🇺🇸 What (and Who) is Your Hope?

☀️ Plus, news and tips to optimize your fitness body, soul and spirit

Author

Will Knecht
November 09, 2024

Good morning, brothers - momentous weeks like this are good times for gut checks. What does the exhilaration or anxiety we felt as the process unfolded and the results clarified tell us about the source of our hope, our peace and our joy … or lack thereof? Let’s take this opportunity to reflect, recalibrate and ready ourselves for this coming week. Let’s go!

MIND SET
What (and Who) is Your Hope?

$15 billion! Hard to fathom, but that's how much was spent on our recent presidential and congressional elections. I already miss the 23 political text messages sent to me each day before the election (not really). But $15 billion? That seems insane.

People are passionate about politics – right, left, and the few remaining in the center. Over these past weeks, I worked the polls, handing out sample ballots for my political party. Those who agreed with me smiled appreciatively. Many who didn't walked by pretending I didn't exist.

On Wednesday, those on the right celebrated President-Elect Trump's victory, while those on the left despaired Vice President Harris' defeat. Whether you were dancing to Kool and the Gang in the Trump camp or melancholy in the Harris camp, you likely felt strong emotions.

I love America deeply and have been involved in political leadership in my hometown of Wilmington. But I've noticed a concerning shift, even in the church. Many seem to view politicians as saviors, with their hope (or lack thereof) determined by who occupies the White House.

Our country is the greatest in world history, but it pales compared to our eternal home. Policies and political ideologies matter, but if they don't align with Biblical truth, they are worthless. Our President is not our messiah; Jesus is. He alone is our hope and worthy of our praise.

God Is In Control

The 2024 election result didn't surprise God. He knew the outcome from eternity past and can use our 47th President for His glory and our good. This would be true regardless of who won because God is Sovereign. He alone is in control, and in this truth we have great hope.

President-Elect Trump isn't perfect (nor am I, and neither are you). Politicians are not the answer to what really ails America. Only Jesus Christ, the Great Physician, can cure our deep spiritual need.

Presidential authority (regardless of who holds that office) is established by God (Romans 13:1-2), who will use that person as His vessel for the accomplishment of His purposes (Romans 13:6).

America's Real Need

America needs Jesus, revival, and Christian men to stand up – in our homes, in our churches, and in our communities – and be ambassadors for Christ as if God were making his appeal through us (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Chuck Colson, once President Nixon's "hatchet man" and one of the most powerful men in the country at the time, served time in prison for his role in the Watergate scandal. After finding Christ before his sentencing, he became one of the great Christian leaders of the past century. After having climbed to the very top of the political power ladder, Colson reflected:

"The hope that each of us has is not in who governs us, or what laws are passed, or what great things we do as a nation. Our hope is in the power of God working through the hearts of people, and that's where our hope is in this country; that's where our hope is in this life."

Where do you find your hope today? Donald Trump? Kamala Harris?

Christian men anchor their hope in Jesus Christ.

Let’s make him our North Star (Hebrews 12:2) and our only hope, as we pray for our national leaders.

This week’s action plan:

  • Read Isaiah 9:6-7 and understand Jesus' role in the real government

  • Meditate on 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 to comprehend your role as an ambassador

  • Pledge your allegiance to Christ before all others (country, wife/girlfriend, etc.)

  • Worship as you listen to Phil Wickham’s "Living Hope"

  • Share the gospel with someone this week (email me if you need help communicating it clearly)

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Thank you for your time and for helping us help you be “you … better”.

THIS JUST IN
📣 NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB 📣 

Note that our providing these links does not constitute an endorsement of the writer’s or publisher’s perspective. We try to filter out propaganda but sometimes good information is laced with bias. As with everything you read and watch, process with a critical perspective.

Training
“For physical training is of some value …” 1 Timothy 4:8

If you exercise, you will at some point suffer an injury. Whether it's a sprained ankle or a sore knee, you need to learn how to help your body heal. The old- standard RICE method has been debunked and replaced with new methods like MEAT. Courtesy Lifemark Health Group

Did you know that making yourself cold keeps you from getting colds, brightens your mood and heals your body? Research continues to validate the wide-ranging benefits of cold water immersion. Courtesy Healthline Media

Nutrition
“… your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit …” 1 Corinthians 6:19

Your nervous system uses electrolytes like sodium and potassium to create the electrical signals that travel to and from your brain and throughout your body. Most of us do not get enough potassium daily as, as a result, suffer from weakness and muscle fatigue. Add potassium-rich foods to your diet and feel more energized. Courtesy WebMD

Sleep
“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.” Psalms 3:5

We explored how light affects your sleep-wake cycle in MTM #3. Turns out blue wavelengths of light emitted by your phones, tablets and TVs are potent sleep disruptors. What should you do? Activate your devices’ night shift setting. Courtesy Gear Patrol

Finances
“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much …” Luke 16:10

The Bible warns against debt. Like digging a hole one scoop at a time, debt can quickly become overwhelming. Through Dave Ramsey's proven strategies, you can find your path to financial freedom. Start your climb today. Courtesy Ramsey Solutions

Reading
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21

I mentioned Chuck Colson earlier. “Born Again” is his account of his rise to the heights of political power, his fall from power to prison and the conversion that led to his founding Prison Fellowship Ministries.

Thanks for joining us for MTM 12 and stay tuned for MTM 13 next Saturday morning.

If you found value in what we shared, please share More The Man with family and friends and help us build a community of exceptional men that includes YOU.

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