Hope in Jesus is Hope that Purifies

September 13, 2016 by Kelli LaFram 4 Comments

And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just a He is pure. 1 John 3:3

I don’t know about you, but I don’t often feel very pure. I yell at my kids on a nearly daily basis. I want to strangle my husband when he spends more than I deem appropriate. And I kick the dog when he gets in my way. And this just the beginning of everything that makes me feel less than pure. I easily get annoyed with the guy in Sunday school who just seems to enjoy the sound of his own voice and I find myself frustrated when the worship team plays another song I don’t know. These selfish reactions are not the way a pure person would react. Are they?

When I choose to focus on all my imperfections I can get so discouraged, even lose hope that I will ever be like Christ.

But, if I remember to put my eyes back on Jesus, the living and active Word of God, my confidence is restored and I am no longer ashamed of who I am.

I am loved.

I am a child of God.

When I look at the above verse in context I can plainly see these truths.

And know, little children, abide in Him that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of him. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1 John 2:28-3:3, emphasis added)

I know with confidence that I am a child of God because I abide in Him. And I know that I abide in Him because I practice righteousness. Now, don’t get me wrong here. I am not claiming in anyway shape or form that I have reached sinless perfection. Certainly not! I am very much a sinner, as I have already made clear with my confessions of petty selfishness. However, I do practice righteousness.

Have you ever heard the phrase “practice makes perfect”? It implies that we need practice because we aren’t perfect yet. So I practice righteousness now (failing often), hoping for and believing in a day when I will be sin-free, when my sanctification will be complete, and I will be pure as Jesus is pure. And I practice willingly now, even though I find it can be very difficult, because as a child of God I am no longer okay with my sin.

The last verse in the passage says “and everyone who has this hope in Him…” In Him… Not a hope in ourselves or our circumstances… Not even a hope in heaven or our future glorified state… But hope in Him “purifies himself”. Hope in Jesus is the only hope that will purify any of us. This is the hope that allows us to confidently say “Yes, I am a mess, but when Jesus comes I won’t be ashamed. He already knows everything about me. I’ve brought everything into the light as He’s asked me to (1 John 1:5-9) and He still promises to claim me as His!”

And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just a He is pure. 1 John 3:3

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If I remember to put my eyes on Jesus, my confidence is restored and I am no longer ashamed of who I am.

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Friends,

Please remember that I am human and flawed and my thoughts on this passage and others may not always be right. Please hold what I write up against the Word of God and listen to the Holy Spirit as He speaks to you directly. That said, I’m wondering if you are struggling to believe with all confidence that you are a child of God. I wonder if you struggle to believe that you are pure just as Jesus is pure. If so, please leave a comment or send me an email. I’d love to share some amazing truth with you. Truth about what Jesus has done for you and who He says you are as a believer.

Only by grace,

Kelli

God is Our Hope

September 8, 2016 by Ali Shaw 3 Comments

If someone asked you to explain what Biblical hope is, would you have a ready answer? After all, what does hope mean?

In English, the current definition of the noun hope is, “the feeling of desire for a certain thing to happen.” For its use as a verb, hope means “wanting a certain thing to happen.”

For some reason, to explain what hope is not, I’ve often imagined a farmer, looking at his dry, dusty fields, shaking his head in despair and saying, “I sure hope it’ll rain.” And what he means is, “I sure want it to rain, but I know it isn’t likely.”

In the Bible, we never read of hope with that definition. It’s not wishy-washy, or desirous of the unlikely. Instead, hope is a confident belief and expectation in the truths and promises of God. Hope always has a positive connotation.

(In the past, I’ve looked into the etymology of the word hope and found that some believe that there is a connection to the word “hop.” I love the thought of my heart hopping toward God, my refuge, in eager expectation and joyful trust!)

God is Our Hope. Why can we say this? And what does this mean to us as Believers? Read at DoNotDepart.com

With that understanding of Biblical hope, the Bible has much to say about God Himself being our hope.

For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. Psalm 71:5

“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. Psalm 39:7

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 43:5

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:24

And why specifically is God our hope? And what does this mean to us as Believers?

He is our hope because of His power.
- His power means He can perform what He says.
- Our hope is founded on His ability.
He is our hope because of His provision.
- His provision means He will provide for us with His best for our eternal good.
- Our hope founded on His loving care.
He is our hope because of His promise.
- His promise means that His word is good.
- Our hope is founded on His trustworthiness.
He is our hope because of His person.
- His person is such that He is merciful, forgiving, faithful, good, and righteous.
- Our hope is founded on His character.

