Without a doubt.
Pray for our country.Posted by permission.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL WEDNESDAY JULY 7, 2004
(Psalms 75:7, 1 Samuel 2:7, Genesis 45:8)
Who to vote for in the upcoming election. I am getting inundated every day with emails from people who are looking for some direction as to who to vote for this November. Let me tell you right up front that God is NOT a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent, or with any other political party. Never forget that it is God who allows men to rise to power, and it is God who removes men from power.
In the United States, we have a great political system that allows us to vote for who we want to be in political office. Each one of us is actually given a voice in the political process through our vote. It is not only an opportunity for us to be heard, it is a responsibility we have as citizens of this nation. Sadly, it is a responsibility far too many, even Christians, don't take seriously enough.
I am asked often if Christians should be involved in politics. ABSOLUTELY! The Bible calls us to be good citizens of the nation we live in. We not only should be involved in politics, we MUST be if we want our voice heard and our beliefs known. Since the political system determines much of the daily life in our nation, it is
imperative that men and women of God be active participants in politics locally, as well at the state and national levels.
So the big question many are struggling with is who to vote for in the upcoming elections. Let me give you these guidelines to help you today. There are many key spiritual issues that our nation is battling with that are also key political issues. Abortion and marriage are the two biggest ones. We also have pressing spiritual/political issues like how we deal with the nation of Israel, gambling, and pornography. In addition, most every political issue has a spiritual element to it.
It is the Bible that is our final authority in ALL matters. God's Word, and God's Word alone represents absolute truth. When we are faced with the spiritual/political issues of the day, it is critical to go to God's Word and see what HE says about those issues. THE GOAL IS TO FIND MEN AND WOMEN WHO WILL GOVERN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WORD OF GOD.
God says abortion is murder. So you need to find candidates who will not compromise on the issue of abortion. God says marriage is one man and one woman. So you need to find candidates who will not be part of trying to redefine God's definition of marriage. The Bible says in Genesis 12:3 that God will bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse Israel. So you need to find candidates who will be strong supporters of the nation of Israel. God's Word teaches us that gambling and pornography are sins. So you need to find candidates who will take hard stands against legalized gambling and the pornography industry.
This means you are going to have to do some homework and actually find out where each candidate stands on these various issues. Also, you need to be very aware of the fact that politicians do not always tell the truth. They are great at making promises to get elected that they never intend to keep. That is why checking out their voting record on key issues can be very helpful.
In addition, how a candidate may feel personally on an issue means NOTHING! You are not electing them on what they personally feel, but on how they will vote on specific issues. If a candidate says they are personally against abortion but will uphold a woman's "right" to kill her baby, that is someone who is opposed to God's Word. If a candidate says they personally believe marriage is one man and one woman, but will support efforts to try and redefine God's holy institution of marriage, that is someone who is opposed to God's Word.
The other problem you have are candidates who commit the sin of OMISSION (James 4:17). God does not put men into office to simply mark time, but to lead. People have every right to expect those they elect to lead and make a difference. Again, finding those candidates with a track record of real leadership is important, since we need men and women who not only follow God's Word on the major issues, but have the courage to lead on those issues.
I love you and care about you so much. I will be praying for you today as you begin to do your homework, finding those men and women running for office who have a heart for God and will follow His Word. As believers, we are responsible for doing our best to elect those who will lead this nation back to God. The fact is, most candidates will use God's name to try and get elected. The key is, which ones will actually honor God's name and His Word while in office.
I will be praying for you. Praying that you will take advantage of the incredible opportunity you will have this November to make your voice heard as you vote. If those who know Christ as their Savior will get out and vote, we can make a difference this November. Take the time and effort to find out not only who is running for office locally where you live, but for state and national offices as well. Let's put into office men and women who will stand for and vote according to God's Word. That is who you should be voting for!
In His love and service,
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Bill Keller
www.liveprayer.com