I'm still looking for your comments, too!  First, I hope you are taking time to read through the Gospels, and second, I hope God is speaking to you as you do it!  Leave your comments, insights, questions or struggles here...

What stood out to you today (or this week)?

Feel free to read through the attachments.  You don't have to do the assignements (remember, this was for Confirmation students, and I didn't re-write it).

It's all for His Glory,
PJ

I remember almost 12 years ago - the first time I heard Louie Giglio.  He was talking about the glory of God - and it just resonated with me.  I almost felt, as he spoke, that he was looking right at me and someday I'd be in ministry with that guy!  Well, that didn't happen, but the message he proclaimed about living for the glory of God has changed my life for the last 12 years.  God used him!  But he's still just a man.

When Jesus spoke, He spoke with authority!  Oh, how I wish I could have sat on that mountain and listened to Him (and been challenged by Him).  It's funny, because I can sit there on that mountain and listen.  I just have to open up the Bible and it's all right there.  Yeah, it's different, but it's still the very words of Jesus, the Son of God.

So, as you've been reading the Gospels and focusing on the words of Jesus, what has stood out to you?  Has anyone found something they want to contribute?  I hope and pray that as we read, the words will jump right off the page and strike a chord in our hearts that ultimately changes our lives!!

I look forward to hearing what impacted you - so let's start sharing - and we'll discuss some of these in Connections over the summer!

Email me with any questions.

Giving credit where credit is due - it comes from the ESV Study Bible in the introduction to Isaiah.  It does a good job of helping you get the overall feel of the book in just a few pages.  Here's what caught my attention:

The great tragedy of Israel was their repeated faithlessness,
which hid the light from the Gentiles.

When I read that, God immediately led me to apply that statement to our own generation.  The great tragedy of the Church today is our repeated faithlessness which has hidden the light from the world!

Remember - this isn't me trying to beat up on myself and the rest of the Body.  It's not that at all.  I simply believe God is calling us to repent.  He is calling us to turn from our sinful ways and to turn back to Him and His ways!  He's calling us to a deeper, more committed faith - and to a life lived for His glory!

Thoughts?

In Isaiah, the problem was that God called His people to be holy - or set apart for Him.  However, as they mingled with the other people in the world, they lost their influence and instead gave in to the influence of others.  Over time, they started buying into the other cultures, slowly straying away from the One, True God - the Holy One of Israel (as He is often called in Isaiah).  They didn't completely abandon Him, but they became a "whore" (Is 1:21), giving themselves to false gods along with the One, True God.

What are your thoughts about our culture today - especially in the United States?  What are some of the ways you think we might have commited the same sin as Israel?

As we think about this, I pray that God will grab hold of our hearts, draw us back to Him alone and set us apart to live for His Glory! 

Lord, transform us so that we influence everything we touch - help us to be SALT and LIGHT to this world!

All over Isaiah there is mention of light - tying in with Matthew 5 from Sunday.  The light is often in reference to Jesus the Christ (the Messiah), but it also transfers to us as His people.  What I want to share today is from Isaiah 58.  Read it in various translations to help you really get the just of it.  Basically, God has an issue with His people, for they have gone through the motions but they are not living lives that glorify Him.  The specific issue is fasting.  But here's what I want to point out.

1)  Look at God's issue with His people (vv 1-5).  They don't get it.  They think everything is fine.  Now think of the application today - there are so many people who call themselves Christians who "go to church and give a little and even fast and pray", but not with their whole hearts or lives.  Basically, it boils down to the fact that we are not doing what God wants us to do - and with the right heart!  We've lost sight of the fact that we are SALT to the world, that we should definitively impact or influence the world with each and every touch.  (think about adultery, divorce, alcoholism, porn - how can we be SALT when we are no different)

Any thoughts on this?

