Author: StephanieBBlake

I love to help others focus on the one thing that's most important in life through my ministry, teaching and writing. As Vice President of Xtend Ministries International - www.xtendinternational.com, I travel extensively with my husband. I maintain two websites: www.onefocusministries.com and stretchmoney.wordpress.com. On the One Focus site, you can find free Bible studies, devotionals and information about my first book, "The Prayer Driven Life". My book, "Money: How to Be Rich Without It and How to Stretch It Using Ten Hints from the Past and the Technology of Today" was the inspiration for stretchmoney.wordpress.com. Money saving hints are contained throughout the book and this site was created to continue to give helpful hints on stretching money or having the proper view toward money.
One Focus Blog

The Life Span of a Tree

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I love trees. One of my criteria for a good place to live is trees – in the surroundings and around the house. Trees add such a wonderful dimension to enjoyment for me.

I am often amazed at the difference between standing in the sun and slipping under the shade of a tree on a hot day. The welcome temperature change is immediate. Sitting under a tree while sipping a cool glass of sweet tea – well, what could be better than that?

Another reason I love trees is that they provide a habitat for my favorite animal – birds. Without trees, my feathered friends would not have a place to call home. My enjoyment of sitting under a tree or near them is magnified because of the chatter of the birds to each other and their songs – pure bliss.

90px-Dying_Tree_-_geograph.org.uk_-_802371Unfortunately, I sometimes observe the death of trees – in my yard, my neighborhood and throughout the landscape of the larger area where I reside in Texas. There have been many causes for these, but I am always sad to see the death of a beautiful tree.

Some trees have a predictable and fairly short life span. For years, sitting on my back porch, I enjoyed a beautiful red bud tree. That once healthy tree is on a downward spiral. It is dying. I’m not sure there is anything we could have done to save it. Red bud trees rarely live past forty years. Our home is over one hundred years old, so this tree could have been here for a long time.

Recently one of my neighbors lost a huge oak tree in their front yard. A strong wind blew it down, revealing a trunk that must have been diseased for quite some time as it was completely hollow. That tree might have lasted for many more years had it not been for the decay that had been hidden from view. After thunderstorms in our area, I noticed more trees that toppled, sometimes resulting in damage to property around it.

God made all these trees and He knows the life span of each one of them. There is one tree that He created that will never die. For those who know Christ as Savior, we will all get to enjoy this tree and all it has to offer. I am looking forward to seeing this tree. It will be one of the great gifts of eternity.


Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat and live forever” – therefore, the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden…To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God (Genesis 3:22, 23; Revelation 2:7).

 

One Focus Blog

America Bless God

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Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! 
Bless the Lord O my soul, and forget not all His benefits (Psalm 103:1-2).

This year, as we celebrate Independence Day
There are some things we need to recall
How God has blessed us each step of the way
Without Him, we would have no blessings at all

What our ancestors acknowledged as true
We must remember this day and every day
It should be the same, even more now, for me and you
As there are those who would argue, the meaning is falling away

“All men are created equal and endowed by their Creator
with inalienable rights,” states the Declaration of Independence.
Those men who unanimously penned this document, included later
Their “firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence.”

“The Star-Spangled Banner,” the anthem of our land
Praises the God who has blessed us
With His power and His hand
As the One in whom we should trust.

Read these words written by Francis Scott Key
In 1814, nearly two hundred years ago
As I read them today, I could plainly see
How he recognized that God had blessed us so

“Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust;”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

In 1918 Irving Berlin wrote another patriotic verse
“God bless America, the land that we love”
In the form of a prayer, he acknowledged God first
And asked for this nation His blessings from above

“In God We Trust” was placed on the two-cent coin in 1864
Followed by the nickel, quarter, half dollar and the one
Finally all coins contained this motto, and more
For currency was also included, now it is on every single one

Over the years, God’s activity has been acknowledged
As our leaders continued to recognize His hand.
For Eisenhower, in 1954, included in the national pledge
“One nation under God” as Communism threatened our land.

It is not Communism today, but America is definitely under attack
Not from terrorists alone but also from some of our very own
There are those who want to rewrite history, turn the clock back
And say that what our ancestors said, they did not mean

The only hope that the blessings America has experienced will last
Is, like our ancestors, we recognize His hand on this land we trod
He does not need us – we need Him and His blessings of the past
God has blessed America.  America should acknowledge and bless God.

