Category: 2020 U.S. Presidential Election

Fret Not! #7

Sunday, November 15, 2020

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7 KJV).

Election Day 2020 is passed, but its drama continues.

The upcoming weeks will be quite interesting for our country. Whatever happens, whoever is ultimately declared president, the next four years will be challenging. Maybe the “fatal blow” has already been inflicted—maybe not. Only time will tell. In light of eternity, this is really but a minor issue.

No matter what shocking or distressing information we uncover in this life, Father God already knew about it. In fact, He is aware of every single scintilla of bad news. The curse of sin and Satan’s influence are literally universal. Nevertheless, God, with complete knowledge of all that is wrong, is not fretting. Why? He knows how it will ultimately be made right one day. We simply take the position of faith. Yea, we agree with Him!

Never forget Colossians chapter 1: “[16] For by him [the Son, Jesus Christ] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. [19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; [20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

Through Christ’s shed blood, saints will occupy Earth’s governments and Heaven’s governments. Redeemed Israel will accomplish God’s purpose and plan in the Earth; the Church the Body of Christ will do likewise in the Heavenly Places. Evil will be dealt with, and permanently removed from creation. Hasten that wonderful day, Lord, hasten that wonderful day! 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What is a ‘charger?’”

Fret Not! #6

Saturday, November 14, 2020

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7 KJV).

Election Day 2020 is passed, but its drama continues.

Today’s Scripture encourages us to worry about nothing. In our circumstances—good or bad—we can and should come to Father God in prayer. Whatever the case, we talk to Him in light of what we have read in His Word rightly divided, thereby giving us “the peace of God.” “Peace” is in the sense of tranquility, freedom from distress or anxiety. Our hearts (souls) and minds (spirits) will be guarded through Christ Jesus, the one and only Mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5).

Verily, verily, we live in a fallen world; the Bible calls it “this present evil world” (Galatians 1:4). This is because Satan is called “the god [ruler] of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), Adam giving him possession of it back in Genesis chapter 3. Hence, he boasted to Christ in chapter 4 of Luke: “[5] And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. [6] And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. [7] If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. [8] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

Ultimately, Jesus will indeed gain control of the world’s kingdoms—and He will not have to worship Satan! Revelation 11:15 says of that glorious future day: “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” As touching the evil in the world, let us remember that it is only for a time. The Lord, when He is ready, will make things right. We take comfort in that.

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Fret Not! #5

Friday, November 13, 2020

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7 KJV).

Election Day 2020 is passed, but its drama continues.

The Book of James comments: “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4). Romans 16:19 adds: “For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.”

Over the decades, especially here in the United States, the professing Body of Christ has gained quite a reputation for taking certain political positions. While this is not wrong in and of itself, Christians should be more familiar with spiritual truth than political platforms. We should be known first and foremost for our doctrinal positions—which are often shallow or nonexistent. As we read in Romans above, it is better to be more familiar with the truth than be experienced in error. After all, “[Jesus Christ] gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:…” (Galatians 1:4). We should have our priorities straight. Sound Bible doctrine, once emphasized, will guard us against the lies of this evil world system.

Like James says, this world is opposed to Almighty God. Thinking like lost people is not for Christians. Let us see 1 John chapter 2: “[15] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. [17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

No matter what happens, we need to remember, “the world passeth away, and the lust thereof….”

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Are we immune to heresy and apostasy?”

Fret Not! #4

Thursday, November 12, 2020

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7 KJV).

Election Day 2020 is passed, but its drama continues.

One of the “Christian metaphors” in Scripture is that believers in Christ are soldiers. Read 2 Timothy chapter 2: “[3] Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. [4] No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” A soldier cannot afford to be caught up in civilian life because he is not a civilian! If he is not fully conscious of who he is (and who he is not), then he will be unable to adequately fulfill his purpose. In like manner, we cannot let this temporary world distract us from our identity in Christ.

It has been joked—and, yet, it is more tragic than comic—that when Jesus Christ returns to take His people home to Heaven, He will have to yank some of them twice. They will be so intertwined with this earthly life; it will be hard for them to leave it all behind. Entertainment, possessions, and friends… they will be disheartened and disappointed to see it all fade away. This is not the way it should be. Colossians chapter 3: “[1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

As long as the Christian has “set [his or her] affection [focus, attention, attitude] on things above, and not on things on the earth,” that believer, when the Lord returns, will gladly forsake all that this world has to offer. Earth is not our home, and we are “just passing through….”

Fret Not! #3

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7 KJV).

Election Day 2020 is passed, but its drama continues.

The Apostle Paul teaches in Titus 3:8: “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” “Careful” here is in the sense of thoughtful, attentive, concerned about. If we Christians must be anxious about something, Scripture says we should worry about maintaining good works! This is an ongoing process, a keeping on laboring in accordance with sound Bible doctrine.

Chapter 2 had already stated: “[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; [13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; [14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. [15] These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” The Bible encourages us also in Philippians 3:20,21: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

We members of the Church the Body of Christ are destined for Heaven. Consequently, it is ever (!) so (!) important (!) we as believers in Jesus Christ not get attached to this world, preoccupied and overwhelmed with all its problems. Martha of long ago needed to learn that lesson, and the Lord corrected her. In like manner, through Pauline doctrine, He adjusts our thinking to see “[the] one thing [that] is needful….”

In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we temporarily break from this devotionals arc….