2)  Look at verses 6-14.  God lays out what His idea of a fast is all about - vv. 6-7.  And then He gives the result - and what a result it is!  He says when you do this, "THEN shall your light break forth like the dawn...".  Another result is found in v. 9, and then come the "ifs" and another result.  God says, "If you do this..." (v 9-10), "THEN shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday."

We are the LIGHT of the world.  And God has laid out for us how to let this light shine.  Let's start to take God seriously and truly live our lives in His way and for His glory - and guess what - our light will begin to shine forth onto our community and impact our world!  God guarantees it!

Let me know your thoughts on all of this.  Any comments - struggles - etc?

Let me tell you about one of the houses in Nakuru.  On the last night of our time in Nakuru, we were able to visit the home of one of the volunteers (and a member of the Pangani congregation).  The house we visited was actually quite nice compared to what we saw in Kaptembwa.  It had a sort of concrete floor, quite a step up from dirt.  There was a general living room, 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen.  In total, it was probably 700sf.  The kitchen had a place to make a fire (the "stove") and there was no refrigerator.  There were no closets, so any clothes they had they just stored in the rooms up against the wall.  But the amazing thing was that there were 10 people staying in the home, and a week earlier there were 12 people staying there.  It was a mixture of family and friends.

The parents had their own room - and it even had a bed.  The other bedroom had 6 women/girls staying in it.  2-3 were on the floor.  The living room had the 2 other kids on mats on the floor.  But though it was tight, they knew they were blessed, and they were thankful for the house God had blessed them with.

This isn't written to make us feel guilty about what we have - though I do hope we see that we are "rich" and I hope we live truly generous lives!  It's just to share how life works in another part of the world.  I hope it has been an eye-opener to you.

Let me know what you think - I look forward to hearing from you.

As most of you know, I'm kind of a realist.  There were times this week when I was quite frustrated.  I didn't always blog about it, but it was there.  The biggest frustration was that many of the people just seemed to give you the "right" answer about Jesus.  I praised God when I heard that one person told Sara (in triage) that he wasn't interested in Jesus - but rather that he preferred to live his life of drinking and indulging in the things of this world.  I thank God for his honesty!  At least he was being real.  The incredible thing was that after they talked, he said that he wanted to try Jesus this time (because the other, though fun, wasn't working for him at all).  But for every case like this, there were 100's of others who just said the right words.  I know I can't judge their hearts, but so many just seemed to have the head knowledge and not the heart transformation!

But here's where God finally brought me.  Not to a place of skepticism, but a place of awe.  I don't know how "real" any of the conversions will be, but I can stand on this one fact.  Last week, 2800+ people heard the incredible message of Jesus Christ and His love!  Yes, 2800+ people heard about the love, the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ!  2800+ people heard that He is the way, the truth and the life, and that it is only through Him that we will ever be welcomed into heaven!  2800+ people heard that it isn't about what we do, but what Jesus Christ has already done for us!

Someone must be there to plant the seed.  Someone else will come along and water it.  But in the end, it is God alone that is able to cause the growth!  This week, 2800+ people heard the good news in a large group setting, and then minutes later each of them heard it again one-on-one!  Seeds were planted.  Some lives were changed!  And ultimately, God was glorified as His name was lifted up all week long! 

There's another opportunity coming up in May of 2010.  You don't have to wait - you can sign up now!  I hope you will sign up to be a part of what God is going to do in just a few months.  But you don't even have to go to Kenya to experience this.  Tell a friend.  Share the good news with a co-worker.  Tell a neighbor what Jesus means to you and what He has done for them.  To God alone be the glory!

