Simply because they are a person…

I read something by Max Lucado* (in a book of his that I've read and re-read) that if Jesus could teach us one thing it would be that a person has value simply because they are a person.

I love that, after the creation of the things of the world God created man. And it was good, very good.

Over 20 years ago I lived in an area where racism ran rampant and it shocked me.  Young and naive it saddened me and I couldn’t believe that racism actually existed to such a degree.  Now, older and not as naive, I'm happy to say it still shocks me.  It seems to be worsening not improving, we’re moving further and further from love and respect of each other.

Some say that our parents and or our leaders must be our right example, and I agree. Yet what about when they are not the right example?  What then?  Who then?

Micah 6:8 (NLT)

O people, the LORD has told you what is good,

    and this is what he requires of you:

to do what is right, to love mercy,

    and to walk humbly with your God.

I get tired of hearing it (and certainly have had my share of failure at it); I almost don’t want to type it as the world is so narcissistic that I doubt this will be well received but people of planet earth … we need to be the bigger person and do right, love mercy, walk humbly with God.

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*No Wonder They Call Him The Savior by  Max Lucado

November 9, 2016

1 Timothy 2:2-4, 8 

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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

Many year ago, in the back of a Bible I had been given, was an outline of sorts as to how to arrange prayers so that the many areas of our lives and the many requests are organized and can be touched on consistently.  Another of my lists that I find useful in life, an update is now needed.

Thursdays for me is the day I focus on the United States of America and its leaders and their families, the list will be edited to now include Donald and Melania Trump, Mike and Karen Pence and their families.  As I pray for the Obama and Biden families to transition to their new posts in life, I will pray the same for the Trump and Pence families and forward for the next 4 years.

Year ago I heard a pastor suggest these prayers for our leaders:  that they know Christ and accept Him as Savior, that they do the work, that has been assigned to them by God,  with kindness, compassion, integrity and generosity.

And so it begins:

Dear Lord this morning I lift up to you the Obama, Biden, Trump and Pence families, in particular Barak, Joe, Donald and Mike, Lord I am confident that You indeed know what You are doing (Jer. 29:11 MSG), these men are in Your hands, I respect Your judgment and pray that first You fill them each with the Holy Spirit and that it is You, Your wisdom, discernment, power and desires that lead them as they lead the United States of America. I pray for citizens that we also, seek and heed Your wisdom and discernment in our daily lives, over all LORD, your will be done, I pray and ask in Jesus’ name, amen.

November 8th, 2016

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.

Today is a day that will show a lot about us as Christians.  Do you trust Him; truly trust the LORD with all of your heart?  Do you lean on His understanding?

As the polls close and concession and acceptance speeches are made, this is a day for us to shine for Him.  We all have a choice, a privilege, I cannot tell you how to vote, but I can tell you that at the end of today, I’m going to trust the only One worthy of my trust.

Romans 13:1 …for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Trust in Him today, tonight and every moment forward.  And pray for those authorities that He establishes.

1 Timothy 2:2-4, 8  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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the peace that cannot be explained fill you today and always and through all our days, amen.
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