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inauguration day

As I begin writing this, the clock just struck midnight EST on January 20th, 2009.  Now, I really don't like to blog about politics, but today's Inauguration is history, not politics.  I just can't allow the 2009 Inauguration go by without saying something about the significance of the day and our responsibilities as Christians as a result.

As an American, I believe that today is a watershed day in our country's quest to blot out the dark and destructive mark of racism from our history.  Regardless of where you stand politically, you simply cannot deny that the Inauguration of Barack Obama today is a benchmark in our nation's history.  Barack Obama taking the oath of office is, in some sense, the culmination of the sacrifice of those who died for the abolition of slavery and those who stood boldly against the strong tide of  racism and bigotry that gripped our nation during the past century.

As a Christian, I believe we have a God-inspired obligation to pray for our nation's leadership, including and especially for President-Elect Barack Obama.  In I Timothy 2:1-2, Paul exhorts us that "...requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

Christians, we ought to heartily support President Obama on those issues with which we agree; we should respectfully, resolutely and appropriately oppose him on those issues with which we disagree; but more importantly, we should passionately and specifically pray for President Obama often!  For more information on how we can pray for our new president, visit The Presidnetial Prayer Team's website.  Let's join together in prayer, starting today, for our new Presidnet, Barack Obama!

wheres the leadership?

Remember the old Wendy's commercial, "...where's the beef?"  After Tuesday's election, I find myself asking "where the leadership?"  I'm an old hard-core Republican who has been tempered in recent years, because of a renewed passion and call to reach others for Christ.  That mission supersedes and is more important than any political party affiliation.

Although I no longer like to label myself, I still hold closely to the conservative values that generally define the Republican party.  All the conservative and some of the liberal pundits were blaming the GOP loss on wrong values, misguided passion and off-target mission!  I can't disagree, but I do have to add one major issue that too many GOP affiliates won't admit because it might hurt their own political careers.  That issue is that there is NO clear leader in the GOP....not one!

Republicans controlled the executive branch for 8 years and both houses of Congress for 4 of those 8 and in that time didn't develop one leader for the future.  Of course, that may be because there was no compelling leader in place making sure that happened in the first place.

My old boss, John Maxwell use to say: "EVERYTHING rises and falls on leadership."  If the GOP wants to see America flourish under conservative values, they need to start looking long and hard within for a leader!  Tackle that issue and then move on to issues, values, voter registration!  EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING will rise and fall on who that leader is!

election 2008....all about colorado

I'm no political genius. Aside from voting, I'm not even really involved in the political process. I have always felt as a minister that my influenced should be used furthering the gospel of Jesus, rather than a political candidate or party.

Putting all of that aside, I do have a profound interest in politics at every level. This year is simply fascinating. Most of the political conventional wisdom is that there are five or six "swing" states in the presidential election that we all will be watching on election night. I disagree. I don't think it'll be Florida or Ohio or Pennsylvania or Michigan that we'll be watching late that night. I believe that these states will be decided quickly. We'll be looking west late that night toward.....Colorado.

By the way, Real Clear Politics is a great website that allows you to put together your own predictions on what will happen on the electoral map on Novemeber 4th. Enjoy watching our great election process in action this Fall!