God's Choice

Some may say that I have a lot of experience in voting. Well, I have voted every time a ballot was set before me so that may qualify me, but even with years of experience, I am still baffled about who I should place my vote in this upcoming election. This blog is not really about the election, nor am I endorsing any candidate. This blog is only about my thoughts as I determine who I should choose.

I am proud to be an American! I take seriously the responsibility of citizenship. My right to vote is not something I take lightly. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I believe I must be the best citizen possible and remain true to the values I hold dear. This campaign season has put these convictions to the test for me.

In my opinion, it is not wise to listen to news commentators because they often get the story wrong or leave out important parts. I also do not take much stock in the advertisements and junk mail that bombards me with only what the individual wants me to hear. I do take into account the actual words of the candidate IF it is not a "sound bite" because things are often taken out of context. So how can I decide the best man or woman to lead our country and place his or her mark on our lives for generations to come?

I have been relying on prayer more than ever. I listen to God's voice and sometimes He surprises me with His wisdom.

A few weeks ago I was in prayer about the candidates and names from bible stories kept coming to me. Peter was an outspoken , bombastic, foot-in-the-mouth kind of guy. He said so many things wrong, but Jesus considered him a strong leader even changing his name to reflect that. Moses ran away when trouble appeared for him in Egypt and when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt he tried to tell God he wasn't able to make speeches. David was an adulterer and murderer and yet, God said he was a man after his own heart. The only thing Esther had going for her was her beauty and her love of God's people, so God used her at a special time of their history. Paul imprisoned and killed Christians because of his religious fervor and then he was entrusted to take the Gospel to the world. I could go on and on with names of imperfect, in fact, downright sinners who God used to lead and direct His people. The common thread with all these sinners was that they believed in God.

The lesson I came away from my prayer time that day was: Would I obey God in voting for His choice, not my own? I also had to ask myself if I would vote out of obedience to God even if both choices were not, in my opinion, worthy of the office? I also had to not look at the faults of the person. I also was impressed not to look at only the present, but to seek the person who professes a faith in the God of the bible, even though imperfect, that would make decisions that will allow the kingdom of God to grow.

I am still seeking, listening and praying.

Sovereign God, my Father, I know that You hold all government in Your hands. I confess that I have sometimes looked to a man to fix our country's problems instead of You. Forgive me. Thank You for showing me a greater purpose for my participation in this election. Thank You for using anyone who is willing to follow You. Move Your people to obey Your voice as we seek a leader for our beloved U.S.A.

Looking Past the Politics

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.

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.

Vote with Joy

Voting can be a stressful activity. No one likes the attack ads, but often it is all we are offered to make our decision at the polling place. Researching the candidates takes time and effort that many of us do not easily find in our busy days. Who do we believe? Who can we trust with the business of running our beloved country? Our lives are affected by our choices for generations to come. Voting is important! It is a responsibility we cannot ignore. It is a privilege we can lose if we do not use it wisely!

I just came back from voting in the primaries. It is the first, and I believe the most important step for the voters to be involved in fully. I spent much time visiting websites, reading up on candidates, and talking to others about their choices and ideas. The process has been long and sometimes irritating when watching the reputation soiling ads over and over again. But the day is here. It is time to rejoice in the process that sits at the core of our country's freedoms.

I love to vote at the voting booth on Election Day. It is a ceremony of freedom. It is a celebration of my rights, responsibility, and privilege! I dress the part by wearing one of my many patriotic shirts. I go early so that everyone will see that I have my "I voted" sticker proudly displayed on my shirt. I do it all prayerfully and with joy!

Father God, You are the author of Freedom and Liberty. You created us to live in freedom and yet, we placed ourselves in bondage to sin. It is because of You that we desire and seek freedom wherever it might be found. Thank You for allowing me to live in a country founded on the liberties You secure for us in Christ. Thank You for the process of voting. We need You to guide our hearts and our hands as we choose. We choose to rejoice in it all! Bless America today, Lord!

Voting Watch

To watch or not to watch; that is the question.

All indications point to this election as being a nail biter. Do I really want to stay up into the wee hours of the morning like I did the first election of President Bush? I don't really want that. Neither do I think I can sit and watch the numbers as if I were at a sporting match rooting for my team to win. There is too much at stake! In the end, will waiting until tomorrows' headlines be the sanest and least stressful way to learn the outcome of this debate of what course our country will follow?

My intent is to ignore as much as possible the hype and commentary that will cover the news in red, white and blue. The problem is that my heart has been invested in the political races from the beginning and I may find myself pulled by the magnet of hope and intense desire for the best.

As I lay my head down to sleep tonight I pray that I will find rest and peace, sweet dreams and the truth of knowing that God is sovereign and He is in control and above all He is good, wholly good no matter what the outcome of man's vote.

Polling Power

I am disheartened with the weak turn out for the primaries at my polling place today. It amazes me that Americans hold such power in their votes and yet set it aside without much thought. The most power is afforded to those who choose those who will run in November. If my polling place is typical, the power rests in the hands of a minority.

Our freedoms are set in a balance and judged by the few who deem it a priority to study and test the candidates. The question arises: who would you chose to decide for you? Who do you trust to hold the keys of freedom for you?