Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Pastor's Ponderings, December 23, 2020

Receive God’s Abundant Life

Dan Diamond, in the December 16, 2020 issue of Politico magazine, wrote an article entitled, ‘We want them infected’: Trump appointee demanded ‘herd immunity’ strategy, emails reveal. Apparently the HHS science adviser Paul Alexander had called for millions of Americans to be infected as means of fighting Covid-19. 

 

In addition, Lee Moran, in the December 17, 2020 Huffington Post, wrote that Alexander was advocating for the Trump administration to pursue a herd immunity strategy during the public health crisis. “Infants, kids, teens, young people, young adults, middle aged with no conditions etc. have zero to little risk….so we use them to develop herd…we want them infected…” Alexander wrote in his emails, per the news outlet. Sadly, as of the middle of December 2020, over 320K persons have perished in the United States and we are leading the world in deaths.  

 

If there was ever a time for the body of Christ to pray, this is it.  Given some misguided decisions that have been made, we must pray for the heart of our leadership so that they will make right decisions (Proverbs 21:1).  This is the time for us to pray powerful and effective prayers because we know God will hear us (James 5:16).

 

We should pray for leaders who will lead with compassion, wisdom, and in close harmony with God.  He is the one who will give wisdom and understanding so that they can make the tough decisions (James 1:5).  God declares that if they will acknowledge Him and not simply rely on their own viewpoints, He will help them make the right decisions (Proverbs 3:5-6).  We have firestorms raging, economic catastrophes, and the ongoing pandemic.  Furthermore, we have climate change that is forcing refugees from their homes, constant wars,  and criminal activity on the street and in the boardroom.  We have only a few years to live our lives and they are full of trouble (Job 14:1).

 

What should we do?  Let us pray, learn and apply the knowledge that He has made available for us.  We should be optimistic knowing that God has everything under His control and all of these terrible happenings lead to a good outcome eventually (Romans 8:28). While some leaders may make unfortunate and costly decisions, let us remember that Jesus came to give us an abundant life (John 10:10).   

 

Proverbs 21:1
New International Version

1 In the LORD's hand the king's heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.

 

Timothy 2:1-3

New International Version

1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 
This is good, and pleases God our Savior

 

James 5:16

New International Version

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

 

James 1:5

New International Version

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you

 

Proverbs 3:5-6

New International Version

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

 

Job 14:1

New International Version

1 “Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble.

 

Romans 8:28

New International Version

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

 

John 10:10

New King James Version

10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

 

 

 

 

 

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