As the dust settles on the 2024 elections, listeners of The Crawford Stand are invited into a reflective dialogue led by Don Crawford, president of Crawford Media Group. Many Americans have described the elections as some of the most negative in memory, characterized by personal attacks and widespread disillusionment. In this episode, hosts use this tumultuous backdrop to explore deeper truths and avenues for peace.Don Crawford opens the discussion by acknowledging the fear and uncertainty that can grip citizens post-election. The emotional turmoil likened to a kind of political PTSD is not unfamiliar, but instead of succumbing to despair, Crawford points us to ancient wisdom for relief. The teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6, which admonish believers not to worry, serve as the foundation for reassurance.Digging deeper into faith’s role during such times, the conversation unfolds to consider the sovereignty of God over worldly and political matters. It raises a fundamental question: if everything is ordained by a higher power, should we not then seek comfort in this divine orchestration? Crawford takes a candid look at how even troubling political figures fit into this framework, challenging listeners to reconcile their beliefs with biblical teachings.Listeners are reminded of the constancy of God’s kingdom compared to the transient nature of political wins. Crawford presses for a mindset shuffle— to fixate not on earthly kingdoms, but on an eternal perspective where love and justice reign supreme. This realignment is posited as the antidote to the pervasive worry that can shadow significant political changes.The discussion also touches on practical engagement with political systems, encouraging active participation but with a heart rooted in faith. Crawford underlines the importance of believers doing their part, such as voting and standing for justice without compromising values. Beyond these personal responsibilities, ultimate outcomes should be entrusted to divine will, reinforcing the peace that comes from surrendering to a higher plan.
In perhaps the most uplifting segment, the hosts draw upon Apostle Paul’s teachings to rejoice in all circumstances, political or otherwise. Crawford emphasizes the importance of gratitude and positive thinking, inviting listeners to regularly dwell on what is pure and commendable, nurturing a mindset that breeds hope and minimizes anxiety.
As the episode wraps, an invitation is extended to the audience to engage and share their thoughts, underscoring the role of community in navigating these challenging times. Don Crawford reminds us that while political landscapes may shift, the enduring love and stability found in faith remain our greatest anchors.
Amidst the aftermath of the elections, Mr. Crawford encourages believers to trust in God's will, even when it seems inexplicable. Highlighting the scriptural assertion that all governments are ordained by God, he invokes a deep sense of faith over fear. Listeners are urged to set their affections on the eternal kingdom where justice and love prevail, to think positively, and to embrace eternal hope in the face of political and worldly turbulence.
The Crawford Stand with the president of Crawford Media Group, Don Crawford.
SPEAKER 02 :
It's over. Finally, finally it's over. Elections 2024 are over. They're over and done with. Praise the Lord. It may have been, say many American legal citizens, the worst elections ever. It was a season of negativity and lies and half-truths and slander and personal attacks, all of which adding up to national and international disgrace, in my opinion, for our once great country. Oh, unbelievable. The candidates and their conduct, almost all of them, were indeed an embarrassment to we, the people, I think. Do you feel the same way? Many Americans are deeply concerned. They worry. They fret. And they are really concerned with the future of our country. They worry about that future. They really do. Do you? Do you? They know that most politicians say and do what they need to do in order to get elected, and then, with virtually no compunction, do whatever they please. They join the power structures. and fly their true political colors, whatever they are. So we worry, and so many of us are afraid, and all of us are concerned. These people have little faith in government and rulers. Are you like that? Do you have little or no faith in those who assume power as a result of our elections? Do you, as seemingly millions of other Americans do, seemingly so, do you believe that the end is near for America? Do you? Boy, I hope and pray not, don't you?
SPEAKER 01 :
Do you feel like you're recovering from four years of PTSD, political traumatic stress disorder? Tomorrow, Mr. Crawford looks to the words of Jesus for relief. I'm Bill McCormick. The Crawford Stand. As our four-year political nightmare appears to be over, or at least in respite, we need to keep things in a kingdom perspective. A single election doesn't really solve all the world's problems. And if you're concerned about the future of planet Earth, Don Crawford, president of Crawford Media Group, says we're not called to worry.
SPEAKER 02 :
And if you do, if that negativity overwhelms you, if you get depressed, our Lord Jesus Christ has a message for you. And he says emphatically in Matthew 6, 25, do not worry. Do not worry. Don't worry. Are you a worrier? If you are, the Lord says, don't do that. Rather, move on. Or as the Apostle Paul says, press on for the prize of the high calling. Don't waste your life. Don't waste a day. Don't waste time. Don't worry. Whatever happens, happens as God would have it happen. It happens according to God's will and more from Scripture. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Whatever these elections produce for our beloved country, don't be troubled. Our God is in control. We may not understand the means, but that control is real. All governments, the scriptures say, are ordained by God. They come about by His will. So do the rulers and the dictators and the kings and the presidents, the good and the bad. God ordains them. And when it comes to government and elections and the authority given to those who exercise that power, they are ordained by God. That's hard to accept sometimes, don't you think? Hitler was Hitler. ordained by God, the ruler, the dictator for years and years, the killer, the mass murderer? Was Hitler ordained by God? That's a real question mark for any right-thinking person. But the scriptures say nothing happens politically other than as a result of his will, nothing. And we should never forget that.
