The Sun Will Rise...

For anyone like me dismayed and utterly disgusted with the political system, the elections, and the state of our nation because it does not line up with that of heaven's, I'd highly recommend reading this amazing blog by one of my favorite teachers here at IHOP, Stephen Venable. I couldn't agree more with what he said.

Here's a quote that sums it all up:

Biblically God’s winds of change do not blow from capitals and courtrooms, nor are they the least bit hindered by the resistance of wicked men. The greatest revival in history began in the city that crucified the Lord of Glory, and spread like wild-fire through an empire that worshiped their leader. My guess is that neither of the candidates in this election will soon seek to demand worship, but even if they surprised us all and did, America would not be disqualified. And regardless of who gets elected America will still be the recipient of God’s judgment, for no matter who the nation crowns on November 4th, men and women all across this land will lie down on their bed after turning off the news and give no heed to the glory of Christ and His infinite worth. My concern is not that men and women in the Church have voiced support for a particular candidate, but that in doing so they have demonstrated more commitment and more zeal than they do for the majesty and renown of Jesus. We are consumed with a host of things but not with Him, and it is this disease of Christ-less Christianity that threatens the future of our nation, not a movement to the left or the right of the political aisle. We must awake and return to our first love, curing the malady that now runs rampant under quaint country steeples and in the sprawling suburban campuses of mega-churches alike.
- Stephen Venable

For some other great reading by another favorite of mine, John Piper, check this out.

The only possible option for our nation is God's mercy. Even though His mercy might not come in the way much of the church may expect it to, rest assured He will answer us as we ask for it. The “cry for change” might be louder than the “cry for mercy” in our day, but that does not negate the prayers we offer Him for it. God remembers and cherishes our prayers - and because they are prayed in agreement with His will (Micah 7:18), He will dispense mercy. This is where we must find our hope - not in a single candidate, even though they may seem like they have the "best plan" for America or even because they love what Jesus loves. Mercy and Justice is a Man named Jesus Christ. We will never experience the fullness of these things we are all longing for apart from Him.

Ok. Sparing all the details, this is just a phenomenal testimony of the Lord's goodness. Last year I bought this 2000 Mitsubishi Galant. It died on the highway back in early August:

I prayed and asked the Lord to give me reliable transportation - either the funds and knowledge to fix the dead car or another vehicle altogether. Through a series of ridiculous circumstances with provision and offerings from many people, some totally unexpected and others absolutely extravagant, the Lord gave me this new car:

Dana Candler made this post on her blog a few days ago that you should check out. It's really caused me to think deeper about Jesus as the "Man of sorrows", as Isaiah 53 describes Him.

Isaiah didn't mean he was a "sad" Man walking around day by day depressed by the condition of humanity or by the pain of the cross He would have to endure, but rather a Man who felt the pain of being misunderstood, rejected, and despised to its fullest. Jesus did not use pride and self-exaltation as a "defense mechanism" against all of the accusations against Him. Dana puts it so well - she said:

Perhaps the most potent part of this deep rejection lies in the fact that this most discarded Man did nothing to shield Himself from such profuse rejection. He did nothing to protect His heart from the hate, nothing to guard His person from the rage. In His sinlessness—free from pride and arrogance—He lacked the “self-centered” means found in the proud heart that so readily protects itself. The nature of compassion, that quality most attributed to Jesus, stands in direct opposition to the nature of pride. Only arrogance can forge walls and instigate “safe distances” from fellow human hearts. Only pride knows how to offer indifference and coldness to another. But Love knows no such response. Love bears all things and embraces every person in its path. Love so cherishes the individual heart that it always hears every word spoken without covering its ears, always sees every deed done without uncaringly looking away and always opens to every response offered without closing its heart.

Knowing Jesus bore every emotional pain, hurt, and rejection to its fullest for the sake of love gives me courage to approach Him as my Brother in my worst moments. He truly showed us what His Father is like as One full of compassion. He is not so far off, but is closer to us than we can possibly imagine. God came so low and so near so as to bring me close to Himself!

This is what makes me love Him!

About a week and a half ago, I was in Scottsdale, Arizona for a wedding. Weddings have taken on an entirely different meaning for me since moving to IHOP 5 years ago. They are such a dim but beautiful snapshot into the heart of the Father to prepare a bride for His Son. I was so honored to be a groomsman for such a good friend and brother in the Lord, Shawn Zajas. Shawn was married to Kellie Hubbell, his best friend for the past several years, on August 23, 2008 in the presence of God, family, and so many loving friends. It was truly a special moment!

During the ceremony as they were giving their vows to one another, it struck me once again that Jesus has wholly vowed Himself to us. As Shawn said “I promise to love you with all my heart”, the Holy Spirit was thundering in my heart, reminding me that Jesus, God in the flesh, loves me with all His heart. What does it look like for God to love us with all His heart? Every single emotion, affection, and desire is set upon me. What about all His mind? He created the whole universe – trillions of galaxies and trillions of stars, and holds them all in the palm of His Hand. His mind is so vast. Yet He loves me with His entire mind. I simply cannot fathom that. And we won’t even get to “strength”. Thinking about how God loves me with all His strength would just make my brain explode!