Wednesday November 16 2016  A TWO WAY STREET

 My husband opened the following email and thought it noteworthy enough to read it to me.  It made sense to me after I read it a couple of times and understood the message of the scriptures used.  Our Pastor sent this out today.  I thought I would use it for my blog material today and pass on his spiritual insight of the outcome of the election.  If you are at all like me, you may need to read it twice for the entire message to be comprehended.  I thought it quite thought provoking and wanted to share it with you. 

*SEE NOTE AT END OF BLOG

 Subject: Weekly Devotional by Pastor Tom

“A Time for Prayer

“‘Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice:  Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed.  It may be that then your prosperity will continue.’  All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar.  Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, ‘Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?’  Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, ‘This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you.  You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox.  Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes'”  Daniel 4:27-32

As the events around the presidential election have unfolded, I have been preaching through the book of Daniel.  I am convinced that however we voted it’s not a time of celebration or despair; it’s a time for prayer.

First, I’d like to address those who voted for Donald Trump.  Please don’t take his victory as God’s endorsement of his character or the tactics he employed during his campaign.   Proverbs 27:2 says: “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.”  God had allowed many successes for King Nebuchadnezzar, but he didn’t acknowledge God’s role.  Pray for our president elect, that he will choose humility and work with those around him for the good of our nation.  Pray that he will appoint humble men and women to his cabinet that will give him heaven’s advice.  Rehoboam listened to the wrong advisers at the beginning of his reign and his decisions split Israel.

Secondly, I’d like to say a word to those who voted for Hillary Clinton and feel afraid, and/or heart broken by a Trump presidency.  The conclusion of Daniel 4 is found in the final verse: “And those who walk in pride God is able to humble.”  Instead of listening to Daniel’s advice, King Nebuchadnezzar continued in his pride so God reduced him for “seven times.”  During that season God’s grace protected the country and it continued to function until the king had learned his lesson.  Even though you didn’t vote for him, please pray for our president elect and for our country.  God has a long history of using flawed characters for His purposes. Don’t give into fear or despair, God is able to humble those who walk in pride and keep a country from falling apart while he learns his lesson.“

Have a great week,

     Tom

Pastor Tom Flaherty
City Church
4909 East Buckeye Road
Madison, WI 53716
www.citychurchonline.org

 

A TWO WAY STREET

Kathleen Martens

November 16, 2016

www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

If there are two

Who fit the shoe

But only one

Will be total sum,

 

A winner and a loser,

Voter is the chooser.

But someone lost

Regardless the cost.

 

And life advances

Regardless lost chances.

The one who wins

Will soon begin.

 

Whether you like it

Don’t have a fit.

But be prepared

With prayers shared.

 

No need to fight

No one is right.

What’s done is done

Don’t be so glum.

 

If the results

Were of opposite such

Then joy some gain

Then others in pain.

 

A two way street

Where both sides meet,

What’s done is done,

We’re a nation of one.

 

Pick yourself up

With opposition sup,

Mend the fences

Without tenseness.

 

Don’t be a poor

Looser anymore.

You won’t always win

And this isn’t the end.

 

God is in control

And directs His goal

Though a big hump

God can use a Trump.

 

Thank You God that You are a God of mercy and grace.

Thank You God that our country is still a country of free choice.

My prayer for today:

Lord, thank You that we in America have the freedom to say what we believe.  Lord I pray for those who hold animosity in their hearts toward another due to how one feels, or votes, or worships.  Lord I pray that You would put compassion into the hearts of those who abhor others for not thinking as they think, or voting as they vote.  Regardless of winning or losing, we are one nation, under one flag, and we should support the republic for which it stands; one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.  Lord I pray that You would open the hearts of those who believe in You as well as those who do not believe in You.  Please take away the wrath and anger and sorrow and fear that dwell in so many during this time.  And especially take away the hate that swells up which causes people to be against one another.  Please break down the barriers of race against race, political opposition, and religious differences. 

Thank You God for our great nations and the freedoms afforded to us daily.  I am so grateful for all Your blessings.  Amen

 

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY.

*NOTE:

RED INK IS SCRIPTURE 

GREEN INK IS GUEST’S VOICE

BLACK INK IS BLOG

BLUE INK IS DAILY POEM