Troubling Times

It is with sadness that it has come to this, a world rife with war, hatred, dishonesty, corruption and a failing economic system. One would contest that the powers that be are not in control as the world as we know it spirals into its own destruction. But as a citizen of heaven, a cannot believe that a sovereign God will let injustice reign upon the earth that He has created. For He will use every situation, whether good or bad for his Glory, for He has all the dominion and power in the entire universe. This week my country goes to the election polls, I critical time in our history once again. It is a time when many hopes are fading in the light of the governing party and Mr Jacob Zuma failing to show integrity and honesty, in the undermining of the justice system escaping the 700 charges or so laid against him by the National Prosecuting Authority. It is my choice not to let the reality of the situation leave me feeling hopeless and despondent, but rather to stand up against the injustices through prayer and petition. So encourage you all who read this to get on your knees and ask that the sovereign will of God to be done and that His Kingdom may come here on Earth, in South Africa as it is in heaven.

This comes from the Global Day of Prayer:

Dear Friend!
We are indeed facing a critical Election on 22 April 2009
and your prayers will most certainly make a difference in the future of our
nation.As we are in the final few days leading up to our National Election
we want to request the following:

1. Set the time leading up to elections apart for prayer and fasting.
Pray for God?s will to be done and remind Him of His promises. " ... if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face
and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive
their sin and heal their land." (2 Chron. 7:14)

2. Set specific time apart during church services on Sunday 19 April 2009 to pray for the elections.

3. Intentionally pray for peace in our nation. "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." (1 Tim. 2:1-3)

4. Commit to your responsibility to vote on 22 April 2009. Make sure that your vote will not deny your Biblical values and principles.

5. Vote prayerfully, carefully considering what God is asking of you in regards to:- Integrity and honesty (Am I voting for upright and honest people?)- Moral and upright policies (Does the party answer to the demands of morality and justice?)- Blind Loyalty (Do I cast my vote based on past loyalty or on what contribution the party is making towards a peaceful and just society?)- Intolerance and/or intimidation (Do I respect those whose opinion differ from mine and am I allowed to voice my opinion?)Yes, your vote in the upcoming election counts! For God?s will to
be done "on earth as it is in heaven", it is critical for His children to pray, to vote and to live as instruments of love and transformation.Let us trust the words of Luke 18:7-8: "And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly."

The GDOP
Team