I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed so many people being so upset as we approached a Presidential Inauguration. I can recall people telling me that they voted for this person or for that person. I can recall husbands saying they voted for this person while their wife voted for the other candidate. I have a very hard time remembering so many people being so upset and it seems to be continuing day after day. I’ve read that Washington, D.C. is expecting over 900,000 people there JUST to protest. Personally, I’m just sad about this. I don’t mind disagreement when you choose to disagree in an honorable way. I can recall the late President Ford commenting upon the state of affairs in Washington stating that they used to have arguments but at 6 p.m. they were still friends. Former President Carter commented that in elections past you used to call your opponent, “My worthy opponent.” Civility seems to have gone out the window.
So what can we do? I think the answer is found in 1 Timothy 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.
First: we need to pray every single day. Janice and I have been stopping at 8 p.m. every single day to pray for 1 minute for our nation. I would urge you to do the same. All our leaders need wisdom that only God can give to them if they ask for it.
Second: we need to pray for the new administration. There is a war brewing … and it has great overtones of spiritual warfare. This is nothing new, of course, but it seems to me to be more overt than in the past.
Third: we need to pray for our country to return its eyes upon the Lord. He seems to be so forgotten in the midst of all this. We need the courage to speak up as well. But our first priority is seeking God’s face!
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22 — a new sermon series debuts called WALKING IN A MANNER WORTHY. We’ll be studying through the entire book of Ephesians being challenged to walk in such a way that our lives bear witness of God’s leadership. Also, this Sunday is our 2017 ANNUAL MEETING.
TUESDAYS: JANUARY 31 AND FEBRUARY 7. A two-week class on DISCOVER YOUR DESIGN. If you’d like to register for this class, you have until January 29 to do so. The class does require some homework (just wanted you to be aware). The class begins at 7 p.m. We’ll be looking at spiritual gifts and how your gifting determines where best to serve in the church.
Have a great rest of the week … I’m really excited about seeing each of you on Sunday!!
Love,
Pastor Chuck