Wednesday, July 10 - Scripture Meditation

Matthew 5:11-12

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Tuesday, July 9 - Scripture Meditation

Matthew 5:10

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Monday, July 8 - Scripture Meditation

Matthew 5:9

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God."

Saturday, July 6 - Scripture Meditation

Matthew 5:8

"Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God."

Friday, July 5 - Scripture Meditation

Matthew 5:7

"Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy."

Thursday, July 4 - Scripture Meditation

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.

Wednesday, July 3 - Scripture Meditation

Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek
for they will inherit the earth

Tuesday, July 2 - Scripture Mediation

Matthew 5:4

"Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted."

Monday, July 1 - Scripture Meditation

³ Matthew 5:3 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

How to Vote as a Christian

Have you seen the viral video going around of the four-year-old girl who is crying because she is so tired of hearing about "Bronco Bamma and Mitt Romney"?  I am guessing that if I lived in one of the swing states I might share her campaign-fatigue as well.

Funny. Cute. We grown-ups feel you. That being said, we need to be careful to not let our cynicism take away from the significance of what we are being called to do this coming Tuesday.

A friend of mine (Brian Howell) posted the following thoughtful post on his Facebook page that I wanted to share.  I modified it just a tiny bit, and am reposting, as a reminder of what it means to be a Christian and vote.  While I do think the economy is important, it ought not serve as the Christian's main pivot when it comes to voting.  Here is a reminder, I think, of what is important.

We are blessed to live in a country where we have a say in who serves in our government. As Christians, we live in this world as sojourners (1 Pet. 2: 11-12) called to live as citizens of the countries in which we find ourselves (Rom. 13:1). Like the Israelites living in exile in Babylon, we must “seek the good of the city,” (Jer. 29:7) and do what we can to serve the poor, support good rulers, and promote justice wherever we live. 

As we seek this good, we should consider how our votes support policies that promote the heart of the Gospel: doing justice, loving mercy, concern for poor, care for the orphan and the widow, making peace, and promoting life. There is lots of good debate about how best to translate these concerns into policy, so I will not suggest which candidates or parties do this best. I would just encourage everyone to prayerfully consider your vote this Tuesday.