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Kingdoms and Republics

Photo by: Cody Kwok

In the days of the Bible, the world understood the concept of a kingdom. People saw themselves as subjects of one who would rule over them until death, defeat, or voluntarily relinquishing power to a son.

Today, and most recently with the help of social media like Facebook and Twitter, governments that refuse to acknowledge the needs or opinions of the people are being forced to either resign or go to war against their own citizens.

So do we hear today what people of the past heard in the Lord’s Prayer that teaches us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10)?

Am thinking it might be interesting to know what thoughts come to our minds when we hear these words.


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43 Responses to “Kingdoms and Republics”

  1. remarutho says:

    Good Morning Mart & Friends —

    What first comes to mind is John’s prayer, “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20) or “Maranatha!” He has been given all authority — and is the Ruler of the universe — and those who believe and worship Him thirst for the order and peace of His rule — His will being done.

    Whether dictatorship, monarchy or democracy, all governments are under his divine authority. This will be fully manifested at his appearing again on earth, according to Scripture.

    Government from a constitutional basis is strongly supported by Jesus’ conversation with the Jewish rulers in John 8. He taught them, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

    We are witnessing a massive struggle in the Middle East for perceived freedom. Can representative government come out of these uprisings? I’m not sure anyone has that answer. The peoples are weary of strong-man rulership and the suffering it causes.

    It seems to me the most vitally contested truth in the world is: “…that all men are created equal…they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights…that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

    Maru

  2. florida7sun says:

    The presence of our Lord and Savior is in us and through us. He is King… no one else can fill His sandals. He is the everlasting Word and the great I AM.

    Mart, as I gave thought to your post today, the Spirit took me to Romans 1. The beauty of our Lord’s creation is seen all around us. Man is without excuse if we refuse to acknowledge His loving kindness. Look up; look down; look right; look left. His craftsmanship is beyond our comprehension. No earthly ruler or idol is worthy of our praise or adulation.

    Our King’s Word has always been and is forevermore. He is the basis for abundant life and in creating a bit of heaven on earth. There is great joy and peace in knowing you are a child of the King and have an eternal debt-free home with Our Father in heaven.

  3. SFDBWV says:

    A great deal of thought concerning this subject….Just as the question of which came first the chicken or the egg? So is the question, is Kingdom and Kingship a government form from God or God’s explanation of governing to mankind? Something man can relate to or understand.

    Was the idea of a Supreme Leader something man corrupted into the form we recognize today?

    The very first such person I recall being mentioned in scripture was Nimrod. Who was no respecter of God or man. Only bent on seeing his own ambitions accomplished.

    The great statue of mankind’s governments shown to Nebuchadnezzar’s dream was headed by kings and emperors. All defeated by the Rock hewn supernaturally and cast at the feet of clay.

    In the Garden there was total freedom, even freedom from a government. When the Israeli people demanded a king like other nations had, God did not say good things about such an arrangement.

    Up until that moment Israel was governed by a theocracy that people were to obey and priests were in place to administer rule as well as punishment.

    Man’s attempts to govern himself have all shown his inability to do so, that is without God as the head of the government.

    We here in America attempted to do this, but the perfect form of this concept will only exist when Jesus returns removes evil and sets up a government for the world with Him at the head and we Christians as His priests to carry out His will in all matters.

    Heaven on Earth, His will done here as it is in Heaven. This is what we ask for in the prayer.

    Steve

  4. musicgirl61 says:

    a word of caution, remarutho: quoting the Declaration of Independence as Truth can be a dangerous thing.

  5. poohpity says:

    musicgirl61 although they come from the DI Gal 3:28 says; “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”. Also our Creator has given us liberty by what He did on the Cross to pursue in Him life and freedom and many chase after happiness.

    The thoughts that come to mind when hearing, ““Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven”. I think about in heaven that God is totally understood and seen for who and what He truly is not for the limited knowledge we have of God here and now. In heaven God is worshiped for the divine Holiness and heaven knows what God has in mind for everything created those things that are best and therefore are excited to do what God’s will and divine purpose is. Also praying for that to happen one day in the future here where God’s rule and authority will be seen with the naked eye and lived out in perfection where our human stubbornness, pride and rebellion no longer come into play. Wow, I can only imagine but truthfully can not really wrap my mind around. Perfect peace and dependence.

