IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD

There is a sense in which it can be said that the circumstances we face and the choices we make on a daily basis are all important.  Like invested funds we accrue interest on our use of the resources we have been given.  Those that use their time wisely accomplish more.  Those that use their money wisely can earn and save and give more.  Those that order their lives wisely know the peace and satisfaction of God’s blessing.

But it cannot be said that every circumstance and every choice are of equal consequence.  History is punctuated with red-letter dates—moments when choices and circumstances produced significant change—fundamental transformation.   

The birth of the Christian Church on the Day of Pentecost was one such moment.  The day that Constantine officially recognized Christianity as a legitimate religion was another.  When Martin Luther nailed the “95 Theses for Debate” on the door of the Church at Wittenberg, Germany, it was a red-letter date. 

In the life of the American republic there have been red letter dates.  The day the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence was a signal event.  The day the British surrendered to George Washington and the Continental Army was another such moment.  The day that Americans began to fight one another over the future of this fledgling democracy was a decisive and horribly costly moment.  When Congress and the States ratified the 13^th Amendment to our Constitution outlawing slavery and involuntary servitude it was a day with far reaching consequences.  There have been many important choices our people and leaders have made, yet some that have proven more notable than others.

In their wisdom, the founders of our nation established a government “of, and by, and for the people,” so that every citizen is able to make known their choice of leaders.  Our leaders are not chosen for us, we choose them. 

As Americans go to the polls on November 6 we are facing an existential choice—our future is certainly at stake.  We must make the right decision. Our national security, our financial future, and our personal liberty will be determined by the choices—millions of choices that are made. Yet convincing the deciders—those who will be casting their votes—is particularly challenging.

When…

…The truth is obscured,

…The facts are denied,

…The agendas are hidden,

…The logic is unchallenged,

…The implications are not thoughtfully considered, and

...The morality is denied or diminished,

…it is no wonder that confused electorates make choices that are shortsighted and self defeating. 

It occurs to us that if blind eyes, closed minds, and hard hearts are to be convinced, it will require the assistance of God Himself.  If candidates are to be known, we will need God’s help. 

For that reason we have chosen as our 40 DAY THEME leading up to this year’s NATIONAL ELECTION DAY, NOVEMBER 6, “IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD!”  Join us in praying every day and fasting, as the Lord directs, for God’s will to be done as Americans elect a President, a Congress, and a third of the Senators.  

KINGDOM FIRST

"Seek first the KINGDOM OF GOD; and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS 

and all these things shall be added unto you."   

Matthew 6:33

Within weeks Americans will go to the polls to elect a President, 435 members of the House of Representatives, and 33 Senators. The airwaves are filled with political advertising, talk shows are dominated by candidates and pundits, and partisans are pressing the case for their chosen candidate.

But frankly I'm discomfited by the entire spectacle.  

I started to list the problems we are facing as a nation, but we know them.  I deleted them. We know them all too well.

I think I should point to the Answer. 

Jesus said, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness" and then "all these things shall be added unto you."  (Matthew 6:33).  

When our national priorities are lifted from the pain of our present circumstances, to fervently seeking after God and His righteousness (not our own) we will right this drifting ship of state.

The moment we stop looking for solutions from slick politicians, government programs, or political parties, and start seeking first the Kingdom of God we will get our nation back on the right track.

When righteousness is exalted and evidenced in our personal and public lives, then and only then, will we know the blessings of Providence.

Trying times are revealing times. They reveal the depth of our faith, the strength of our commitments, and the lengths to which we will go--living out our faith and commitment.  

What is true for nations is true for individuals.  We must seek first the Kingdom of God.  We must make Kingdom priorities our priorities. And we must live righteous lives.  Jesus said if we would do these things, then all the things we need will be added to us.  I believe Him.

One final note: Christ's promise was given to disciples who languished under the heavy hand of Roman rule. The governments of the first century were no friends of Christ or His people. Yet in the midst of that godless age, Christ kept His word.  As His people sought first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, their needs were met.  

And Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Seek first the Kingdom!