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 Holy Crap, Love of Jesus

Caution: Your Candidate for President MAY Lose on Tuesday


I cannot remember an election season with so much anger and dissension as this one. I have never in my adult life gotten into an argument with a friend about the presidential election EVER but cannot say that anymore. I absolutely understand the passion that people have for the current election process that is happening at this time in our country. I also have a couple of reminders for us ALL concerning the current election and what the Bible says because the fact is that there is a chance that the person you are voting for on Tuesday will potentially lose.  

1. Make sure that your temper is in check and not just your flesh trying to “defend the honor of God and country.” 

James 1:20
– For the anger of man does not promote the righteous life that God desires 

I mentioned in the opening paragraph about how I got in an argument with someone about the presidential election and realized that I moved into the flesh and jeopardized a friendship that was more important that the result of the election. We need to pray and vote according to the Bible in every way but when we let our personal passion for something override what we are saying to someone (not just about the election) then we get in the flesh and become destructive.

2. No matter the result of the election, we need to pray for our country and our leaders

1 Timothy 2:1-3
 – The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. 

I am in full agreement that the results of this coming election will most likely determine the condition and state of the United States for probably the remainder of my life. I am doing my part to vote the principles of the Bible but I cannot discount the directive from Paul who wrote these words when he was living under the rule of Nero who would burn Christians on stakes to light his gardens. I say this because, even to that extreme, God took care of the church and actually GREW the church in times of persecution. We need to commit to praying for WHOMEVER wins the presidency.

Like I mentioned before, I totally understand the passion that people have for their candidate in this election cycle but the President of the United States does not help give me direction, or peace or my purpose. Those things are reserved for my relationship to God the King of the universe who can actually MOVE the hearts of Kings and Magistrates and owns the cattle on a thousand hills. That is who I am putting MY hope in.

For this country to change it doesn’t need a Republican, Democrat or Independent in the White House. It needs people who call themselves followers of Christ to step up and BE the love, the arms, the tears and heart of Jesus to a lost and dying world desperately looking for peace and not finding it. Let them find it in YOU.