Building Commonweal

The Commonweal Doesn't Come From DC:

Commonweal - the welfare of the public.  It's not a word that we use very often.  It is related to "commonwealth," as in "Commonwealth of Virginia."  It's a good word and an even better concept.  Each of us should ask, "What can I do to encourage commonweal?" As I type, President Obama and President Elect Trump are getting ready to meet in Washington.  I am praying that their conference will be productive, but I don't expect their encounter to be the primary source of commonweal.  Instead, I'm looking to events and people much closer to home to bring about a public climate that leads to the welfare of my neighbors, and me: This morning a group of fellow pastors sat down and shared breakfast.  We represent a network  that, together, has invested well over a century in our community and beyond.  I hope my contribution has made my community better; I know that of my colleagues has. I had a conversation with a young man who is beginning to invest in public service at the most basic, entry-level, way. I received word from two friends who received, and/or are committed to performing, random acts of kindness--paying it forward, if you will. A member of a church in our area gave me an announcement for an event that is seeking to meet the needs of some of my neighbors who were impacted by a recent disaster. An associate and I dropped off an ad for a community event, emphasizing the true meaning of Christmas. No congressional action, or presidential decrees were involved in any of these. No tax funds, or campaign contributions have, or will be spent on any of these activities.  Not to belittle what is currently going on at the White House, but what I'm describing here has the potential to impact the lives of my neighbors in a far more profound ways than anything that will reported on this evening's news. COMMONWEAL--don't wait for it to arrive paid for and packaged from the capital, either national or state, instead go out an build some.   It's STTA. Yesterday I wrote down some of my thoughts about what to do now that the election is past. Click here. Here is a simple video presentation of the Good News It's what matters preeminently.

After the election: What Should God's People Do?

What Should God's People Do, Now?

"I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time." (1 Timothy 2:1–6, NLT) This truth applies this morning, as it has for every morning in the past two millennia. If you want to read some of my thoughts, click here.   It's STTA. PS:  Here is a simple video presentation of the Good News It's what matters preeminently.  s

The Debate, Our Decision:

Decision:

Jim Denison asks an interesting question, "What would God say about last night's debate?"  He's not assuming the mantle of a prophet, but looking at what God has said in the Bible, and applying that to what he heard.  His bottom line conclusion is that God would be grieved because of the division of our nation.  Quoting Lee Drutman of the New York Times, Denison points out that "Rather than being one two-party nation, we are becoming two one-party nations." It might even be worse than that, but before I comment on that, consider the tendency we have to cherry-pick an event like last night's debate.  We come into the room looking for "facts" that make the other side look bad, while we listen for that which supports our prejudice.  Interviews I heard this morning confirm that "confirmation bias" is alive and well. Actually, our situation might be worse than two one-party nations.  Out in the realm of those who had no place on the stage, are the voices who say neither of these candidates represent us.  Considering where the current political system has led us, their complaint has merit.  "Is this the best we can do?" is a question that has been heard a lot lately.  One man I heard in an interview spoke of being apathetic, add to that crowd the apoplectic, and there are a lot of folk filling in the spaces between the candidates. We as Christ's followers are called to be "salt and light."   In our current situation I think that has less to do with the political process than it does with the process that leads to the political process.  God's people need to be thinking based on a Biblical worldview.  We need to do so so effectively that others around us will see that way of thinking as valid.  This is in no way an expression of defeatism.  I have read the book.  In the end my side wins.  What I'm suggesting is that we ought to have a greater focus on my platform, as compared to any platform of any political party.  How can I affect my family, my friends, my community.  The early church was completely disenfranchised, yet they changed the world.  I'm not recommending abandoning the political process.  I am suggesting that putting too much hope in it is not wise. It's STTA. Click here, to find out about what Christ has done for our world.

