He knows the times and the seasons

I went to bed around 11:00 last night, long after it was apparent who would be our next president. I watched as formerly red states turned blue (including my own) with great sadness but not surprise.

Another reason for my new "blue" spirit... Fox News showing the statistics of how many who called themselves Evangelical Christians had voted for a man who gives himself the title of Christian but as far as I know, continues to have the most liberal voting record in congress against what the Word professes as followers of Christ. One whose deeds do not follow his confession of faith.

For most of the years of this country... no, all the years this country has been in existence... one could say they are a Christian and act differently. For instance, in my in-law's church, they were taught that this nation was not founded on Christian principles and that one does not have to be "born again"... not to mention their recent years where they stand for the rights of abortion and homosexual unions.

I have long wondered how many of these same people would profess Christ if it meant giving up their comfort and lifestyle. I attend a church that has quite a number of Asian Christians, many of who come to Christ while at the University. Every time one of these individuals have finished their education and are returning back to countries like China and Indonesia, I wonder at their bravery and their faith. For we know the possibilities they face, such as we in this country have never known.

An excellent fictional account of the life of a Chinese Christian is found in Randy Alcorn's book called Safely Home, a book that I found absorbing and convicting. I remember reading it and thinking a little more persecution may be what the North American church needs for it is full of wheat and tares who on the outside look much the same. Perhaps we are now entering that time...

To be honest, I am more curious about the days to come rather than fearful. America has made her choice and we will see what God hands back to her. Israel is also looking at political upheaval such as they have not known in years. The Russian bear has returned to life and gosh is he (she?) cranky. We may be nearing peak oil. Some believe we are on the verge of another great depression. We live in interesting times but we are in the palm of His hand.

On a positive front, I love election days in America as we have a peaceful transfer of power without bloodshed (but not without tears). I am also proud of my country that forty years after Jim Crow laws were in affect, a black man could be voted president. Not my political preference, I'd have preferred a conservative like Alan Keyes. I wondered what Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. would be thinking right now...

Yesterday I voted (and yes, we can vote anywhere in our county since we have to show ID's), I sipped coffee and ate a cookie after voting (during the primary election, they also handed out John Piper books along with the cookies), Christopher and I went to Starbucks to get our free coffee for voting, and then I hunkered down after dinner to watch election returns.

Does it get any more American than that? I mean, really... in what other country can you get coffee and cookies and a John Piper book for voting?

The precious Word of God says it is HE who raises kings and countries and it is He who lets them fall. Whatever happens, the work of the Church remains the same. We will render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar but we will work for the Kingdom of Christ.

Picture: Word of the Lord, Jay Sorenson; allposters.com