26 souls and we argue over nit

I have been holding my tongue for a few days now about the Sandy Hook school shooting.  I heard what Mike Huckabee said, and I can't disagree.  Yes I do believe that God is everywhere and I do greet Him with open arms....most of the time.  Huckabee, being a Baptist, also knows God is everywhere.  The thing that gets me is that the headlines of the Liberal media announce "Huckabee says School Massacre is because God isn't in the Schools" and Huckabee simply didn't say that.  I did hear a comment he made that was something similar to "We have tried to systematically remove God from the Schools".......and I also heard "instead of pleading with God after a tragedy, we should let Him in on the front end..."  So, what did Huckabee say wrong when he was asked "where was God during this"?   This week I have seen some preachers that I hold in very high regard, claim the Huckabee's comments were "Heretical".  I disagree.  The one I will call the ring leader is a very educated man, but isn't really listening to what was said.  He seems to be letting the liberal media lead his thoughts.  Here is why I say  this.....
1)  People have removed Daily Prayer from our schools.
2) Teachers are not allowed to openly display their Faith.  They are to wait until someone asks about what they believe.
3) It is okay to teach openly as an Atheist
4) The lines that separate what a student and or teacher can and can't do as a Christian on Campus are so distorted, it is difficult for Administrators to determine exactly what is allowed....many times the err on the side of caution and actually infringe on the rights of Christians.

With that, Is God Still in the School?  Yes.  Is it evident that He is? No, not unless you are actively seeking Him.  Therefore it has been phrased "God has been taken out", and this phrase is used for all sorts of Government applications as well.  The more accurate phrase would be " God is being kept at arms length".  If that phrase were used, it would be apparent that God is still in the Schools, but people are choosing to keep him at arms length and separate from their lives.
Something that concerned me about these pastors commenting against Huckabee is it appears to be more like driving a wedge between the brotherhood than a solution or even an attempt to decipher what was said in the interview.  I really feel that instead of just wanting to argue with a Baptist or whatever denomination, you should be looking and jumping at ways to bring us together regardless of denomination....There IS a bigger picture.  It is ridiculous to throw denominational punches and disguise them as another, much more serious subject.  Many more comments like these the past week or so, and I will have to reconsider the level of regard I have for these people.

I leave you with these thoughts.  If you keep God at an arms distance now, and pretend He doesn't exist, what effect will that have on your eternal address?  What if we did ask God to join us each day in the schools instead of hiding Him?  and removing the evidence that He is there?  What if Teachers could teach from a Christian perspective instead of having to teach from the "World View"?

Think about it..... 

There would be NO Hope if it weren't for Jesus

The political season is kicking into high gear and candidates are offering Hope and a Change whether it's their campaign slogan or not.  Trust me on this, that is what they are both trying to sell.  Many of you have either seen or be part of the changes in my life.  In other words, you know me.  I have become more and more dissatisfied with my election options.  Each year brings new promises and each year brings more disappointment.  This is also part of the process of who I have become/ am becoming.  As a man of Faith I am reminded that no matter the promises made by those seeking office, none of them offer the Hope and Change that can only be offered by Jesus Christ.
We are at a point where people cant have a political conversation or debate without someone getting irate.  We have gotten to a point where we are not praying for our leaders the way we should, and are preying on them and their supporters.  This is not how we should behave.  It is okay to get angry about things, but we need to draw a line and not cross it.  So often the debates turn to blatant name calling and nobody wins when that happens.
Looking at history,  Christians have been persecuted for their beliefs and the way they act out their beliefs.  Am I saying "dont vote"? No!  I am saying that regardless of who is elected, as a Christian, I need to pray for him and continue to hold fast to Jesus as my Hope.  I will even go as far as to encourage you to pray, pray, pray about voting, and select the one that best represents your Christian faith!
1Peter 3:15
  But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

I know we can set apart Christ as Lord and it seems pretty easy, but keep check on that! make sure your humility doesn't become pride.

Always be prepared to answer....yep we got that one!  give a reason for the hope in that you have (or the hope in your heart) that's where we start to slide a little.  We have hope, but if Christ is truly the Lord of our lives our hope should remain in the great hope of Christ (not in man).  Now here is the hardest part, and by the time we get here we are sliding all over the place......Do so with gentleness and respect. You don't have to tell me, I know it's hard to do....but we have got to start doing it!  Yes you can be a fruit inspector(BP) but we need to remain respectful.  If you present your point, leave it at that and don't fuss.  
And if you are looking for Change, look for change in your eternal address.  By accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior, you change your address to being with Him (here and after you leave this earth). 

As always, I am offering to anyone that wants to respond, to lead them in a prayer to accept Jesus as the Lord of their life.  I also offer to pray with you to recommit your life to our Lord.  

Do not let the day end without making a decision for Jesus.

and please pray before you vote.....no matter who you vote for, do so in prayer