This is not a primarily political blog. And yet the truth is so many of the issues that are expressed or labeled as political really are not. There are spiritual dimensions to most of what is going on in our world. So I believe it very appropriate to post some words I believe are very prophetic, very timely. They come from a black woman who loves the Lord first and foremost and loves people in truth. All the way back to the campaign she has been barraged with emails expressing what can only be accurately be described as worship and veneration for a "coming messiah" who is going to "save the country and the world". In fact, what she has written below was her response to an email from people who were simply gushing about celebrations in this country and around the world. Again, the tone is incredibly and frighteningly messianic. So this wise worshipper of THE SAVIOUR approaches the events of this week in an important context of biblical truth. With that, I will just post her wise reply to an email, with the encouragement to you to read my previous post about the need to pray for our leaders:
A black man has been elected president, that is amazing, that is historic, but politicians have always made promises. Can I choose to withhold judgment and joy for if and when I see change that is real and lasting? We poured out by the thousands waving our palm branches, might we also pour out by the thousands crying “crucify him” when he doesn’t meet our “savior-sized” expectations?
I reserve, my reverence and veneration for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I freely express my prayers to God my Creator for America’s new president, just like I’ve prayed for every leader before, however, I believe that real change cannot come through any man, black president or white. Whomever He uses, only God can enact the change that America and the world needs.
So I will lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth.
AMEN!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Do you Pray?
It may sound like a silly question to ask. But I have one specific target in mind: our leaders.
I Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
I must confess I have not been faithful to pray for leaders over the years. I'm sure there's been a prayer here and there. But this has not been an area characterized by faithful intentionality.
If your story is like mine, its time for us to repent of prayerlessness and purpose in our hearts TODAY to make this a regular focus of prayer.
And as we do, let's remember what the scripture says. The goal is for us to live a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. I believe the primary reason we pray this way as Christians is so the gospel may effectively advance. We see this in verse 4. The end purpose is so others can come to know the Saviour, including our leaders. In this text are no references to taxes, investments, 401K's,etc. Don't get me wrong. These are issues I'm sure we're all concerned about, and we should be. But I think our primary focus must be on the mission we're called to.
I believe the ongoing financial crisis and the inauguration of President Elect Barack Obama will set the stage for the church to find its prophetic voice as millions of people discover the shakiness in the foundations of their lives. We can be that "city on a hill" that radiates with the glory of God for all to see the way to the Father. But this must begin in our prayer closets.
I Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
I must confess I have not been faithful to pray for leaders over the years. I'm sure there's been a prayer here and there. But this has not been an area characterized by faithful intentionality.
If your story is like mine, its time for us to repent of prayerlessness and purpose in our hearts TODAY to make this a regular focus of prayer.
And as we do, let's remember what the scripture says. The goal is for us to live a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. I believe the primary reason we pray this way as Christians is so the gospel may effectively advance. We see this in verse 4. The end purpose is so others can come to know the Saviour, including our leaders. In this text are no references to taxes, investments, 401K's,etc. Don't get me wrong. These are issues I'm sure we're all concerned about, and we should be. But I think our primary focus must be on the mission we're called to.
I believe the ongoing financial crisis and the inauguration of President Elect Barack Obama will set the stage for the church to find its prophetic voice as millions of people discover the shakiness in the foundations of their lives. We can be that "city on a hill" that radiates with the glory of God for all to see the way to the Father. But this must begin in our prayer closets.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)