  6. joyandshalom says:

    It is my humble opinion that earthly kingdoms have been a mess since the time of the Judges in the OT, and then when the Israelite demanded a King. Our Father God granted their request with King Saul and all earthly kingdoms have been in disobedience ever since. Money, power, pride, etc., are powerfully used by the enemy. Today’s nations (kingdoms) also have the use of technology as never seen before in history. Therefore, I give to Ceasar what is Ceasar’s as my Lord Jesus said, and concentrate my life around “Your will be done”. To me, that is where the rubber hits the road. That my life is totally surrendered and His will be done. Of course, a lot times this is very hard because I want to be in the driver’s seat. But His still small voice is always there to remind me Who should be in control of the situation.
    May we all REJOICE in the wonderful PRIVILEDGE of worshipping our Creator God whose heavenly Kingdom we will see one day!
    Joy

  7. remarutho says:

    Hi Musicgirl!

    I am grateful for your concern. Back to John chapter eight: Jesus is approached by those who intend to murder him. He is teaching that to commit sin is to be a slave to sin. Jesus says, “The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So, if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

    The truth of human freedom in the kingdom of God resonates throughout the universe. It is Jesus alone who sets us free indeed. Thank God the framers of the Declaration of Independence had that vision! I am grateful for that as well.

    Blessings always,
    Maru

  8. bill34sl says:

    A lot of professing Christians may have been reciting the Lord’s Prayer all their lives, but just how many of us really mean to ask God that His kingdom be established here on earth sooner and not later? Most Christians that I’ve come to know are so attached to this world that they believe when the Lord comes He will just have to continue with this present system and fix one thing in here and another thing in there. Others wish “Not now Lord, some other time maybe, let me enjoy first”. A devout “Christian” friend of mine would rather see her children get financially established first before wishing the Lord’s kingdom to come. Just the same not now. I believe what motivates real and true Christians to pray “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven”, is the realization of the escalating evil this planet is experiencing, that somebody has to pull the plug on what’s driving this world into its ever spiraling downfall. True followers of Jesus could feel less and less welcome here that they increasingly long to be taken away and brought to a glorious place where the Lord will be their leader. Just and righteous in every way. Where he will wipe away our, His subjects’, tears forever.

  9. musicgirl61 says:

    remarutho, I totally agree that true freedom is only found in the Lord Jesus, and that we have it not to give us license, but to enable us to love and serve others.

    It’s that phrase “the pursuit of happiness” that raised red flags for me more than anything. I guess because, as bill34sl aptly said, many are not too anxious for anything other than the here and now, and are all to eager to spend their lives pursing the illusive happiness. But I don’t believe God promises us happiness–in fact, Jesus said that in this world we would have trouble. That may not bring happiness, but it doesn’t necessarily preclude joy.

  10. BruceC says:

    Whether the nations want to admit it or not they are all under His authority and nothing happens without His direct or permissive will. It was His permissive will that allowed Israel to have a king like the nations around her. This grieved the heart of God because of all that He had done for them. Having only He as King is the one thing that would set them apart. This is why no nation in history or today even comes close to being ideal. And eventually all will fail bcause God will not share any of His glory.

    I could not agree more with the post by bill34sl than I do. Although there may be “things” I would like to do or see happen; I would much rather see His coming for the church than anything else.

    BruceC
    Soli Deo Gloria!

  11. remarutho says:

    Hey Musicgirl!

    In no way do I claim that the constitution of the United States, or any other temporal nation is perfect. Somehow, I am grateful not to be at the point of Egypt or Syria in these days — struggling to throw off a human tyrant.

    The term “happiness” had a much different meaning in the 18th century when the revolutionaries of America sat down to write the Declaration of Independence. Happiness had to do with an individual’s “tempers” and world-view. In Puritan and Anglican society, a happy person was full of saving and sanctifying grace: In love with God and basking in the love of God in Christ.

