“And remember, where you have a concentration of power in a few hands, all too frequently men with the mentality of gangsters get control. History has proven that.” – John Dalberg-Acton “No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good. A silly idea is current that good people do not know what temptation means. This is an obvious lie. Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is. After all, you find out the strength of the German army by fighting against it, not by giving in. You find out the strength of a wind by trying to walk against it, not by lying down. A man who gives in to temptation after five minutes simply does not know what it would have been like an hour later. That is why bad people, in one sense, know very little about badness — they have lived a sheltered life by always giving in. We never find out the strength of the evil impulse inside us until we try to fight it: and Christ, because He was the only man who never yielded to temptation, is also the only man who knows to the full what temptation means — the only complete realist.” - C. S. LewisFrom a psychological experiment in Journal of Applied Psychology: (full article in link below) The experiment involving the adults found a similar relationship between moral identity, ethical behavior and innate aggressiveness. Assertive people who scored low on the moral-identity scale were more likely to say they’d cheated their employer in the past week than more passive types with similar moral-identity scores. But among those with high moral-identity scores, the assertive people were less likely to have cheated. In sum, the study found, power doesn’t corrupt; it heightens pre-existing ethical tendencies. Which brings to mind another maxim, from Abraham Lincoln: “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/why-power-corrupts-37165345/ The cure is humility. Luke 14:11 – For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. There are subtleties behind some of the divisions you see in America today. The scribes of Jesus’ day had a similar problem. In fact, Jesus told the people to be wary of them because of their love for recognition and respect, and because of their religious hypocrisy. They were exploiting the people with false messages—but they believed they were the ones who were right. They were, in a word, self-righteous. The “I’m right and you need to agree with me” attitude that prevails in some circles, even among some Christians, is self-righteousness, and it is dangerous. It stems from a psychological place of fear, and leads to indignation and anger. Polarization in the United States is at an all-time high; it has been fueled by self-righteous politicians and protesting groups, and it results in pugnacious contempt. You cannot change what other people do; but you can change how you respond. To hold a self-righteous attitude comes at a high cost. You may, indeed, have the moral high ground, but you might better serve yourself and your Savior by doing what He says and humbly serve one another with the time and energy you would have spent on demonizing them. PRAY: Heavenly Father, I confess that sometimes it seems that I am too ready to put down some people and politicians who, to my mind, “just don’t get it,” and whose ideals and goals are not in alignment with what I think they should be. Forgive me when I am self-righteous. I remember how you said in Proverbs that a man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor. Guide me by Your Spirit to be more humble. Lead me with Your righteousness, for it is sufficient for me. For the sake of Jesus and His kingdom, Amen.
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While I wait - Lincoln Brewster www.youtube.com/watch?v=FODGdZoTkyE "I live by faith, and not by sight. Sometimes miracles take time" "So while I wait, I will worship Lord, I'll worship Your name Though I don't have all the answers Still I trust You all the same" We are now two weeks removed from Election Day, and we are still waiting for election results on races throughout the country. Take solace, though, in the things we DO KNOW: 1. God is in control. We know that God appoints princes and kings and that He is at work in America. Now is the time for patience and prayer. 2. There was no national blue wave. Although the process is still unfolding in the Presidential race, we can be thankful that so many of the projections from the Left did not come true. 3. Conservatives gained seats in the U.S. House of Representatives - not just conservatives in name, but conservatives who will lead the fight for outcomes on issues like the right to life. 4. Despite the Left spending millions to affect redistricting - not one state legislature was lost! This outcome is critical in shaping the nation for the next decade -- and for generations to come. 5. The voters have awakened. Incredible voter turnout took place on both sides of the aisle, and a record number of people -- almost 3.5 million voters -- went to the polls armed with iVoterGuide. 6. Just by using and sharing iVoterGuide, we made a huge impact. The preliminary results of the 7,582 candidates in 3,067 races nationwide show that the voters were thrilled to use the 30,000 research hours iVoterGuide put into the 2020 elections. We made the difference in 150 elections -- not just affected the outcome, but provided the winning margin for conservatives -- in the following:
