Frankly Speaking

​Civilized. I've been pondering that word lately. Most people would say that we live in a civilized society today, but do we really? To answer intelligently we must fully comprehend the full   meaning of the word. Webster's defines civilized as a society that is marked by well-organized laws and rules about how people behave with each other. We may score fairly high on that standard, but if we read on we are informed that it also means to be polite, reasonable, and respectful to one another. I think we could all agree that we fail miserably at those traits. There is definitely a lack of decorum and civility in the world today - even among those who identify as Christians. Why is that? I believe it is because most people have either forgot or never been taught how we should behave towards another. As Christians we have no excuse - we have been taught and should know how to treat one another. Jesus gave us, His followers, this commandment, "Love each other just as much as I have loved you. For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you’re my true followers.” John 13:34,35 TPT  Could it be any clearer? I believe that when we begin to treat one another with respect the world will take notice. Christians must lead by example, not just in words. The Apostle Paul pleads this case, "Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God." Eph 4:1 As Christians we are called by God to a higher standard of conduct. Why? Because the world is watching and observing us and they recognize hypocrisy when they see it. So, make it a priority to be polite and to treat everyone with respect. In this way you will not only be setting an example for them to follow, but you will be opening the door to share the love of Christ with them.
                                                                                     ​Pastor Frank Dodson

Frankly Speaking

Thanksgiving is next Thursday. It is a day that Americans get together with family to cook, to eat, to relax, and to watch some football. Many view this day as nothing more than a secular holiday, but a short history lesson proves that it is rooted in faith. It is widely accepted that the present day Thanksgiving holiday we celebrate began at a Plymouth settlement. There in 1621 the Pilgrim settlers gathered to give thanks to God for the harvest. William Bradford, who served thirty years as Governor of Plymouth Colony, wrote this of the first Thanksgiving celebration, "Thus they found the Lord to be with them in all their ways, and to bless their outgoing and incoming, for which let His Holy Name have the praise forever, to all posterity." After the colonies became a country, President George Washington proclaimed the first nationwide thanksgiving celebration in America marking November 26, 1789, "as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God." We sometimes forget the great favor that God has bestowed upon this nation and take for granted His provision and the prosperity that we enjoy as a result of that divine favor. This Thanksgiving, no matter what you have planned, make time to reflect on the goodness of your Heavenly Father and to give Him the gratitude He deserves. Honestly, we shouldn't wait for Thanksgiving to give thanks. We should do it every day.
"Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." Psalm 100:3,4
​                                                                                                 Pastor Frank Dodson
 

Frankly Speaking

When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. Proverbs 29:2
 
Tuesday, November 3 is the much anticipated mid-term elections. There is much at stake this year including control of the house and senate as well as numerous state, and local positions. We must never take for granted the election process in this country. We are blessed to have the right to elect the ones who will lead us. Each candidate on your ballot will represent a set of core beliefs that are stated in his or her party's platform. These include critical issues such as human life, religious liberty, education, health care, marriage, and many more.  It is important to know these beliefs before you go to cast your vote - an uninformed electorate is a dangerous thing. Not only know the beliefs and issues before you go to vote, but prioritize them. As a political ad posted by the Catholic Church some years ago so rightly stated, "There are many important issues, but, some are more important than others." Accompanying this ad was an image of an unborn child. I encourage you to pray and seek guidance from your Heavenly Father before you vote. Consider the things that are most dear to Him, not what brings you temporary pleasures or benefits your pocket book.  Consider what His word says about the sanctity of life and the importance of traditional family values before you cast your vote. No candidate is perfect nor will they likely measure up to your standards, but that doesn't mean that God cannot use them to do His will. So, exercise your right, prayerfully and joyfully, knowing that many brave men and women have given their lives to defend this great freedom that you have.
 
God bless America!
​                                                                                             Pastor Frank Dodson