Thankful for our New President? Yes!
Note: This post has generated a bit of controversy. Beyond my comments in the comment section below, please see my follow-up post here about using the gift of discernment in the flesh.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
What a great Scripture to put into practice today, especially since I just finished watching the swearing in and the inaugural speech of the 44th President of the United States of America, Barak Obama. Like most Bible-believing Christians I can think of many biblical convictions that I wish our new leader had, and about which we must fervently pray. But today I think I will focus on obedience to the above Scripture and cultivate the kind of thankfulness that leads to a quiet, peaceable life.
1) I am thankful for a president whose election says to the minorities of our land that a majority of Americans have chosen their leader without regard to his racial background, that can only be healthy and good. I am thankful for the immense joy in the heart of every one of my black brothers and sisters, people I know and love who are filled with incredible hope and dignity today.
2) I am thankful for Obama’s determination to hold Washington accountable for self-interest and personal greed. As an outsider, he has an incredible opportunity to help those who have lived by ‘business as usual’ to take a fresh look at themselves and the partisan politics that has so often lost sight of what is in the best interest of America.
3) I am thankful for his decision to have Pastor Rick Warren pray. Warren’s prayer was unapologetically Christ-centered yet appropriately sensitive to those who would differ. Obama’s decision to have him pray was an unusual expression of non-partisan intent, that he would not reverse though it brought him much criticism. It was a conscious choice by Obama to invite evangelicals beyond single issue politics and toward involvement in the many issues all thoughtful Americans agree about.
4) I am thankful for the realism of his speech. He did not hype the people with “yes we can” rhetoric. He did not avoid the problems facing our nation with emotionalism and false hope. He did not promise a prosperity that could be accomplished without sacrifice and hard work and he specifically insisted that those personal benefit should not be expected by anyone who was not willing to work and give and believe and hope. I love that. Down with entitlement and partisan politics and up with patriotism and personal sacrifice.
5) I am thankful for the engagement of so many young people in the governance of our country. For too long young people have been only skeptical and aloof in regards to Washington. In Barak Obama there is an opportunity for a new generation to believe in our democratic process and reengage their energy and intellect toward the solutions we desperately need.
In closing I am thankful for the example set by President Bush in the peaceful transfer of power and the respect he showed in spite of glaring differences in policy and conviction. Bush has led our country according to his principles through the toughest time, by far, that any of us or our parents have lived through. I thank God for sustaining him and hope that every true believer in Jesus Christ will not be diminished in their prayer for our new president simply because he does not agree with some of our biblical convictions. Barak Obama needs our prayer for strength to maintain the convictions he holds which are in keeping with God’s will for our nation, wisdom to realize where his beliefs are not according to God’s plan and then the courage to change.
Romans 13:1, Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
That’s good to know, isn’t it? Our new president has less experience and more pressure than any president in history, might he remember where his power ultimately comes from and seek the Lord for daily strength; he’s gonna need it.
Categorized as: From James, Politics
January 20th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Thanks for these reflections. I am thankful that I will be draw more to prayer in the next four years.
z
January 21st, 2009 at 4:50 am
amen pastor james. i have been trying to meet you since you have been at harvest in riverside. i sit in the front row every service. i would like to take a pic with you. you are a great messenger of GODS word. GOD BLESS brother
marco cazorla
January 21st, 2009 at 10:41 am
Pastor James, I also will be praying for the new president in the coming years. I read the same passage today and was thinking the same thing.
As to the last comment that was made:
I think that James probably does not see this as a forum to slander or tear down our new president, I believe he is doing exactly what Gods word says. We will always have a leader in our life that does not share the same values as we do whether it be a boss or a governor or a president. The bible teaches just what James talked about multiple places. The best thing to do is pray for him, Prayer can move mountains and change hearts.
The pulpit is not the place to preach politics, it tends to divide congregations.
Thanks for the great word today Pastor James
Mark
January 21st, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Pastor James,
Your words are well taken. It has always been a firm belief of mine that we are called as believers to pray for the leaders of our nation, be they Kings, Presidents, or, as in my case, a Prime Minister.
I’m from Barrie, ON, Canada, and our country is going through some potentially turbulent times also. Our parliament will resume sitting on the 27th of this month, at which time a budget will be presented and voted on. If the budget does not pass, our country will have to elect a new government as well. Please keep Canada and it’s leaders in your prayers as well.
Our countries are great allies, and they rise and fall seemingly together. I am thrilled to see the buoyant mood surrounding President Obama and his officially taking power, but at the same time, I am thinking about our situation up here and the relationship that our leadership (be it the current set, or potentially a new one) must develop with Mr. Obama’s administration.
Anyway, carrry on with the good work that you are doing and be well during your health struggles. You are in our prayers!
Ron Barnett
Harvest Bible Chapel – Barrie, ON
January 21st, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Just to comment on what Mark’s post said, I agree that this isn’t the forum to tear down President Obama. I wouldn’t use the word slander because Obama has been pretty open about what he plans to do with the abortion issue. And your comment about the pulpit is not the place to preach politics, that’s exactly what I’m talking about: abortion is not politics, it’s murder. And Pastor James opened up his pulpit to speak on just such matters THREE DAYS before the election.
January 21st, 2009 at 5:47 pm
He wrote in the beginning, ” Like most Bible-believing Christians I can think of many biblical convictions that I wish our new leader had, and about which we must fervently pray. But today I think I will focus on obedience to the above Scripture and cultivate the kind of thankfulness that leads to a quiet, peaceable life.”
He is obviously focusing on what good he can in this post. It was very encouraging and refreshing to me. At this point, Obama is President, and there is nothing we can do about it. We know that He is appointed by God (Romans 13:1), so there is no sense in tearing him down.
Thank you pastor James for this post. I go to Harvest in Riverside and have been really blessed by your teaching on trials this past month.
January 21st, 2009 at 10:30 pm
If there was ever a single issue to vote on for a Christian one would think that the murder of millions of babies would qualify as that issue.
Is there no one left who will take a stand for the weakest in our society???
With Pastor James, I pray for our new president, and I pray that the president will have a change of heart and stop this germicide.
Pastor James I agree with everything you say except your comment about single issue politics. There are many deal breakers in scriptures. If you can provide scriptural evidence that we should rejoice when a man who has sworn to protect the rights of mothers to kill their children has come to power I would love to see it….
Remember that God raises up leaders to Judge nations as well.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:46 am
WELL PUT, Pastor James.
And Jacob, it seems to me that you’ve hit the nail on the head.
Looking into airfare to Riverside, haha…
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:46 am
To Reply to e;
Well be that as it may, He is in office and God is on the throne. If all the believers unite in prayer who’s to say that his heart wont be changed?
1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
We should not lose sight of the reason we exist.
