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The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord;
he turns it wherever he will. (Proverbs 21:1)
King Nebuchadnezzar’s story is told in Daniel 4. He learned the hard way that God “does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, ‘What have you done?'” (Daniel 4:35) Likewise Job, at the height of his suffering and despair, recognized that God’s sovereign purpose and power were irresistible; “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2)
One of the ways God accomplishes his purposes is by turning “the king’s heart” (and the president’s) “wherever he will.” Yesterday I urged you to pray sincerely for President-elect Barack Obama. Today I urge you to pray specifically for the Lord to turn his heart. I’ll explain that in a moment.
First, I want to point out that this election clearly created somewhat of an inner crisis for many pro-life African-Americans. I’ve come to the conclusion that very few white Americans, myself included, really understand how difficult that dilemma was for some African-American conservatives.
I think the closest I’ve been able to come to understanding it is by looking through the eyes of Eric Redmond. I listened to him describe his conflict back in July. I really tried to understand his turmoil, but frankly struggled to identify with certain aspects of it. Today Eric opened his heart again, and what I read this time encouraged me tremendously. In spite of tremendous pressure (from within and without) to do otherwise, he voted pro-life. Although his vote was swallowed in defeat, and will probably cost him some friends, it was a personal victory.
The reason Eric Redmond could not vote for Barack Obama, when it came right down to it, was because of Obama’s radically pro-abortion agenda. He’s already announced that he will make signing the horrendous Freedom of Choice Act a top priority. It is tragically ironic that the specter of black genocide casts a pall over the historic election of this nation’s first African-American president. According to recent statistics, nearly half of all African-American preganancies end in abortion. Nearly half! What breaks my heart even more is that the percentage of black abortions is likely to increase under the administration of our first black president.
That brings me back to the purpose of this post. I am asking the Lord to turn Barack Obama’s heart, like a stream of water, away from the disastrous course he currently intends to take. The Lord can do that. In an instant. That’s what I’m praying for today, and that’s what I’m asking you to pray for.
Davi said:
Barry,
This is a wonderful series of posts!
Thanks!
Laurie said:
Yes, thank you for this.
PAUL WAYNE FOLTZ DD said:
yes we must pray, for the LORD can make even the wrath of man to praise Him.
He can turn his heart and will if God’s people want it enough.
Andy C said:
Let this be a lesson though. That we pray fervently at all times, when things are going as we feel they should, and when they are not.
Different scenarios, but same level of prayer.
MoniQue said:
During the past few days, I received a plea from a few well-known Christian leaders for us to pray for Obama, citing the scripture that urges us to pray for safety and wisdom for our leaders.
Here is my reply:
• No Prayers for Obama
…Besides the fact that wisdom is a gift of the Holy Spirit which Obama doesn’t himself possess; if I am to follow your logic, then am I to assume you’d also instruct the German Christians back in Hitler’s day to pray for the “wisdom and safety of Adolf Hitler? For me to pray for the safety and wisdom of the AntiChrist as well? Brothers and sisters, it’s time to check yourselves on that one.
However, there are far more scriptures in complete contrast to praying for a monster like Obama. I don’t recall Jesus calling for prayer for Caesar, Herod, or even Judas for that matter. Peter did not pray for Ananias and Saphira who came to him with a lie on their lips; and the early Christians did not pray for Nero’s safety and wisdom. In fact, Jesus said He only prays for the ones that the Father has given him, those who’s names are in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
…This man Obama is not only worshiped as deity, but accepts and enjoys the adoration and worship; adoration and worship which belongs only to God. He promised to enact the HATE CRIMES BILL which will pretty much make it illegal for Christians to speak the full Word of God in regards to homosexuality, Islam, and other sins God forbids. Perhaps as time goes on it will be a crime to even speak out against Obama. And you’re asking me to pray for safety, wisdom, and discernment for someone who is actively engaging in and promoting the very things GOD HATES?
I hope Christian people will read more of their bible instead of hide behind one scripture that was never intended to lull Christians to remain quiet in the face of sin and wrongdoing. Especially when truth and the very name of YWH and our Lord Jesus Christ is trampled on. Paul also said women should keep their head covered, yet you’re not emailing any such request. And any Christian that asks me to pray for Obama or Hitler or anyone who accepts worship and adoration as a god, rather than to give YWH God the glory, is asking me to participate in a sin.
…PLEASE COPY AND PASTE THIS MESSAGE TO WARN OTHERS: http://moniquemonicat.wordpress.com/2008/11/05/%E2%80%A2-no-prayers-for-obama/
Barry Wallace said:
MoniQue,
I took the liberty of editing your post to shorten it, since it wasn’t actually a comment at all, but simply a copy of a post on your blog. I did leave enough of the original to give my readers the flavor of it. I also left the link in case any of them care to read the whole thing.
For the record, I disagree with you. I don’t think any of us are free to disregard the clear commands of Scripture to pray for all in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2; Romans 13:1).
Wendy said:
My husband and I also agree with you… which is why my husband created this web site (http://www.prayingforbarack.com/). Thanks for spreading the word about our command to pray for our leaders (especially if we don’t agree with them…)
Barry Wallace said:
Wendy,
Thanks for the visit. Your products convey an important message, and it appears the proceeds will go to a very good cause. Blessings.