    Couldn’t agree more that the evolution of that word in our culture is a sad and depraved spiral.

    In Him,
    Maru

  12. SFDBWV says:

    A friend of mine who is very intelligent and well read once told me that it was the conclusion of all of the writings of all the worlds philosophers that mans pursuit is happiness.

    When he said that to me I all too quickly responded that it was the purpose of mankind to glorify God.

    I have thought often about that conversation. What and why is it we desire?

    In this idea that we somehow control our destiny through the electoral process, are we fooled by those same self motivated desires that we center on in our never ending search for happiness?

    If you look at art, it reflects our society. Movies today are dark and violent; there is no hope in the future, only a dismal existence that follows the collapse of all morality and structured living.

    People today see no hope, they are disappointed and discouraged in whatever form of government they are under.

    It is really quite sad to say that most of us don’t want to be alive in this world any more, that we are tired and weary of all that evil has done to us and we look to God to give us back……happiness.

    To heal the sick, to raise the dead, to give all of us an existence in paradise….to be happy.

    Not just to be happy, but to be happy beyond our understanding of such an existence and to be so ….forever.

    Since we can not achieve such a high goal ourselves, we surrender the control of our existence to a King who can, and submit to His perfect rule over us in order to have that peace and security only He can deliver.

    In the life long journey from birth to death as we search for that peace, as we fall under the rule of Christ, we learn many things and one of the things we learn is what truly brings us happiness.

    Steve

  13. remarutho says:

    Amen Steve!

    It seems to me that glancing at the totally depraved society around us — while gazing lovingly at our Savior Jesus Christ — is a way to live that could preserve in our spirits a genuine “happiness” in the highest sense.

    God is not through with us yet. Old Slew Foot would just love for us to fall asleep at the switch and forget the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). I remind myself daily, “…Look up, for thy salvation draweth nigh…” (Sorry to King James you, but that is how I remember it) : > ) — Maru

  14. remarutho says:

    Steve —

    My flawed reference about coming salvation is in Luke 21:25-28. Jesus is sitting in the temple by the offering box with his disciples. (v 1) They question him about the time when “one stone will not be left upon another” concerning the new temple Herod has built. He begins by saying, “Beware that you are not led astray…” (v 7) He completes his teaching by instructing them/us: “Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (NRSV)

    We may surely take hope in this, don’t you think? Things have not yet been shaken as much as they will be.

    Maru

  15. SFDBWV says:

    You are quite right Maru, things will get worse. Jesus told His followers a simple truth of prophesy when He told them that the temple would be destroyed, then again He also told the *rulers* to destroy the temple and in 3 days He would raise it up again.

    Jesus shows us that there is a connection between the spiritual and the physical and that there are answers to questions about the future found in His Words.

    In order to get from one point to another, one must travel from point a, to point b. Jesus told us that the straight and narrow path was the correct path. But far too many of us have taken the more difficult pathway trying to go around His way, deciding our way was better.

    IF, if only we would have obeyed and listened to Him, a much more peaceful life we could have lived.

    So it is that we now must listen to His words and obey His voice so that as things do get worse, we will not be caught unaware or discouraged by events. But rather be encouraged that His return is close at hand.

    Steve

  16. remarutho says:

    Hello Steve —

    Seasons come and go. There is a weariness; I could never deny it. Yet, those who care for you would lift your arms and surround you with reminders of comfort — “ornaments of the eternal.”

    Regrets are overshadowed by the hovering of the blessed Holy Spirit. I love the old American saying that “every feather you find on the ground represents a prayer.” May your loving and living Savior send you cherished and entirely personal tokens of His deep love for you!

    Blessings,
    Maru

  17. SFDBWV says:

    Thank you Maru, I have never heard that saying, but it makes sense to me seeing how I spend so much time in prayer in my back yard and find so many feathers there…..I place them in a vial on my window sill…..Forever now they will have a more special meaning for me.

    Thank you again.

