What to Do…

Every Thursday morning I share breakfast with some of the men who bravely get up early and willingly meet with me for prayer and fellowship. It is a great time of old fashioned ribbing, laughter, talking politics, and yes prayer.

While prayer is our main objective, we do discuss other things as well. We talk about the weather, gardens, cows and chickens, wives (all good, if any of ours wives is reading), children, friends, a little gossip, and yes, we talk about politics.

These men are read blooded Americans who have lived life, enjoyed the pleasures of what it has to offer, who trust God for salvation, and who I truly enjoy being with, sharing time with and learning from. We have a preacher (other than myself), a retired Sailor/Air Traffic Controller/University Instructor, a retired banker, a retired heavy equipment operator, a policeman, a deputy, the Sheriff, the Circuit Clerk, a Probate Judge, a Federal Game Warden, a semi-retired heavy equipment operator/land manager, the Fire Chief, and from time to time we will have the pleasure of a few high school students meeting with us.

Now, honestly, not all of these make a regular appearance at the Thursday morning “Pastor’s Breakfast” or “Men’s Prayer Breakfast,” but I can count on half of these to be there and sometimes shuffle the personalities. A lot like church attendance; depends on what shift someone is working. The average Southern Baptist church in America only sees fifty percent of their Sunday School enrollment or less on a regular basis. I have always said, “The FBI could not find the majority of my absentee members, and half of those they are already looking for.”

As I stated, we do talk about politics, and there are varying opinions which are placed on the table. Various ideas and thoughts regarding the plight on today’s world. Recent weeks we have discussed all of the major situations and problems which abound. With the upcoming election looming on the horizon, I figure we are going to need to do more praying than we do discussions; but I must tell you there are a few of us who are very strong willed (heard headed) and I am very, very sure that we will have some heated debates.

Our climate for the political arena is really heating up. As new numbers appear regarding unemployment, the economy, the state of education, and military we see that we are in a “world of hurt.” Recently, the issue of the President’s use of Executive Power and the way he has handled matters regarding everything from religion to the debt has put the nation on edge. Congress seems to be at a stalemate, the prices of commodities soar up and up, the struggles to maintain life for the majority of citizens is a task, and the major problems of society are almost overwhelming.

With these things before us, what are we to do?

One thing we can do is stay informed. Read the papers, watch the news, and discuss the issues with others. Learn what the problems are in the world and be educated.

Two, we need to vote and make sure everybody is register to vote. The sad state of affairs in America today is that the minority of people make the decisions for the rest of the people who are too lazy, or too apathetic to be involved in the democratic process. Someone fought for your right to vote; therefore instead of disgracing their memory and shunning their hard work, go to the polls and make your voice be heard. You need to know that I take it as an honor to vote, and then to let those who are elected know that I will be in touch with them when I have a problem or they need to be reminded of who they work for. If you do not vote; you do not have a right to grumble or complain.

Lastly, we need to pray. Listen, we are to pray for those who are in authority over us. They have a terrific and all consuming job, and they need for the American people to pray for them. On the other hand, God’s word is very clear that we are to pray, so that He might bless us.

I will tell you more about the Thursday morning breakfast and some of the opinions we toss back and forth. But until then, I am praying for America!