I do not think we should accept abortion, or same sex marriage, or any other broken commandment that comes down the pike, Absolutely not! But doesn’t the word say that these things will come to pass toward the end times? All sorts of godlessness.
1 Thes. 5:17
Keep on praying.
Mark
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:23 am
Thanks for posting a response, Mark. I think I’ve been misunderstood. I will be praying for our President. I will have respect for him as an authority. Please don’t misunderstand that. My point is not about Obama’s horrendous views on abortion. My issue is that a passionate, bold pastor repeatedly has called abortion an issue. It truly breaks my heart! I’ve heard James preach boldly and unapologetically about his hatred for alcohol and yet when it comes to abortion, he calls it “single-issue politics” (Read his post above.) I’m not calling for a bitter posting about how we should all be moaning and groaning about Obama being president. My purpose was for James to stop calling abortion politics.
I might add, I love this man. (James) I hope he knows my reason for posting is not to cause division. And I will continue praying for him and for Obama. Our president is who God allowed. And yes, all sorts of godlessness will come to pass. Does that mean we should not boldly fight against them? Absolutely not! If Obama wanted to make Christian worship illegal, would that be considered just one issue? Would the economy be more important then?
I will continue to pray about this. I hope you will, too.
Much love,
e
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:15 pm
e,
Rather than continuing to curse the darkness, may I suggest seeking a way to build a lighthouse in the midst of the darkness. Question, how are you affecting change other than speaking out about how evil and horrible abortion is and trying to get someone to change their vocabulary from politic to murder? Do you honestly believe that James doesn’t know the difference between the two? Many, many, many Christians have been using this approach for some time and according to the statistics the number of abortions continues to rise.
May I suggest that maybe it’s time for a new passion which could involve getting more Christians to roll up their sleeves and get busy putting our actions where our mouth is. My wife and I have committed to simplifying our lives to be able to give more toward a ministry that exist within our local church(New Life Pregnancy center) where anyone can come and recieve testing, counseling, adoption information, diapers, etc. with the ultimate goal of sharing the Gospel which is the ultimate change-agent(not any political party) To be fair to Obama, abortions have been taking place SINCE 1973!!It’s not like we have a pretty good track record up to this point…
Far too long have we eased our conscience(myself included) in thinking that if we simply speak out or curse the evils of abortion, then we are actually making change rather than actively doing something that would actually cost us something(time/money).
Thanks James for this post and your passion for the Gospel( Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection)!!!!
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I am thankful that God is control and I am praying for Obama. My problem is everyone looking at his skin color. He is 50% WHITE. If he was white skinned and 50% black would we say he was the first black president? We teach our kids to be honest and accept their heritage but yet they hear the Leader of their country denying his white heritage.
Obama is:
1) 50% Caucasian
2) 43.75% Arab, and
3) 6.25% African Negro
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:06 pm
We can thank God for this election. It’s important that we don’t bind the consciences of other Christians. God cares about a whole range of issues; not just about abortion.
God cares that our government does not engage in torture and hold people indefinitely without trial.
Praise God Obama ordered the closing of Guantanamo!
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:39 pm
There’s this clever little thing called “prioritizing” that all of us do when having to choose between two good (or bad) options. There are hierarchies of good. Nuff said.
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:03 pm
James said -…a world free from discrimination and injustice. That is irrefutably God’s heart.
Amen,
it’s on it’s way.
Blessings to you brother James and your ministry.
The grace of the Lord be with you, until He comes.
-Tevye
January 23rd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Pastor James, I so appreciate this blog! I read it faithfully and many times am challenged in my thinking, convicted of sin, and/or encouraged in my daily walk with my Father!
We are praying for our new president and are thrilled with the message his inauguration has sent to every young person in our culture who has a dream…they can achieve it!
Thanks for your insightful, original post on this topic! It has certainly sparked discussion!
We are praying for you and your perseverance and stamina!
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I am thankful pastor James for your balanced approach to this election. I am dissapointed with President Obama’s stand on abortion. It is time for christians to look at the whole picture and not a part. I agree that we can and should be thankful for him being our president. I thank you for pointing out some things that I overlooked to be thankful for.I am glad for some of the things that you mentioned that christians tend not to want to mention. Continue to stand strong as you always have and proclaim the truth of God’s word. This blog was great! Christians stop being so ready to attack. We have our stand to make concerning biblical issues, but stop standing at the door with the shot gun ready to fire.
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:21 pm
James,
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this issue with you.
I guess that we will just agree to disagree. Please know that my comments are motivated not by fear, blind emotion, nor singularity of passion, but by love.
As much as I would love to challenge your thinking as well, I will reserve comment on anything you said and respect your desire to end the discussion in this forum. I hope that you will at least privately consider the questions that I have asked you.
I pray that the Lord heals you swiftly and completely, that you will continue to preach the truth boldly, that you would receive ever increasing wisdom. and that your ministry and your family would be blessed greatly.
Your brother in Christ,
Brian
January 24th, 2009 at 10:58 am
I love you James (as pator and teacher) and I pray earnestly that you recover from cancer!!! Please do not add any more stress in your life, as this is a time for you to concentrate on your health, and your “personal” life with Jesus your savior and your family!!! Love you brother in Christ, Lisa Lyons
January 25th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Wow:
What a collossal amount of time I have wasted in the past few days debating this post with people. I have tried to be funny and offended people, I have tried to be clear and confused people, I have tried to be helpful and hurt people and that of course is worst of all. I am grieved by the whole process and especially by some of the posts that have not seen the light of day. Ouch!!!! Oh well, I have no one to blame but myself. I have just deleted a number of the comments, sorry if you have already read them. I deeply regret the offense I have created by the way I responded to those who disagreed with my post. I will try to use alot more wisdom and judgment in how I respond to the comments people make. I am truly sorry for any injury I have caused especially to ‘e’ The comments are deleted and I have no futher acess to them. Others may have them saved and should do with them whatever they believe would be right and best. I have no issue with being held accountable for what I say and how I say it. Please forgive me.
January 26th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
The opinions you have about abortion are, [what hurts the most] I know, I know; you SAY it’s the #1 thing but not the only thing, yada yada yada. No kidding. I never said it was the only thing. But I vote based on that because it is the #1 thing. If Obama hadn’t been pro-murder, I would’ve voted for him in a second. But I couldn’t. Does that make me a “Focus on the Family automaton? I guess so. But I have no blood on my hands. I’m glad the comments have been deleted. I just wish you had said you had had a change of heart.
