America’s new president - 12^th November 2008

Now I am taking a bit of a gamble here. At the time of writing, the Presidential election is still a week away, so I am hoping that all went smoothly (unlike last time) and there is a new president elect. I have a sneaking feeling that it will be America's first non-white president, and I think that is probably a good thing.

Whoever it is, this man is now the most powerful man in the world.  I had concerns about George W, for the fact he struggled to get words in order and was rather one-dimensional, with little regard for his fellow man unless they were American.  Helping countries sort their problems out by invading them seemed to be a hobby, whilst at home, his grasp of economic policy (or lack of it) has contributed to the world economic downturn.

It has been interesting to watch the campaigning process.  Fill up an auditorium with flag waving, banner carrying supporters and tell them how great you are, whilst whooping them up into a frenzy.  There seems little objectivity to it, and even the televised debates have been more of a mudslinging contest rather than a clear establishment of policies and principles. When it comes to political campaigning, even British people resort to driving round in cars with loudspeakers on top encouraging people to go and vote – does that really work?

Why have I chosen this subject? Well, the answer is this. As Christians, we have the privilege of worshipping the most powerful, all conquering God. We have the opportunity to whoop it up into a frenzy when we worship Him, (which being British we do with a little reserve) and yet at times, we disown Him or fall short of what is expected. The disciple, Peter is the most obvious example of this, denying Christ 3 times.

I am no better (or worse, depending on which way you view it) than anybody else. I have let opportunities to talk about my faith walk on by, because I don’t know if people might find me slightly strange. And yet, when I have made the effort, I have been pleasantly surprised in most cases at the reaction I have got. In making that step, God is there by our side, supporting us. I have said things that I never intended saying at the start of a conversation, and that is because God has given me the words to say.

Today, can I encourage you to stand up for what you believe in? If that means literally standing up, then that’s fine. If it is a metaphorical standing up, then do that too. It is my prayer that God surprises you with the results.

Have a great day.