Yesterday there was an article in the "Minneapolis Star-Tribune" that caught my eye. It was headlined: "Scientist claims first DNA-edited babies." The article was written by Marilynn Marchione, a writer for the Associated Press. The substance of this article is bound to stimulate a heated debate among scientists and ethicists around the globe. Allow me to quote briefly from this article: "Scientists and bioethics experts reacted with shock, anger and alarm Monday to a Chinese researcher's claim that he helped make the world's first genetically edited babies.
"He Jiankui of Southern University of Science and Technology of China said he altered the DNA of twin girls born earlier this month to try to help them resist possible future infection with the AIDS virus - a dubious goal, ethically and scientifically."
Okay, let's think through this for a few moments. Whenever genetic material is altered either by addition or subtraction, that genetic material is changed forever. In fact, really it is the creation of a new genetic material. Recently such genetic-editing has been used in cases of adults who are being treated for serious diseases. But, in the case of these twin girls whose genetic material was altered while still in the sperm and egg stage, or early embryo stage, these girls were born genetically different from their parents. They will now pass on to their children this genetic difference. And here is the problem: scientists do not know the long-term consequences of such genetic editing or alteration for future generations.
The article quotes from Notre Dame Law School Prof. O Carter Snead, a former presidential adviser on bioethics, who said the report was "deeply troubling, if true." Snead continued, "No matter how well intentioned, this intervention is dangerous, unethical, and represents a perilous new moment in human history. These children, and their children's children, have had their futures irrevocably changed without consent, ethical review or meaningful deliberations."
Friends, if this claim can be substantiated, then the future of "test-tube babies" has risen greatly. If we can genetically modify the material within an egg and sperm to eliminate the threat of AIDS, could not the same thing be done to prevent Down's Syndrome, or Parkinson's Disease, or leukemia, or, how about, cancers and heart disease? I know, on the surface we would almost cheer such a happening. But, here is the dilemma which is played-out in almost every sci-fi movie: for every good that is created, inevitably there is also something bad that is also created. So, these twin girls do not have to worry about an AIDS infection, but perhaps that altered DNA is now subject to something greater than AIDS. The scientific and ethical communities pose that question. And it is a very real one.
What is happening, friends, is that we have taken another step toward playing "god" in our world. The ultimate goal is to create the perfect world, filled with perfect people, living within a perfect environment. And, in that process we do not need the presence of God any longer. Man is the measure of all things; it is no longer God. Let me phrase it this way: the more man knows, in other words, the more information and knowledge a man has, the less inclined that man is to relying upon God. I believe this report is just another indicator pointing toward the soon return of the Lord Jesus.
Meanwhile, the Ukraine is poised on the brink of war with Russia over the latter's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula a few years ago. The civil war in Yemen seems to have no solution as Saudi Arabia and Iran seem to be using that small nation as the chessboard for who will dominate the Middle East. The Taliban and Al-Qada have stepped up their attacks upon American troops and Afghan civilians in their attempt to regain control of Afghanistan. The shaky cease-fire along the Israeli-Gazan border is still holding, but barely. California seeks to recover from the most devastating wildfires in its history. And, on America's southern border, pressures are mounting from those who seek to by-pass American law and enter into our country illegally. I do not doubt that, among the thousands of people crowded into camps around Tijuana, and soon to be other places, there are stories of legitimate need. These people need to be told that if they proceed with the proper paperwork and applications and follow the required protocols, that Americans will welcome them as they have millions of others down through the centuries.
I was just reading again the other morning from Matthew 24 - Jesus's answer to the disciples' question as to when the end would come. I would encourage each of you to read that chapter and then ponder the world in which we now live. It is almost as if Jesus could peer that day into the heart of the 21st century. Yes, He is coming!
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
A Spirit of Thanksgiving
As we enter into the season of Thanksgiving, the world continues tottering near the brink. A fragile cease-fire continues to hold along the Israeli-Gazan border; yet that cease-fire has brought the Netanyahu government to near collapse as one of the centerpieces of his coalition has walked away because of the cease-fire. As of now, the Prime Minister holds a narrow one-seat majority within the Knesset. It appears that many Israelis are becoming increasingly frustrated with the "on-again, off-again" mini-wars with Hamas. They are wanting Israel to step in and create an atmosphere of security and safety. Will special elections be called in Israel? Is there anyone who has the political power that Prime Minister Netanyahu has and who will challenge him? Stay tuned because this could get very interesting.
