Post Election... What Really Matters

 

John 21:22  (Paraphrase)

"Never mind John, Peter -  you keep your eyes on Me."

So I wasn't going to even post today.  But when you're as passionate about politics as I am - you can be elated in many areas; borderline depressed in others.

First of all, let me share why I'm so passionate about politics.   When I started falling in love with Jesus back in the late '90's - I began seeing the Bible and politics intricately connected.   Hence, my zeal.

Fast forward to today -

I think the reason my lines can easily skew is that I want elections to fix the injustice caused by our increasing secular, godless society.   But if this where my eyes are, they are in the wrong place and I will forever be disappointed and emotionally like a yo-yo.    Today, I've been reminded NOT to focus my eyes on an institution.  But instead - a Person.

My quiet time has helped my roller coaster of emotions.  The Lord reminded me that since I belong to Him, HE is the Foundation, not

• A political process or 
• A political candidate or 
• An ideology -

But my Foundation is Jesus and Him alone.  My eyes need to be kept on HIM, because He is:

• THE King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and
• He will one day return and rule in truth and in justice (Rev. 19:2)  Yes, He will one day return to planet earth and will rule for 1000 years.  This may seem foreign to so many - but it's in the Bible - read it for yourself.  Revelation 19-21.

He reminded me that He does not see Democrat or Republican - He sees the lost (those who have not acknowledged Jesus as Savior) and His Church (those who belong to Him.)

As I was reading in Revelation 20 this morning, I was reminded about the books...  Oh mercy, THE BOOKS...

"Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it...  And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. 
Pause and picture what that must look like...

Another book was opened, which is the Book of Life.  The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.  
Pause - talk about justice...  But think about this truth:
For every human being, their everyday actions matter and are recorded in a book - THE BOOK - the One that Really Matters for all eternity.  Judged by the Only ONE who can bring true Justice... 
Sobering, sobering thought. 
So regardless of our cultural norms, each one of us will give an account of ourselves to God. (Romans 14:12)

 

 If any one's name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Is your name written in this Book?  Mine is.  It was written there the day I confessed that I was a sinner in need of God's mercy - only found in His Son, Jesus.

I invited Him to come into my life that day.  Even though I didn't understand all that it meant, I believed by faith...  And my name was forever recorded in this Book. 

Can you remember the day you - personally did this?  If you cannot, please contact us.  We will pray with you and help you so that your name CAN be written in THIS BOOK.

 

Yes, jobs, the economy and the various social issues that are near and dear to so many of our hearts are important.  But if our foundation is anything other than Jesus - not only will our lives be a perpetual yo-yo, but one day, we may be really sorry - because ALL of us will stand before God and give an account.

So, never mind the elections,  (insert your name).  You keep your eyes on Me."

Iron Sharpens Iron is Friday!

 

Hebrews 3:13

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

 

Phyllis Foy and I in Hendersonville, NC - late September 2012
We were both keynote speakers for a "Generations Conference."  Phyllis represented the older generation.  I represented the younger.  It was a very unique conference.  And an honor to share the stage with this amazing woman.

Next Luncheon Date:

Friday, November 9, 2012

Click HERE 
To receive Pre-Registration Rate

Special Rate ENDS TODAY!

General Session

11:30am – 1:00pm, (No workshop this month)

Speaker: Phyllis Foy

Keeping your Marriage from Growing Stale and Seeking the Escape Plan

Married at 16, Phyllis has been married to Bob Foy for 52 years. Prior to becoming Southern Baptist Missionaries 7 years ago and traveling throughout the United States, they owned an electrical company in Mooresville. They owned and operated this business for 40 years.

Did you catch that? They've worked together 47 of the 52 years they've been married!

Not only that, but the trials this woman has faced, such the death of her adult son a few years ago and the toll this can take on a marriage...

Come and learn from this amazing Titus woman who will have you belly laughing while bruising your toes from stepping on them so hard at the same time.

 

Personal Note about Phyllis:

More than anything, I want my walk to match my talk.  There are some days - it doesn't match so well.  So if God prompts me to share - I'll share the failures.  I do this because I always appreciate the REAL in people.  The masks and the perfect and the phony baloney Christianity make me sick.  We've all got our "stuff" we deal with - even the speaker on the stage.  So more than anything, transformation in my life happens when the message comes from someone I can relate to - THE IMPERFECT vessel who's being used by the PERFECT!  (Jesus, Himself!)

My point in sharing all this:  Phyllis is the real deal.  (Not that our other ISI speakers have not - actually "real deal" kind of speakers have become a must to even be considered.)   Phyllis shares from her heart - the good, the bad and the ugly.  I think that's what makes her a FAVORITE at Women's Conferences - her classes book to capacity because people who know of her are drawn to her Jesus.

You will not want to miss Phyllis!

Open to ALL Women

$20 for preregistration - This rate ends Wednesday, November 7th, 2012
Click HERE!

$25 After Wednesday, November 7th and at the door

MacGregor Downs Country Club,

Cary NC

Friday, November 9th

Will Your Vote Stand the Test of Fire?

 

1 Corinthians 3:10

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it.  But each one should be careful how he builds.

If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light.  It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 

 

1 Corinthians 4:2

Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

 

How blessed we are to have the privilege of voting in the United States.  Wars have been fought; men and women have lost their lives so that you and I could have a voice in the public arena.  I think of the women in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, China, North Korea and many other nations who have not been given the right to vote.  But, we in America have been given this amazing right.  It's a sacred trust!

 

I've been told that of the 60 million evangelical Christian women, only 30 million actually vote.*   And of this number, the 40 and younger demographic, tend to stay home.

 

Don't stay at home!  Go and vote, if you have not already. 

 

On Tuesday afternoon, I'll be taking my children with me to our voting precinct.  We are a family who votes in EVERY election.  Even in off years.  And whether they like it or not,  my kids come with me.  (They are excited about going this year!)  I think it's important to make them part of the process if at all possible.

 

And as Fayeson Tilley, a KGM Board Member challenged us last week, (Read it HERE if you missed it.  It's powerful), inspect the fruit against what each candidate stands for...

 

Will your vote for or against stand the test of fire in all eternity?  (Profound thought.)  Based upon 1 Corinthians 4:2, I believe we will be held accountable for the trust we've been given.

 

Powerful video - take a look.  It's only 2 minutes.

 
Make your vote count before the Eyes of Eternity.

Wallbuilders *