7. We're using our money much more wisely than the Left. iVoterGuide's election cycle budget of $1.5 million heavily influenced 150 races with 3.5 million voters for about 42 cents/voter with each voter impacting 4-20 races on their ballot. . . and that is just where we exceeded the winning margin! All the above is just the big “drop in the pond” without any of the “ripple” effect our voters have on other races. Those of you who use iVoterGuide don't use us for just one race, but generally check out candidates up and down your ballot. The ripple is exponential. In short, even though we don't yet know the end of the story in many cases -- and are even prayerfully waiting as the election process continues in the Presidential race -- we have reason to be thankful. I know that as I wait, pray, and trust in God, I am reminded that Paul urges us in Thessalonians to not only "pray without ceasing" but also to "give thanks in everything." If you're like me, maybe you needed a reminder today of everything we have to give thanks for -- and the difference we’ve already made. SOURCE: iVoterGuide family Heavenly Father, You are so good. You do not leave us to struggle alone with the thoughts that sometimes overwhelm us. Even when we are waiting for a long time! All through Your Word, You remind us that our strength is found in You. My faith may falter and feel weak, but I am, oh, so thankful that Jesus doesn’t measure me by the strength of my faith, but by its honesty. You are my Lord, and I submit to Your will. Settle my heart and mind today by Your Word and Your love, to the honor of Your glory, Amen.
Several states are in the process of recounting, reviewing and/or verifying their vote counts. Contested states have until December 8 to finalize their results. Legal challenges may keep some states from officially certifying their election results. State voting results can project the president-elect, but the legal determination is set when the Electoral College cast their votes for their respective state*. We will continue to provide daily encouragement, verses, and prayers, as you to pray alongside fellow believers each day. KEY DATES December 8, 2020:Deadline for certified results in contested states. December 14, 2020:State electors cast their final votes for President of the United States of America* and the Pray the Vote 2020 prayer initiate comes to a close. December 23, 2020:Deadline for certified of electoral votes to be received by the president of the U.S. Senate. January 3, 2021**:Swearing in of 117th United States Congress. B.O.L.D. (Beside Our Leaders Daily) 2021 prayer initiative begins. January 6, 2021:Joint sessions of Congress formally count Electoral College votes and declare election results. January 20, 2021:Presidential and vice-presidential inauguration. January 21, 2021:100 Days of Prayer initiative over the President of the United States and his administration begins.*In the event of a tie in Electoral College votes or if one or more states cannot certify their results to reach a total of 270 or more votes for one candidate, the House of Representatives is tasked with choosing the president and the Senate is tasked with choosing the vice-president. **Dates that fall on a Saturday or Sunday are subject to change per legislative appointment. So, we had a rally in Grapevine yesterday. A rally for free and fair elections and to support President Trump. It was well attended and there was a lot of joy in fellowshipping with like-minded patriots. We were flag waving, smiling, singing, and praying all while walking down Main Street towards the 114 overpass. We had so many honks, waves, shouts of encouragement all around us for most of the rally. Even though we had a few people flip us the bird or scream obscenities at us, our excitement did not decline. We were buoyed by the others around us. The Democrats keep saying “No Hate Here” and “Love is Love” and “Kindness is Everything”. So when I was cursed at or flipped off I responded with a hearty shout of “I love you!” and blew kisses to them. Not sure they were received in the spirit which I sent them but at least I tried Today, one of the people attending the rally posted a brief video on NextDoor and titled it Patriots Gathered Today. From the response you would have thought we were murdering people in the streets in that video. The extreme hate, vitriol, and offensive comments were shocking since these are the people who claim to be tolerant and loving. I knew the post would be banned and so it was after just 6 short hours. (I did save the entire thread –if I’m going to be on a list then I’ll have my own lists to which I may need to refer.) Are we being persecuted for our beliefs? Yes and it’s certainly not new in America or the world. And if the Dems get the White House I hear that the persecution will be stepped up tremendously. Have you heard, “No Jab, No Job”? which says that if you refuse the