The devastation from the fires burning in California continues to escalate. More bodies are discovered amidst the smoldering ruins of homes and automobiles. And there yet remains a long listing of people who are unaccounted for. The blame game has already begun as to who is responsible for these fires. Governor Jerry Brown has declared that it is the consequence of climate change, or global warming. We do know that California has experienced a series of devastating droughts in the past few years. President Trump has stated that the fires are a result of poor forest management. There is a powerful environmentalist movement in California that has greatly influenced laws governing the harvesting of trees. It has become increasingly more difficult for logging companies to harvest those trees that are either dead or dying. These unharvested trees create an ample fuel supply for wildfires, such as those we have witnessed these past months. But, whatever the causes were, the suffering of those people whose lives have been impacted is very real. Yes, homes and businesses can be rebuilt. But how does a family rebuild those pictures and memories from the past? How does one start all over again? We do need to reach out and help them as best we can.
And what about the economy? It is certainly on a roller-coaster ride right now. As a financial planner shared, "this is not for the faint at heart." The bulls had a long run - one of the longest in history. Is it time for the bears to have their say? If so, how long with it last? What will be the consequences? How will the nervousness about the financial markets impact the upcoming holiday shopping season? How will it impact year-end giving to nonprofits and local churches, most of which are dependent upon substantial year-end gifts?
Yet, Thursday is the day set aside as a day of Thanksgiving. In spite of the problems that surround us, each of us could compose a long list of things for which we are grateful to God. We might include on our list our families, our jobs, our friends, our health. Each year I am challenged with the reading of Psalm 103. There David composes his list of things for which he is eternally grateful to God. Allow me to highlight just a few of them.
1. "He forgives all my sins." - Topping David's list is that of God's forgiveness of his sins. David will later say, "He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities" (vs. 10). And he concludes with this amazing statement: "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us" (vs. 12). Oh how grateful I am that God still forgives my sins. Certainly that should be on my "thanksgiving list."
2. "He heals all my diseases." - I find this very interesting. Now I don't believe David had in mind those diseases that plague us because of the fallen world in which we live. But David is referring to that greatest of diseases, that fatal disease we had known as "separation from God." We call it salvation or "being born again." David says, "he redeems my life from the pit." What a gift we have received! Yes, that most certainly should be on my "thanksgiving list."
3. "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him." - I am grateful for the Father's love for me. I am grateful for those moments when He throws His arms around me and just hugs me tightly. I am grateful for those moments when I feel His presence so very near and I hear His words of encouragement: "Max, I am right here! Keep on going!" That had better be on my "thanksgiving list."
Friends, there are many more suggestions for thanksgiving found within this amazing psalm. I would strongly encourage you to spend some time these next couple of days prayerfully reading Psalm 103. Make it your "thanksgiving prayer" to God.
The devastation from the fires burning in California continues to escalate. More bodies are discovered amidst the smoldering ruins of homes and automobiles. And there yet remains a long listing of people who are unaccounted for. The blame game has already begun as to who is responsible for these fires. Governor Jerry Brown has declared that it is the consequence of climate change, or global warming. We do know that California has experienced a series of devastating droughts in the past few years. President Trump has stated that the fires are a result of poor forest management. There is a powerful environmentalist movement in California that has greatly influenced laws governing the harvesting of trees. It has become increasingly more difficult for logging companies to harvest those trees that are either dead or dying. These unharvested trees create an ample fuel supply for wildfires, such as those we have witnessed these past months. But, whatever the causes were, the suffering of those people whose lives have been impacted is very real. Yes, homes and businesses can be rebuilt. But how does a family rebuild those pictures and memories from the past? How does one start all over again? We do need to reach out and help them as best we can.
And what about the economy? It is certainly on a roller-coaster ride right now. As a financial planner shared, "this is not for the faint at heart." The bulls had a long run - one of the longest in history. Is it time for the bears to have their say? If so, how long with it last? What will be the consequences? How will the nervousness about the financial markets impact the upcoming holiday shopping season? How will it impact year-end giving to nonprofits and local churches, most of which are dependent upon substantial year-end gifts?
