Prayer, as it was used in the recent inauguration, has become a convenient method to deliver an oratory in fine words. Through it we can praise some, denounce some, insult some, make some feel guilty and even justify some actions and behaviors. It is being assumed that no one should feel offended because prayer is directed at God. Now, does God accept such prayers? Jesus, who urged that man should always pray, did not think so (Lk.18: 1). He gave us direction as to when, where and how we ought to pray.

The enemy that our Western leaders, whether political or religious, cannot, will not or even camouflage has made an inerasable footprint in the Western World. It is the kind of enemy that if one of its agents is killed they expect a medal from their god. President Bush was not the first that stepped into the enemy's trap; however, he was the first for identifying the nature of the enemy and keeping the enemy from inflicting more harm on the world. Regretfully, he used a costly army to keep the enemy at bay. It thus bleeds the resources of this nation and falls further into the enemy trap.

Cyrus, king of Persia, out of gratitude to the God of heaven for subjecting all the kingdoms to him, was stirred by the Lord to return the Jewish captives to their homeland and rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem. It was Cyrus that put Ezra the priest in charge of the project (Ez.1: 1-11). Please note that God motivated a gentile and not one of the chosen people to carry out the plan and promise of the Lord. What does that tell us Christians that have become negligible regarding God's plan and purpose?

The key to predestination is “love for God” (Ro.8: 26-39). All the words regarding predestination are in this text. Why were these Christians told that if they kept on loving God, they were secure in Christ and nothing could go wrong? What were these Christians facing?

Jesus promised that when He was lifted up he would draw all men unto himself (Jn.12: 32). He also said that no one could come unless the Father draws him (Jn.6: 44). Then Jesus prayed for those that would believe in the message of his followers (Jn.17: 20). And to Thomas He said, “Blessed are those that have not seen but have believed” (Jn.20: 29). How then does the drawing of people to Christ and God does take place? How does God teach us to follow Christ (Jn.6: 45)?

Cornelius was a Roman officer stationed in Caesarea (Ac.10). He was a God-fearing person and wished to become a Christian. In a dream he was instructed to bring Peter into his home. Peter believed in the election of Israel only and he would never dare to enter a gentile's residence nor eat with a heathen. Peter required three lessons on why God included gentiles in His plan. Election or predestination depended on those that were willing to be chosen and not on a succession by natural birth.

Yes, we are confused with regard to predestination, divine choice and foreknowledge. It is very convenient for Christians and Jews that God does and did everything and to inject any human effort insults God. Many hold to the idea that works negate God's grace. No doubt, God, in Jesus' words, has provided “the way the truth and the life” (Jn.14: 6); but, He also insisted that the choice is ours to accept to be elected in Christ. The election is in and because of Christ and not in anyone single human being (Eph.1: 3-14).

Fear is not exactly what we appreciate in our western culture. If at all possible, we would remove the word from our vocabulary. In reality, however, we are in the midst of fear. Unfortunately it is mostly bad fear that we face. Then we must ask ourselves what would life be if fear were absent? Some Christians believe that perfect love eliminates fear (I Jn.4: 18). Only, who among us is perfect?

We love to hear that we have a kind and loving God or Heavenly Father. Indeed the Lord God is full of compassion, grace and mercy, forgiving and longsuffering (Num.14: 18; Ps.86: 15). He is especially longsuffering, meaning that He is overly patient with us, giving us every chance to repent and correct our ways. He is not willing that anyone should perish without having had that chance to change (II Pe.3: 9). He does not want us to miss His gift of grace (Heb.12: 15). God proved His love for us by sending His Son to show us what we must do to be fitted for God's kingdom (Jn.3: 1-21; Mk.1: 15).

Hear the word of the Lord, you Israelites (Christians), because the Lord has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: "There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land. There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed. Because of this the land mourns, and all who live in it waste away; the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and the fish of the sea are dying.