I have been watching political ads, debates, and news reports for months. I think my blood pressure rises with each barb thrown. If possible I avoid the bias of the ads and news reports. In the debates I want to believe that under the words being said there is subtace and a guide for the direction our beloved country is heading. I am not certain that I have found it.
I know the name of the person I will mark on my ballot, but I cannot say I really know the man and how he will govern. I can only decide from his past actions and consistent words. I would hope all voters will do the same
My greatest stress with election politics, however, comes not from the candidates but from Facebook and email friends who villify every detail of the opponent of their chosen hero. The anger, name calling, and finger pointing is creating a divide that will be difficult to cross when we need to come together.
It is my opinion that we the people cannot save our country from destruction by casting a vote. We must look to a higher power, the One to whom the Founding Fathers turned when building the foundation of our government. The person who wins the election is not to be our king. He is a servant appointed by God through the will of the people to lead us into judgement or freedom from bondage.
In light of my convictions about our country and this election, I have decided to look first at my self. Am I turned towards God and His will for my life? Am I an obedient servant of the Most High God and His truth revealed in scripture? Will I stand firm for God's way of living over my selfish desires? Will I vote for God's annointed and appointed one whoever that might be? Will I accept the results with gratitude? I cannot predict the future, but I know the One who holds it in His hands. My vote will be made with a prayer on my lips and my Father God as my focus.
Father Eternal, You are Wise, All-knowing, and All-powerful. You alone hold the keys to our future as a people founded on Your truth. Forgive us for turning our backs on You and believing that we are in control of our destiny. Thank You for the foundations on which our much loved country was founded. Thank you for men and women who are willing to serve as leaders, defenders and visionaries for "We the people." I bow my knee to You and ask that Your will be done.
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Perfected Government
Political ads are filling the tv screen, mail box and even our phone lines. Many are not aimed at the issues, nor at the candidates' own ideas about the issues. They are mud balls slung at the opponent to make sure the voters see them as a better choice. I imagine they believe that the one with the least mud will win.
Politics isn't much different than playground spats. Children who want to feel important tend to tattle, gossip and make known anything to bring down the classmate they imagine has more popularity or brains. Sadly we have not learned much since our playground days.
Voters watching the melee must decide who would be best to lead and guide our country. Do we really want to get what we see? How do we stop this cycle and demand a more sane campaign? Will we find a way to change for the better? Probably not. We will continue to do what works and what works is the truth or lies being used as a punch at the other side. Don't get me wrong, I want to know the truth before I vote and sometimes the opponent needs to make the truth known, because the other guy certainly won't tell you his past mistakes, not willingly anyway.
If we want honest politicians don't we want them to be honest about their strengths and their failures? That is risky politics isn't it? I think I would be inclined to trust a person running for office who was forthright in who he is and what he will bring to the governmental process. I would also know where he/she would need to be made accountable. As for now, who do I believe, those who have the most muddied campaign or those who have thrown the most mud?
Perfection only lies in God. If we seek to find a perfect match for our side of the issues we will surely fall into the mud with them. Maybe the best way to look at the ballot is to look first at our own truth. What are our strengths and weaknesses? If we can be truthful in ourselves maybe we can see the truth that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We will not find perfection in the polling booth. Our hope is in God. He is our perfect governor! If we are governed by Him and His laws we will find freedom!
We MUST VOTE. The important point is that we must vote with honor and integrity knowing that we too are sinners and our leaders are fallen too.
God Almighty You are the perfect Governor, Senator, President, Mayor, etc. You have given me the freedom to choose You as my Lord. You are the only one I can trust to lead with perfection. I am blinded in my choices and so I ask You to reveal what I need to see. I ask You to be in my voting booth and direct my vote in truth and wisdom. Thank You for letting me live in this wonderful country that was founded on the freedom You have given every person. Help me to be Your light.
Politics isn't much different than playground spats. Children who want to feel important tend to tattle, gossip and make known anything to bring down the classmate they imagine has more popularity or brains. Sadly we have not learned much since our playground days.
Voters watching the melee must decide who would be best to lead and guide our country. Do we really want to get what we see? How do we stop this cycle and demand a more sane campaign? Will we find a way to change for the better? Probably not. We will continue to do what works and what works is the truth or lies being used as a punch at the other side. Don't get me wrong, I want to know the truth before I vote and sometimes the opponent needs to make the truth known, because the other guy certainly won't tell you his past mistakes, not willingly anyway.
