Category Archives: Christian Living

From Saul to Paul

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light at end of roadFrom Saul to Paul

Saul. Pharisee of Pharisees. Jew among Jews. Thoroughly trained in the law. Zealous for God. Roman citizen. Persecutor of Christians. Blinded by the Light of Jesus on the road to Damascus. A road he traveled to arrest Christians, take them back to Jerusalem, and persecute them.

Paul. Apostle of Jesus Christ. Missionary to the Gentiles. Wrote thirteen books of the New Testament. Escaped death by being lowered in a basket through a wall. Stoned in Lystra. Left for dead. Imprisoned and beaten. Tried before governmental leaders. Shipwrecked. Bitten by a viper. Appealed to Caesar. Beheaded.

Transformed by Christ

After his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Saul changed. Not only did his name eventually change, but more than merely a name change, Paul’s identity changed when he became grounded in Christ.

Paul chose to let go of his past identity and fully embrace his new identity. He became completely committed, devoted, and invested in advancing the cause of Christ.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:12-16 NLT)

Convincing Others

Although Paul had a new name and a change of direction, convincing others his intentions were honorable was another thing. Church leaders were skeptical. They knew Saul persecuted Christians. They feared this change of heart was deceptive.

Fortunately, there was one who believed a true conversion happened in Saul’s life. That man was Barnabas. The encourager. Barnabas presented Saul to the Church leaders as one who could be trusted with the message of the Gospel.

Upon arrival in Jerusalem he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They thought he was faking! (Acts 9:26 TLB)

Learning to Be Content

We see Paul and Silas chained up in prison. Yet, instead of grumping and complaining, these two prisoners sang praises and worshiped the God who held their lives in his hands.

Throughout his many, many trials, attacks, imprisonments, and beatings, Paul LEARNED to be content in all circumstances. He learned to be content wherever Jesus chose to place him. He learned to be content with whomever Jesus chose to partner him with.

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13 TLB)

Sufficient Grace

Although there were many accomplishments Paul could boast in, he chose to boast in his weaknesses, knowing that when he was weak, that’s when Christ’s power shined the brightest through him.

 Three different times I begged God to make me well again. Each time he said, “No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.” Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite happy about “the thorn,” and about insults and hardships, persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong—the less I have, the more I depend on him. (2 Corinthians 12:8-10 TLB)

Your Turn

There is much we can learn from Paul’s life. After he met Jesus, Paul’s life changed radically. He let go of the past and embraced his new life in Christ.

He was on fire for the Lord. Paul made it his life-long mission to advance the Kingdom of God and spread the Good News of salvation through Christ everywhere he went.

What about us? Is there evidence of a changed life after we meet Jesus? Is our life goal to tell others about Christ?

We all need encouragers in our lives. Sometimes we need a Barnabas. Sometimes we need to be a Barnabas for others.

When we see someone who could use a bit of encouragement, are we willing to be a Barnabas?

Learning to be content is a process. However, one very important aspect of contentment is praise in all things. The good, bad, and the ugly, realizing God allowed us to be right where we are.

Is contentment something you find easy to rest in, regardless of what life throws at you?

In his transformation from Saul to Paul, I believe one of the main things Paul’s life teaches is that whatever we are going through, God’s grace is sufficient.

Do you find that to be true in your life?

Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on the subject. If you think others would appreciate reading this, please share it through the social media buttons.

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Acts 20:24 (NLT)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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A Blessing in Despair – Psalm 3

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PsalmsToday’s guest post, A Blessing in Despair – Psalm 3, written by Anthea Kotlan first appeared on antheakotlan.com.

How can I find a blessing in the midst of despair?

Amid the Covid 19 pandemic, in the Fall of 2020, discouragement began closing in on me. Numerous cancellations and endless disappointments piled high. My father, a nursing home resident, had been placed in hospice care. For the first time in my life, none of my family in England could visit, nor could I travel there.

