Category: From Pastor

This week’s devotions are based on Week 4 of Stormproof – Election Earthquakes (CLICK HERE)

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Psalm 33:10-12 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.

The conviction every Christian can have is this.  The greatest blessings come when we follow the Word and ways of the Lord. Period.

To be sure, God has an amazing way of “working all things for our good,” yet he has given us his Word not only to bless us with eternal life, but to bless us as we go through life.

This truth is not to carry any intention of a “prosperity gospel,” i.e. that if you follow Jesus you will have all the wealth you want, all the health you want, and have all the pleasures of this world.  No, that is not the point.

The point is that God blesses those that walk in his ways.  Consider the opening verse of Psalm 1: Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

The simple truth is this.  God blesses those who follow him.

Is this true of government as well?

According to Psalm 33, it is.  “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

One can look to Old Testament Israel and realize that the kings who understood they operated under the authority of the Lord and were to lead the people in a way that reflected they were a servant of the Lord versus a king for themselves saw blessing and prosperity in the land and nation of Israel.  The kings that reigned contrary to the Lord and gave laws that led people away from the Lord, the nation struggled and experienced hardship.

To be sure, Israel was a unique nation in the world at the time.  They were a theocracy that moved to a monarchy.  That monarchy was to rule the people in a way that reflected the theocracy the Lord had established.

So what about the United States?

We are not a theocracy.  We are a democratic republic.  We have a government that rules by the people and for the people.  

But the principle applies.  Wherever people appear and seek to walk in the counsel of the Lord versus the counsel of the wicked, that person can expect to see the Lord bless that.  When a person who has been given a charge of leadership leads in a way that walks in the ways of the Lord, the people they lead may experience blessings they wouldn’t have otherwise.

The same is true for a leader of a family, a village, a city, a county, a state or a country.  A civic leader who seeks to serve and not be served carries the heart of Christ in leadership.  A civic leader who understands they steward power as a gift from God will do better at avoiding egocentric power grabs.  A leader who understands the value of life and a morality or the difference between good and evil will govern in a way that honors the basic moral code the Lord has given. A leader who is a Chrisitan will seek to surround him/herself with wise counsel that leads in ways of righteousness, not paths of evil.

To lead in our government as a Christian is a privilege and truly a challenge.  Pray for all Christians who have been elected to offices of high trust.  They must navigate their revere for the Lord and following in his ways and the laws of the land that may allow certain things that aren’t godly.  They are not there to legislate Christianity on people, but are there, like Esther of the Old Testament, for “such a time as this.”

Perhaps this is why the Apostle Paul encouraged:

1 Timothy 2:1-4  I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Apply: Take time today to pray for all governing officials you know by name or by position.  Ask the Lord to surround them with wise counsel and a reverence for the position they hold that they may steward it in a way that is honoring to the Lord and blessing to those they lead.

Prayer: Lord we pray for all our governing officials, but especially for those that honor you and seek to lead in a way that stewards the gift of governance you have given them.  Surround their hearts with a protection from evil and surround their counsel with wisdom that comes from you.  Let their light shine in the office they have so that your name is glorified and your people are blessed.  AMEN.

This week’s devotions are based on Week 4 of Stormproof – Election Earthquakes (CLICK HERE)

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Religion and politics are an interesting mix.

We hear people talking about the “separation of church and state.”

We are encouraged to avoid discussions about religion and politics at Thanksgiving dinner.

So, is government completely secular?  Can it have the influence of faith in it?

The quick answer is…maybe not so quick and not always easy.

However, here’s a few key truths to remember:

Every government exists by God’s authority, even if it doesn’t acknowledge God’s authority.

Romans 13:1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

So while a government may claim to be completely secular and completely separated from faith, it is impossible.  A government may not acknowledge God, it may even enact laws that persecute Christians, but it doesn’t change the fact that they have no authority unless God allows it.  It is a lie of Satan that leads governing officials to believe they have the power and position because of their own prowess or authority.  Like Jesus said as he interacted with Pontius Pilate as he was on trial. 

John 19:10 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”

11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.

