From the Pastor’s Desk:
Pray Especially for Rulers
The Election is upon us. In just a few days we will have the opportunity to exercise our freedom as citizens of a democracy by going to the voting booth and making a choice with regard to our Governor, Senator, State Representatives, and many local offices as well.
Elections can fill us with cynicism. Elections often highlight the divisions we have in our country in terms of priorities, goals, and strategies for getting there. Campaign rhetoric often devolves into name calling and rumor mongering. Often, our strongest
reaction to election season is a desire for it to be over.
But, we are blessed to live in a country where we have a voice in the way our nation is governed. We can vote, we can campaign on behalf of candidates, we can run for office ourselves. And, perhaps most importantly, we can pray. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says:
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Paul wrote these words at a time when Nero was Emperor of the Roman Empire. Nero was not a good man. He had his own mother and two of his wives killed. When a fire destroyed much of Rome and threatened his reign, he laid the blame on Christians and had a number of them executed in horrible and public ways. Some historians believe him to be the most criminally insane ruler to ever lead a major world power.
And yet, Paul urged Timothy to pray for Nero. If the early Christians could pray for leaders like that, we can certainly pray for the candidates being offered to us this year. So, what should we pray? I have five suggestions:
Pray that our leaders would come to salvation. The next two verses in 1 Timothy say: “3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4) As Christians, our first priority should always be that others know and love Jesus. So pray that if leaders do not know Him, that they will come to know Him. And if they do, pray that they will grow ever deeper in their relationship with Him.
Pray for the health and safety of our leaders. In Ezra 6:10 the non-believing King Darius asks the faithful people of Jerusalem to pray for the well-being of the king and his sons. It is appropriate to pray that God would protect the lives of those in leadership.
Pray that our leaders would execute justice. 1 Peter 2:14 says one of the chief responsibilities of the government is “to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.” Pray that our leaders would embrace that responsibility and, especially, that they would have a clear understanding of what is wrong and what is right.
Pray that our leaders will govern with wisdom for the welfare of all. Jeremiah 29:7 reminds us to seek the peace and prosperity of the city in which we live, because if it prospers we will prosper. Pray that our leaders will govern in a way that allows us to live peaceful and quiet lives.
Pray that God will turn the hearts of our leaders where He pleases. Proverbs 21:1 reminds us that no matter who holds earthly positions of authority, they are still under the sovereign control of the almighty God. In the same way, Psalm 2 tells us that God laughs at those earthly rulers who think they can defy Him.
So, no matter how contentious or strange the election gets, Christians must not lose sight of the bigger picture: God is still enthroned in heaven, and His will shall be done on earth. It is our privilege to come before Him and pray for our leaders and our nation, and it is a task we should take up with all earnestness.
November Birthdays
3 Chase Jones
4 Jay Bushbaum
5 Beth Muilenburg
6 Brett Stirling, Daniel Thorne
11 Jamie Osterbuhr
12 Kristol Ulrich
13 Susan Negan
14 Ruth Seehusen
30 Wendy Dralle
November Anniversaries
10 Curt & Kelly Henrichs
15 Ryan & Kristen Fleshner
Greeting & Refreshments for Fellowship Time
November 1 – Matt & Michelle Eberline, Daniel & Lee Shafer
November 8 —Sam & Ami Cordes, Wendy Dralle
November 15 – Ryan & Kristen Fleshner, Steve & Angie Van Ellen
November 22 - David & Kelly Thorne, Dave & Sue White
November 29 - Ethan & Shelby Ulfers, Robert & Kristen Wix
November Sound/Projector Operator Schedule
November 1 - Tim Junker
November 8 – Isaac Trees
November 15 - James Seehusen
November 22 - Ryan Fleshner
November 29 - TBD
Video Operator Schedule
November 1 - Lucas Junker
November 8 - Chad Osterbuhr
November 15 - Michael Shafer
November 22 - Jodi Bangasser
November 29 - TBD
November Praise Team Schedule
November 1 - Praise Team 1 (Denise)
November 8 - Praise Team 2 (Kelly)
November 15 - Praise Team 3 (Greta)
November 22 - Praise Team 4 (Denise)
November 29 - TBD