Voting is an Honorable Act

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"Your vote is your voice to speak up for what honors God."

There are many ways one can do good to others. Feeding the poor, being a foster parent, caring for the elderly, being a voice for the oppressed. What about going to the polls on election day and voting? Is that a genuine way of serving others and doing good?

A famous and elderly man once came to a small town and met with the town’s elders. They knew who he was and were greatly concerned by his presence. He was there on a mission from God. His name was Samuel.

He came in search of Israel’s next king. He was led by God to meet with the family of Jesse. All his sons passed before Samuel, except one; David the youngest. Samuel called for him and as soon as Samuel saw David, he “took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers.” (1 Samuel 16:13) David, a teenager at the time, did not resist nor question what God was doing through Samuel. Though it was several years before wearing the crown, David accepted this calling from God, and viewed it as an act of service to the Lord and the people of Israel. He once wrote, “When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, he dawns on them like the morning light.” (2 Sam. 23:3-4)

Throughout the Bible, the reader constantly sees this, where people are serving others through the call to serve God. The highest example of this is Jesus, the Son of God. He stated about Himself, “. . . the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) Jesus’ life set the standard for all His followers. One of the early church leaders whom Jesus’ appointed, wrote that Christians should “. . . be careful to devote themselves to good works.” (Titus 3:8)

How is voting a good work and service to others? First, our government has established a system by which its leaders are voted in or removed from office, by the people. There is no law requiring the people to vote. It is a system that provides citizens the right, privilege and opportunity to do so. The Bible says to, “Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:17) This means to honor the government, at all levels, from local to federal. To vote, is to do a good work that shows honor being given to the government over us. Second, some of our fellow citizens have given themselves to serve in elected office. They have sacrificed in time, money and other ways. To vote, is to do a good work showing respect for the candidates on the ballot. Third, some candidates and issues on the ballot may be honoring or dishonoring to God. Your vote is your voice to speak up for what honors God and a good work that is pleasing to the Lord.

As we serve others with our good works, we recognize the evil and corruption that surrounds us. It should cause us to march forward in the name and power of Jesus with a determined spirit. However, in our humanness, it can discourage or disillusion us, causing us to pull back. I pray you will not be among this group. Instead, go to the polls and cast an honoring vote before the Lord to bring a vote of light into the darkness.

Ask God for wisdom in your service of voting. Be diligent and discerning to protect your vote. Pray for the candidates, the issues and for our nation. The Scripture says, “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

A prayer for you. “Lord God, as we go to the polls, we realize government is not our Savior. We declare that Jesus is our only King. Yet, you have placed this government over us. Help us to be honoring to it through our vote. Raise up righteous, God-honoring candidates that will bring you glory in their service. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Is Your Belief in God Meaningless?

                                                 

                                                    Image by J F from Pixabay 

“When we say with our lips, ‘I believe in God,’ but put our personal lifestyle above His Word, we are illustrating that our heart is far from the one we profess to believe in.”

Our churches and communities are filled with people who say, “I believe in God,” but do not believe in the Word of God. How can that be? They speak with a sense of assurance that it is well with their soul, but are bothered when someone questions them. They do not understand why someone would. They are firm in their belief, that they believe in God and are confident they have a relationship with Him.

Jesus had regular encounters with the religious leaders who thought similarly. They once questioned Him about His followers, “Why do your disciples break the traditions of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” (Matthew 15:2) Jesus, using their own words against them responded wisely and boldly with a similar question, “Why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matt. 15:3) Then Jesus laid out a specific command they regularly broke, while teaching others to do the same. Having their direct attention after exposing their hypocrisy He summarized, “So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God.” (Matt. 15:6)

The religious leaders believed in God, but they put their traditions above the Word of God, giving legitimate reason to question their spiritual condition.

Where did the traditions they promoted come from? Their own reasoning. Where does the Word of God come from? The one who created the heavens and earth. So even though they claimed to be children of God, their practices showed otherwise. They were unashamedly putting themselves above God. Perhaps they were ignorant, not realizing what they were doing.

Like the religious leaders, there are many today who put their personal practices above their belief in God. The command of God says, “. . . that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matt. 5:27) In another place the Lord commands, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you . . .” (Matt. 5:44) And the Word also declares, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up . . .” (Ephesians 4:29) The one who confidently speaks of their belief in God, but then regularly permits themselves to lust, be filled with anger at others or use profane speech makes void the Word of God. The reasoning for the lifestyle choices they make have a higher value than what God says. They say they believe in God, or are Christians, but their own desires, habits, wants and needs take precedence over God’s commands.