). My heart is to welcome into our fellowship people from different social/economic/racial contexts and make Harvest a place that is passionate about their concerns as well as yours and mine. I am sure you agree that the fight for life does not end when a pregnacy goes to term, that is all I am arguing for and nothing more. My sermonic comments b4 the election had the singluar goal of making sure that we did not divide as a congregation over who we voted for. I believe it is unwise and innacurate to extrapolate that emphasis to a weak stand on abortion. I just don’t know where you are getting that. Saying that I call abortion politics, which I do not and never have, and saying I call it an issue. My simple statement about getting beyond ‘one issue’ politics has been explained already to mean any single issue. I think you are reading way too much into what I have written and I don’t know why.
Love,
e
Dear ‘e:’
I edited out your personal comments, thanks for those. You seem to think you know how I voted, I have no idea how you would know, but I will stand by the statement in my sermon that you would be “surprised,” maybe you most of all based on what you have written. I am a pastor not a politician, (we both know I would be horrible at that
james
January 27th, 2009 at 12:48 am
The call for us as believers to embrace the right attitude (biblical) about the leaders whom God appoints over us is that which has eternal merit. God reaches us in our attitdues to change us – the most challenging area of our lives because it strikes the very core of our being. Let’s put aside partisan politics and be the people of God He calls us to be: committed, passionate followers of Jesus Christ. For when we are, then we, like the apostles, can “turn the world upside down” by our godly actions borne out of a Christ-like spirit toward others.
January 27th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
James, you said, “My heart is to welcome into our fellowship people from different social/economic/racial contexts and make Harvest a place that is passionate about their concerns as well as yours and mine. I am sure you agree that the fight for life does not end when a pregnacy goes to term, that is all I am arguing for and nothing more.” I agree that the fight shouldn’t end there, but it BEGINS there with the way you vote. And you know, all too often the fight probably does end there. I’ll personally keep that in mind.
You also said, “My simple statement about getting beyond ‘one issue’ politics has been explained already to mean any single issue.” I guess I’m just getting stuck on that because I disagree with you there. I don’t think it should be an issue we should get beyond. Perhaps that’s where I’m reading into what you’re saying. I don’t know.
I do so appreciate you answering these posts. I know you said that it had been a colossal waste of your time. I know you’re extremely busy, but if it’s any consolation, I have learned a great lesson from this, one which you’ve preached on before and one that I couldn’t have learned otherwise.
Much love,
e
“E” the fog is getting clearer for me. It’s not the issue we want to get beyond, never! It’s the oneness. It’s the “this is the only thing that matters nothing else matters.” I frankly could not vote for Obama even if he was prolife for many other reasons. Your admitted readiness to do so, if he changed his postion on this single point, is exactly what I have been saying needs to change. I believe you would benefit as I have if you could sit for hours and listen to the positions of prolife people living in historically impoverished urban contexts. I believe the liberal approach to social care is destroying millions of lives too including many of the lives initially spared by our prolife efforts. The issue is VERY complex, I am just calling out for a much deeper reflection on the entirety of our society than what seems to be the party line so often repeated by n white suburban educated, evangelicals. Could it be that we are comfortable opposing two or three top of the list blights on our society, because it would require alot more compassion and understanding to let our love penetrate to all the deep and forgotten corners of human suffering in our culture? I feel like I have let simplicity of conviction and certainty of rightness on a few important injustices baracade my heart from other matters also deserving of some voice and attention. Part of my job is to get people to think about the things on God’s heart they don’t think about, not just to bang the symbol of the things we all agree are most greivous to the heart of God.
January 28th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
James,
I completely agree with you. Your words have challenged me to think more deeply, more wholly Biblical, with regards to social issues. God forbid that I simply look at the pain and suffering of the world around me through my privileged, North American (Canadian) perspective. It has been too easy for me to form simplistic convictions, while choosing to ignore the complexities presented by these issues. Furthermore, I greatly appreciate the humility you have displayed in seeking forgiveness from those you may have inadvertently offended – what a great example. My respect for you as a man of God, and for your ministry continues to grow. Thank you.
Jeff
January 29th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Hey James,
You know what, you’re totally right; I should never have said I would vote for Obama in a second if not for the pro-murder issue. I guess I just assumed that he was a great guy aside from that one issue because I kept hearing about all these Christians voting for him. Admittedly, I didn’t bother to investigate his politics because I can’t vote for anyone who’s pro-abortion. So thanks for pointing that out to me. That was indeed wrong.
I live with the far-reaching scars of choosing life. My husband grew up on the south side of Chicago. His parents had eight kids. When she found out she was pregnant with number nine, she was also diagnosed with breast cancer. Her doctors and friends and family begged her to abort and get treatment or at the very least, get treatment that would heal her and hurt that baby. She refused. They told her that the baby would die anyway because she wouldn’t live long enough for him to survive. She still refused. She died and they delivered that baby extremely prematurely. He was not expected to live. He did. She left behind all those kids and a sick newborn because she had enough faith that God would take care of her children. And we are reminded of her death and her “choice” on my husband’s youngest brother’s birthday every year. My husband and I are not rich by American standards. We live in a small house with one bathroom and we’ve opened it up several times for those without a home or anyplace else to go.
So here’s the burning question I have and maybe the fog will lift for me, too: Is abortion a deal breaker for you or not?
‘e’ I am newly American and just voted for the first time. I have never voted for a person who is not prolife, but I have great suspicions of even the republicans who say they are pro-life but appoint liberal judges such as Reagan and Bush Sr. So my hope is in the Lord, i see abortion as a great evil and immense injustice, but as I said I see many other injustices too. Many of those including abortion are, I guess, ‘deal breakers’ for me. Thanks for sharing so personally about how you came to be so passionate about this issue.
James
January 31st, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Have you ever said, “I wish I had said that!”?
Borrowed from Brian’s post on the 23rd because I can think of no better way to say:
Pastor,
“I pray that the Lord heals you swiftly and completely, that you will continue to preach the truth boldly, that you would receive ever increasing wisdom. and that your ministry and your family would be blessed greatly.”
Also, Thank You for reminding me that I am to Give Thanks in All Things!
God Blesss,
dj
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:48 am
HELP! I cannot,with a sincere heart, be thankful for a president who embraces abortion, even to the extent of denying medical attention to an infant who survives a botched abortion. I have read the scriptures, and I can pray for President Obama, but I’m not thankful that he is my president one bit. Please pray for me that the LORD will help me in this matter. I want to be obedient but I also want to be sincere.
doreen
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:54 pm
James, so you are a democrat
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:55 pm
James, so you are a republican
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:19 pm
I know at this point it probably doesn’t even matter that I’m posting a comment, but here’s my two cents…..
It seems to me that we are missing the more important issue about whether or not we accept President Obama as president. God’s will is as it is right now. I can’t say at this time if it’s perfect or permissive, but which ever, it is as it is.
