Something to think/pray about....

I read this and thought I should post it...


Grateful for (Almost) Any Government
November 4, 2008 | By: John Piper
Category: Commentary

How does the Bible instruct us to pray for “all who are in high positions”? It says,

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. (1Timothy 2:1-4).

A few observations:

1. Giving thanks “for kings” is hard when they are evil.

And, as Calvin said on this passage, “All the magistrates of that time were sworn enemies of Christ.” This shows us that anarchy is a horrible alternative to almost any ruler.

We should give thanks for rulers because “non-rule” would unleash on us utterly unbridled evil with no recourse whatever.

Again Calvin: “Unless they restrained the boldness of wicked men, the whole world would be full of robberies and murders.” The better we understand the seething evil of the human heart that is ready to break out where there is no restraint, the more thankful we will be for government.

2. The effect we pray for is “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly, and dignified in every way.”

Dignified means “serious and reverent,” not stuffy. I suspect what Paul means is not that we can’t live godly and serious lives during times of anarchy. We can. I suspect he means that peaceful and quiet lives, which are the opposite of anarchy, are often wasted in ungodly and frivolous actions.

So he is praying for a government that would give peace and quiet (not anarchy), and that Christians would not fritter away their peaceful lives with the world, but would be radically godly and serious about the lost condition of the world and how to change it.

3. Using our peace for radical godliness and serious action will lead to more effective evangelism and world missions.

This last observation is confirmed by the hoped-for outcome Paul mentions. Paul says that the reason God delights in such peaceful, Godward, serious action is that he “desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

More people will be saved if our government restrains the horrors of anarchy, and if Christians use this peace not to waste their lives on endless entertainment, but seriously give their lives to making God known.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo

Reminds me of the Lord. Beautiful voice -Awesome pictures....

Spring? Ha!!!!

Well the calendar says spring but looking out the window as snow hits the ground does not say spring to me.... I look around waiting for everything to wake from it's long winter sleep. It won't be long before we will have our piggies in the sand........

Rom 13:11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.

The little things....

Emma has been saying some really cute things lately. I wrote them down so I wouldn't forget!!!

me: emma why don't you wear these boots today?

emma: because the last time i wore them they gave me a canker sore......

emma: mommy can you make me nachos? i just love those gorilla chips (tortilla).....

emma: oceans are dangerous, they have crocs in them

me: i don't think crocs live in the ocean

emma: yes they do samantha told me

me: she doesn't know everything you know.

emma: mommy she goes to school and you don't she knows more than you!!!!.....

Happy Anniversary!!!!

9 years and counting!!!!!

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Genesis 2:24

(I bet you wish we were in Hawaii today)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEANIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Emma is 5 today. Hard to believe, boy did 1825 days fly by!!!! May the Lord lead and direct her steps to glorify Himself......

The girls taking pictures

Give a kid a camera, this is what you get!!!!

Wishing we were in Florida.....

cold and blustery here. just 2 weeks ago enjoying 18 days in the florida sun.....

You are amazing God!!!!Again!!!!

Check this out. This is our nephew....

6 min 44 sec - Dec 18, 2007Description: A little boy with a mystifying eye condition finally found an answer on the other side of the globe with the help of Dr. Harry Chugani at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. ~Detroit Medical Center




http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2404586994749948974&pr=goog-sl