First - a quick update on everyone.  Sandy was as steady as can be, and she stayed in the lens building area all week long!  She was a calm, steady rock.  Jeanine was the entry point, and greeted each person and tested their eyes at the registration table.  She was spirited and joyful.  Kindy (am I spelling that right?) tried her hand at triage starting on Wednesday, and loved it.  She rotated between pulling lenses and sharing the message of the gospel - and was a wonderful and helpful addition.  Sara also tried her hand at triage on Wednesday - and loved it!  It was so fun for me to watch as she guided people to a relationship with Jesus!  And she did it with such joy!!  Margaret continued to take turns in triage - and was a real gift and blessing to us in that area.  She also pulled lenses, but her great love was sharing the message of Jesus with the Kenyans.  Doyle stayed in triage most of the time.  He was faithful and discerning.  On occasion you would find him putting lenses together, but most of the time he was sharing the gospel with these wonderful people.  And I, PJ, moved mostly between triage and the auto-refractor.  And by the way - thanks for the prayers.  God really did a miracle with the batteries today!  Praise the Lord!!

I've got to share this.  We had lots of people receive Jesus this week, and plenty of them did it today!  But the one that stands out to me is Abijah.  Abijah was a young muslim woman that came across my table.  She was dressed in her full, traditional garb (sorry - I am blanking on the technical name).  As we talked, she said she was very interested in knowing more about this "Jesus".  All she knew, from her background, was that he was a prophet and teacher they respected.  But she found a Bible, and began secretly reading it.  After we had talked for 15-20 minutes, I simply asked her if she "believed that Jesus, the Son of God, was also truly God...that He died on the cross to take away her sins...and that by believing in Jesus Christ, she too could have forgiveness and eternal life."   She responded with "Yes, I do believe that.  And I want to have Jesus Christ in my heart."  (abbreviated version)  WOW!  Amazing.  We prayed together, and she responded with pure thanks - and the statement, "I want to know more about the truth."  She is fearful of sharing this, for she could be beaten or killed.  But she has Jesus in her heart!!  God was truly at work again today!

Ok - enough for now.  This will be the last update, as tomorrow we leave this hotel.  Keep praying - for God to move in Kenya in mighty ways.  And for God to move in the States in mighty ways as well!  To God be the glory!!

Yesterday and today were just as amazing as Monday and Tuesday.  The coolest thing about today was the 5 baptisms.  Yes, there were 5 baptisms of 5 brand new Christians!  I know personally that three of them had no idea of the message of the Gospel, but when they heard, they said, "I want that!"  I watched a 24 year old young man proclaim his new faith in Jesus Christ  - and after the baptism, he had a huge smile on his face.  Amazing!  We've also had 3 muslims proclaim faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior!  That is truly God at work.  Overall, we have had just over 160 people either come to Christ for the first time or finally understand the forgiveness and grace that Jesus offers!

But the other amazing thing that continues to boggle my mind is the dedicated people we work hand and hand with every day.  There must be 25 of them that work with us straight from 7:30am until 6:00pm everyday.  And because most of them have very little, they live lives where they truly MUST trust God to supply them with what they need.  Today we asked one, a single mom (of 2) named Ann, about her night last night.  She shared that when she arrived home, she couldn't get in and her kids were not there.  She found them at a friends house, for they were all locked out of their one room home (probably 100 sf).  They couldn't pay the rent for the last two months, so they were temporarily evicted.  As she shared her story, she never once asked for money.  It would have been so easy, and understandable.  She simply said she trusted that God would take care of her and her children.  Faithful - committed - and daily trusting in God to provide.  That describes these people.

Today - please pray for our final day tomorrow.  We expect over 850 people, and it might hit 1000.  Today we helped 697.  Pray for the batteries on the auto-refractor (a big concern). Pray for the supply of lenses (running low).  Pray for the hearts of people to be opened to the freedom and forgiveness that comes with believing in Jesus Christ!  And pray that the words we speak are the very words of God, Himself.

If you know of anyone else that might be interested in following along - share the site with them.  Blessings.

You begin the work at the site at about 7:30am.  People are often already lined up waiting.  The people first go to the "evangelists" where they hear the Gospel message.  Then, they come down the dusty road (30 yards) to the registration where they look at an eye chart (Jeanine). 