Why did Jesus point this out? Because it revealed something of grave eternal significance that affected the destiny of their souls, and the souls of those whom they influenced. He strongly condemned them, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me . . .” (Matt. 15:8)

When we say with our lips, “I believe in God”, but put our personal lifestyle above His Word, we are illustrating that our heart is far from the one we profess to believe in. Jesus does not want our professions; He wants our heart. Why? Because when He gets our heart, He has our entire life. Jesus told His disciples once, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) Do you love Jesus? This is not a statement of feelings or emotions, but one of the heart, where one is willing to submit their whole life under the authority of Jesus by faith.

Because Jesus suffered, died and rose again for us, and loved us while we were still sinners, we should be willing to yield our lives unto Him, no matter the cost.

A prayer for you. “Lord God, I pray you will search our hearts and point out if we are putting any part of our life, above your Word. Show us if we are making void your Word, by our daily choices. Today, we give you our hearts, not just our lips. Take all of us Jesus. In your holy name. Amen.”

A World Gone Mad!

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“At times it can seem as if there is no God when the state of the world goes from bad to worse.  Can it be stopped, or is man a god unto himself, doing as he pleases with no accountability, no justice?  Is there any hope for a world out of control or is evil destined to reign supreme?”  

 

Across the globe, corrupt political leaders institute laws and policies that oppress their people. Debased wealthy abuse their power for personal gain. Possibilities of World War III and nuclear war are spoken of. Criminals go unpunished while the just are defamed and imprisoned. Deception, lawlessness and perversions of all sorts abound. Our world has gone mad. Where is God?

At times it can seem as if there is no God when the state of the world and your own community, goes from bad to worse. Can it be stopped, or is man a god unto himself, doing as he pleases with no accountability, no justice? Is there any hope for a world out of control or is evil destined to reign supreme?

To discover the answer, lift your eyes above the news headlines. Look beyond what you see, which is a foggy mist of deception and fear. Above is a truth that hangs like a mighty banner which states in bold letters, “For God is the King of all the earth . . . God reigns over the nations . . .” (Psalm 47:7-8) Despite this truth, many of those in power have no fear of God, “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed . . .” (Ps. 2:2) Do the rulers not realize that God sees their plans and will hold them to account? “Arise, Lord, do not let mortals triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence.” (Ps. 19:9) For God will become their enemy if they persist and do not turn from their ways, “Strike them with terror, Lord; let the nations know they are only mortal.

The nations and those in power that defy the Lord God, misunderstand His patience. They act without any concern for God nor of consequences. It is a veil of deceit the evil one has laid over their eyes.

As evil proceeds from bad to worse and corrupt men become even more so we might wonder why God does not respond to the arrogance of the merciless. Why does He not pour out His wrath on the cruel, unjust and grossly immoral?

God’s ways are opposite of mankind’s. We want instant action and often revenge. God responds differently.

He comes to where the prince of darkness dwells, who orchestrates the madness. The Holy One listens as the father of lies arrogantly declares “I am King of the Earth. God has no place here.” But while Satan speaks, the sovereign King of the Universe, with His saving light, quietly and humbly moves about in the darkness. He walks the ground He spoke into existence long ago searching, looking, calling and drawing men and women through the power of His unseen Spirit. The light of His Word of Truth pierces the darkness. His Spirit-empowered servants boldly expose the evil, while proclaiming the way of salvation to those held captive by the wicked prince.

The evil one fights back using every weapon available to silence the Most High’s servants.

Satan once battled God’s only Son, whom was killed on a cross. He was the prince’s greatest enemy. Three days of celebrating went by. Then all the sudden, the Son rose from the dead, and the prince of darkness’ head was smashed by the Son of God into defeat.

As evil exerts itself in our world understand this. The King of Kings has defeated Stan, evil, death and sin. He is the Victor! He is here and at work among us. Today, flee from the slavery of sin. Run to Jesus and be free!

A prayer for you. “Lord God, open our eyes to see you high and lifted up above the evil plans of men. Reveal yourself to us. Let us not be held captive to fear or destructive ways. We turn to you. Only you can save our souls and the nations of the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

How to Stop Living in Chaos

                                          Image by Yatheesh Gowda from Pixabay 

“Only Jesus can save you out of the constant chaos of your life.  The chains of immoral living that are shackled around your feet, only Christ can lose them and set you free."  

There are people whose life is one chaotic moment after another. Constant crises. Why? Because of their own poor choices. It seems to be one bad decision after another. And as time goes on, it is natural to wonder, “Will anything ever change?”

I can confidently say, the Lord God is the God of second chances.

