In less than 40 days, Election Day will be here and millions of our country’s citizens will make their way to the polls to vote to vote for their candidate of choice. It is my prayer that all people would spend time in prayer before voting. Prayer is an important part of daily life, but especially during election times. Some will put their politics before their prayers. Let us be sure to continue in our prayers.
Last week, we began developing a website call Pray for the Election. (http://www.prayfortheelection.com) This website was developed, not as a political website, but as a website for prayer. There is no sponsoring of a candidate, political party or political agenda. It is a website dedicated to encouraging others to spend time in prayer on behalf of the upcoming elections. The Bible speaks of praying for the leaders of the nation in which we live, and we want to encourage others to pray for the upcoming elections.
Our nation is in turmoil on many fronts and we need to spend time in prayer. This is not a time to divide, but a time to unite in prayer and request that God provide us wisdom and peace. We know that God is in control and we need His blessing of strength in our lives. Let us pray.
On August 30, 2020, A legendary figure in college basketball passed away. Whether you liked him or not, you respected the drive and the coaching style of John Thompson.
John Thompson coached the Georgetown Hoyas for 27 seasons (1972-1999) and led them to 20 tournaments appearances, 3 Final Four appearances and one NCAA championship. After his retirement in 1999, he was inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame.
However, what you may not know is, during his coaching years, 97% of the student-athletes under Coach Thompson finished with a degree. This effort was by design because coach Thompson knew they needed to achieve academically.
Coach Thompson kept a deflated basketball in his office as an illustration to players. He did this to show them there is a life after sports. This simple visual aid reminded players that after basketball is over, there is still a life to be lived. Simply put, one day the air will be out of the ball, and what will you do next?
As an example to everyone’s life, like a deflated basketball, there will be a day when the air within us will be gone, and we must answer the question, “Are we prepared for what comes next?”
“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
When the air has gone out, are you prepared for what comes next?
It is difficult to believe that we are now finding ourselves in another election cycle. While I am not an expert on elections, this election seems to follow the increased chaos attributed to the year 2020.
As the elections draw near, it is important that Christians pray. To be honest, I am not concerned if you are voting or not. I am more concerned if you are praying.
Put your political beliefs aside for a moment and ask yourself, “Am I praying more or talking about politics more?”
It is a hard, but a valid question we need to consider as the time is drawing near for millions of citizens to head to the voting booths and choose our next elected officials.
Are you praying for the election process?
I would encourage you to head over to the newest effort of the Preacher’s Pen called, “Pray for the Election.” This is not a political website, but a prayerful one. It is not our aim to tell you which political candidate to choose, but to encourage you to pray for all candidates, our nation and its citizens.
On April 13, 1912, Alexander Holverson wrote a letter to his mother aboard the one ship which was thought to be the greatest ship ever built. His letter would be finished one day before the ship would hit an iceberg.
In his letter, Alexander described the ship as “a giant in size and fitted like a palatial hotel. The food and drink is excellent.” Alexander mentioned seeing millionaire John Jacob Astor. About Jacob Astor, he said, “He looks like any other human being even tho he has millions of money.”
This letter, salt stained from the ocean, was found Alexander’s pocket notebook when his body was recovered. Alexander’s wife, Mary, survived the sinking of the Titanic, by boarding lifeboat #8.
Alexander’s letter was sold in 2017 for $166,000 by the Henry Aldridge & Son auction house in London. The letter is considered “the most important Titanic letter we ever auctioned” as classified by the Henry Aldridge & Son auction house. The rarity and the historical context added to its value.
One sentence which stands out in the Alexander’s letter says, “If all goes well, we will arrive in New York Wednesday AM.” However, as you know, the Titanic, did not make it. The Titanic sank early on Monday morning.
Life is uncertain. Surely, Alexander never thought the Titanic, on its maiden voyage, would sink to the bottom of the ocean. The Titanic was to be the greatest ship in the world. It was the ship of dreams. However, the voyage never finished.
As Christians, we know that life is uncertain. We should remember the word of James, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4.15)
Life is uncertain, but your eternity does not have to be.
I know many people would prefer to say, “We are the church and we go to the building”, but the term, “go to church” can mean when one attends or goes to the assembly.
The question this week is, “Why do you go to church?”
In a recent article found in the Spring 2020 issue of Preaching magazine, J. D. Greear cites some research from Great Britain regarding religious practices. The research referenced that “70% of British people never anticipate going into a church in their lifetime.” These results shown the British may be more secularized than anyone may think.
Dr. Greear also stated that these results did not indicate they were mad at the church or trying to avoid it. The research shows those surveyed could not see a reason to go to church.
Can you imagine 70% of a nation (if the survey is consistent) would see no reason to attend services of the church? What if those results were the same in our country? What about in our state? What about in the Gadsden area?
Acts, the book of history in the New Testament, reveals that the early church met together every day and found encouragement. Not only did they continue to teach one another (Acts 5.42) but they also shared what they had with each other (Acts 2.44).
Not only did the early church meet to worship (Acts 2.42) but they continued to meet because of their relationship. It was necessary for them to meet to “stir up one another.” (Hebrews 10.24)
So, back to the question, “Why do you go to church?”
Several years ago, an article crossed my desk titled, “Most Costly Celebrity Divorces.” Normally, I would ignore an article like that, but curiosity got the best of me. The article was nothing more than an article about the divorce settlement in terms of money. The article never discussed the “cost of divorce” without terms of money. Divorce costs lives, relationships and more.
Marriage is more costly than money. A great marriage is an investment, not only in your future, but for future generations. A bad marriage is a costly expense, not only in your life, but in the lives of future generations.
Your marriage not only affects you, but it influences your children on the type of marriage they will have. As the Bible says, our lights will shine for others to see. (Matthew 5.14-16) We provide an example to others regarding marriage. If we speak harsh about marriage, others will see it as harsh. If we speak well of marriage, others will see it differently than before.
How to Improve the Value of Marriage:
Value Marriage – To improve the value of marriage, you must value marriage. The Bible places a high value on marriage as it uses it as an illustration of Christ and the church. (See Ephesians 5.22-33)
Work on Your Marriage – Marriage takes work. Some people believe that once the wedding is over it is all happily ever after. Instead, marriage takes work. Submission takes work. Responsibility takes work. (See Ephesians 5.22-33)
Believe the 100/100 truth – The typical saying is that marriage is 50/50, but the truth is that marriage is 100/100. When two people enter a relationship and only give 50%, there will be problems. When two people enter marriage giving 100%, they will become one flesh and grow their marriage.