Yet, Thursday is the day set aside as a day of Thanksgiving. In spite of the problems that surround us, each of us could compose a long list of things for which we are grateful to God. We might include on our list our families, our jobs, our friends, our health. Each year I am challenged with the reading of Psalm 103. There David composes his list of things for which he is eternally grateful to God. Allow me to highlight just a few of them.
1. "He forgives all my sins." - Topping David's list is that of God's forgiveness of his sins. David will later say, "He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities" (vs. 10). And he concludes with this amazing statement: "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us" (vs. 12). Oh how grateful I am that God still forgives my sins. Certainly that should be on my "thanksgiving list."
2. "He heals all my diseases." - I find this very interesting. Now I don't believe David had in mind those diseases that plague us because of the fallen world in which we live. But David is referring to that greatest of diseases, that fatal disease we had known as "separation from God." We call it salvation or "being born again." David says, "he redeems my life from the pit." What a gift we have received! Yes, that most certainly should be on my "thanksgiving list."
3. "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him." - I am grateful for the Father's love for me. I am grateful for those moments when He throws His arms around me and just hugs me tightly. I am grateful for those moments when I feel His presence so very near and I hear His words of encouragement: "Max, I am right here! Keep on going!" That had better be on my "thanksgiving list."
Friends, there are many more suggestions for thanksgiving found within this amazing psalm. I would strongly encourage you to spend some time these next couple of days prayerfully reading Psalm 103. Make it your "thanksgiving prayer" to God.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Tensions in Israel with Gaza and in Florida with Ballots
Things had gotten so quiet on the Israeli border with Gaza that we almost came to think that something good had happened. Then reality returned this past Sunday. An undercover Israeli commando force traveling within the Gaza Strip was discovered. A firefight ensued in which seven Palestinian militants and one Israeli officer were killed. What followed next was one of the most massive rocket attacks upon Israel from the Gaza Strip in recent memory. Over four hundred rockets and mortar rounds were fired from within the Gaza Strip into Israeli communities across the border. Over 100 of those rockets were shot-down by Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. But those rockets that penetrated that barrier caused damage within some Israeli communities. Once again Israeli citizens living in places such as Sderot and Beersheba heard the sounds of air-raid sirens. Fear once again became a reality.
Israeli war planes responded with over 160 missions over the Gaza Strip attacking those strongholds of Hamas and its sister organization Islamic Jihad. Yesterday both Hamas and Israeli leaders accepted a Egyptian-brokered cease fire. As of this morning it was still holding, but is extremely fragile. We have witnessed previous attempts at a cease fire only to have both sides shooting at each other in a matter of days.
What makes this attack difficult to understand is that both the Israelis and Hamas were actually in negotiations over a long-term peace agreement. The citizens living within the Gaza Strip are among the most impoverished people in the world. Unemployment is very high. Corruption among governmental authorities is well documented. Hamas leadership certainly knows that it would only take a few days for the IDF to completely overwhelm Gaza and bring the entire region back under Israeli authority - much as it was before the 2005 Israeli disengagement from Gaza.
Yet I don't believe that Israeli leadership desires to have a military intervention in Gaza. But they would like to strike some type of accord whereby the people living in Gaza would be benefited economically and the Israelis living in those border towns would experience security. But, in order for this type of accord to be reached, Hamas would have to give up its rockets and its rocket-manufacturing entities. Hamas would have to turn away the military hardware provided by Iran and Hezbollah. In other words, Hamas would have to give up its stated purpose which is the total destruction of Israel. Is the situation within Gaza desperate enough that Hamas would consider such drastic steps? Only time will tell. And, if such an accord is made between Israel and Hamas, how would it be monitored? What guarantees would Israeli leaders have that Hamas would keep the accord? There certainly is no level of trust that has been created since 2007 when Hamas wrestled the leadership of Gaza away from the Palestinian Authority.
Underlying all this is the shadow of Iran which has used Hamas as a proxy to provoke Israel, thus keeping Israel away from attacks on Iran itself. How much longer will Hamas continue saluting the Iranian flag? The Iranians could care less about those people living in Gaza. They are mere pawns in a greater contest. Will the leadership of Hamas wake up to the realization of how they have been used by Iran to accomplish another purpose? These are questions that linger in the fragile stillness of this cease fire.