The heavy load of grief threatened to capsize me.

Death

Days after he died, I felt desperate to be with my British family. However, none of that was possible. Regular visits to see my family in England were a fixture in my life. For the first time in my life, going home was no longer possible.

Sadness, grief, disappointment, and fear weighed me down. Would I ever be able to see my extended family again? Looking back now, this seems absurd but at the time, so much in my life felt uncertain. As my father’s only surviving child, I longed to sit with his siblings and share stories about his life.

“The Blessing”

About a week later, I scrolled across a video (“The UK Blessing”) of a group of singers from all over the United Kingdom performing a cover of “The Blessing.”  This song, written by Kari Jobe (and others), struck a deep chord inside me.

The Lord bless you

And keep you

Make His face shine upon you

And be gracious to you

The Lord turn His

Face toward you

And give you peace

Amen, amen, amen

Amen, amen, amen

I must have watched and listened to this song on repeat for days. Different groups of people from all over the British Isles sang different portions of the song. Hearing the variety of accents felt deeply meaningful as my family of origin represents people from all over the UK. Seeing the name of each church and recognizing the locations brought back so many memories of home.

He is for you

One verse of this song strengthened my weary heart.

In the morning, in the evening
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping, and rejoicing
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you

“He is for you.” This truth I needed to hear on repeat.

Surrounded

In Psalm 3, I read about David being surrounded by his enemies. I picture him on the battlefield dodging an oncoming swarm of invaders. Somehow, they slip around and begin threatening him on every side. He cries out for rescue because he knows the Lord is for him.

I am not, and was not, on a military battlefield.

Were David’s enemies found only on the battlefield?

The enemy of my soul would prefer for me to believe David’s opposition was primarily military. Still, time spent in the Psalms reveals how David struggled with various enemies.

  • Physical
  • Emotional
  • Spiritual

Enemies ambushing my heart can be just as dangerous as a physical threat.

Unseen enemies of my soul can wreak havoc on my spiritual life.

Soul Tending Checkup

Perhaps a soul tending check-up is in order today?

As I examine my heart, what is troubling me?

In this season of my life, who are my enemies?

What strategies does the enemy of my soul use in my life?

  • The harsh voice of my inner critic speaks loudly in the dark of isolation.
  • Temptations to take shortcuts, try quick fixes, and participate in gossip sneak up.
  • My perceptions or snap judgments (this is not fair, they don’t like me, no one is giving me that opportunity) provide a chorus of discouragement and dissatisfaction.
  • Challenges of daily life: missed calls, unexpected repair bills, medical diagnoses
  • Fear, anxiety, and endless uncertainty in a post-pandemic world.
  • Mushroomed misunderstandings start small and rapidly network into a wall of offense built up brick by brick.

How about you?

When I feel surrounded, Psalm 3 can be a powerful prescriptive prayer to examine my soul. A prayer like this can re-align my heart with God’s truth.

1 O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;

2 many are saying of my soul. “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah

(Psalm 3:1-2 ESV)

When I feel surrounded, I lose sight of God’s abundant provision, especially the precious gift of my salvation.

Prayer

Lord, help me to turn to you when I feel surrounded. Please help me to hear your voice and silence the voices of those who accuse me.  

3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

4 I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill.

(Psalm 3:3-4 ESV)

Prayer

Thank you, Heavenly Father, you hear me and protect me. You can lift my head and allow me to gain renewed perspective I don’t have without you. You can always see and hear me from your holy hill.

5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.

6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. (Psalm 3:5-6 ESV)

Prayer

Lord, I can rest and sleep knowing you are watching over and protecting me. It is far too easy to count up the agents of opposition, but even if a thousand come against me, You are always so much more.

7 Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.

(Psalm 3:7 ESV)

Prayer

Lord, thank you for doing battle for and in my place.  I don’t have to figure out how to fight because You do it for me and have such effective battle plans.