If we want honest politicians don't we want them to be honest about their strengths and their failures? That is risky politics isn't it? I think I would be inclined to trust a person running for office who was forthright in who he is and what he will bring to the governmental process. I would also know where he/she would need to be made accountable. As for now, who do I believe, those who have the most muddied campaign or those who have thrown the most mud?
Perfection only lies in God. If we seek to find a perfect match for our side of the issues we will surely fall into the mud with them. Maybe the best way to look at the ballot is to look first at our own truth. What are our strengths and weaknesses? If we can be truthful in ourselves maybe we can see the truth that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We will not find perfection in the polling booth. Our hope is in God. He is our perfect governor! If we are governed by Him and His laws we will find freedom!
We MUST VOTE. The important point is that we must vote with honor and integrity knowing that we too are sinners and our leaders are fallen too.
God Almighty You are the perfect Governor, Senator, President, Mayor, etc. You have given me the freedom to choose You as my Lord. You are the only one I can trust to lead with perfection. I am blinded in my choices and so I ask You to reveal what I need to see. I ask You to be in my voting booth and direct my vote in truth and wisdom. Thank You for letting me live in this wonderful country that was founded on the freedom You have given every person. Help me to be Your light.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Random Thoughts
This past weekend Patrick and I attended our niece, Lisa's, wedding in Canada. Visiting with family and hearing their take on politics in the U.S. gave me much to ponder. Here are a few random thoughts as I listened to those Americans living across the country from me and in Canada.
Obama is moving at a very speedy pace to make his plans implemented. Is speed a good thing when it comes to public policy? Is the push hard attitude right when our president has had relatively very little time in Washington circles, including his time as Senator? Could it be a good strategy to catch the other side off kilter after the blow from the elections? Certainly Obama is taking every advantage he is offered. He is making the best use of his power and convictions in the time he has.
I wonder if Mr. President is still assured in his ability to govern or is he scared that we will regroup and be stronger than ever after his agenda is revealed, to take from us our freedoms our hard earned money and our ability to govern ourselves with godly morals and high values for life, liberty and the hard work it takes to pursue happiness.
The economy was a major topic with everyone this weekend. Money was definitely more important than the lives of innocent people.
Words have power to push people in the wrong direction. It may be a family member that is belittled for mistakes or character struggles. Words could push a nation to believe in the subtle lies of the enemy who would steal our freedom, kill our values and dreams for a better life, and destroy who we are as a nation of citizens, who work hard to accomplish their personal goals that also strengthen and grow our United States into a world powerhouse. What kind of words push me?
I am convinced that most of us are sitting back and allowing the government to move us rather than us moving the government. We are quickly becoming a people that surrender our government by and for the people and embracing a government who governs by the power that sits in the seats of our governing bodies.
My red, white and blue heart cries out to my Lord God in prayer for our country and all of its people!
God Almighty, Stir the hearts of Your people! Awaken us to Your freedom and grace. Teach us the truth! Let our hearts be on fire for You and Your ways. May the fire in our hearts burn so brightly that others will be sparked into life. Let Your Word the wind of Your Spirit be the fuel that revives us! Send revival to our land and then touch Canada and Mexico and our neighbors far away on this dear earth! Let us stand with YOU and not forget that we are strangers in a strange land. In You we trust!
Obama is moving at a very speedy pace to make his plans implemented. Is speed a good thing when it comes to public policy? Is the push hard attitude right when our president has had relatively very little time in Washington circles, including his time as Senator? Could it be a good strategy to catch the other side off kilter after the blow from the elections? Certainly Obama is taking every advantage he is offered. He is making the best use of his power and convictions in the time he has.
I wonder if Mr. President is still assured in his ability to govern or is he scared that we will regroup and be stronger than ever after his agenda is revealed, to take from us our freedoms our hard earned money and our ability to govern ourselves with godly morals and high values for life, liberty and the hard work it takes to pursue happiness.
The economy was a major topic with everyone this weekend. Money was definitely more important than the lives of innocent people.