Then, depending on their vision, they go to the AutoRefractor (PJ) where we check them for distance problems, or they go to Triage (Doyle, Paul, PJ and we've added in Margaret - who has done a wonderful job here).  At Triage, they first are asked about their faith, trying to determine if they truly have a relationship with Jesus.  This is where many come to faith for the first time.  After this faith discussion, we discuss their eye problems.  Depending on what we hear, we "prescribe" a visit to one of the Doctors on site, or to go straight to reading glasses or distance glasses, or both (Sara, Kindy, Sandy and Margaret).

So, they move on to the Doctor, then to one of the glass stations.  If it is Readers, they just get fitted with the one that helps them see the best.  If distance glasses, they are made on-site with special lenses that best correct their vision (placing the lenses is quite a chore).

The line of people doesn't stop until at least 6:00pm, when it is dark.  So, it is a constant flow of people (today almost 475) without a break.  You are dealing with people all day long.  Most of the time they are easy to deal with, but sometimes not.  10 hours straight without lunch, constantly dealing with people and doing our job, and reminding people about the love of Jesus!  I hope you all have a chance to serve in this way!!

Today's prayer - pray for us, as the workers, to see each and every Kenyan that comes to us with an amazing amount of love.  To see them and remember, "Jesus loves them so much."  Not just to do our job, but to love them like Jesus does!!

On a purely superficial side - it was in the 70's and sunny - and the afternoon clouds brought a little welcomed rain (for them, not us).  The people are wonderful - check yesterday's blog.  And we saw a pig attacked by some hungry dogs.  Quite a day.

Pray for the people that came to Jesus today.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill these new believers with a knowledge of His Will.  I hope you will be praying diligently and passionately - for this and for God to be glorified in it all!!

More tomorrow - I hope...

Here are some of the biggest differences that really stood out -
1)  Commitment - There are over 25 people that have committed to serve along with us for the entire week.  That's half of the church.  About half of these people (5-6 of whom are between 22 and 25) walk for two hours in the morning and two more hours back home at night to serve a 10 hour day for no pay!  That is amazing!

2)  Spirit/Passion - Wow, 20 people sounds like a choir of thousands of angels in heaven!  They have a spirit and passion when they sing, serve and live!

But Kenya is a place (like anywhere else) where you fall in love with the people immediately, you recognize who needs "more" grace right away, and you see that people are people all over the world - and we all need Jesus!

Today - pray for tomorrow morning - for God to open hearts and to let the eyes of their hearts be open to Him as their eyes are opened to the things of the world!

It's all for His Glory,
PJ

Tomorrow we begin the lengthy trek just to get to Kenya.  We'll arrive late Friday, and on Saturday we'll do some final prep in Nairobi.  Then on Sunday, we'll head to Nakuru - our post.  On Monday, the fun begins!  I'm asking you to join me in prayer for the people we'll come in contact with - to pray that God will prepare them and open their hearts to the good news of Jesus Christ!

If I have internet access, I'll be giving updates and sharing specific prayer requests on a daily basis.  So check back - and I hope you'll marvel with me as we see God at work!!  May it all be for His honor and glory!

Have sermons/messages almost become a form of Christian Entertainment?

Consider this.  I think most people really do listen to the message.  Then, many people will even experience an emotion, like conviction.  They'll nod their heads in agreement.  They'll ponder what's been said.  They might even write down a note or two.  And to some degree, everyone there will be able to say that at least ONE thing interested them.

But does it lead us to action?  Does the Word of God that we just heard cause us to change?  Does it transform us on a weekly basis?  Or do we do the above, laugh a little, cry a little, ponder a little, and then leave without another thought?

What do you think?

So, this week's challenge is to say "NOTHING" that tears down your spouse (apply this to whomever you need to).  Instead, speak in such a way that they are lifted up and encouraged.  Yes, we might even need to do this when we are RIGHT!

What's more important?  To be right, or to put the needs of others above yourself?

Thoughts?