    Steve

  18. remarutho says:

    Steve!

    You are His!

    He will fill you again with His super-abundant supply so that you are pleased – but not complacent – comforted but not comfortable – calm but not slumbering.

    More than welcome, Steve, humble servant of the Most High God.

    Come Lord Jesus!
    Maru

  19. SFDBWV says:

    Maru, I have got to share this moment with you.

    Just after penning my last comment to you I was compelled to go out into the back yard and pray, Matt is napping in his chair so I went out to the back porch and offered up a small prayer of thanksgiving for you and for other people God puts in my pathway.

    When I looked down there at my feet was a small breast feather from a Morning Dove…..

    I love it. And wanted to share the moment with you.

    Steve

  20. jsscgoh says:

    I think the concept of a King and a subject under the control of a king is hard to fathom in the world of today. In short kingship in the biblical days is hard for Gen Y to grasp.

    In this day and age we are so caught up with our rights that it is somewhat difficult to think ourselves as a subject to a King (even though He is Christ).

    Christ by dying on the cross gave up His right as God to assume that of a slave that He may redeem a fallen world. In other words, He gave up his right that we may have a right to salvation.

    A subject under a King serve at the King’s pleasure. In other words, it is total obedience. So when we say Your Kingdom come Your will be done..”, can we give up “our rights” and subject ourselves to total obedience to God and not cling on to what we perceive as our right?

  21. dust says:

    our pastor finished his message with ENJOY GOD. And i want that more than anything else. God bless you all.

  22. remarutho says:

    Steve —

    Beautiful! A most peaceable gift from the Lord.

    Maru

  23. 1inhim says:

    “Thy kingdom come” … what I think about in this is His kingdom has come and is here already, is it not? Maybe we are really talking about different things here; 1) the “Kingdom of God” that John the Baptist and Jesus were talking about as being “near”, or 2) are we talking about the “end of the age” kingdom or even the “new heaven and earth” kingdom.

    I am not saying that the final Kingdom is here but are we denying that this Holy Spirit within us, right now is not of His kingdom? Do we not vacillate between the flesh of this world and our spirit that desires to be with Him? The more I experience Him in my life the less this world holds for me except more pain and suffering.

    The main draw His Kingdom holds for me is the concept of One and the unity that it represents. To be known as we are known. In this world we are all separate individuals with unique characteristics and “rights?”. But when He appears we will be like Him; to me that means being free from selfishness and self-centeredness to become full of love and grace to one another.

    This world’s kingdom (the flesh) is passing away. Oh, to be one in Him.

  24. poohpity says:

    I understood that John the Baptist and Jesus preaching about the Kingdom being near like in Matthew 10:7 was trying to redirect people to understand the the Messiah was bringing not a political kingdom but a spiritual Kingdom. Then in John 18:36 Jesus explained to Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world. So to me it speaks of the Hope of the Kingdom we will one day experience when we leave this existence bound by flesh, blood and sin.

  25. Regina says:

    Good Evening All

    I hope all is well in your lives! I had an awesome time at church today! Nothing like sweet fellowship with other believers in Christ Jesus, and an opportunity to (freely) worship and praise our God! :-)

    Mart, I love the picture you chose for this blog topic. It brought JESUS to mind as He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah! Was also pondering your question, “So do we hear today what people of the past heard in the Lord’s Prayer that teaches us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10)?

    I believe that some people are on the same page with the people of the past in regards to what Jesus taught when He said that we should pray that the Father’s kingdom would come and His will be done on earth… and some people say they want God’s will to be done on earth, but what they really mean is only as long as His will doesn’t interfere with their own selfish ambitions.

    Some people don’t believe that the Bible is the infallible Word of God. They don’t believe that God (the Father, Son & Holy Spirit) is the one *true* God, so they don’t have any respect or honor for His word. People who don’t know God can’t grasp the concept that in His kingdom there’s love, joy, peace, humility, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

    Want to focus on, “your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” God’s will is being done in heaven, but I’m wondering what that looks like because the Bible says that the kingdom of heaven is suffering violence and the violent are taking by force?
    Matt.11:12, NASB
    From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.

