7holycrap Holy Crap, Life Lessons

I Serve a Pushy God…And I Like It

psalms-23-blog

I had a conversation with Ken, one of our team members at work, and we were talking about God taking care of us as we walk through life. We specifically were talking about Psalms 23 because it is such a great example of God telling us what he will do for us in pretty much all seasons of life.

I mentioned something to him and when I said it, I knew it came from God so I want to share it with you today. It has to do with the first three verses of chapter 23 and there are three terms that I want to emphasize because it says a lot about what God knows we will need in this life we live.

1     The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right path for his name’s sake.

It is amazing to think that when God created us he knew we would need to be “made, led and guided” in this crazy life that we live. We are naturally stubborn and want to do our own thing, walk our own path and then just deal with the consequences of those decisions. When I read or listen to the Bible I get a better revelation of the principles in there that are wrapped around and answer the issues I am either dealing with or will deal with the longer I am alive.

It is further proof that God is FOR us and not AGAINST us and offers to help in three different ways as stated in Psalms 23. He will make us rest when we feel like we are running a thousand miles an hour, lead us beside quiet waters when our natural bend is to try and dance around raging rivers and guide us along the right path of life IF we will allow him. The key is getting the Bible in you and allowing it to permeate every part of your thinking, which in turn, will lead to a life that follows after God and brings peace.

Maybe some of you are in a place to not understand this peace that God offers and don’t know why reading a simple book could change your life in such a drastic way. Think of it this way; if life is really a struggle right now for you and you are running out of options, what do you have to lose?

Praying that you will be have hope in despair, wisdom where there is confusion and love where you feel hate. Have a great day!

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!