8 Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Selah

(Psalm 3:8 ESV)

Prayer

Lord, you have given me the gift of salvation. You have put your blessing on me.

In the final two verses of the song, “The Blessing,” says,

May His presence go before you

And behind you, and beside you

All around you, and within you

He is with you, He is with you

In the morning, in the evening

In your coming, and your going

In your weeping, and rejoicing

He is for you

Prayer

While I may feel surrounded by the enemy of my soul, I am surrounded by God’s presence all day and all night, wherever I might go. He goes before me, beside me, and behind me. For this truth, I give thanks today to the Lord. Amen

Here’s the link to listen to the “UK Blessing” on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUtll3mNj5U&ab_channel=TheUKBlessing

 Anthea KotlanFor over thirty years, Anthea Kotlan has served as a women’s ministry leader in the church and community. She has a passion for discipleship and encouraging women to walk confidently in their God-given calling. She designs women’s retreats, teaches Bible studies, writes, and enjoys speaking at events. Recently, she began serving on a church plant team in Conroe, Texas with her husband, a bi-vocational priest. Every chance she gets, she spends time laughing with her two adult daughters or snuggling her two grandchildren. Check out Anthea’s blog for weekly soul-tending devotionals from the Psalms. antheakotlan.com 

Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on the subject. If you think others would appreciate reading this, please share it through the social media buttons.

I wish you well.

Sandy

Please enter your email address on the form located on the right sidebar to sign up to receive posts every Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks!

Pause for Poetry — I Will Not Doubt

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meadow lake courtesy pixabayThe following poem, I Will Not Doubt, was written by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, and is found in Streams in the Desert.

I Will Not Doubt

I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea
Come drifting home with broken masts and sails;
I shall believe the Hand which never fails
From seeming evil worketh good for me:
And though I weep because those sails are tattered,
Still will I cry, while my best hopes lie shattered,
I trust in thee.

I will not doubt, though all my prayers return
Unanswered from the still, white Realm above;
I shall believe it is an all-wise Love
Which has refused those things for which I yearn;
And though at times I cannot keep from grieving,
Yet the pure ardor of my fixed believing
Undimmed shall burn.

I will not doubt, though sorrows fall like rain,
And troubles swarm like bees about a hive;
I shall believe the heights for which I strive
Are only reached by anguish and by pain;
And though I groan and tremble with my crosses,
I yet shall see, through my severest losses,
The greater gain.

I will not doubt; well anchored in the faith,
Like some staunch ship, my soul braves every gale,
So strong its courage that it will not fail
To face the mighty unknown sea of Death.
Oh, may I cry when body parts with spirit,
I do not doubt, so listening worlds may hear it,
With my last breath.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on the subject. If you think others would appreciate reading this, please share it through the social media buttons.

I wish you well.

Sandy

Please enter your email address on the form located on the right sidebar to sign up to receive posts every Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks!

Good Catastrophe Book Review

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blue tree Good Catastrophe cover Good Catastrophe by Benjamin Windle combines the biblical story of Job with contemporary illustrations, to emphasize the importance of hope in our darkest challenges and struggles.

Written in a conversational tone, the author ponders what would happen if we reframed how we see hope amidst life’s challenges. He says hope is for the present. In the midst of the storm. Not just for some future day.

By the end of the book, he states that when we can’t understand what is happening, we can put our trust in God. Like Job, that is where our hope rests.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.

Have you read this book? If so, what was your impression of it? I wish you well.

Sandy

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A Mere Dot

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dot on a pageA Mere Dot

So small, I almost missed it. It’s there, though. Not just one, but several scattered throughout my book. Put there by an ancestor I never met. Camille Fitzpatrick Jacob. A great-grandmother whose bloodline runs through my son’s veins.

I first mentioned an antique book I inherited that belonged to Camille, written by J.R. Macduff, in my February 2, 2023 post, God Knows Our Need.