    The church has also been under attack from the days of John the Baptist until now. On any given Sunday, messengers of Satan go to churches all over the world(where anointed Word is being preached and God’s will is being done) to see if they can find a way to hinder or prevent the work of the LORD.

    I believe that God’s kingdom is evident and His will is done on earth (as it is in heaven) when we strive to walk in the Spirit, live righteous and holy lives before Him, and when we extend love, kindness, humility, compassion, understanding, and friendship to one another.

    Love to all,
    Regina

  26. musicgirl61 says:

    remarutho, I’m with you on that–I’m very grateful to live here, too.

    I find it very interesting how a phrase or even just a word can have different connotations for different people. I had never thought about what exactly the word “happiness” might have meant in the early days of this country, and how different today’s meaning is. Thanks for sharing that.

    Steve,I hadn’t heard that saying before, either, but that was very cool about the feather. I call those kinds of happenings “God-valentines.”

  27. remarutho says:

    Hello 1Inhim —

    What a great question! You wrote:

    “Do we not vacillate between the flesh of this world and our spirit that desires to be with Him?”

    Your comment brings to mind the times Jesus told several individuals, “You are very near the kingdom…” It reminds me a bit of the child’s game of Hot and Cold. You are “hot” when you are near the thing your friend is thinking of — “cold” when you are farther away. I am certain Jesus was not playing any sort of game with those he taught in that way, but rather saw in the heart of the person that wonderful hunger and thirst you mentioned: “Oh, to be one in him!”

    I agree that the kingdom of God IS in its fullness, for wherever God is, there is his kingdom in the power of His presence — yet we here in our fallenness are separated from that Shalom — that transformed, resurrected life. It is “just over there” to us — like feeling a pumpkin under a pillow. The apostle Paul said, “For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling…” (2 Corinthians 5:2)

    It seems to me Jesus is teaching us to contiue to pray, “Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done…” because we have this hope for his return — justifying and sanctifying what has fallen from his grace. We also experience his salvation, deliverance, healing and mercy immediately. Now and later.

    Blessings,
    Maru

  28. SFDBWV says:

    Wow 1inhim, your question has opened a floodgate in my mind. I can sense a book coming from this topic.

    If you look in the Concordance Jesus has a great deal to say about the Kingdom of Heaven. A great deal to say on many levels.

    Matthew 10: 7 “the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. At hand, being offered to those who hear the good news.

    Matthew 13: 11 “the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” given to us because we have heard and accepted Jesus, but kept from those who will not listen.

    Matthew 16: 19 “the keys of the kingdom of heaven given to the Church”

    Then as Jesus spoke to the chief priests and elders of Israel He speaks a terrible thing to them when He says in Matthew 21: 43 “The kingdom of heaven will be taken from you and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits (of the kingdom) thereof.”

    Because they rejected Jesus they have no part in the Kingdom…..This is true of a nation of peoples or of a single person.

    Jesus spends a great deal of time explaining the kingdom. As I have come to learn in my life and walk with God; there is a dual existence one we can see and one we can not. One is physical one is spiritual

    The kingdom of heaven exists split apart at this time but will be united when Jesus returns and sets up His Kingdom on earth, upon His return (Revelation 19: 16).

    But do not be deceived, there are false doctrines out there that preach the Kingdom has already come and is here; remember that a good lie is usually a half truth.

    So whereas the kingdom does already exist in the hearts of believers and in the spiritual it will not be made whole until we are united with Christ and His return to reign and rule upon the earth.

    Steve

  29. dodi says:

    What comes to my mind…. is the time when Christ was standing before Pilate being interrogated and Pilate asked him was he a King, (John 18:35-37) and Christ said ” my kingdom is not of this world and if it were then my servants would be fightng”

    Christ’s kindgom is the kingdom of heaven and belongs to another world. Christ is King and has a Kingdom, but it doesn’t belong to this earthly dominion,just as we don’t belong.

