Author: natejstaton

I’m so thankful that God shows up. Can you imagine the despair of a life where God doesn’t show up. Thankfully we don’t have to worry about such a life.

This passage in Matthew reminds every Christian that there is power and authority in the gathering of believers. The power is not in the multitudes, simply in the gathering itself. Notice the Scripture says “where two or three are gathered.” When God’s people gather together, no matter how few they may be in numerical count, His presence and power are activated.

While we certainly live in a country that is fighting for majority politically, don’t forget that we fight our battles and find authority in His counsel, in His presence. There is no democracy in the throne room, only a King and His Kingdom.

It is in that throne room where we don’t have to fight for majority, or even for His attention. We simply draw near to Him and He will draw near to us (James 4:8). The blood of Jesus that marks us and the seal of the Spirit the keeps us to the day of salvation affords us all the attention we need in this Throne room.

The next time you gather with other Christians, remember that gathering and coming into agreement is a powerful thing. And in doing this, the Lord is with us. I don’t know about you, but I could use more of Jesus. So let’s gather and go after the One who truly matters. We exist because He desires to be with us. Our gatherings bring about His presence. Let’s capitalize on that.

When trials and turbulence attempt to thwart God’s heart and plans for our life, it’s easy to forget who our trust is in. Trust is a controversial topic at the moment. In 2020 it’s been hard to “trust” medical experts, governments of this world, and now election results.

The apostle John reminds my heart that I trust God because I know Him. I know His love for me, and I know there is life for me in His love. His love frees and forgives me of my sin, and empowers me to to walk in the power of His Holy Spirit He has placed inside of me.

I’m so thankful that I can trust God. I can trust in the results of His election of me into His kingdom. It is this trust that gives me power to walk in love. Jesus is the reason for my trust.

This world needs the healing touch of Jesus Christ. As ambassadors of Christ, living in His love empowers us to walk in His love. In fact, when Christians live out a life of love, it’s evidence that God is actively living in them.

When we survey the world there is certainly a lot to be righteously angered about. But let’s remember not to sin in our anger (Ephesians 4:26), and let’s not grieve Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).

So let’s be carful how we live (Ephesians 5:15). Let’s walk lovingly and fearfully before the Lord. Walk as bold as lions (Psalm 28:1), live your light as a light. Expose the darkness for light to shine, not for yourself to shine (Ephesians 5:13). Desire for Jesus to be seen and received!

Place your trust in Him. Allow the traction of the Shoes or Peace (Ephesians 6:15) that you wear give you solid traction as you live out a life that surrenders to the cross of Jesus Christ.

You can trust Him.

Then Daniel praised the God of heaven ²⁰ and said:

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
²¹ He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.

Daniel 2:20-21

A presidency doesn’t dictate the praise and life of a Christian. In fact, the well being and life of the people of God does not depend on Pennsylvania Ave nor any other other worldly authority. A Christian’s well being is exclusively dependent upon the One they praise. The One we praise is enthroned forever, and the kings and kingdoms of this world are established on His terms and His timing. This is the Christians source of hope, strength, and security.

With that said, that doesn’t mean a presidency and the authorities of this world don’t have any impact on the life of a Christian. Certainly a president or governmental authority that has any favor towards the church is a blessing. Public policy and laws definitely can have an impact, good or bad on Christians as well. Elections certainly have consequences, however, so does sin. Imagine if Christians cared about their sanctification as much as they did elections?! I digress.

Deuteronomy 16:18 “You shall appoint judges and officers in all your towns that the Lord your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.”

Righteous rule matters the Lord. He places that burden of righteous rule on His people. I know what you may be thinking, how can unrighteousness people rule righteously? Consider this verse. Even if we are unable to place righteous people in places of leadership, the Lord still holds the heart of every king. Perhaps, this is why the Lord was able to use Cyrus in his day.

Whatever the result of the election may be this year, don’t let your praise be tied to the outcome of a presidency. Be known as a prophet greater than a patriot. Yes, one must be less than the other. That does not mean you can’t be a patriot, it just means you need to know who your patriotism bows down to. It also means that your patriotism portrays your citizenship in heaven, and not contingent on the imperfect polity of man.

So, vote. Sure. Vote as Holy Spirit leads you. He will never lead out to a decision that goes against His Word.

Whatever the outcome is though, you have a responsibility. Pray for your president and pray for you leaders. Pray to the One who established their leadership and Who knows the purpose of their leadership in the history of our terrestrial existence as well for the purposes of eternity.

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

2 Timothy 2:1-2

The president get’s my prayer not my praise. Praise is reserved for God alone. Whatever happens. Be Christian. Demonstrate the Word of God with your life. Trust the words of Scripture when it comes to earthly leaders.

May the world and the leaders of it see Jesus in my life in how I live before them and serve the Lord with my life.

Lastly…If you can go to a rally…you can go to church. If you can vote…you can go to church. Get back in the Worship HOUSE. Your voice goes further there than in the booth on Tuesday. I love you.

Click below for Pastor Nate’s daily devotion for Anothen Church.

www.facebook.com/434361980068198/posts/1655425724628478/

Enjoy today’s devotion! I pray you are blessed by it!

PN