Unity that Transcends our Differences

A Serious Lack of Unity:

It came up last night at Prayer meeting.  This morning it was a topic of conversation over breakfast.  I hear people saying things like, "Our nation is more divided than it has ever been."  I'll get the objection out of the way first.  Come on, our nation was once so divided that part of it seceded.  Those of us who lived through the civil-rights conflict era saw whole neighborhoods put to the torch.  Disagreements over the Vietnam war led to the disruption of a national political convention and the involvement of US troops.  Maybe we are not more divided than ever, but there is clearly a schism in the American public, and what concerns me most is that this jagged chasm runs right through the body of Christ. On the one hand I hear church-people hurling invective at the other side; each verbal volley only serves to widen the gap.  Then there are those who sound a lot like the late Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?"  They offer no real solutions other than another chorus of Kumbaya, as if real healing can be based on ignoring the wound.  We can't just get along, but we can take steps that will make it possible for those of us with different political persuasions to work together for greater good. Politics is inherently a messy business.  As I look back over my voting history I see that clearly.  I think Richard Nixon was the first presidential candidate I voted for.  Knowing what I know, now, would I do that again?  He is but one example.  We never have an absolutely pure candidate for whom to vote.  We never know all that we wish we knew.  Casting a vote is more like throwing hand-grenades than shooting a rifle.  If you get it close, most of the time, that's pretty good. Talk of the future of the Supreme Court, and legacy can lead us to believe that this election has ultimate, eternal consequences.  How we cast our vote is important, but it's not ultimate.  The Sovereign of the Universe is not on the ballot.  He is secure in that position. I have found over the years that often times people who come to different political conclusions than I do, do so for credible reasons.  I ought to hear them, especially when they are my sisters and brothers in the Lord.  After I listen I may still very-well disagree, but often I'll find that they have a point that is worth considering.  A few days ago a friend pointed me to this article (Warning: this article contains language I don't approve), which is an example of that point.  I ought not assume that someone is an idiot, a bigot, liberal, or (insert your own invective) until I give them an opportunity to explain their conclusion. I figure if there had been an election in the First-Century Roman world that slaves and masters would likely have been interested in political platforms that were radically different.  Yet in the churches of the day there were both bond and free, Jew and Gentile, and Romans from the conquering class along-side representatives of the conquered.  Those love-feasts,1 Corinthians 11, likely included some rhetoric that was anything but lovely, but somehow they made it work.  So must we. Our political process involves real differences that are important.  We ought not to ignore them, but we must never forget that our being known as followers of Christ, Christians, is always more important than whether we are Independents, Green, Libertarian, Democrat, or Republican.  Undeniably, our nation is divided.  The church shouldn't be.  We can't just get along, but we can get along if we work at it.   It’s STTA.   Over at one of my blogs you can find some other thoughts on this matter.  Scroll down and look around. You can read more about the life-changing Good News, that far exceeds all earthly dogma,  here.

Politics: It isn't the answer, but it might point the way.

Politics isn't the answer, but. . . :

Last night Donald Trump accepted the Nomination of the Republican Party for President of the United States.  Unless something totally unforeseen happens, next week Hillary Clinton will receive the Democrat nomination.  Both of these candidates achieved their position at the top of the ballot by winning millions of votes in primaries and caucuses.  I’ll wait until after Mrs. Clinton officially gets the nod before commenting on her candidacy, but clearly Mr. Trump tapped into some widely held views among American voters.  Jim Denison offers ten reasons why Mr. Trump won his party’s nomination.  I’ll not repeat them here.  Basically, the summary is that Donald Trump fits the mood of our nation—or at least a significant portion of it—right now.  What I will quote from Denison is this:   Many Americans are angry, afraid, skeptical, and frustrated.  That's bad news for our culture, but good news for the gospel. Ultimately the solution to our problems is not political, because ultimately the problems are not political.  Campaign truthfully, and vigorously.  Inform yourself on the issues that face our nation—or for you non-Americans, your nation.  However, know that what we really need doesn’t flow from the halls of government, rather it comes from the abundance of God’s grace.   My hope is in the Lord, Who gave Himself for me.  It’s STTA.   You can read more about the life-changing Good News here.

What Happened While I Was Away?

Something to Think About What Happened While I Was Away:

