November 10

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes And clever in their own sight! “ Isaiah 5:20-21 NASB

Max Lucado had a prediction to make about the outcome of the American presidential election. He said that regardless of who was elected Trump or Clinton, November 9 would bring another day of God’s perfect sovereignty. 'He will still be in charge. His throne will still be occupied. He will still manage the affairs of the world. Never before has His providence depended on a king, president, or ruler. And it won’t on November 9, 2016.

The LORD can control a king’s mind as He controls a river; He can direct it as He pleases. — Proverbs 21:1 NCV

On one occasion the Lord turned the heart of the King of Assyria so that he aided them in the construction of the Temple.[1] On another occasion, He stirred the heart of Cyrus to release the Jews to return to Jerusalem.[2] Nebuchadnezzar was considered to be the mightiest king of his generation. But God humbled and put him in “detention” for seven years [3].

The kingdom is the Lord’s, and He rules over the nations. — Psalms 22:28

Understanding God’s sovereignty over the nations opens the door to peace. When we realize that God influences the hearts of all rulers, we can then choose to pray for them rather than fret about them. Rather than wring our hands we bend our knees, we select prayer over despair.

Jeremiah did this. He was the prophet to Israel during one of her darkest periods of rebellion. He was called “the weeping prophet” because he was one. He wept at the condition of the people and the depravity of their faith. He was so distraught that one of his books was entitled Lamentations. But then he considered the work of God. Note the intentionality of his words:

This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. — Lamentations 3:21-23

Imitate Jeremiah. Lift up your eyes. Dare to believe that good things will happen. Dare to believe that God was speaking to us when He said:

In everything God works for the good of those who love Him. — Romans 8:28

As we see prophecy being unfolded and fulfilled before our eyes, we can be certain that we won’t face anything God can’t handle. Trust Him.

Circle November 9 on your calendar and write upon it the words, Our good God rules the world.'

(Acknowledgements © MaxLucado, October 2016)

We are just passing through this world – it's not our home.  Decision time has come.  We can no longer afford to sit on the fence - have a foot in both camps.  Have recent events provided you with a glimpse of better times to come?  The Lord's return is near.

[1] Ezra 6:22
[2] Ezra 1:1
[3] Dan. 4:28-34

"O LORD, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You” - 2 Chronicles 20:6

Music today - “I Can't Feel at Home in This World Anymore” Click on the picture to listen.