• The recent election results were met with a range of emotions from giddy optimism to a thick fog of despair. The one thing most do agree on is being surprised at the outcome. Our country seems as polarized as at any time in history as manifested in our recent presidential election. A country that has prided itself on being a melting pot is mired with deeply conflicted and passionate views on a rapidly expanding list of social, moral, economic, and national issues. I woke up Wednesday morning with a strong sense that this could indeed be “our time”.
• What would Jesus have us do? Acts 10:38 “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Jesus ministered to all kinds of people! They were as mixed collection of people as any group could be, including men, woman, children, diseased, rich, and poor. The Gospels declare His ministry to the economically corrupt and the sexually compromised. Jesus ministered to all nationalities, and every social class, and reasonable reading of Scripture suggests God would have us be like Him.
• Can we and should we follow in His footsteps? I believe we can and should and further suggest He has made provision for us to do so. Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Paul encourages us to maintain a regular state of being filled in Eph 5:18. Isaiah 61:1-4 describes His anointing and capacity to reach every kind of people with their broad array of troubles. God is ready and willing to use you and I to give them “beauty for ashes” in this time.
• There seem to be cancers, addictions, heart break, and desperation everywhere we turn. It is the right time for you and me to be filled with God’s Spirit and walk in His love and grace. It is God’s heart for His children to be filled and anointed with His Spirit. Pray for God to anoint you. Be bold! Reach for someone! Care enough for a neighbor or family member to say something. Give to others what God has given you. Let’s believe Jesus in a world that desperately needs Him. Someone will be grateful to God and you — forever!