And, as Israel keeps a watchful eye on Gaza, it cannot dismiss the existential threats that lie at its northern borders from Hezbollah and Syria. Tensions especially remain high along the Golan Heights as Iranian backed Syrian forces battle rebels. Israel has warned Syria and its coalition partners - Russia and Iran - of the dangers of any type of offensive excursion into Israeli territory.
As a believer I do keep my eyes focused upon what is happening in the Middle East. What happens there has a significant prophetic bearing as we anticipate the arrival of the King.
Meanwhile, the midterm elections are now a week into our rearview mirror. Once again two counties in Florida have the final outcome of the election hanging in the balance. I have not heard the term "hanging chads" as was heard following the 2000 election, but mysterious boxes of ballots seemingly appear out of nowhere. They are found in closets and even in cars. Why is it that the majority of Americans can go to the polls, cast their vote, and there is very little voter irregularity reported, yet for two counties in Florida, voting becomes a challenge? Perhaps it is not the system that needs changed so much as it is the personnel operating the system that need changed.
Here is what I am very interested in observing. Many of those Democrats who were elected to the House a week ago are rookies. This will be their first time in Washington. Many of them ran as centrists and moderates. Some of them even sounded somewhat conservative in their attitudes about the economy, etc. Now they come to Washington and into a House that will be lead by "the old guard" under the leadership of Nancy Pelosi, Maxine Waters, and others. They have already indicated that their agenda will be to issue subpoena after subpoena against the President and the Administration. They have indicated very little interest in working with the President to help better the plight of American citizens. Americans don't want an impeachment, but they do want a solution to the immigration crisis and how our borders can be made more safe and secure. Americans don't want Congress to conduct a "witch hunt," but they do want Congress to tackle the issue of healthcare. Americans don't want litigation, they want legislation. So, will these rookie House members stand up for those promises they made to their constituents that caused them to get elected, or will they buckle under the pressures of party loyalty and become mere pawns in the game being played? If they will repudiate Nancy Pelosi and her team and take a stand for what they promised, then I believe our President will be able to work in a bipartisan way to accomplish great things for the American people.
How interesting the world is becoming! I believe God is in the final preparations before the stage is set for the entrance of the King. How exciting will that day be! Perhaps it will happen before this year draws to a close. "Come, quickly, Lord Jesus."
Israeli war planes responded with over 160 missions over the Gaza Strip attacking those strongholds of Hamas and its sister organization Islamic Jihad. Yesterday both Hamas and Israeli leaders accepted a Egyptian-brokered cease fire. As of this morning it was still holding, but is extremely fragile. We have witnessed previous attempts at a cease fire only to have both sides shooting at each other in a matter of days.
What makes this attack difficult to understand is that both the Israelis and Hamas were actually in negotiations over a long-term peace agreement. The citizens living within the Gaza Strip are among the most impoverished people in the world. Unemployment is very high. Corruption among governmental authorities is well documented. Hamas leadership certainly knows that it would only take a few days for the IDF to completely overwhelm Gaza and bring the entire region back under Israeli authority - much as it was before the 2005 Israeli disengagement from Gaza.
Yet I don't believe that Israeli leadership desires to have a military intervention in Gaza. But they would like to strike some type of accord whereby the people living in Gaza would be benefited economically and the Israelis living in those border towns would experience security. But, in order for this type of accord to be reached, Hamas would have to give up its rockets and its rocket-manufacturing entities. Hamas would have to turn away the military hardware provided by Iran and Hezbollah. In other words, Hamas would have to give up its stated purpose which is the total destruction of Israel. Is the situation within Gaza desperate enough that Hamas would consider such drastic steps? Only time will tell. And, if such an accord is made between Israel and Hamas, how would it be monitored? What guarantees would Israeli leaders have that Hamas would keep the accord? There certainly is no level of trust that has been created since 2007 when Hamas wrestled the leadership of Gaza away from the Palestinian Authority.
Underlying all this is the shadow of Iran which has used Hamas as a proxy to provoke Israel, thus keeping Israel away from attacks on Iran itself. How much longer will Hamas continue saluting the Iranian flag? The Iranians could care less about those people living in Gaza. They are mere pawns in a greater contest. Will the leadership of Hamas wake up to the realization of how they have been used by Iran to accomplish another purpose? These are questions that linger in the fragile stillness of this cease fire.
