Submitting to authority when things seem desperate

Embed from Getty Images “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Titus 3: 1-2.

I admit these are trying times. With people working from home, unemployed or going to work because they have been counted as essential workers. This is geared more for the folks that are Christ followers and are not working. I am going to attempt to put things in perspective.

There should be no complaining about shelter-in-place mandates. “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” Philippians 2: 14-15.

I understand the want to go to work and the urge to make money. That is very valid. However, I also know that God will meet needs. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 19.

That verses gives me the confidence that if I or my wife would lose our job, God will meet us where we are. It brings peace to my family. For Christian’s to voice concerns is fine, in fact we should. But to rail against State Officials or the President is something we should not take part in.

“Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” Romans 13:2. We need to remember that God is in charge. Nothing is bigger than Him, nothing escapes Him, nothing surprises Him.

To seek God daily is to seek peace. Asking God to give you your daily bread is to ask Him to meet your needs. In fact, there is great wisdom, hope and redemption in Isaiah 55: 8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”

It is easy to get caught up in the worry and allow our thoughts to hold us captive. It is another thing to apply the word of God to our life and allow Him space to move and meet our needs.

For a great resource check out BibleGateway.

To trade or to keep?

That is the question facing the Detroit Tigers and young star pitch Michael Fulmer. Coming off ulnar nerve transposition surgery

Ulnar Nerve Transposition at the Elbow

it has not deterred teams from calling to check on trade possibilities. Because he is entering his prime years with a team that is going nowhere during his best years.
As a young pitcher with his talent he would  bring in a tremendous haul of prospects. For the rebuilding Tigers this would speed things up considerably.
The Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees have shown the most interest . This is fantastic news as both teams have outstanding minor league talent.
It could benefit the Tigers to let Fulmer throw a few spring training games and showcase that he’s healthy. Then they could cash in their biggest trade asset.
For a team looking at least 100 losses the next two seasons. This could get them right back to competitive baseball in 3 years when they will unleash the pitching they are currently developing in the minors. I have to think the Tigers front office is evaluating just how quickly they can contend again. If it’s 1-2 years they may keep him. If it’s 3-5 years they would be wise to cash him in and speed up the process.
It’s one of the storylines to follow as spring training nears and gets started.