Jesus once told a story about a young man who was one of those who lived a reckless life, but through a miracle of God, was changed. It is known as the parable of the prodigal son. “There was a man who had t
wo sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. (Luke 15:11-16)

The son displayed a selfish and rude attitude toward his father. His dad, in a humble act of wisdom, gave his son what he demanded. What he wanted, was something beyond money. He wanted freedom, so he could be free from his father and do as he pleased. So he went far away to find it, and at first he enjoyed his freedom, but then reality hit. A famine swept across the land, and soon he was penniless. This was the moment the rebel began to change.

First, he recognized he was in need. He had empty pockets and needed to find some income quickly. He did not turn to God for help. Instead, he tried to dig himself out of his own hole.

Second, he experienced no one giving him anything. He soon realized he could not fix himself. And fortunately, he did not have anyone who tried to solve his problems for him. He also did not go person to person and try to manipulate others into helping him. He was able to sit in that awful pig pen and reflect on the stupid decisions he made that put him there.

Third, he came to his senses. The next part of the story states, “But when he came to himself . . .” (vs. 17) Gone was living by impulse and desire. He wisely evaluated his life and what did he see? He saw how his recklessness put him in the spot he was, and was separating him from God and causing harm to others.

Fourth, he rose to his feet. He knew he needed to leave his old ways behind to change. But he did not just think or talk about it. Instead, he stood to his feet and walked away from his old life and toward the only person that could save him. He went to his father.

The son knew that only his father could save him out of the desperate situation he was in. Who does the father represent? Jesus. It is truth, that only Jesus can save you out of the constant chaos of your life. The chains of immoral living are shackled around your feet and only Christ can lose them and set you free.

How did the father receive the son? The father ran and embraced him because the father knew his son was broken over what he had done. Jesus is waiting to embrace you. Come to Him humble and broken over how you have lived and be set free today.

A prayer for you. “Lord God, open the eyes of the reckless to see their destructive ways. Help them to take responsibility for what they have done and realize you are their only hope. Bring them to leave behind their old life and turn toward you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Why Do We Want to Change Ourselves?

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“God made you a man or woman, and did not make a mistake. Sometimes it can feel like He did when we look at other people and compare, listen to the hurtful words of others or the destructive voices in our own mind. Here is the truth. You were made by the one who sits as King of the Earth on His throne in heaven.”

Do you like who you are? I am sure all of us wish we could change a few things about ourselves. Even the most beautiful or handsome among us. But I am asking something deeper. Do you so dislike some things about yourself that you are willing to go to great lengths to change yourself?

Whoever is walking through such feelings is not alone. Many are traveling this path. This goes beyond feelings though. This is about who someone really is, and where they came from. I am not talking about their family. Large numbers of people come from difficult homes. They may have had a single parent, raised by their grandparents, or have been abused. I want to go back further than their family.

Let us go back to where all of us have come from. “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness . . .’ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it…’” (Genesis 1:26,27-28)

This is where you and I have come from. We have been created by Almighty God. Before you were born, you were fashioned together by Him. You are not a product of science or biology, but a miracle of the one who fills the universe with His presence.

He made you a man or woman, and did not make a mistake. Sometimes it can feel like He did when we look at other people and compare, listen to the hurtful words of others or the destructive voices in our own mind. Here is the truth. You were made by the one who sits as King of the Earth on His throne in heaven.

What is the evidence of this? You were made in God’s image and the imprint of His likeness is upon you. Where does your laugh come from? Your ability to love, gain knowledge, be creative, show kindness and a host of other things? All from God. This is who He is and He gave some of His likeness to each of us along with physical life. For it is not just your heart, blood and brain that keeps you going. Ultimately, it was God’s Spirit that breathed life in you to make you live. And one day, that life will be withdrawn from you upon death.

Even though we are a wonderful creation of God, there is something not right. Something is amiss. Each one of us is born with a bent toward disobeying our Creator. The bent is called sin. It has touched everything God has created in us and corrupted it. We love, but only certain people. We gain knowledge, but it may not be good or edifying. We are creative, but not in always creating honorable things.

And sometimes this corruption shows itself in the rejection of what God has made – ourselves. This is the root of why we often want to change who we are. Instead of giving God thanks for how He made us and loving ourselves just as we are, we condemn ourselves and want to change what God has made. God is not pleased when we reject what He has made and called it good.

What is the answer? God sent His only Son to rid us of this internal brokenness. If we turn from our disobedience and to God by faith, we will instantly become a new person. Then the separation between us and God will be bridged. You will be one with the God who made you, and finally see yourself through His eyes.

A prayer for you. “Lord God, I pray for those who look at themselves and want to change who they are. Open their eyes to see how they were created by you. Help them to see how there is a corruption within them causing all this. Bring them to turn from their sin, and to faith in Christ. Then lift the veil of darkness so they can see and be made new by the light of Jesus. In His name. Amen.”