If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

One Focus Blog

The Cure for Worry

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Corrie ten Boom said, “Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength – carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

How right Corrie is. Anyone who knows her life story can respect her advice. If anyone had reason to worry about tomorrow, it was Corrie.

Approximately thirty people were arrested in the ten Boom home by the Gestapo in 1944. Although Corrie’s family were sheltering six Jews and resistance workers in their home, their presence remained undiscovered while the ten Boom family and others were taken to a penitentiary.

The_ten_Boom_FamilySubsequently, all but three of them were released. Corrie, her father and her older sister Betsie remained in prison. Her father died there ten days after their arrest. Corrie and Betsie were later transferred to the German concentration camp Ravensbruck where they encountered unimaginable persecution. Betsie, who died in the camp, encouraged Corrie to see God’s hand in their circumstances, no matter how hard they were. Betsie’s calm assurance of God’s love and presence in their lives, as well as Corrie’s strength and courage, got them through some horrific experiences in the camp.
After the war, Corrie’s told their story – through books and speaking engagements. Her infectious joy as she spoke to large groups about God’s love and forgiveness led many to become Christians.

Corrie was a very courageous woman. She was not willing to relinquish any of the strength God gave her to worry. In every picture I have seen of Corrie, she has a huge smile on her face.

In the Old Testament, Nehemiah took on a seemingly impossible job with incredible opposition. He refused to be anxious about the trials. He stayed true to his task and declared that his strength for doing so came from the joy of the Lord. Just like Nehemiah, Corrie’s trust in God and her joy in serving Him gave her the strength she needed for each day.

As someone who has struggled with worry, I have learned a lot from people like Nehemiah, Corrie ten Boom and others. Worry is a true handicap. Many things you worry about never happen, but your anxious feelings can stifle your productivity.

Resisting worry is hard, but necessary. The only real cure is to replace worry with the joy of the Lord. When you substitute His strength and His joy for your imaginations, He is able to do what He desires to do through you.

Corrie says that worry carries tomorrow’s load with today’s strength. It is interesting to me that when Jesus invites us to come to Him with our burdens, He doesn’t offer to take the load off of our shoulders, but instead invites us to take His yoke upon us. It is sharing His yoke that teaches us humility and gives us rest for our souls. It is His joy that makes our joy full. He has overcome anything that we could possibly worry about. The joy of knowing Him is the cure for worry.

“So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34 Amplified). Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance (James 1:2-3 NIV).

Reflective Focus

Lace, Ladies and the Lord

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Speeches and formal announcements often begin with Ladies and Gentlemen. This greeting is more distinguished than Women and Men. When a man is called a true gentleman, that is meant as a compliment. When a woman is referred to as a lady, her gentle characterisitcs are recognized. Not every woman is a lady, however, nor is every man a gentleman.

Ladies and gentlemen are people of character. The truth is that every young female is a girl and every adult female is a woman, but it takes effort to be a lady. Every young male is a boy and every adult male is a man, but it takes work to be a gentleman.

God wants His sons and daughters to be people of good, gentle character. He can even take people with very rough, crude backgrounds and transform them into ladies and gentlemen.

Iris Blue’s testimony is a wonderful example of what God can do. She was a very rebellious young person, ran away from home, got involved in drugs and was sentenced to eight years in prison on armed robbery charges. Her attitude in prison was so bad that she had to serve an even longer sentence. After leaving prison, she continued on her path of rebellion until a young man told her about Jesus Christ and how He loved her. She responded to His love and her testimony is that she “knelt down a tramp and stood up a lady.”

God’s design for Iris was to transform her so that she could share His love with others, which she does. Her life and the lives of all God’s daughters who are gentle, caring and God fearing have some similarities to a beautiful work of art called lace.

Ladies are a lot like lace. They are created.

Someone has to create the lace. Handmade lace is always more valuable than lace made by machine. As time, effort and thought are put into the creation of the piece of lace, it becomes a work of art. The pattern of the lace reflects the design of the maker. If there is a mistake made in the handmade process, the thread is torn out to the point of the mistake and started over at that point. The important thing is the end result even if the process takes a long time.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth (Psalm 139:13-15 NIV).

