Divisions in Our Country

I wonder where our country is as we approach the National Election next Tuesday. There is so much hate and division within our country right now. It doesn't matter whether or not you are voting for Obama or McCain because it looks as if our country will still be divided even after the election. The book of Ephesians says we are to be one...Faith, Baptism, Community. One...I think the most important issue in this election season is how we can be one. I imagine as God looks down on the earth right now that God is not happy with how God's people are treating each other; so much for loving your neighbor as yourself. My hope and prayer for our nation is to focus on loving each other with the same intensity as we despise others during this election season. God is good...all the time. Amen.

Quiet Assurance...

I commented the other day about the hectic world around us which never rests. It is hard to be in the world and not of the world but that is the challenge which God has placed before us. I have experienced this challenge working in the church. Budgets are tight, people are worried about their jobs, and nothing in the national news seems to be going well. The challenge is seeking out quiet assurance. We must seek out and believe in the quiet assurance of God for us. We cannot control the world around us but through prayer, we can a little more confidence through the power of the Holy Spirit. My encouragement to you today is to have "quiet assurance" in what God has done, is doing, and will do in your life. Amen.