Pilate didn’t acknowledge the true God, but his authority was only because God allowed it AND God was going to use it to carry out his plan for the salvation of the world.  Pontius Pilate is known to every credal Christian who confesses in the Apostles’ Creed, “…suffered under Pontius Pilate.”  Ironically, this governing official is part of our longstanding confession of the Christian faith!

God uses government to carry out his plan, even if government rejects God’s principles.

Like Pilate, Caesar Augustus was used by God to carry out his salvation plan: Luke 2:1-3 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register.

God took the greed and control of Caesar and turned it into the way he moved Mary to Bethlehem to have his Son born in the city of David.

God is not the president nor is the president god.  Yet to say that government is secular would not be accurate.  Government exists under the authority of the Creator and is intended to be a blessing to people.

So we can be sure that while government and its officials try at times to separate themselves from God and any acknowledgment of Him, God has not separated himself from government and continues to use governing officials to carry out his purposes for benefit of his people.  To be sure it is not always evident, but it is always happening.

 

Apply: What other examples do you have of God using governments or governing officials to carry out his purposes.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for guiding and directing the affairs of nations to carry out your purposes.  AMEN.

This week’s devotions are based on Week 4 of Stormproof – Election Earthquakes (CLICK HERE)

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Nine days.

Hopefully in nine days we will know who our next president and vice-president will be.  

I hope we do and we can put this election cycle behind us (although it seems as though as soon as one election is done, new people start engaging in the next election cycle.)

To whatever extent you are engaging in politics, I pray we as God’s people can navigate it well, without allowing it to disrupt our peace.

But maybe it already has.

There are strong opinions when it comes to politics.   I am not exempt.  My prayer in this week’s devotions as we can return to God’s Word and put perspective on our role in government and especially this year’s election.

As Christians we hold a worldview that God is the creator of the universe.  Genesis 1 starts with the phrase, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”  While this may seem as simple verse, it sets the worldview for the rest of not only the Bible, but all who believe the Bible.  It also sets the reality that if God is the creator of all, there is nothing in this world that is above God’s power and authority…including government…including the government of the United States.

But that is not the case if one throws out the reality of God.  Without the biblical worldview and understanding of God, humanity becomes its own god.  As a result, human beings, believe they are their own gods and can determine all that is right for them.  Also, government becomes god in that people look to it to provide only what God can provide.  And then as a result, anyone who has power in government can look at it as a godlike position that has power to wield.

Christians don’t think that way do they?

They shouldn’t, but sometimes we do.

Sometimes we can equate the election of a politician as somehow measuring the impact or demise of God in the world.  Sure, some politicians will acknowledge God as the ultimate authority and others won’t.

But here’s the point.  God is not on the ballot.  Therefore God’s control and guidance of the world around will not change with a presidential election year.  In fact, because he is the creator of all things, he controls all things.  As he controls all things, whether someone realizes it or not, he will be using the next administration in some way for his purposes.

God’s people have acknowledged his control and guidance of the nations of the earth.  We can do the same.  Here’s King Hezekiah facing the threat of Synnacherib:

2 Kings 19:15 And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: “Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.

What’s even better for the Christian is we can have the confidence that no matter who is in political office, Christ is over all and orchestrating the events of history for the blessing of his church.  Consider Ephesians 1:19-23 That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

So where does that leave us?

Simply remember that the Lord is still the creator of all and has all power and authority over all.  November 5 is not going to change that!

 

Apply: What happens in your heart when you remember that God is overall and guiding all for the benefit of his people, his Church?

Prayer: Lord, as you guide and direct the affairs of the kingdoms of the earth, guide and direct the election of our country to continue to be a blessing to your Church and your people.  AMEN.

This week’s devotions are based on Week 3 of Stormproof – Hurricanes of Hurt (CLICK HERE)

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Often when we interact with someone, we ask, “How are you doing?”  The typical response is, “OK.”  We move on.

How many times have you said you were “OK” even though you were hurting inside?  How many times did you wish someone would hear between those two letters, “I am hurting and I just want and need someone to listen!”

When we are hurting, we want someone to care, to listen, and to love us.