I need to begin with a disclaimer--bad style, but good honesty--There have been a lot of changes in my personal life over the past year, so maybe I'm not seeing things clearly.  I don't, however, think that is it.  It took a lot longer than four months for these things to happen, but when I got back to the USA a couple of weeks ago, I could see clearly that it isn't the same country I left at the beginning of the year.  A usually reliable culture watcher, Al Mohler, confirmed my observation in a recent blog post.  Actions and attitudes that not too long ago were considered wrong, even antisocial, are now considered commendable.  Choices that my countrymen have made in the political realm include vast support for a socialist, and the apparent choice of a candidate whose chief asset appears to be what he is not.  Apparently, what matters most to many people is that someone say what they think, what they think is less important.  I'd love for my nation to be great again.  It would be outstanding if my grandkids could go to college free.  I'd love for someone qualified to lead my country.  I wish I could say otherwise, but all of the slogans I hear appear to be that and nothing more.  I'd like for someone to step up and lead us in the right direction.  What I see, instead, are folk furiously running to get in front of where big crowds are already headed.  They aren't leading; they're apt get run over. I figure that by this point this sounds more like something to be depressed over than some thing to think about.  Actually, though, I find myself quite hopeful.  My optimism doesn't come from the political or cultural realm,  rather, to quote the words of an old hymn, "My hope is in the Lord, Who gave Himself for Me." Don't get me wrong.  I'm not surrendering.  I'm seeking to make my land and my world a better place.  I just realize more clearly than I did five months ago, that in the final analysis this isn't where I belong.   It’s STTA.

Don't Choose a President Based on the Paint

Something To Think About Presidents and Paint:

Political commentary from a former president: I’m living in one of the smallest nations in the world.  The government in Palau bears many similarities to the government of the USA, only it is incredibly smaller.  The population of the country is about the same as the rural county where I live in the USA    A pastor friend and I went out to eat the other day.  At the conclusion of our lunch I found out that the restaurant is owned by the former president of Palau.  Hearing me talk he concluded that I’m an American, so he stopped by the table to chat for a few minutes. President Nakamura is a gentleman, so he didn’t bring up the political campaign ongoing in my country.  When I asked him, however, if he had been watching the campaign in America, he couldn’t resist asking,   “How did the greatest nation on earth, and two of the greatest political parties end up like this?”  Indeed! Certainly the United States is not alone in experiencing political difficulties, but one difference—a big difference—is that the United States is a government of the people.  In many nations rulers seize power, and stay in control by military and financial might.  In the United States we step up and take our choice.  In recent decades—some think the Kennedy-Nixon debates marked the change—our choices have had more to do with the package than with what is under the wrapper.  It is a bi-partisan, or maybe pan-partisan syndrome.  My pickup truck is red.  The better part of twenty years ago, when I bought it, I was looking for a very basic vehicle.  Most trucks like what I was looking for are sold to fleet buyers.  They are painted white to provide a good background for the company logos that go on them.  I didn’t want a white truck.  Let me confess my shallowness.  One reason I bought the truck is because it is red. The privilege and responsibility that we Americans have when it comes to voting for those who will lead us is a great stewardship.  Let’s make sure that we get deeper than the paint.  If I’m able to visit with the President again, I’d like to have a conversation based on more encouraging news. It’s STTA.

The Face Others See:

Something To Think About, The Face Others See:

Last week when President Obama delivered the State of the Union address, Speaker of the House, John Boehner, spent a bit over an hour looking over the president's shoulder.   Actually, millions were looking at Boehner as the President spoke.  True, just past Obama's right shoulder Vice -President Biden was also looking at the camera, but for him the task at hand was fairly easy.  He is in the same political party as the President and supports the Administration's policies.  If he can master a supportive, interested expression, and chuckle at the jokes, he's pretty well got it made.   Boehner, on the other hand, had to master a whole dictionary of facial language.   The "I don't agree, but I'm still respectful" look, or the "in spite of the fact that I disagree with most of what this man says, I agree with this one point" expression."  There is the "over my dead body" glare, and the "I'm just as patriotic as you" glow.  Not to mention the "I'm trying to look interested even though I know exactly what you are going to say" body language. I'll let the pundits pontificate on how the Speaker did--that is if they have time left after discussing really important news, like deflated footballs--what I'm really interested in is, "What kind of face am I showing the world around me?"  In one of the most misunderstood and misapplied passages in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, the Apostle Paul makes clear that he cared a great deal how others saw him.  Too many of my sisters and brothers have adapted an "It's my right to look the way I want to look" attitude.  It's easy to act/look outraged, angry, insulted, or slighted for selfish reasons.  "Every body else wears their feelings on their sleeve, why can't I?"  Too many of us have become holy drama queens. John Boehner said that at the State of the Union his job is to stare at the back of the President's head and make no news.  That's not a bad paradigm for we followers of Christ. We have a message that the world very much needs to hear.  Let's make sure that the way we look out at the world doesn't detract. It's STTA.

