The Great Divide: Christian Voters

 WHY ARE CHRISTIANS DIVIDED IN THIS ELECTION?

If we all read the same bible, and believe in the same bible,  how can we be divided?

We all as people have convictions.   We live by them, we decide  by them.  It  seems  it would be  easy to vote our conscious  based on these convictions. After all, these are basic beliefs we all share and believe should be adhered to.    When it comes to the sanctity of marriage or life, there is no other choice?  Right?  Wrong.  Hence the divide.

There is so much riding on this election that we are not hearing about.  Some people have educated themselves beyond the hype and have very real concerns.  They have paid attention to issues and are concerned and praying about the systems and where the country is going all together.  Those concerns are swaying them to vote in a way that may seem  to others to be "not Christ like."   Others have very basic thoughts about the climate of our country, and they don't care about what happens with some of the government issues, they just want to be able to spread the gospel and  are more concerned with honoring God in a different way.  What baffles us is that both opposing views can be held by equally dedicated CHRISTIANS!

Some are so concerned that the pattern God made for marriage has been compromised.  They believe marriage is one man and one woman. Period.   With that thought in mind, they would vote one way.  In fact the others that I spoke to who believe in the sanctity of life would do the same.   In the church, we have always had both sides.  One is not more spiritual than the other.  It takes both to pray and cover different areas.  Despising each other and unfriending or arguing, will not allow the world to see God. 

This is not the first time believers have disagreed!

 Acts 15:36 reminds us of this:

Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them,     but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.    They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,   but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.                          

Paul and Barnabas disagreed so strongly on whether or not to bring John Mark on a ministry trip that they parted ways.  But here is the catch, they still fulfilled ministry.  They both did what they were supposed to do, and continued to work. 

IT IS NOT PERSONAL

 The best thing we can do, is stop taking this election personally.  It will not stop you from being who you are, doing what you do or achieving what God wants.  Yes we are disgusted by a lot that we see, but is it really going to affect you as a believer? Should it?   A believer who trusts God and acknowledges Him?   When Abraham lived in a land with famine, God continued to bless him during that time.  When his son got older he also went through a famine in the land.  But the Bible tells us this about Isaac:

Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him.   The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous;   for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him.           Genesis 26:12-14

Two things happened here that can also happen with us.   If we obey and honor God, He will bless us even when others are struggling.  He will allow us to be so blessed and at peace that others take note.  God does not bless us so we can look good, but so He can.  It is called letting our light shine, so others can see. Then we have open doors to tell others about His goodness and provision.  (even in famine)

Laws v/s Heart

To help those who are concerned about laws being put in place that will corrupt America.    Think again.  Corruption does not come from our laws.  It comes from hearts that have not been changed by God.  When hearts are changed lives change, we decide differently and talk to Him about what He wants for us.  We have a law in our hearts, we simply choose whether or not we will obey.

 Romans 2: 14-16 says:

(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law.  They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.) This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.     

I have no desire to smoke marijuana, so they can legalize it if they want,  I will not want it.  The same applies to other  controversial laws.  If we really want to see the word of God manifest itself in America, we THE CHURCH need to do our jobs.  Touching the hearts of all men, encouraging them to know Christ and follow Him. So, it really does not matter what the law allows us to do, if it is not in our hearts to do it, then we won’t.

So you see,  it won’t matter much  HOW you vote.  You might hear some issues in the final debate, that may help those of you who are still undecided.  If not, continue to pray for God to give you peace in your decision.  We really don’t have a sure God send on the ticket.  I’m not sure if we ever have had one.  It has been quite awhile since a prophet selected and anointed a leader.  God often uses leaders for various reasons, sometimes just to bring us back to Him.  So listen to what God allows you to hear and vote accordingly, love your fellow Christians who think differently than you; (that is the only way others will know we are His disciples, by our love) and finally, just be sure your heart is in His hands.

The Fallacy of Freedom

 America has been and will always be known as 'The Free World"  "The Land of the Free"  We love it, we think we live it, but  we don't really experience it.  Freedom is something that throws us.  Many have enjoyed coming here with hopes and dreams, just to find that the freedom they seek comes with a price, and it is always eluding them.  But still, we claim to be the land of the Free.  I get that our democracy allows us freedoms that other nations don't have, but it is more than that. 

  Freedom is defined as- ‘the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.’

Fallacy is defined as -'a mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound argument.'

We like to say that Freedom is not Free, and that is true,

but Freedom is not COMPLETE freedom either.

 

  The Fallacy of Freedom

The power to act speak or think like we want without hindrance or restraint, is a mistaken belief based on an unsound argument.  Consider this:

• If we really had freedom of speech, a presidential candidate would not be in the hot water he is in now because of things he said years ago. 
• If we really had freedom to do what we want, a man would be alive today because his neighbor would not have shot him because his music was too loud.
• If we really had freedom of religion, an organization could choose to not advertise with same sex commercials due to their convictions, and people would not boycott and threaten to disrupt their business.
• In fact, if we really had freedom to think like we want, racism would not be a problem, because you can think what you want, do what you want and determine on your own what is right or wrong.

