McCain or Obama? Republican or Democrat? Voting is an Awesome Privilege

Political Bad News
Dr. James C. Denison

On Monday, the Dow was doing so well, up 423 points at one point, before nosediving the last ten minutes of yesterday's session to finish down more than 200 points. The Wall Street Journal calls it "one of the swiftest, bloodiest late-day drops yet in a month that's been chock full of them." In times like these, we need the best leader we can elect.

And so, yesterday I nominated God for president. Today I have some bad news - He's not willing to run. As Gen. William Sherman said upon retiring from the military in 1884, "If nominated, I will not run; if elected, I will not serve." God feels the same way about campaigning for office - any office, in fact.

The plain fact is that my candidate is already King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the Creator of the entire universe, the One who rules all that is. Our next president is probably unavailable to serve as president of your PTA or chairman of your church's flower committee. God is not running for president of the United States, for the simple reason that he is already Master and Lord.

In these tumultuous, fearful times, it may be comforting to remember that your Father is the One in charge of all creation. He is on the throne of the universe, no matter what the markets do today. The winner of next Tuesday's election, whoever he may be, will still be a finite and fallible human being. His wisdom pales in comparison to the omniscience of our God. His power is infinitesimal alongside the omnipotence of our Lord.

Edward Bennett Williams (1920-1988) was a trial lawyer known as the "ultimate insider." As he lay dying, someone commented on his power and influence. He said, "Power? I'm about to meet real power." So will we all, our next president included.

So, we who follow Jesus, know to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2), but to remember that our God is Lord. Our faith is not ultimately in a president or party, but in our Father and King. We are to submit to earthly authority (Romans 13:1) unless such service is disobedient to our heavenly authority (Acts 4:19-20). Paul once wrote to "the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi" (Philippians 1:1). Note his words: Christians are permanently in Christ Jesus, wherever they are at for the moment. At all times, "our citizenship is in heaven" (Phil. 3:20).

We don't know what the future holds, but we know the One who holds the future. Why do you need that reminder this morning?


By Dr. James C. Denison
Senior Pastor for Teaching, Park Cities Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas
Copyright © 2008. GodIssues.org. All rights reserved.
www.godissues.org

A Bowl Full of Prayers

Is someone praying for you? Well I am so you have at least one. Probably your mommy is praying for you. That’s two. Hey I bet your daddy prays for you too. That’s three. How about your grandparents? Ah, they are probably praying. Possibly up to seven people praying for you now. What about your best friend? Oh yeah, best friends are praying. What about all your family (brothers, sisters, in laws, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces), friends (since childhood), co-workers (from every job you’ve had), neighbors (from every place you’ve ever lived) and strangers who pray for healing in your circumstances. OK, the numbers just went beyond my count ability. Wow, pretty cool huh? You got a posse of people praying for you. How old are you? Do you realize people have been praying for you and your well being since before you were born? Did you know it adds up? It says in the final book of the Bible that all our prayers are stored in huge golden bowls in God's throne room. ALL! No prayer offered for you or prayed by you has ever been deleted or erased or tossed aside. Goose bumps huh? Is that awesome or what!

“…….and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's holy people. Revelation 5:8

Golden bowls full of prayers? What could that possibly look like in God’s throne room? Maybe God’s golden bowls would look like miles and miles of golden fields here on earth. That might be a bowl big enough to hold all those prayers.


A Bowl Full of Prayers

McKenzie Rose & friend in Romania 08

Field of Prayer

A pearl to string: God has given each one of us the honor and privilege to pray for one another for a lifetime. Every prayer is heard by God himself. There is not one that slips away.

Be blessed by your bowl full of prayers,
Lyndi

A Prayer by Max Lucado

"You Have Our Attention, Lord"

Our friends lost their house
The co-worker lost her job
The couple next door lost their retirement
It seems that everyone is losing their footing

This scares us. This bailout with billions.
These rumblings of depression.
These headlines: ominous, thunderous -
"Going Broke!" "Going Down!" "Going Under!" "What's Next?"

What is next?

We're listening.
And we're admitting: You were right.

You told us this would happen.
You shot straight about loving stuff and worshipping money.
Greed will break your heart,You warned.
Money will love you and leave you.
Don't put your hope in riches that are so uncertain.
You were right.

Money is a fickle lover and we just got dumped.

