All tagged prayer

Every election cycle voters put great hopes in their candidates, as leaders who will bring change or stability or both. Yet, there's no one person who will garner everyone's support because people have such diverse concerns and issues.

Recorded history reminds us of the ups and downs of civilizations and cultures. History is cyclical. Life, in general, is cyclical, just as the seasons within a year. The greatness of a nation or era of civilization is preceded and followed by periods of mediocrity or worse.

The problem is consistency and succession of leaders and their governing power. Even religious and theological views vary because they're tied to ever-changing generations and leaders within each generation.

Thankfully, there is one leader who is enduring, trustworthy, and compassionate. He was not elected by people, nor is He limited by human fickleness and frailty. He is powerful, yet humble. Superior, yet approachable.

A common hook used for selling something is to offer a guarantee. Of course, the hook might come with some catches like time limits or other restrictions. It's the "money-back" guarantees that are most appealing.

You can also buy extended warranties and some credit cards even offer warranties. But remember, guarantees or warranties are only as good the one who issues it, whether it's a person or a company. Are they trustworthy? Will they stay in business?

Another limitation is whatever is being guaranteed. Any item or service, even a life insurance policy is limited because it's temporary. A life insurance policy is only in force while a person is alive and pays out when they die.

But what about a human soul? It's contained within a physical body but it exists beyond physical life. What kind of guarantee is there for life after death and eternity, or is there any? Again, it depends on who issues the guarantee.

God is often misunderstood or simply unknown for many people. It ought not to be, but it is. Why? Ignorance and indifference are major factors, of course, but for those who claim to be believers, there's really no excuse.

God came to earth in human form. All four gospels give eyewitness accounts of this. Indeed, this is what the celebration of Christmas ought to be all about. And yet, misunderstandings and ignorance prevail.

For one thing, we tend to overemphasize the spiritual and overlook the human factor. Think about it. God once had flesh and bones, lived a daily life on earth, was part of a family, and in community with other people.

Jesus, the Son of God, experienced a real human life for over 30 years. Although in a different time in history and culture, He experienced life as we know it.

For all those who trust in Him, He is our living bridge to God the Father.

As we approach this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, many people are thankful the presidential election is over. Not everyone is happy about the outcome, as evidenced by protests in some cities.

Some, maybe most of us, are just glad this contentious presidential campaign finally came to an end. Now we wait to see what the next year will bring.