The only way you could not be somewhat informed of the current Presidential campaign is if you have been spending all of your time under a rock somewhere in the desert. As for me I have been following the Presidential race somewhat closely, and I am constantly amazed at the negativity surrounding the Democratic nominee. He has faced criticism's from people of all racial backgrounds, genders and occupations. Over the past few months we have seen the media play Pastor against politician, civil rights activist against congressman, and has succeeded in showing how divided our country still is from state to state and door to door.
I mention this not to just focus on the division of a country or the negativity that this campaign has brought to light but the determination of Mr. Obama and his family in the face of so many obstacles. Mr. Obama feels that the country needs to change, and many agree that he has a call on his life to bring such change about. As we continue to focus on our Spiritual foundations we can use the example of Mr. Obama as one of courage, destiny, and determination.
Understanding that when you are firmly planted in your calling and focused on what has to be achieved you shall not be moved by negative persons no matter who they are. We can even look at the example of Jesus.
Our scripture of focus today is taken from Matthew 16:21-23
21 -22Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised up alive. Peter took him in hand, protesting, "Impossible, Master! That can never be!"
23But Jesus didn't swerve. "Peter, get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works."
Even Jesus had to go through enormous amounts of pain and suffering so that his calling and purpose could be fulfilled. If Jesus had to endure all of this it's only fair to believe that we will have our share of trials and tribulations also. We must be like Jesus staying focused on God not on others or on human distractions. We too must be like Mr. Obama and know in our hearts that we have the power to make change happen. We must also remember that there will be rainy days and storms ahead as well but understand that we can endure.
Today think about the negative forces in you life and what you need to do in order to remain focused on being who God has called you to be in the midst of persecution.
Rev. Jon McCoy always reminds the St.Mark family of the trials of all Christians by asking the question "Must Jesus bear the Cross alone and all the world go free? No there is a Cross for everyone, indeed their is a Cross for me."
Indeed we all have to pick up our cross daily and march on, I pray that you march on boldly no matter what obstacles you may face. We must do things differently, No More Of The Same...
Until tomorrow Love Pastor J.
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