My thoughts for September: Deciding the next US president

My thoughts for the coming month: 

The Bible speaks very clearly about the relationship between the believer and the government. We are to obey governmental authorities, and the government is to treat us justly and fairly. Even when the government does not live up to its role, we are still to live up to ours. 

Americans are heading for an election where they will decide the 45th President.  One person wrote the following comment on my blog back in July "I strongly believe America won't make it through her (Hilary Clinton) presidency if she gets elected".  Yes, America will make it through the next presidency whether that be Clinton or Trump — why, because God is IN CONTROL and HE will determine the outcome not matter what we do — we may not like it, but it isn't our will. Sometimes God places us in situations that we don't like or agree with which can result in much distress—including governments who do not share the same beliefs as ourselves. It is in these situations that we MUST fully trust in God for His strength, guidances, wisdom and protection and know that through all things, all is possible. 

We don't live in China, or Russia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea — there are many places in the world that are nightmares, the USA and Australia are not one of them. Whilst you may not agree with Clinton or Trump, in reality we have nothing to complain about. Of course governments can do things we don't like and they can make our lives uncomfortable — but always think back to the Jews during Hitler or the hundred and thousands currently trapped in Syria, starving and alone and put our troubles in to perspective. 

All governments stray (some worse than others) and behave in a way that is contrary to God (i.e. legalising gay marriage and abortions), nevertheless we are still to live in obedience (1 Peter 2:13-19 below) — "And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are Gods" (Matthew 22:20-21)

So the message is — do not be afraid of the outcome of this election. Trust in the Lord in all things and all will be ok. This is a lesson of faith. Remember, God’s plans and purposes are fixed, and His will is inviolable. What He has purposed, He will bring to pass, and no government can thwart His will. We must grasp the fact that our government cannot save us, even those who confess to being Christian. Only God can. 

Politicians are NOT the saviour of the world even if they try and convince us they are.

The salvation for all mankind has been manifested in Jesus Christ. God knew that our world needed saving long before any national government was ever founded. He demonstrated to the world that redemption could not be accomplished through the power of man, his economic strength, his military might, or his politics. Peace of mind, contentment, hope and joy—and the salvation of mankind—is accomplished only through His work of faith, love, and grace. 

Do not fear, God IS IN CONTROL.



Bible verses for the coming month

 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.  Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. (1 Peter 2:13-19)



Quote of month


People are weary of politicians who make promises they are either unwilling or unable to keep. Society longs for statesmen but it gets politicians. Statesmen are leaders who uphold what is right regardless of the popularity of the position. Statesmen speak out to achieve good for their people, not to win votes. Statesmen promote the general good rather than regional or personal self-interest. Henry T. Blackaby


Hymn of month


Peace, perfect peace by Edward H. Bickersteth

Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.

Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.

Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found.

Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?
In Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and they.

Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.

Peace, perfect peace, death shadowing us and ours?
Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers.

It is enough: earth’s struggles soon shall cease,
And Jesus call us to Heaven’s perfect peace.






Comments

  1. My sentiments exactly, as I have stated to any worried and depressed fellow American friends and family on this political subject.
    Thank you for your support.
    Joy, you are always right on!
    Gwen/USA

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    1. It is a real test of faith this election and those Christians that are getting uptight need to remind themselves of trust and faith in Christ and what it really means. I might live elsewhere but American's foreign policies really do affect the rest of the world so it does affect us too - plus I have family who live in the USA - but I trust in God in all things, including the outcome of this election :)

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  2. This is well written and well said!
    We need to PRAY for our enemies and who ever is our next leader!
    HEAVEN RULES!

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  3. Excellent post! Just brilliant!!!
    Though I may not be in the US, reminders of WHO is in control work for all of us =)

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  4. This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men (Daniel 4:17).

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  5. Amen and Amen!!! :) He is sovereign and always in complete control! That is where my comfort lies! :) Definitely *not* in our gov't!

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    1. Those who trust in any govt will always be disappointed, those who trust in God are overwhelmed with His love and security.

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  6. "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 peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
    (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
    This is a great blog post, Jo - not just for election times, but for all the time when leaders and countries are in peace AND when times are turbulent. I love the reason we're given for praying & giving thanks for those who are in authority in 1 Tim 2:1-2... "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" - who doesn't want that?!? That also indicates that riots and protests aren't so godly - a quiet and peaceable life is godly. Hmmm! ;)

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    1. I am more concerned today than I was 12 months ago I feel that Trump is taking the world into a dangerous place instability. Moving warships to North Korea is frightening even more so knowing that Trump knows nothing about international relations. It does frighten me a great deal as I have no trust in his abilities. However rereading what I had written in September was a good reminder that God is in control and not trump even though he likes to think he is God.

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