Freedom is not what it seems.  We boast about it, but many never live it.   Try to tell someone they have freedom when they are stuck in jobs that don't provide, or neighborhoods that are not progressing.  Freedom to do what you want, think what you want, be what you want, and act how you want... that is fallacy.

 

WHAT DOES AMERICA STAND FOR?

 Last year I traveled to the Middle East, and as a Christian, I realize that I was going to a Muslim country. I always try to respect people anywhere I go, regardless to their religion, race or whether or not they accept me. So before getting on my 16 hour flight, I researched what to expect while traveling, I'm  glad I did.   When I found that I could not enter a particular store with my shoulders bare, I covered them.  When I was sightseeing, women were required to cover their heads, so I covered mine.  There were other things that I was aware of like not snapping photos of the natives or shaking hands with men.  Although this was very different from America, It didn’t stop me from being a Christian; I didn’t come home wondering if Jesus Christ was still the Lord of my life. I simply adhered to what they required in their country.  They had a standard, and whether you liked it or not... you were required BY LAW to adhere to it.  

One thing that bothers me about America is this:  (I say this with the utmost respect for our service men and women as well as all who are proud to be Americans..)

We don’t stand for anything, we stand for everything.

  

 Freedom has given us the unction that anyone can  boycott, petition and complain for a cause and as a result, we will change rules, laws and minds to fit what they want. People have lost jobs because of someone upset that an employee said or did something they didn't like, even when they were not on the job at the time.  Freedom is funny.  It allows for one by refusing the other.  A freedom to have unisex restrooms, takes away from those who prefer girls in one, boys in another.  It does not mean something is wrong, just not free.  What may benefit one, may very well disturb another.

 What do we require here in America? 

We are so busy trying to be sure everyone feels free, that we have not upheld the truths that this nation was built on.  We used to say “One nation Under God” but someone got offended, so we stopped emphasizing it.   We used to have the Ten Commandments displayed in a public place, but someone got offended, and we removed it.  We used to allow our kids to pray in school, but someone got offended, and we stopped it overall.    Yes, we still can meet at a pole, but we can’t stop and pray for a hurting student in our classroom, lest we offend someone.  Truthfully, even if we allowed prayer in schools...what prayer would we allow?  Because we are the land of the FREE, people who are atheists have the right to be in a prayer free environment. When you remove prayer, it infringes on the FREEDOM of those who want to pray- keeping it infringes on those who don't.   Typically, if someone feels their rights  or personal convictions are being undermined, we will CHANGE OUR RULES to accommodate them.  Freedom is not COMPLETE freedom.  Someone is not going to get what they want.

 

When I traveled last year,  I realized that even if I disagreed with the laws of that nation, at least I knew what to expect when I went there. That is what I feel is missing in America.  A basic standard that we are known by, that we adhere to regardless.  America is a great nation, our problem is not that we let immigrants in, we are ALL immigrants.  Our problem is that we hold no particular truths to be self evident. I grew up hearing that America was a Christian Nation.  I thought many of our founding fathers were Christians (not perfect) but believers.  But now we have no national religion  that we follow anymore, no absolute laws that God has given that we keep, so anything goes.

  WHY IS GOD’S LAW IMPORTANT?

When the righteous rule, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. Proverbs 29:2

God’s law is important because there has to be a final word.  In the courtroom, if a judge or jury has no law to govern how they decide, then their personal opinions rule.  We are subject to their thoughts, their mood, their morals or their hidden prejudices. When God’s law rules, we match what we think by what God has said, not what we feel.  God is the only ONE that has no respect of persons.  His laws and guidelines are similar and applicable to all.  But because of our FREEDOM, we have made decisions apart from Him.  Now we are subject to the 'powers that be.'

 

 

FREEDOM IN CHRIST

 Freedom is not Free even in the Church.   As believers we know that the freedoms we have today, were paid for by God’s son.  We understand that we were bought with a price.  Jesus paid it all… we understand that.  We sing the songs loud, not realizing that even our freedom to reject Him came at a great price. 

Though we still have the freedom to choose Him or reject Him,   God tells us to choose HIM.  He reminds us that there are consequences to our choice.  Life and Death are in the balances.  Wisdom says to choose LIFE.  You have the freedom to choose, but it comes with another price.