And, as Israel keeps a watchful eye on Gaza, it cannot dismiss the existential threats that lie at its northern borders from Hezbollah and Syria. Tensions especially remain high along the Golan Heights as Iranian backed Syrian forces battle rebels. Israel has warned Syria and its coalition partners - Russia and Iran - of the dangers of any type of offensive excursion into Israeli territory.
As a believer I do keep my eyes focused upon what is happening in the Middle East. What happens there has a significant prophetic bearing as we anticipate the arrival of the King.
Meanwhile, the midterm elections are now a week into our rearview mirror. Once again two counties in Florida have the final outcome of the election hanging in the balance. I have not heard the term "hanging chads" as was heard following the 2000 election, but mysterious boxes of ballots seemingly appear out of nowhere. They are found in closets and even in cars. Why is it that the majority of Americans can go to the polls, cast their vote, and there is very little voter irregularity reported, yet for two counties in Florida, voting becomes a challenge? Perhaps it is not the system that needs changed so much as it is the personnel operating the system that need changed.
Here is what I am very interested in observing. Many of those Democrats who were elected to the House a week ago are rookies. This will be their first time in Washington. Many of them ran as centrists and moderates. Some of them even sounded somewhat conservative in their attitudes about the economy, etc. Now they come to Washington and into a House that will be lead by "the old guard" under the leadership of Nancy Pelosi, Maxine Waters, and others. They have already indicated that their agenda will be to issue subpoena after subpoena against the President and the Administration. They have indicated very little interest in working with the President to help better the plight of American citizens. Americans don't want an impeachment, but they do want a solution to the immigration crisis and how our borders can be made more safe and secure. Americans don't want Congress to conduct a "witch hunt," but they do want Congress to tackle the issue of healthcare. Americans don't want litigation, they want legislation. So, will these rookie House members stand up for those promises they made to their constituents that caused them to get elected, or will they buckle under the pressures of party loyalty and become mere pawns in the game being played? If they will repudiate Nancy Pelosi and her team and take a stand for what they promised, then I believe our President will be able to work in a bipartisan way to accomplish great things for the American people.
How interesting the world is becoming! I believe God is in the final preparations before the stage is set for the entrance of the King. How exciting will that day be! Perhaps it will happen before this year draws to a close. "Come, quickly, Lord Jesus."
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
A Postlude to The Election
Yesterday Americans turned out in record numbers for a midterm election. Many incumbents were dealt a defeat; many new comers to politics experienced a victory. Some of the races that were expected to be non-contested,, instead became nail-biters. Still many of the races are too close to call. Many will demand recounts, so the final results might be days and even weeks away. But, the bottom line is this: the Republicans held on to the majority role in the United States Senate - with their margin of majority perhaps increasing; the Democrats regained the majority role in the United States House of Representatives, although by not as great a margin as first guessed.
Once again our nation is faced with a divided government. What will be the consequences? As I have looked at the returns from last night, knowing that some of the races are yet to be decided, there seems to be two ways our government will be impacted. First, the most negative one is that for the next two years there will be a stalemate with very little being accomplished. We have seen periods of stalemate before and it has not been beneficial to anyone. Could this occur once again? The early indications are that it could easily move in this direction. Friends, this stalemate or non-stalemate lies within the soon-to-be chosen leadership within the House. The old-guard leaders quickly went on record that among the first things that they will do is to increase the investigation of President Trump, to subpoena mountains of administrative records. It will be a House leadership team that will have as its focus the President.
But, what will be the attitude of some of those first-time elected Representatives? Many of them ran on a platform of helping their constituents. Will they continue to affirm those words `of pledge delivered to the people, or will they quickly fall into the desires of the old-guard? I will be watching closely as new leaders are chosen on both sides of the aisle to get a sense of whether there will be a stalemate or not.
The second result, and one that I certainly am hopeful will occur, is that the leadership of both the House and the Senate will sit down with the President and begin to work through many of the problems facing our nation. The economy is strong, but how can it continue in that pathway of strength? Immigration policies need to be changed with loop holes needing to be closed. Will there even be a civil discussion about that issue? Healthcare needs continued reforms; again, will civility prevail in those discussions? Will the leaders in Washington realize the need to work on behalf of all Americans, or will they just follow the "party line?"
