7holycrap Holy Crap, Jesus thoughts

Did You Just Start or Stop Praying for The President? Not Good

political-parties
This will be my one and only political-type blog, so enjoy.
The level of vitriol on social media and in the news has been over the top concerning politics. Friendships are being destroyed and families are stressed to untold levels from opinions about politics. I am not minimizing the passion from either side and their viewpoints but bringing up a bigger issue; only praying for the President when it is convenient and you agree with his or her (yes, I think there will be a woman president at some point in my lifetime) viewpoint is not Biblical.

As followers of Christ, we are instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-3 to pray for our leaders and the language used was fairly comprehensive. Check it out.

1 Timothy 2:1-3
2 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, (NIV)

I would say that “petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving” pretty much covers it all when it comes to lifting up all people (including leaders) in prayer. It doesn’t say, “…for the King and authorities that you agree with politically…” but refers to all those in positions of authority. In fact, I don’t see “political affiliation” in ANY scripture in the Bible, only values that we need to esteem and strive for in our lives.

When I pray for someone it does not justify what they have done or do but puts ME in a place of authority to pray that God’s will be done in their lives. If we think that personal anger will change things in people’s lives we are mistaken. (Check out James 1:20 for this bit of truth) This signifies that our hope is not in the leadership over our country but in the one who has the power and ability to change hearts and direct lives. Of course we can voice our concern for things that line up with our Biblical values, but we need to be careful that those values are coming from Christ and not from a political party.

The Bible is replete with examples of God advancing and taking care of his people no matter WHO was over them. This was proof that God wanted and wants those who follow him to make sure they are not looking to earthly leadership for their identity but praying for those who lead them with eyes focusing on Him!

Have a great day!

7holycrap Jesus thoughts

The health care plan and Gods possible future for Christians

I was talking with a guy on my airplane flight home about the health care plan that is being proposed for the US by President Obama. He said that he actually voted for Obama but had “voters regret” with some of the choices the president has made in recent days concerning the health care of America. We were talking about the “prioritization” of health needs that would be in the current version of the health bill which led me to share with him about my eye condition I had and that I would have probably lost my eye if I was “prioritized” under the national health care being proposed. I am a firm believer that there must be some sort of reform in healthcare because of the wicked medical bills my wife and I have endured for the past 5 years and the crushing blow of getting sick and especially the doctors not knowing what was causing my sickness. After I settled into my seat for the remainder of my flight I felt like I had a moment with God sharing something with me. Please hear me; I DO NOT want the current health care bill to pass, but what an amazing opportunity for the church of Christ and Christians to pray for people and their healing if something like the proposed plan would go through. I believe the Bible when it talks about future events that need to happen before Jesus comes again but I think we have a hard time believing it would be in our lifetime. Can you imagine it? The healthcare bill goes through, people are denied care from their doctors because of some government regulation in place so all they have is having a Bible believing person ready to pray for them and Expect them to be healed. Talk about amazing testimonies from all around America! They would be on CNN, MSNBC, FOX, local, national and even probably world news. I really feel like God put this thought in my mind because of an incease of trust I need to have with God and nothing else. As a Christian I need to do my part to let my voice be heard when I disagree with decisions my government chooses, but at the same time, I don’t want to stand in the way of God having a greater plan for us and this country than we could even imagine, dream or think. I only pray that God increases our faith to a point that if we as Christians are called on to lift those kinds of prayers that we will not let the United States of America down. That may just be the hour of thier greatest need. I am now not praying for the healthcare bill to fail, but for God to have his way in this country. Are you with me?