We are no different, which is one reason we have so many trials.  And the unfortunate thing is that we often live our marriages this way.

I want to follow up on Sunday's message and ask you a question and give you a challenge.

The Question:  How often do you put the needs/desires of your spouse above your own needs and desires?

The Challenge:  This week, do like you did when you were dating and pour yourself into whatever your spouse is into.  Guys, show an interest in whatever your wife is interested in!  Ladies, do the same with your husbands!

I'd love to hear your thoughts and some feedback on how things go.  It might be time to dust off the rollerblades - LOL!

The first word is Desire.  This is where it begins.  Just over 10 years ago I came face to face with the verse Isaiah 26:8 – “Yes, Lord, walking in the way of Your laws we wait for You; Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.”  It was both convicting and transforming for me.  It was convicting because I had to deal with the reality that God’s name and renown were often not my #1 desire.  It was transforming because it gave me a purposeful goal, one I have clung to for the last 10+ years.

Here’s the truth we need to get our mind around – God wants our desire for Him to go beyond the bare minimum.  In fact, God wants our desire to be totally and completely Him.  Isaiah 26:8 is not a fairytale.  It is not some pipedream.  And from personal experience I know that its realization is freeing and transforming!

What can it look like?  Read the following verses and take some time to pray about them.  As you read them, ask God to make them true in your life.  Share your insight with others so they can benefit as well...

Psalm 63:1-5  -  David’s soul was satisfied so fully with God that he compared it to being satisfied with the richest of foods.  In other words, for David, there was no greater satisfaction than God Himself.

Psalm 37:4  -  Don’t think of this as “God will give you whatever you think you want”.  Instead, think of it as “When you find delight in God, He will place new desires on your heart.”  And that is what we are seeking – a new desire for God Himself.

Psalm 73:25  -  Again, the goal is loud and clear – that we would desire God above wealth, popularity, fame, image, health, family and anything else the world has to offer.

Now, how does this happen?  Desires don’t change quickly or easily.  But they can change.  And they change when they come face to face with the greatness of God.  The more accurate our image of God, the greater our desire will be for Him.  When we see Him in all His greatness and glory, then He will become our greatest desire.

Tips and Tools –                

1)   Recognize the greater goal and make it your own (God’s glory)

2)      Pray daily and specifically for God to change your desires

3)      Indulge yourself with God and His greatness (remain closely connected to the vine)

Blessings to you as God changes the desires of your heart.

It’s all for His Glory,

PJ

Putting to death sin in our lives and growing as a follower of Jesus Christ requires intentionality.  We can’t just think it, desire it, want it, etc.  We must take action.  The greatest example of this is Jesus Christ, Himself.  In Luke 9:51, it says that “Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.”

Jesus didn’t accidentally wind up in Jerusalem.  He knew exactly what lay in front of Him.  He understood that He would suffer greatly.  He understood that He would be humiliated.  He understood that He would be abandoned.  He understood that the pain would be unbearable.  He didn’t simply take His time for the Father’s will to take place; He intentionally set His face and walked step by step toward Jerusalem.

Though we all struggle with slightly different issues, each one requires an identical action – an intentional first step!  And a journey is made up of many steps.  In I Peter 5:9, we are told strongly to “resist him, standing firm in the faith” (speaking of the devil).  In Colossians 3:5, Paul instructs us to “put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature.”  These strong words require intentional action (a first step).

Along with a first step, intentionality often includes pre-meditated action.  In other words, we determine in advance how we will respond when temptation hits. 

Finally, intentionality is about training, not trying.  I Corinthians 9:25 says, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”  What is the “it” that we do?  We train!  If you have the desire to run a marathon, you must start with the intentional action of training.  1 mile.  3 miles.  10 miles.  The same is true for living a life that honors and glorifies God.  Trying is haphazard.  Training is intentional.

