I sure don’t want to sound negative because many things are going very well in life and ministry; but there is a hint of caution in the wind for Caleeforniya.
Busting deficits, renegade judges, fracturing cultural values, and the recent storm of foreclosures is pressing upon the public (not to mention that we have a “girly-man” governor — but I did! And he is!) Times like these might actually make people ripe for hearing the gospel message; but all indications point to a society that is becoming even more hostile to the Christian worldview — especially in California.
All of this has led to a sad realization on my part: I actually do not begrudge the several families who have left our congregation to find a new life outside the Golden State. There has been a steady out flow. A bit discouraging when attempting to grow something. Some very wonderful people have “replaced” our movers — but there would be a POWERFUL community at our fellowship if everyone had stayed!!
This has been on my mind for a while, praying that a mass exodus doesn’t happen. Then the other day, in a meeting with some local pastors and a lawyer arguing in the public square for historic Christian values; reported that we had better pray mightily for a number of cases working their way through the courts. Cases that would increasingly marginalize the freedoms we currently possess as believers under our constitution. The mantra, “As California goes, so goes the country,” was ever present…
Well if the whole lot of our nation is going to hell; where are we supposed to go? Poland?
The Lord taught a prayer to his disciples. The Apostle Paul taught a prayer to the church:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