Many people seem to forget that President Obama has also mentioned when discussing abortion that the larger issue is the education of all people to make better more appropriate decisions when it comes to having sex. We can be as much of a Christian as we want to, but that doesn’t change another person’s mind about the decision that they are going to make. The word calls for us to pray, not judge. Jesus did not turn his nose up sinners (people who made a choice to abort) he embraces them and loves them.
No matter what is said, NOBODY can convince ANYBODY to change their heart. Only the HOLY SPIRIT can do that. What should you do, PRAY. Then call on God to create in YOU a CLEAN HEART and renew in YOU a right spirit.
Thank you LORD for President Obama and BLESS his family and his administration!
February 7th, 2009 at 10:26 am
James,
I just stumbled onto your blog today and agree with some of the things your thankful for about our new president. The thing I am disappointed in is that those of us in your congregation should have heard these things from you during the service following the inauguration, not by just “stumbling” onto them in a blog.
Hey Chris:
Thanks for writing, I think I said alot of these things the week before the election actually and have not been back in the pulpit at Harvest since the inauguration. I am still in California getting these health issues resolved.
james
February 25th, 2009 at 11:58 am
The blood of 50 million dead babies soaking America’s soil wasn’t enough. Our new President, for which Mr. McDonald is so thankful, had to export it by reversing the Mexico City policy. Now we taxpayers will be funding baby butchery overseas as well. God help you, Mr. McDonald. If you can make peace with this slaughter of humanity, you’ll make peace with anything, just like the Germans who made peace with the slaughter of 6 million Jews. McDonald has abandoned the First Things, but there are millions who stand in opposition to this. Thank God for the moral leadership of Pope Benedict on the issue of life. American evangelicals and emergent neo-leftists don’t even have a moral compass any longer. As for Barack Obama, those who reverence life and social justice will stand in opposition to him with everything we have.
Wow:
Exhorting people to find a basis for thankfulness according to the word of God 1Timothy 2:1-2 is now the same as endorsing abortion and tacit support of the holocaust. Yeah, this kind of mindless inflammatory rhetoric is not saving the unborn, it is giving those who murder children license to continue in their wikedness. I’m not posting any more comments on this subject.
james
February 25th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Our innocent unborn citizens wouldn’t agree. I would challenge you. Look one of these little ones in the eyes as they are about to be torn limb from limb and tell them how thankful you are for this administration.
Sue:
we are never helping God to disobey scripture. see my response to the comment above.
February 25th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Pastor,
Are you thankful for President Obama’s ardent support of abortion? Are you thankful that no one seems to be holding him accountable? Are you thankful for the dire lack of responsibility that has been illustrated through the passing of the stimulus package? I suggest that you hold these actions up to the light of scripture and re-evaluate your current thankfulness.
Jay
Jay:
thanks for writing. 1Timothy 2:1-1 exhorts us to ‘thanksgivings’ for all people including our governmental leaders. Of course this does not include thanks for all they do, but finding things to be thankful for even in the midst of circumstances that are very troubling.
February 25th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
I think yes the Lord does want to pray for our leaders, but that does not mean we step right up along side of Obama. If you look at the prophets, such as, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jonah, Obadiah, David, Haggai, Amos, Daniel, etc../They all stood up against what their leaders/kings stood for and paid for it also. But were they not preaching in the political arena? Yes, they were and quite vocally.
Obama does not stand for the Judeo Christian values that we as Christians should stand for- He stands for Abortion, homosexuality, against free speech, more government control, against Israel, against parental rights, etc. Even though yes God put Obama there, it more than likely is a judgment on America because we have moved away from God.
Seeing that we parallel in America what the Israealites went through in the OT when they served themselves instead of God- It is more than likely that we should be repenting and moving back to God.
Faith: Another good comment. Today I have been called a communist equated with Russian supporters of Stalin and German supporters of Hitler simply because I said that the scripture calls us to give thanks for our leaders. Not just when it’s easy but when it’s hard. Thanking God for certain aspects of Obama that we are commanded to find and express to God is a long long way from supporting his unbiblical and wicked actions. The comments I have posted and the many I have had to delete prove the exact point I was trying to make. Hating your enemies will always be easier than loving and praying for them, but that is what is supposed to set us apart. I think I may write another blog about this. thanks for writing,
james
February 25th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
I wish in my heart I could be thankful for this president, but I can not. Every inch of my being tells me this man is no good, but I also know something good might come of it and Im hoping its the rapture. I look and see what he is doing to this country and it hurts my heart deeply. Been praying for this president more than any other and maybe this is what he needs the most.
Well said Donna:
We can hate what he does and hate what he stands for and hate what he signs and hate what he promotes, but none of those needed convictions freee us from the responsibility to find a basis for thankfulness. We can thank God for his heart for the poor, we can thank God that his election is a source of healing for the minorities in our nation. “In everything give thanks,” 1Thessalonians 5:16 Has it ever been harder to obey God’s word in this regard? I have deleted alot of hateful comments today from people who seem to believe that his evil policies excuse their hatred and disobedience to the clear commands of scripture and they do not.
james
james
February 25th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Thankful for our new president? NO!!!!!!!!
Pastor McDonald,
I have been an admirer and listener of yours for some time, but I am astonished at this post.This is the equivalent of the apostles being thankful for Ceasar, the russians thanful for Stalin or the Germans being thankful for Hitler. Why? Because we have slaughtered more unborn children in this country than those 3 men COMBINED. I know you are against “single issue politics”, but I don’t consider the unborn a “single issue”. They are lives precious to God and WE are their voices. President Obama is totally committed to murdering as many children as he can and is now exporting your tax dollars to kill even more children worldwide.It is pathetic that the only voices that are continually crying against this slaughter happens to belong to the Roman Catholics. Protestant leaders are virtually silent, or, like yourself, offer support to this massive murder project. You may continue thanking God for Obama, but I will continue to cry out for the failure of evil and the lives of the unborn.
Greg
February 25th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Of course we should pray for Obama.
More so we should lament over his support and propagation
of policies that will lead to the murder of untold
numbers or innocent children.
Trying to make a positive out of this guy’s
view of life does not work for me.
Is is not the same as making a positive out of Hitler, Stalin
and Mussolini’s “good” works?
You know, they made the trains run on time, they decreased unemployment and crime etc.
How in the world did supposed evangelical christians vote for this man that supports the murder of unborn children is beyond me.
February 25th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
You are a false prophet, and a moron. Pray for the return of your First Love, or you’ll eat the same judgment as Obama.
February 25th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Dear Pastor James:
I am a regular attendee of HBC in Elgin. I am trying to understand the reason you posted this missive. I am in no position to debate the passages of Scripture that support your position and if you say that we should be thankful for the leaders God has put in place, okay. But I wonder, do you think the Israelites were thankful for the wicked ruler Manasseh? Just wondering.
