MAKING SENSE OF ELECTION 2016 - OR TRYING TO...

Wading into the election fray seemed like a good idea a few weeks ago. When I sat down to write, however, I wondered if I'd lost my mind. I dreaded trying to tackle the impossible task of making sense of the circus that Election 2016 has become. 

There's good news, though. We don't have to make sense of it. We have to find God in the midst of it. 

This morning, I did what I always do. Prayed about what I should write. Today, the only thing in my heart was, "It's time to write about the election." I'm doing it, but with a sense of trepidation. 

If you're going to read this, please read it all the way to the end.

We can probably all agree that neither of the major candidates are perfect people. None of them are ideal candidates. We can probably all agree that there's been considerable rhetoric from both sides. Some of what has been said is probably true. Some has been skewed to make truth appear less favorable. Some is likely blatantly untrue.

Can I sort it out and find the truth in the midst of the jumble? No.

There are many issues about which I care, but what I care about doesn't matter nearly as much as those things about which God cares. 

Let's stop for a few minutes and look at the things that matter to God. (This list is not intended to be exhaustive, but representative.) 

1) God cares about loving Him and loving others.

"And He said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God will all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it. 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" Matthew 22:37-39

2) God cares about justice, kindness (or mercy), and humility.

"What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

3) God cares about life.

(I'm lumping the issues of pre-born life, care of the elderly, and end of life issues, including physician-assisted suicide, in this broad category.)

"Thou didst form my inward parts... I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:13-14 

4) God cares about the poor, the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the prisoner.

(I'm lumping the issues of poverty, homelessness, and refugees in this broad category.)

"Then the King will say to those on His right...'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'" Matthew 25:35-36

5) God cares about a servant heart.

"But the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." Matthew 23:11-12

6) God cares about our dependence upon Him in matters of finance.
(This includes both personal and national debt.)

"Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:32-33 nasb

7) God cares about Israel and our response to Israel.

"Now the Lord said to Abram,... I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse." Genesis 12:1, 3 nasb 

If we are to follow Him, we must care about the things He cares about. With that in mind, I tried to look at the things the candidates care about and compare them to what God cares about. 

It was nearly impossible. 

What's written doesn't necessarily match what's been said. What's been said doesn't necessarily match the life the candidates have lived.

I've reviewed both the Clinton and Trump websites, as well as that of the Libertarian party and its candidate. 

The Libertarian Party's statement of principles says: "We hold that all individuals have the right to exercise sole dominion over their own lives, and have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live in whatever manner they choose." 

I read those words and they sent chills through me. I envisioned heroin dealers selling on the street corners without fear of arrest because they "exercise sole dominion over their lives" and "do not forcibly interfere with the equal rights of others." 

I can see so many ways that the libertarian philosophy can go wrong that there's no way I can support this party or their candidate.

I'm not endorsing either of the major candidates, either. 

With that said, here are the things I'm using to make my decision. 

LOVING GOD - 

Of the major candidates and their running mates, who professes born-again, sold-out Christianity and has the background that seems to confirm it?

JUSTICE/MERCY/SERVANT HEART/POOR/HUNGRY/HOMELESS - 

Of the major candidates and their running mates, who responded to a major disaster during the campaign (Louisiana flooding) by going to the scene, giving aid, and personally handing out supplies? (Admittedly this may have been a performance, but even a show of mercy is better than no show at all.)

FINANCE - 

There's been so much rhetoric about this area that I don't have clear evidence of either party's candidate being truly reliable, but which candidate's finances appear to be less questionable? (That's a terrible way to decide, but it's all I have.)

REFUGEES - 

There is nothing in Scripture that says to build a wall around ourselves and keep strangers out. Who has a heart for the refugee? 

LIFE - 

Who supports life in all its stages? Who opposes partial-birth abortion? (As a physician, I can see no reason late-stage partial birth abortion could be necessary, and I cannot support a candidate who does.)

ISRAEL - 

Who most clearly stands with Israel?

In the end, the two issues I'm using to choose a candidate are their pro-life stance and their support for Israel, because I believe those two issues are the ones that are most representative of what God cares about. 

You may feel differently. That's fine with me.

