Election 2012 Facebook Ugliness Response

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

I can remember studying The Amy Vanderbilt Complete Book of Etiquette when I was a teenager. Two topics are considered by diplomats to be unfit for discussion in social settings. Those two topics are religion and politics. Offering my political opinion openly in the marketplace or at a formal dinner party would not be completely unlike eating meat that had been sacrificed unto idols (1 Corinthians 10:28). I would undoubtedly be offending someone by doing so. Should such be named among us? Does such unite us? Nay, I would think my concentration would produce better fruit (not bitter) by focusing on that meat Jesus spoke of having that the disciples knew not of (John 4:32).

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

© 2012 Brian L Hunter

American Shame 2012 Part 3

“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.” (Romans 14:1 ESV)

Are we praying, or whining and complaining? If the church would get up, stand up, and obey the Word of the Lord rather than arguing with the world and spouting political opinions as if they matter, then, for example, millions of our young girls wouldn’t be so likely to consider having abortions. Trees cannot be cut down from the top and neither can unrighteousness. Unless you affect the root, you may as well save your energy and your outrage for more productive activity such as prayer and preaching the Word of God in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). Jesus, in the seventeenth chapter of the Gospel of John, prayed that we, His disciples, be one as He was one with the Father and vice versa. Is sharing my political opinion and my judgmental outrage about government’s ungodliness lifting up Jesus and drawing all men unto Him, magnifying the Lord, or exhibiting faith in God’s sovereign omnipotence and trusting wholly in His ability to perfectly care for me? I pray for higher heights and deeper depths of faith to become evident in my walk and in my talk...

 © 2012 Brian L Hunter

Dark Places, Empty Spaces, and Presidential Races in 2012

We see in the Gospels that Jesus often met the misguided good intentions of the Pharisees with compassion and disdain, only to be set upon by the same religious elite with burning eyes, crass insinuation, and outright mockery as foreplay which led ultimately to plots of conspiracy, false witness, and murder. God, The Ancient of Days, was in mid swing reconciling fallen man to himself through the manifestation of His Word become flesh, Jesus Christ The Anointed One and His Anointing. Hallelujah. Can there ever again exist a more horrifically tragic transmogrification of irony, evil self-aggrandizement, and hypocrisy as that which was demonstrated by the scribes and Pharisees? It remains a mystery how Christ could be simultaneously fully God and fully man - the hypostatic union to reference the proper Christology. Yet, like a kernel of wheat destined to be made broken bread (John 6:35, Matthew 26:26) and like a lamb born to be led to the slaughter (Jeremiah 11:19, Isaiah 53:7), Jesus Christ laid it down, giving up the ghost in the very prime of His human life here on this earthen soil.

I too, in 2012, have witnessed horrifically tragic transmogrification of irony, evil self-aggrandizement, and hypocrisy not unlike that which was demonstrated by the scribes and Pharisees long ago in a galaxy not so far away. I have seen people bend and twist their theology and doctrine to make it line up with their prejudices and fears. Multitudes this year walked by sight rather than by faith while being swept up into emotional political hurricanes and mob mentalities which all could have been much more God glorifying than they shall, years from now, turn out to be in the final historical analysis. Periods of America’s churchy past are far from scripturally sound and this year revealed much guile in us which was the opposite of spiritual fruit. God’s true church, just as it was during the not so distant and extremely profitable era of American slavery, is indeed invisible. Thank God for zealous abolitionists. However, in terms of representation in American churches, righteousness was quite the minority then as is the case this very moment. Some still wonder if Heaven will be segregated. We have heaped shame upon ourselves in abundance, Heavenly Father. Please help us, Lord God Almighty, to see ourselves the way You see us and not through phantasmagorical rose colored glasses like we apparently see ourselves as though we have not sinned and You are a liar (1 John 1:8-10).

You have not called us to win any popularity contests, Lord. The truth always has and always shall either make us mad or make us glad. Such is the nature of conviction, Holy One of Israel. Righteousness shall never sit on the fence. There is no in between. There shall be no co-mingling of funds so to speak. I suspect my friends list shall dwindle not many days hence after the transparency with which I have herein had the gall to express myself. And, oh my goodness, has this American actually had the nerve to play the race card as we have so benignly classified such blood forced verity? Has another figurative Native American actually had the nerve to cry foul from the Trail of Tears? Yet, being neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, I am completely unconcerned how I appear to people who can neither create nor destroy my life. “It is too late baby. Now, it’s too late,” said Carole King some forty one years ago. Whether it is regarded as diatribe or ballyhoo, my cat is out of the bag. Praise God! I am but a foolish thing of the world if I confound but one wise man in this day and age.

