Happy Monday!
If you are reading this, there is a good chance that you attend church meetings and, hopefully, are at least familiar with the Bible.
One theme you see repeated is unity. The church (not the Pentecost, Methodists or any other denomination, but the church, all of us who accept and follow Christ) is to unify under one head, Jesus Christ.
On that note, we are now in an election year. I do not like politics. I like very few politicians. I don’t like the effect that power has on so many. My personal opinion does not release me from the responsibility of due diligence in investigating their platforms and their opinions on what affects me, my family and our country though. The only way my opinion counts is in the ballot box and in my heart.
What are we supporting, unity or division? Are we praying for our leaders and our future leaders? Elections aren’t always going to turn out the way we hope, or vote, but do we still pray for our leaders? Do we actually believe that God knows best and that He is still in charge?
As for me, I will pray first for God’s guidance, He already knows what will be and how His plan will be put into action. He is the only One who really knows what should happen.
Pray Unceasingly!!
Lois
Jason Soroski
As our nation finds itself in yet another highly divisive election season, our tendency can be to draw firm lines between ourselves based on which candidates we support, and that can in turn lead to personal dislike for one another, anger towards those who lead, and eventually division.
As Christians, we are to live in a fine balance; standing for that which is true while seeking unity amongst ourselves whenever possible, standing firm in the faith while showing grace to those who do not, holding our leaders accountable while praying for their wisdom and well-being.
We are to learn from the words of Ezekiel 22:30, “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” We are to be those who stand in the gap, who lift up our nation with all it favors and faults before the throne of God, and pray that He continues to work in our midst.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 – I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
1 Peter 2:17 – Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
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.
2 Chronicles 7:14 – If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.