WITH THAT SAID...

I don't expect things to go well, no matter who wins. 

This election cycle has made me cringe over and over again. None of the candidates are ideal. None of the candidates can "make America great again," no matter what they claim. 

Only God can make a great nation, and He will do it only in response to the true repentance of His people.

"...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, will forgive their sin, and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14 nasb

Healing only comes after humility and repentance. They are not optional, and we aren't there yet. 

I expect things will change in this country after November 8th, and in ways we don't like and won't enjoy.

If we are to balance the budget and pay off our debt, there will be a marked change in our way of life. That's not necessarily bad, but it will be very different and very hard. We'll get used to it. We'll learn to adapt. Or we won't. 

There might be chaos for a while. Rioting in the streets. Murder and mayhem. That's happening in other parts of the world right now. We'll get through it. Or we won't. 

The Revelation given to John on Patmos describes a terrible time to come, and we are closer to these events now than we've ever been. Are we "there"? I don't know. Only God the Father knows the timing. 

I hope the pre-tribulation people, who think we will be "raptured out" of all the hard times, are right, but I doubt they are. I believe we, as believers, will see at least a significant part of the hard times to come. 

I've written a lot of difficult things that may sound hopeless today, but let me end this blog with some certain truth. 

God is still in charge. 

No matter who wins the election, God will still be in charge.

King Jesus will return one day, and when He does, a better day will be just around the corner. A new Jerusalem. A new heaven and a new earth.

We have to get through the hard times to get to it, but what's coming will be worth it. 

If you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus, now would be a good time to meet Him. I'll be happy to introduce you. (Message me if you're interested.)

Sorting out this mess of an election is hard. I've struggled to find what God wants in the midst of it. I'm not throwing stones at anyone who views it differently. 

When November 9th rolls around, we will still be "we the people" and we still be "one nation under God", whether the majority want to be or not. No matter what our views, no matter who occupies the White House, there's one thing for certain.

God's people need to love Him with our whole hearts and love our neighbor as we love ourselves. If we want America to be great again, that's where we should start.

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming quickly.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen." Revelation 22:20-21 nasb.
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photo above courtesy of freeimages.com
In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: A Different Kind of Prayer Work

#election2016 

Touching the House of God

This morning, I read the sections in 1 Kings 3-6 and 2 Chronicles 2-3 about the temple Solomon built. As I read, I pondered the appearance of cedar walls and cypress floors. A few verses later, I was reminded that, though Solomon imported cedar and cypress for walls and floors, the boards were not left bare. They were carved with images of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, then overlaid with gold. As I read it, all the floors and walls were covered with gold.

I hate to admit this, because I do plan to spend eternity with God in heaven, but, for the tiniest of moments, I wondered if that looked a little gaudy. Of course it didn't, because, instantly, I was reminded of those heavenly streets paved with gold. Heaven is a breathtakingly beautiful place, and Solomon's temple was, too.

You know it was, because God dwelt there. Of course, He's everywhere, but His Spirit filled that temple, and the Presence must have been overwhelming

You probably remember that Solomon's temple was destroyed. The second temple (really the third temple, but we call it the second temple) was built by Herod. It, too, has been destroyed, but the Western Wall remains today, as does the Western Wall tunnel. It's the closest we can get to what was once the Holy of Holies.  

As I read about the temple this morning, I realized I have touched the literal stones of Herod's literal temple with my very own hands. 

I have touched the back wall of the Holy of Holies. 

I have touched the house of God.

That fact astounds me. 

I went to Israel for one main reason. (There were many other reasons, of course, but this is the one that made up my mind for me.) 

At the dedication of the temple, Solomon prayed the biggest prayer he could pray, and he included me in it.

"Also concerning the foreigner who is not from Thy people Israel, when he comes from a far country for Thy great name's sake and Thy mighty hand and Thine outstretched arm, when the come and pray toward this house, then hear Thou from heaven, from Thy dwelling place, and do according to all the foreigner calls to Thee, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know Thy name, and fear Thee, as do Thy people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by Thy name." 2 Chronicles 6:32-33 nasb

Please don't misunderstand what I'm saying. I certainly don't believe that God hears my prayers any less because I pray in Mississippi instead of in Israel, nor that touching an old stone would guarantee an answer to my prayer. 

