Honor the King
Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 1 Peter 2:17 (NKJV)
November 4th 2008 was an historic day for America and one we will not soon forget. We congratulate President-elect Obama and his historic achievement and rise to power. To have a vibrant young African-American in the White House is an amazing occurrence and speaks well of a measure of progress our culture has made in racial issues.
There may be no other President in modern time that has needed prayer more than this man. This President will be faced with a global financial crisis, ongoing terror threats, wars to resolve, international troubles and domestic confusion. He needs the prayers of God’s people.
I have lived through 12 Presidents in my lifetime. Temporary leaders come and go. And yet life goes on and the Kingdom of God still functions and God still rules in the affairs of men. No matter who wins elections God rules over nations. The Bible tells us that the heart of kings is in the hand of the Lord and the Lord can influence them. We are to honor the King and so we pray! In accordance with Scriptural injunctions, we pray for those in authority, for our President, our congressmen, our Governors and our elected officials. We celebrate their achievements and pledge our support in prayer. They are public servants and need divine assistance.
However, we are concerned with the potential loss of religious freedoms and disintegrations of our moral foundations. And thus we continue our prayers — fervent prayers — resisting and standing against wicked principalities and powers that would like to seduce and manipulate politicians, leaders and people. This is why the church still prays!
Our prayers will be answered, but perhaps not as we thought. God surely answers sincere and fervent prayers and will intervene if we continue to stand in the gap and pray for our nation. We should continue to trust God for His intervention in our generation.
President Obama is certainly a God-fearing man who could be greatly influenced for good if enough people will pray and if the right people surround him with good counsel. Let us agree in prayer that good men and women will indeed fill those positions of power and influence our new President for righteousness.
May God continue to bless America.
Principles Over Politics
Within days we will face one of America’s most important elections. There is much at stake in this current generation. And in the midst of this national decision making process, our nation’s economy has suffered a near catastrophic backlash because of greed. Other issues confront us as well: an unpopular war in the middle east; ongoing threats of terrorism worldwide; as well as need all around us. Every sensible believer should be gravely concerned about this election and desire that right would prevail in our culture.
As Christians we are citizens of heaven. We are part of the kingdom of God. We are not Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Green or Orange. Nor is any political party platform sacrosanct. The two dominant political parties in the USA have both good and bad, and strong and weak planks in their party’s platforms. It is only the Kingdom of God and its abiding principles that can guide the believer.
We obviously need Kingdom representatives in both political parties in order to fulfill Christ’s directive that we would be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matthew 5). But our party is the Kingdom of God, and our platform is the Bible. We have to be discrete and careful in determining our views. We cannot, for example, be enamored by a political candidate and fail to evaluate his or her values. Our opinions of what is happening in the world, or how to fix the problems of the world, must be bathed in prayer and soaked in truth.
We are believers in Jesus. We’ve been born again into a new Kingdom. We have said that our life is now Christ’s. We took up a cross and declared that we would live for Him and not for ourselves. We are believers whose faith comes from the Word of God and not the words of men. Our politics must be governed by principle not opinion.
Political Perspective
For the LORD is our Judge,
The LORD is our Lawgiver,
The LORD is our King;
He will save us; Isaiah 33:22 (NKJV)
Our political system in the United States was based on the revelation of Isaiah 33:22, received and conceived by the founding fathers in their deliberations during the drafting of the original constitution of the United States of America. The Scripture describes the three aspects of God’s rule over His people and hence the design used for the three branches of our national government: the Judicial, the Legislative, and the Executive branches.
Obviously our United States government is ruled as a democracy by the vote of the people. So we vote in our lawmakers and our executives. However, we do not always choose our Judges, as many, especially the Supreme Court, are appointed to their office.
This is the major and decisive aspect of what we are voting for this week. The person elected to the Presidency of the United States for the next four years (or perhaps eight) could possibly make two or three appointments to an aging Supreme Court. And with the trend toward choosing younger judges, these choices could affect the national judgments of the next thirty to forty years — an entire generation. This is why we need to vote, and vote wisely and prayerfully, guided by principle.
How should we then Vote?
When considering a conscientious vote, believers should consult the Word of God as well as the leading of the Holy Spirit to determine righteous action. Our vote should be determined on the basis of principle, i.e. what Scriptures are behind the issues or candidates or platforms that are being considered? A true follower of the Lord would be careful to determine the principles behind their vote. They should not vote on the basis of opinion or tradition or emotion. They should determine their view based on truth, i.e. revelation of life principles as declared and delineated in the Scriptures.