Once we have chosen Him, we think freedom comes for sure!   But this new freedom is only found in  SERVING.  Making ourselves a servant to HIM, serving others and laying aside our own desires.  We don’t like that sometimes, but in serving we find true freedom.  Freedom is seen in how we can release things that we don't need.  How we let go of things that try to stop us from succeeding.  How we release people who have hurt us, and how we choose to continue to love those that don't love us back.   Freedom also allows us to let people go while still praying for them, understanding that they may not be good for our life, and we may not be good for theirs. Agreeing to disagree, that is freedom.

TRUE FREEDOM

True Freedom is found inside us.  Not what the government can give us, not what others allow us to do.  True Freedom is found in not holding on to anything that bogs you down, releasing whatever negative things have held you in your mind or in your heart and walking in your purpose.  Freely.

So when you think of the LAND OF THE FREE, remember it is your choice to be free.  Your choice to forgive.  Your choice to walk in your convictions and standards.  No one can take that from you.   True Freedom is found in Christ, He gives us the ability to be sure of our steps, to release those who have hurt us, to love those that don't love us, to reach out to others that might need us.   He makes us free.  Indeed.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.   John 8:36

  

 

 

TREASURES IN HEAVEN: You CAN Take it with you!

 

In the news recently there has been a buzz about a well-known reality star that was allegedly robbed at gunpoint in Paris.  The thought of being robbed is scary, and it could have gone any kind of way.  Many have found it humorous due to the fact they think perhaps it is another publicity stunt, or maybe an insurance scam. Some even figure she deserves it because of the amount of jewelry she had on her.  The things we say about others…..says more about us.

Regardless to whether or not it happened, you can’t help but realize, that even with all that security, none of us are exempt from this world’s drama.  Jewelry worth so much are now gone.  Maybe never to be recovered again.  For us, the question is , "How can we protect our treasures?" 

 

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”   Matthew 6:19-21

TAKE IT WITH ME!

 

"A dying man made his sobbing wife promise that she would place all of his earthly treasures in his casket when he died.  They talked about how she would live without him, and whether or not it would benefit him in heaven.  He was adamant, so, after some time, she agreed and promised. He died knowing that his wife would do what she said she would do.  At his funeral, before they closed the casket for the last time, she lovingly kissed him on his forehead, and placed a check in the total amount of his estate and holdings in his jacket pocket…..just like she promised." 

DEFINING TRUE TREASURE

 

What is the ‘treasure’ we are talking about?  We know if you place jewels or money in a casket today, there is a great chance it will not make it in the ground.  My mother always wore rings on her fingers.  Really nice rings, so when she passed away, my sister purchased an inexpensive ring, that looked expensive to place on her finger.  Before leaving the funeral home, the director came to me and said.  “There is a ring on your mother’s finger; don’t you want to remove it?”  I simply told him, “No,  it is inexpensive and we got it just for this.”  We knew that someone might take it, but it was our simple way of honoring her one last time.  So we left it there.  Not everyone plans like that.  Some have placed jewelry in coffins with their loved ones, only to find the items had been stolen.

 

But the bible does tell us to store our treasures in heaven, so if we CAN take it with us, what is this treasure and how do we get it there?

 

 

HEARTS FULL OF TREASURE!

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.       Luke 6:45

Did you know that your heart holds treasure according to God’s word?  That means all of our hearts are equipped to store treasure.   Your treasure is seen in how you interact and talk to others.  How we admonish and consider others.  How we encourage and pray for others.  This is treasure! 

 

TRASH TO TREASURE?

What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth,  that is what defiles them.”         Matthew 15:11   

Good and Evil.  These are two things that will follow us into eternity.  There is good treasure and evil treasure.  When we choose to speak good and to do good towards people -that is good treasure.  When we do good things, and say good things from our heart, it is good treasure.   That is all you will take with you.  The deeds done to bless someone in this earth.  Not the gold, pearls or costly clothing.  The deeper part of YOU.

When something happens in this world, your comments, social media posts say more about you than it does those you talk about. Life happens every day, and if we are not careful, we can switch from good treasure to evil treasure in a moment.  Our comments on a news story that has us upset, the alleged theft in Paris, our political candidates, the person on your job that irritates you, someone you fell out of relationship with- all of these things may be challenging to watch, but your words say more about you than those you speak of.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.               Ephesians 4:29

 

The day will come when each of us will leave this earth.  It won’t matter what people put in our coffin, or where they sprinkle our ashes.  Our bags will be packed and we will be gone.  Ready or not.  

Our bags will hold treasures from our heart, whether good or bad.  It won’t be full of jewelry, or money, no stocks or bonds, no dollar bills.  But it will be filled with the words we have said to others, and the deeds we have done towards others.  It may not seem like much today, the simple act of kindness, the prayer for someone distraught, or helping someone in the store.  It might not seem that important today, when you give way to a driver who is in a greater rush than you are, or you take time to console a frustrated parent with an irritated toddler.  All these things done from our heart produce treasure.  Treasure that we take with us into eternity.   

So be aware of what  you pack!