Pray More

January 20, 2021

Leadership Notes

It is good and well for all of us to offer up prayers for President Joe Biden, for his family, and for his presidency. As always, we are thankful for God's grace and mercy.

It is also good and well for all of us to offer up prayers for former President Donald Trump and his family. As always, we are thankful for God's grace and mercy.

Matt Netzer, 44, was pastor of an evangelical church in Marble Falls, Texas. He died in a car accident on January 8, 2021, leaving behind a wife and two young children. As his family and church grieved their loss, something he wrote to start the new year provides insight into navigating social media. Here is some of what he said

Everyone wants to speak out on the riots, on Trump, on Biden, on race, on

lockdowns and masks, on the elections, on conspiracies, on Democrats, on Republicans…everyone has a thought, a judgment, a post just itching to be made. Just like we did all 2020…

But really, the posts are made, and the needle doesn't move. In fact, it usually just leads to more fighting. Turns out, everyone having an instant

platform has not been beneficial for the most part…Heck, social media may

even be one of the biggest culprits for the anger and violence in our

country.

Netzer went on to encourage people to pray more and post less:

I truly believe that social media, and all the noise it brings, is actually

serving to hinder the only real thing that is going to change hearts and

bring any kind of healing to our brokenness…so make sure you, at least,

pray before you post.

I think it's always good to remember Jesus' words, "be wise as serpents and gentle as doves," when embarking on any kind of conversational endeavor. And I certainly, most definitely believe conversations are best had when in person. Even over the phone. Speak of things that matter in person, not on social media. We can get better, together.

Here's something worth considering:

If You Are Easily Offended, You Are Easily Controlled.

Nahum 1:7 says, "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him." Are you so sweetly, mightily known?

One More Thing - Christian writer/editor Matt Smethhurst observes:

A Christian isn't someone who never falls, but someone who clings to the

Christ who never did.

One Final Thing -

"My dear friend, when grief presses you to the dust, worship there."

- Charles H. Spurgeon

Be of Good Cheer,

Richard