Tuesday, January 20, 2009

"First things first..."

You all should know that I don't particularly care for writing politically motivated posts for the simple fact that this site is not designed for that purpose. However, even with that I understand the importance of being civic minded and being aware of the many changes that take place in our communities based on the political climate of the day. Today, January 20, 2009 will be the swearing in of the 44th President of the United States of America, and regardless of anyone personal opinion there is one thing we all as believers must remember first.

We as believers have a mandate to do one thing first, and that is to Pray. We are to pray for those that are in authority regardless if we agree with their politics or not.
1Ti 2:1
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men;
1Ti 2:2
For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
1Ti 2:3
For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Have a difference of opinion, great. Prefer one party over another, no problem. Involvement with the political process, absolutely.

Just remember first things first, Pray.

4 comments:

Z said...

My prayer went up late...I was so sorry I put PM instead of AM on my editing page!

Please see what you think and tell me what you might have added or subtracted.

Thanks....PRAY PRAY. I'm getting teary over here. I knew I'd be deeply sad, but not this sad.

I have bible study this morning, that might help. xxxx

Z said...

Hi....thanks for your VERY encouraging words at my blog. I am not a great public pray-er so it was tough for me. I usually write my blogs in about five minutes (you've probably figured that our!! HAA!) because when ideas come to me, it's best to strike while the iron's hot; I'm a lazy writer and don't edit too much.
BUT, on this one, I figured it was so important I wrote it a few days ago and tweaked it again a few times before posting it. I could have written a lot of things on this day but I figured prayer was the most important and that's what I'd do...
One guy wrote that he'd shared it with six people who were touched by it. WHAT A PRIVILEGE for me! I can't believe the responses.

Sometimes I'm sure God works THROUGH us; but, I guess you know that!!!!

I just need to say something you'll want to hit me over the head for because I feel they go without saying but I MUST. I hope you know Obama's color has absolutely NOTHING to do with my feelings toward him. I'm getting teary eyed right now, isn't that weird? Yes, I'm feeling emotional because i would SO love a Black President whom I could look up to and feel proud of..and I did cry when I watched the DNC night when he got nominated..seeing young black faces with tears down their cheeks helped me to see what good there had been done! But, I grieve..........and I pray.
And I hope you understand because I wouldn't hurt your feelings for a ANYTHING. I'll be praying Obama turns into the kind of man I'd like to see lead us.
And I'll be praying we never have to talk about what color someone is ever again..ever again.

I also wanted to rave about your excellent and loving response to Steve........you're a very Godly man. I am very glad I know you, I.H.S.

I.H.S. said...

Z, Where to start...First, the comment I left for you today, I meant every word of it just as I do all the other comments. Today, however you showed another side of yourself that was, in a word, admirable. You took the time to recognize that there comes a time when we HAVE to stop with the differences of ideologies as it pertains to politics, and be the children the Lord expects us to be.

The fact that you allowed time for thought before you wrote the post; to me speaks to the sincerety of the prayer. Whether the words of our prayers are short, long, elementary or scholarly. The important part of our prayers are that they are from the heart and real. this is what the Lord requires of us; this is what touches people.

Second: I know his color has nothing to with anything you write Z, I know it's that he's from Hawaii.:) Seriously, I've never once thought of you as a racist or bigotted. Your feelings are legitimate when it comes to what we expect from our President regardless of who it is. I too am praying for the smae things from him and that whatever relationship he has with Jesus is strengthen over the next four years.

Third: My response to Steve was truly from my heart, and as I said, it is never my intention to offend anyone. And, I thank you for your words.

Blessings

Z said...

Thank you, I.H.S.
You're a VERY smart and Godly man and your words mean a lot to me.
Yes, it IS that he's Hawaiian..I just can't stand poi and I'm not a big Don Ho lover! :-)

I hope that, some day, I can answer my readers a little more calmly, like you do...i get testy and have particularly been testy about Mr. Obama. I am TRYING not to, believe me. !!

Thanks for letting me know this answer was here. Have a beautiful evening and tell Mrs. I.H.S. I think she's a lucky girl!!

xxx