And one final point.  Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we do any of this.  So pray for the desire, and then pray for the power of the Spirit to take a step.  “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit’ says the Lord Almighty.”  Zechariah 4:6

Jesus cares about attitude.  When Jesus spoke with the Pharisees (religious leaders of that day and age), He often spoke about attitude.  The Pharisees practiced the letter of the law quite well, but they missed the heart completely.  Often, their motivation for obedience was to be seen and complimented by men.  It was also to earn God’s favor.  Jesus saw that they had an issue with attitude and motivation – they had an issue with their hearts.

We have 2 issues with attitude.  One is when we approach life with a bad attitude that leads to an ungodly action.  This might happen when you are driving, or when your order gets delivered to you incorrectly, or when someone lets you down.  Our attitude is often negative and can lead to harsh words and disobedience.  The other problem with attitude is when we do the right thing but with a poor attitude.  This might happen when responding to your spouse (or your parents), when serving in a particular ministry or when gathering on a Sunday to worship as a community.  We might be doing the right thing, but with the wrong attitude.

God speaks through Paul very clearly when He says, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 2:5)  In this passage, He is directly talking about the attitude of humility.  We are called to live life with humility.  This attitude directly applies to driving, eating out, responding to let-downs, dealing with our spouse and more.

But let’s look at another passage in Psalm 119.   

“I rejoice in following Your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.  I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways.  I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word.” (vv. 14-16)

Along with humility, a godly attitude includes contentment and joy.  These are reflected in David’s words in this Psalm.  This is the way God wants us to follow Him.  Not reluctantly - not feeling we are coerced.  He wants us to rejoice as we walk in His ways – for He has set our hearts free.

So we make this our prayer.  God, change in me what I am powerless to change myself.  Change my attitude, and make it like the attitude of Jesus.  Help me to fix my mind on the things that are honorable, right, pure, lovely, excellent and worthy of praise! (Phil 4:8)

Hope you share your thoughts and insights for the benefit of others...

Let’s start with this – Does what we believe about God determine how we will live our lives, or does how we want to live our lives determine what we will believe about God?  Many people have that backwards – even those who claim to be followers of Jesus.

I Peter 1:13-16 brings in so many of the words we have looked at.  We are told to prepare our minds for action.  The words “prepare” and “action” are linked directly to intentionality.  And it isn’t just about action, we prepare our “minds” which also involves attitude.  Then we get the exhortation dealing with our lifestyle – “do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do…”

There are countless verses dealing with living the life of a follower of Jesus.  Galatians 5:16.  Ephesians 4:1.  Philippians 2:3.  Colossians 3:5ff.  I Thessalonians 4:1.  Those are just a few, but there are hundreds of verses that encourage us to live a life for Him.  You know the areas in your life where God wants to take control.  Let’s simply submit to His desires and quit living to fulfill our own desires.

There’s a simple truth when it comes to lifestyle – and this is the key.  A true follower of Jesus has a different standard.  Our standard doesn’t come from the world; our standard comes directly from a holy, just, perfect God.  Therefore, we don’t compare ourselves to others; we compare ourselves to God’s Word.  And we realize that God’s Word isn’t full of rules to restrict our lives, but to enhance and protect our lives!  To God be the glory!

Share your thoughts and insights for the benefit of others...

First - I'd love for you to post ideas on how to love your "enemy".  Think about family, neighbors, friends, co-workers, people from the past, etc.  Showing love requires some effort, but it can be lots easier if we know of multiple ways to do it.  So, get specific and practical - How can you show love to your enemy?

Here are a couple of ways to get you started.  If you have a co-worker that you don't get along with, pick up an extra Starbucks or Kolache and take it to him/her.  If you have a neighbor you don't connect with, invite them over to dinner - just to get to know them.  If you have a family member that's tough to love, call them and just let them know you were thinking of them today.

Now, what are your ideas?  Let's make this a place we can come to for ideas!

May they know we are His disciples by this kind of love!

