Election Prayers and Scripture Guide

Scripture states that Christians should be praying for their leaders. How should/can we be praying during this election? Are their specific Scriptures that we can meditate on? I hope this is helpful for you and you family as Election Tuesday quickly approaches.  

1 Timothy 2:1-4 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Jeremiah 29:7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

Titus 3:1-2 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
VotersWisdom will be sought from God (James 1:5).Self-interest will be laid aside for the common good.Discernment between truth and falsehood will be clear. Would trust God regardless of outcome. Restoration of strained relationships caused from disunity over the election. 

CandidatesThey will submit to the Lordship of Jesus. (salvation, growth, repentance) They will find a local church community to walk, grow, and serve. (accountability, pastoral care)  They will take brave stands for righteousness, even when it may not be well received.Their families will be protected from harm and unnecessary scrutiny.They will surround themselves with godly and wise advisors.They will focus on the issues we face as a nation and not on personal attacks. They would lead with humility, wisdom, and discernment.  They would be faithful to their spouse and family. They would set an example in being generous, kind, gracious, compassionate and humble. 

Media Outlets Truth in reporting and election coverage will become a high value.Media bias will disappear on both sides.Christianity will receive fair coverage in all reports.Hope will become a part of the message of the media.

Election’s Impact Voters will consider the foreign policies of candidates and how they align with biblical principles.The result of U.S. elections will serve to spread the gospel around the globe.The U.S. will stand in its commitment to Israel’s right to exist as a nation.A commitment to the sanctity & dignity of all human lives. 

Purposes of GodPray that the U.S. will turn and seek God and His Kingdom.Pray that God will be honored in the midst of this election campaign.Pray for opportunities for Christians to share their faith and their values in the midst of this election process.Pray that the results of the elections will please the Lord and release His blessing.             

Additional Reading: Romans 13, Proverbs 8:15, 21:1, and Daniel 4:25

Daddy & Layne's Top 5 American Girl Dolls

Daddy & Layne's Top 5 Disney Movies

 

My Personal "Affordable Health Care Act" Insurance Story

My Personal "Affordable Health Care Act" Insurance Story
Let me be clear...I'm grateful for the medical industry and the medical care my family has personally received. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to have an insurance plan for my family. I live in the medical care capitol of the entire world. The following is my story and is not a complaint. When we share our story things often began to change.
According to Guidestone (my baptist medical insurance company at the time), "Due to the "affordable health care act" your medical insurances cost are going up this year" I decided to shop my medical insurance for 1st time in more than 7 yrs. I went with Miller & Loughery which had basically the same plan for a much better rate. They also had all my other insurances and everything stayed pretty much to same. I was happy enough. The next year Miller & Loughery said "Due to "affordable health care act" your medical insurances cost are going up this year." So I decided to at least check out obamacare on the exchange. I reluctantly decided to move to a high deductible HSA which did lower my insurance monthly premiums and we added that difference to the HSA account. Through out the entire last 12 years, we still had Blue Cross Blue Shield so we had the same doctors. Last month we received a letter from BCBS & later one from the exchange stating that BCBS was pulling out of the exchange and our of our state altogether. The letter from the exchange added "not to worry there are several other options". Being on my day off, I decided to revisit my past health insurance providers to see their options from this year. Here is what I discovered:
1. Miller & Loughery: NOT even offering Health Insurance anymore due to regulations from "affordable health care act". BCBS has pulled out of the state and changed how they even offer insurance. NO more local agents.
2. Guidestone: Can't enroll you unless you have a major "life experience". You must have just graduated from seminary, got married, had a child, or changed jobs. I'm kinda already married, graduated seminary, had a kid, and don't want to quit my great church. It's the effects of the new regulations from "affordable health care act".
My only choice is to buy another insurance plan through the exchange. It won't be a BCBS plan since they've opted out.
There are only 3 options from here.
1. This thing gets figured out and stabilizes soon
2. We simply return to the former ways
3. We move to a fully gov't single payer plan

Partial Birth Abortion Exchange At The Presidential Debate

In last night’s 3^rd and final debate, there was an exchange between the candidates on abortion which quickly moved to partial birth abortions. With Trump’s propensity to exaggerate, many are left wondering if he did so during the exchange. So what’s the truth on partial birth abortions? I must admit that I’m 38 years old and didn't know the details of partial birth abortions.       