Words have power to push people in the wrong direction. It may be a family member that is belittled for mistakes or character struggles. Words could push a nation to believe in the subtle lies of the enemy who would steal our freedom, kill our values and dreams for a better life, and destroy who we are as a nation of citizens, who work hard to accomplish their personal goals that also strengthen and grow our United States into a world powerhouse. What kind of words push me?
I am convinced that most of us are sitting back and allowing the government to move us rather than us moving the government. We are quickly becoming a people that surrender our government by and for the people and embracing a government who governs by the power that sits in the seats of our governing bodies.
My red, white and blue heart cries out to my Lord God in prayer for our country and all of its people!
God Almighty, Stir the hearts of Your people! Awaken us to Your freedom and grace. Teach us the truth! Let our hearts be on fire for You and Your ways. May the fire in our hearts burn so brightly that others will be sparked into life. Let Your Word the wind of Your Spirit be the fuel that revives us! Send revival to our land and then touch Canada and Mexico and our neighbors far away on this dear earth! Let us stand with YOU and not forget that we are strangers in a strange land. In You we trust!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Partisan Politics
Last weekend I had a talk with someone who is "on the other side of the aisle" from me in their views of political issues. Though I only was able to state that I did not agree with the policies of the newly elected president Obama I was confronted with an earful of accusations. I listened to the tirade and then made another benign statement, or so I thought. The conversation ended abruptly and certainly not on good terms.
Since having that talk I am not surprised that our congress cannot come to agreement on the issues and needs of the people. Even if some are willing to listen with respect to another point of view, there will always be those who demand their own way to be the only right course of action. Sessions of the legislature must be fraught with emotion. I can only envision it as an angry place.
Prayer for our leaders should awaken in us the need to hear the other side with respect. We should speak carefully without demanding the other person to agree without laying both sides on the table in a joint effort of seeking the best way to live peaceful, quiet lives in godliness and holiness.
There can be no law against love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Spirit of the Living God, fill us afresh and guide our leaders into a holy and godly unity.
Since having that talk I am not surprised that our congress cannot come to agreement on the issues and needs of the people. Even if some are willing to listen with respect to another point of view, there will always be those who demand their own way to be the only right course of action. Sessions of the legislature must be fraught with emotion. I can only envision it as an angry place.
Prayer for our leaders should awaken in us the need to hear the other side with respect. We should speak carefully without demanding the other person to agree without laying both sides on the table in a joint effort of seeking the best way to live peaceful, quiet lives in godliness and holiness.
There can be no law against love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Spirit of the Living God, fill us afresh and guide our leaders into a holy and godly unity.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Random Thoughts
Today I can't seem to put a finger on what to write about so here are some random thoughts going through my head.
My son turns 28 today. He is a good man. It seems as if the difference in age between us is growing shorter. I don't feel as old as I am or as old as his Mom should be! Happy birthday, David!
It seems odd to me that most people I talked to this past week were surprised that I had mixed feelings about my son, Joseph, moving to Colorado. Seems I shouldn't want to have him near. I shouldn't be sad about not seeing him on a regular basis. The thing that surprises me is that they don't understand how much fun our family has together and how much we like being close! Of course these are people who don't know us well, so I guess if they haven't experienced this bond then they couldn't understand. I will miss him. He had a hard time pulling away also! He, too, had mixed emotions! Our family is just like that. We really do like each other!
Politics is evoking in me strong emotions and fervent prayers. I believe it is the same for most Americans. I know how my vote will go. What I do not know, is which way the country will vote. It seems as if we are in the dating period of getting to know the candidates. For me, I like one more than the other, but don't like everything my favorite says, does or stands for. Come November 4 the country will decide which candidate to whom we will be betrothed. Then January will be the official ceremony that will wed us to the leadership of that man for the next four years. I am certain that either way, we will find our country more divided than ever before! We already are!
I am reminded of Jesus' prayer that His followers would be in unity. Oh, may we find a way to be unified in spirit. The world is on the brink of something new. The signs are there. Christ's followers must pray and seek His face. We must walk humbly before our God. Most importantly we must look to our own hearts to examine our selves. Whatever we find that goes against God's standard is wickedness. We must turn back toward Him and repent of those wicked ways.
So what does God stand for? It is all found in the scriptures. What do we stand for? It is found in our checkbooks, our daily schedules, our leisure activities, etc.
