Tag: God’s sovereignty

A Prayer Perspective

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

Andrew Murray lived from 1828 to 1917. He was born in South Africa more than a hundred years ago, but He experienced the national tensions we suffer today. He lived through the Anglo-Boer War and recorded his reflections. His question and his thoughts gripped me when I read them last week.* I share them with you.

Would it not be sad if we came into God’s presence divided into two camps, praying one against the other? No, we must pray for both our leaders and for all who are in authority. As leaders of the people, their influence, for good or evil, is inexpressible [beyond words].

Their hearts are in God’s hands, and He can turn them wherever He wills. Let our prayers ascend to God in all sincerity and He will hear and grant that which is good for the whole land.

Let us pray, “Lord, the hearts of rulers are in Thy hands; teach them to do Thy will.”

Amen.

*From Daily Secrets of Christian Living

This is a Test

~ Barbara ~ 4 Comments

As in 1863, we have been involved in a great civil war, aiming weapons with words that can maim and kill. Each side has been self-assured and self-righteous. Instead of feeling shame we bolstered our positions and spoke hatred. Unity was upstaged by platform. Values were obscured by personalities. The echo of Abraham Lincoln’s words ask us, can the United States endure?

God sees our nation. He watches the nations of the world. He hears the pompous words and observes man’s devious plans. More than that, He sees hearts.

What does God think? Psalm 2 tells us.

The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together…
The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
“I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.”

God is not worried. His kingdom is not shaken. He perceives the futility of man’s wisdom—and He laughs. He is secure in His authority and confident in His purposes.

We can also be assured of His kingship, His sovereignty, and His justice. Consider these verses:

The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.
Psalm 103:19

“Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.”
Psalm 2:10-11

For God is the King of all the earth…
God reigns over the nations;
    God is seated on His holy throne…
the kings of the earth belong to God…
Psalm 47:7-9

The election is two days behind us. We must end the civil war with our own reconstruction period, demonstrating kindness and forgiveness. Let us take the words of Ephesians 4 to heart:

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander
be put away from you, along with all malice.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Established & Eternal

~ Barbara ~ 4 Comments

In five days half of America will be relieved and the other half will be devastated.

Has there ever been an election more emotionally charged? I dare say, not many are overjoyed with our options. I hear phrases like, “the lesser of two evils” and “vote policy, not personality” spoken with both panic and resignation.

We may forget that our single vote is not the determining factor. Nor is the electoral college. Nor is the last minute campaigning. As much as news outlets alarm us, the psalmist calms us. He refocuses us in Psalm 75:1-2 with God’s words.

“I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity.
When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.”

God’s vote is the determining factor. “He brings one down, He exalts another” (v7).

Is that too simplistic? Faith is simplistic. It’s affirming that God is God and I am not. The sum of my intelligence, influence, and intuition amounts to an anemic, limited understanding. I will gladly defer to the God who holds the pillars of earth firm, measures time in His hands, and judges with justice. I don’t know what tomorrow (or next Tuesday) will hold, but God knows the end from the beginning.

I invite you to simply rest. Trust the Creator of the world—He is dependable and steadfast—for time and eternity.

Plans & Purposes

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

Does Israel have a plan? Does Iran? Do the presidential candidates have honest plans that are not driven by political gain or party indulgence? Does FEMA have a plan to unearth and rebirth North Carolina? Do investors and financial planners have viable plans in this distressing economy? Do our educators have plans with integrity that will not undermine the rights of parents? Is there a border plan? A tax plan? A spending plan? A defense plan?

Does any mortal have a plan that is purely altruistic and not motivated by personal gain or status? Is any plan infallible? The best man can offer is inadequate and tainted, but God’s plans are firm, perfect, noble. They advance our well-being. They are righteous and good.

The plans of nations, presidents, military councils, engineers, financiers, instructors, or governors can be foiled, thwarted with one word from God. But His plans stand firm and His purposes do not change—they are always for our blessing and His glory—forever.

Man will disappoint with his superciliousness, greed, and deficiencies. God alone will never disappoint. Let’s be sure to put our hope in Him and trust Him only.