We were wrong to spend what we didn't have.
Wrong to neglect prayer and ignore the poor.
Wrong to think we ever earned a dime.
We didn't. You gave it.
And now, tell us Father, are You taking it?

We're listening. And we're praying.
Could you make something good out of this mess?

Of course you can. You always have.
You led slaves out of slavery,
Built temples out of ruins,
Turned stormy waves into a glassy pond and water into sweet wine.
This disorder awaits your order. So do we.

Through Christ, Amen

God will always give what is right to His people who cry to Him night and day, and He will not be slow to answer them. (Luke 18:7 NCV)


Max Lucado
www.maxlucado.com

Elbow Grease

Doing the dishes was a chore done by a ton of kids back in the fifties. If you’ve got a dish washer – loading it is NOT doing the dishes. Back in the day before ‘the machine’ – we had to get the water so hot your hands would turn fire red. Every dish had to be scrubbed clean. There were no scratch pads which made pots and pans one of the most difficult of the washer’s chore. One evening I was doing the washing part of doing the dishes and my brother Chase, six and a half years my senior, was the dryer. He operated under two rules. When he was washing the dryer made up for the washer’s mistakes. BUT when he was drying the washer’s mistake was a do over. He kept popping a pan back into the water and my tears began to flow. “I can’t get that off”, I exclaimed. He would just smile and put the pot back into the water. After many do over’s and pop back ins I finally with great consternation marched into the living room to report my dilemma and Chase’s impossible behavior to my mother. She listened, smiled and said, “use elbow grease”. Without comment I rolled my eyes, dropped my shoulders and returned to the kitchen. My brother had disappeared. He had to have been gone at least 20 minutes and when he returned he found me under the sink. “What are you doing?” he asked. I literally had climbed all the way under the sink. A six year old body can do that. I poked my head out, “I can’t find the elbow grease anywhere- doesn’t it start with an L?” I sobbed!

Earnest, diligent and steadfast won’t help if what you are looking for isn’t where you are looking for it. Plus it helps if you know what ‘IT’ actually is!

Love seems to be as slippery as elbow grease. People can’t find it in their jobs, or their performance or achievements. It’s not rolling around in the hay, or the back seat of a car or a dark secluded place doing the ‘wild thing’. Material possessions, wealth or popularity don’t seem to bring a sustaining love. Even relationships fall short in love on a regular basis. People are mean out there – ever notice? I think I saw all those things under the sink!

A pearl to string: Love isn’t something you get and it doesn’t come in a labeled can either. Love is something you give. True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be. So if it’s love you are looking for don’t look under the sink or any of those other uncanny places. Grow closer and more intimate with God because ........."God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them". 1 John 4:16, NIV

The Message (contemporary English from the rhythms and idioms of the original language) states that Scripture verse as: "This is how we know we're living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He's given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we've seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God".

Grow beautiful in love my friends,
Lyndi

"O Nobody Knows the Trouble I Seen"

Pastor James Ryle
http://jamesryle.blogspot.com/

"Keep you guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith." (1 Peter 5:9, The Message).

There are few things the devil likes more than to get you believing that you're the only one going through a tough time. He wants you to feel alone, forsaken, and forgotten. If he can pull it off -- you will drop your guard, lower your shied of faith and be wide open for his more assiduous assaults. Don't let him win -- keep a firm grip on your faith.

Peter goes on to say, "The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ -- eternal and glorious plans they are! -- will have you put together and on your feet for good." (1 Peter 5:10).

So the next time you're feeling all alone, and deep down inside you hear the rumblings of that old song -- "O nobody knows the trouble I seen" -- stop right there. EVERYBODY knows! We are all going through it with you. Stop your whining; it's embarrassing.

Paul and Silas were in a dungeon chained to the wall and surrounded by rats. They started singing praise to God and the devil started shaking in his boots. He shook so hard that an earthquake happened, which broke the chains and opened up the prison doors -- setting Paul and Silas free.

Instead of moaning about your troubles, start singing praise to God -- you just might be the one that causes a prison break for the rest of us!

Be lost in the wonder of Him

I fell in love with my Coach Wonderful a little less than a half a century ago, yet with forty five+ years of marital bliss, I still have moments that I shake my head and wonder, "who is that man?" Oh, I may not have solved every mystery about him and a long life may not be long enough to accomplish that but I do know my husband. I know his voice, his touch, and his habits. I'm a witness to his character, his personality, and his ways. It has gone the same way in my relationship with God, though I do ask Him occasionally if He’s sure He has my correct address. I have learner over the years to hear His voice, to recognize His touch, and to understand some basic truths of who He is.