Using the precepts and truths of the Bible, the infallible Word of God, we should focus on the following principles as we process our politics:
Pray for and Honor the King!
Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 1 Peter 2:17 (NKJV)
All of us should vote and be good citizens.
Pray that believers and good people everywhere will be responsible, act wisely and get out and vote.
Pray for those in authority!
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1 Tim 2:1-2 (NKJV)
This is our first responsibility as citizens of a nation, is to pray for those whom God has allowed into office
Pray that God will raise up God-fearing persons into high offices throughout our land
Pray that righteousness will exalt our nation!
Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a reproach to any people. Prov 14:34 (NKJV)
It is not the level of our economy, or the size of our military that exalts us- it is righteousness.
Thus we should pray for the protection of the unborn and protection of the foundation of marriage and the family.
Don’t wrestle flesh and blood but pray against evil forces!
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Eph 6:12 (NKJV)
We are not wrestling people. We can act with kindness and respect toward people, while at the same time praying effectively and ruthlessly against principalities and powers in high places.
Pray against evil, anti-Christ spirits, that they will be defeated and that demonic schemes will not prosper.
Pray against every evil curse and pray a blessing on our nation.
Pray that God’s people will repent and turn from their wicked ways!
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14 (NKJV)
The responsibility for the healing of the land is upon God’s people. We need to take our place humbly at the feet of Jesus and ask for His mercy and His healing for our land.
Pray for a great awakening among God’s people, and that churches across America will pray and seek the face of God and repent of sin.
Other practical Prayer Points:
- Pray for millions of believers to be stirred to prayer and fasting this week.
- Pray for a miraculous turnout of God-fearing people for the vote across the nation, in every state
- Pray that all people will be influenced in their minds in a righteous way when they go to cast their ballots
- Pray that ballot measures to protect life and to protect marriage will pass nationwide
- Pray against any evil spirits of racism that would try to take advantage of this time to stir violence and anger among our population
- Pray for righteous Executives to be elected- including President and Governors nationwide, so that righteous judges will be appointed for this next generation
Across America, millions of believers are praying for divine intervention in this election. We are one church among thousands that are calling their people to prayer. I trust you will join this historic spiritual effort to see His Kingdom come and His will be done in the earth.
Scandal and Restoration
Recent developments in two major ministries have brought more scandal to the Body of Christ and the Christian Church around the world. Evangelist Todd Bentley, leading what had been called the Lakeland (Florida) Revival, has stepped aside from ministry because of alleged immorality and subsequent marriage problems. Mike Guglielmucci, a Youth Pastor and well known song writer in Australia, has confessed to fraud, deceiving friends, family and thousands around the world, lying about having had cancer. These two scandals were discovered within the same week.
Critics will no doubt use these revelations to bring further accusations against the charismatic elements of the Church. Others may become disillusioned, angry and even bitter about what has happened and give up on the Church. Many will at least be confused and distraught by these turn of events.
When the New Testament describes these kinds of occurrences, it uses a Greek word that is interpreted “offended” but it literally means stumbling block. The word, transliterated is “scandalon”. Jesus prophesied that many would be scandalized in the last days (Matt. 24:10). Scandals happen. People stumble. Hearts are broken. Offenses occur. But life goes on.
And what did we expect? The church is built on people. Most believers live good lives, serving the Lord and walking out their faith over a lifetime. But some crash and burn. Some falter. Some fail. Some cause offenses.
This isn’t the first time this has happened. I’m not speaking about recent years. No, as soon as the early church was birthed, there were people problems and scandals. The first mention of the devil in the church was when Ananias and his wife lied to the apostles and to the Holy Spirit about their giving, and were instantly judged by God. Scandal rocked the very first church.
It didn’t stop there. Later Demas, who had been privileged to travel with the Apostle Paul, and had become well known because of that association, deserted him and went carnal. He backslid into sin and became enamored with that present world.
Acts the fifteenth chapter records the story of Barnabas having a falling out with the apostle Paul. They had such a heated argument that the two ministers separated and went different ways. Barnabas was never heard of again in the New Testament record.
Throughout most of Church history, as well, there have been scandals and spiritual disappointments. Our generation is not immune to these same kinds of problems. And so, the issue is not concern over what has happened as much as it is our response to what has happened. These are potential stumbling blocks. But don’t stumble. Don’t be easily offended. Don’t get discouraged. And don’t quit. Everyday thousands of aircraft fly successfully to their destinations around the world. Most people don’t quit flying because an airplane crashes.
