I wrote a post on Facebook on my election thoughts. Here's the same post:
I'm about to ruffle some feathers. I can feel it. Hear me out. Or not. Your choice. :)
I, as much as anyone, was disappointed last night. I had a church event, and was constantly pulling up foxnews.com on my phone for updates. I rushed home at 8:30 and turned on Fox News.
At 9:00, I was thrilled to find an episode of "House Hunters" I had not seen on HGTV.
If you know me well, you know I've always been a diehard Republican. In high school, I had spirited debates with one my favorite teachers. I've been a delegate to the Iowa State Republican Convention twice. I fully supported the McCain/Palin ticket. But this morning, I was thinking as I got ready and drove to work. Surprisingly, I found myself a tad encouraged.
Why? Because I know God is sovereign. He has been for all time, and will for all time. Our President (any of them for that matter) is not completely sovereign over anything, and even so, only for a short time.
First, I would like to congratulate Obama. He and I have radically different views, but I respect him and don't envy the very tough job he has in front of him. He definitely needs our prayers and support, as I feel, especially for his safety. If there's ever been a chance for an assassination attempt, I think we could see it. I hope and pray not.
This was obviously a very historic election, and no matter how you voted, I would hope you would be proud of the progress we have made. In the history of time, it's only been a short time since African-Americans were treated to horrible conditions and slavery. It wasn't too long ago the KKK was thriving and Martin Luther King was making his "I have a dream" speech. We, as Americans, have come a long way in showing GRACE to others. We should celebrate and be proud of that, no matter what.
Stop and take a look at that past eight years. I have liked and supported President Bush from day one of his presidency and will until he returns to Texas. I am thankful we have had a President that has a very open and real faith in God. Now take a look at American society. I think we can all agree that moral decay has greatly happened in the past eight years. What does this mean?
A President with a God centered view does not equal a country with a God centered view.
Likewise, a President without a God centered view does not equal a country without a God centered view.
I don't know Obama's heart. Only God does. But I can pray that God would be near him, and that Obama would listen. I can hope and pray that God would work in such a mighty way that the citizens of our country would be overwhelmed with the testimony of our leaders turning to God.
But here's the deal: we, as citizens, make up America, not just our elected officials. My hope with these results is that believers all over our country would wake up, get out of their Christian bubbles, and realize that America is a mission field ready for the harvest. Through God, WE have the power to change the course of the American path. We do that by following God's word: witnessing, loving our neighbors, loving our enemies. If we all came together and reached out, with God on our side and faith in Him, think of the endless possibilities! It also takes believers stepping out and getting involved in public office, even if it's just a small role. I would hope that we would be so concerned about the welfare of our country we'd want to do something every day, not just every four years.
I saw it in Iowa this summer with the floods. When people had nothing, they gave. When they were discouraged, they encouraged. They didn't rely on the government to rescue them, they relied on themselves and the help of their neighbors. We can do the same now.
Believe me, I have plenty of changes to make myself, and am no way perfect in this! But my challenge to you (and myself) is to purposely look for ways to reach beyond your immediate circle of family and friends and LOVE. Volunteer, send an encouraging note, make a meal. Surprise everyone you can with love and care, and give it all to the glory of God. By becoming an enormous and strong grassroots of genuine, caring believers, we have the chance to make America even greater.
I do not agree with everything Obama believes, but I'm more than ever thankful that I live in a country where I am not scared for my life just for reading a Bible. I could be living in that country, and am grateful I live here. I was proud to be an American yesterday, I'm still very proud today, and I know I will be in four and eight years. In fact, I will for the rest of my life.
God's work is the only real change we can believe in, and His promises are our only true hope. Believe that. Don't forget it!
End of the Steph sermon! :)
I, as much as anyone, was disappointed last night. I had a church event, and was constantly pulling up foxnews.com on my phone for updates. I rushed home at 8:30 and turned on Fox News.
At 9:00, I was thrilled to find an episode of "House Hunters" I had not seen on HGTV.
If you know me well, you know I've always been a diehard Republican. In high school, I had spirited debates with one my favorite teachers. I've been a delegate to the Iowa State Republican Convention twice. I fully supported the McCain/Palin ticket. But this morning, I was thinking as I got ready and drove to work. Surprisingly, I found myself a tad encouraged.
Why? Because I know God is sovereign. He has been for all time, and will for all time. Our President (any of them for that matter) is not completely sovereign over anything, and even so, only for a short time.
First, I would like to congratulate Obama. He and I have radically different views, but I respect him and don't envy the very tough job he has in front of him. He definitely needs our prayers and support, as I feel, especially for his safety. If there's ever been a chance for an assassination attempt, I think we could see it. I hope and pray not.
This was obviously a very historic election, and no matter how you voted, I would hope you would be proud of the progress we have made. In the history of time, it's only been a short time since African-Americans were treated to horrible conditions and slavery. It wasn't too long ago the KKK was thriving and Martin Luther King was making his "I have a dream" speech. We, as Americans, have come a long way in showing GRACE to others. We should celebrate and be proud of that, no matter what.
Stop and take a look at that past eight years. I have liked and supported President Bush from day one of his presidency and will until he returns to Texas. I am thankful we have had a President that has a very open and real faith in God. Now take a look at American society. I think we can all agree that moral decay has greatly happened in the past eight years. What does this mean?
A President with a God centered view does not equal a country with a God centered view.
Likewise, a President without a God centered view does not equal a country without a God centered view.
I don't know Obama's heart. Only God does. But I can pray that God would be near him, and that Obama would listen. I can hope and pray that God would work in such a mighty way that the citizens of our country would be overwhelmed with the testimony of our leaders turning to God.
But here's the deal: we, as citizens, make up America, not just our elected officials. My hope with these results is that believers all over our country would wake up, get out of their Christian bubbles, and realize that America is a mission field ready for the harvest. Through God, WE have the power to change the course of the American path. We do that by following God's word: witnessing, loving our neighbors, loving our enemies. If we all came together and reached out, with God on our side and faith in Him, think of the endless possibilities! It also takes believers stepping out and getting involved in public office, even if it's just a small role. I would hope that we would be so concerned about the welfare of our country we'd want to do something every day, not just every four years.
I saw it in Iowa this summer with the floods. When people had nothing, they gave. When they were discouraged, they encouraged. They didn't rely on the government to rescue them, they relied on themselves and the help of their neighbors. We can do the same now.
Believe me, I have plenty of changes to make myself, and am no way perfect in this! But my challenge to you (and myself) is to purposely look for ways to reach beyond your immediate circle of family and friends and LOVE. Volunteer, send an encouraging note, make a meal. Surprise everyone you can with love and care, and give it all to the glory of God. By becoming an enormous and strong grassroots of genuine, caring believers, we have the chance to make America even greater.
I do not agree with everything Obama believes, but I'm more than ever thankful that I live in a country where I am not scared for my life just for reading a Bible. I could be living in that country, and am grateful I live here. I was proud to be an American yesterday, I'm still very proud today, and I know I will be in four and eight years. In fact, I will for the rest of my life.
God's work is the only real change we can believe in, and His promises are our only true hope. Believe that. Don't forget it!
End of the Steph sermon! :)