Ladies are a lot like lace. They have a beautiful pattern.

Lace has a beautiful and intricate pattern. God has a plan for every woman’s life. He has a beautiful pattern in mind that is very individual. He weaves the delicate threads of a women’s life to make her the lady He wants her to be.

For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

God was not surprised with Iris Blue’s rebellious life. He knew that His transformation of her life would reach many people for Him.

Ladies are a lot like lace. They are delicate.

Lace is delicate and complimentary. It decorates. It covers but not completely. It lets light show through. It has been said that “the light that shines the farthest shines brightest at home.” Ladies, who are God fearing and gentle in their own families, can be examples to a lost world.

Real ladies bring light into the lives of others – the light of Jesus. The word lace could be used as an acrostic: Ladies Are Christian Examples. Jesus’ example was full of grace and truth. He gave us the fruit of His spirit and all these things are qualities that a lady should have: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Ladies are a lot like lace. They add an element of luxury to their surroundings. 

Lace is a gift item. It is a luxury. Lace is considered a luxury and not everyone has the ability to have it, but ladies are capable of making luxuries where they are not otherwise possible. A German saying makes this point: “Honor the women. They braid and weave heavenly roses in earthly living.”

Ladies are a lot like lace. They are appreciated in a social setting.

Lace is only appreciated when it is displayed. Lace stored in a drawer does not contribute to the beauty of the surroundings. It must be displayed. A woman’s beauty is also displayed in her actions.

Lace and ladies are created with a beautiful, delicate pattern, providing luxury to their surroundings, having their greatest impact in society.

The death of two famous women – Princess Diana of England and Mother Teresa of India – occurred in the span of a very short period. Both were ladies in their own right, each contributing to society by their gentle spirits and loving concern for others.

The way a woman lives her life determines whether she is just a girl, a woman or a real lady.

© Stephanie B. Blake

July 2012

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One Focus Blog

The Old Made New

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I enjoyed reading Roots of Home: Our Journey to a New Old House by Russell Versaci. It traces Old World roots of housing in America.

booksThe author covers architectural design from our Spanish, French, English and Continental heritages. It was very enlightening to discover how Americans have kept some of the old traditional designs while sometimes incorporating modern conveniences. Many times, owners have attempted to preserve the good features of the home while attempting to improve on them.
Most of the homes featured were very simple designs. The builders were inspired by what they had left behind in the old country, but were practical enough to use what was available locally. If they lived in an area that had lots of rock, they used rock. If trees were abundant, homes were made of wood. Much of the insulation was mud mixed with straw.

Houses built in America’s beginnings were not only built out of necessity, but some became enduring classics. The author reviews the houses that were first built in this country as well as some new old houses that are being designed by modern traditional architects. He says, “Along the way, we will discover what gives a house good bones. We will uncover footprints of the past that provide blueprints for new old houses that are pleasing to the eye and satisfying to the soul – classic American houses that look and feel like home.”

120px-Columbine_Work_Station_residenceIt occurs to me that God deals with us in a similar fashion. He made us the way we are. e have good bones, but sin corrupts our dwelling. When a person trusts in Christ as Savior and Lord, he does not lose his personality or the talents he was born with. He gains much more – something new. The new old house of a believer allows God’s Spirit to work in Him and through Him to become what is pleasing to God and satisfying to the believer. Through Jesus, God restores what was good about His creation in the beginning and makes it new – a new old house.


For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven…therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come (2 Corinthians 5:1-2, 17).

One Focus Blog

Little Children Love Jesus

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One year I was the missionary speaker at Vacation Bible School at my home church. What a delight it was to watch the children listen with rapt attention as I talked about serving Jesus around the world.

The first thing I told them was, “Jesus loves you and He has a plan for your life. Do you know that Jesus loves you?” Practically every head nodded yes. I believe they do know that Jesus loves them and in return, they love Him back.

gbtas0018Jesus understands this about little ones. His delight was in the children who came readily to Him. The picture that comes to our minds when we think of Jesus and children is one of peaceful abandon. The children ran to Him, sat in His lap, listened to Him speak and soaked it all in. They had nothing better to do than enjoy time with the One who loves them the most. There is no other situation in the life of Jesus where the circumstance is more joyful. Unlike the adults who questioned Him, doubted Him, tested Him, persecuted Him and eventually killed Him, in their sweet innocence, the little children felt His love, accepted it and returned it.