What is our response? First, we believe in restoration and we should pray that the fallen individuals be healed and restored as part of our spiritual family; “restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness” (Gal. 6:1a). We don’t shoot our wounded. All of us have done things worthy of judgment, but the Lord had mercy on us (1 Timothy 1:13; Matt. 18:33).
Secondly, fear the Lord- and do as the scripture admonishes us- “considering yourselves lest you also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1b). Is there any secret sin we are harboring that needs exposure and forgiveness? We should seek counsel and confess our faults to those who can pray for us (James 5:16).
And thirdly, encourage one another to live righteously and godly in this evil age. We should “exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). Let’s watch out for each other and be loving enough to confront when a brother or sister starts to get off course. That happens in a good local church, and in a group small enough to look in each other’s faces, place a hand on a shoulder and pray a prayer of covering and love.
Jesus is still building His church. He is still the Head, the Master, the Savior and Lord! Maybe we should have been keeping our eyes on Him all along.
Hot Questions and Cool Answers
What did you think of the Florida Revival? And will it continue?
I think it was genuine, with authentic healings. Although there was questionable doctrine promoted at times, many people were helped in the name of the Lord. Revivals historically are plagued with accompanying excesses and ample criticism but overall they help move the Church closer to a lost and needed truth. I am also thankful a group of godly Pastors stepped in to provide accountability for the Evangelist and subsequently provide covering (“love covers a multitude of sins”) and correction for him. We pray that true restoration will work effectively in his life (Gal. 6:1-5).
Should we still sing Mike Guglielmucci’s song, “The Healer”?
Of course! That beautiful song belongs to the Body of Christ, and besides it was the cry of a sin sick soul that really did need the Lord to heal, (Psalm 41:3,4).
When Loved Ones Die
This past week was a challenging week for me and many members of our church. While I have been preaching the message of healing from the pulpit over the past few weeks, the devil is still at work attempting to steal, kill and destroy.
One of the dear sisters of our church and a wonderful mother and wife suffered an undetected heart attack and went home to be with Jesus on the weekend. Another dynamic young Pastor’s wife passed into eternity after battling cancer for several months. Many people prayed fervently, cried out to God and did everything they knew to secure healing for these women of God. But they died. They departed from us and went home to be with the Lord in Heaven.
While we stand firm on the promises of God regarding healing, we are often faced with the conundrum of a loved one who is not healed and dies of disease. This experience can either drive us away from or closer to God. The Bible says to draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). I believe He wants to draw us closer to Himself during these times and whisper in our ears words of hope and comfort.
Although most of our questions about such mysteries will not be answered until we also get to Heaven, some comforting secrets are hidden in the pages of God’s wonderful Word and are given to comfort us in the midst of times that could otherwise be very confusing or damaging to our faith.
Here are some of such promises from the Scripture.
Even in the Faith chapter of the Bible- Hebrews 11- the Scripture tells us that some believers died in faith not having received their promises (v. 13). And it says that others were tortured and afflicted (“of whom the world was not worthy”) but they obtained a good testimony through faith (even though they did not receive the promise-v.39).
The Scripture tells us that the “secret things belong to the Lord” and the things that are revealed belong to us (Deut 29:29). There are many things in this life, on this side of eternity that we do not understand, and therefore we must trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean to our own understanding. We may not know the “why” but we can know the “Who”!
We know we are in a war and a great battle for the souls of men. Our ongoing task is to fight the fight of faith (1 Tim 6:12) and resist the devil- and to destroy his evil works of sickness and death (1 John 3:8). The last enemy to be destroyed will be death (1 Cor 15:26) and ultimately Christ and His church will triumph over that as well. There may be casualties in battle, but we will eventually win this war!
We have the sweet assurance that Heaven is an unfathomable reward for the believer. The death of the saints is precious in the eyes of the Lord (Psalm 116:15). Paul actually says it is far better to depart and be with Christ, and that to die is gain (Phil 1:20-23). He even says that he wanted Christ to be magnified in his body, whether by life or by death!
We have this confidence that nothing can separate us from the love of God. (Rom 8:37-39). Even in death we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us! When we walk through this valley, He promises to be with us (Ps 23:4).
With hearts full of faith and trust in the Lord our Healer we will continue to speak the word of faith and healing for people. We have been commissioned to preach the Word and heal the sick (Mark 16:15-20). These momentary contradictions will not hinder us from obeying the Lord and continuing His work. In fact we will retaliate (2 Cor 10:6) with greater fervor and zeal and continue to destroy Satan’s evil works- by preaching and propagating Christ’s healing message.