According to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. “Only 1.2 percent of abortions—about 12,000 a year– take place after 21 weeks.” Did you catch that? This mean 12,000 abortions annually are conducted at the end of the 5^th month (1 week from 6^th month) through the completion of the 9^th month. Why is the 12,000 a BIG deal?

What exactly is a partial birth abortion?

The official medical term is a "dilation and extraction," or “D&X”. Ohio physician, Martin Haskell, devised his D&X procedure to find a way to perform second-trimester abortions without an overnight hospital stay, because local hospitals did not permit most abortions after 18 weeks. The partial birth abortion is a medical procedure to remove a fetus/child from the mother’s womb by dilating a pregnant woman's cervix, then pulling the baby feet first out of the mother until only the head remains inside because the U.S. Supreme Court stated “intact D&E remains legal as long as there is first a feticidal injection while the fetus is still completely inside of the mother's body.” Then an instrument is used to puncture the child’s head so a tube can be inserted to suck out its brain which will collapse the head so the child can be removed easily without damage to the women’s cervix. Don't believe me?  Brenda Pratt Shafer, a registered nurse from Dayton, Ohio, assisted Dr. Haskell in a Partial Birth Abortion described the procedure as she testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee (on 11/17/95) about what she witnessed in the same manner in which I described only with even more horrific details and pictures. I can’t even bring myself to show you the pics. I will say that a child as described is ONLY 4 inches away from being considered by every person in the U.S. as murdered. The Doctor preforming the procedure is 4 inches away from being sentenced to prison by our judicial system for murder.   

Who’s having partial birth abortions?

Although debated, many if not most have extreme sympathy for a mother in a case when her life is in danger. We must ask the question, is that the situation for most partial birth abortions?  

In 1993, the American Medical News conducted a tape-recorded interview with Dr. Haskell, in which he said: “And I'll be quite frank: most of my abortions are elective in that 20-24 week range. . . . In my particular case, probably 20% are for genetic reasons. And the other 80% are purely elective.” Other doctors have confirmed similar findings throughout the debate over numerous years.

Numerous states began to pass laws banning partial birth abortions starting first with Ohio in 1995. 28 more states followed by 2000.  

In 2003, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act (H.R. 760, S. 3) was signed into law; the House passed it on October 2 with a vote of 281-142, the Senate passed it on October 21 with a vote of 64-34, and President George W. Bush signed it into law on November 5.

In 2004, three lawsuits were filled by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the National Abortion Federation, and abortion doctors in Nebraska to challenge the ban. After winning, the three cases were all appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, and were consolidated into the case Gonzales v. Carhart. On April 18, 2007, the Supreme Court voted to uphold the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act by a decision of 5-4. Justice Kennedy wrote for the majority and was joined by Justices Thomas, Scalia, Alito, and Chief Justice Roberts. A dissenting opinion was written by Justice Ginsburg and joined by Justices Stevens, Souter and Breyer.

As of today, 43 states have some level of ban or restrictions on partial birth abortions. So why was this brought up at last night’s debate? CLEARLY THE DEBATE IS NOT OVER. There will be lower court rulings of the ban as unconstitutional. There will be more challenges before the Supreme Court. Thus, the reason the 1^st question in last night’s debate was on the appointment of Supreme Court Justices. The presidential debate recognized the importance of the next president’s choice for appointments to the Supreme Court.  

Watch the exchange on partial birth abortion at last night’s presidential debate here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/politics/clinton-trump-spar-over-partial-birth-abortion-during-third-debate/2016/10/19/7a7c2734-9657-11e6-9cae-2a3574e296a6_video.html

Bible Verses for Those Struggling with Depression

What’s the Bible says about depression and how to fight it. I pray these Bible versus will be an encouragement to you. I pray that you will find the ultimate peace and joy that comes ONLY from Jesus. Thought the help of the Holy Sprit you can overcome depression in the midst of ALL circumstances and feelings. You are known and love by the creator of the universe and He’s NOT left you to suffer alone or to live alone. Jesus say’s that He came to give abundant life! Carefully and prayerfully read, memorize, pray, and recite the following verses.