The hurt may not go away, but we know we are not journeying through the hurt alone and sometimes that’s all we need.

Tuesday’s devotion encouraged us to cry out to the LORD.  He is always ready to listen, even when others aren’t.

But maybe it’s more than listening we desire.  We want love and to know it’s going to be ok.

The Psalmist writes this in Psalm 130:7-8:

 Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
    for with the Lord is unfailing love
    and with him is full redemption.

8 He himself will redeem Israel
    from all their sins.

When we walk with the Lord through our hurts, how do you know it’s going to be OK?

The Lord gives us hope.

There is no promise the LORD hasn’t or won’t fulfill.  It may take him longer than we would personally want, but his promises are sure.  He will not forget about them or go back on them.  So when we go through hurt, here’s one promise to hold onto that gives us hope.

Romans 5:2-5 And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. 

The Lord loves us.

Fixing our eyes on the cross reminds us there is no extent to which the LORD won’t go to ensure we are with him forever.  His love is boundless and eternal.  His proof of how much he loves you is that he sent Jesus to die for you.  He has made you his child through baptism.  He has a room being prepared for you in heaven.

1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

The Lord will make it right.

The greatest hurt we would ever experience is the hurt caused by our sin.  The LORD took care of that on the cross, providing the payment that our sin deserved.  As a result, we know that when we enter heaven, all the hurts we have experienced will disappear.

Revelation 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 

Hurts will come.  When they do, put your hope in the Lord!

 

Apply: What do you need most in the middle of hurt?  Someone to listen to you, love you, or care for you?  How can the LORD be the first to do this for you in your hurt, even as you are blessed by relationships around you?

Prayer: Lord, in the middle of my hurt, help me to always put my hope in you.  AMEN.

This week’s devotions are based on Week 3 of Stormproof – Hurricanes of Hurt (CLICK HERE)

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How long is this going to last?

When you are in an hour workout class, you know that the longest you will have to endure is one hour.  You know when the end is coming and there will be relief from the workout…until you subject yourself to it again.

When you are in school, you know that if you are really struggling with a class, you have to do your best for the duration of the semester and then it will be done and hopefully you won’t have to retake the class.

When you have a loved one deployed in the military, you generally know the deployment end date and realize that the challenge of being a military single parent will come to an end.

But waiting when the end date is uncertain is very hard.

Waiting is very hard when an end date itself is even uncertain.

Some are in the middle of waiting with no end date in sight.

The emotional hurt still weighs heavy.

The sense of loss is still very real.

The burden of the challenge gets wearisome.

How long, O Lord?  How long?

If you have ever asked this question, you are not alone.  A number of times in the Psalms the inspired writers have asked the Lord, “How long, O Lord? How long?”

Waiting in the middle of hurt is hard, but sometimes the reality.

So in the midst of the waiting, what do we do?  Psalm 130:5&6 say:

5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, 

    and in his word I put my hope.

6 I wait for the Lord
    more than watchmen wait for the morning,
    more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Remember this Psalm was sung as people were traveling to the temple in Jerusalem.  Around the temple area were watchmen who would have the all night shift.  They knew the morning would come, but not sure when.  But when the first light of the sun hit, they would sound their bugles and be relieved of their duty.  The morning sacrifice would be offered.

I can imagine at the end of a long shift, you would be longing to see the end where you could go home and rest.

More than watchmen wait for the morning do we wait for the Lord to relieve our hurt.

So what do we do while waiting?

1. Don’t lose hope…the morning is coming.
2. Be in God’s Word…his promises are real.

One of the best ways to make waiting easier is to be busy.  Here the Psalmist encourages us to be in the Word.  Read it.  Reflect on God’s promises. Revel in the reality that you are still loved, God hasn’t forgotten you and he still loves you.  You can have hope that the morning will come and the hurt will be gone…even if that is the moment you experience heaven for the first time.

 

Apply:What makes waiting hard for you?  Pick a reading plan from God’s Word and watch him work hope in your heart as you spend time in his Word.

Prayer: O Lord, I wait for you and your perfect timing to alleviate my hurt.  AMEN.