- For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. Psalm 75:6-7.
- Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. Daniel 2: 20-22.
- I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2:1-4.
- Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Romans 13:1-7.
- It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. Psalm 118:8-9.
- Although Obama was not my choice for President, I believe ultimately God is in control of who is in office. For whatever reasons He has allowed Obama that responsibility for this season, our trust is in Him and not man. But He requires us to obey those in authority unless they ask us to violate Scripture (Acts 5:27-29), to honor them, and to pray for them.
- Along those lines I can echo Melli’s prayer here and Albert Mohler’s here while sharing Linda’s reservations and concerns here.
- Because we do live in a democracy, our leaders aren’t given carte blanche. We have the right, the privilege, and the responsibility to let our voice be heard in issues important to us in the years ahead.
- I do celebrate the fact that, as a democracy, we can show the world a change of power without rioting and disarray in the country.
- Although I differ with Obama in the areas of pro-life concerns and economics, I think he is personable and knowledgeable, and I celebrate the fact that an African-American has been elected. I still hope for the day when color truly doesn’t matter.
- I’ve been dismayed by the attitude of the Bush-haters that I’ve seen on a few blogs and Facebook updates. My memory isn’t perfect by any means, but when Clinton was in office, for the most part I remember conservatives speaking out about his behavior and stands, but I don’t remember venomous comments against him as a person by more than just a couple of people. Then again, there weren’t blogs and Facebook then.
- After the election Diane posted a wonderful list of things that are true no matter who is elected. Those are good to meditate on today as well.
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I just posted my thoughts as well, and I agree with what you’ve said about Bush.
Even though I’ve doubted some of his actions and decisions in recent months, I can’t believe that there has been so little respect for the office of the President.
I agree with you on every point you’ve made and add my “amen!” to the scriptures. Our trust IS in God, not in man.
And really, Obama should expect for people not to like him very much a few years down the road. Americans are, as a whole, a disatisfied lot and we lose interest quickly. People were glad to be rid of Bush, Sr., Clinton, Bush, Jr. and I predict that they will be glad to see Obama go too when the time comes. What I mean by this is that when the rubber hits the road and people realize that one man can’t fulfill all their dreams, they become disillusioned and want someone new who might have a better chance at solving all of their problems. It wouldn’t matter WHO was in office – the people are generally unhappy at the end of a four year term. Esp. in today’s age with blogs and websites, as you mentioned.
So we only have one option left as to where our hope is placed. ANd it’s the safest most fulfilling place to rest your confidence in!
Excellent post! I am praying for our new president as well. And you are so right that our hope is NOT in a person but in God.
Yes, we do celebrate our democracy today! It’s a wonderful thing and we’re blessed.
There were plenty of nasty comments about Clinton and his zipper.
Yes, Sally, that kind of thing was the subject of comedians’ jokes and preachers’ denunciations, but it was based on his behavior. I don’t remember people just saying they didn’t like him or were counting down the minutes til he left office, etc.
I heard some horrible things in the post office line yesterday, spoken by two men with Irish accents (obviously not American-born). Keep in mind that I am in Canada. As far as I know, these men are not native-born Americans or Canadians.
They both acknowledged that Obama is probably not the savior that the world thinks he is. I agreed with that. One of them said he would be so relieved to have Bush out of office. I don’t even have a problem with that – everyone is allowed their opinion. But then, the other man said he couldn’t wait to see Bush get on the helicopter and leave Washington; in fact, he said, he hoped the plane crashed and killed Bush and everyone on it, the dogs included! I couldn’t believe what I was hearing! The other man had the decency to say he didn’t want Laura and the dogs to die, just Bush! LOL
It made me angry and then sick. To think that two men desired the death of a man they don’t know, whose leadership they have not even experienced, was disturbing. Death? Come on! That’s what the radical Muslims do, kill those who don’t agree with them.
I can see I’m going to have to blog about this. Your post just reminded me of one of the differences between those of a liberal mindset and conservatives. We don’t normally desire the death of our political opponents.
Obama was not my choice for President either, but, as you stated, God has allowed him the position for the time being. I agree that it is our duty to respect the office he holds. We are blessed to live in a country where we have the freedom and privilege to elect our leaders. I also think that no matter who won the presidency that they have their work cut out for them. I wouldn’t want the job!
