Perspective

My heart is heavy this morning. From an earthly perspective, I might as well have not voted yesterday (for the most part, anyway). Just about everyone I voted for (not quite - but close!), and every issue I hold dear, was voted down.

I am concerned (perhaps too mild a word) about the state of my state, and of my country. I am concerned about my pocketbook, my children, the unborn, and many Americans, some dear friends and family, who it seems have bought into a lie.

Yet, I know that God is in control. I know that no matter what happens on this earth, I am in the palm of His everlasting and loving hand. That I am His, for eternity.

God spoke to me this morning, and I feel that He wants me to share with you what He shared with me. Not surprisingly, I did not hear his voice audibly, but I know it was Him. He chose to use, as he has several times in the past year, two of my favorite resources: His Holy Word, and Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman.

I really don't feel like either of these need commentary from me, so I will post the former and give you a link to the latter.

As many of you know, I am reading through my Bible, at my own (or would that be God's?) pace, this year. I have recently finished the gospels and the book of Acts, and am now reading Paul's epistle to the Romans. Below you will find the second chapter I read today. Let the Lord speak to your heart through these verses.

Romans 13

Submission to the Authorities

1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Love, for the Day is Near

8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
11And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (NIV)

My other Word from God came from my favorite devotional. I should note that there is no doubt in my mind that the Lord brought me to this particular devotional today because it is actually the reading for yesterday. I am NEVER behind in my daily devotional, but today, God orchestrated it so that I would read what He wanted me to read when He wanted me to read it.
Here is a link to what is marked as the November 4 devotional. I would strongly encourage you to check it out. Number 13 - The Captive.
Heavenly Father, help us to trust what you are doing in our country. Help us to not mourn like those with no hope, but to pray for the new administration, and to grow through whatever comes our way. Your Kingdom Come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. In the name of your precious Son Jesus I pray. Amen