    (IE) it’s very nature is not worldly focused. As children of God we are in this world, but because of our new nature, we are not of this world, we are being transformed for His kingdom above.

    C.S. Lewis once wrote….. If you as a believer have an unquencable desire that cannot be filled from anything upon earth, then perhaps you were designed for another world.

    Even though we are citizens upon earth, our true citizenship is the Kingdom of Heaven.

  30. InHisHands says:

    Good morning, all.

    I have been perusing the comments and been blessed by the many shared insights. Thank you.

    Am keeping this BTA blog family in prayer and will continue to do so.

    I think that people read that portion of Scripture and see it as asking the Father for a bit of “Heaven on earth”. The only way we can see that is to stay in the Word and strive to be conformed to the image of His Son -following his guidance in the ‘love’ chapter I Cor. and as the author of In His Steps advocates as ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” when dealing with circumstances and people that the LORD places in our path.

    Just thoughts. Have a super awe inspired day in the LORD.

  31. InHisHands says:

    oops – I Cor. 13 – fingers don’t always follow thoughts, very well. lol

  32. poohpity says:

    The simplicity of knowing what God’s will is for us is mentioned in Micah 6:8; No, He has told you what he wants, and this is all it is: to be fair and just and merciful and to walk humbly with your God. Do we show mercy to those who have wronged us? Are we learning humility? Are we fair in our dealings with others? Also in Hosea 6:3,6.

  33. foreverblessed says:

    Thanks all for your comments, I was thinking, what can I add?
    Like dodi wrote just above, the Kingdom of God is a spiritual matter. We have to reach to God, and be more and more aware of the Spirit World of Gods Kingdom.
    When thinking of a kingdom, I think of the throne.
    Everything that comes to us from God’s throne is Grace, that’s why God’s throne is a throne of Grace.
    God’s grace is becoming visible in us, when the Holy Spirit pours in our hearts His supernatural Love that is bigger then any knowledge we may have, Romans 5:5, Matthew 5:44Ephesians 3:19. Then we can love our enemies, bless those who hate us.
    Well, that is what I read this morning, but now the reality: I have to subdue my own natural mind, because I do not want to love my enemies, i feel resentment, irritation. Do I give in to that, or: I can pour out my heart to God, please I do want to love my enemy, please help me, fill me with Your love.
    In that sense the kingdom of God is poured out in our hearts now.
    When thinking of a Kingdom I think of Riches too,
    Ephesians 3:8 the unsearchable riches in Christ.
    as was the evening devotion of Spurgeon last night, aug 22.
    How much riches we could receive from Christ if we would ask from Him more, and not give in to our human nature.

    Maybe God is waiting in sending Jesus to settle His Kingdom on earth, because His own people have to get richer in Him yet.
    I was reading in Daniel about the prophecies of the coming of Jesus, since Mart’s topic about Kingdom, but this got my attention:
    Daniel 11:33-34, v35.
    That we may be refined, purified, and made spotless!
    So even the stumbling we do is in God’s grace.
    It is indeed a throne of Grace, full of His riches for us.

  34. foreverblessed says:

    sorry, Daniel 11:35

  35. BruceC says:

    My just recent thoughts on RBC’s new website look got me to thinking.
    I am really not happy with new website look as yet. I liked it the way it was. I tried to bring Daily Strength and Daily Bread up but only got yesterday’s; unless they are having problems. Usually by this time they are up.
    Reminded me of how it is the nature of folks in IT departments to always be looking for something new. Seen this in other jobs too. Just their nature; but many folks get used to one way and really don’t handle change well. Like the way the Pharisees didn’t handle Jesus well.
    But the thought I had is about a change we will all welcome. The coming of our Lord and the establishment of His Kingdom on earth. A physical and spiritual Kingdom all together. He will be will us. We will be changed and no more death or disease; or temptation of sin and the fallen flesh. Now that is a change I would welcome!!!

    BruceC
    Soli Deo Gloria!

  36. SFDBWV says:

    Wanted to step out into deep water and speak about *republics*.

