He who is without sin, let Him throw a stone at her first (John 8:7). Here Jesus comes to the rescue of a woman brought to Him to be stone for adultery. Jesus’ own word included forgiveness and compassion. Mary Magdalene received the Master’s compassion and repented of her sins; subsequently, becoming an avid and constant friend and follower of the Lord. Jesus changed Mary’s heart.
Lord, what do you want me to do (Acts 9:6) This has to be the most crucial and life-changing question anyone can ask of God. Here, Saul, radical persecutor of Christians, now being transformed to Paul by Jesus, poses this most urgent question to Jesus after being knocked off his horse and blinded on the road to Damascus to kill Christians. Paul became the most highly devoted and effectual apostle and writer of God’s Word, more radical and faithful in his teachings for Christ as he once was against him. Jesus changed Saul’s heart.
Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom (Luke 23:42). Here are the words of a man dying on a cross next to Jesus. Once a murderous thief, a man without conscience or compassion for others, he is now humbled by the innocence and loving demeaner of Jesus, and is changed just by Jesus’ presence. Jesus changed the heart of this thief.
And so, here we are, for many, it did not turn out the way we desperately wanted it to. Our candidate did not win. Donald J. Trump has been elected again as president of the United States. We have deep and troubling concerns regarding the results of this election. Now what? My answer: We must deeply and constantly remember that God is still God, mighty, faithful, and in control. We must remember that He still loves us and keeps us. Most importantly, besides remaining sober and alert (1 Peter 5:8a), being righteously supportive, and doing our individual share of keeping our corner of the world running smoothly and justly, we absolutely must remember that we serve a God who is still in the business of changing hearts – just as willingly as He did when He walked this earth.
We feel confident in asking God for all manner of things; but for some reason, we too often fail to ask him to change a heart. If never before, now is the time. Jesus can change any heart, Donald Trump included. President Trump’s heart is not out of God’s reach, nor is his need for God’s love and protection off limits to him. We still have hope, and we believe that God is still in charge of America (and the world). Yes, Jesus can change a heart. So –
LET US PRAY:
Dear Father in Heaven, things did not turn out the way we hoped they would in this presidential election, but Dear God, our hope has not run out. We hope for peace, safety, and the right to pursue happiness for all people. We hope for harmony, even in our differences. We hope for honor and protection of our constitution and for financial stability and even prosperity for our country and for our citizens in their personal lives. We hope for safety in our homes, and public gathering places. Dear God, we hope for a strong and viable education system, and that our financial support systems remain in place and be strengthened. We hope, Dear Father, to be able to continue to freely worship you. For these and all blessings we hope and trust in you, Dear God.
Father, we understand that the rule for our country rest with our newly elected president, Donald J. Trump; so, Father, we lift him up to you that you might create in him a clean heart… and renew in him a right spirit to sustain him as he goes about performing his presidential duties for the good of all and for your glory. We pray that you keep him safe, guide him, and give him your wisdom. Our hope and our trust are in You, Dear Father. In Jesus’ Name, we pray.
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