How Should You As A Christian Vote?

I have had my heart breaking for some many as I read my social media news feed lately. There is so much hatred in the realm of politics and in the upcoming presidential elections, and my biggest concern is those "Christians" who are saying they are not going to vote or write in their own choice for candidate over those who are eligible based on what the primary elections have chosen for us as candidates.

God wants us to get involved in politics. God commands us to pray for our leaders. Pray for their salvation. For wisdom. To do the right things. For God to use them. That they would have a great walk with God.

Today we are going to learn how not to be led to vote for a candidate based on how we feel, but in lining them up and comparing them to the biblical world view and the things they support. As believers in Christ, we are mandated by Scripture on how to vote, and there will be a candidate that comes to the most closest to a biblical world view, not on our own views of what matters.

People today don't even understand the term "separation of church and state," and have it all confused. It simply was a statement issued in the 1st Amendment in the Declaration of Independence not the Constitution, and it states, " Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise there of or abridging the freedom of speech." It means no state or government could mandate a religion to apply for everyone. A state supported religion like England had. They allowed for no freedom of religion. You could not evangelize without permission from the Church of England in Europe.

Even when our Founding Fathers came to America and started to evangelize King George the Third, got involved and wanted it stopped because they were doing it without his permission here in America. Our Founding Fathers said "No! There will be no government mandated religion in this nation!" In that case there will be a secular nation, doesn't mean we don't believe in God, it means we will not have a United States of America church. You should have the freedom, not to worship or to worship. Only people who can think or reason would agree with that. THAT is what separation of church and state is, not what people have been spoon-feeding you to believe. Do you own research on it!

Did you know that Congress can not tell you when, where or how you can worship in your religious community? It's against the law for them to tell you that you can or can't practice your religious faith. From handing out Bibles to praying publicly, you have a Constitutional right based on what our  Founding Fathers established.

The greatest way for you to lose these freedoms is to tune all this out and not vote wisely. Don't you know how we prevent bloodless revolutions in this country? We vote! Every 2 to 4 years, we have a revolution in this country without blood. You vote! The power of the vote and we have a responsibility from God to do the right thing at all times.

Ephesians 2:8-10 ~ "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

"Good works" here means righteous acts, to do the right thing. Set your feelings aside, and how you feel, because we are commanded by God to do the right thing.

Young people today don't know the real definition of tolerance. Today it means you all have to think like I think and if anyone doesn't, we'll destroy them. We will marginalize them. We will mock them into oblivion. That's not tolerance, that's tyranny. If you're tolerant, you can get along with someone even if they don't agree with your biblical world view or any other religious view. You don't kill them or call them bigots, haters, intolerant and any other label you can slap on them because they disagree with you.

So why should the Christian care about politics? Because we are to be the voice for good. Christian influence throughout history can not be ignored. We know what is good, because we have the Bible as our standard. Who will speak up for the things that are wrong? How do we speak up? You call in. You vote! Use it! Do it! We have the opportunity to do it.

Proverbs 29:18 ~ "When people don't accept divine guidance, they run wild." ~ NLT

Hosea 4:6 ~ "My people are destroyed by a lack of knowledge,because you have rejected knowledge. I also will reject you from being a priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children."

We speak into our culture in various ways and voting is a very important way we speak. We're to warn our culture, we're to be salt and light; we're to be defending the defenseless and economically moral. Voting is the opportunity before us.

Isaiah 62:6 ~ "I have set watchman on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent."

Ephesians 6:10-14 ~ "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate or righteousness,"

Be a voice for good, tell women not to have abortions to pray about it and give it more time!

We are the keepers of civility. If you want to understand Christianity, look at the Spirit of Christianity which is revealed in the sermon on the mount.(Matthew 5-7).

