Resting on That Which will Never be Shaken

As most of you know, West Virginia recently experienced something quite unusual , at least for us, - an earthquake. I was in my office in downtown Charleston and the shaking of the sturdy, two story building was disturbing. I arrived at our state capitol building shortly after and found that all the buildings on the statehouse campus had been evacuated. The earthquake, which was centered almost 300 miles away and caused minor damage throughout our nation’s capitol, made quite an impact in the WV capitol as well.

After everyone was allowed to return to the building, I met with a friend from the governors office who recounted how the main capitol building was shaken. This made me think of how quickly our lives can be shaken if they are not built upon Christ and His Word. When the capitol was evacuated, it did not matter if you where the governor, a legislator, a secretary, or a maintenance man – everyone found themselves in the same situation. This is a good reminder that everyone, including our elected leaders need to hear the gospel and submit to the truth of God’s word. Many of our leaders build their lives on shaky foundations such as careers or political achievement.

Please join me in praying that God will use circumstances, whether earthquakes or life situations to turn our leaders’ hearts to that which can never be shaken – Jesus Christ.

(This is from the transcript for a weekly spot I do on WOAY Radio (Oak Hill / Beckley) reminding folks to pray for their leaders.)

A Good Reminder to Pray for the Leaders in Your Community

In just a little over a year, the capitol community saw the deaths of five members of the legislature. Three of these were quite sudden and unexpected. In a small community of 134 members, this certainly had quite an impact, both on the lawmakers themselves as well as on the staff and lobbyists who worked with them over the years. The widows of two of the legislators were appointed to fill the remainder of their husbands’ terms and are now serving in the House of Delegates.

As one seeking to minister in the capitol community, I had the opportunity to attend the visitations and funeral services for several of these leaders. I was reminded of the urgency and importance of sharing the gospel with them. Both in the capitol during the sessions and at home in their districts, many people descend upon our legislators to speak with them about a host of topics and issues. How many have a goal to share with them the Good News of Jesus Christ? How many ever think to seek to help Christian lawmakers grow in their walk with the Lord? If people knew that their meeting with a legislator would be the last time they would ever see them or speak with them, would that change or add to the focus of their conversation?

This should certainly remind us to pray for the spiritual needs of our leaders, and that God would bring into their lives people who will faithfully seek to share with them the gospel and the word of God.

(This is from the transcript for a weekly spot I do on WOAY Radio (Oak Hill / Beckley) reminding folks to pray for their leaders.)

Redistricting & Remembering Our Representative in Heaven

If you are following the news of West Virginia politics at all, you know that the legislature has been in special session dealing with the issue of redistricting. Every 10 years, the our lawmakers must determine how the districts throughout the state will be drawn to ensure fair representation for all mountain state citizens. As always, the issue brought about much controversy, heated discussion, and debate.

All the talk about how we can be best and most effectively represented by our leaders in Charleston reminds us of an incredibly important biblical truth. In Jesus Christ we have One who perfectly represents believers before His Father in Heaven as He is at the right hand of God to intercede for us. We take great encouragement from the fact that He ever lives to make intercession for us. It is through His death on the cross our sins can be forgiven, and through His perfect life His righteousness can be given to us. This is the case He brings before the Father on our behalf.

In the midst of all the issues discussed and debated at the capitol, this is the message that all need to hear. During the special session last week we were blessed to proclaim the gospel message through our Bible studies in the statehouse. Pray that our leaders will indeed hear and heed the great truth that through faith in Christ we can have Him representing us before the throne of God.