We embrace the wonderful goodness of God our Heavenly Father (Matt. 7:11). He is still good and will work all things together for our good (Rom 8:28). And even what the enemy meant for evil, He will turn for our good (Gen 50:20).
Don’t allow the enemy of your soul to dishearten you, discourage you or dissuade you from following the Lord and maintaining a strong stand for faith! Don’t let bitterness get into your spirit and poison your life. God is still God, His Word is still true, and Heaven is still worth waiting for.
We pray much more abounding grace on each of you as you continue your faithful fight of faith against the works of the devil. Let’s go to Church this Sunday and pray for some sick folk!
Preparing for a New Year and a New Beginning
We are declaring 2008 at The City Church in Seattle to be the Year of New Beginnings.
- New Grace
- New Wisdom
- New Blessings
- New Peace
- New Provision
- New Territory
- New Strategies
- New Vision
- New Revelation
- New Anointing
- New Levels
- New Manifestations
- New Harvest
- New Church
- New Influence
- New Beginnings!
- New chapters in our Journal of Faith!
God is faithful. He called you, He will also do it. He who started a good work in you will complete it! The end of a thing is greater than the beginning. He is the Author and the Finisher of your faith. He is a sun and a shield; He will give grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from you because you are walking uprightly!
That problem is not too hard!
That challenge is not too hard!
That money is not too hard!
That change is not too hard!
That relationship is not too hard!
That healing is not too hard!
That ministry is not too hard!
That promise He made to you is not too hard!
“There is nothing too hard for the Lord!”
“Nothing is impossible with God”
His grace is greater than our weakness!
His healing is greater than our sickness!
His purpose is more powerful than persecution.
His power is greater than Satan’s devices.
His promises are greater than our problems.
His love is greater than all the things of this life that try to separate us from it.
God will turn our mourning into dancing.
Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning!
His wrath is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime.
All things will work together for our good because we love Him and we are called according to His purpose.
Nothing can separate us from the Love of God!
Even if we walk through the valley of the shadow He will be with us and comfort us!
Goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our life!
Nothing is impossible for us.
Our God will fight for us.
The battle is not ours but God’s.
We are more than conquerors!
He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world.
The God of peace will soon crush Satan underneath our feet.
He will arise and scatter our enemies!
They will come against us one way, but they will flee seven different directions!
No weapon formed against us will prosper!
We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
After we have suffered awhile, the God of all grace will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle us.
His grace is sufficient for us. Even when we are weak we are strong, for then the power of Christ rests upon us.
“Your latter will be greater!”
“You haven’t seen anything yet”
“Your best days and your blessed days are ahead!”
“Your problems don’t equal your promises”
“The devil’s ‘no’ cannot compete with God’s ‘yes’!”
“The best is yet to come!”
I see many wonderful things for the Church in 2008.
I see a fresh and new anointing of authority and revelation on the preaching of the Word. Prodigal children will be coming back to the Lord. A spirit of conviction and the fear of the Lord will come upon people. New converts will flood our altars. Leaders will step up to bear burdens- mentoring and coaching with new levels of grace for leadership.
Prophecies will come to pass and promises will be fulfilled. New intimacy and unity will thrive in marriages. Peace and harmony will come to homes and families. Prayers will be answered. Businesses will prosper in the midst of economic downturn. Creative revelation will come to those who wait upon the Lord. Promotion and favor will come to those who seek Him.
God will open supernatural doors for the Gospel. Our times of intercession will be accompanied by surprising demonstrations of the glory of God. New wineskins will be filled with new wine. There will be outbreaks of healing in our church. And we will see amazing manifestations of the presence of the Lord in our worship.
I see the Lord restoring many things that were stolen.
Seven fold restoration. This will be for many who have sown abundantly, a year of great reaping. We might have gone out weeping, but we will return with joy bringing our sheaves with us!
As we approach this year — this new season, this new beginning — let’s not let the pessimistic, doubt-filled, hell-spawned, negative perspective of the world, the media or the unbelieving critic get to us.
Don’t listen to it. Don’t embrace it. Don’t believe it (faith comes from whatever you are hearing). Meditate in His law day and night (every morning and every evening) and everything you do will prosper and succeed.
We are not to believe the evil reports of many around us. Discouraging statements will come from many sources this year. But we are to believe the report of the Lord.
“Believe in the Lord and you will be established. Believe His prophets and so shall you prosper!”