State of the (Un)Union:

Something To Think About, The State of the Union:

Like many of you, I watched President Obama deliver the State of the Union speech last night. At the end of the address, the President appealed for a "better politics."  The variety of opinion on the plea is a clear indication that our Union is not unified.  Some applaud the President's extension of an "olive branch," hoping that the obstructionist Republican congress will be willing to respond in kind.  Other's cite President Obama's threats of vetoes and view his request to play ball with suspicion. Such is politics.  Beyond the applause for the heroic sacrifice of our armed forces and the patriotic pride about our Kennedy-esque, renewed space-program, there were few elements of the speech that rang everyone's bell--"Liberty" or otherwise. Here is my appeal to God's people for political unity:    “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2, NASB95)   It's STTA.

Saying What I Mean:

Jesus and His half-brother James both spoke of saying "Yes," and meaning yes, and saying "No." and meaning no (Matthew 5:37 &James 5:12).  I was just listening to the news.  A great deal of what fills such broadcasts would be eliminated if more of our leaders followed this admonition.  Much of political reporting and commentary consists of, "This is what I said, but this is what I meant." or, "It is important to hear what ____ didn't say."  
It would be easy at this point to descend into a rant about politicians and their ways, but, since neither I nor most of my readers are running for office, that would just give us an opportunity to pat ourselves on the back for being better than them.  Rather I need to ask myself about my reputation in regard to the truth.  My devotion to truth-telling ought to be such that, without a handbook for decoding purposely dense language or the need to reinforce my statement with oaths, I would be believed.  People who hear me say, "Yes." ought to be able to conclude that I mean yes, and likewise with my "No."
In case this idea catches on among the political-types, I suggest filling the dead air with some good news stories.

It's STTA.

Voting for a Winner:

I'm listening to the news.  A large portion of it has to do with this fall's election.  Words like campaign, overcome, win, take-control, attack, and strategy are used a lot in these news stories.  In a system where 50% + 1 carries the day it is easy to see why these warlike descriptors dominate.   It has been shown that a well-planned and executed campaign can achieve victory.  What we need to remember is that a majority does not make right.  Americans love a winner.  We don't want to back a loser.  Here is a question, though: What if the candidate that is losing appears to be closer to being right?  I say "closer" because political candidates are like the rest of us--they aren't perfect.  If we look at our vote like any other asset that we have, a logical question is: Where did it come from?  OK, cue the patriotic music, and flash up pictures of the flag at Iwo Jima and the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc.  Yes, that's right.  Others who came before us paid a high price--sometimes the ultimate price--for the privilege we have of touching the screen, and selecting the candidate of our choice.  Even that, as powerful as it is, though, doesn't ultimately answer my question.  James, in the Bible, tells us that all good gifts come from God (here).  Those of us who live in democratic nations have the privilege of participating in our government.  To quote a great US president, it is a nation "of the people."   Treat that vote like a ten year old treats a new quarter in his pocket (Work with me here; I'm showing my age.).  One doesn't want to waste such a treasure.  It may not be much, but it is something, and I can use it to do something good. Let's begin here:  I'm not going to be nearly so concerned about who's ahead.  Instead I'm going to work to find out who is right.  It's STTA.

"Expect from your shepherds not that they would rally you behind political . . ."

As is happening around our country, from time to time these days, the citizens of Minnesota are being called on to make a decision about the definition of marriage. Two leaders in the church are being called on the political-activism carpet, for what is being seen as their non-participation in the campaign.  Leith Anderson is former president of the National Association of Evangelicals.  John Piper is the long-time pastor of Bethlehem Church.  Of the two, I have much more familiarity with Piper, so I'll limit my comments to him.
The controversy concerning the well-known preacher centers around these words delivered from the Bethlehem pulpit.

Your Pastor Is Not Your Political Activist

  "Expect from your shepherds not that they would rally you behind political candidates or legislative initiatives, but they would point you over and over again to God and to his word, and to the cross."

