After Election Day
“God grant me the serenity to accept the candidates that I didn’t select, the courage to pray for all of them and the wisdom to remember that God is still on the throne.”
There. That’s done for a while.
I pray you took the time to exercise the franchise and cast your ballots this week. We are a most fortunate people to have the regular opportunity to alter our government when we see fit.
Now, it’s time to pray (1) for our representatives and (2) for a peaceful acceptance of the decisions we have made in this republic. And the One to Whom the prayers are directed is the God Who is truly in control and has our best and eternal interests in mind.
Saints Among Us
Years ago I had purchased both the Oxford Dictionary of Saints and Butler’s Lives of Saints to add to my morning devotions. Along with reading the Scriptures I would look up the saint whose day it was on either the Roman Catholic or Anglican calendar so that I might grow from their heroic examples. They’d been recognized by the Church for something significant and I thought I should probably take notice, too.
As time has gone by I’ve been widening that understanding and appreciation of the saints. I’d always known that Lutheran recognition that all who trust in Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of sins are the saints of God, even though on this side of the grave they will struggle with their sinful nature. But it’s been good to give that wider definition some intentional consideration.
Who in your life has been an example of a child of God whose witness you’ve grown to appreciate? Have you had grandparents who shared a wonderful confidence that God will work these things out? Have you had parents whose stewardship or devotion were exemplary patterns to follow?
On this All Saints’ Day I’m taking some time to give thanks to God for: Paul, and his extraordinary zest for working with junior high kids in Sunday School; Janice, whose love for her students was obvious; Alan, in the daily devotions he shared; Carlene, in her growing and vocal appreciation for the book of Romans; Jami, and her wonderful understanding of God’s presence in the difficult times when it appears one’s prayers are not being answered with a “yes”; Kent, and his whole life stewardship; and Arlene, whose counsel was to pray some more when you cannot get to sleep – and “There is nothing you can do that will make God love you more. And there is nothing you can do that will make God love you less.”
I’m sorry to leave this list so incomplete. There are many, many more whose witness to me has helped me to grow in Christ, and I know I will find many, many more in this place. I pray that you can think of such people, today, and lift a prayer of thankfulness to God for His Spirit’s work in and through the saints in your life.
Changes and a Constant
2018 10 22 Blog
We discovered in our move to Peoria that my alarm clock was no longer working. Thankfully, I’m a light sleeper and the automatic coffeemaker’s signal that the brew is complete has been enough to wake me up from its perch in the kitchen. Still, I’d rather not depend on that faint noise.
So, Jami was on a mission to buy a new one the other day. To her surprise she found only one or two models of alarm clocks at Target; the same was true at Bed, Bath and Beyond. They just don’t make many alarm clocks any more.
Some have been surprised that I don’t use my phone as an alarm. I guess I could if I would silence all the rest of the alerts (see “light sleeper”, above). Then, too, I prefer waking up to a classical radio station instead of a buzzer, if possible. If that’s available on my i-phone, please let me know!
All of that reminded me of the constant march of progress or technology. Along with the alarm clock I guess I could lament the demise of the buggy whip manufacturers. There cannot be many of them anymore, either. They are simply not in great demand.
Or, I could consider the tools of my trade. I continue to use the volumes lining the shelves in my study. But I no longer compose a letter, sermon, or Bible Class without the word processing of my computer. And I rarely deliver a sermon without a power point presentation, or something like it.
There are blessed advancements in this world, thanks to technology and brilliant people. But, Tim Elmore suggested an important caution for our age in his recent book Marching Off the Map(page 208). As he compared various ages through which our economies have moved, he noted certain strengths that were needed in each. He put it this way:
Historical Era How People Differentiate Themselves
1. Agricultural Age 1. Stronger muscles
2. Industrial Age 2. Stronger machines
3. Information Age 3. Stronger minds
4. Intelligence Age 4. Stronger morals
Thankfully our morals, our ethics, and our values have a constant, unchanging source in our Lord Jesus the Christ. As the writer to the Hebrews put it, this loving Savior Who gave His life as the sacrifice for our forgiveness is “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8) He is the trustworthy source of all truth and value Who has said of Himself in the Revelation of Christ Jesus to St. John, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13).
While things change with remarkable speed all around us, take the time on the Lord’s Day to be with God in His House, amidst His people. There He will share with you His unchanging love, a source of constant peace and security in every age, world without end.