Was convicted after my last post to gain a deeper understanding, and just wanted to share the research with whomever was interested. It would obviously be easier if I wasnt ingrained in this mess in healthcare and politics, but I am, as many of us are, and Ill use it to learn. Personally, Im thankful and feel blessed to live in this country. Thankful to be alive, and know that God has all of us here for a purpose, and we turn to Him to find what that purpose is. We dont know oppression like others do, but weve seen it through studying history, and we see what it looks like in other countries. No one thought it was coming until they realized it was already there. And the things our government is doing today is causing many of us to open our eyes. From the NSA, to the FED Reserve, to the widening gap in wages, seeing that we have more in poverty than any other developed country in the world, to understanding the lobbying power elites have, knowing 98% of all wealth generated since 08 has went to .5% of the country, and the list goes on and on. But what do we do? The Bible is filled with direction for what we should do, and I find most times its not what I have done. Thats where I witness sanctification in work, and where I become humbled, as it becomes a reminder to turn to Him for direction. He always has the answer. Fully trusting that answer is whats hard when pride gets in the way. So below is a little of what I gathered through some research online and in scripture today. Read on if you may. Theres so much more though, I will say. It reminds me to be in the world but not of the world and to keep my sights set on His way. Not mine. So, Daniel is a model we should use when it comes to our relationship with government. The Babylonians were given authority over the Jews because of the Jews’ disobedience. Daniel worked himself into the highest levels of this pagan and unbelieving government. Although the rulers respected Daniel’s God, their lives and actions show they did not believe. Daniel served the king as a true servant when he requested the wise men not be executed for failing to interpret the king’s dream. Instead, he asked for the key to interpret the dream from God and saved those, including himself, who would have been executed. While Daniel was in the royal court, his three friends refused to bow to the idol erected by King Nebuchadnezzar and were sentenced to death in the furnace (Daniel 3:12-15). Their response was confident faith. They did not defend themselves, but instead told the king their God would save them, adding that even if He didn’t, they still would not worship or serve Nebuchadnezzar’s gods (Daniel 3:16-18). After the Medes conquered Babylon, Daniel continued to serve faithfully and to rise in power within the government. Here, Daniel faced the same dilemma when the governors and satraps tricked the king into signing a decree “…that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions” (Daniel 6:7). Daniel responded by directly, and in full view of everyone, disobeying the order. “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days” (Daniel 6:10). Daniel was completely loyal to any ruler placed over him until that ruler ordered him to disobey God. At that moment, when a choice had to be made between the world and God, Daniel chose God. As should we all. Suggestions on how to intercede for elected officials. You can pray that they would: 1. Recognize their personal sinfulness and need for the cleansing power of Jesus Christ, if they arent already saved. 2. Become aware of their inadequacy for the tasks before them, and pray for Gods wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and courage. 3. Reject all counsel that violates the spiritual principles of Scripture, and be willing to trust divine guidance. 4. Resist the pressure of those who would mislead them or tempt them to violate their consciences and the will of God. 4. Work to reverse the cultural trends of humanism, which deifies man and dethrones God. 5. Ready themselves to abandon their political careers and personal ambitions if this is in the best interest of our country. 6. Rely upon the Word of God and prayer as their primary sources of strength and success. 7. Maintain dignity, honor, trustworthiness, and righteousness in their offices. 8. Strive to be good examples to the people of this land. 9. Remember that while they are in office, they are accountable to God for their attitudes, actions, and motives. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of lifting up those in authority over me. Convict me when I criticize and complain instead of taking my concerns to You in prayer. Make me into a prayer warrior for this nation, so that believers may practice their faith peacefully. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Apr 2014 02:03:42 +0000