Hi Pastor John.
Up early…before 6:00… stepped outside to feel the cool air… clear me mind… pray… feelings stirring inside me…
As we’ve watched many in this nation come unglued with vicious tempers and irrational fears over the past two days; their Facebook posts demonstrating that they are neither tolerant nor inclusive as they boldly demand everyone must be, they’re been wailing and pouting and name-calling like little babies. It’s such a shame to see. It is nation of people who simply don’t know God; don’t know the love and the peace of Jesus. If we think back to when Barack Obama was first elected, many, if not most believers were dismayed about his election, yet they (we) endured, and prayed and kept Jesus’ peace in our hearts for comfort and stability. I am thankful for your continual exhortations to remain faithful and keep our eyes on the prize, and not let the situations of the make our hearts faint.
Amidst all the strife that’s unfolding for those who hate and fear President-elect Trump, I felt a curious sense of peace and strength this morning, looking our into the dawn. This might be a good time—the best time—for believers to reach out and speak the truth more boldly–with meekness, fear and compassion—to those we meet who are fearful and angry.
For if my reaction to their anger is not righteous and is retaliatory in nature, then I will fail myself, my Lord, and them. But if I offer them the gospel of hope and peace and love and mercy, maybe the light will touch their hearts and give them hope instead of the despair that they’re currently feeling. I felt that this morning…as I stood in the cool crisp air…that I MUST focus on helping others to heal, to move past their fears and rage, and seek something higher. Of course, they must be encouraged to repent.
How does one present that concept without risking being shouted down for “judging” them!? I think it’s a risk we must take….to help calm the storms, the tempers, the fears of those who do not know God.
One young lady I had the pleasure of speaking to said she stayed out and got drunk on Wednesday night with other friends of hers who were wailing about the election, yet she didn’t feel as strongly about it, and wasn’t really into politics. (She expressed she had “anxiety” in general, and smoked a lot of “weed”, so she was more enthusiastic about the [foolish] California proposition that legalized it). When we parted, I said a simple “God bless you”, and she returned the phrase to me. Then I told her I would pray for her to receive relief from her anxiety, from God, and that He could heal her from her anxiety if she would give Him a chance. And she smiled respectfully, said thanks, then walked away. I hope my boldness and courteousness would at least plant a seed in her heart. That is what I am choosing to do, from now on…speaking about Jesus more often…with gentleness, and continue to live right so as not to bring reproach on Him or on my testimony. If I avoid getting into the fray by arguing the “issues”, I can perhaps influence people more substantially….by sharing the gospel of peace.
I say, let’s not be afraid to speak out more often now, to reduce the intensity of the rage in our communities.
Everybody needs Jesus. One person at a time. Pay it forward. :^)
Do you agree?
Love,
Brad
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Hi Brad.
As Mary told the servants about Jesus at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, “Whatever he says to you, do it.”
Pastor John