The Peace of Jerusalem
What does the Psalmist mean when he writes, “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” in Psalm 122:6?
With the recent military struggles in Gaza the evangelical Church in America is once again calling for concentrated prayer for Israel and there will most definitely be a charge to support the Jews with money and other resources.
While I believe that we should pray for Israel I’m not sure that our prayers for Israel nationally and militarily are exactly what God has in mind. It seems that the Church has become rather myopic in its perspective regarding Israel.
Clearly God loves the Jews…but does He not love the Palestinians equally?
Certainly the terrorism that takes place in Israel is tragic, but is Israel completely without fault? Now don’t get me wrong. I believe that the land called Palestine belongs to the nation of Israel and that the Jews have every right to be there because it was given to them by God, but I don’t think that makes them blameless in this crisis. Israel is a godless country and until they turn to Jesus there will be no peace in Jerusalem.
I read this article on a pastor’s blog that I write for and frequent. It’s written by Shaun Sells who is the pastor of Calvary Chapel in Cheyenne, WY . Shaun does a great job of making the point I’m proposing here. (more…)
Random Thoughts
After the election and all the hype leading up to it I’ve got a few random thoughts and questions rolling around in my head.
Have a great Weekend! May you draw close to Jesus and point others to him.
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1. I never thought Barack Obama was a terrorist that desires to lead our nation into Jihad.
2. If Obama is not a terrorist he has a really poor choice of friends.
3. How long will it take some of the prophecy conference guys to link Obama’s choice of Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel, an Orthodox Jew, as his chief of staff to his eventual peace treaty with Israel?
4. I don’t think Obama is the anti-christ either.
5. Why is the Church perpetually in bed with the Republicans? Don’t think it’s true…how many Christian’s would have vilified McCain if he was running on the Democratic ticket?
6. Speaking of John McCain, where was the McCain that gave the concession speech on Tuesday night, during the campaign?
7. If Jesus were alive today would the GOP and the Dems be the equivalent to the Sadducees and Pharisees?
8. If heaven is so awesome why are we so afraid of death?
9. The Church is to be looking for the blessed hope (the Return of Jesus) but apparently we are to fight against any event that might lead up to it with all of our power.
10. When the Church begins to love people with an authentic Biblical love and model Jesus in our lives we will revolutionize our cities and blow the doors off of our fellowships.
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16)
Saddleback Civic Forum
I finally got a chance to watch the discussion that Rick Warren had with presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama.
First of all I was impressed with the entire forum. I thought both Senators McCain and Obama did a fabulous job of answering Rick’s questions.
Secondly I was shocked with how much of Obama’s answers I actually agreed with. I wasn’t expecting that and I continue to learn that my preconceived notions about people are not always acurate.
Thirdly I still plan on voting for John McCain. Not because he’s a Republican. In fact it has nothing to do with that whatsoever. I believe that he holds policies and views that will allow America to go forward successfully in the future. I was thoroughly impressed with his succinct and candid answers. I think his experience militarily and his vision economically will better serve our country in these difficult times in which we live.
I really encourage you to watch this as I think it will help you to be a more informed citizen and voter.
Predictions
Some predictions…not important stuff or things that will cost me my life if I’m wrong but just some ideas of what will go down in the world of sports and politics.
Not Feelin' It
I haven’t felt real inspired lately. Therefore I haven’t written anything in a few days. It probably stems from the fact that I’ve been sick as a dog since Christmas. Like most men I refused to go to the doctor until it got so bad that I had to. I’m now on some powerful antibiotics and hopefully I will return to the land of the living soon.
My Seahawks did beat the Redskins 35-14 in the Wild Card round of the NFC playoffs. They will now travel to Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI. to face a very good Packers team in a very tough place to play on the road. The Seahawks will need to play equally as good defensively as they did against the Redskins and they will need to shore up that offense that seemed to struggle a bit. Be sure to carve out some time to root for the Hawks on Saturday, January 12th at 1:30pm (Fox).
The New Hampshire primary takes place today. Barack Obama who took Iowa last week is projected to take the Granite State by double digits as well. If this projection proves to be true this might be the beginning of the end for the Hill and Bill show.
On the Republican side, John McCain is holding onto a slim lead over the self-made Mormon (Romney) who surged in the polls after a good showing in the Republican debate on Sunday night. Mike Huckabee who came out of no where to take Iowa is projected to finish third in New Hampshire. This is no surprise as the southern evangelical doesn’t resonate well with the sophisticated secular residents of New Hampshire. The other Republican candidates seem to be really struggling and it makes you wonder how long guys like Fred Thompson and Rudy can hold on.
I hope that you’re feeling better than I am. Have a great day and may Jesus be our focus no matter who wins this year’s presidential race. 