Unless they are mistreated or neglected, children naturally trust those in charge. Adults in their lives make them feel safe and secure. It is later in life that people discover that not everyone is trustworthy. Jesus, however, is totally trustworthy. He will never disappoint you, nor fail you.
If we could only stay like little children in our love for Jesus, we would avoid becoming calloused, doubtful and fearful. Resting in His love, trusting His guidance and staying close to Him, just like the little children, makes all the difference in our perspective on life. What joy being in His presence brings.  Little children love Jesus. So should we.

Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will be no means enter it” (Mark 10:13-15).

One Focus Blog

Stamps in My Passport

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My passport fills up pretty fast. In fact, I ran out of room in the last one I had. Obtaining extra pages that would last until my passport expired entailed a trip to the American Embassy in Germany.

113px-Gov-us_passport120px-Israel_Entry_StampThe stamps in my passport are reminders of where my husband and I have been to serve as missionaries throughout the globe. I am not aware of any stamp in my passports in the last ten years that had to do with vacation. The passport gives me entry into the country. It is usually stamped by the officials and then we are off to complete the assignment God has given us.

Since we are missionaries, our stay in each country gives us a fairly good view of what is going on. We seldom stay in a hotel. We stay where the people live, so we see all sorts of behavior, hear all kinds of sounds and learn to get around the way the locals do. We eat the same food they eat, ride the public transportation just like they do, spend the local currency. In many of the transactions we make, we must show our passport.

For various reasons, the officials may not stamp my passport upon entry and exit. Even when it is not stamped, though, it is absolutely essential that I have it with me at all times. Sometimes a religious visa is just as important. It must be protected as well.

Security in international travel has become a very high priority. Passports are issued for the protection of the individual as well as the security of the country to which they are traveling. I am sometimes questioned about the other stamps in my passport. Officials want to know why I travel so often.

I carry my passport with me at all times. I know that if something were to happen to me, it would link me to my family and my country. Without it, police or emergency personnel would have a difficult time providing aid for me or getting me home if I were to die abroad.

My passport has my picture, my name and my signature in it; however, I cannot issue a passport for myself. The U.S. Department of State does that. They issue all American passports and without their approval, my passport would not be valid. It would be a fake.

Occasionally, entering another country can be a little nerve-racking. I know of missionary friends who have been denied entry on a technicality even when they have their passports and visas. I am always more comfortable with the countries that allow both my husband and me to enter together. He then shows them both passports and we are good to go.

I treasure my passport and protect it because of what it represents: the ability to do what I need to do and then get back home again. I love our mission work and long to see my international brothers and sisters, but I am always ready to go home.

My deepest longing is not for my earthly home, but my heavenly one. There is a sense in which I feel like a foreigner on earth, for I know that my true home is in Heaven with Jesus. When my work on earth is done, I am going home. My entrance is assured. In a way, because Jesus is my Savior, He has already put His stamp on my passport.

I don’t have to be concerned about losing any documentation to enter the gates of heaven. I can’t lose what I don’t need. I cannot enter Heaven on my own. Jesus has already gone ahead of me and secured a place for me there. He is with me now, He has my entry day planned and He will walk me through. I will not go through the gates of heaven alone. Just as my husband can walk me through the entry ports of a country, Jesus, the Bridegroom, will be there for His bride.

“I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, you may be also…” (John 14:2-3). For our citizenship is in heaven, for which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20).

Reflective Focus

Good Business Practices and Biblical Principles

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Fortune magazine, in existence for ninety years, every year produces a Fortune 500 issue, an annual ranking of America’s largest corporations. Besides listing top corporations, Fortune is full of articles on good business practices. Some of these practices led to the success of the companies. In addition, the interviewers for each article believe the information they are providing will help their readers reach some measure of success in their own business ventures.

Little did most of the reporters imagine that these interviews reveal what God has told us all along: biblical principles lead to good business practices.

The following are representative of this truth. These articles appeared in the May 2012 issue of Fortune 500.