You can find another post I wrote inspired by Rev. Macduff’s devotional book, The Words and Mind of Jesus, here.

An Identifying Dot

Between February and March, I noticed something intriguing as I read this small book. Occasionally, in this  devotional packed with a mountain of wisdom, Camille placed a tiny, pen point dot on devotions she wished to identify as meaningful. A mere dot to identify words that spoke to her at the moment she read them.

A Dot of Insight

That mere dot tells me that while the entire book may have been important to Camille, she signified which ones were especially meaningful to her. That pen point dot gives insight into what she thought worth remembering.

Reading the devotions with the mere dot, the tiny, almost imperceptible mark, helps me understand the woman I never met. It offers a window into what she considered important.

The Dot Caught My Eye

Perhaps it is because a fellow undergrad called me the Queen of Highlighting long ago, that I noticed the small dot. If you were to look at my Bibles or numerous books, you would see why my friend gave me the nickname.

I like to highlight passages and verses I find significant. Those I want to easily refer back to. And that’s why I believe Camille placed a mere dot on some of the pages she read.

I believe, like me, she wanted to have that dot as a reminder of something significant.

What kind of dots are we leaving behind?

When we leave this life, what will our family discover was important to us? What will they find we viewed as significant?

Will those who never met us gain a glimpse into our lives through what we own or how we spent our time?

If they scrolled through our social media posts would they get a clearer picture of what we thought or how we said it?

What is our impact?

What is the impact of our influence on the people in our lives?

I never met Camille Fitzpatrick Jacob, but I knew four of her children. They were people whose lives she influenced. I knew what they valued as important. I saw how they treated people. Camille’s children were witnesses to her life.

As I read through this book of hers, I look for those dots. I try to imagine what she might have felt or been going through to cause her to pick each specific devotion.

I look to see if the devotional thoughts I find significant, were ones she felt significant as well.

I also wonder. What will those who come behind me think of the things I have highlighted throughout my life.

Your Turn

Do you have an heirloom you treasure for the person who owned it? Does the item give you insight into what they felt was important or meaningful?

Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on the subject. If you think others would appreciate reading this, please share it through the social media buttons.

Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Luke 12:37 (NKJV)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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(The dot Camille placed on the devotion in the picture above is from a devotion based on Luke 12:37, although the book reads Luke 12:35. Typos even in the 1880s. 🙂 )

Mother’s Day Wisdom

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Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Days to all those who are either mothers or mother figures. Being a mom is hard work. I know. At times, you may feel like a giant Gumby doll stretched in all directions at once. There have certainly been times I felt that way.

A Brief Mother’s Day History

Mother’s Day is celebrated every year in the United States of America on the second Sunday of May. It originated in 1908 when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother. From there, she began a campaign to make Mother’s Day a recognized holiday in the United States.

On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation asking Americans to give a public expression of reverence to mothers through the celebration of Mother’s Day.

Ms. Jarvis’ efforts to establish Mother’s Day became a reality in 1914. However, by the 1920s, it is said she was already disappointed with its commercialization.

Spiritual Responsibility

Moms have a lot of responsibility. One of the greatest  responsibilities, I believe, is to train up a child in the way he or she should go. And when they are old, they will not depart from it. This training is based on Biblical principles, not on our opinions.

If we expect to know what Biblical principles to teach our children, and those under our influence, we need to study the Bible first. We can’t teach something we don’t know.

We need to teach by example. Not just by word. There is no place whatsoever in the spiritual training of our children for an attitude of Do as I say, not as I do.

If we expect our children to love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, and mind, and their neighbor as themselves, then we must do likewise.

Motherly Wisdom

Another side of what I believe is a mom’s responsibility, is to pass down wisdom in the form of what we tell our children in the everyday moments.

For instance, how many of you have heard, If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all?

It wasn’t just Walt Disney’s Thumper who said this. Many mothers have told their children the same thing.