At the risk of exposing myself to the same kind of criticism as my Minnesota colleague, I basically agree.  Having said that, I feel a bit like a member of one of the old women's lib. groups standing at the entrance to a restaurant, wondering why no gentleman will open the door.  "Because you told us not to.  That's why."
Unfortunately, Evangelicals have become known for the politics associated with their movement, more than the Evangel--the Gospel--the Good news--from which the group's name comes.  I'm not saying Piper did this.  I don't think he did.  But he and Iare associated with a movement.  I didn't sign up to join, but it is the Theological pigeon-hole where I best fit.  Ask the average person-on-the-street about Evangelicals and they will likely begin their description with the political rather than the Biblical.  Sad!
Some critics of Piper are making comparisons to the ineffective church in Nazi Germany during the rise of Adolf Hitler.  No.  I think the case can be made that the problem with the church in Germany was not that they were not sufficiently involved in politics, but that they were involved up to their clerical collars.  Many leaders in that church made the mistake of thinking that a political leader, and regime, could "fix it."  Wrong. Piper has spoken unequivocally about the Bible truth on marriage.  I think he is right when he says to his congregation.  "It's up to you."
As a less well-known pastor, me, recently said: "The battle will not be won in the political realm, but in the heart."

John, if you would like to come, Sunday, and say "Amen!" you are welcome.  I speak on what our response to the Debate on the definition of marriage should be.

  

It's STTA

1/21, Thoughts on Inaugural Day:

Two words of warning:

1. This STTA is long.
2. It is much more political than STTA generally is.

If you walk out now, you won't offend.

I am watching the Second Inaugural Ceremony of President Barrack Obama. Like Senator Lamar Alexander all Americans ought to be very thankful for the peaceful transition of power that once again takes place in our nation. Those who worked hard for the President's reelection can properly take satisfaction in the fact that their candidate won a hard fought election. All of us who acknowledge the Supreme Lordship of Jesus Christ ought to renew our commitment to "render honor" to our President as well as other governmental leaders. We should pray "for [our President] and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."

The reach back a century-and-half to the second inaugural of Abraham Lincoln is obvious. For the first Chief-executive of the United States self-identified as African-American to reference that historic occasion is entirely appropriate. I am proud that we, as a nation have come to this place in our long, and yet unfinished attempt to deal, in a just and honorable way, with the racial divisions and conflicts that have come as a result of history. To read my personal thoughts about how close the past is to the present read here.

There is much about what is going on today for which I can be proud and thankful, and I am.  Having said that, however, I am concerned that while our President proclaims an allegiance to liberty, and appropriate personal freedoms there are words that he speaks and actions that he is taking that cause me concern.

I am prepared to extend a bit of rhetorical license to any public speaker, but when a well-educated and articulate man--and our President is both--gives a speech that has been vetted as thoroughly as this inaugural address has been, one must assume that what the President says, he means. The President clearly stated that same-sex attraction is a matter of birth. I do not doubt the President's sincerity, and I join him in a commitment to treat all people with fairness and kindness. The point he makes, though, is one that is properly open to debate. The President falls into the pattern of many in the early Twenty-first Century--if enough people, especially people with cultural capital, say something often enough it is true. Just as past presidents have been wrong, sometimes tragically so, this one can be as well. His path from his view of the origin of sexual attraction, to his endorsement of the redefinition of marriage, that his speech contained, is not nearly as smooth or clear as his rhetoric. To imply that it is, does us all a great disservice.

While our President eloquently spoke of personal liberty, the wheels of his administration are busily grinding others into the dust of liberty lost. The President is promoting policies, and pushing forward a program that requires people to pay for healthcare procedures, so called, that clearly violate their conscience, and require them to deny the doctrine of their church, and, I would maintain, clear Christian, Biblical teaching. The provisions of what is popularly called "Obamacare" requires employers, like Hobby Lobby, and even some detentions of churches (here) to provide coverage for what I would regard as the wrongful taking of human life. This is wrong. (See here to read how one state, my own, is seeking to address this.) The rationale behind this requirement of Obamacare is even more scientifically suspect than his statement about homosexuality. The idea that human life begins at the time of implantation is as arbitrary as the old primitive notion that life begins at birth, or quickening. The scientific foundation of the prolife movement is that life begins at conception.  At the least, that is a credible conclusion.  It ought not be arbitrarily, and bureaucratically put aside.  Objections to the requirements of Obamacare requiring employers to make provision for post-conception, termination of pregnancy, a part of the "health-care" provided to employees ought to be respected. While I do not share the the view of many (the Roman Catholic Church being a notable example) that all artificial contraception is wrong, I do uphold their right to hold those views. People who hold such views should not be forced to violate their consciences in this regard.

On this historic national day, I renew my commitment to pray for my President. Part of my prayer will be for greater clarity of thinking on his part, and for the defeat of some policies that he is pushing forward. I commit myself to do so with as much grace and kindness as I can muster.