I saw those verses, realized I was the foreigner who could come from a far country. I was the one who could pray in that place. Those words rang in my heart and I felt God might use my trip, and my time of prayer, to do something special. 

And He did. 

He did a profound work in my heart. He hasn't answered all the prayers I prayed at the Western Wall Tunnel. Yet. But I still believe He will.

I believe that, because I believe God answers all prayers. Yes. No. Later. I believe He hears our prayers and answers them. One way or another. I believe He will respond to the prayers I've prayed this morning and the ones I prayed as I laid, face-down, on the stones of the Western Wall Tunnel three years ago. 

"O Thou who dost hear prayer, to Thee all men come." Psalm 65:2 nasb

God responded to that big prayer Solomon prayed, and it's one of the verses I depend upon. Especially in these tumultuous times.

"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, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

2 Chronicles 7:14 nasb

When we pray, God hears us. When He hears us, He responds. Regardless of the "size" of our need, our burden, our hurt, or our guilt, we can take it to our God and know that He can handle it. He will help us. He will carry us through. 

Today, let's take all the burdens in our heart to our Heavenly Father and leave them with Him. 

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:6-7 nasb

This is the Western Wall, the most sacred site in Judaism and in Christianity. You can see that the area is divided into two sections. Men pray in the area to the left and women pray in the section to the right. Many people write prayers on slips of paper and slip them between the stones. More than a million prayers are left there each year.

Western Wall tunnel stones.
Women sit in the tunnel throughout the day as they read the Psalms and pray.

If you're interested in a "virtual tour" of the Western Wall and the Western Wall Tunnel, here are a couple of links you can follow:

http://www.businessinsider.com/western-wall-tunnels-israel-jerusalem-temple-photos-2013-1

http://www.aish.com/sem/wtt/82579377.html?mobile=yes
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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: The Shepherd's Shepherd 
(http://leannahollis.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-shepherds-shepherd.html)
If you're following the Hosea study, the link for Chapter Four will be available later today.
http://lessonsindiscipleship.blogspot.com 
#prayer #Israel #temple #westernwall

Living in Goshen: God's best

Jim Elliot was a Christian missionary to the Auca (or Huaorani) Indians of Ecuador. He and four other missionaries were killed by the Indians they had gone to serve on January 8, 1956. His wife, Elisabeth, continued his work with the Aucas after his death, and many people turned to Christ because of their ministry.   

His life was short, but not without a lasting impact. Three of his quotes have significant meaning for me. I think you'll appreciate them, as well. 

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." (from his journal)

"Wherever you are, be all there. 

Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God."

"God always gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him."

The last Elliot quote is my personal favorite. I was reminded of it today as I read about Jacob/Israel and his family's move to Egypt. They were shepherds, with large herds of goats, sheep, camels, cows, and donkeys. (Gen. 32:14,15)

 There was one problem with their move to Egypt. The Egyptians didn't like shepherds. They considered shepherds "loathsome". (Gen. 46:34) 

I freely admit that I'm not as nice as God. If seventy people I thought were "loathsome" decided to move to my town, I would not have given them my best land. 

I'm also not as bold as God. If I'd taken my flocks into a place that hated people like me, I'd have asked for their worst land, just hoping they'd let me stay. 

Fear would have given me less than God's best.

But God. God is not like us. 

Jim Elliot was right. "God gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him," as Israel soon found. 

When Israel met with Pharaoh, he told him that he and his family and flocks had come to sojourn in Egypt. "Please let us live in the land of Goshen." 

It surprises me every time I read it, but the Pharaoh said, "Sure. That's the best land we have. Of course you can have it. Even though you are loathsome in my sight." (That's the Leanna paraphrase, but you get the idea.) There was no reason to give the best land to these "loathsome" people, except for the orchestration of God. 

In our culture, aggressively pursuing what we want is valued, but that's not what Jim Elliot did. He was "all there" where God placed him. He gave his life for Christ, and that sacrifice helped trigger a modern mission movement. God's best wasn't what we'd have chosen, but Jim Elliot's life had more impact in a few short years than most of us will have in twice that time. He left the choice to God.

