Electing More Pro-Family, Pro-Life, America First Conservatives!
Sunday, September 25, 2022
To: Friends & Supporters
From: Carol Bauer
As you know, my wife, Carol, prepares a monthly prayer alert. I hope you will share Carol's thoughts with your friends and fellow worshipers. Thank you for taking an interest in her monthly devotion. -- Gary
If you are like me, you found the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the pomp and ceremony it set in motion both fascinating and thought-provoking. It prompted a focus on British history and culture, world history and societal values. Aside from all the impressive pageantry and tradition, the past two weeks have given to each of us an opportunity to reflect on her reign which spanned seven decades and fifteen prime ministers from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss. The sweep of history captured in her lifetime is simply breathtaking!
And yet, as the world swirled around her and the culture changed rapidly, the Queen remained a steadfast constant, a happy warrior of sorts. She made it a point not to comment on politics and was seldom actually heard. The one time each year when she did speak directly to the British people and the world was in her Christmas message. She used that opportunity brilliantly to speak of her deep and unwavering faith.
Year after year, the focus on the meaning of Christmas and her deep faith in the living Christ shone through in her moving words. In fact, her 90th birthday was marked by the publication of a book entitled The Servant Queen and the King She Serves . . . and Elizabeth wrote the forward! The brilliance of the queen to be an ever-present xxxxxx of continuity and a steadfast, outspoken woman of faith through seven decades is unparalleled in these times.
After the announcement of her passing, a ten-day period of mourning went into effect. A big part of that was an opportunity for the British people to say their good-byes. It was clear that those fascinated by the royal family would show up to pay their respects to the monarch. What was unanticipated was the throngs of people, hundreds of thousands of them, who waited in line for 20-plus hours to simply walk past her casket.
It was a mix of old and young, rich and poor, celebrities and common folk. They waited quietly, sorrowfully, respectfully to honor her. When some were asked about their presence, it was clear they recognized her passing as an inflection point in history, an historical hinge point by which British history would be marked. To hear the comments of many there was a wistfulness of looking back at her place in history and a pensiveness about what lay ahead.
And then, the day of her burial arrived. We all heard that the Queen's funeral was planned by Her Majesty. The hymns, scripture readings, the focus of the message and the fact that it was not to be "long and boring," all these were at her request. What she might not have anticipated is that an estimated 4.1 billion people around the world watched her funeral. And, each of those individuals were exposed to the Gospel message and the hope it provides. It was clear, moving and full of meaning. Even in death she served the Lord.
As Gary has pointed out in a recent message for the James Dobson Family Institute, Queen Elizabeth's death sparked the largest evangelistic event the world has ever seen. One woman with a unique platform and voice, and a keen understanding of the power of her few public words.
Lord, help us not to lose our faith perspective in a world that seems jaded and out of touch with our core beliefs. Keep us focused on the opportunities which You have given us in our daily lives and everyday responsibilities. Help us to remember that You can take our daily expressions of faith and use them in ways we cannot anticipate or comprehend.
Remind us of the powerful impact of the servant queen and how she deftly spread the Gospel to a changing world. Fill our mouths with words of encouragement for those around us who step out in faith. Continually fill us with the knowledge of Your presence as we live out our responsibilities in our family, neighborhood and church. Take our hearts, prayers, words and actions and use them for Your glory.
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As citizens of the United States of America we hold dear the right to vote, and with that comes the opportunity to guide the path forward for our country. The voice of the people will determine the trajectory of education, the right to life, immigration, our energy future, the lessons taught to our children and our freedom to worship and live out our faith.
November 8th is decision day in this critical election cycle. Prompt us to vote, to encourage our family and friends to vote, and to take it upon ourselves to encourage our church to provide information to attendees on voter registration deadlines, Election Day hours, and where candidates stand on issues of import to the body of Christ.
Strengthen us as we stand for Christian values in a nation adrift. Amen.