Matthew 5:3-9 ~ " Blessed are the poor in spirit (humble), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, (hurting from widows, homeless, orphans), for they shall be comforted. Blessed at the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

The Judeo-Christian worldview has created the greatest civilization, economy, liberty, compassion, freedom, and religious tolerance in the history of mankind. Why? Hospitals, schools, universities and missionary ventures have all been started overwhelmingly by Christians. No place should be exempt from any area of influence you might have. You can look at the UCLA logo, which has a book open in the middle with the phrase, "Let there be light" on it.

We are to persuade our culture. Biblical faith, scientific logic and practical reason should never be in conflict if the Bible is your source book. They should exist in perfect harmony.

Acts 17:1-4 ~ "Now when they have passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again fro the dead, and saying, "This Jesus who I preach to you is the Christ." And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Silas and Paul."

"We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." ~ John Adams, Founding Father, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, 2nd President of the United States. 

"Providence has given our people the choice of rulers, and it is the duty, as well as privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers." ~ John Jay, Founding Father, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, October 12, 1816. 

How the mighty have fallen!

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ." ~ Patrick Henry, Orator, Governor, Founding Father. 

We are to obey God in all things. To choose our leaders. Other than God, government dictates our lives. The United States of America stands alone. That those who govern us do so by the consent of the governed.

"That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom...and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." ~ Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States. 

1 Corinthians 10:31 ~ "Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

It's known as the American trinity and it's on every coin..."In God We Trust/Unity/Liberty

"Have you come to the point where evangelicals will only vote for people they consider Christians? I hope not, for nothing in the Bible says that people have to be born again Christians before they can be governmental authorities who are used greatly by God to advance His purposes. God used Pharaoh, King of Egypt, to raise Joseph to a position of authority over the whole country, so he could save his people from famine (Genesis 41:37-57). God used Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, to protect and raise up Daniel and his Jewish friends to positions of high authority over Babylon (Daniel 2:46-49). God used Cyrus, King of Persia, to restore the Jewish exiles to their homeland (Isaiah 45:16; Ezra 1:1-4), and used Darius, King of Persia to protect the Jewish people as they rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 6:1-12). God used Ahasuerus, King of Persia, to raise up Esther as Queen and to give Mordecai high authority and honor in his kingdom. (Esther 6:10-11; 8:1-2, 7-15).

In the New Testament age, God used the peace enforced by the secular Roman Empire, the Pax Romana, to enable the early Christians, to travel freely and spread the Gospel throughout the Mediterranean world.

Without Christian influence, governments will have no moral compass. Consider how many political issues that now face the United States, and that face other nations, have significant moral components to them. War, same-sex marriage, abortion, pornography, poverty, care for the environment, capital punishment, education and moral standards. The United States at the present time has a tremendous need for moral guidance and if pastors and churches, believers in Christ, say, "I'll let somebody else speak about that, where will the nation's moral standards come from?"

If Christians do not speak out publicly about moral and ethical issues facing a nation, who will? Where will people learn about ethics? Where will a nation learn how to tell right from wrong? If Christians are silent and opt out of voting about such moral and ethical issues, then where will moral standards come from? We cannot leave a moral vacuum, and allow the ultimate adversaries of the gospel, Satan and his demons, to rush in and influence every decision in a way contrary to biblical standards. And if that happens, then governments around the world will increasingly use their tremendous power to silence the church." - Politics According to the Bible, Wayne Grudem

This is why Christians, believers in Christ, need to vote. By not voting, you are voting. You are saying in a nutshell, you don't care about what happens because you don't feel any of the candidates are worth voting for. That is the definition of apathy and that is what Jesus warned about would happen in the last days. Take another look and see where each of them simply line up with the issues above and take a biblical worldview on the issues that remain.

You, as a Christian believer, are not called to remain silent, but to speak out on the issues that matter!

How Should You As A Christian Vote?

I have had my heart breaking for some many as I read my social media news feed lately. There is so much hatred in the realm of politics and in the upcoming presidential elections, and my biggest concern is those "Christians" who are saying they are not going to vote or write in their own choice for candidate over those who are eligible based on what the primary elections have chosen for us as candidates.

