I grew up like some of you in a very warm and loving Christianfamily. I learned so much from my open-hearted and open-handed parents. But somewhere along the line, presumablyfrom the Midwestern Christian culture around me, I became askeptic of others. I see this in so many of my friends when itcomes to OBAMA.
President OBAMA'S speech at the National Prayer Breakfastwas incredible. Christ-centered. Relaxed. Real. He nearlygave an altar call. But the level of suspicion remains. Is hereally a believer or is he just telling the crowd what they want tohear? Well, honestly who knows (but God).
But it is our job to think the best. To believe. Not to judge the"other" but believe the best. Let's work on that with him. Heneeds our support not our criticism especially when he ispresenting his faith in the same Jesus you and I believe in. (I'mnot suggesting you agree with all of his policies, just that youlove and respect the man and the journey of faith that he's on).
I'm off to CHICAGO today joined by Chris on Thursday. Weare doing a video curriculum series with Zondervan. Pleasepray for this as I feel tired and this is really important. We willbe interviewing some of the leading Muslims in North America. Filming me teaching in a mosque, and at Willow Creek Church. I need God's grace, wisdom and power VERY much this week!
EGYPT. What do we say? We spent a lot of time in DC with anEgyptian member of Parliament who is a leading voice in thecurrent opposition to the old regime. He's an amazing man. AMuslim who is coming closer and closer to loving and followingJesus. He is very encouraged. He, along with others who Iknow who live there, are witnessing amazing stories of gracebetween Muslims and Christians. It seems like it has been inthe interest of the old powers to intentionally divide the Muslimand Christian (Coptic and Protestant) communities. Seemslike now may be the time for a wave of God's spirit to rushthrough that nation. Don't be distracted by the politics but keepyour eyes on the One who can bring change!
KASHMIR is the Northwestern region in India, but disputed asPakistan also claims it. Almost 100% Muslim and quite tense. Well....six months ago an American professor in the regionfound "Tea with Hezbollah" in the New Delhi airport. He boughtit, read it and then contacted me. He invited me to come toKASHMIR to meet the leader of that area. I "countered" byinviting them both to the National Prayer Breakfast.
They came. (The professor and the KASHMIRI leader). It was awonderful time for all. The last day, I was facilitating a time ofsharing. The KASHMIRI leader shared beautifully from his heartfor a few minutes. It turned out that the son of former PrimeMinister Benazir Bhutto was in the room. He is being groomedto be the next President of Pakistan.
Well, without saying too much and breaking confidence the twoof them met with some other key political leaders and began afriendship that could literally change the face of that region. Andit was all bathed in prayer and done in the name of Jesus.
Honestly, this is just one of the many things similar to this thathappened in DC two weeks ago. It's taken me a while to writeabout it, because it's so hard to comprehend and thencondense. Just be encouraged. God is working. We usuallydon't see it. I have been personally moved lately with theanalogies Jesus uses for his Kingdom. A mustard seed.Yeast. A pearl. A buried treasure. All either hidden or verysmall. But the fruit produced will last and grow! More Lord....
http://www.carlmedearis.com/blog/2011/02/obama-chicago-egypt-kashmir-and-the-national-prayer-breakfast/=
