SERIOUSLY

Well its the day before probably the greatest election in our lifetimes, maybe even in American history ! Who will win? Yesterday I gave a challenge to our church from Paul’s words to Timothy:   “I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men: for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peacable life in all godliness and honesty.” (1Tim.2:1-2).    The challenge was to SERIOUSLY pray for the Lord to bring into office leaders who know the Lord and if they don’t as yet they will espouse policies that are in line with Truth.  And there are hundreds of churches all over the state of Pennsylvania who have committed to doing this today and tomorrow. Many are praying and fasting about this.  Great pressures are intended to be great for God’s people, and if our hearts are attuned to Him they can bring out the best in and through His Church !

Whatever the result of the election, it sure is comforting knowing no matter who wins the presidency, our God is still KING of KINGS and shall always be ! Imagine living under the reign of Nero as Paul and many believers did. They faced some troublous times due to that maniac but the church also flourished !  Imagine living under the Roman system during the time Christ was born – Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem and couldn’t find normal accomodations and He was born in a manger and His life would go on to impact untold millions for good !

On Dec.23, 1776 Thomas Paine penned these words in a pamphlet entitled “The Crisis”:   THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.”

Fascinating, timely words for us in 2012 !  Cherish the opportunity these next two days to be pray fervently but don’t stop there.  Don’t be a “summer soldier” in your church, the times will always be troublous here until the Lord returns for good and as that day approaches more than ever He needs you to be SERIOUS about the role He has for you in His church !!   What commitment can you make to His even greater work ?