So, too, Israel followed the direction of God to Egypt and left the choice to God, who gave him the best land in the only place with food. 

It's not easy to wait for God's best. Sometimes, fear has convinced me to accept second best, thinking God's best will never come. Sometimes, I've been unwilling to wait. In both situations, I've ended up with what was clearly less than God's best. Looking back, waiting would have been so much better.

Relax. God is still on His throne. He is still active in the lives of His people, including yours and mine. 

Leave the choice to God. Allow Him to work in His way and His time. It's the only way to be sure we have His best, His timing every time.

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My Amazon Author page is now live. Be sure to check it out and follow me.
www.amazon.com/author/leannahollis"
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In case you missed one of this week's posts, here are the links: How to Live Longer, Is Longer Life Worth the Cost of Obedience?, The Changing of Our Culture: Physician Assisted Suicide, The Opportunity in Trials,  The Monarch Migration Badge,  The Sermon Without Words, and A Matter of Perspective.
#JimElliot #Godsbest #waitonGod #wait #Goshen #Israel

A Matter of Perspective

In my multiple decades of life, I've had stunning successes and equally stunning failures. I've experienced both great joy and tremendous sorrow. On the whole, though, it's been a wonderful life. The good has far outweighed the hard times. The joy has far outweighed my sorrow.

It's a matter of perspective. Even in the difficult times, I've learned to find cause for rejoicing and thanksgiving.

Sometimes I forget that not everyone sees life this way. Today, I read the story of Jacob/Israel's arrival in Egypt and was once again surprised by how he viewed his past.

You probably remember Jacob's story. Jacob/Israel was his mother's favorite child. He successfully stole both the birthright and the blessing of his brother, Esau. When conflict came, he was sent to live with his uncle, Laban. While there, he met and married his beloved Rachel and became a wealthy man. He also married Leah (although this was the result of a trick by Laban). His two wives and their maids bore him twelve children. 

Eventually, he made peace with Esau and the rift was healed. His favorite son, Joseph, long believed to be dead, was restored to him. Joseph, and his  boss, Pharaoh of Egypt, provided generously for Israel and his family of seventy persons, plus servants. 

On the whole, Israel had a good life. He was loved and he loved. He was blessed by God, protected from those who would cheat and kill him, and even his greatest loss was restored.

When Jacob met Pharaoh, however, he described his life in less than glowing terms.

"Few and unpleasant have been the years of my life..." Genesis 47:9 nasb

There's no doubt that he, like most of us, made bad choices and encountered difficult consequences. Life wasn't always easy, but, on the whole, his life was good. He left a lasting heritage and he is still remembered and loved today.

How would you describe your life? Would your focus be on the good times or the bad, on the joy or the sorrow?

The Apostle Paul looked back on his life and rejoiced in the difficulties. He rejoiced that his circumstances of imprisonment, beatings, loss, and trials had turned out for the greater progress of the gospel and had given the brethren greater courage. (Philippians 1)

Paul looked back with thanksgiving and it filled his days with peace and contentment.

"Give thanks in all circumstances," he wrote. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) 

Giving thanks helps us see our circumstances with a different perspective. It allows us to be joyful, no matter what we face. Joy, regardless of circumstances, softens the rough edges and smooths the difficult paths.

If your life looks like a symphony of sorrow and failure, try a change in perspective. Give thanks for what you learned in the failure. Give thanks for the comfort you found in your sorrow. Give thanks to God for bringing you through.

In every circumstance, give thanks, and the peace of God will be your guard.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

            Philippians 4:6-7 nasb

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My Amazon Author page is now live. Be sure to check it out and follow me.
www.amazon.com/author/leannahollis"
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In case you missed one of this week's posts, here are the links: Does God Know When I Will Die? Part 2, How to Live Longer, Is Longer Life Worth the Cost of Obedience?, The Changing of Our Culture: Physician Assisted Suicide, The Opportunity in Trials,  The Monarch Migration Badge, and The Sermon Without Words.
#perspective #lifeisgood #givethanks #disciple #Christian