    Though the Greeks are given credit for the concept of the form of self government known as *The Republic*, I believe the idea had to have been instituted earlier, in tribal life. The Greeks and the Romans did not give the ability to vote to everyone, just to those empowered to make decisions concerning the welfare of all.

    The American Indian had a Chief and tribal leaders as well but the entire tribe got to have a say (Vote) on issues that affected their course of actions. It was this influence that caused the creators of the American Constitution to give the vote to all its citizens. Some of the framers of our government did not want to give the vote to everyone, but to only land owners.

    IF…If we place God at the head of our Republic and more specifically Jesus Christ, then we have that Spirit to lead us in all of our decisions and actions for the betterment of all.

    However if the spirit that leads our republic is nothing more that that of self serving individuals what we have is a mob with a mob mentality. No direction, no thoughts of what is right or wrong, only immediate self gratification. A knee jerk reactionary government that will forever be bouncing about changing direction and wasting its resources and energy.

    Any government without Jesus Christ at its head is doomed to failure. Any person who does not bow down to the majesty and authority of God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit, is doomed as well.

    A republic gets its authority from the people who support and live under it. The Kingship of Jesus Christ comes from the creator of all things.

    Like the potter and the clay, it is not given the clay to rule over the potter.

    Morning thoughts…44 degrees this morning and only 68 for a high yesterday.

    Steve

  37. cherielyn says:

    BruceC,

    I also do not care for the new look of the website.

    Here’s my solution: Type in odb.org (preceeded by the normal beginning, of course) and it will bring you directly to the current day’s Daily Bread.

    Likewise type in beenthinking.org and it will take you directly to the current topic.

    Daily Strength?? Did you mean Strength for the Journey? If so, type in: getmorestrength.org

    Hope this was helpful. Have a great day!

    Cheryl

  38. poohpity says:

    When I got on this morning and saw the new page at first I just said, “ok now how do I find what I am looking for?” and in the next minute I found everything as easy a click away even things I wasn’t even looking for. The only thing we can be sure of is change, hopefully for the better. Now one can find all different kinds of things that this ministry has to offer, before you had to do different searches. The only thing that does not change is our Lord and that I am most grateful for.

  39. BruceC says:

    Sorry if I sounded like I was on a rant. But many of us don’t live in high-speed America and that is the way most sites are geared. Video clips? YouTube? Fergitabotit. Friends have had to go to costly satellite systems just for their kids in school. It’s really a shame.

    And you are right Poohpity! Our Lord changeth not! And the world hates that!!

    By the way; the site did load at last; but it takes longer on dialup.

    BruceC
    Soli Deo Gloria!

  40. SFDBWV says:

    Just a quick word to let everyone know that we felt the earthquake here in my home in West Virginia that just occurred a couple hours ago.

    No damage to anything no people hurt but people are plenty excited, this is a first for anyone living here.

    Steve

  41. Regina says:

    Good Evening All,

    So glad you and your family are ok, Steve. Wow! An earthquake in Virginia?! That’s definitely a sign of the times we’re living in! I’ve never been in an earthquake before. Though I did have another friend tell me *today* that it was her first time experiencing an earthquake. She’s doing missions training in Virginia.

    I pray that there were no fatalities in Virginia or any other states, and no damage to property. Sunny and hot in Texas today (104 right now).

  42. foreverblessed says:

    Last night I came home, and my husband said: look here, it says: the devastation in Washington DC, due to an earthquake.
    O no, I thought, then there came a picture: a big garden, with 3 chairs, a table, and…. one chair fallen down on the ground.

  43. BruceC says:

    Yesterday the wife and I were in the small city where our church is in upstate NY. When we turned onto Main St a couple of blocks from the church there were all these people outside on the sidewalks on their cellphones and both of us wondered what was going on. When we arrived at the church office the secretary and our senior pastor informed us of the earthquake and showed us the USGS website on the PC.
    As the birthpangs continue I will not be surprised to see more. May the Lord’s name be praised and may thanks be given unto Him that there was not massive loss of life.

    BruceC
    Soli Deo Gloria!

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