He can overcome with His power. He can heal.

He can provide when there is no earthly way. He will make a way!

He can fulfill the promise that seems to good to be true. Grace? Strength? Wisdom? The hope of Heaven? Given!

He can do all that He has said in His word and more. Need forgiveness? or Reassurance? or To better understand His loving, sacrificial character? It’s in His word.

As women armed with this knowledge, we can be like Samuel’s mother, Hannah, who after pouring her heart out to the Lord in petition,

“went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” (1 Samuel 1:18 b)

Like her, we also can hope confidently in God’s power and ability to provide His best for us. We can rest in His trustworthiness and His good nature. We can leave all our concerns with the God of our hope, and with His Son Jesus who, logically (since He is the second person of the trinity), is also our hope. We can stand in hope– firmly planted in our God and Savior!

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 1 Timothy 1:1

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:9-10

Yes, our hope (our confident belief and expectation in the truths and promises of God) is safe and has a firm foundation because God is who He says He is and all of His promises are true. That’s something we can count on!

What does it mean to you that God is your hope? Tell us in the comments!

Ali

God is Our Hope. Why can we say this? What does this mean to Believers? Read more…

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Living Hope

September 1, 2016 by Patti Brown 1 Comment

What does the bible say about hope? A series at DoNotDepart.com

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” – 1 Peter 1:3

In a world filled with worrisome sound bites and scary images, we have a desperate need for hope.

But what does it mean to have a living hope?

The Greek word zōsan (ζῶσαν) that is translated “living” in 1 Peter 1:3 means in this context “having vital power in itself and exerting the same upon the soul.” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

The same term is used to describe the living Word in Hebrews 4:12 and 1 Peter 1:23. In Hebrews 10:20, the living “way” to God is through the person of Jesus Christ.

The hope that we have in and through Jesus Christ has power, and gives us strength. The more we fix our hope on Him, the more our hope grows!

This month the Do Not Depart team will be digging into God’s Word in pursuit of a deeper understanding of hope. What does scripture say? Where do we find hope? How can we live hopeful lives?

Do you have questions about hope? Share in the comments!

What does God’s Word say about hope? A new series at Do Not Depart. #hope

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What does it mean to have a living hope? #hope

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Prayers for a Hurting World: Series Wrap Up

August 30, 2016 by Ali Shaw 3 Comments

All this month, we’ve focused on our hurting world. We’ve looked intently at some disheartening events and situations that show the magnitude of brokenness and pain we live amongst.

We thank you for taking the time to pray with us this month.

Prayers for a Hurting World month-long series at DoNotDepart.com includes printable prayer cards

Though we live in a messy world, we can’t lose heart! God is sovereign and His love is deeper that the deepest pit. (A paraphrase of Corrie Ten Boom’s famous words.)

This month, we looked at how we can pray for:

Murder: Though incredibly painful and difficult to understand, we can pray for God to bring beauty from the dirt and ashes.
Politics: No matter what happens politically, we can bring our concerns to God and trust in His help, here and now.
Terrorism: Even when we’re reluctant to face the terror in terrorism, we can boldly come before God and stand against this evil by kneeling in prayer.
Slavery: In this day and age it may be hard to imagine that many people are still trapped in slavery and human trafficking. We can pray that God would bring protection and freedom for the enslaved.
Persecution: Many of our Christian brothers and sisters around the world are suffering persecution, but we can come before our Father’s throne on there behalf in powerful ways.
We also were blessed with a very wise and helpful guest post this month on racism and its remedy. (Thank you, Ayoka Billions!)

And at the beginning of the month, we promised you a printable prayer prompt that will serve to encourage and guide you as you lift your heart and voices to God. As Believers, we know what dire need humanity has for Christ and the wholeness only He can give.

Click on the images above or here to download our Prayers for a Hurting World Printable.

We consider ourselves blessed by our DoNotDepart reader-community– again, we thank you for praying with us!

Ali

Prayers for a Hurting World series wrap up and printable prayer prompt.

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Praying for the Persecuted and for Those Who Persecute

August 25, 2016 by Patti Brown 1 Comment

Persecution of Christians is at its highest level in modern history. How can we pray for those who are persecuted, and for their oppressors?

