I was thinking about a friends recent Facebook post with regard to the elections and how he wondered if the person who will be elected is perhaps not even in the running yet.
I thought a little bit about that and I think many years ago that might have been true that there would have been somebody who could have come out of nowhere and change things and I’m not saying it can’t happen but I wonder if these things work against it. Continue reading A Dark Horse?
In the middle of the night I was awakened because I began to cough. I got up, grabbed a glass of water and returned to my bed. I sat there and the situations of the last few
days began to mount up in my mind. At 2AM it always seems to be a time of just you. I needed to focus or my alternative would be to get up and “walk it off”. I called upon the Lord and He appeared to me. But “calling” someone is the easy part a lot of the time. Then you have to have a conversation. And so the conversation began. Continue reading Satan Has No Authority Here
I woke up this morning thinking about influence. Maybe more about what determines it than anything else. For me, I truly believe in where you are determines not just “quality” of life but what you find in influence.
First, let me quickly show you what influence is. It is defined this way. “The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.” That is the noun and we mostly will stay there. The verb really in most cases talks about changing something. Influencing someone to change for instance. Continue reading A New City Of Refuge
Today, all across our great nation, men and women will step up to a voting booth and vote their heart for the man or woman they deem best suited for a specific office. I always find it to be an interesting time. All the debates, campaign letters and political ads. There was a time in my life where I participated heavily. At one point I was a campaign manager for a Senate run, I have driven all the miles, done all the digging and ended each day tired. In later years my newspapers covered the issues, the candidates and the thought process. Interesting times.
And before I begin, let it be known, I think who is in office is important. But I think who is in the “office” of men and women everywhere is of more importance. His name is Jesus. And when He sets up shop in a person’s life things begin to change.
Many will vote according to life (Abortion, assisted suicide and such.) while others will vote predicated upon finances. Still others will choose according to what they can get or what they believe they deserve. All of these have value and all are emotional topics in many circles. How do I know? Yesterday, I was downloaded on by a man about health care benefits. I am not even sure what prompted the conversation. Another asked me my thoughts about physician assisted suicide. Meanwhile a friend has chosen to die.
All of these are important. To me, to them, to Jesus. I truly understand.
I have friends who think more laws about abortion and life will help. Others who demand satisfaction over guns(Both sides of the “rifle”!)and their use. Still others who bemoan spendthrift candidates. I get it. Trust me I do. Only yesterday while driving home in the dark I was reminded of better times. Joyous times. I agree something has to change. Who will change that? A man or woman in Congress or the Senate? Ummmm…probably not. It is only a matter of time in the eyes of men and women before today will be forgotten and we await the next election cycle. It will be changed by “we the people”.
Laws don’t change people. (For the reality of sin is empowered by the law.) Elected officials don’t change people. It is not about a man, but about the Man. Jesus. “Lee, are you saying, don’t vote?” Absolutely not! Get out there and vote! But tomorrow wake up and recognize the change you desire for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness will be found in a changed people, not a candidate or two.
Hear me. I believe in taking care of people. (Jesus told us the poor would always be with us.)I believe in laws for people (Especially those perhaps who do not understand Jesus and His ways at this juncture.) to maintain health and safety and provide for quality of life. I believe in a lot of things you may not think I believe in.
But most of all…I believe in Jesus. My hope and my trust is in Him. Not just the “hey, He’s got it, who cares” thought process. I think it is amazing that when He was done, He said it was done and sat down. He handed the keys to change over to us. And with that thought, I believe in “all hands on deck”. I know government may be run by a class or a type of individual and it is up to us to change some of that. Just as a church body can not function by a man alone, neither can can a government function without all the pieces participating. In recent days we have seen that personal charisma is not enough to change a church or a nation.
If you think God is all about calling people names or polarizing people, I have to differ with you. (Did Jesus polarize? Of course! But He was Jesus and that was then. Pre-New Testament.)This is now. The body is to be one with the Father and to love the people. All people. Love is NOT rude.
My solution is simply this. To “check in with the Father” and bring what He is doing in heaven to a district, a community, a state or a nation near you!
This morning I saw a vision that captivated me. It was not long, but it was powerful.
What I saw were men and women of all ages coming into cities and communities. I was reminded of the scripture from the book of Jonah 3:3, So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days’ journey in breadth. And like Jonah they were bringing a message. Continue reading Sent To The World
I wrote the following yesterday.
This morning I woke and was thinking about what if government “leaders” were in isolation or restricted from doing what they were called to because they were being constrained by God or His prophets.
This morning while Tina was away with Jacob at the Y, I was camping out with the Lord. Continue reading All Hands On Deck!
Last night was a dream night. It was kind of like going to a bunch of different amusement parks. First an island adventure, then to the Middle East and then somewhere in Southeast Asia. Funny, I do not go to bed with those places on my mind for the most part. Occasionally before falling asleep I will pray for a place, but usually I am “programming” for answers, for encounters. So, going places and seeing people is not something I “look” for. Continue reading Remembering The Good Old Days-Overtaken!
A little thought I had.
Jimmy turns 16 and Dad gives him a gift.
“Here are the keys to the car Jimmy.”
“Thanks Dad! WOW! I really appreciate it.”
“Jimmy you can go anywhere I go and do anything with the car I would.”
“Thanks Dad! You do not know how much this means to me!”
Hours later Dad checks in on Jimmy and he is still sitting there with the keys in his hands.
“Jimmy? I thought you would be using the car. I gave you the car and the keys to use it.”
“Dad! Thanks so much for the car! Thanks for the keys!…Aren’t you going to do this?”
Jesus gave you and I the keys to the kingdom, the authority to use them… So, like what are we thinking here? Stop looking at the news and asking God to “drive” when He asked you to “drive”!!!!
I’m The Captain Of The Ship
This morning I was talking to someone afflicted by pain. Many are “going through something.” I get it. I also know that the answer to your affliction well resides in you. James even says “are you afflicted? Pray.” (James 5:13) It also instructs one who is sick to go the elders of the church. Continue reading It’s The Masked Marauders! Stop Them!
I am continuing to add to the “series” about praying for one leaders. Last night as the fourth and final presidential debate for 2012, I came to the place where I shut off the debate and began to pray for blessing on the debates, blessing upon the two contenders, moderator and gallery.
So, I have added the newest video on “what will result” when we pray for the men or women in leadership(authority) today. Continue reading The Results Of Praying For Those In Authority
