Traps or Facts - Whose Report Will You Believe?

Romans 13:6

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.

The Bible states that hostile questioners tried to trap Jesus into taking an explicit and dangerous stand on whether Jews should or should not pay taxes to the Roman occupation. They anticipated that Jesus would oppose the tax, for Luke’s Gospels explains their purpose was “to hand him over to the power and authority of the governor.”[3] The governor was Pilate, and he was the man responsible for the collecting of Rome's taxes in Judea.

At first the questioners flattered Jesus by praising his integrity, impartiality and devotion to truth. Then they asked him whether or not it is right for Jews to pay the taxes demanded by Caesar.

In the gospel of Mark, the additional, truly provocative question is asked, "Should we pay or shouldn't we?" [4] Jesus first called them hypocrites, and then asked one of them to produce a Roman coin that would be suitable for paying Caesar’s tax. One of them showed him a Roman coin, and he asked them whose name and inscription were on it. They answered, “Caesar’s,” and he responded “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and give to God what is God’s.” His interrogators were flummoxed by this authoritative (though ambiguous) answer and left disappointed.

This is what happens when we [humankind] fail to place our trust and hope in God, our Father, our Creator. When something doesn't go our way, we "immediately" switch sides and go with what "sounds" good.

When in doubt about what to do or how to respond, reference these scriptures:
Psalm 24:1
Exodus 9:29
Deuteronomy 10:14
1 Samuel 2:8
Nehemiah 9:6

Romans 13:1-7 (KJV)
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Whose report will you belieive...???...God's or humankind's???

Now, to switch gears a bit: I typically try to remain neutral when it comes to politics but sometimes you have to express conerns and step into "another realm of ministry." Americans: We need to respect our current President a little better. This is downright embarassing! The man is only human - he is NOT God!

Bad-mouthing and riduculing him only adds to the many challenges that he already has to face. Do I agree with EVERY decision that any politician concludes? Absolutely NOT! No one agrees with EVERYTHING! If that were the case, we wouldn't need lawyers,right!

If we fail to offer solutions, then consider yourselves to be a part of the problem. I have found that it's best to be quiet about certain matters in order to reduce the flames. Excercise your right to VOTE and clearly express your convictions instead of blasting the President of the US-A. If you didn't VOTE - then please be QUIET!!! Don't complain if you fail to excercise your freedom to vote. Find a way to make positive change! VOTE!

Sure we are all in this struggle together but we did not get into this mess overnight; and it's not going to be resolved overnight either. It's just like anything else...it takes TIME! Everthing is made beautiful in its time so, let's take the time and make that happen. But, it's going to take ALL of US-A to make that happen and not just ONE man - but all of Ameri-humi-cans.

Will we ever all agree - NO --but, we can all agree on one thing - this economy could use some improvement. But, everyone is NOT struggling because WE (Americans) are steady building, spending, inventing, shopping, attending championship games (Super Bowl, World Series...etc). The sports stadiums are full on Sundays and Monday nights, etc. - so are we really that bad off??? I don't think so...

Let's give ALL of our gov't a chance to change (Dems, Reps and Inds) but give it time. Patience IS truly a virtue. We can't always believe everything we see or hear BUT we can trust that our Creator God, will only allow so much foolishness to go on - then He steps in and corrects, rebukes, reproves then He RESTORES!

Having a strong gov't is good. We need certain laws that help to better govern us. My thought has always been -- "the laws are really made for the law-less" and God is allowing some law-less folks to be in a power but God allows them a certain level of power to get our attention. Does God have YOUR attention yet? God's people need to WAKE UP! We have been asleep for TOO long. We've forgotten about God because now we've arrived. We have NOT arrived because we are still divided!

God is trying to tell us that HE is STILL in control - regardless of what "OTHERS" may think and regardless of who is in charge. Our days [here on earth] are numbered; our earthly lives are finite but eternal lives will live with God [if you have accepted His Son].

No one man or woman controls everything - only what GOD allows.
Some of us are too focused on temporal matters instead of eternal interests. Build Your Hopes on Things Eternal! Philippeans 3:21


- Pastor

Stop the Hate!

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1

Bashing our leaders does not solve the problem. When you pray against or speak ill of someone you dislike or disagree with, just look closer in the mirror and ask??...am I reaping or sowing??? What am I sowing and what will I reap??? Good or evil? I pray the former for all of us.

As long as I've followed politics, the 'game' has not changed; only the players. Each person is responsible for making sure their part is done and aid in amending the internal affairs of this great nation. We each must be responsible enough to make the best choice for the good of ALL people and not just a "poli-party" or group. And eventhough we most often agree to disagree, we can still seek for change in this country, which makes it a whole lot easier to help each other.

We are ALL Americans - regardless of race, creed or need. We ALL need to play a role in making this country a greater nation in which we live. When we do, we can some-what heal from "learned hurts" of the past, and are able to heed our earthly callings.

Remember, the REAL change begins with Y-O-U! Without U, there is no US-A!

"We can't stand as a nation unless we unite as a people." Will YOU be willing to unite and stand (strong) or remain divided and fall with a mighty crash!?!?!?

God bless all of God's Children!!!

- Pastor