1. Executive Dream Team: Team Players Trump All-Stars: Formula for a Winning Company? Execs Who Play Well With Others by Geoff Colvin

Geoff Colvin, looking forward to Fortune’s Executive Dream Team series, states they will be looking for “superstar performers who can work together, pushing a larger agenda than just their own advancement.”  Uncovering some foundational principles for teams that worked well together and lasted for a long time, he said, “Trust is the most important element in team success.” Among team members, differing experiences, ways of thinking and strengths are good. Conflicting values are not.

Biblical principle (Acts 2:43-47)

Perhaps the best-known biblical team was the disciples of Jesus. Only one of them (Judas) had conflicting values although the team itself was as varied as any group of that age. A compilation of fishermen, tax collector, political zealot and other tradesmen (whose specific trades were unknown), none of them were professional theologians. After Judas left the group and Jesus gave these men His great commission, what His disciples accomplished together – even with continual persecution – changed the world.

2. The Way We Work: Want to Move Up? Get a Sponsor by Jennifer Alsever

This article examines some critical differences between mentoring and sponsoring. Ms. Alsever states, “A mentor can coach you, give advice, and help prepare you for your next position. A sponsor will go out on a limb for you, open the door to your next job, introduce you to the right people, and make the case for you in those top-level conversations that could make or break your career.”

Biblical principle (Acts 9:26-31)

The Bible certainly has many examples of mentors. Paul was a mentor to Timothy and Titus, helping develop them as young preachers. When Paul was first saved, however, what he needed most was a sponsor. He got one in Barnabas who brought Paul to the disciples and spoke to them on Paul’s behalf. It was because of Barnabas and his sponsorship that Paul was able to work with the disciples that previously had such good reason to be afraid of him.

3. David vs. Goliath: Business Cards, Popcorn and Hyperlocal Listings: How Three Small Owners Created Successful Businesses from Scratch by Elaine Pofeldt

Ms. Pofeldt explains her premise in her title. Small business owners, with the right idea, have a chance of success even against larger established businesses.

Biblical Principle (1 Samuel 17)

The title says it all. Even a non-Christian, non-Bible based, totally business oriented U.S. magazine is aware that everyone will understand the David vs. Goliath analogy. No one is too small to get the job done right. Like David, depend on our big God.

4.  How Amazon Learned to Love Veterans: Won over by their logistical know-how and “bias for action,” the online retailer is on a military hiring spree by Adam Lashinsky

Mr. Lashinsky reports that” it’s easy to see what hiring managers see in veterans, particularly the young former junior officers who literally are battle-tested in addition to being well educated.” He quotes Josh Teeter, the general manager of one of Amazon’s facilities: “They understand that it’s not about them. They have a huge running start. They’re smart. And they’ve already met a certain bar.”

Biblical Principle (Titus 2:1-8).

Here’s where the mentoring comes in. Known in Christian circles as the Titus principle, it is expected that the older men and women will use what they have learned to teach younger members of the church. It is not so much an age principle, but an experience principle. Older men and women of the church have “been there, done that.” The principle is good for the older members and good for the younger ones. What the elders have learned through experience, positive and negative, over the years will not go to waste if they can help steer younger ones through pitfalls and keep them from making the same mistakes or help keep them focused on what is truly important. This is a ministry of encouragement and guidance. Just like the veterans, they understand that life is not about them. It is about loving God, seeking His guidance, doing His will and bringing glory to His name.

© Stephanie B. Blake

June 2012

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One Focus Blog

Tired from the Journey

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I wrote this reflection at 6 AM on a Saturday morning. My husband and I had just returned from a mission trip arriving at our home a little less than five hours before- 1 AM. My mind was filled with the people and events from the trip, but I had to admit – I was tired from the journey.

120px-StockholmArlandaAirport5No matter where we go, it seems our journeys are long and hard. There is often a “hurry up and wait” factor involved. We seldom have a direct flight to our destination. Travel often entails a mad run through the airport to make a connecting flight. Sometimes even getting to the airport seems a little uncertain. We are often in a place where we don’t speak the language and others have to make arrangements for us.

629px-Board-a-Plane-Step-2Traveling often takes up a great deal of time when we go to conduct international conferences. Many times there are journeys with our journey. Each day we might travel from one city to another, sometimes several hours apart. I wondered aloud to a ministry partner as to why traveling is so tiring. We are often sitting in a car or a train. Why is sitting so tiring?