Why is it so hard to love them?  Or, more specifically, why is it so hard to show them love?  Is it simply because it requires effort?

I think the next step, after praying for the power of the Holy Spirit, is to think of one thing we can do to show love to someone who might be a bit unloveable - then to do it!  Let's not avoid them in fear, let's show them love!

So, where do we start?  Maybe we don't start with enemies, but with people we don't know very well.  How many of us have an opinion about someone, but honestly, we don't know them at all? 

This week, start small.  Start with your neighbors on your street.  Deliberately walk outside and look for opportunities to show love - i.e., start conversations, invite them over for dinner, help them with a project, etc.

As you read and follow the blogs, let me know how you felt before you tried this, and how you felt after you came back inside!  I look forward to hearing.

It's kind of like this:  I want to know how to play guitar.  However, I don't want to LEARN how to play guitar.  I just want to KNOW HOW to play guitar.  Learning how requires work.  Well, so does learning to be patient or asking to be refined by fire (yep, last time I checked, fire hurt!).

What are your thoughts?  How about personal experiences?  Let's learn from each other.

How are you doing?

I've gotten a little lax lately about going in and praying for my children while they are asleep.  But over the last few days, since reading and preaching on Paul's prayer in Colossians 1, I've been doing it every night.  And I don't plan on stopping!  I plan on doing this everyday!

We are SO concerned about our children's progress in sports, music, school, reputation and other activities - but what really matters?  My encouragement is that anyone who calls Jesus their Lord makes a commitment to pray for themselves and for their children daily!  I like doing it while my children are asleep, but I also pray these things for them when they can hear it for themselves.

Will you commit to do this?  Pray for them to have a knowledge of God's Will.  Pray for a wisdom that only comes from the Holy Spirit.  Pray this so that they will have one desire in life - to live worthy of the Lord.  Not for their applause, but so God is pleased in all things!  Pray that they bear fruit as they seek to go good works.  Pray they are strengthened according to the power of His Glory!  And pray that they have endurance, patience and joy, and that they will always give thanks to God for His grace and forgiveness!

It's what Paul prayed for the Colossians, and it's a great model for our prayers for ourselves, our spouses, our children, our friends, our church - and for everyone! 

In one of his great songs, Dave Crowder says, "I am full of earth, You are heaven's worth, I am stained with dirt, prone to depravity".  To me, there's a depth to those lyrics, and a truth.  He follows that up with the words, "You are everything that is bright and clean, the antonym of me, You are divinity..."

And in the midst of a crazy, messed up world, that's what I cling to.  I cling to the fact that Jesus is God.  And He is a God of grace and mercy - and I am a recipient of that grace and mery!  He told us that we would have trouble in this world (John 16:33).  But He also reminded us that we can take heart, for He has overcome the world.

It doesn't make it all go away.
It doesn't guarantee that I'll be completely shielded from it.
But it guarantees that He is bigger than it!

And with that I am content!

My prayer is that we, who are the Body of Christ, will rise up and live such godly lives that the name of Jesus Christ will be exalted! 

Though this list isn't complete, it would include how the leader views things like the sanctity of life, upholding marriage as God institued it (between a man and a woman), homosexuality (God loves them, but does not condone this behavior), etc.  War is more difficult to address, as the system of government was different, and God initiated many of the wars.  And finally, taxation is of very little interest to God.

God will determine whether a leader has done evil or good during their term of office.  I will vote as best as I can with the information I have at the present time.  And ultimately, I will submit and honor whoever is elected on Tuesday (per God's instructions).  If America turns even further away from the truth of God's Word, then it will be a call to action for the Body of Christ.  And if it ever leads to more intense persecution of God honoring lives and beliefs, then I pray that the Church will be strengthened, and the Kingdom of God will grow as it has always done in times of persecution.

As we go to the polls tomorrow, let's remember the issues that are of real importance to God.  Spend some time in prayer - then use your right to voice your opinion.

May it all be for the Glory of God!