Fortunately for the faint of heart, like a bear, I am entering hibernation now with these keystrokes. I am not boring as some have surmised. There should be some humor evident in whatever this communication is ultimately classified. Genuine friends will love me hereafter regardless of what I think out loud. All may take solace in the fact that I shall not soon be heard from again. I need a season of quiet reflection, perhaps a month, perhaps longer, in which to dream of a kinder, gentler America than this year has fully disclosed. We are a nation of brilliant rain men. Idiot savants rule us. I would imagine at least one someone out there shares this sentiment. I want my imagination to run wild having been fed a steady diet of God’s Word, the whole counsel of God, and nothing but the truth.

Therefore, help me, God is my prayer. Make me a thousand times more loving, forgiving, and compassionate than I am. Help me to wash away all the pain of my experience thus far so that all that remains in me is what You shall use to glorify Your holy name, Lord Jehovah. Hallelujah! I am excited about the new things around the corner of my life in Christ. I anticipate sharper senses, keener insights, and greater discernment through which You shall be glorified and exalted. Purify my thoughts, oh Lord. Strengthen my resolve to present my body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto You. Please do not allow me to be conformed to this world, oh God. Help me to be transformed by the renewing of this mind so that I may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will which originates in the thinking of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost who agree wholeheartedly in Heaven as one . Hallelujah! Smile graciously upon and bless exceeding, abundantly, each and every soul who spared the time to read this inconsequential post during my hiatus. Thank You that I can hear You more clearly now, Lord. If I never do this again, please let me serve You more obediently with the greatest sense of purpose imaginable. Let me take everything as seriously as I have taken music all of my life thus far. Let me gladly give up Facebook altogether if that is what You call me to do in this hour, Lord. Considering what You have done and continue to do for my benefit, I will gladly change my life for You, Almighty God. Help me to decrease so that You may increase in me for the rest of my days in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

© 2012 Brian L Hunter

2012 Election Shame 3

“Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” (Romans 14:10-13 ESV)

Kings, Republicans, and Democrats shall all pass away. However, there is still something about the name of Jesus. Let us not love the glory that comes from any man more than the glory that comes from God (John 12:43 ESV). Why then, should I allow my opinion about any political candidate or issue to reveal anything but faith in God? If, rather, my opinion reveals fear, strife, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, or disturbances (2 Corinthians 12:20), then, though I should be praying for those my opinion condemns, I would do well in the sight of God to press my own way to the altar and weep for the sins of us all. Have the words of my opinionated mouth and the meditation of my heart during this election always been acceptable in God’s sight? It does not take much effort to assemble a lynch mob on either the Republican or the Democratic side of the political fence. I ask now, as I examine my own wicked ways (Romans 3:23), who is on the Lord’s side (Exodus 32:26)? Is my opinion salt and light to the world? Does my opinion point to the fact that God is in control and that even Satan must obtain His permission to sneeze? What does my opinion reveal about my theology and my faith? Selah

 © 2012 Brian L Hunter

Racism Trumps All Issues in 2012 Election

I try not to post anything political on my page because I trust in God, not in governments, the wisdom of men, or what fear and hate mongering owners of the media outlets tell me I ought to trust in. Fear equals unbelief and such is not my inheritance as a child of The Most High God who reins far above all principalities and powers. We would honor God more by ignoring the political divisiveness that is breeding hate among the so called church in America during this election. Where is the grace in our conversation? What does the world now see in us that is any different than what they see in those who do not know Christ in this hour? Why can't we simply vote our own conscience privately as the country's forefathers intended? "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." (Matthew 12:34) I'm not for any political party. I am for Jesus Christ and Him crucified. We have the right to free speech. Yes indeed we do. However, when it comes to speech that falls short of proclaiming the preeminent sovereignty of God, I question whether His rights are being championed in the conversation. "When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise." (Proverbs 10:19) Scripture mandates that I vote, not hate nor speak hatefully... Is my speech therefore hateful? I need to examine myself to see if I and my free speech are indeed in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Peace and love to us and all glory to God. The world is watching and we need for them to see the light of Christ, not a spirit of fear which pushes people away. We can vote for whoever we want to vote for in private. Yet, with our freedom of speech, are we lifting Jesus Christ up by loving our neighbor into God's Kingdom? Or, God forbid, do we seem more interested in our opinions and judgment of those who do not recognize the love of God in us? We do not need to fight God's battles. God is omnipotent and wholly sovereign. We do, however, need to obey God's new commandment. "That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." (John 13:34) If we are honest with ourselves, do we feel the love of Christ when we read some of the things we have written about candidates during this presidential election?

