walking in the truth
Today's Truth from Scripture"Save us, O Lord, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man. Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts, those who say, 'With our tongue we will prevail, our lips are with us; who is master over us?'
"'Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,' says the Lord; 'I will place him in the safety for which he longs.'
"The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. You, O Lord, will keep them; You will guard us from this generation forever. On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man." Psalm 12
Some devotional thoughts for today
I hesitated before writing this devotional, although these thoughts have been heavy on my heart for some time. I hesitated because:- I can tend to get a little preachy. [No! Seriously!]
- Some who know me also suspect that I am partisan [No! Seriously!], despite the title of this entry.
- This scripture could easily be taken to heart by either or any partisan position & applied to the other. I pray that this is not so.
Would you agree with me that most of us are really, really sick of this election season? Would you agree that there have been plenty of reasons to take offense at words & actions of both political parties & their presidential candidates? Would you agree that many will make their choice--not based on whom they think is the best choice but on whom they think is the lesser of two evils?
Well, it really doesn't matter what you or I think, because, on the morning after the election, the sun will still come up. Contrary to partisan punditry, Armageddon will not be brought about regardless of which candidate is elected. [As we approach the the last few Sundays of the Church Year, & if you attend a church that follows the traditional readings for these last few Sundays, take note of Biblical prophecies of the End Times. You want scary prophecies? You'll hear scary prophecies!]
No matter who is elected, promises won't get kept. Expectations won't be met. Hopelessness & helplessness will prevail. Depression & gloom will likely be the order of the day.
Uh, shouldn't you be reading something uplifting by now? Yes, you should. But instead of more Paul Leckband's devotional thoughts, how about . . .
"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.
"The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but He frustrates the ways of the wicked.
"The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord." Psalm 146:3-10
No matter who is elected, promises won't get kept. Expectations won't be met. Hopelessness & helplessness will prevail. Depression & gloom will likely be the order of the day.
Uh, shouldn't you be reading something uplifting by now? Yes, you should. But instead of more Paul Leckband's devotional thoughts, how about . . .
More Truth from Scripture
"Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.
"The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but He frustrates the ways of the wicked.
"The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord." Psalm 146:3-10
Final devotional thoughts
- God's plan for salvation embraces far more than salvation from political & secular strife.
- As believers, "our hope is found in nothing less than Jesus blood & righteousness." [My bad...I can't remember the hymn reference.]
- Compared to the creative powers of the Creator, what can any political leader or party possibly construct that comes close to the majesty of our Lord?
- No matter the results on Election Day, don't expect much lasting relief for the oppressed, the hungry, the foreigner, the fatherless, the widow . . . unless the relief comes from our Savior . . .
- . . . Who sets prisoners free from the tyranny of Sin & Satan & Death . . .
- . . . Who gives sight to those blinded by so much earthly garbage.
- Ultimately, we will see evil frustrated, although we may not live to see it in this earthly life.
- Why? Because Republicans won't reign forever. Democrats won't reign forever . . .
- Only Jesus Christ will reign forever. And for that we say . . .
PRAISE THE LORD!
Today's Prayers *
- Prayer for Good Government: Eternal Lord, Ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that they may be guided by Your Spirit, be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
- Prayer for Responsible Citizenship: Lord, keep this nation under Your care. Bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to the other nations of the earth. Help us provide trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and thus serve You faithfully in our generation to the honor of Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
- Prayer for Our Country: Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Make us who came from many nations with many different languages a united people. Defend our liberties, and give those whom we entrusted with the authority of government the spirit of wisdom that there may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful; and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Missionary News
Lois & I have "adopted" two missionaries: Pastor Stuart & Debra Freese, who are preparing to serve in Ghana & West Africa, probably beginning soon after the 1st of the year. They are spending their time now getting ready for this assignment, which includes traveling to spread the word about their mission work in Africa & raising support with the help of Gary Thies. Some of you know Gary from his work via Mission Central.[http://missioncentral.us/missioncentral/welcome] I have Stu & Deb's permission to share the following information with you.
- Email: debra.freese@lcmsintl.org
- Email: stuart.freese@lcmsintl.org
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/FreesesinAfrica/ (NOTE: You don't need a Facebook account to view this page.)
- Giving Page: http://www.lcms.org/freese
In their most recent e-newsletter, their prayer list included:
> The people of Ghana & West Africa
> The pastors & workers of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana
> All missionaries world wide
> God's grace & mercy to spread throughout all nations
> Stu & Deb as they travel, sharing the news about God's work in Ghana & the rest of West Africa
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