There is much more, but for now it's

STTA.

The Morning After the Election

Something To Think About

SOMETHING  TO THINK ABOUT On this morning after the election I just finished my breakfast, yet already:   I rejoiced with a friend who will be united with his wife--complicated immigration matter.  The solution has nothing to do with who won the election.  The right bureaucrat finally did the right thing.  I believe it is an answer to prayer.   I participated in an email conversation last night and this morning.  I'm privileged to help get some people who can help together with some people who need help.  Other than the tax on the gas we will burn, no government funds are involved.  It's the church being the church.   That issue above involves children.  I'm glad to say those children are, and will be, cared for.  Family and church family are pulling together to accomplish what an army of bureaucrats can't.   I've already touched base with three or four of God's choice servants this morning.  None of them were elected.  They were equipped by God and appointed by the church.     In spite of the best intentions of both major political parties and all the third, fourth, and fifth party candidates there is still another storm brewing up north.   I've been troubled this morning by the need for God's people to seek reconciliation wherever possible.  I'm fairly sure there is no government program for that.    My knees are still sore and my coffee still tastes good.   I'm not saying nothing has changed, but not everything has changed.  Lots of things, maybe most things, probably the most important things haven't changed.   Whether your side won or lost, I hope you will join me in saying, "My hope is in the Lord." It's STTA. Find lot's of information about how God stepped into our world to meet needs we cannot meet on our own here.

The Most Important Thing I'll Do On Election Day:

SOMETHING  TO THINK ABOUT I have no doubt, that right now, some enterprising business people are gearing up the machinery for a new batch of "Don't blame me" stuff.  You know, bumper-stickers, T-shirts, etc. that say "DON'T BLAME ME.  I VOTED FOR  xxxxx.  Over the past months we have seen incredible examples of blame dodging.  If one is going to be a successful candidate in our modern political world she or he needs to suit up in Teflon.  Every accusation needs to be dodged or parried with "Not my fault," or a "There is the blame!" I just read a prayer by an incredibly Godly, very effective government operative.  What a contrast! If ever one could claim, "It's not my fault!" it was Daniel.  He was just a kid when a conquering force took him and made him a servant to the victorious king.  Everything we read about him indicates that he was a man of sterling character, yet when he prayed (Daniel 9): He confessed the sin of his people.  He saw that the state they were in was because they had not heeded God's warnings. Rather than whine, he acknowledged that what had happened and was happening to his people was just and right. His conclusion was that God keeping His word was much more important than the difficulties in which his people found themselves. (Pretty much the whole prayer) After his confession, Daniel went on to humbly ask the Lord for relief.  He stepped up and did the most effective thing he could do--he prayed.  There was no "You owe me!"  Rather Daniel made this plea:  " . . incline Your ear and hear! Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city which is called by Your name; for we are not presenting our supplications before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion." (Daniel 9:18) I've heard a number of campaigners and talking news-heads tell me that voting is the most important thing I can do today.  Well, I do plan to vote, but that is far from the most important activity I'll be involved in.  Daniel and I are going to pray.  I encourage you to join us. It's STTA. Find lot's of information about how God stepped into our world to meet needs we cannot meet on our own here.

The Election, Questions About Character:

SOMETHING  TO THINK ABOUT One of the falsehoods floated in recent decades is that character doesn't matter.  Let me be blunt.  It does!  How can you stand in the Lincoln memorial, read those immortal words and think otherwise. Read the record of the Old Testament Kings.  Their accounts make plain that the ethical direction a leader gives has a profound effect on his nation.  A leader's moral compass will guide a nation to either ruin, or what the Old Testament calls Shalom.   It's complicated.  Political candidates are made up and packaged to look good.  At one time politicians kept skeletons in closets.  With today's armies of researchers it is hard to keep secrets, so candidates have spin doctors to make their faults look OK, and their opponents verbal gaffs sound absolutely toxic.  It is hard.  Let's just not buy into the cynical view that all of them are crooks, so it doesn't matter who we choose, or that technical skill always trumps moral uprightness.   Character matters.     Lord, I have the privilege and responsibility of voting.  I want to cast my vote in a way that is honoring to You and best for my country.  Help me to honestly, and fearlessly look at the issues before me.  Lord, I pray that truth will come to the fore, and that Your will will be done.  Amen    It's STTA.     Find lot's of information about what God stepping into our world means to us here.