Random Thoughts
Elections Done, Now What?
1 Tim 2:1
Last week we talked about Knowing Jesus. the world knows the name of Jesus, many even know the story of Jesus, but they do not Know Jesus. That knowledge comes through relationship with Him. It comes with a desire to know more about him. We find out about Him when we read and study His word. We have relationship with Him when we talk to him in prayer. It's sad how many people know the name and the story, but don't truly know Jesus.
This morning we will continue with this random series we've been going through. The last fews months, especially the last few weeks there has been a lot of talk about the elections on November 2nd. Well, the elections are over, some people are pleased with results and some are not. Some are suprised by the results, others are not. I can tell you God is not suprised. The people who are now in power are there because God allowed it. Daniel 2:21 says " And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:" Turn also for a moment to Romans 13:1 "1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."
We may or may not be pleased with the results, and there are a few options for us, after the elections. We can gripe, or we can gloat. We can be optimistic, or we can be pessimistic. But when it is all said and done, there is one thing every christian should be doing, and that is praying. In 1 Timothy chapter 2, Paul writes "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
Paul says " I exhort" to beseech, to beg, to encourage. I think what he is about to say is important! First in importance, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; including kings and all that are in authority.
I like the five finger prayer. It helps me to know who to pray for. Paul says all men, but who are all men?
Start by putting your hands together in front of you. Now, starting farthest from you. You have your little finger, let it remind you to pray for those smaller than you, (the children) remember Jesus loves children. The next finger is the ring finger. Did you know the ring finger is the weakest finger. Let it remind you to pray for the weak, the sick, afflicted, those in harms way. The next finger is the middle finger, It is the tallest finger. let it remind you to pray for those in authority over you. This includes even those that you don't like! The next finger is the pointer finger. Let this remind us to pray for thopse who point the way,(teachers, preachers,etc). And the last one is the thumb. If you notice when your hands are in front of you like this, the thumb points at you. Let this remind you, it's ok to pray for yourself!
Now that we have defined all including our leaders, what do all these terms that Paul used mean?
Supplication is simply asking for something; prayer should never be all asking, but it should ask in bold confidence from God's Word.
Prayers is a broad word, referring to all communication with the Lord.
Intercessions refers to the requests we make on behalf of others; when the needs of other find a place in our prayer time before God's throne.
Giving of thanks is an essential part of our walk with God; those who lack a basic sense of gratitude in their lives lack God's vision and God's heart.
So what supplications should we be making concerning our government?
a. God led leaders
b. Morality
c. Freedom from persecution
d. Protection
What should we be talking to God about concerning our government?
a. What is concerning you?
What intercessions should we be making on behalf of our leaders?
a. Their salvation
b. Wisdom
c. Courage
What should we be thankful for concerning our government and our leaders?
Goverment
romans 13:3,4 "3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."
a. We are a Free Nation
b. We choose our leaders
c. Religous freedom
Our Leaders
a. They are God appointed
b. They can only do what God allows.
Our leaders, our government, our nation is in trouble. We have begun to slide down a slippery slope. We have neglected prayer. We have picked apart our leaders. Mocked those in authority, and by doing so, have mocked God. God will not be mocked! But there is hope for America. That hope is found in 2 Chron 7:14 "14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We were a nation under God. we are a nation divided. To be a nation under God means submission to Him. He says if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves. It's not about power, right , left, conservative, liberal. We need to as a nation pray. Seeking His face, not our own agenda. We need to turn from our wicked ways. Be a nation of right, and morality. Then God will hear our prayers, forgive our sins and heal our land! When we as a nation seek God and do what is right, we will have God lead leaders. We cannot blame our leaders fo the shape America is in. Our goverment is a Republic which according to wikpedia is defined as " a form of government in which the people or some portion thereof retain supreme control over the government," So we share in the blame. We can not expect someone else to do our job. It is the christians resposibility to Pray, for our leaders and our nation! It is said that in our nation 78% claim to be christians. That means that 2/3rd of our country should be praying for the whole. If only that would happen! God would hear us! God would heal us and forgive our sins!