John 10:10 
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 

Philippians 4:8
 
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 

Deuteronomy 31:8
 
8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” 

Psalm 34:17
 17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 

Psalm 40:1-3

1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him. 

Psalm 3:3
 
3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. 

Psalm 32:10
 
10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. 

Psalm 42:11
 
11 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 

1 Peter 5:6-7
 

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 

John 16:33
 
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

Romans 8:38-39
 
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
 
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 

1 Peter 4:12-13
 
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 

Psalm 37:23-24
 
23 The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; 24 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. 

Isaiah 41:10
 
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

Prayers:
To see yourself as God see’s you. 
To believe and experience the “abundant life” Jesus spoke about in John 10:10 
To see all that God has done for me in Christ Jesus. 
To change my thoughts and meditation to match up with God’s thoughts and meditations. 
To wait patiently on Jesus to move or act. 
To trust God’s plan and ways over mine. 
To praise God even when I don't feel like it. To grow in my trust of God.

Pastoral and Prayerful Thoughts on the Presidential Election

What does a president do? Does it matter if I vote? Yes, it truly matters. Presidents represent our country internationally, lead our military, and sets policy. However, we're not just electing a president in November. We're voting also for cabinet members, appointees over gov't depts, federal judges, appellant judges, and even supreme court judges. All of whom matter and indeed set policy which sets the trajectory of our nation. After prayer, study, and consideration, I'd like to give some pastoral comments on the presidential election in November. 

Here are some helpful principles: 

1. Don't lie or over exaggerate. Don't believe everything on the internet. Don't share things that you know are untrue or questionable. 
2. Pray and trust God without fear. It's exactly what the Bible says to do.
3. Actually vote! Studies show most Christians don't. It's good stewardship and it really does matter. 
4. Show love and grace in difference with your brothers and sisters in Christ. We can't just throw out clear bible teaching for the election season. When all of earth is no longer, we will still be family
5. Vote biblical consciences. Study the principles revealed in the Bible and study the candidates positions. 
6. Spend most of your energy and focus on being heavenly minded. Nothing's more important than sharing Christ and helping people grow! The presidential candidates aren't little gods that will save us from anything. The gospel is the only means of salvation! Are you as passionate about sharing Jesus as you are sharing your political views? 

Adoption vs Abortion: What’s the BEST decision? (NOT a political post)

It’s often assumed that the only option for dealing with an unplanned pregnancy is an abortion. It’s simply NOT true. It’s also NEVER the best option when weighed against the alternative. As a parent waiting for a child to adopt, I’ve been thinking deeply about this subject. So with boldness and grace I submit my thoughts on the subject of adoption vs abortion for women experiencing an unwanted pregnancy.     

1. Adoption is the cheaper alternative to an abortion.  

Financial cost of adoption for the birth mom is $0 vs abortion $500-$2000. The medical cost when an adoption has been arranged is passed on to the adoptive parents. I know this personally. Domestic adoptions cost the adoptive parents approx $30,000 which includes the birth mothers medical. Jessica and I aren’t complaining about rather we’re privileged to do it.                   

2. Adoption ends with giving life vs abortion which ends with death (at best ends with the lack of life). 

I’ve never known a women that’s had an abortion and feels great about it. I’ve never had this women in my office celebrating the decision. I’ve never viewed a Facebook post in which a women celebrates having an abortion. Most abortions are done in secret, in desperation, without wise council, and without consideration of a better alternative.      

3. In Adoption you can feel good about the choice vs potentially feeling guilt and shame about the choice. 

In the US, the decision is solely the responsibility of pregnant women. She has all the authority and responsibility to make the decision that she thinks is best. When she makes the decision she must wrestle  with what’s best for her vs what’s best for the child. This means she will also carry the sole burden of the results of her decision. No-one else can carry this for her. The fact is she will carry the memory of giving birth and blessing a family in adoption or carry the memory of taking a life. It’s just a fact that must be stated.   

Please note: Abortion is not an unforgivable sin. Jesus died for that too. The church should be there for a women who’s had an abortion. However, Jesus doesn't remove the natural consequences.  

