do my very best to live faithfully for Him, that I will teach the children He’s blessed me with to love Him and keep His commandments. I know that I will continue to share the knowledge of Jesus with others so that those who are lost can be saved from their sins and have a home in heaven one day. I know that I will continue to pray for this nation and its leaders to govern well and to seek God in their leading. I will pray that as a nation, we will return to God, confess our sins to Him and beg His forgiveness and mercy. And I will continue to thank Him for His everlasting love for me.
Randy Missildine, Minister
Waynesboro Church of Christ
wabopreacher@bellsouth.net
May God Bless You Today!!!!
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God." Romans 8:28
"If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Preachers
I had the privilege of preaching God’s word to our congregation on Sunday morning a few weeks back and I’ve got to tell you, every time I prepare a message to deliver I gain a greater respect for pulpit ministers. A five-year-old lad named Glen became quite attached to the preacher in his congregation. On Sunday morning following worship the preacher was conversing with folks in the foyer when Glen came running up giving the preacher a great big hug. This drew some attention and the preacher said, “Well, hi Glen”, then turning back to the others continued, “Glen here tells me he’s going to grow up to be a preacher, aren’t you Glen?” His reply was, “Well I know we preachers all preach on Sunday, but what do we do the rest of the week?” Yeh, that broke up everyone in the foyer. I guarantee you, pulpit ministers are very busy men every day of the week with people tugging at him from all directions for all kinds of matters. Just studying and putting together a timely message lasting between thirty and forty-five minutes wore me plum out. Too much? Too little? Clear or muddy thoughts? I love doing it, but it’s work.
A grocery store clerk was swarmed with last minute shoppers on a holiday weekend. He shook his head in disgust and said to a preacher he knew standing in line, “It’s funny to me that people always wait until the last minute to prepare for a trip they knew they were going to take.” “Yeh, I know exactly where you’re coming from son”, replied the preacher. “I have the exact same problem in my business.”
The preacher was speaking on the relationship between “fact” and “faith’. To clarify his thought on the matter he said, “That you are sitting in front of me here is a fact. That I am speaking to you from this pulpit is a fact. But it is only faith that makes me believe that any of you are truly listening.” I tell you, it’s not an easy, rewarding job, sometimes.
And no matter how hard the preacher tries he can’t satisfy everybody. A preacher told the mechanic that he hoped he would not charge too much for the repairs. “I’m just a poor preacher”, he pleaded. “I know”, replied the mechanic. “I’ve heard you preach.”
A member said to the preacher, “I listened to your sermon on suffering last Sunday, and I just want to let you know, I didn’t know what suffering really was until I heard you preach!” Personally, I’ve never gone to the doctor’s office to be entertained.
[2 Timothy 4:1-5] The apostle Paul charged Timothy to preach the Word of God in this manner; “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in the view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge; Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” Preaching the Word of God is a noble profession and one that carries great responsibilities. A preacher cannot teach in error or for self gain without consequence. He above all people will have to answer for what they have taught according to God’s Word. Think the job is easy? Try teaching a weekly Bible class first.
A grocery store clerk was swarmed with last minute shoppers on a holiday weekend. He shook his head in disgust and said to a preacher he knew standing in line, “It’s funny to me that people always wait until the last minute to prepare for a trip they knew they were going to take.” “Yeh, I know exactly where you’re coming from son”, replied the preacher. “I have the exact same problem in my business.”
The preacher was speaking on the relationship between “fact” and “faith’. To clarify his thought on the matter he said, “That you are sitting in front of me here is a fact. That I am speaking to you from this pulpit is a fact. But it is only faith that makes me believe that any of you are truly listening.” I tell you, it’s not an easy, rewarding job, sometimes.
And no matter how hard the preacher tries he can’t satisfy everybody. A preacher told the mechanic that he hoped he would not charge too much for the repairs. “I’m just a poor preacher”, he pleaded. “I know”, replied the mechanic. “I’ve heard you preach.”
A member said to the preacher, “I listened to your sermon on suffering last Sunday, and I just want to let you know, I didn’t know what suffering really was until I heard you preach!” Personally, I’ve never gone to the doctor’s office to be entertained.
[2 Timothy 4:1-5] The apostle Paul charged Timothy to preach the Word of God in this manner; “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in the view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge; Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” Preaching the Word of God is a noble profession and one that carries great responsibilities. A preacher cannot teach in error or for self gain without consequence. He above all people will have to answer for what they have taught according to God’s Word. Think the job is easy? Try teaching a weekly Bible class first.
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