So, we have a new president. Not a politician, not a military general, but a wealthy, private citizen. The kind of person our founding fathers in many ways wanted to have in government. That private citizen who takes a few years out of his or her career to help guide and manage the affairs of this nation. Not someone who makes a career out of managing said affairs.
Scary, isn't it? Donald Trump is no politician. You know where your views stand with him, be they for or against your . And he doesn't play political correctness, either. He'll take that political sacred cow and turn it into a pork chop every chance he gets; so all of us can be assured of being rubbed the wrong way more than once over the next four years.
He's going to tear down many idols we have developed in America. Idols in the form of bureaucracies that appear to help but only hinder and enslave us. Idols that create the illusion Governments are our hope and salvation, in place of Jesus. And when this happens, those who are dependent on the government will have to rely on themselves, their families, and most important, their faith to carry them through. This kind of strength has proven to help significantly reduce and eliminate many of the addictions so many people of the modern world are struggling with. So by removing the safety net/ hammock so many depend on - a scary thought, no doubt - many of these formerly dependent people will find their way and become independent.
Please, encourage one another through this. The country is so divided, half wanting to become more socialistic, the other half wanting to embrace micro-capitalism, the kind of biblical capitalism that encourages every one to enjoy the fruit of their labor, instead of the rich oligarchs who do earn their wealth on their hirelings, often in disproportionate fashion.
Two thousand years ago, another politically incorrect man walked the earth. Ane while his speech and demeanor was calmer, more gentile, more loving, he did have his moments when he railed on the establishment of His day. Now, Donald Trump is not Jesus Christ...if anything...he is more like the antichrist. Then again, anyone who has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God is more like the antichrist, perhaps that is why Jesus said he "would deceive even the elect, if that were possible".
Overall, if God is the one in control (He is!), and he is the one who exhalts those whom He exhalts, and humbles those who He chooses to humble, then He is truly in control, even right now. So enjoy the roller coaster ride, keep your eyes on the prize of Christ, and occupy until He comes. And may the One who is able to keep you from the various trials of this life comfort, direct and make your crooked path straight during this challenging season.
January 22, 2017
January 8, 2017
Happy New Years resolutions!
My wish for everyone who reads these words to have a wonderful, prosperous 2017. May all the riches you have increase, and your troubles decrease. May your faith in Christ's imminent return be boldened, and may you be consoled through the bad times that God is in control, He has big plans for you, and His will will be done.
Of course, with a new year, come our new year's resolutions. You know, things like eating healthier, exercising more and losing weight, those seem to be the big ones. Maybe you want to work on being a better employee, a better parent, or a better spouse. The point is, we make these resolutions, and for whatever reason, all too often we fail within the first few weeks, and we give up.
Give up? Why??? Is it because the challenge we place upon ourselves is too great, or so daring, that when life gets in the way just a little bit we throw in the towel and quit? What does this say about any of us who take on a new challenge, pledge or yes; even a resolution; that as soon as we fail in perfection we simply give up!
Most of us reading this are forgiven sinners. So if we are forgiven in our sins through Christ, why quit in our endeavors to improve our lives, our health and our relationship with others? Do we give up in our (albeit futile) efforts to refrain from sin all because of one sin? Of course not!
Several years ago, after a binge session of sinning, I came back to Christ and begged for forgiveness. I knew I had sinned a horrible sin; repeatedly, and while I knew in my mind I was forgiven, my heart continued to wrestle with this. Until I heard the Holy Spirit speak to me, "Stop it! Get up, dust yourself off, and get back in the fight! You are much to valuable to be feeling sorry for yourself and wallowing in pity!!!"
Since then, one of my continuous resolutions is to continue to press on towards the goal. Sure, I stumble and fall, but I get right back up and keep on going. And THAT resolution should be the FIRST resolution you take on! This way, when life gets in the way, and you fail at your other resolutions, you have another one in place to get you back on track!
So, get back up, dust yourself off, and get back onto your resolution. Don't quit, keep pressing onward, upward and forward. Your life, your health and your relationships are much too important to those around you to give up; including God and Christ!
Oh yea, and one more resolution we should always have? That is to put Christ first! It too, gives this whole resolution thing the staying power it needs!
Of course, with a new year, come our new year's resolutions. You know, things like eating healthier, exercising more and losing weight, those seem to be the big ones. Maybe you want to work on being a better employee, a better parent, or a better spouse. The point is, we make these resolutions, and for whatever reason, all too often we fail within the first few weeks, and we give up.
Give up? Why??? Is it because the challenge we place upon ourselves is too great, or so daring, that when life gets in the way just a little bit we throw in the towel and quit? What does this say about any of us who take on a new challenge, pledge or yes; even a resolution; that as soon as we fail in perfection we simply give up!
Most of us reading this are forgiven sinners. So if we are forgiven in our sins through Christ, why quit in our endeavors to improve our lives, our health and our relationship with others? Do we give up in our (albeit futile) efforts to refrain from sin all because of one sin? Of course not!
Several years ago, after a binge session of sinning, I came back to Christ and begged for forgiveness. I knew I had sinned a horrible sin; repeatedly, and while I knew in my mind I was forgiven, my heart continued to wrestle with this. Until I heard the Holy Spirit speak to me, "Stop it! Get up, dust yourself off, and get back in the fight! You are much to valuable to be feeling sorry for yourself and wallowing in pity!!!"
Since then, one of my continuous resolutions is to continue to press on towards the goal. Sure, I stumble and fall, but I get right back up and keep on going. And THAT resolution should be the FIRST resolution you take on! This way, when life gets in the way, and you fail at your other resolutions, you have another one in place to get you back on track!
So, get back up, dust yourself off, and get back onto your resolution. Don't quit, keep pressing onward, upward and forward. Your life, your health and your relationships are much too important to those around you to give up; including God and Christ!
Oh yea, and one more resolution we should always have? That is to put Christ first! It too, gives this whole resolution thing the staying power it needs!
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