February 12, 2024

As I considered the report last week about Biden's documents and how he will not stand trial because of his age and memory, I am saddened once again.  Sad because it was obvious, even before the election, that he was mentally unfit.  Sad to see any man or woman traumatized by failing memory and possible dementia.   Sad because there is a culpability from his wife in him essentially being used knowing that he is impaired.   Sad and concerning because, in the words of one trusted news source, "Man Ruled Too Senile To Stand Trial Still Fine To Run Country."¹

I recall a President, a handful of years after leaving office, announcing that he had Alzheimers.   Americans grieved for President Reagan and his wife, knowing what they would suffer through in those final years.  This current situation is markedly different because the denials continue from those who know this man... claiming he is fine.   In other words, a man who is not fit to stand trial is surrounded by many who should be on trial for their abuse and neglect of him.  He is in harms way.  Sad.   I am grieved for this man we have labeled "President."

As an American, I have to wonder, "Who is really running the show?"   Obviously, every President has a cabinet but this is clearly different as there must be a someone (or a few someones) behind this man who is making decisions, calling the shots, and "signing the checks."   Thus, not just sad, but a big concern; an unelected person or group of people is operating as our "Commander in Chief."    

As believers, we are clearly told to obey our government as an authority that God has placed over us.  Yet, we are also warned, in an ultimate way, "Do not trust in princes, in mortal man, in whom there is no salvation" (Ps. 146:3).  Jeremiah's warning from God is even more sober:  "Thus says the Lord, "Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord"" (Jer. 17:5).  We should be vocal about our concerns for this man in harms way.  We should be vocal about government abuses.  We should be ones who vote in elections.   But, in all that we do, we should never forget that God is the one on the throne.   If we are too given to elections and who is living in the White House, we might just be making flesh our strength.  

May our hearts not be turned away from the Lord... but to Him.  Trust in the one who has given us salvation.  And, yes, our God, at times, may even have to save us from a corrupt government.  Our God is always about saving those who cry to Him and trust in Him.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart!  


 _{1. Okay... actually "fake" news but still a pretty true headline.}

• 2024 Leadership

All six elders were affirmed by the vote at the annual meeting.   After prayerful consideration, these five men have agreed to serve in 2024:  Ron Anderson, Troy Bothwell, Alan Douglas, Kyle Lane, and Joe Rodriguez.   In addition, Randy Hicks has been elected as the 2024 assistant treasurer.  Please be in prayer for these men.  There will be a few transitions from February to March as the new elders consider areas of service. 

Did you know that mailbox numbers are listed in the printed directory… if you are wanting to drop some invites, etc into several different friend’s boxes, you may look all of those box numbers up in advance (and even write them on your postcard or envelope).  

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58).  Here we are both told to stay in place (be steadfast) and immovable BUT to also be “abounding” and to “labor” (“labor” as in working to the point of exhaustion).   Which is it?  BOTH!!!   We are to be steadfast and immovable in God’s will.  We need to stay tight and stand still in God’s will.  Obey Him.  Please Him.  Stay where He has you in the palm of His hand.  But, while you are in God’s hand, work hard!!!   While you focus on God’s will and His face, take confidence because your hard work is “not in vain.”  Your service of God, ministering to others for Him has profound meaning.   Be the church!