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The Devotional Diva - Not-So-Ancient History
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The Devotional Diva - Not-So-Ancient History
By Barbara Gobbs
Executive Assistant and Ministry Partner - Pocket Full of Change Ministries
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you” I Peter 4:12 (NAS95)
My daddy retired from IBM. The fact he worked for a company that shaped the face of technology was of little consequence to me. He was part of an IBM team working at NASA in Cape Canaveral when we landed the first man on the moon. It didn’t matter much to me as long as I wasn’t next in orbit.
My childhood and teenage years saw the assassination of JFK, Vietnam, Watergate and the resignation of Nixon. These are very defining points of history that I assigned little impact to in my life. (Now, let me off the hook for JFK, I was only five.)
Even into early adulthood, I confess to not being a world-conscious person. The only world I was concerned about was mine. Fortunately, because of Christ, I have a different world-view.
It doesn’t take the proverbial rocket scientist to realize that we are living in distinct historical times. Look at Desert Storm, 9-11, the current situations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the current financial climate. Today we are living the moments recorded in the history books of tomorrow.
Then there is tomorrow. November 4, 2008. How will history record this date? The world is waiting and watching to see what we as Americans will do. I feel the history of this moment in time more so than anything else I can remember.
I don’t think I am alone in my feelings.
Now the verse for the morning is from where Peter addressed the early Christians – dispersed across the country because of religious persecution. He admonished them not to be surprised this was happening. After all, Jesus pretty told them it would happen.
Okay, today’s circumstances aren’t exactly akin to when Peter wrote these words. Yet I believe we can still take them to heart. It is my personal belief that things will get worse before they get better, then get better before they get worse – again, if Jesus tarries. I am not being pessimistic, just honest. So why be surprised when the pendulum swings down.
Okay, now that we are not surprised at the issues we face today, although my wallet still says it never expected some of this stuff, do we just sit back and ride it out? Wait and see what happens? NO!
However, you feel about it, we are given the express right to vote. So let’s vote for someone to lead us during those times that shouldn’t surprise us, but cause us distress nonetheless.
Once again, I must quote my pastor from yesterday’s service. Apparently, this election year has burdened him as well. I am just glad I was alone in that burden.
Our pastor asked us to vote not as a Republican or Democrat, but as a Christian. He suggested we not base our vote on the issues of tax issues or economics, but the one we felt would lead our country according to the moral fiber of God’s Word. Pure and simple. He named no names. He called no one names. He made it, as it should be, an individual decision, just with a new twist. I wish you could have been there.
Side note: Of course, doing some homework on where people stand on issues helps you determine if that candidate walks the talk.
As I sat listening to my pastor and my friend, I could not help but recall Matthew 6:33 where Jesus tells us to seek His kingdom and righteousness first, then “all these things would be added unto you.” Might one think the same principle given to us over concerns of food, clothing and shelter, would apply to our elections?
Anyone who knows me, know I seldom take on this subject in any depth. But let history record me as encouraging you to vote. Vote based on God’s principles and not against them. Pray for the one you vote for and then do not fail to pray for the one who wins.
Just so you know, I voted last week. I voted what I believed to be His righteousness first. Regardless what the outcome, I rest assured God remains on His throne no matter who occupies the White House.
Loving you!
Barbara
Barbara Gobbs is a ministry partner with and the Executive Assistant of Pocket Full of Change Ministries. For more information, to schedule a speaker for an event, or to request a newsletter, go to www.pocketfullofchange.org or call Gail Golden, Publicist at 904 316-5462. This ministry is supported by donations. If this ministry helps you or others, and God calls you to help support this work, you can make a donation to Pocket Full of Change Ministry at POB 51205, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32240.
© Pocket Full of Change Ministries
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