I know that many Christians were praying diligently for this election. Together we affirmed that God was in control. So, what is our role now that the election is over? What should we be doing? First, and perhaps most importantly, we are to pray for those who have been elected. The Apostle Paul write these instructions to Timothy: "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:1-4). I may not agree with those in positions of authority - I am pretty sure that the Apostle Paul did not affirm everything that the Roman Emperor Nero said and did - yet, I believe Paul prayed for him. Should we not do the same? Leaders are in those roles because of the will of God. Again, I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God" (Romans 13:1). So, our first responsibility is to pray.
Secondly, I need to stay informed. How can that be done today? It seems that a person can no longer have confidence in a fair and balanced reporting from the mainstream media. So, if I am going to be informed, then I need to go outside of the mainstream. I can have direct communication with my senators and representatives, with my governor, with my mayor. I can read from papers such as the Wall Street Journal which attempts at a more balanced approach in its news reporting. There are many online news sources as well. The better informed I am, the more focused I will be in my prayers.
Another election has come and gone. In a few weeks, the focus will be upon the 2020 presidential election. Every election cycle is a celebration of the genius of our Founding Fathers. A representative democracy is not a fail-safe method of governing; in fact, the only truly fail-safe government will occur when Jesus reigns upon His throne in Jerusalem. But until that day, I am grateful to live in a nation where the voice of the people still can be heard.
Once again our nation is faced with a divided government. What will be the consequences? As I have looked at the returns from last night, knowing that some of the races are yet to be decided, there seems to be two ways our government will be impacted. First, the most negative one is that for the next two years there will be a stalemate with very little being accomplished. We have seen periods of stalemate before and it has not been beneficial to anyone. Could this occur once again? The early indications are that it could easily move in this direction. Friends, this stalemate or non-stalemate lies within the soon-to-be chosen leadership within the House. The old-guard leaders quickly went on record that among the first things that they will do is to increase the investigation of President Trump, to subpoena mountains of administrative records. It will be a House leadership team that will have as its focus the President.
But, what will be the attitude of some of those first-time elected Representatives? Many of them ran on a platform of helping their constituents. Will they continue to affirm those words `of pledge delivered to the people, or will they quickly fall into the desires of the old-guard? I will be watching closely as new leaders are chosen on both sides of the aisle to get a sense of whether there will be a stalemate or not.
The second result, and one that I certainly am hopeful will occur, is that the leadership of both the House and the Senate will sit down with the President and begin to work through many of the problems facing our nation. The economy is strong, but how can it continue in that pathway of strength? Immigration policies need to be changed with loop holes needing to be closed. Will there even be a civil discussion about that issue? Healthcare needs continued reforms; again, will civility prevail in those discussions? Will the leaders in Washington realize the need to work on behalf of all Americans, or will they just follow the "party line?"
I know that many Christians were praying diligently for this election. Together we affirmed that God was in control. So, what is our role now that the election is over? What should we be doing? First, and perhaps most importantly, we are to pray for those who have been elected. The Apostle Paul write these instructions to Timothy: "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:1-4). I may not agree with those in positions of authority - I am pretty sure that the Apostle Paul did not affirm everything that the Roman Emperor Nero said and did - yet, I believe Paul prayed for him. Should we not do the same? Leaders are in those roles because of the will of God. Again, I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God" (Romans 13:1). So, our first responsibility is to pray.
Secondly, I need to stay informed. How can that be done today? It seems that a person can no longer have confidence in a fair and balanced reporting from the mainstream media. So, if I am going to be informed, then I need to go outside of the mainstream. I can have direct communication with my senators and representatives, with my governor, with my mayor. I can read from papers such as the Wall Street Journal which attempts at a more balanced approach in its news reporting. There are many online news sources as well. The better informed I am, the more focused I will be in my prayers.
Another election has come and gone. In a few weeks, the focus will be upon the 2020 presidential election. Every election cycle is a celebration of the genius of our Founding Fathers. A representative democracy is not a fail-safe method of governing; in fact, the only truly fail-safe government will occur when Jesus reigns upon His throne in Jerusalem. But until that day, I am grateful to live in a nation where the voice of the people still can be heard.
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