One of the things I remember my mom saying, which until the day she died at 95-years-old, believed to be truth was, Don’t go outside with a wet head. You’ll catch a cold, or pneumonia, or get sick. Anyone else ever hear that?

Here are a few other things I remember her saying.

How many times do I have to tell you?

Well, obviously, at least once more.

Get that hair out of your eyes. Do you want to go blind?

No, but I’m not sure my hair will be the cause if I do.

Get down from there before you break your neck.

Now, given my adventurous bent, this bit of wisdom held the most validity.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times!

That was probably not an exaggeration.

I asked Pie what bits of motherly wisdom he remembers me telling him. Here’s what he said.

Don’t sit so close to the television. Clean your room.

Direct, and to the point.

Your Turn

So, what about you? What is some everyday motherly wisdom you remember your mother telling you?

What are some things you remember telling the children in your life?

I’d love to hear.

Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on the subject. If you think others would appreciate reading this, please share it through the social media buttons.

Bring up a child by teaching him the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn away from it. Proverbs 22:6 (NLV)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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Gluten-free Crispy Lemon Chicken Fingers Recipe

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crispy chicken stripsThis delicious gluten-free Crispy Lemon Chicken Fingers recipe is adapted from Busy Family Favorites.

  • 1 (10 ounce) jar lemon curd
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
  • 1 cup gluten-free Bisquick mix
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken strips

In a small sauce pan, combine the lemon curd, broth, gluten-free soy sauce, and the ginger. Cook and stir until combined and heated through. Keep warm.

In a shallow bowl, combine milk and lemon peel. In another bowl, combine gluten-free Bisquick mix and cornstarch.

Dip chicken in milk mixture, then coat with flour mixture.

Heat oil in skillet. Fry chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side or until no longer pink.

Drain on paper towels.

Serve with lemon sauce.

Enjoy!

I wish you well,

Sandy

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There’s No Place Like Home

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scarecrow actress

There’s No Place Like Home

If you’ve visited the gift shop inside the Kansas welcome center on Interstate 35, then you undoubtedly know there’s no place like home.

The first time Pilot and I stopped there, “Over the Rainbow” played in the background. Tee shirts with pictures of the Good Witch of the North, ruby slippers, Toto teapots, and emerald green coffee mugs lined the shelves. The place was filled with Wizard of Oz memorabilia.

I found Pilot and asked, “What is with all the Wizard of Oz stuff?”

He looked at me, as he often does when what I just said makes absolutely no sense to him. “We’re in Kansas.”

“Sooo?” It took a minute. Then I said, “Oh, yeah. Of course.”

Duh.

Now I am sure none of you reading this would have been as dense. But in my defense, Kansas wasn’t our end destination on this trip. Colorado was. We were merely passing through the great state.

I wasn’t thinking about where I was in relationship to Dorothy’s there’s no place like home. I was thinking more in line with what I saw. Wheat, buffalo, and the Santa Fe Trail.

Before we left the gift shop, I purchased several books on early pioneers, a few trinkets, and a music box that plays, “Over the Rainbow”. Pilot chose one that plays, “If I Only Had a Brain”. I am positive he did not buy that for me.

On A Quest For Home

In Wizard of Oz, Dorothy is on a quest to get home. Because, as we know, there is no place like home. We too, are on a quest to reach our eternal home. Heaven.

On our journey we sometimes run into people who need a heart because theirs is mean-spirited or callous.

We may meet people who need courage for the difficult tasks they face.

Often times, we are surrounded by people who appear to need a brain since they seem to keep making the same bad choices over and over again.

And of course, there is that wicked witch with her flying monkeys who seems to make life miserable for those in her wake.

Maybe we are the ones who need the heart, courage, or brain. Or who, occasionally, hiss, “I’ll get you my pretty, and your little dog, too.”

Jesus Is The One Who Will Get Us Home

Instead of looking for the not-so-great Wizard behind the emerald curtain, we need to turn to our true guide, Jesus, to get us home. He’s the one who can make our hearts brand new.