Your preaching of the Word expositionally and unwavering dedication to the whole of God’s counsel brought me to Harvest. The fact that your pulpit has been used effectively to speak out on many matters (such as false religions, terrorism, apostasy) that the Bible speaks to drew me and convinced me that HBC was a place where there is no compromising. That is why this post has me so baffled.
It has been one month since the inauguration and frankly Pres. Obama has kept his word in all of the things he promised the neo-leftist, socialist, liberal supporters he would do. Besides the abortion issue, which is huge, Pres. Obama almost unilaterally has signed a stimulus package that your new grandchild will be paying dearly for. It will be offering our tax dollars to do things you would be very outspoken against. He also is appointing people who are looking seriously into resurrecting the “Fairness Doctrine” which may cause problems for Moody Radio which Walk in the Word is heard on in our area. I could go on, but frankly that is not the point.
The only reason I could be thankful for this administration is that it will cause those who have been asleep about the dangerous times we are living in to wake up and look to the Lord and the Lord ONLY for help in time of trouble.
Someone in an earlier post said instead of cursing the darkness, be a lighthouse. That is true, but understand, in this political/spiritual climate those lighthouses WILL be smashed down. The next question: “Are we prepared for the coming persecution?”
I sincerely do look forward to your future post on this issue. I expect you will be forthright and candid about how this all has effected you. I would not have written this if I did not sincerely care about these issues. It is NOT political for me, it is spiritual.
Am praying for you and Kathy as you continue your treatments and am looking forward to your return to HBC.
February 26th, 2009 at 2:07 am
Didn’t Paul write these words to Timothy when Nero ruled? Nero was a cruel and vicious man who blasphemed God and persecuted the Christians. Yet, despite the fact he was a murderer and despot…well I suspect that if Paul told Timothy to pray for… and be thankful for… leaders, I’m sure that Paul was the one leading the prayer meetings.
Although Americans are afraid of their future and concerned about certain policies, they still are among the most free in the world to worship as they choose without fear.
Thank God for that. “In every thing give thanks…” – that is as much a Christian charge as “cursing the darkness”.
Thank you James for your words. I don’t like Obama – and struggle with our own Canadian politicians, and it is hard to love and pray for our enemies but that’s what makes Christians different.
I’m sorry you have been hit with so many nasty comments over this.
You can please some of the people some of the time, but never all the people all the time.
In 2nd Timothy 1:15 “all in Asia had turned away” from Paul, he laments in chpt 4 that he felt abandoned. Maybe they didn’t want to pray for Nero either.
Your podcasts always minister to my heart and I truly believe you preach out of what you have personally learned and lived.
We serve a wonderful God of grace.
God Bless You,
Eunice (an ordinary woman who serves and extraordinary God)
February 26th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Pastor MacDonald,
As a minister myself, and a regular listener to Walk in the Word I am confused by your post. I noticed this post from a link from Ingrid Schlueter (I know, I know. She finds fault with most, but also chalenges me in my desire to be relevant without leaving the Word behind. So I listen). I understand the scriptural instruction to pray for our leaders and recognize that God is the one who appoints governments. But would a Christian under Hitler be thankful for Hitler (using Hitler as a contrast inso much as he disreguarded innocent human life for his own political power as are many in the Democratic Party are beholden to the abortion agenda of groups like planned parenthood). You can be thankful to God for the lessons he teaches you in your captivity (Joseph, the Hebrew children) without being thankful for for wickedness and anti-God attitude and philosophy of the leader. So I suppose I am writing hoping that you will clarify you post on this topic.
Brock:
Thanks for letting me know how this got fired up again. My point is pretty simple: Pray for your leaders and give thanks for them. That is commanded in many places in scripture. I tried to do that. I am pro life in every respect but I do not agree with the inflammatory irrational attacks on anyone including other prolife people who do not agree on methods for opposing the evil of abortion. If you read some of the comments I have deleted you would understand more what I mean. I just don’t see Christ being honored, or the prolife platform being advanced by acting in a manner so contrary to God’s word.
james
February 26th, 2009 at 10:45 am
My heart weeps as the pulpits of America simply live in denial. This President is going to do more harm to this country in 4 years than all President’s combined from our history. Why? America is spiritually crumbling. The mess we see in society in the “natural” coincides with the spiritual cancer in our very hearts. And preachers will not PREACH ABOUT IT,….. We are in an economic crisis because mammon is our god and it takes your very soul and destroys you. We are vulnerable to world wide enemies because we have hauled off the Ten Commandments,and thrown off the restraints of God’s Holy Word. When Hillary CLinton begs China to keep on buying our debt….think about it….China could call in those loans and bankrupt us overnight if they wanted to…men of God in leadership are not leading with the wisdom of God but the foolishness of men…and Barak Hussein Obama is the epitome of that culmination…..he is leading this country into destruction, judgment and the mark of the beast….better prepare your heart America…..we are not going to be raptured out out of this nightmare…we will stand with the Lord Jesus and be martyred rather than compromise on His truth. Choose whom you will serve.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:51 am
I am astounded that my post, which was thoughtful, respectful, and truth-honoring, was deleted. It was in no way derogatory or inflammatory. I absolutely love your ministry and am feeling very put-off by first, this post, and now, your censorship of my opinion, which is in keeping with scripture. I request that you put my post back up or provide a good reason why it was taken down–other than you disagree with it. This is really heartbreaking to me, as a supporter of your ministry. Can I not dissent? Or is it because I came from Ingrid’s website? She rightly pointed out the problem with this post.
Sarah:
I don’t know who Ingrid is and if your comment was deleted I don’t have access to it anymore. I don’t remember what you said, but taking an exhortation to thank God for the President as commanded in scripture and twisting it a support for evil or a softness on abortion IS inflammatory and innacurate. Post it again and i will reconsider, no promises
james
February 26th, 2009 at 11:04 am
From Pastor James to Pastor James:
Your thoughts on praying for Obama are somewhat misguided. Are you suggesting that we should pray that God should bless him? I can’t imagine Elijah’s praying for Ahab; rather he spoke words of judgment and condemnation to him. We never hear Jesus praying words of blessing over the Pharisees, but rather pronouncing words of condemnation. The Apostle John spoke of Caesar’s throne at the “seat of Satan.” I can’t imagine German Christians asking God to bless Hitler. In Obama’s time in office he will preside over the death of more innocent victims than that abhorrent leader. Paul asks us to pray for our leaders, but he specifically mentions we should pray that their time in office will not impede the gospel or the peace of believers. Perhaps, our prayers for Obama, a committed proponent of infanticide, should be of the imprecatory type of prayer, although they should include prayers for his repentance. Your article sounds patronizing and weak when what are needed today are strong voices that oppose the moral filth of the death-promoting leadership we have.
February 26th, 2009 at 11:29 am
I am “thankful” for those that will boldy speak out for the unborn. It isn’t popular these days….just too controversial.
