Monday, July 13, 2015
From: Carol Bauer
Capital Prayer Alert
As you know, my wife, Carol, prepares a prayer alert about once a month. I hope you will share Carol’s thoughts with your friends and fellow worshippers. Thank you for taking an interest in her monthly devotion. — Gary
For those of us who consider ourselves to be conservatives, constitutionalists or believers in traditional values, this has been a rough few weeks. The culture continues headlong into uncharted social territory, only now it has the stamp of approval of the U.S. Supreme Court.
The court itself seems to have moved past its historical role as a body designed by the Constitution to apply that document to laws passed by the Congress or to actions taken by the Executive Branch. Rather than a co-equal branch of government, the court acts as a super-legislature with the mystical power to see rights in the Constitution that are not there, while diminishing the rights of citizens that are clearly spelled out in that document. In the recent Obamacare decision, the court actually legislated from the bench by announcing what Congress meant to write rather than what the law actually says.
Those of us who disagree with these decisions, or are appalled by a wide range of headline grabbing stories that are undermining the timeless values of our country, are made to feel like we are out of step with our country. As the country veers from one story of cultural breakdown to another, we begin to feel out of touch, helpless and alone in our beliefs.
Just when real discouragement sets in we see a poll that says 61% of likely voters feel the country is headed in the wrong direction. And, another poll a week ago found that 61% of Americans don’t trust the federal government. So, a lot of Americans are unhappy with the state of our union today.
Time is of the essence. Things are moving fast. We need to continue conversations with friends, relatives, neighbors and young people. And we must stay well informed on the issues by reading Gary’s “End of Day Report” and other news sources. But we also need to think strategically about what we can do right now to make our voices heard.
Look around your community or state. Do you live in Oklahoma? Write or call the governor’s office or the office of your state legislator to voice your support for efforts to keep the Ten Commandments displayed despite the recent decision by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Do you live in a community where a local florist or baker has been threatened or put out of business for refusing to participate in a same-sex marriage? Find a way to support that business or stand with those owners.
Are you an alumnus of a college or university that is pushing an agenda that undermines your values? Tell them why you are pulling your contributions and encourage your classmates to do the same. And then do it!
Is a Religious Freedom Restoration Act being considered by your state or local government? Let your elected officials or candidates for office know that the freedom to exercise religion is enshrined in the Constitution and must be preserved. Get a pledge that they will do just that.
Keep in mind that much of corporate America is undermining long-held values. We, as employees and consumers, must make our voices heard!
Here’s some good news. Recently, the Harrisburg Patriot-News ran an editorial after the Supreme Court decision saying it would “strictly limit” letters to the editor against same-sex marriage. Within hours the paper was inundated with critical emails and calls, and the editor quickly apologized, saying the paper would be open to intelligent and reasoned debate on the subject.
Regular citizens made their voices heard, and the paper of record in the capital of blue state Pennsylvania heard the message and changed course.
Those in elected office respond to what they hear from those who voted for them and who have the power to throw them out of office. Let’s not wait until election season. Our voices are just as powerful when they come at an unexpected time or on an unexpected issue.
And don’t forget to call the office of the elected official who is standing up for our values to thank him or her. That affirmation and support means a great deal to them.
If you live in a state being visited by presidential candidates, use a town hall forum to ask those candidates where they stand on these issues and get a public pledge from them.
In short, we need to think and act strategically and quickly as events unfold. Our voices and dollars can make a difference, and we are not alone.
Go to our Heavenly Father in prayer acknowledging that as a country we have turned away from Him, but as believers we are committed to make a difference in the family and community where He has planted us. Open your heart to the Lord and pledge that you will seek His lead, desiring to make a difference through words of love and strategic actions that uphold biblical beliefs and the freedom to live out those beliefs.
Pray that He would be a source of strength and calm and creative thinking. Ask Him to bless you as you magnify your voice. Pray that those you approach to act with you would be willing and courageous. Ask Him with expectation and confidence to embolden and encourage you as you find others of like-mind willing to act. Trust in Him.
Finally, there is news that a nuclear deal with Iran may be imminent, just as the 10th annual Christians United for Israel Summit begins today. This outstanding ministry grew from an idea by Pastor John Hagee and is now over 2 million strong! As a founding board member, Gary continues to be immersed in CUFI’s efforts to support Israel at this critical moment in history.
Please pray for Israel’s leadership and her people in this time of trial. And, pray for members of Congress who will review and vote on any Iran deal submitted by the Obama Administration. May their eyes be open to the breadth and long-term ramifications of such a deal.
Thank you for your commitment to live out your faith in a fast-changing world.
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