God wants us to get involved in politics. God commands us to pray for our leaders. Pray for their salvation. For wisdom. To do the right things. For God to use them. That they would have a great walk with God.

Today we are going to learn how not to be led to vote for a candidate based on how we feel, but in lining them up and comparing them to the biblical world view and the things they support. As believers in Christ, we are mandated by Scripture on how to vote, and there will be a candidate that comes to the most closest to a biblical world view, not on our own views of what matters.

People today don't even understand the term "separation of church and state," and have it all confused. It simply was a statement issued in the 1st Amendment in the Declaration of Independence not the Constitution, and it states, " Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise there of or abridging the freedom of speech." It means no state or government could mandate a religion to apply for everyone. A state supported religion like England had. They allowed for no freedom of religion. You could not evangelize without permission from the Church of England in Europe.

Even when our Founding Fathers came to America and started to evangelize King George the Third, got involved and wanted it stopped because they were doing it without his permission here in America. Our Founding Fathers said "No! There will be no government mandated religion in this nation!" In that case there will be a secular nation, doesn't mean we don't believe in God, it means we will not have a United States of America church. You should have the freedom, not to worship or to worship. Only people who can think or reason would agree with that. THAT is what separation of church and state is, not what people have been spoon-feeding you to believe. Do you own research on it!

Did you know that Congress can not tell you when, where or how you can worship in your religious community? It's against the law for them to tell you that you can or can't practice your religious faith. From handing out Bibles to praying publicly, you have a Constitutional right based on what our  Founding Fathers established.

The greatest way for you to lose these freedoms is to tune all this out and not vote wisely. Don't you know how we prevent bloodless revolutions in this country? We vote! Every 2 to 4 years, we have a revolution in this country without blood. You vote! The power of the vote and we have a responsibility from God to do the right thing at all times.

Ephesians 2:8-10 ~ "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

"Good works" here means righteous acts, to do the right thing. Set your feelings aside, and how you feel, because we are commanded by God to do the right thing.

Young people today don't know the real definition of tolerance. Today it means you all have to think like I think and if anyone doesn't, we'll destroy them. We will marginalize them. We will mock them into oblivion. That's not tolerance, that's tyranny. If you're tolerant, you can get along with someone even if they don't agree with your biblical world view or any other religious view. You don't kill them or call them bigots, haters, intolerant and any other label you can slap on them because they disagree with you.

So why should the Christian care about politics? Because we are to be the voice for good. Christian influence throughout history can not be ignored. We know what is good, because we have the Bible as our standard. Who will speak up for the things that are wrong? How do we speak up? You call in. You vote! Use it! Do it! We have the opportunity to do it.

Proverbs 29:18 ~ "When people don't accept divine guidance, they run wild." ~ NLT

Hosea 4:6 ~ "My people are destroyed by a lack of knowledge,because you have rejected knowledge. I also will reject you from being a priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children."

We speak into our culture in various ways and voting is a very important way we speak. We're to warn our culture, we're to be salt and light; we're to be defending the defenseless and economically moral. Voting is the opportunity before us.

Isaiah 62:6 ~ "I have set watchman on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent."

Ephesians 6:10-14 ~ "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate or righteousness,"

Be a voice for good, tell women not to have abortions to pray about it and give it more time!

We are the keepers of civility. If you want to understand Christianity, look at the Spirit of Christianity which is revealed in the sermon on the mount.(Matthew 5-7).

Matthew 5:3-9 ~ " Blessed are the poor in spirit (humble), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, (hurting from widows, homeless, orphans), for they shall be comforted. Blessed at the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

The Judeo-Christian worldview has created the greatest civilization, economy, liberty, compassion, freedom, and religious tolerance in the history of mankind. Why? Hospitals, schools, universities and missionary ventures have all been started overwhelmingly by Christians. No place should be exempt from any area of influence you might have. You can look at the UCLA logo, which has a book open in the middle with the phrase, "Let there be light" on it.