Christians have been persecuted since before the term “Christian” even existed. The book of Acts is filled with many such stories, and persecution only increased in the first centuries of Christianity.

Persecution of Christians continues to this day. According to the non-profit organization Open Doors, 2015 was the worst year in modern history for Christian persecution: “More than 7,100 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons, and 2,400 churches were destroyed or damaged.”

Our brothers and sister in Christ are suffering. As painful as it is to recognize this reality, our hearts are connected to theirs as members of the body of Christ. It is our privilege to pray for them.

And not only are we called to pray for fellow believers, we are also instructed to pray for those who persecute. God can do incredible works in the hearts of men like Taher (read the full story here):

“Taher was the last one you would expect to convert to Christianity . . . So when his daughter came to Christ, Taher was very angry. When his wife also came to Christ, he became even angrier and when finally even his son turned his back on Islam and accepted Christ, he became outraged . . . In his despair he memorized Koran verses and focused on Allah, the god he served so passionately that he scared away his own family: ‘Please show me your face’ he begged . . . In his dream he saw a man, riding a donkey. The man came towards him. He had never seen the man before, but the man hugged him and said: ‘I will clean you from all your sins, you are free: I will give you rest. Believe in me.’ . . . Waking up he knew that Jesus Christ was the only true God.”

What Does God’s Word Say About Persecution?

Persecution will happen. Don’t be surprised.

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” 2 Timothy 3:12

“Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.” 1 John 3:13

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-13

Those who are persecuted are blessed.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10

“If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 1 Peter 4:14

We are to love, bless, and pray for our enemies.

“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” Matthew 5:44

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” Romans 12:14

“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9

“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Luke 6:28

How Can We Pray?

1) Pray for those who are persecuted:

for courage and peace
that they would abide in the Lord and know His presence
for the ability to continue to share their hope in Chris
that they would be able to rejoice in the midst of their trials

2) Pray for those who persecute:

that their hearts would be softened to the truth
that they would come to saving faith in Jesus Christ
that God would use them in a mighty way for His kingdom

A Simple Prayer for Those Entangled in Persecution

“Lord, I pray Your blessing on those who are persecuted for Your name’s sake (Matthew 5:10), that they will be filled with Your courage and peace (Phillipans 4:6-7), and that through Your strength they will rejoice (1 Peter 4:12-14). Please help them to know Your love each day (Romans 8:35-37), and abiding in You, to love those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). I pray also for those who persecute, that their hearts would be softened, and that You would draw them to Yourself so that they might become Yours forever. Amen.”

A simple prayer for the persecuted and for those who persecute. #PrayersForAHurtingWorld

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2015 was the worst year in modern history for Christian persecution. How can we pray?

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Prayers for a Hurting World month-long series at DoNotDepart, includes free printable prayer cards

Remedy for Racism: God and Humility

August 23, 2016 by Guest Post 1 Comment

(Today’s guest post was written by my friend and fellow HelloMornings leadership team parter, Ayoka Billions. I’m very thankful for her words of wisdom and her willingness to share her thoughts with us on this very important topic!)

Remedy for Racism? God and Humility! Read more at DoNotDepart.com

The racial tension that has gripped America in recent months has grieved my heart. And, I am not alone. The sixth chapter of Proverbs tells us:

¹⁶These six things the Lord hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
¹⁷A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
¹⁸A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
¹⁹A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren. (NKJV)

Websters.com defines pride as a high or inordinate (excessive) opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc. THIS is the heart of racism. Pride. Simple and ugly pride. It is what caused Satan to fall from heaven. It is causing good men and women to fall today.

WHY? Our deep insecurities (caused by sin) leave us forever searching for significance. Among billions of people alive today, why do I matter? If I can exalt myself above a stranger (I would never let my kids do that.) or a neighbor (I can’t believe they won’t keep their grass cut.) or a friend (I would never let my house get that dirty.), I can feel better about ME. If a collective WE can exalt ourselves above an entire group of people, we can feel better about WE. And using skin color to establish our groups makes this WE very easy to identify, right?

WHO does this happen to? It can happen to some of the best. On both sides: those causing hurt (either out of ignorance or pride) and those allowing the hurt to turn to bitterness. How in the world does that happen to otherwise “good” people? For help answering this, refer back to Proverbs: false witnesses who spread lies and those who love to cause arguments can be found everywhere. And the harm that they cause cannot be measured. Why does God take such a strong stand on these behaviors? Because He knows the deep, deep consequences for individuals, families, communities, and countries.