I have heard how the “church” was silent during Hitler’s holocaust. Here again, history is repeating itself.
If John the Baptist was alive today……what would he say? We needed him on the day of the inauguration. He would have been thrown out and put in jail. I am sure he would have had some inflammatory, irrational remarks. Also,the prophets of old certainly were not too “loving”.
I am not out to advance a “prolife platform”. I am out to speak for those that cannot defend themselves. We have a holocaust in America and where is the church?
God hasn’t turned a deaf ear to the cries of these little ones. He hasn’t put this “issue” on the back burner.
We are commanded to pray for our leaders. I pray a godly sorrow that leads to repentance. A thankful heart, yes. In all things give thanks.
Great Comment Sue!
How easy if we could equate everyone obeying the scripture to give thanks with people who have gone silent on the rights of the unborn. Sadly it’s just not that simple.
james
February 26th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
“We can hate what he does and hate what he stands for and hate what he signs and hate what he promotes, but none of those needed convictions freee us from the responsibility to find a basis for thankfulness.”
What bible are you reading?
ANSWER:
I am reading the one that says:
Col 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1Ti 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for rulers, for kings and for those in authority
February 26th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
I am thankful that I don’t go to this church which is obviously falling over itself to be loved by the world.
Taking 1 Timothy 2 out of context, I can see how this pastor is more concerned about increasing his church attendance by being “politically correct” rather than taking the risk by exposing Obama for who he really is. He is an abortion lover (the blood of the children are on the hands of all who voted for him), he is a liar (claiming no earmarks in the phony stimulous package when even Dems admit there are close to 9,000), he is a socialist and he is inciting class warfare.
But just ignore all that and keep thanking God for this wonderful man. I don’t read anywhere in scripture where Jesus thanked God for Herod, Pilate or even the Religious Leaders. I don’t read where Paul thanked God for Nero or any other Christian hating leader. So the gratitude in the context has to be in relation toward the sovereinty of God and not necessarily toward the enemy of God. Do you also thank God that Obama stands condemned before God if he pursues this course of life he is on? When will logic prevail in the church again?
February 26th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I can understand Scripture when it says that we are to be thankful in all circumstances, but your comments about how you appreciate and are thankful for the sincerity of Obama and his “yes, we can” (which he really means “yes, you can)and his desire to includes evangelicals is quite in error.
This is exactly what the communists did when they were taking over many countries- they appealed to “desires” of the people and then lied behind their backs. And the some of the biggest supporters of Obama were young evangelicals who have never been educated in conservative values or proper Biblical doctrine.
Yes, I agree with the greed in this country, but you would also have to include the government- who right now as we speak are accumulating massive amounts of debt on our children, just to serve their own selfish wants.
So, it is one thing to be thankful for our circumstances and pray for our leaders, but it is another to praise in your article a man who clearly does not follow God or even wants to- He will just tell you what you want to hear just to get his agenda in.
And I say this not because I hate him- I pray for our leaders everyday- but because it is the truth- We are too blind to see the truth sometimes.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
James,
I can’t post what I posted previously again because I don’t have it and I’m not going to say anything terribly original that hasn’t already been expressed by others.
You said, “…I don’t remember what you said, but taking an exhortation to thank God for the President as commanded in scripture and twisting it a support for evil or a softness on abortion IS inflammatory and innacurate.”
So, if you don’t remember what I said, why are you accusing me of twisting scripture, being inflammatory, and inaccurate? Goodness gracious. I Trust me, I in NO WAY twisted scripture. You know a bazillion times more about scripture than I do; I’m certainly not an expert. As a post-abortive woman who has since been granted the gift of faith and repentance, it’s frustrating to see a godly, principled, and sound teacher such as yourself listing off all of his wonderful attributes. He is a wolf in sheep’s clothing and his desire is to destroy the church in America, or what’s left of it, so he can have his way. If it wasn’t so, why would he be following the teachings of Saul Alansky and why would Saul’s son be singing Obama’s praises for putting his father’s work into such great practice? It’s not a secret and I’m not being presumptuous about his motives.
Rick Warren’s prayer. It was a travesty. Christ didn’t suffer and die on the cross so that we could pray to an ambiguous god who doesn’t want others to feel left out. His prayer was anything but Christ-centered. It was man-centered. I can’t be thankful that he had Rick Warren pray because he did the Lord and His followers a great disservice. I think it’s a bit of a stretch to start trying to find the good in everything. Some things are evil. God in His goodness and mercy brings good from the evil. For that I am thankful. One thing I know for sure is He is sovereign and just, in control, and holy. Nothing that happens is outside of HIs control, and I believe Obama’s election was the Lord’s will. I’m thankful that the Lord is in control even when I don’t like what’s going on. I don’t know if it’s out of context but we are told, as believers, to hate what is evil and to cling to what is good.
I appreciate your ministry and I’m saddened that I can’t see your point. I do see the scripture you referenced, and I see what’s written. I am going to have to study it myself.
Sarah:
I have been getting alot of hate comments from people who assume that because on innauguration day I encouraged people to find some basis of thankfulness in President Obama as scripture exhorts, they assume that I also favor all of his policies. How ridiculous. I have even posted some of the hateful speeches. I delete comments only if they are too long, off topic, links to sites I can’t support, or duplicate attacks that have already been acknowleged through postings. Sorry for the confusion. thanks for believing the best and hanging in there even if you don’t agree with a call to find something for which to thank God about in a President that has all of us sincere belivers VERY concerned. One of the points I tried to make was about ’single issue politics.’ i.e. Christians who believe that all manner of ungodliness is acceptable in the name of fighting for the unborn because ‘only one thing matter.’ Abortion is the single greatest evil in our day, but it is not the only evil. Ungodliness in the name of defeating evil is never an advancement of the kingdom and no one has a right to call me apostate after 30 years of gospel ministry simply because they disagree with the call to thank God for something in and around our new President. “Giving thanks to God at all times for all things.”
I don’t know what you wrote so I don’t know why it was deleted. My point was not that you were inflammatory but that day I deleted many that were. It’s been a bit rough, oh well
james
February 27th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Rev. McDonald,
It’s a sad thing that you have revealed to us that you would have cheered for Adolph Hitler had you been in 1930’s Germany. Obama is in favor of continuing the unfettered murder of millions of unborn babies, and he has reinstated the policy that Americans will pay for it, even in foreign countries, even in those countries with forced abortion policies. So much for the idea that liberals (code word for Marxists, Communists, and Socialists) believe in “choice.” IN truth, liberals permit choice only when the choice agrees with the liberal agenda.
I want to know what any baby has done to you that you would support the wholesale murder of a whole class of people–the unborn?
I have one word for you. Repent!