We are to persuade our culture. Biblical faith, scientific logic and practical reason should never be in conflict if the Bible is your source book. They should exist in perfect harmony.

Acts 17:1-4 ~ "Now when they have passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again fro the dead, and saying, "This Jesus who I preach to you is the Christ." And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Silas and Paul."

"We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." ~ John Adams, Founding Father, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, 2nd President of the United States. 

"Providence has given our people the choice of rulers, and it is the duty, as well as privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers." ~ John Jay, Founding Father, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, October 12, 1816. 

How the mighty have fallen!

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ." ~ Patrick Henry, Orator, Governor, Founding Father. 

We are to obey God in all things. To choose our leaders. Other than God, government dictates our lives. The United States of America stands alone. That those who govern us do so by the consent of the governed.

"That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom...and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." ~ Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States. 

1 Corinthians 10:31 ~ "Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

It's known as the American trinity and it's on every coin..."In God We Trust/Unity/Liberty

"Have you come to the point where evangelicals will only vote for people they consider Christians? I hope not, for nothing in the Bible says that people have to be born again Christians before they can be governmental authorities who are used greatly by God to advance His purposes. God used Pharaoh, King of Egypt, to raise Joseph to a position of authority over the whole country, so he could save his people from famine (Genesis 41:37-57). God used Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, to protect and raise up Daniel and his Jewish friends to positions of high authority over Babylon (Daniel 2:46-49). God used Cyrus, King of Persia, to restore the Jewish exiles to their homeland (Isaiah 45:16; Ezra 1:1-4), and used Darius, King of Persia to protect the Jewish people as they rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 6:1-12). God used Ahasuerus, King of Persia, to raise up Esther as Queen and to give Mordecai high authority and honor in his kingdom. (Esther 6:10-11; 8:1-2, 7-15).

In the New Testament age, God used the peace enforced by the secular Roman Empire, the Pax Romana, to enable the early Christians, to travel freely and spread the Gospel throughout the Mediterranean world.

Without Christian influence, governments will have no moral compass. Consider how many political issues that now face the United States, and that face other nations, have significant moral components to them. War, same-sex marriage, abortion, pornography, poverty, care for the environment, capital punishment, education and moral standards. The United States at the present time has a tremendous need for moral guidance and if pastors and churches, believers in Christ, say, "I'll let somebody else speak about that, where will the nation's moral standards come from?"

If Christians do not speak out publicly about moral and ethical issues facing a nation, who will? Where will people learn about ethics? Where will a nation learn how to tell right from wrong? If Christians are silent and opt out of voting about such moral and ethical issues, then where will moral standards come from? We cannot leave a moral vacuum, and allow the ultimate adversaries of the gospel, Satan and his demons, to rush in and influence every decision in a way contrary to biblical standards. And if that happens, then governments around the world will increasingly use their tremendous power to silence the church." - Politics According to the Bible, Wayne Grudem

This is why Christians, believers in Christ, need to vote. By not voting, you are voting. You are saying in a nutshell, you don't care about what happens because you don't feel any of the candidates are worth voting for. That is the definition of apathy and that is what Jesus warned about would happen in the last days. Take another look and see where each of them simply line up with the issues above and take a biblical worldview on the issues that remain.

You, as a Christian believer, are not called to remain silent, but to speak out on the issues that matter!

Politics Don't Mix with Religion!

One of my favorite Pixar movies to date, is A Bug's Life. Not just for the animation but for a powerful scene in the movie when the grasshopper's who are just a handful, run the ants into submission but always providing enough food for them so they don't have to work and can enjoy their time off. They know that if they can keep a tight rein on things and ensure that no one stands up to them, they can continue they way things have been without any issue. Yet when one single ant stands up for the entire colony, the grasshoppers have to take action otherwise their comfy life is about to change forever.

That is just what is happening in our cultural as Christians little by little and why is that? Because we have become like ants and allowed it to happen. I have seen well-meaning Christians turn into what I will candidly call, "Wishy Washy Christians." They do this, because they don't want to be seen as someone making waves, rocking the boat or taking their religion into the workplace, or in government or schools.