Lord, show me Your ways! Give me strength to do Your will even if it is against the world. Stay near me, Lord, for you alone are my rock! May I conform to Your will in all things.
My son turns 28 today. He is a good man. It seems as if the difference in age between us is growing shorter. I don't feel as old as I am or as old as his Mom should be! Happy birthday, David!
It seems odd to me that most people I talked to this past week were surprised that I had mixed feelings about my son, Joseph, moving to Colorado. Seems I shouldn't want to have him near. I shouldn't be sad about not seeing him on a regular basis. The thing that surprises me is that they don't understand how much fun our family has together and how much we like being close! Of course these are people who don't know us well, so I guess if they haven't experienced this bond then they couldn't understand. I will miss him. He had a hard time pulling away also! He, too, had mixed emotions! Our family is just like that. We really do like each other!
Politics is evoking in me strong emotions and fervent prayers. I believe it is the same for most Americans. I know how my vote will go. What I do not know, is which way the country will vote. It seems as if we are in the dating period of getting to know the candidates. For me, I like one more than the other, but don't like everything my favorite says, does or stands for. Come November 4 the country will decide which candidate to whom we will be betrothed. Then January will be the official ceremony that will wed us to the leadership of that man for the next four years. I am certain that either way, we will find our country more divided than ever before! We already are!
I am reminded of Jesus' prayer that His followers would be in unity. Oh, may we find a way to be unified in spirit. The world is on the brink of something new. The signs are there. Christ's followers must pray and seek His face. We must walk humbly before our God. Most importantly we must look to our own hearts to examine our selves. Whatever we find that goes against God's standard is wickedness. We must turn back toward Him and repent of those wicked ways.
So what does God stand for? It is all found in the scriptures. What do we stand for? It is found in our checkbooks, our daily schedules, our leisure activities, etc.
Lord, show me Your ways! Give me strength to do Your will even if it is against the world. Stay near me, Lord, for you alone are my rock! May I conform to Your will in all things.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Neighborly Talk
It is said that people should refrain from talking politics and religion with others. Why? I presume so there won't be a fight that ensues over differing opinions. But must we really avoid these subjects even when we disagree?
I know that I get pretty emotional when talking about things I am pasionate about. My relationship with God and the social and political issues that I deem important can cause me to try to convince others to see things from my perspective. I can get forceful and judgemental if the other person seems to reject my thoughts and beliefs without really hearing what I have to say. I admit that isn't a good way to win them over.
So I am trying to learn the art of discussing these topics with an open mind and a loving heart. I try to shake off the intense feelings that grip me and relax and enjoy the exchange of ideas. It is sad to me, however, that few people really do want to discuss politics and religion except when they are of a like mind.
We seem to limit our knowledge and understanding when we set up fences and then won't even have a neighborly talk while we stand on either side. Who knows what might happen if we could love our neighbor and share more than the fence with him!
I want to learn how to speak with truth wrapped in civility and kindness so my neighbor will be happy to listen. Then maybe my neighbor, too, will treat me with the same respect!
I know that I get pretty emotional when talking about things I am pasionate about. My relationship with God and the social and political issues that I deem important can cause me to try to convince others to see things from my perspective. I can get forceful and judgemental if the other person seems to reject my thoughts and beliefs without really hearing what I have to say. I admit that isn't a good way to win them over.
So I am trying to learn the art of discussing these topics with an open mind and a loving heart. I try to shake off the intense feelings that grip me and relax and enjoy the exchange of ideas. It is sad to me, however, that few people really do want to discuss politics and religion except when they are of a like mind.
We seem to limit our knowledge and understanding when we set up fences and then won't even have a neighborly talk while we stand on either side. Who knows what might happen if we could love our neighbor and share more than the fence with him!
I want to learn how to speak with truth wrapped in civility and kindness so my neighbor will be happy to listen. Then maybe my neighbor, too, will treat me with the same respect!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Who will Reign?
I do not want to be political but I am. I do not want to get involved in political discussions, but I must. I am political because I am a voter. I am involved because I care deeply about the people that sit in the seat of power and have in their hands the pens that will become law and be the guide for the present and the future. For this reason I must not remain silent.