SPEAKER 01 :
Tomorrow, an antidote to worrying about the things of this world. Mr. Crawford says we need to keep our minds on things above. I'm Bill McCormick. The Crawford Stand. This week in the afterglow of what many are hailing as an historical political victory in America, the president of Crawford Media Group, Don Crawford, thinks it's important for believers to keep things in a kingdom perspective.
SPEAKER 02 :
If we have done everything we can do for the good, for right, for justice, and we have voted, you have, haven't you, and stood tall, not compromised our position, done what we are expected to do. All the rest is up to God, the God of the universe, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. And our God reminds us, constantly reminds us, my ways are not your ways. There's the ultimate statement. My ways, says the great God Jehovah, My ways are not your ways. Boy, I'll tell you, that sure is true in a whole lot of cases. My will, says our Lord, my will, which will be done in heaven and on earth, may or may not be something you understand. Well, I'll buy into that. And we should ask for that understanding and that wisdom. We want to know, and we should pray without ceasing for the answers we seek. But If we do not understand or agree, we should always recognize that what happens, everything that happens, everything is according to His will. Everything. Boy, that's hard to accept sometimes, is it not? If then we set our affections on things above and not on things on this earth, then and only then will we not worry. Then and only then will we not give a single thought for the morrow For no matter how much we plan or worry, none of us can add one single hour to his or her life, says the scriptures. No, not one. And that's why Jesus of Nazareth says, don't worry, please don't worry. The more we worry, the more our Lord describes us as persons of little faith. Oh, ye of little faith. The more worry, the less faith. The more faith, the less worry. We may worry about earthly kingdoms and kings, but Jesus admonishes us to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all will be well.
SPEAKER 01 :
And tomorrow, more reasons to rejoice in all things. I'm Bill McCormick. The Crawford Stand, as Don Crawford, president of Crawford Media Group, continues to remind us that as consequential as political victories can be, they can be transitory, while God's plan is eternal.
SPEAKER 02 :
The structure of his kingdom, the rules and regulations, and the standards for his righteousness never change. They are eternal and abiding and consistent and always just where love, real love abounds. So, my fellow Americans and fellow Christians, set your affections there, up there, in there, in that kingdom where there is nothing but faith and hope and love and justice. And none of it ever changes. Never. Praise the Lord for that. There are some who seek vengeance for wrongs done. Don't do that, says the Lord. Vengeance is mine, says the Lord, says God Almighty. I will repay. And you and I both believe that there are a whole lot of people who have lived in this world who need that repayment, and they'll have it someday. But not from you, and not from me. But we, on the other hand, says the Scriptures, we should rejoice. Rejoice. Be happy. Be glad. And the Apostle Paul confirms. In fact, Paul says we should rejoice in all things, even the political things. even elections 2024. And Paul says again, and for the second time, I say to you, rejoice. Rejoice. Be glad. Be happy. You are saved. You are a Christian. You have hope for eternal life. Therefore, rejoice. Nothing in this world, nothing that happens should in any way bring you down. Think positive. Don't let your heart be troubled. Don't. Rejoice in the Lord. Give thanks in all things. Are you a thankful person? Do you give thanks every day, all day, and in all things? And Paul goes even further and says, you know, you should think on these things. It shouldn't just cross your mind once or twice a day. It should be the sum and substance of the content of your mind. Think. Think on these good things, says Paul. those things which are just and pure and lovely and commendable and praiseworthy and happy and joyful and loving. And, says Paul, always have hope. Always, always have hope.
SPEAKER 01 :
Tomorrow, no matter what the future holds, we do well to remember that God is in control. I'm Bill McCormick. The Crawford Stand. This week as we adjust to what we hope is an end to the political nightmare of the past four years, that we as believers don't misplace our ultimate trust. We must remember always that God is in control.
SPEAKER 02 :
And stand by your faith. And remember that everything ultimate comes down to one word. Love. Love. and especially that of the love of Jesus Christ, which passes all understanding. If all of these wonderful things really dominate our lives, how can we do anything but rejoice, no matter what happens in this world? So, my fellow Christians, don't worry. Don't worry. render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, abide by the law, unless Caesar, the government, and its rulers cross over from government to the spiritual realm, you know, like abortion, and trespass on the things of God, then we are duty-bound to stand up then we are required to protest, to resist, and not comply, nor compromise, and do everything in our power to protect and defend the things of God. You are commanded to do that, and knowing that with the power of our Lord, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Oh, I do hope you believe that, and I do hope that you are a strong Christian born again, saved by grace, and that you have the power of the Holy Spirit within you, and that you are happy in this world, that you rejoice no matter what happens because you know that God is in control. You know that. You believe that. So don't worry. Do not worry. Our Lord tells us that he will guide us with his eye, that he will give us the words we need when it's time to speak, that he will meet our needs for food and clothing and shelter. And so those mighty and reassuring words in Matthew 6, 25 and on, read it. Matthew 6, read that. and with this absolutely necessary admonition that occurs in those wonderful verses. Don't worry. Don't worry. God is in control.
SPEAKER 01 :
The views expressed here on the Crawford stand are those of the speaker, and Mr. Crawford wants to know, what do you think? Are you in recovery from a four-year political nightmare? Are you thrilled at the results? Tell him in your email to stand at CrawfordMediaGroup.net. When you write, be sure to tell Mr. Crawford on what station you hear the stand. The email address again is stand at CrawfordMediaGroup.net. When you want to review what you hear, go to our website, CrawfordMediaGroup.net. The Crawford Stand is a public affairs presentation of Crawford Media Group and this station, serving God and country. I'm Bill McCormick.