He’s the one who will give us the courage we lack.

If we let him, Jesus can straighten out our brains, and help us make the right choices.

As we follow Jesus, he can also teach us how to deal with the flying monkeys in our life.

Your Turn

We may not have ruby slippers, but we have something far superior. We have a Savior who will lead us home. For there truly is no place like our heavenly home.

Which character from the Wizard of Oz do you most relate to?

For we know that when this tent we live in now is taken down—when we die and leave these bodies—we will have wonderful new bodies in heaven, homes that will be ours forevermore, made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 Corinthians 5:1 (TLB)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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Image by Keith Johnston from Pixabay.

Jesus Will Not Break the Bruised Reed

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bent reedThe Bruised Reed

How often have we felt like a bruised reed? Something someone carelessly walked past and bent? Maybe the bruising came from a mean-spirited word, callous action, or outright hostility.

Perhaps we’ve felt bruised by a particular life issue that wore us down until we thought we’d never survive.

It could be we’ve felt bruised and burdened by our own harmful actions, callousness, and sins.

Whatever the cause of our bruising, Isaiah 42:3 tells us Jesus will not break the bruised reed. Neither will he quench the dimly burning flame.

Christ Tempers the Wind

In the 13th Morning devotion in his book, The Words and Mind of Jesus published in 1858, J.R. Macduff writes that Christ deals with bruised reeds tenderly, tempering the wind to the shorn lamb.

I love that picture of Jesus as our Good Shepherd. Macduff continued, saying Jesus utters no word of needless harshness or upbraiding to the erring wanderer. Jesus will not break the bruised reed. Instead, he gently brings the wandering sheep home.

Jesus is well aware of our sins and short-comings. Still, when he speaks to us, the goal is to lead us to repentance, not to crush us beyond all hope of restoration.

Do Likewise

It’s been my experience that not all of us have an attitude like Christ. We delight in crushing the bruised reed. The old kick a fella when he’s down, attitude. Macduff speaks to this when he says:

How many have an unholy pleasure in finding a brother in the wrong, blazing abroad his failings; administering rebuke, not in gentle forbearance and kindly expostulation, but with harsh and impatient severity! How beautifully did Jesus unite intense sensibility to sin, along with tenderest compassion for the sinner. J. R. Macduff The Words and Mind of Jesus 1858

Your Turn

Perhaps we’ve been on the receiving end of someone’s desire to break our bruised reed. Or it’s possible, we’ve taken pleasure in breaking another’s bruised reed. Either way, here are some closing insights from The Words and Mind of Jesus.

  • Never say harsh things if kind things will do as well.
  • Do not unnecessarily lacerate with recalling former delinquencies.
  • In reproving another, let us rather feel how much we need reproof ourselves.

Consider Christ’s encounters with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), the woman brought before him in judgement (John 8), and Peter post-resurrection. (John 21).

Jesus will not break the bruised reed. Instead, he tempers the wind, convicts gently, and tells us to go and sin no more.

Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on the subject. If you think others would appreciate reading this, please share it through the social media buttons.

He will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the dimly burning flame. He will encourage the fainthearted, those tempted to despair. He will see full justice given to all who have been wronged. (Isaiah 42:3 TLB)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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How Can I Pray for the President? Psalm 2

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Psalms Today’s guest post, How Can I Pray for the President? Psalm 2, written by Anthea Kotlan first appeared on antheakotlan.com.

How Can I Pray for the President?

Sitting in the pew on a recent Sunday morning at church, we arrived at the part of the service in the Anglican tradition where we pray for the “whole state of Christ’s church and the world.” This rhythm remains the same week after week as the congregation moves through concentric circles of influence in our lives. First, we pray for the universal church and then by name for governmental officials, leaders in our denomination, leaders in the local congregation, and people who are ill.  