Me, either, Cindy!!
Susan — that is horrible. I can’t imagine wishing the death of someone on the other side of the political fence. How frightening.
I say “Amen” to this: ‘Although Obama was not my choice for President, I believe ultimately God is in control of who is in office. For whatever reasons He has allowed Obama that responsibility for this season, our trust is in Him and not man.’ Bless you!
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I also differ with Obama’s views on Pro-Life. As I’ve said before I have been Pro-Life all my life! But I did not allow that to stop me from voting for him. I left a comment over on Linda’s post this morning… I don’t know if she will publish it or not though. I don’t agree (at all) with people who judge him on this one issue alone. But… *shrug* … we all have our beliefs.
I like some of what you say, but I highly disagree with this:
Because we do live in a democracy, our leaders aren’t given carte blanche. We have the right, the privilege, and the responsibility to let our voice be heard in issues important to us in the years ahead.
I am a 5 point Calvinist and I think your post goes against that. What right do we have to think we have some kind of “choice” or “free will” if you will, of how our government runs? To me, that is arrogance. What will be will be, whether we like it or not or feel like we have some “duty” to get involved in politics.
Wow, Jack, that is one of the extremist Calvinistic views I ever heard of.
I am not a Calvinist, and I have been thinking about doing a post on that. Perhaps I should do that sooner rather than later.
It is not arrogant to think we have free will. It is all over the Bible. “Whosoever will…” is repeated several times. There are many passages about yielding (which is relinquishing our wills to His), rewards for doing so and punishment or chastening for not doing so.
I am not saying we have a duty to get involved in politics per se — I am not one of those who feels we should “recleaim the culture” (That’s nowhere in the Bible), but if our leaders do something we’re against, in this country we can say so. This is supposed to be a government “by the people and for the people.” Our leaders are supposed to represent us. So if one proposes a bill I don’t believe in, yes, I can write them about it and vote my conscience (or don’t you believe in voting as an expression of one’s will. either?) I wouldn’t do that for every little thing (who could keep up with it all?) but for major things like the Freedom of Choice act, yes, I can and should speak up.
We have numerous examples of people speaking to leaders in the Old Testament with the prophets. Even in a supposed theocracy God sent people to tell the kings of Israel to do or not do certain things. I am not saying writing to a representative is being a prophet, I am just saying that is an example of someone speaking to a leader about something he should or should not do.
Have you never read Ezekiel 33:1-19 about the watchman who was responsible to warn people that an enemy was coming? If he did not do so and the people perished, their blood was on his hands. If he did warn them and they did not listen, he had fulfilled his obligation and they were responsible for themselves. That shows both responsibility to speak and free will in hearing.
Barbara, this is a great forum for exchange and I apologize if I have taken it off topic, in your opinion. Although, I really don’t think it’s off topic at all. Theology (Calvinism) pervades all areas of life, whether one agrees with it or not. I remember the 80’s when Christians got involved heavily in politics so they could “make a difference.” That was so futile, and it still is. Our leaders are appointed and whether one gets involved or not makes no difference. Those with issues with Calvinism seem to have the innate ability to twist scriptures around and make it seem say whatever they want it to. I don’t mean that as an unkind remark, by the way. I am not trying to be ungracious. I believe you have simply been misguided by the false Arminian teachings which are rampant in American contemporary teaching. If anything, I am disheartened that so many Americans today are following a false teaching and they are wasting their time by being “politically active” when it sadly matters not one bit. Your references to so-called free will and free choice are classic arguments that have been debunked elsewhere. I don’t want to derail the thread by getting into theological discusssions here. But I do find that these Arminian beliefs make a huge comeback especially during elections when Americans think they have somehow “chosen” a new leader.
Jack, a personal blog is not the same thing as a forum. There are plenty of forums where you can debate Calvinism to your heart’s content.
I was not listing “classic arguments.” I was listing clear Scripture. Your belief system has colored your understanding.
I don’t think we’re going to convince each other of anything, so I really don’t want to engage in this dialogue any more.
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