God Is In Control

11/04/2010

Good Morning!

Norma shared with me that her deacon told her that my friend, Jim Dowd, has gone home to be with Jesus. Jim and I were in the Clayton Alliance for Summer Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” in 2002. Jim also participated in the reenactments of the Battle of Jonesboro. A fine gentleman stricken with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) is now safe in the arms of our Savior.

You know I have been so blessed with good friends from several avenues of life – work, church, school, theatre, sports – the list goes on. God has presented me with a cornucopia of people from all walks of life; from different cultures and ethnicity. And those relationships have enriched me in ways I can never adequately describe. What a blessing each of you are to me.

Well, the election is finally over. I am so glad I am no longer getting those automated phone calls from candidates wanting my vote. I was getting phone calls for candidates in Fulton County races (and I live in Clayton County).

I don’t know how you voted – and I don’t want to know. I am certain that our readers are a mixture of conservatives and liberal and middle of the roaders. So not all of you are sad and not all of you are happy with the results from last night. But here’s a key to remember – each person elected deserves our support – even if we disagree with their approach to policy. Here’s what Paul wrote about our responsibility:

Romans 13:1-7 (New International Version)
Submission to Governing Authorities
1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Now some might argue that we cannot trust certain individuals in authority. I am not going to argue the point other than to say that when we are obedient to God’s direction, God takes the responsibility to discipline the one in authority. Take King Saul as a for instance. He disobeyed God and misused the trust God gave him. What happened to him? Or consider old Nebby (King Nebuchadnezzar) who went nuts when he was disobedient to God. We tend to forget that God is the ultimate decider when it comes to who is in charge. So, no matter how your candidate turned out in the election on Tuesday, you can be assured that God will bless His people.

Agape’


Mr. Jim

New Prayer Need:

Jim Dowd family

Shared Praises: