2017

I, like many of you, have followed the political and social implications of the 2016 elections. Whether you agree or not we have a new president.  We are called to pray for our leaders, all of our leaders even when in disagreement.
Perhaps what concerns me is the implications regarding the Gospel.  Those who will be praying at the inauguration are from what has been called the "health and wealth", "name it and claim it" which is not the Gospel.
The Gospel is Christ died for our sins, rose again the third day in victory over sin and death. Throughout The Scriptures we are taught that our lives are to reflect Jesus. Acts 11:26 is the first time followers of Jesus are called Christians. They were called Christians by non-Christians because there lives demonstrated Jesus. I and many others have preached "that it begins with Jesus, ends with Jesus, It's all about Jesus. Yet sadly, in our lives and churches it is often not about Jesus, but about us and what Jesus will do for us.
My prayer in 2017 is that Christ will be center and not just on the periphery.  That those who do not believe will see that you are follower of Jesus by word and deed done in grace and love.
Fore some of us it will mean to rekindle, relighting the fire that has been allowed to dim.
May 2017 be the best year in terms of our growth in Christ and in our relationships for Christ.