As a Christian, the one place we can let out light shine is coming up in November, when it comes to this year's election. I believe the powers that are running things want us to continue to be like ants and not stand up to the grasshoppers in leadership. We choose to sit this one out, like we did last year because we don't like either of the candidates running for office. Here's something to consider, whether you vote or not, one of them will become president! You need to get off your apathetic stance and vote biblically for a candidate. To not vote is to vote for one of them. A politician who supports killing unborn babies is not something you can sit out. A politician who is willing to forgo the national security of this nation is not something you can afford to sit out! To let our returning service men and women to be treated less than homeless people is not something you can afford to sit out! Vote as biblically as you can for those who are running and stop trying to justify sitting out this vote. That IS just what the grasshoppers are hoping.

We live in a world today where things that are happening around us make us wonder, why should the Christian even care? Politics when it comes to the Christian is what is debated everywhere, from family gatherings, workplace lunchrooms, and in every form of social media. There are those who would say we shouldn't mix religion with politics, then what should you mix politics with? What does religion mix with? Are you saying that nothing should be mixed with our Christian faith? I would argue that everything should be mixed with our Christian faith! God invented government. How we live really matters, more so today, than ever before.

Acts 17:28 ~ "for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, "For we are also His offspring."

Paul the apostles argument was simply thins, that there is no place on earth, in life, where the Christian is not to be a Christian. That there's no sphere of influence that the Christian is not to be engaged. Wherever we go, God is... There is no place where we are exempt from being Christians!!! We are Christians 24/7/365. We don't leave our faith at the door when we enter our homes, our jobs or political debates. The Bible should be the example for us on how we should live our lives.

Proverbs 29:2 ~ "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan."

Jesus Christ gave the Christian a cultural mandate and that is first and foremost to share the gospel!

Matthew 5:13-16 ~ "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who see in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works an glorify your Father in heaven."

We are to be public Christians, not private believers. Where is Jesus to be Lord in your life? YOU are the light of the "WORLD." It means you are to let the WORLD see your light! We don't leave Jesus out of our lives. Are you living out your Christian faith every single day?

Why should the Christian care? Because we have a responsibility to God? We've all heard the saying, "Don't be so heavenly-minded that you are no earthly good." But I think that the modern day, 21st Century church is so earthly minded that it is rarely heavenly good. It's all about how big it can get, how much money is can bring it...what kind of Christian is that? It looks good but it doesn't do anything.

The Christian is to be a public witness in his world, everywhere, anywhere, because we care! You might be saying as a Christian, you're not going to vote in this election. How can you even say that? As a Christian you're called to be involved! That is a horrific manifestation of a fancied up form of apathy. You can't do that. You can't go there. Let me give you some things to motivate you, because it has motivated me. There is a day coming...

2 Corinthians 5:9-11 ~ "Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences."

As believers, we come from a long line of culturally impacting people, cultural crusaders, people of God who influenced governments in the realms of politics or governments... Daniel, Esther, Jeremiah, Isaiah, John the Baptist, even Paul used his political-civic opportunity to appeal to Caesar. They didn't worry about the separation of church and state, that doesn't even exist, yet many cases have been tried and won over something that doesn't even apply and millions are still believing it. Why don't you look it up for yourselves instead of being spoon fed what the media and the people in leadership are telling you?

We should all take up causes that are biblical and that is the very reason to vote in any election. There will be no perfect candidate running for office that appeals to everyone, so stop looking for one. Imagine what kind of political campaign Jesus might have in the world today if he was running for office? He never serve in the military so how can he empathize with what the military needs. He doesn't attend all the public places and dine with dignitaries and celebrities? He doesn't lead a political campaign aimed at winning anyone to His side. He hangs out with the worst of humanity and those that won't make a difference in the world of politics. He's homeless. He has only worked for his father's business as a carpenter. His parents weren't even married when He was conceived. Face it if Jesus were running today, He wouldn't even make it to the primaries!