What you will probably do, however, is go howl at the moon with your fellow wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Most Sincerely,
Rev. Jess Leeper
February 27th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Thank you for sharing how you see our new President,the load he carries for this nation, and his need of prayer, through the eyes of Christ and the scriptures.
Brother MacDonald, there is a very real spirit of hate coming from many Christian internet communities concerning this man…its been one of the most shocking things i’ve ever witnessed in 30 years of walking with Jesus.
It must grieve the Holy Spirit of God to see Jesus portrayed in such a manner to the world at large, through believers. I know its grieved me deeply.
You mentioned that you may write and post further on this topic: I hope you do. We need to understand our biblical responsibilities toward any leader God places in office. And it is God who lifts up one, and puts down another–perhaps the body of Christ has forgotten that?
Could it be the body in America is being tested and sifted right now–and that God is/has used this President by which to do so, in how we individually are reacting to him?
I’m beginning to believe this is true…for much ugliness and bad fruit is being revealed.
Anyway, i saw you mentioned at a well known Christian board as an apostate, that is why i came to read, to see for myself what all the apostate finger pointing was about.
You’ve been misjudged brother…
Forgive those in the body who have misjudged you, for they know not what they do.
God bless,
An elderly sister in Christ
February 27th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
“Abortion is the single greatest evil in our day, but it is not the only evil. Ungodliness in the name of defeating evil is never an advancement of the kingdom” -James
I have a good friend in Christ, a black pastor, who said he rejoiced to see Obama as the first black president, because he never thought he would see that happen in his life time. He grew up in the South as a black man in a white America, and so his perspective is very valuable to me.
However, the rejoicing begins and ends abruptly at that one point.
Of course we need to all pray for President Obama. I rpay he would come to Christ. He said he already did have an experience with God through Christ. But many say Lord, Lord, and yet do not follow the wisdom of the truth of God’s word. Obama is pro-infanticide, this is a fact. He is against The Born Alive Act, which every Senator, Kennedy, Boxer, and all others were for. herefore this man has an evil heart under all that looking good on the outside. He’s a cleaned up dish and cup. He is a whitewashed tomb, with a callous soul, and a dead heart.
May the Lord quicken Barak as he did my heart. For it’s only by God’s grace that I am not a whitewashed tomb as well, which at one time I was.
God bless you Pastor, and have a blessed Lord’s day.
February 27th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
“Abortion is the single greatest evil in our day, but it is not the only evil. Ungodliness in the name of defeating evil is never an advancement of the kingdom” -James
I meant to say that this is a fine statement, we all need to take to heart. Well said Pastor James.
March 1st, 2009 at 4:17 am
Pastor James,
I know you have a great church system and know people who have gone to or are going to Harvest. I myself am a fan of Downpour and saw you last year at the Southern Baptist Convention.
Like most conservative Bible thumpers, I am with you about praying for all leadership: from Federal to Dogcatcher – all the time. My family and I do daily. I part company with you over fellow southern “baptist” Rick Warren and most of all the direction the current president is leading this country.
The economic matters are troubling, but even more troubling is the unrepentant grab for power and march to completely unfettered abortion on demand. He even rescinded the conscience clause and now medical professionals and pharmacists have lost their 1st Amendment rights. Next will be Christian radio. Oh, I’m sure their supporters in the emerging church will be left alone, but they are only an anathema to the real Christ Himself. Now we get Kansas governor Sebellius who has Dr Tiller in her baggage.
James, what single issue do you mean, bro? You got great Bible teaching, I hope you don’t let that get sidetracked by allowing yourself into a political discourse, which you have unwittingly ignited! God bless all the good peeps of Harvest Bible Chapel. Keep on preaching the Word.
Amen
Agape,
A Doulos of Christ
Bernie
Bernie:
Thanks for your comment. Read some of my other responses and you will see that I wrote that blog on day one of President Obama’s governance and said only that we should find things to be thankful for. As for Rick Warren, I said only that his prayer was “appropriately sensitive.” How people can take that and make me into a supporter of abortion and a PC apostate, then spread that around the internet, is for them to answer to God about. Keep the faith!
james
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:02 pm
[...] past week my post about 1Timothy 2:1 and it’s exhortation to be thankful for our leaders came back to the [...]
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:13 pm
James,
I have a question for you about Rick Warren.
He had the world watching as he hosted the debates, yet it seems to me, he never brought the truth of the good news to the world during that opportunity.
If ever there were a chance to speak boldly the name of Jesus, to declare that His name alone provides a means by which we may be saved, while (literally) the world was watching, it seems that would have been it. He was in control of the forum and from my vantage he seems to have traded that opportunity for some speculative future benefit. Am I wrong?
May the Holy Spirit refresh and comfort you as you walk in the fear of the LORD.
Nick
Nick:
I think we should believe the best about Rick Warren in regard to those debates. He did not shrink back from hard questions and he fulfilled his role which was a moderator. He was not the messenger in that context and so I think we cannot judge him for not sharing the gospel. I believe he would have loved to have done so.
james
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:27 pm
James,
Although I disagree with many of Obama’s policies, my stance on his presidency has changed greatly since the election.
It sickens me that people reading this blog are full of such hatred.
Hate the sin. Love the sinner.
Pray that God changes our presidents heart.
We need to trust God at this point in time especially.
I understand how everything seems but doesn’t the bible tell us to walk by faith and not by sight?
I have been attending Harvest for a little over a year. My life has changed greatly because of Gods grace and the ministry of Harvest Bible Chapel.
Thanks James.
-Jess
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Pastor James,
I too read Ingrid Schlueter’s posting on her blog linking back to this posting of yours. Her blog is great for pointing out apostasy and heresy in the modern church, but I thought that calling you a “goat-herder pastor” was a little off the far-end and not done with gentleness and respect.
I am a pro-lifer but my main grievance is broad-brushing you with other pastors and leaders who do not follow the same methods of fighting abortion that she and her followers support. I do not believe proper research into your ministry and your beliefs were done before she posted. As someone who has been living a changed life with Christ because of WITW, I have personally seen the fruits of your ministry as have countless others for over 30 years.
I have listened to WITW many times over the radio and have heard you preach truth and speak out against abortion. I do not know how you preach at Harvest, but I am sure that you do not compromise the word of God there as well. I felt the posting on Ms. Schlueter’s blog did not have enough research into your ministry and I believe it was a knee-jerk reaction to a posting she just stumbled-upon that did not agree with her prescribed method of fighting abortion.
I will not stop reading her blog and the many other discernment blogs out there because I too want to sift wheat from the chaff and live a righteous Christian life, however, I do not condone broad-brushing pastors who have given up their lives to preaching the Gospel boldly with truth and passion. Like you said before, equating your post with condoning abortion is not correct.
