Pray Rejoicing

 

With all the hype and worry that naturally fills any Presidential election year we now find that November has come and gone leaving with a sigh of relief. I have to admit I’ve joined in on the rejoicing of the election outcome though still somewhat optimistic as to the plans and promises of the new administration. I know the country and the world will never be free of evil, but I believe God has heard our prayers and has granted mankind a reprieve from His wrath in exchange for repentance and revival. Prayer is now as, if not more important, than ever all this year to realize a brilliant sunrise on 2025. I was asked how and when and where the best way is to pray. I dug up the following quip about prayer.

"The proper way for a man to pray," Said Deacon Lemuel Keyes, " And the only proper attitude, Is down upon his knees." "No, I should say the way to pray," Said Rev. Dr. Wise, Is standing straight, with outstretched arms, And rapt and upturned eyes." "Oh, no; no, no," said Elder Slow, Such posture is too proud; A man should pray with eyes fast closed And head contritely bowed." "It seems to me his hands should be, Austerely clasped in front, With both thumbs pointing toward the ground," Said Rev. Dr. Blunt. "Las' year I fell in Hodgkin's well Headfirst," said Cyrus Brown, With both my heels a-stickin' up, My head a-pinting down. "An' I made a prayer right then an' there-- Best prayer I ever said. The prayingest prayer I ever prayed, A-standing on my head." The Prayer of Cyrus Brown by Sam Walter Foss.

[1 Thessalonians 5:16-22] “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” Although written to members of the fledgling church, this scripture can be aptly applied to anyone’s plan of revival and/or repentance to receive more of God’s grace.

The Bible speaks a number of times regarding rejoicing. * David once stated, “This is the day which the Lord has made,” and then he added, “We will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Why isn’t that just as true today as the day David wrote it? A celebrated writer once wrote, “Every new day is a miracle.” The point: “the Lord did not owe us another day, but He gave it to us.” * In the days of Nehemiah, when the people of God had combined their efforts in a great cause, they were coaxed to rejoice and were reminded: “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Then the people responded with great rejoicing “because they now understood the words that had been made known to them” (Nehemiah 8:12). * Even in the shadow of the hideous cross, Jesus told the disciples, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Of course, they were not glad that Jesus had to suffer so but were to rejoice at the happy results—their redemption (cf. Ephesians 1:7; Romans 3:24-25). * It is recorded of the early church that they “received their food with glad and generous hearts” (Acts 2:46, ESV). * In the marvelous book of Philippians, we read that Paul counseled Christians to “rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 3:1); and then a chapter later repeated, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I will say rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). * The Thessalonians were instructed similarly, to “rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). * What a wonderful reason Jesus gave the early disciples to rejoice when He said, “rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).

Have we ever thought that when we are told to “rejoice,” that it implies making a conscious effort to do so? Happiness is not automatic—it’s a choice! “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Thanksgiving must be every day.

Whereas - Give Thanks

 

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and – Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26^th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering to Him or sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us. And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best. (George Washington, President of the Unites States, October 3, 1789)

[James 2:14-26] No society is greater than its god. Morality depends on one’s perspective of God. When a nation turns from God it is, indeed, in a precarious position. Long ago God sent His prophets to proclaim His message of repentance. Some people listened, others did not. However, if one’s faith in God does not govern behavior and the choices one makes, such “faith” is dead and worthless. Ezekiel spoke God’s message concerning Jerusalem and the way the people lived. Did they have faith in God? Certainly! Did they live as God wanted them to live? Absolutely not! Would their faith, apart from their obedience to God, save them? No! In Ezekiel 22, their sinfulness is laid out before them. They were so consumed by sin that they were not able to discern between the holy and the profane (vss. 23-26). God could not and would not disregard their sinful behavior. God said that Israel was nothing but worthless dross. Any nation that doesn’t have godly leadership is on its way to ruin! Let us who believe have the courage to stand in the gap, pointing the people to God. We are becoming a godless society, where our wants and rights are more important to us than a “thus says the Lord” obedient, just, free, and happy society.