Fret Not! #2

Monday, November 9, 2020

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7 KJV).

Election Day 2020 is passed, but its drama continues.

Consider the words of 1 Peter chapter 5, verses 6 and 7: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” Here, “casting” is throwing. It is the same idea as Luke 19:35, “And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.” The Apostle Peter’s admonition will impart immeasurable strength to Israel’s believing remnant suffering persecution under the Antichrist. Likewise, it is an insightful cross-reference to today’s Scripture, that we may benefit.

Read Luke 10:38-42 again, noting the words “not care” of verse 40: “[38] Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. [39] And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. [40] But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. [41] And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: [42] But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” When the Bible says God “careth” for us, this would be in stark contrast to Jesus not being concerned with Mary leaving Martha (most insignificant!).

We are bound to time and space, so it is natural for us to see things from a “here-and-now perspective.” Unless we are using renewed spiritual minds, we will place great emphasis on temporary matters. Yet, if we take the position of faith, we will throw our minor worries onto the Lord. Released from those burdens, we are free to worry about something—yea, some things—of eternal worth. Let us see what they are….

Fret Not! #1

Sunday, November 8, 2020

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7 KJV).

Election Day 2020 is passed, but its drama continues.

Anxiety and uncertainty remain concerning the outcome of the United States presidential election. Sleep has been lost. Fears are mounting. Tempers are raging. Results are being contested. Accusations of election fraud abound. Litigations and investigations have ensued. “News” organizations have already declared a winner—and, according to them, the incumbent lost. However, not all the votes have been counted and certified. Allegedly, some ballots were illegally cast, and should be discarded. The legitimate ones would need to be recounted. What is the truth, and what is simply propaganda? In the weeks ahead, all will become clearer. Unfortunately, though, we will never fully grasp what happened because of the matter’s complexity. Yet, as Bible believers, we can remain calm.

One classic example of fretting in Scripture is Martha, Lazarus’ sister (cf. John 11:1,2). Let us consider the Bible in chapter 10 of Luke: “[38] Now it came to pass, as they went, that he [Jesus] entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. [39] And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. [40] But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. [41] And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: [42] But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Martha was hypervigilant or excessively worried. Chiefly, her sister Mary had left her to serve (food?) by herself. Mary was busy listening to Jesus teach, but Martha was preoccupied. Jesus reassured her in verse 41: “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things.” She was being unreasonable, allowing numerous things to distract and trouble her. With her eyes off God’s Word, she was “careful,” agonizing about what ultimately did not matter….

Be of Good Cheer!

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

“And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2 KJV).

The (dreaded) United States’ Election Day is here, but “Be of good cheer!”

Our King James Bible uses the exhortation, “Be of good cheer,” on seven occasions—during depressing circumstances. Today’s Scripture, the first instance, is Jesus encouraging the paralyzed man He is about to heal (physically, but more importantly, spiritually)!

As a storm violently rocks the disciples’ boat, Jesus walks on the water, saying, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” (Matthew 14:27). Mark 6:50 reads: “For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.” On the night of His arrest, just hours before His crucifixion, Jesus tells His disciples in the upper room: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

After Paul was violently attacked in Jerusalem, he is arrested and stands before the Sanhedrin (Israel’s governing religious body). “And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome” (Acts 23:11). While Paul sails to Rome, inclement weather threatens the ship. Acts 27:22 and 25 quote his words to his companions: “And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship… Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” (According to verses 23 and 24, an angel had appeared to Paul to comfort him and his fellow travelers.)

Saints, no matter the election outcome, let us “be of good cheer.” We are “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20), and this is not our home anyway! Furthermore, as our Lord said, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)! 🙂

In light of the U.S. Presidential Election, you may read our archived study: “Is ‘divine right of kings’ a Scriptural teaching?”

Vote!

Saturday, October 24, 2020

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;…” (Colossians 3:23 KJV).

While today’s Scripture refers to servants (employees) working on the job, it is a handy verse for all of life’s activities and decisions….

Obviously, it is a presidential election year here in the United States. Indeed, never have politics been as divergent as now. Each party vehemently accuses the other of corruption, deceit, and incompetence. The bickering and belligerence make disgust and discouragement abound. Moreover, as with every election, there is much conversation about “low-information voters,” people entering the voting booth with little to no understanding of which candidates support what issues and hold to what values. What seems to motivate these voters is pure emotion—especially spite and defiance. Instead of investigating matters for themselves, they sit in front of television and computer screens and let others tell them how and what to think. This is most unfortunate—particularly for Bible-believing Christians!

Long ago, a wise brother in Christ lamented, “People cannot take a stand on anything because they do not know anything!” Even concerning the fundamental teachings of Christianity, church members struggle to articulate exactly what they believe and how to prove it from Bible verses. If such “fuzzy thinking” dominates spiritual issues, we need not wonder why perplexity proliferates everywhere!

Finally, it is truly silly to be an “undecided” voter so late in the election season. Just as we will not find a perfect church or perfect pastor, we will not find a perfect candidate in any political race. They all have their flaws: they are all sinners. Yet, no matter the election (presidential, gubernatorial, mayoral, et cetera), we can always see one person being closer to Scripture than others. If we fail to see a difference in any of the candidates, or if we are unable to discern which one matches the Scriptures the most, then we had better study some more verses before we vote! “The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God” (2 Samuel 23:2,3).