God Bless you and I’ll pray that God uses your current health issues for His Glory.
Sincerely,
A brother who’s has repented and living a life based on faith and grace alone in Jesus Christ because of your ministry.
Reno, NV
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Pastor James,
I want to apologize for the hasty post I sent the other day. First of all, I must give you credit for not knowing at the time of your writing the intent the new president had, that he would take action within hours to allow funding of abortions in foreign countries. You were gracious at the time to look for the best in him.
Though I still hold that we cannot give thanks for him unless he repents, I do understand your hope and prayer for him. Please forgive my criticism.
God Bless,
Randy
March 3rd, 2009 at 10:50 am
Pastor,
Thank you for taking time to write your response. I will digest and apply your teaching.
March 3rd, 2009 at 7:19 pm
How ethnocentric are we to equate America with Israel! Why are we God’s chosen people and not France or Japan or Australia? Saying that the prophets of the OT would not have been thankful for the wicked rulers of the day is irrelevant – again, America is not Israel; God’s people are the true Israel. Thank you, Pastor McDonald, for challenging me to find something to be thankful for in ALL circumstances.
-Carrie
March 6th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
dear james,
i write simply to offer encouragement and love. you are a fine and wise servant of our Lord Jesus Christ and i thank you. i agree with faye brock. as for the hate mongers, i suggest you all love more! especially the people God puts in your life. it is individual mothers that are choosing to murder their babies…… it is a symptom of a greater disease that can not be cured with laws or hate. i know. stop throwing rocks and do as Jesus would do. james serves Him with a true heart, it is obvious, and for this i am thankful and blessed. “they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love”! and they will know Him! other wise sin has no end……who do you serve?
God help us, b
March 7th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
I think so many people have missed the point of the post. People who call themselves Bible believing christians and yet, can’t understand why we should “give thanks in everything.” That’s what I’m having a hard time with. God has His plan and purpose for everything that happens. Pilot was put in place to crucify an innocent man, a man he believed was innocent, that he “could find no fault in.” Would I have been thankful for a leader that crucified innocent men? In that context, no. But I am thankful. I hate that an innocent man had to die for my sin, but without Pilot, or any other leader God had put in his position, the crucifixion would not have happened in the manner it did. So, I, for one am thankful that Pilot was “in office” and crucified an innocent man while releasing filth back onto the streets. Do I agree with Obama’s politics? No. Do I believe in abortion? No, for very personal reasons. I, myself was almost an abortion, because human doctors believed I would be mentally retarded or physically deformed. I was born, with ZERO defects, thanks to the discernment God gave my parents. I do, however, believe that God has a plan and a purpose for this leader, and I am thankful that God knows what His plan and purpose is, and if He has to use Obama to fulfill that plan, then, yes, I am thankful for our new president. I am also thankful that in the face of such horrible narrow-mindedness Pastor James has stood by his original post and has dared to stand and say that there is a Biblical way to deal with everything, even if in our minds it doesn’t seem right. God’s ways are very different from ours, thank goodness. Wasn’t it Jesus himself that taught us to love our enemies?
March 9th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
james,
I am a medicine resident soon to be trained/licensed as an Oncologist. I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and your family. Your ministry has serve as a foundation in my academic and spiritual growth. I understood clearly what you meant in the original blog about being thankful, etc. I pray that we all remember that we are wrestling a spirituial warfare and that the evil is Satan not each other who truely believe in Jesus. I pray God’s Will be done in regards to your health. Your brother in Christ, LM
March 10th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Several years ago, when I belonged to my local Right to Life group, my pastor and his family were supporters from my church. That was it! The rest of the congregation were helpful; i.e., collecting loose change in baby bottles. Otherwise, when we asked them to show up with our Catholic brothers to pray in front of the Planned Parenthood; no interest. So it is, Christians just like to ‘hide’ behind those church walls.
Obama is a product of our materialistic, hedonistic culture. His mother was an athiest. His father was a Muslim, who hated our American way of life. What can we expect of such a man? Obama found a pastor who preaches the ‘black liberation’ theology and we know what that theology thinks of the nation of Israel.
We know there was no way Obama would ask Franklin Graham to speak at his inauguration. And after the first inauguration, George W. had little to do with Franklin. Could it have been because he used THE NAME? We know that Rick Warren is a darling of the State Department and Obama’s. After all, he took a trip to Syria and came back and said what a ‘Christian friendly’ country Syria really is. I will give credit to Warren. He did stand up for marriage, which surprised me.
I only pray that Obama and his family actually get saved. God is finally ‘fed up’ with Christians in this country. I say, LORD have mercy on Christians in America; just mercy; forgive us, forgive us!
March 25th, 2009 at 12:42 am
Dear Pastor James,
I also just happened to stumble on this blog. I am shocked at the virulent hatred expressed by many of the “Christians” who profess to want to fight the fight against evil. It makes me think of those who have killed doctors who perform abortions in the name of preventing the killing of the unborn. How ironic. How hateful these “Christians” sound. Do they forget that Christ, from the cross, prayed to the Father to “forgive them for they know not what they do”?. I am sure that these Christians who sound so self righteous don’t realize that they sound more like the Pharisees than like Christ. I am absolutely against abortion but I don’t read anywhere in the bible that there is a hierarchy of sins and that God hates some sins more than others. God hates all sin, even the self righteous hatred that has been spilled out on this blog by “Christians” toward others. Shocking!! But no, I almost forgot …. it was people who called themselves religious that hated and killed Our Lord.
Yes, the bible DOES exhort us to pray for our leaders but we can choose to disobey this the same way we disobey other commands we don’t like. Pastor James your ministry has been a great blessing in my life. May God continue to use you, and may he fully heal and restore your health. Yours in Christ. S.N.
April 13th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
These are hard words to agree with, because the differences (especiallly at this point) are so incredibly glaring. But, there’s nothing I can disagree with. It is my responsibility to pray for the leaders of this country, and be thankful that they are at least what they are. This is most certainly not to say that I am happy he is president instead of someone else. I am very disappointed with most of the decisions he’s made since January. But, I do believe God is in control, and He has given America the president it deserves. I can only hold fast in faith that He will protect His children and we will be “brought safely through.”
August 4th, 2009 at 3:34 am
I have been reminded of my poor attitude and ask the Lord’s forgiveness. I will remember what scripture say’s about prayer and what it say’s about upholding those who govern over us. President Obama has been appointed for a time such as this and he needs our prayers. Thank you for your insite.
September 30th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
I embrace the teaching of God to pray for ALL men (including leaders and kings and those in authority). As I do, I remember before God those issues that I still stuggle with and that are wrong according to His word. I have chosen to work with God on the plank in my eye before I attempt to remove the spinter out of anothers. It is my ultimate prayer that whomever will, will come to the saving knowledge of God through His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ.