Elections

Newly Elected President: Not So New

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

I posted this four years ago as President Obama was elected President of the United States of America.  I repost it today, because it still holds true.  It is time for God to work; and for Christians to pray and be vibrant witnesses for Christ; no matter what may come our way.

God’s Appointed King or President???

Recently I have read emails, comments on blogs, and heard some asking the question or making comment as to whether God’s will was done in the past election of President Elect Barrack Obama.  In my mind and thinking I have seen how the election turned out, but was not surprised.

No!  The candidate I voted for was not elected.  I was disappointed and could have been, and still could be quite fearful of what lays ahead for the United States of America; the home of the free, and land of the brave.  I have known and believed for years in the sovereignty of God, and have seen God at work in the hearts and lives of others and in myself.  I have learned that no matter what man does the will of God is not thwarted; His will is done whether we go our own way, or choose His way.

Others who are concerned with our “free will” can believe that we overthrow God’s will.  That is frivolous thought.  How can a created being, such as we are, overthrow the will of the All-Knowing, All-Powerful, All-Present, and Immutable God?  The “free will” of humanity does in fact work with the sovereignty of God, God is glorified, and His will is done.  I cannot explain that any clearer, but that is what I learn through the reading of Scripture.

If we are fearful that God’s will was not done in the election of Barrack Obama as our President, then, we are in fact not trusting the sovereign hand of our God.  I do not know what lays ahead for our country, but I do know that whatever it is is in the hands or our Almighty God.

God has been merciful to us for the past eight years and longer.  We may now be in for a period of judgment, but let us not lose  heart, and fear that “God’s will was not done”.  As Christians we must believe God’s Word when He tells us;

“And He changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding…”  Daniel 2:21 (KJV)

Since Barrack Obama is set to be our President, then we need to pray for him, his family, his decisions concerning cabinet members, and his time as President of our nation.  Christian we are obligated by God to respect the man as our leader, to pray for him, and obey him.

Paul the apostle has written;

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.” Romans 13:1-6 (KJV)

The “higher powers” of which Paul mentions are rulers of nations, and governments of States, cities, etc..  It seems to me that our God has placed every ruler who has ever lived, and who is living today in their place.  Was the will of God done with Hitler in power in his day?  Whether we like it or not; or whether we understand it or not we must say YES!  The rise and fall of kings and nations is in the  hand of God, and as Paul writes, “For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God”.

You may disagee with this assessment, but it seems to me that the argument is not with me, but God.  Talk to Him about it.

When we reach the place where we trust these matters to His hands, then, we as Christians can have peace, stop complaining, belittling the man who will be our next national leader, and then effectively pray for him.

I am actually excited about what lays ahead.  It is after all in the hands of our Lord.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Please note:  I did remove one paragraph that was in the original post that did not relate to this years election; they were concerning Prop 8 in California, and an issue in Arkansas as well where the people still decided for moral issues on Marriage and adoption.

Israel, Iran, And The World

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

I have been silent; probably for too long; concerning the elections in Iran.  Though I don’t generally comment on events such as these, the real atrocity is against the people of Iran.  Like our country [USA] I am for freedom.  All people should be free to make their own decisions in politics, in religion, in life; and make informed and clear decisions.

One sign of an oppressive government is when that government decides to stop all means of communication.  Iran’s leading authority has tried to stop the out going communications to let the rest of the world know what is going on.  They have failed in that, and it seems that today – June 20, 2009 – will be the day the government “puts its  foot down”, and tries with its military might to silence a very angry, and large number of its citizens.

If they can hear these words today; Be strong, and turn your eyes toward the LORD of the earth, believe and trust in the Son of Jehovah Jesus Christ;  He is the Supreme One, and will lead you to genuine peace; and that is so for all the world.  The hope of Iran is not the Ayatolla Khameni or its government which is officially ran by the “strong arm” of Islam in Iran.  It is a repressive government which eventually will end in the destruction of its own country.

The current administration has said many times “Death to Israel.  Death to the United States.”  And his intent is to see the destruction of any who oppose him.

How does Israel view this situation in Iran.  Let me give you some quotes from the Jerusalem Post –

“FOR ISRAEL, the election in Iran boils down to one major issue – the nuclear program, and the chances of its being stopped, whether Ahmadinejad or Mousavi end up taking the reins.

One school of thought in the defense establishment is that Ahmadinejad serves Israel’s short-term interests. With his open calls to destroy the Jewish state and his public denial of the Holocaust, he helps Israel make its diplomatic case against Iran.”

It sounds as though Israel would be for keeping Ahmadinejad. At least they would know what to expect. It seems that no one knows what to expect of Mousavi.  May all the Middle East know that those who come against Israel will fail, and their armies will be destroyed; not by Israel, nor by the United States, or any army of the world, but by the Supreme Ruler, the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe. Read Ezekiel 38 – 39 along with Genesis 12:1-3.

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the world is in economic straights, and in need of help, but from where.  The only help for Israel, Iran, and the rest of the world can only be found in turning to the One who died for the sins of the world, and His name is Jesus the Christ; Son of the Living God.

Let us who are followers of Jesus Christ continue to pray for the “peace of Jerusalem” and for the people of the Middle East.  The hope of the world is Jesus.

-Tim A. Blankenship