1 Timothy 2:1-2 ~ "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercession, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."

Did you catch that? We are to pray for all our leaders and people in positions of power. This is the biggest religious tolerance by Christians over anyone. We don't kill those who don't agree with our world view. We persuade men, not dictate, not coerce, not pressure, but by presenting a better argument. We've grown so weak in our arguments that when we feel ourselves losing, we pull out the "you hurt my feelings" card.

Christian pastors are commanded to be the cultural watchmen on the wall and Christians are to follow their pastors lead. We just need to make sure that our pastors are following Jesus and biblical truths. If not, get out! Find a safe place! The pulpits are alive because they have accountability to God.

Acts 20:26-27 ~ "Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God."

Those who hold political power exercise their opinion (they're not suppose to, they're suppose to exercise your opinion) over the will of the people. Our leaders are suppose to listen to us, and do the will of the people. Why have judges overthrowing the will of the people. Why did they ever think they could do this? Because we gave them the green light! Because we never speak up! They know they can overthrow the popular vote on an issue, because they know you won't do anything about it. We begin to be governed by a few, rather than those in government answering to us, we the people. If they can get Christians to simply throw in the towel and not vote, then they will win just like they did 8 years ago.

I'm proud to be an American, but the America in front of us now, is an America I don't recognize. Don't you think we need to ensure that our vote, the one we fought for the right to have, is counted? If you don't vote, it still counts and we all have to give an account to God for the choices we make. Consider looking at the candidates and see where they line up biblical on the issues that are important to you. How do you stand for traditional marriage? How do they stand up for our military? How do they stand up for our country? How do they stand up for our nations security? How do they stand for the rights of the unborn child? These are what you should be using as a Christian voter to vote for the candidate who most closely lines up with the biblical truths, not simply if they are a Christian or not? A woman or not?

Time for the ants to realize that the grasshoppers are hoping that you will simply look the other way and opt out, to stay quiet and just go back to church and stay there. 

Antisemitism is Satan's Evil Plan

As we have been studying in the Book of Revelation we have learned at this point in our study in chapter 12, that we are breaking down Satan's plan to destroy Israel, the Jews and belief in anything pertaining to Jesus before his time runs out. If he can do any of this, the Messiah can not return and in his mind he will have won the war against God and Jesus.

The connection between Jesus and Israel is and will remain unbroken. From Genesis 3, God has promised that the Messiah would come and destroy Satan and that Satan has been planning on ways to destroy the genetic line of the Messiah for centuries. Look back on Biblical history and we can see how Pharoah and Herod both tried to wipe out the lineage of Jewish born babies. Satan has been trying to kill the Jews, and they have been the most persecuted race throughout all of history. Why? Because Satan is trying to destroy God's plan of redemption for the world.

That is why Jesus, Jews and Israel is so hated. Antisemitism is rising and all of it is demonically inspired. Revelation 12 is the key to understand Bible Prophecy and it contains a lot of Old Testament references. This is mid point in the Tribulation period and is the advent of Satan's agenda.

Genesis 37:5-11 ~ "Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, "Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my shelf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it." His brothers said to him, "Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?" And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. "Listen," he said, "I had another dream, and this time the sun and the moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me." When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, "What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you? His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind."

Now let's look at Revelation 12:1-6 to unveil the clues given to us from the Old Testament.

Revelation 12:1-6 ~ "A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. Then another sign appeared in heaven" An enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads. His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it was born. She gave birth to a male child, who will rule the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. The woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days."

The woman is Israel and the twelve stars are the tribes or sons of Israel.

Romans 9:30-33 ~ "What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the 'stumbling stone.' As it is written: "See I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

Israel is still God's chosen people and nation but there is a veil over their eyes. This is Israel's unbelief. The Gentile gathering has been happening since the church age began at Pentecost and will continue until the Rapture of the church.