[Ephesians 5:15-21] Give thanks always, for all things, to God, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Loads and Freedoms of Life

 

In a well-functioning society, there has to be co-operation among the citizens, or nothing can be accomplished to better the society. As we have witnessed over the past month, millions of people came together to state their opinion and concern about the governing of our society through the voting for representative leadership. Thankfully, we still have the freedom to do such and the right to express ourselves in the voting booth.

Well-functioning societies are all around us, even right under our feet. Arriving at work one morning last week I observed what appeared to be one hundred mini-ants (call them what you may) crossing the sidewalk carrying a dead cricket. They were actually passing it forward to the ants in front and when relieved of their load the ants in the rear moved to the front of the line to receive the cricket again. Total co-operation to bring their spoil home for a feast. I watched for a few minutes in amazement of the wonder of God.

Some historians estimate that up to one-third of the population of the Roman Empire in the first century was enslaved. Think about it – if you had lived during that time, you had a one in three chance of being a slave. The slave market was obviously a thriving sector of the Roman economy. When a person was a slave, of course, they were complete subject to their master. They had no choice nor opportunity for freedom. And believe it or not, in the days of the Roman Empire, there were some good people who didn’t believe in slavery. They knew what kind of life people would live in slavery, and they wanted to do anything possible to alleviate the problem. Some of these people were rich and would go to the slave market to buy slaves - for only one purpose – to set them free. Because the price of the slave had been paid, the slave could be set free. There was even a word used for this practice in first century times. It was “apolutrosis” which means “release effected by payment of ransom; redemption; deliverance” (Vine Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words).

[Romans 3:24] It is no wonder to a society very familiar with this practice that the apostle Paul used this word in describing Christians as, “…being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…” Paul begins the thought with a reminder in the pervious verse, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23). And so, it was with us when we were in sin. We were slaves. We had no choice. We had no opportunity to be free from the penalty of sin. While we were enslaved to sin, we were completely under the control of sin. We were being sold on the open market to the highest bidder. But then Jesus came, had compassion on us, and paid the required price, which was His own sinless life’s blood. Paul confirms this in writing about Jesus, “…whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed…” (Romans 3:25). But we must still accept Him as our new Master. In doing so, Jesus will set us free. We are no longer under the control or penalty of sin. Sin no longer rules our lives, and we are free to escape its deadly grasp. The problem is that some people do not feel like they are free from sin. They continue to live as if Satan is still their master. They let sin control their decisions and lives. In doing so, they are going back to a life of spiritual bondage, disaster, and death. Christian, we need to remember that we have been purchased and set free. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangle again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

Our Constitutional Republic society recognizes the God given rights of life and honors His dos and don’ts for a righteous society. If we all share the loads of life, we’ll be blessed.

Ask Counsel of the Lord

The battle between good and evil is a war that will never end. It appears good has achieved a victory over evil but don’t fool yourself, a battle may have been won but the war rages on. Prayer has delivered on its promise and increased prayer for our Country and Constitution will bring restitution to our government. Don’t stop praying!

A new preacher entered a Sunday school class and asked a question pertaining to the lesson which was in progress. “Who broke down the walls of Jericho?” A boy immediately answered, “Not me sir!” The preacher turned to the teacher and asked, “Is this the usual behavior in this class?” The teacher replied, “I believe this boy is an honest boy, and I really don’t think he did it.” Leaving the room the preacher sought out a deacon to explain what had happened. The deacon said, “I have known both the boy and the teacher for several years, and neither of them would do such a thing.” By this time, the preacher was heartsick and reported the incident to the education committee. A spokesperson stated, “We see no point in making an issue out of this. Let’s pay for the damage and we’ll charge it to upkeep. Anyway, we’re already looking into the possibility of our insurance covering it.”

That’s the type of insane, nonsensical, rhetoric that the new President will be facing as excuses and finger-pointing will abound to explain past behavior and failures. Get ready for several more battles and keep your head on straight for the enemy is sly and devious.