There are so many revelations of God in His Word. The Bible boasts of His greatness, glory, honor, and character. We know that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), that God's grace is sufficient for every repentant heart, and that His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). We know that His name is above all other names (Philippians 2:9), that there is no other like Him (Jeremiah 10:6), and that His wisdom holds secrets that are hidden from before time began (I Corinthians 2:7). And for as much as we know about the LORD, our knowledge of Him is but a fraction of a grain of sand as held up to all the beaches on earth.

Though He is the mysterious master Creator who hung each star in the sky and calls them by name, He wants us to love Him, to trust Him, to know Him, and to worship Him. That thought alone sets my mind to marvel!

A pearl to string: God invites us to participate with Him in a vibrant dance of abundant life through His Son, Jesus Christ. Our amazing Heavenly Father bids each and every one of us to come to Him with questions, to be held by His love, to find peace, hope, and healing in His Son. He calls us to seek Him through prayer and to experience new revelations of Him through His Word and through the Holy Spirit. He says, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3.

The voice of all of creation shouts His praise!

May each one of you get lost in the wonder of Him.
You are ever in His heart,
Lyndi

A Road Trip to Happy

If you reverse disappearing into thin air you have us just returning into the thin air of Colorado from a road trip to happy. Visiting family & dear friends and driving 2,720 miles with my Coach Wonderful have made me very happy. I love driving on the open road. Being on oxygen 24/7 makes me feel like a bird on a leash but in a car I can fly and see and breathe all at the same time. Functioning at sea level enables me to move about less restricted so that added to the joyful experience. We had three distinct and beautiful stops to treasure on our trip to happy. I’m noticing something odd as I write this. While the ‘now’ of each stop was incredibly rewarding each one took me back to sweet memories of days gone by. Do you think that is just an age thing?

Our first stop was Downers Grove Illinois to enjoy the excited activity of our oldest son’s family. Mike & Jenni have a warm, beautiful and inviting home including the every man’s dream, to die for, media room - lost Coach Wonderful in there a few times! Family life ran at full speed as we played with four of our 10 grandchildren. We watched Nickolas play football, Justin play soccer & baseball, played cards and games with Brandon & Alexa and visited everyone’s school on Monday morning. Sometimes as Jenni worked in the kitchen and children flew by at an accelerated rate my mind’s eye could see a young Lyndi preparing meals and a riotous Mike, Tom & Marc accompanied by their angelic sister Kristy. It was such a great time – can’t wait to do it again – its wonderful being with grandkids on their own turf.

Our second stop was Grosse Ile Michigan with our dear friends Jack & Toni Hall who hosted our entire stay. Hummm I think I’d like to retire in their home. Pure luxury in surroundings and love – they took such tender and attentive care of us. This was the ‘great friends’ portion of our trip with Coach Wonderful’s 50th high school reunion. Oh my, it was fun to see everyone again, catching up on families and the goodness of life which always includes enough trouble to reveal blessings. It was a special delight to have my close friends, those who shared the mommy track with me, drop by for hugs and laughter – I treasure that one on one time.

Our third stop was not a change of venue but a very special visit in Riverview Michigan: An evening with old Mac’s. It thrilled my heart to see Coach Wonderful with his brothers and sister and his beautiful 98 year young Mom. That was a goal in my heart and God blessed it with lighthearted chatter sprinkled with family stories that make us all laugh. NO FIGHTS! Yeah!! A memorable and blessed time together – thank you Lord.



A pearl to string: We begin with God then He grows us in families and He gives us friends. The years teach you those are the most cherished treasures as we live this life. Nothing else counts, not jobs, houses, cars, clothes or the lack of those things.
God –
Family –
Friends –
INCREDIPEARLS-
We live in thanksgiving.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Romans 12:9-14/NLT

I hope this makes you want to go hug someone you thank God for ……


Go ahead…
Go Hug Someone

Know you are loved,
Lyndi

Rhapsody In Blue

No spiritual message here just my all time favorite musical composition by George Gershwin. Rhapsody in Blue was written in 1924 for solo piano and jazz band, combining elements of classical music with jazz-influenced effects. Just something very old to enjoy for classical music lovers with a wild hair. (old terminology for old, racy in it's day, music)