covid vaccine you will not be allowed to work. Normally, I would be irritated, angry, saddened, threatened, etc… by us being persecuted but the message below tells me maybe I should be rejoicing! One of the greatest paradoxes in Christian history is that the church is most pure in times of cultural hostility. When things are easy and good, that is when the church most often goes astray. When Christianity seems identical with the culture and even when the church seems to be enjoying its greatest earthly success, then it is weakest. Conversely, when the church encounters hardship, persecution, and suffering… then it is closest to its crucified Lord, then there are fewer hypocrites and nominal believers among its members, and then the faith of Christians burns most intensely. - Gene Edward Veith I know that my faith has grown this year and I've walked more closely with the Lord. I know that it is more important than ever to me that I seek His will and His guidance in everything I do and say. Maybe that’s true for you as well. We all see that many churches look just like the world and we pray that will change. Well, maybe that’s exactly what is happening right now! You have already been set free! 2 Peter 2:19 – They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. The second chapter of Peter’s second epistle shines a bright light on false teachers, manipulators, and those who make false promises. God wants you to be clearly warned of those who would seek to influence your mind into having you believe or do what you might not otherwise have thought or done. In other words, God does not want you to fall for deception. “See that no one deceives you,” Jesus said in Matthew 24. Today’s verse in 2 Peter says these deceivers promise you freedom, but it is a freedom they themselves do not have. Galatians 5:1 says that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. As with generalized freedom in America, your freedom in Christ gives you the liberty to make many decisions for yourself. The best choice you can make is as you are instructed in James 4:7, to willfully submit yourself to the loving hands of God. Having done that, and living in the abundance of His grace, your challenge is not to turn your freedom into selfish opportunities, but through it serve one another (Galatians 5:13). When you received Jesus as Savior, you also received the Holy Spirit. He is a guide and teacher and will bring to your mind the power of discernment and instruct you on living in righteous freedom. Holy God, You have given us so much liberty, and it is often taken for granted by us, especially living in America, the land of the free and home of the brave. Set a guard on our minds so that we can be aware of the false teachers. Draw our eyes back to You and back to the truth. In these days of so many politicians and commentators wanting to influence the nation, keep us from falling for deception. Grant that we might live righteously before You and others, in Jesus’ Name, Amen. PRAY: For the leading of the Holy Spirit in discerning what is true.
Can you discern facts from opinion?
Romans 14:1 – As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. Issues or opinions? The nation—and perhaps the whole planet—is fractured, and it is happening because of opinions. Based on opinions in common, groups come together giving its members a sense of belonging that psychologists are calling tribalism. Those tribal divides are in every corner of American society today. Yet, most Americans—regardless of their opinions—can agree on what the real issues are, like defeat the virus, restore the economy, live in harmony with each other. Cross-check your own opinions today to make sure they conform with God’s Word and His standards. Recognize that, even though your opinion may differ from your neighbor’s, both of you are entitled to hold them. But take the time to listen to one another and look deeper for the real issue. Do as God instructed and don’t let your opinions be a stumbling block or a hindrance for someone else. Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, and be a source of love toward others in your words and actions. God, You are so patient with us. You see the quarrels and the dividing opinions among us, and yet You gently tell us to be slow to speak but quick to listen. It reminds me of what my mother used to tell me about having two ears and one mouth, and how to use them with those numbers in mind. Help me today to be more willing to look for the deeper issues and not to settle for just my own self-established opinion or the opinions I’m hearing from others. Drive me to the places in Your Word where my opinions might need correcting, for I desire to always be transformed by Your Spirit. In Jesus Name, I pray, Amen.
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Why pray?Lifting our elections up to the Lord helps all of us keep the focus on the most important topics as well as softens our hearts to love everyone, even those with whom we may disagree. Believing differently shouldn't stop us from sharing God's love and His Word with others. Archives
May 2022
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