At A Loss 4 Words

's #communitySaturday!

A day in which the post revolves around the concept and understanding of the church and how we relate and impact the world around us.

(at this point, I was just interrupted by the doorbell from our county's Democrat group, asking if I had any issues I wanted to discuss. After declining, I realized I should have taken them up on the offer!
Serious timing. That was funny)

What's not funny was my level of disgust in the past day or two.

There are so many disturbing stores in the news these days, and the situations and circumstances that are actually passing as "newsworthy" is simply mind-blowing.  At the top are these two pieces.

First, a situation from April 2016 somehow made it back into a social media newsfeed, when a  "prominent" musician (quotes, for the purpose of noting that I don't follow this genre, so I'm making an assumption of their influence) told a Christian Governor that she deserved to be gang-raped. There's much that I could say in response, but it wouldn't accomplish much. All I have is what I've told my kids...

There will always be people who won't like you; but don't give them a reason by being a jerk on purpose.

Worse, was late this past week, a pastor stated publicly that it was heresy to pray for the President. Seriously? Who we pray for is (or can be) considered heresy? Again...

To both the secular musician and to the church pastor; to the Governor and the President and everyone else on Earth and to those of you reading this guys perspective...

There will always be who won't like you.
Don't give them a reason for doing so by being a jerk a purpose.

What happened to pray for your enemies?
Pray for those who persecute?
Pray for those who revile you?
Who hate you, because they hated me?

As Timothy encouraged us; that all supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings and for ALL that are in authority.

And why?

That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Obviously, this musician isn't in the know on this matter. But certainly, the Governor does. And I would dare say they are responding in prayer accordingly in their time with God. Even more-so, how does a pastor qualify praying for the authority of a nation as heresy? If that's true, then Timothy certainly has some explaining to do regarding his exhortation; which is what he calls it in the opening words of that verse!

Wherever you are; whatever your plans for the day... conversations, fellowship, gatherings and activities, clearly its effectiveness in displaying Christ is severely hindered if we are not people of prayer... for all people in all matters and walks of life.

Let's do that, shall we? On this #communitySaturday, pray for the President and kings and presidents of our nations; that God would use them to accomplish His purposes as He has placed them, respectively for such a time as this. For those in other positions of authority, may God do a work in their lives and may they come to the knowledge of His saving grace. Pray to for pastors, that they would lead their congregations to greater reflect the love of Christ rather than engage in divisive exchanges. While disagreements will inevitably exist, may God give us wisdom with our words and attitudes; that it would not be about agendas or rights, but of truth and righteousness according to the divine design and hand of Almighty God.

May our lands be healed
As God's people remain in prayer
For the battle is not carnal
But spiritual in nature.
Thus, may we be filled with Spirit
To fulfill the calling of God
For such a time as this.
For His glory.

- PNC