Prayer

Lately, I've really been feeling the need to pray for our country and our leaders. In case you haven't heard, we have an election coming up next week. I like to think that I keep on top of things politically and I certainly have an opinion on who we should elect. Last week I read a book about one of the candidates and I found myself getting angrier and angrier that this individual is even running for President of our great nation.

Several nights ago I really felt like God was speaking to me and this question came to my mind, "Are you willing to pray for him if he's elected President?". My initial thought was, "Why don't You just get the other guy elected and I won't have to worry about that", but I don't think that was the answer He was looking for.

While I do still hold my convictions and believe my opinion on who should be President is right (we all do, don't we?), I have to trust that God is able to work in our nation no matter who is President. Romans 13:1 says, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God."

So, my answer to His question has changed. Yes, I will gladly pray for whomever is elected President. In the mean time, I'm still praying that He'll consider my initial thought.

The Test

Any of you preachers out there know what it's like to preach a message and then, it seems like immediately, you're tested on whether or not you're going to "practice what you just preached"? I'm going to pick my topics a little more carefully in the future. I think I'll try some reverse psychology on God. You know, I'll preach something like, "Don't Get Your Hopes Up" or "Pain Isn't All Bad" and then see if God "tests" me with a blessing or healing.

You know I'm just kidding, right? I preached on "The Glass" this last week and talked about viewing things the right way and trusting God. Next thing I know, my boys are rebellious and my Dodgers snatch defeat from the hands of victory.

You'll be happy to know that I handled it all very well and I've kept a positive outlook on everything. Well, gotta go now. I'm now going to go beat my children and smash my TV.

Preaching this week

My brother (my Pastor) has given me the opportunity to speak at church this weekend. It's funny, before I came to New Life I was preaching two messages on Sunday, teaching Sunday School and leading the Wednesday Night Bible study. Now, I get so busy doing all of the other "assistant pastor" stuff that I forget it's been a while since I've preached. Besides, Dan does an awesome job bringing the Word each week.

I appreciate the opportunity and I'm still amazed that God chooses to use people (especially me) to spread the Good News. Seems like there would be a better way, but it's cool to be a part of His plan. I'd appreciate your prayers as I prepare for this Sunday.