[2 Peter 1:2-11] Soon after Israel’s victories over Jericho and Ai, several of Canaan’s southern city-states formed an alliance and immediately set out to fight against God’s people. The fearful Gibeonites, however, had a different strategy. They chose to deceive Israel into thinking they were somebody that they were not (non-Canaanite inhabitants) with hopes of a peace treaty being struck between themselves and Israel. Their deceptive scheme worked, and it was successful because “they (the Israelite leadership) did not ask counsel of the Lord” (Joshua 9 [v.14]).

Tragically, the masses still today are buying into the falsehoods being uttered by the enemies of truth because they are not asking (seeking) counsel of the Lord. Our failure, as a nation, to seek counsel of the Lord, has had devastating consequences as evidenced by the rapid decline of morality, the ever-increasing number of broken and dysfunctional homes, financial woes, religious division and confusion, etc. Hosea recorded what the Lord said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). God, through His Word, gives us everything we need in all matters pertaining to life and godliness, but the problem is, we, like Israel of old, refuse to seek His counsel. The words of the wise man should suffice as we conclude: “Turn at my rebuke; Surely, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. Because I have called, and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, Because you distained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge, And did not choose the fear of the Lord, They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke. Therefore, they shall eat the fruit of their own way And be filled to the full of their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them; But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil” (Proverbs 1:23-33). …pray without ceasing… (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22). 

What Happens After the Vote?

(From Edd Sterchi, Bulletin Digest, November 2024) The election will soon be over, and boy oh boy, will I be glad. I simply detest all of the political rhetoric, spinning of the issues, and the constant, incessant, irritating ads! Regardless of whether our favorite candidate wins or not, and regardless of whether we think the country is headed the right or wrong direction, there are some important things we need to remember after all of the dust has settled. We can glean them from the book of Daniel, who definitely had to endure some wicked, ungodly rulers. God is still in control. No matter who is elected, always remember that God is in charge. In the book of Daniel, four times we read that “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men” (4:17, 25, 32; 5:21). Daniel 2:21 says it best, “He removes kings and raises up kings.” Remember this: no election by man is going to thwart God’s almighty plan! Regardless of who is in office, God’s Will, will still be done. God will make it so that we can remain faithful to Him. No matter how wicked the political leader, no matter how much the laws are changed for the worse, no matter how oppressive the government, Christians can remain faithful to God. Despite servitude and persecution, Daniel was still able to remain faithful to Jehovah God (Daniel 1:1-8, 6:7-10). God will not let a situation happen to His people in which it is impossible for them to remain faithful to His will. Because God is in control and because He will make it so that we can be faithful to Him, we can rest assured that He will reward our faithfulness. All good things come from God, and God can bring blessings into any situation. When Daniel remained faithful, God blessed him (Daniel 1:9, 15-20; 2:46-48; 4:29; 6:1-3, 22, 28). Regardless of who comes into political leadership and regardless of what laws are or are not created, we can have the certainty that if we remain faithful to God, He will bless us and reward us. So, once the election is over, resolve to be a faithful Christian, a good citizen, and a caring human, and maybe it won’t bother you so much just who did or didn’t get elected! And always remember that God will always be God – nothing will ever change that! “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

[James 2:1-4] The world teaches hate. Turn on the news or any social media and you will be flooded with stories and opinions that drive fear, distrust, and anger. If you are honest with yourself, you know we have all seen prejudice. We are all guilty of prejudice at one time or another, it is almost inevitable. When we see someone, we make a snap judgement. Are they like me or are they different? Based on that judgement we treat them differently. We should see each other as God does. God looks at the heart. He sees us as lost children who have sinned and need salvation. (Romans 3:23). As a Christian, we need to understand the true love that God has for us. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). God expects us to love the way He does. “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all” (Colossians 3:11). “Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right” (Acts 10:34-35).

It does not matter to God if we are tall, short, fat, thin, black, white, brown, red, yellow, American, Palestinian, or if our bodies are whole or broken. God wants us all to repent and turn to Him (2 Peter 3:9). We are blessed to have brothers and sisters around the world of every color, culture, and nationality. Do you love them? Do you righteously fear God?