If you ever have taken notice that Arab maps don't list Israel on their maps. Why is that? It goes against the Koran because it says that Allah can't not exist as long as Israel does. It lists the land of Israel as Palestine instead. It is not great wonder why the sudden push for Palestine to become a state or recognized nation. The nation of Israel has become a thorn in their flesh since it became a nation on May 14, 1948. This is the very reason Satan has been trying to eradicate the line of the Messiah from the beginning. Satan's mission is to destroy the church.

John 1:1-3,14 ~"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

This is the message of the New Testament Church! Satan is desperately fighting for total control. A desire to control human government.

Revelation 12:3 ~ "An enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads."

Satan is represented as a dragon has been a symbol for quite some time. The 7 heads, 10 horns and 7 crowns or diadems, all apply to earthly global powers or politics. We know that throughout the Bible there are references that specific nations, regions or lands are controlled by specific demons for example Persia is referred to in Daniel 7, who has a demonic ruler on control of the land. We need to understand that there is a spiritual battle at play when it comes to politics. We need to ensure we are praying and voting in every election. People would argue that religion and politics should remain separate but this is not the foundations our founding fathers of this nation would agree with. There should be no separation of religion and politics and in fact should go hand in hand with one another.

If you were to ever look at the the very top of the Washington Memorial, it states if you could see it. "Laus Deo or Praise be to God in Latin. "

Satan knows that if he can corrupt the decision makers over a city, a country, or a nation = he can directly influence and effect millions or even billions of people. In the end, Satan and his powers will be condemned. We see that since Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14, Satan is a victim of his own lies and he keeps on trying to find loopholes that will allow his plan to succeed. 

Are you Voting?

Yup, if you didn't know it, today is Election Day! It's time to get out and vote.

So why when all the results are tabulated does it feel like so many didn't vote? Simple answer is that they didn't. I can even understand why too!

Often times, what we vote for wins, but then somewhere down the line, it seems to get shuffled under the carpet by politicians, government officials or whomever is responsible to making sure that is simply fades away.

Some people will often say, my one vote doesn't matter. They will simply do what they want anyway. The system is flawed, when you pick one, it selects something else entirely. So why bother!

I would argue that yes, it does have flaws, but it is a right so many countries and their people don't get to do and an honor we simply shove aside because in our minds it doesn't matter. What if we all felt that way.

Our elections would stop having a value and we might as well fall under a dictatorship instead of a democratic process we have now.

Sure the results can be skewed. Sure the things we vote on might not ever happen.

But our one single vote matters.

Our founding fathers fought for the right to vote. To have a public say in what you believe. Imagine their horror to learn how far we have fallen in regards to our most precious right to vote.

If you simply don't have the means to get out there and vote, consider signing up for the absentee ballot. One's you mail in instead of heading to the polling places. Ask a friend or family member to drive you.

It's important for our children to see that we are taking our responsibility seriously and not teaching them our bitterness in refraining from voting.

We need to make sure that all those mailings we get during election season in the mail, those annoying automated phone calls, or even all the voting guides that we pick up, we thoroughly research through on our own end.

In this age of technology, the knowledge is literally at our fingertips on a specific candidate or proposal. Make sure you do your research and see what these people have done in the past, who appointed them into office and what their actions have shown in what they have done up to this point.

It is easy to make claims to make yourself heard, but we can rest assured we can follow their work history and see where their heart really lies on certain issues that are important to us.

In fact, out of all the "Voting Guides" I received in the mail, I found so many of them were very biased on what information they gave me. It's hard because often times, you don't know what is coming on the ballot until we get there and see it for ourselves. That is why all those irritating flyers we get in the mail is important for those that like to visit the polling locations. You will know what issues and candidates you will be voting for and have the time to research them before you go.

Be prepared ahead of time by doing your research and your homework. Take notes with you when you go, and please pray for each of the people you are voting for as well as those propositions that will have huge impacts not only on the economy but on our communities and states.