WHAT do we do now? The Word gives us the answer: If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV). God’s people come in every color. He is challenging us to refuse to watch our nation be destroyed by pride. He is calling us to action:

Humble ourselves – Say it with me: I am not better. My culture is not better. My lifestyle is not better. (Yes, it is easier said than done sometimes!)
Pray – Ask God to search your heart and identify those deep areas of pride. Ask for healing for hurts caused by those walking contrary to how Jesus lived.
Seek His face – Truly ask the Lord what actions he would have you to take. He might surprise you.
Turn from our wicked ways – Look for ways to serve those in groups where your natural inclination is to look through a prideful lens colored by dislike. Or distrust. Or disdain. Choose to turn the other cheek and forgive…up to seventy times seven.

Yes, there is a remedy for racism! Looking to the Bible for answers in today’s guest post.

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Ayoka Billions is a Registered Nurse turned Casting Director (finding actors for commercials, TV, & movies). A true G.R.I.T (girl raised in the South) minus a few years in California to see the world and marry her soulmate, she loves running, reading, gardening, watching old movies, board games, and playing with her three sons. Her passion is to see women rise above daily struggles to walk in victory.

3 Ways to Act and Pray about Modern Day Slavery

August 18, 2016 by Caroline 1 Comment

So many of us in the US grew up only reading in our school history books about slavery that happened in our country in the 1700s to 1800s. But, as we grew older, we learned that slavery or its effects didn’t ‘go away’ then and hasn’t gone away now.

The International Labour Organization says that “Almost 21 million people are victims of forced labour – 11.4 million women and girls and 9.5 million men and boys.” That’s in our world now.

This kind of ‘forced labor’ can be forced work with little or no pay or horrid working conditions, human trafficking, sex trafficking, child labor, and more.

To read more facts about modern day slavery, read this from The US Department of State, this from the International Justice Mission, and this from End Slavery Now.

NASA world image public domain — Photo source: NASA. Used with permission.

In a hurting world where various modes of slavery still exists, how can we help?

3 Ways to Pray about Modern Day Slavery

Pray for the victims. Pray for healing, for comfort, for protection, for security, for help (Psalm 146:6-9). Christ came to set the oppressed free (Luke 4:18) and that still stands.

“The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.” – Psalm 103:6 (NIV)

Pray for the predators. Praying for enemies is beyond hard (understatement, anyone?), but we can pray for change in their hearts and justice to be served (Psalm 7:9).

“Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.“ – Isaiah 55:7 (NIV)

Pray for justice. Pray for light to shine in these dark places so we can unite against human trafficking.

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.” – Ephesians 5:11-13 (NIV)

Visit this page at the A21 Campaign to find a free printable of many more ways to pray about modern day slavery.

3 Actions to Take Today

1. Your money acts as a vote. Where you spend your money votes for the kind of world you want. Look for fair trade options. Refuse to buy from companies that employ slave labor or terrible working conditions. Support nonprofits that work directly with families to stay out of slavery and grow.

Resources:

Tsh at The Art of Simple compiled an Ethical Shopping Guide that I refer to often. (Be sure to check out the articles she’s written about the coffee and chocolate industries linked there, too.)
Support and learn from reputable nonprofits and organizations battling modern day slavery, like these:
- Mercy House Global,
- Love146,
- International Justice Mission,
- Love Does,
- Not for Sale,
- Freeset,
- End It Movement,
- One Day’s Wages,
- Help One Now
When selecting gifts, buy what you can straight from organizations that help protect families from human trafficking, like Mercy House Global’s shop or Freeset. You’ll be supporting real families and advocating to gift receivers about these causes.

2. Raise awareness. The first step to helping is become aware that there’s a problem. Then, once we know, we know we can’t ignore it and we have to act.

Learn more yourself (and as a family) so you can broaden your perspective and increase empathy that expands to action.
Read books and articles about modern day slavery and share about it them online or in person.
Run races to raise awareness (like Miles for Mercy or Tread on Trafficking).
Share with your church community or neighborhood about how we can help in small ways and big ways. Ask your local schools and centers where children regularly attend if they help children be aware of the signs of trafficking so they can get to safety (and even help prevent it). (An example: Love146 created their Not A Number curriculum to raise awareness.)

