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Back in the ‘90’s, we might have asked: “What would Jesus do?” In other words, which presidential candidate would Jesus want us to vote for? Would Jesus even want us to vote at all, since both candidates are such bigtime sinners? What do you think? I often hear that many Christians will decline to vote for either person in this election cycle. Is this the right thing to do? To answer this dilemma, let’s consider the Lord’s priorities in choosing important leaders in scripture. After all, Isaiah 1:18 does say: “Come now, and let us reason together”.
Consider Abraham: God chose Abraham to be the “father” of His people that would eventually enter the “promised land” and become a “mighty nation” (Gen 15). This promise was fulfilled in spite of Abraham’s sin when he doubted God’s promise and went in unto Hagar and had a son with her (Gen 16). Consider Moses: God chose Moses to lead His people out of bondage. This promise was fulfilled even after Moses complained and tried to get out of the job (Exo 4). Then just before entering the promised land, Moses sinned again by disobeying God and thus was not even allowed to enter the promised land with the others (Num 20). Consider Saul: When His people called out, God answered and chose Saul to deliver them out of the hand of the Philistines (1 Sam 9:16). This promise was fulfilled even though Saul would be rejected by God because of his disgraceful life (1 Sam 15:11). Consider David: God chose David “a man after His own heart” to be captain over His people and to continue the mission of Saul (1 Sam 13:14). David brought peace to the land of Israel, but fell into adultery and murder when he slept with Bathsheba, a married woman, and caused her husband to be killed in battle (2 Sam 11). Consider Paul: God chose Paul on the road to Damascus to deliver the Gospel to the Gentiles throughout the known world (Acts 9). Paul fulfilled his calling even though he was a confessed “blasphemer, persecutor and violent aggressor” even calling himself the “chief of all sinners” (1 Tim 1:12-17). Need I go on? I don’t know about you, but I think a pattern is emerging here. It seems that God actually uses sinners to accomplish His purposes. In America, the Lord even uses sinners like you and me to cast our votes for His choice for president (Dan 4:17). This is a good thing! Otherwise nothing would ever get done because we’re all a bunch of sinners (Rom 3:23). So, where do we go from here? We have established, and I think agreed, that we are sinners, the presidential candidates are sinners and all of the leaders that God has ever used throughout the ages were sinners, including the apostles. Perhaps then we should get our eyes of off the sin and focus on our goals. So, the question is: Which candidate will at least try to make our country better for our children and grandchildren? That is my goal. What about you? Do you care about partial-birth abortion not to mention abortion in general? Do you care about being able to afford healthcare and penalties by the IRS? Do you care about the quality of education of your children and grandchildren? Do you care about the removal of God from the schools and freedom of religion? Do you care about the economy and creation of jobs for your family members? Do you care about rising taxes that lower your ability to provide for your family? Do you care about the beliefs of judges appointed to the Supreme Court for life? Do you care about your country being secure from terrorism and external perils? Do you care about the constitutional right to defend your family’s lives from threats? Do you care about freedom of speech and even freedom from political correctness? I know many of you and I submit that you do believe in at least some of these issues. Therefore, what will you do now? The problem is defined and the solution is at hand. All that is left is to engage with a real life struggle. As JKF once said: “Ask not what your country can do for you (free stuff), ask what you can do for your country.” (Vote for the welfare of your children). Who knows, perhaps God gave you and me a spirit of wisdom (Eph 1:17) for such a time as this (Est 4:13-14). Mike Means
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It's hard to write a blog that's spiritually edifying and encouraging to the body when life is stressful, overwhelming and confusing. Thankfully, it's not up to me, and it isn't about me.
God is so good. As I was thinking about the decisions and circumstances facing me and my family...all the risks, all the unknowns, all the ups and downs, and the burdens...God reminded me of a verse that has always been a tower of strength to us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5–6 NKJV This is the reality of God's promise to us: that if we trust Him, if we acknowledge Him in all of our ways, He will take care of the road ahead. There's no doubt about it, He will. We just have to let go of our understanding of the situation that causes us anxiety, fear, and worry, and acknowledge and trust Him. "Oh, that's it?" you say, pessimistically. "That's easy for you to say!" It's easy to say, but how do we do it? Paul gives us the answer: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6–7 NKJV So there it is: how do we let go of our anxieties and trust God? Through prayer. What kind of prayer? Constant prayer ("in everything"). Thankful prayer (what are you thankful for?). Prayer that makes requests of God. And then, the promise: you will have peace through Christ Jesus. Father, thank You for Your precious promises! You are so, so good. You alone are worthy of praise, for You alone are the Sovereign King. My life, and the lives of my family, are in Your hands, and I couldn't be happier to say so. You are ever watchful, ever able, ever loving. Please give us the grace to cast our cares upon You, knowing that You care for us. Give us the grace to pray constantly, with thankful hearts, so that we can enjoy Your peace. Give us the grace to acknowledge and trust you in all of our ways, so that our path is directed by You. In Jesus' name, amen! In Christ, Mikey Moomey Pastoral Staff |
AuthorWords of encouragement from the leadership at Calvary North. Archives
October 2018
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Calvary Chapel North Phoenix
14201 N. 32nd St. Phoenix, AZ 85032 Office 602.992.6922 Service Time: Sundays at 10am Church Office: M-Th 9am - 4:30pm School Office: M-F 9am - 6pm |
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