america democracy

CAPITOL CONFUSION

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In my time life I have been privileged to have toured the Capitol and the Whitehouse in Washington DC twice. It was easy…pretty much just walked in and looked around. My brother visited the Capitol also and even ran into the President (Nixon) walking down the hall.  He stopped and chatted with my brother. That was a long time ago and in a different world.

What took place yesterday and into the night shocked me as we watched a mob take over and damage the halls of our government, overwhelm police and show little respect to authority. This is extremely disturbing. How should Christians respond to this?

I voted for Trump as many of us did because of his stand on abortion knowing human life is created in God’s image. He was also supportive of Israel, was for a strong military, appointed conservative judges and had some people of faith by his side. He had a spotted past that no Christian should admire. But there was hope for change since Pence was beside him. Even Samson, David and the Apostle Paul had significant sins in their past, but God changed them and He can change politicians too. I am thinking Trump and Biden.

As Christians we can find real comfort and direction in the Word about how to face the days ahead. Here are few Scriptures that come to mind and can help us rise up to make a difference in a positive way.

·       Don’t fear: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6ff)

·       Pray: “pray without ceasing; (1 Thes. 5:17)

·       Spread the Gospel: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Mat. 28:19-20)

·       Remember Jesus is going to return: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.” (Rev. 19:11ff)

·       Look for His coming Kingdom: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. (Rev. 21:1ff)

Hear Dr. Al Mohler’s insightful comments on the problem here.

Finally, today is Christmas Day in Ukraine so “Merry Christmas;” they function on a different calendar. This day is something worth celebrating since it once was a Communistic/Socialist country and part of the U.S.S.R. where such holidays were not encouraged. But things can change for the good too. :-) Keep praying and enjoy some good borscht.

Pastor Mark


A THING NOT TO FORGET

This July 4th it is good to not forget the words of Alexis de Tocqueville’s observations of America that my friend and chaplaincy director Ben Harris reminded me of. Tocqueville was a French diplomat and historian who was skeptical of America and the extremes of democracy. He lived from 1805 to 1859 and once toured America and then wrote Democracy in America.  His words are insightful for us today on why America is good and unique in our world.

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“I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers – and it was not there . . . in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there . . . in her rich mines and her vast world commerce – and it was not there . . . in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution – and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”

Tocqueville's words do not suggest that Americans are better than anyone else. But they do suggest that America was blessed because of the morals of her people. This was the result of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He was right and we need to pray that we would exhibit the gospel in our lives this 4th and remember and give thanks to God and pray for revival in America.

Pray especially for the special Decision America rally on August 12 at 7:30 P.M. when Franklin Graham will be speaking at Cheney Stadium.

God bless America

Pastor Mark