A Call and Response

The style of prayer, designed as a call and response, engages the entire congregation. The leader cues up the prayer by reading it, adding the phrase, “in your mercy.” Then the congregation answers by saying, “Hear our prayers.”

O Lord our Governor, whose glory fills all the world: We commend this Nation to your merciful care, that we may be guided by your providence, and dwell secure in your peace. Grant to the President of this Nation, the Governor of this State, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them continually mindful of their calling to serve this people in reverent obedience to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.

(ACNA BCP 2019 p. 657 “For the President and All Civil Authority”)

This prayer and many others weave into the service as a fixed part of the liturgy for churches nationwide. On any given Sunday, congregations from sea to shining sea bombard the heavenly realms with petitions for leaders. People with wildly divergent political views bow their heads and join hands to pray together.

How Can I Pray for a President I Disagree with?

And yet, I was thinking, how can I pray for a president I disagree with or a governor who might not govern how I believe he or she should? How can I pray for an unbelieving government official to “know and do Your will,” God?

A look at Psalm 2, titled “The Reign of the Lord’s Anointed,” sheds some light on this struggle.

1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,

3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” (Psalm 2:1-3 ESV)

Captivity of Chaos

These words, penned many years ago and miles away from here, bring comfort because I hear about how the psalmist observed a similar situation to mine. Then, the nations raged, the rulers took counsel against the Lord, and the people felt as if they were being held captive by all the chaos.

Same. Those words sum up current events rather well. However, the psalmist also observes the following.

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.

5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,

6 “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.”(Psalm 2:4-6 ESV)

On His Throne

Is the Lord still on His heavenly throne?

Yes, and He must laugh at some of our leaders sometimes.  

7 I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.

8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.

9 You shall break[b] them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” (Psalm 2:7-9 ESV)

Promises Trumpeted

These words trumpet the promise of the Lord that the line of David will go on forever. King Jesus, David’s descendant, rules in the now and not yet. Every day on this planet, believers glimpse the Kingdom of God breaking out. However, the fullness of this promise has yet to be ultimately revealed.

In the meantime, God uses governmental leaders to fulfill His purposes. There are examples of this throughout scripture. One comes to my mind from the book of Esther. A pagan leader, King Xerxes, helps save the Jewish people from total annihilation. “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” (Proverbs 21:1 ESV)

Warning

Psalm 2 closes with a warning.

10 Now, therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.

11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled.

Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 2:10-12 ESV)

Kiss the Son

In His kindness, God offers some solid advice to all leaders. “Kiss the Son.” Worship Jesus. The time to repent and seek Him is now because His wrath will be unleashed at the time of His return.

At the second coming, every knee will bow in adoration for the Son, also known as Jesus.

God also encourages believers to take refuge in Him in the meantime. The world will continue to rage and storm, but we know the ending. We can sleep amid the storm because we know who is at the helm of our ship.

What am I called to do?

How can we “burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us”? (Psalm 2:3 ESV)

PRAY

Pray for our leaders. Use the words of the prayer above or pray using the psalms as a prompt. Pray using your own words or the prayers found in various prayer books. Pray for our leaders because they need it; the practice brings freedom to each of us. As I pray for particular leaders, I relinquish fear or apprehension about what might happen next. The bonds of anxiety fall away, and the cords of my complaining loosen their grip on my heart.

Anthea KotlanFor over thirty years, Anthea Kotlan has served as a women’s ministry leader in the church and community. She has a passion for discipleship and encouraging women to walk confidently in their God-given calling. She designs women’s retreats, teaches Bible studies, writes, and enjoys speaking at events. Recently, she began serving on a church plant team in Conroe, Texas with her husband, a bi-vocational priest. Every chance she gets, she spends time laughing with her two adult daughters or snuggling her two grandchildren. Check out Anthea’s blog for weekly soul-tending devotionals from the Psalms. antheakotlan.com 

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I wish you well.

Sandy

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