 © 2012 Brian L Hunter

Harsh Realities of Facebook Friendship #1

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:29-32)

All have fallen short of the glory of God. Although I have fallen far short of the mark in regards to producing thoughts entirely free of corruption, I have pointed no one on Facebook to myself but to Christ only. In fact, I have often admitted to being an idiot. The proof is documented in black and white and available for the entire world to scrutinize. Having incurred wrath and condemnation as a result, I have made an observation and it may be mine alone: A true friend will never need to question our integrity. This is a sort of litmus test of the type of intimacy which defines true friendship.

 
© 2012 Brian L Hunter

Election 2012 and Weepy, Snow White's 8th Dwarf

“Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)

Speaking of men who cannot seem to hold their eye water, I have discovered an eighth dwarf. Snow White never met this one. His name is weepy. He seems to be addicted to worship and the presence of the Lord. If Jesus is indeed his example, I am tempted to envy such a soaking of the proverbial handkerchief myself. What burden moves him to tears? It certainly is worth a bit more contemplation on my part. I may eventually be led to conclude that big boys do indeed cry. I have often wondered what else the world may have lied to me about? Maybe I shouldn’t believe everything I see on television or read in the newspaper after all. Thank God He has given me so much relevant reading and thinking to do. I thank Him even more for sending His Holy Spirit that I may be moved to tears by the truth of which and of whom He does testify. Selah.

 © 2012 Brian L Hunter

Unbelief, Racism, and the 2012 Presidential Election

“So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)

Government can work to protect our stuff. However, what we possess, our rights, our homes, our cars, our jobs, and the like, are temporal. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26) Irrational fear reveals deeper issues such as unbelief, as though God is not sovereign, faithful, or able to deliver on His exceeding great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:4). Shame on us if we nullify faith in God - no matter who, what, where, or when government succeeds or fails. We seem to be more concerned about eating whole foods in the natural than we are about believing in the whole truth, the whole way, and the whole life (John 16:6). Let faith reveal our hearts, not hatred and bigotry. All of my hope is in things eternal. Lord, let not my faith fail me in this hour. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, realizing that I need Thee every hour. Amen.

 © 2012 Brian L Hunter

Election 2012 Encouragement

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)

No matter who runs the local Seven Eleven, the Board of Demons (Deacons), or the country, God is still sovereign, omnipotent, faithful, long-suffering, merciful, and on the throne. Hallelujah! Neither Ghost Busters, presidents, businessmen, nor Wall Street can deliver us. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7) My Savior left me His peace (John 14:27). Like the infants in the nursery, I should be at rest in a bed of grace prepared for me. Hallelujah! I certainly don’t have time to fret about polls. God is in control, saints. He never slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:1-5) and He is not on vacation. I promise. Better yet, He has promised. I can honestly say, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25) Hallelujah! I can either be a faith baby or a cry baby. However, I cannot be both.

 © 2012 Brian L Hunter

To The Remnant

"But if you fail to keep your word, then you will have sinned against the LORD, and you may be sure that your sin will find you out." (Numbers 32:23 NLT)

Question: Though you profess to honor "the way, and the truth, and the life," (John 14:6), yet enjoy the fruit of a poisonous worldly tree, once you have benefited so greatly from the lies necessary to perpetuate the illusion of your righteousness, why then would you ever want to surrender to truth? I reckon that a snake does not cut off it's own neck, naturally. However, just as sure as a viper must rear it's head in order to strike, so shall your sin find you out. To the remnant - selah.

 
© 2012 Brian L Hunter