3. Start NOW and make small changes in your lifestyle to combat modern day slavery.

See the Ethical Shopping Guide.
Check out this huge ‘action library’ from End Slavery Now.
Pick one product a month (ie: coffee, chocolate, clothing) to research and switch to brands that support fair trade and workers’ rights. If we all take small steps, they lead up to big changes.
DoSomething.org is geared towards teens and young adults, but has a TON of ideas for people of all ages to do to help make a difference against modern day slavery as well as other causes. (Caution for families with young kid: some language in certain parts on the site)

More resources:

–5 myths about child trafficking via Love146

–4 ways to aid the fight again human trafficking via Relevant

–11 facts about human trafficking via DoSomething.org

–FAQs about modern day slavery via End Slavery Now

–Facts about child labor around the world via Compassion International

-Recognize the signs of human trafficking and report it (via the Polaris Project)

–21 ways to act via the A21 Campaign

Please join us today in praying about modern day slavery and acting for justice for our hurting world.

3 ways to pray about modern day slavery and act today:

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Resources on praying about modern day slavery for #PrayersforaHurtingWorld:

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Praying for a World That Knows Terrorism

August 16, 2016 by Kelli LaFram Leave a Comment

I remember standing on the tarmac of a small airport in Florida getting ready to board an airplane when airport security came out and escorted me and the other passengers back into the small terminal. It didn’t take long before I realized something was terribly wrong. The few television screens in the building each showed the same scenes — a 767 crashing into the first tower of the World Trade Center. And then another crashing into the second tower.

September 11, 2011. It was the first time I felt terrified simply because I was an American.

When I hear the word terrorism this day immediately comes to my mind, but it is not the only act of terrorism that has happened in my lifetime. When terrorists attacked my nation it was easy to pray despite the fact that I was not even walking with the Lord at the time. And now that I am a Christian I wish that I could say that prayer comes easily when I hear of other acts of terror happening around the world. Sadly, it doesn’t.

When I hear of mass shootings, suicide bombings, or vehicular attacks I don’t pray as I know I should — whole-heartedly and in connection with the Spirit of God. Maybe it is because I don’t know how to pray for people I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I feel so far removed from the place of terror. Maybe it’s because I don’t want to revisit the pain and terror I felt because of 9/11. Yes, perhaps all of those, but maybe it’s also because I want to selfishly stick my head in the sand, pretend I can’t do much anyway, and go on with my life.

Oh, how I hate to admit what a sinner I am!

But, if I really want to be obedient to my Lord and Savior, if I really want to love my neighbor as He commands, if I really believe in the power of prayer like I say I do, then I must repent and ask for His guidance and direction.

The Power Behind Prayer

If you are like me and find it difficult to pray when terrorism or other world suffering happens, then you need to know this. We have the privilege of praying in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 6:18, Jude 1:20). Now, don’t worry, I’m not about to give an opinion on speaking in tongues. Rather, I’m saying that the Holy Spirit is here with each of us to lead us and help us in our prayers.

So I encourage you, from one reluctant prayer warrior to perhaps another, to pause when the Holy Spirit taps on your heart and pray as He leads. He will show you how to pray for those who are affected by terrorism.

Standing Against Terror in Prayer

On September 11, 2001 I prayed for safety and relief from pain and suffering, but we can pray for so much more. When terror hits we can:

Pray with thanksgiving because God is in control even when circumstances seem horrifyingly chaotic.
Pray that the Church would bravely reach out to a hurting world and share the gospel, the only message of true hope.
Pray that the lost would see that “surely there is a future, and (our) hope will not be cut off.” (Proverbs 23:18)
Pray that forgiveness, not bitterness or envy, would take root in the hearts of terror victims and through this forgiveness true healing would take place.

Together let’s stand against terror by kneeling in pray. And there is no better time than the present.

Lord in heaven, I am thankful that you are in control and there is nothing happening that you are not aware of. For you are the Lord God and you are with us wherever we go. We need not be dismayed (Joshua 1:9), no matter the terrifying things that are happening to us and around us. Thank you for the spirit of love, power, and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7) that you have given your Church, and I ask now that we would bravely reach out to a lost and hurting world with the only message of hope, your gospel. I pray that your message would be received and yet-to-be-believers would see that there is a future hope and it will not be cut off (Proverbs 23:18). I also ask that forgiveness would take root in the hearts of those who have been viciously wronged and feel justified in revenge. This I pray all in the name of your son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Friends, never forget that “surely there is a future and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:18).

