For His Glory

November 2008

"Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance 

and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is 

evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted 

worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering."         2 Thessalonians 1:4-5

 

Normally a pastor’s November newsletter column is devoted to gratitude and thanksgiving for the many blessings we enjoy such as friends, family and faith.  And for good reason. We are most blessed and need to continually express our gratitude to our Lord who lavishes upon us His bountiful supply.

 

But today my heart is heavy as I consider the carnage which is taking place around the world because of who Jesus Christ is and what He represents. The opposition seems to be heating up as they target His   followers.  Unrest and violence is not unusual for the Orissa area in India but the last two months has seen more than its share of murder and mayhem with Christians as the target.  Details are difficult to imagine but there are repeated incidents of killing, pillaging, rape and homes burnt to the ground.  Of course the media ignores it.

 

And this morning I read of a Christian woman gunned down by the Taliban in Afghanistan because she dared to share her faith, her Christian faith. 

 

November is also when we choose our leaders for the next few years. This has been the most incredible presidential campaign in my lifetime.  So many twists and turns. Without getting political, I urge you to vote.  Which candidate shares your values and will best represent your vision for this great country? That is the question we should be asking  ourselves on November 4, not what party the candidates belongs to or the color of their skin or their age and gender. Vote your conscience, not what the pundits want you to base your choice on or who had the most clever attack ads.

 

But after what we witness in other countries with the persecuted church and all, isn’t it humbling that we live in a country where that display is seldom experienced? America isn’t perfect by a long shot.  But we get a chance to cast our vote and by doing so make a statement to the rest of the world.

 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Pastor Tom