Every decision has consequences and lasting implications. This decision, responsibility, and burden is placed alone on the shoulders of the women facing an unwanted pregnancy. My fatherly & pastorally advice is to find some wise council and make the BEST decision. There are lots of adoptive parents waiting for a child to be placed into their family!          

Revelation Review (Chapter 1-13)

The Book of Revelation Outline by Chapters

Chapter 1: Intro & blessing

 LEARNED: Jesus’ people are obviously different than the culture in which they live.  

Chapter 2-3: Jesus’ report to the 7 churches of Asia Minor 

1.     Ephesus

a.     Good doctrine

b.     Loss of 1^st love

c.     Remember & repent

2.     Smyrna

a.     Endured persecution & spiritually rich

b.     Stay faithful

3.     Pergamum

a.     Held fast to Christ

b.     Accepted false teaching

c.     Told to repent

4.     Thyatira

a.     Growing love & good deeds

b.     Tolerant of sin & lack of discernment

c.     Told to Hold fast & keep doing good works

5.     Sardis

a.     NOTHING GOOD

b.     Dead works

c.     Told to repent 

6.     Philadelphia

a.     Patient endurance & NOT denying Jesus’ name.

b.     NOTHING BAD

c.     Keep doing what you’re doing!

7.     Laodicea

a.     NOTHING GOOD

b.     Spiritually blind, bankrupt, naked, and lukewarm. 

c.     Will spit you out of Christ’s mouth.

Learned:

What We DO & BELIEVE both matter to God!  

Repentance is a mark of God’s people.  

Chapter 4: Heaven revealed

Chapter 5: Only Jesus is worthy to take the scroll from God the Father’s right hand and open its seals.

Learned:

1.     That's God’s plan to redeem the earth back to Himself & it’s original state prior to the fall in Genesis 3.

2.     Jesus is worthy of worship & praise & thankfulness for His role! We commit ourselves to His LORDSHIP!

Chapter 6: 6 of the 7 Seals Opened.  

Seals

1White horse (counterfeit Christ)

a.     Comes in peace & Brings peace for a time

b.     Restores the Temple in Jerusalem

c.     Until he enters & declares himself God   

2Red horse (war)

3 Black horse (famine)

a.     Natural result of war

b.     Came with a pair of scales

4 Pale Horse (pestilence & death)

5Martyrs under the alter

a.     Crying out with ALL saints for God to answer their prayers & deal with sin & Satan! 

b.     Jesus lets them know HE will answer. He has heard. Waiting on the last few believers!

6.Physical changes in Heaven & on Earth.

a.     Earthquake, sun black, full moon like blood, stars falling to earth.

b.     People fleeing to the mountains

Chapter 7: Intermission following the opening of the 6^th Seal.

Chapter 8-9: The 7^th Seal opened which opened 7 trumpet judgments. 

7 Trumpet Judgments

1.     Hail & fire mixed with blood cast on land – burned up 1/3 earth

2.     Burning mountain cast into sea– 1/3 turned to blood

3.     Burning stars fall on rivers and springs – 1/3 bitter

4.     1/3 of sun moon and stars darkened.

5.     Demons from the abyss to wreak havoc on the earth. 1/3 of people killed

6.     Invasion from the east killing 1/3^rd of mankind

7.     Opening of the Bowl Judgements

Chapter 10-11: Intermission following the start of the 6^th trumpet judgment

Chapter 11: The 7^th Trumpet judgments 

Chapter 12: The women and the dragon (Israel & Satan)

Learned: Satan has tried to stop Gods plan many times in many ways.

*Chapter 12 – 15 is the interim between the last Trumpet (7) & the 1^st Bowl Judgment

Chapter 13: The 2 Beast (Antichrist & False Prophet)

Learned: The beast was a combination & culmination of the beast in Daniels dream in Daniel 7. 

the 7 churches in Asia Minor 

the beast described in Revelation 13 which is made up of the beasts in Daniel 7

the beasts described in Daniel 7 which will culminate into the beast of Revelation 13 

the statue described in Daniel 2 which are the nations that would come after that point which will culminate into the final beast 

timeline of events in Revelation (debatable) 

I'm looking forward to preaching the remainder of the Book of Revelation over the next several weeks!