Only by grace,

Kelli

For surely there is a future and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18

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Stand against terror by kneeling in pray.

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4 Things to Pray About Politics, No Matter What

August 11, 2016 by Lisa Burgess 21 Comments

Have you been irritated by bickering on Facebook during this election cycle?
Have you fallen into personal arguments with family or friends over politics?
Have you fretted over what will happen if a particular candidate wins or loses?

This month at the blog we’re looking at our hurting world. And how we can pray for it.

This includes praying for our political system. But what are we to pray?

Stirred Up

We’ve either experienced it and/or seen it more the past few months: fear, cynicism, anger, and worries.

If Candidate A wins, what will happen to national security?
If Candidate B wins, will moral character go out the window?
If I vote for a third party, will it be wasted?
Should I even vote at all?

What is God thinking and what does He expect us to do?

Don’t Trust in Horses

Our problem isn’t new. Because all our leaders are human, all our past and current leaders have been flawed. And will be flawed in the future. That’s a given.

When we place complete trust in any person, we show we’re flawed, too.

Listen to what King David said (a great leader to the Hebrew people, albeit also flawed), thousands of years ago.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7).

Or as The Message puts it:

“See those people polishing their chariots, and those others grooming their horses? But we’re making garlands for GOD our God” (Psalm 20:7, The Message).

When we trust too much in democracy or a better candidate or any political party, we too are polishing chariots and grooming horses.

So how can we trust in God instead in real-life ways?

4 Things to Pray

Here are 4 things to pray about during this political season. It is possible to stay spiritually hopeful through this election cycle. No matter what.

Fear→BELIEF

Lord,
When we feel in danger, remind us You are in control. When we are insecure, be our strong refuge. Even when we feel defeated, we know You’ve already won the victory. No matter what.

Cynicism→ACTION

Lord,
We’re often tempted to give up. We become distrustful of politicians and become negative about others’ motives and words. But You tell us to not grow weary. Let us remain hopeful and actively influential. First in our families, our neighborhoods, and our cities. Then in our states, nations, and world. No matter what.

Anger→SERVICE

Lord,
Where prejudice exists—whether in us or in others—send us in with love. Show us opportunities to serve those who think differently than us. Help us lend a hand. Listen to learn. Meet real needs. We’ll never change anyone with angry lectures. But we can love people with Your gifts of grace. No matter what.

Worry→REST

Lord,
Renew our minds to dwell on You in this day, not on potential troubles in the future. You have the past, present, and future in Your hands. Your help is here. Your help is now. We can rest in peace. No matter what.

Keep Love First

Politics has its place. Be informed. Stay engaged. But the place of politics isn’t first.

The greatest command is still this:

Love God, love others.

If we lose our races, and also lose our faith, which loss is the greatest?
If we win our elections, but lose our friendships, what have we gained?

True peace is only found in the eternal kingdom of God. No vote can abolish our fellowship with Him. No political party can strip away His love. No local councilman nor President of a country can overrule our capacity to love others.

Under God’s reign, we remain forever secure, ever hopeful, and lavishly loved by Christ.

No matter what.

Want more?

Do I Really Have to Pray for Politicians I Oppose? by Darin Smith
A Pastoral Perspective on the 2016 Election, Pass the Mic podcast by Tyler Burns and Pastor Earon James

Are you struggling with politics more than normal this year?

Is there a scripture that keeps you focused on Christ? Please share in the comments.

Have a different response to politics. “4 Things to Pray, No Matter What” #PrayersForAHurtingWorld

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Printable Prayer Sheet for Children

August 9, 2016 by Patti Brown 5 Comments

This month we are focusing on prayers for our hurting world. Children recognize that people hurt, even if their perception is limited to the people they see every day. Growing our children’s awareness of others’ needs and their own need for God is part of our job as shepherds of their faith journey while they are in our homes.

Some children take naturally to prayer, while for others it is more of a discipline to be developed. It is safe to say this is the same for adults. Some of us feel deeply called to the ministry of prayer and others have to learn to make it a part of their daily faith walk.

Whether prayer comes intuitively for your child or not, a prayer journal can be a helpful tool as they learn to pray without ceasing.

I have created a simple template that you can print for your child to use as the beginning of a prayer journal. With it they can keep track of people to remember to pray for. In coming months I will share other pages they can add to a three ring binder in order to create as simple or detailed a prayer journal as they wish to maintain.