Political stories end differently when the truth comes out. In this season of peace, hope and joy Bladen County and North Carolina are in heated political battles.
The battles against red verses blue are nothing new. However, making national news due to the tactics the parties use in local politics recently gained the mother county and the Carolina state national mockery.
The television news has the reports of scandalous activity from our area on a loop. Every day there is a breaking headline referencing the questionable behavior of politics. The deeper reporters and politicians dig the more dirt they throw in the air.
There was a time the whole process had me in an uproar. In the past as I saw it, there was proof of political injustice on both sides. Reports were filed to the state and local agencies about the inappropriate political behavior on both sides, but nothing came of it and I lost hope.
Political unrest is nothing new. Caesar Augustus, born Gaius Octavius, nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar ruled Rome from 31 BC to AD 14. Under Augustus’ rule there were many civil wars.
The people under the political struggles were looking for someone to save their countries, and communities. They were looking for political leadership as we are today. However, sometimes we put our trust in the wrong places. We are fearful, angry, bitter, controlling, dishonest and the list goes on and on.
A Pastor from Mallory, West Virginia named, Perry Brown made a valid point when preaching from the word. Pastor Perry recited the word from 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Pastor Perry noted the word says, ‘If my people,” (not people in the world who don’t believe), but “my people which are called by may name… If they will humble themselves, pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways…”
Don’t be terrified. Do not be afraid. Christians stop living in fear and despair because our strength comes from God, the Alpha and Omega, the Sustainer, the Lion and the Lamb, the King of Kings, the Majestic Almighty.
For we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the worldly forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness. (Ephesians 6:12)
Jesus came to give peace to the world. Luke 2:10-12 says, But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” The angel continued with a host of angels praising God in verse 14 saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth, good will toward men.”
Our peace and comfort does not come from government leaders. Your fearfulness, anger, terror, depression, anxiety can be given to the Prince of Peace so you can go and tell others what the Redeemer has done for you in your life.
When your self-esteem is lacking, remember the Creator of the world gave His one and only Son that whosever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
When you want to control the situation and it turns to chaos, remember who rebuked the storm and made the waters calm in Matthew 8:26-27.
How often do we either try to carry our sins around letting the wickedness creep in our lives or try to be righteous in our own strength and become haughty? Doing these things only spreads sin throughout our communities because of how we live.
We were made to have a relationship with our Lord and Savior and to love Him with all our heart, mind, and soul and then love each other.
This Christmas season remember what is true. Jesus, God’s Son, came to our world, lived a perfect life, died a sinner’s death, but was resurrected three days later, so we may have a relationship with our Creator. As if all that wasn’t enough Jesus sent us the gift of the Holy Spirit to live in us and has promised to return again. (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John & Revelations)
He gave us armor to wear and fruit to bear. (Ephesians 6 and Galatians 5) Remember what Christmas is about and don’t be deceived or distracted from your work. God has already won. We need to lean on Him, seek His will, and tell others where our peace comes from in times of trials, troubles and sorrow. This season is to prepare us for when our Lord returns.
If you do not know the truth about Christmas and want to learn more contact your local Pastor or contact me. I enjoy talking to others about the Way, the Truth and the Light.
Peace and Love
Merry Christmas!
Charlotte Smith
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