Our choices are between imperfect men and women. We cannot expect them to be perfect, nor can we expect them to be totally in agreement with our views. We will not know all that we need to know about each candidate, because we can only see what is presented before us in planned appearances, and we do not know the future. Our choices, therefore, must be made with a higher wisdom. Yes, we may need to choose an imperfect candidate that does not reflect our point of view and that we know little about only because we side closer to him/her than we do with the other. But, is this really the wisdom from on high or is it our fear of being placed under the rule of those with which we do not agree?
I am struggling with these points. I do not know how I will vote come election day. I know only that my choices are narrowed. My soul desire is to vote in agreement with the Sovereign God who rules over all men! I choose to place His choice in the seat of power. I want the man He sees perfectly but still trusts with this position for His purposes.
I am reminded that the children of Isreal cried out for a king, and though God was their king, He allowed them to have their way. I am reminded that David was imperfect before God and man, but he also was "A man after God's heart."
So what leader do we deserve? What leader will lead us closer to God? What leader will submit his will to the will of the Father? The answer will ultimately be determined by God's choice. I believe, He alone will allow us our choice and teach us through that choice, whatever the consequences may be.
Till election day I will be in prayer for our country and our fellow citizens. I will pray that I vote in wisdom. I will intercede for the candidates and the people. I will pray that a cry of revival will be heard calling out for the ONE TRUE KING to reign in our hearts.
Reign in my heart, O God! Reign in me so that I need no other to reign over me!
Our choices are between imperfect men and women. We cannot expect them to be perfect, nor can we expect them to be totally in agreement with our views. We will not know all that we need to know about each candidate, because we can only see what is presented before us in planned appearances, and we do not know the future. Our choices, therefore, must be made with a higher wisdom. Yes, we may need to choose an imperfect candidate that does not reflect our point of view and that we know little about only because we side closer to him/her than we do with the other. But, is this really the wisdom from on high or is it our fear of being placed under the rule of those with which we do not agree?
I am struggling with these points. I do not know how I will vote come election day. I know only that my choices are narrowed. My soul desire is to vote in agreement with the Sovereign God who rules over all men! I choose to place His choice in the seat of power. I want the man He sees perfectly but still trusts with this position for His purposes.
I am reminded that the children of Isreal cried out for a king, and though God was their king, He allowed them to have their way. I am reminded that David was imperfect before God and man, but he also was "A man after God's heart."
So what leader do we deserve? What leader will lead us closer to God? What leader will submit his will to the will of the Father? The answer will ultimately be determined by God's choice. I believe, He alone will allow us our choice and teach us through that choice, whatever the consequences may be.
Till election day I will be in prayer for our country and our fellow citizens. I will pray that I vote in wisdom. I will intercede for the candidates and the people. I will pray that a cry of revival will be heard calling out for the ONE TRUE KING to reign in our hearts.
Reign in my heart, O God! Reign in me so that I need no other to reign over me!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Jesus the Politician
After listening to some of the speeches from the Democratic Convention, I began to wonder what Jesus thought of all this politics. He probably thinks it is simply a war of words (which it is), but then I thought about His "Politics."
You say "What? Jesus was in politics?" Well, yes, but not the politics we have come to be acquainted with here in the U.S. and across the globe. Jesus came to earth to campaign for our souls, not votes. Votes only pay lip service to this nominee. When we offer our souls to Him as our candidate we make a commitment that is eternal and offer a complete relinquishment of our lives.
Jesus made promises (that He will keep) and talked about issues of our hearts. He lived His life as a leader, showing us the way to live and the way back to our Heavenly Father. Yes, He was more teacher than politician, but He was and still is fighting for our souls against an opponent that will gladly take the souls and use them for his purposes.
Jesus, the politician, has my soul and my vote! How about you?
You say "What? Jesus was in politics?" Well, yes, but not the politics we have come to be acquainted with here in the U.S. and across the globe. Jesus came to earth to campaign for our souls, not votes. Votes only pay lip service to this nominee. When we offer our souls to Him as our candidate we make a commitment that is eternal and offer a complete relinquishment of our lives.
Jesus made promises (that He will keep) and talked about issues of our hearts. He lived His life as a leader, showing us the way to live and the way back to our Heavenly Father. Yes, He was more teacher than politician, but He was and still is fighting for our souls against an opponent that will gladly take the souls and use them for his purposes.
Jesus, the politician, has my soul and my vote! How about you?
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