When I reflect on the fact that I get weary from travel, the circumstances in which our friends live, in some of the countries we serve, make me realize that I have it easy. I am able to make advance arrangements and plan for the trip. Often they don’t know how they are going to get somewhere until the last minute. They may have to catch a ride. If one is not available, they may have to ride a bus – a very crowded old bus with no air conditioning, no shock absorbers and not enough seats for every passenger.

Life is hard for my friends. Transportation, as well as everything else, is very difficult. Some walk or ride bicycles for miles in order to get to conferences we teach. In every case, I know they must be weary from their journeys, but they never complain. They smile and say that’s just the way it is.

Often we need translators. Once, when we had our young translator traveling with us, I asked him if he had rested well the night before and he said he was rested even though he had only slept two hours. He said the Lord was able to make two hours seem like the eight he really needed. He insisted he had more than enough energy to do the work required for the day.

Jesus could certainly identify with the challenges of travel. When He lived among us, with few exceptions, He walked everywhere. He must have felt the stones on the path through His sandals. He must have had to stop many times and shake out the dust and small rocks. He felt the heat of the day as He traveled. He got tired.

Like my friends, although Jesus got weary from travel, He did not complain. He moved on. He had a job to do.

Once Jesus got weary from His journey and sat down at a well to rest while His disciples went into town to find food. His tiredness led to a divine appointment arranged by His Father. While resting, He revealed Himself to a woman at that well – possibly the first woman who met Him face to face and heard Him declare that He was the Messiah.

When His disciples returned with food, they found Him refreshed – not by physical food or by water to drink (although His thirst started the discourse with the woman). She was more important to Him than His exhaustion or His thirst. The encounter that began because Jesus was so tired He needed to stop and rest led to her salvation and many others in her town.

He had to travel through Samaria…Jesus, worn out from His journey, sat down at the well…A woman of Samaria came to draw water…Then the woman left her water jar, went into town and told the men, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?

In the meantime, the disciples kept urging Him to eat. But He said, “I have food to eat that you don’t know about…My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work” (John 4 HCSB).

One Focus Blog

Politics As Usual

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During election years in the United States (or other democratic societies), there are things to be thankful for and others to be grieved about. Living in a country where you are able to choose your leaders is a great privilege. It does give people a voice.

However, the process can be exceedingly painful. What candidates do to each other leading up to the election is sometimes nothing short of character assassination. It appears that nothing is sacred. Often a candidate’s campaign staff hunts for something juicy on the opposing candidate and offers the morsel up to the media. It is patently obvious that such a search has taken place when supposed indiscretions reach all the way back to childhood or high school.

The candidate cannot get away from his history, but he also has to be extremely careful about every word he says. So many comments have been taken out of context that “damage control” is a common term used after a candidate has made a speech.

120px-Obama_W&J_College_4-15-2008Many times a candidate’s approval rating has nothing to do with him, but everything to do with the political party he is associated with. The political party itself has a reputation. In the United States, the Republicans are known as conservatives and the Democrats are known as liberals. Mike Huckabee recently said, “when a Republican changes his mind, he’s a flip flopper; when a Democrat does it, he’s evolving, and showing courage.”

Johnny Carson was the host for the Tonight show for thirty years. Many politicians came and went during his tenure. Johnny Carson did not want to be identified with a political party. He must have been fairly successful at that attempt. A television special on his life indicated that no one could really tell whether Johnny was a Democrat or a Republican because he poked fun at both of the parties and its members equally. Johnny Carson said, “unlike communism, democracy does not mean just having one ineffective political party; it means having two ineffective political parties.”

It all comes down to a matter of trust. Seldom can we imagine that a politician is really doing something just because it is the right thing to do. The nature of politics is that people question the motive of the politician. Many times the words they say and the actions they take are so that they can get elected or reelected – politics as usual.

God, on the other hand, is totally trustworthy. He is in control. He says what He means, means what He says and does what He says He will do. Examine His background and His reputation stands true. Love is His motivation behind all His actions.

In fact, even though when I vote, I often am just choosing the lessor of two evils, I don’t really have to worry about the damage that politicians do to each other and ultimately to their constituents. The best choice we can make is to elect to trust God, serve Him and pray for those He allows to be in authority for a short time. Ultimately, God is in charge and He will make all things right.

I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NAS).