True knowledge is definitely powerful and God instructs us to appoint the leaders who stand for the truth and aren't afraid to speak out about it. Pray for God to guide your voting decisions and then remember that no matter the outcome, continue to pray for the leaders that are elected. It truly is the most powerful weapon we have as believers in God. We may not know the outcome of those prayers, but God does and someday we will too. So please be sure to get out and vote!

And yes, I did vote! I love the absentee process. You can vote early and even call to ensure your ballot was received.

My Pet Peeves!

I don’t have pet by the name of Peeve although it would make for an interesting pet name. I could imagine the vet asking, "and you ma’am, what is the name of your pet?"

"Peeve!"

"Excuse me, I don’t think I got that?"

"Peeve, my pet’s name is Peeve!"

"Oh Pete, that’s a nice name."

"No, it’s Peeve, like P-E-E-V-E, Peeve", and I would wait and smile.

Today’s post is simply about the little things in life that irritates me.

I thought of only two last night but then they just started pouring out. They aren’t really things I can change but like looking at the odd color choice that someone decided to paint their house. When you look at it, you think, ‘what were they thinking?’ ‘Do they really like that color?’ ‘Do they hate their neighbors?’

Come on, you’ve seen those houses or even the odd color choices for some cars lately. I guess some people really want to stand out that much. I just smile and wave!

Here is my list with the above one as well in no particular order:

Being late! - I hate being late to anything! It causes me such stress when I do, even if what I was late for was going to be something fun, not I am not the ‘fun’ person to be around. It will take me awhile just to ‘get over being late’. I especially don’t like it when other people are late. I think in today’s society with everything being so fast paced that we are struggling in our day to find extra minutes to fill other errands into. So when someone is late, without a valid excuse, I think it’s inconsiderate. Now it just pushes my day later into the evening and possibly rescheduling something else.

My hubby had to wait yesterday til a co-worker dropped off his work truck at our home yesterday before he could leave for Las Vegas. He called his co-worker yesterday morning and left a message. All day long, my hubby tried unsuccessfully to reach this person. At this point, we had to consider back up plan B, in case we couldn’t get the work truck. At 5:30pm last night, he finally returns Steve’s call, during dinner and tells him that he can pick up the truck at his house, whenever he has a chance.

Steve politely tells him, through gritted teeth, that after dinner, he will be over to get it. I will have to drive him there. Thankfully it only takes about 15 minutes to get to his house. When we arrive there, he isn’t ready. He was supposed to load his tools and clothes into the truck, because he is going to take his motorcycle instead, so Steve will be transporting his stuff to the site in Vegas.

He tells Steve, he will bring it over around 8 tonight. Great! How nice of the guy right!

At 8:30pm, he calls my hubby to tell him that he isn’t quite finished packing yet and will be taking his sisters car instead so he will be dropping the truck off in 45 minutes.

Let’s just say, at 10:00pm, he dropped off the keys and truck to Steve.

That is why I don’t like people being late. They assume that we have nothing better to do than wait! Wait for them to arrive! What ever happened to common courtesy and manners?

Photo Sensor Lights – The kind that take your picture if you run a red light. I think they probably prevent more people from running red lights, because we slam on the brakes when the light turns yellow to prevent our picture from being taken. Either that or we drive really fast to make it through the intersection as quick as we can. Help me understand the necessity in this?? I find that people who camp in the middle of the intersection is even worse!

Poorly timed traffic lights! – I wonder who even sets those up. I used to believe that it was based on some street sensor that would change the light when a car was stopped at a light. Now I know that they are there to try our patience. We have an entire main street through town, that if they just changed the timing, we wouldn’t have three cars make it through an intersection at a time, while the cross streets can fill the next block while waiting for the light to turn green.

Potato Chip Bag Capacity – It seems like in addition to the snack chips we are buying in the family size bags, we are now paying for flavor scented air that is packaged along with our chips. My kids picked up a bag of chips and noticed despite being on sale for $3.00 a bag, the contents were only half full, if that and the remainder was air. What happened to packaging issues? Does air weigh that much?

Voting – Why is it when we, as the people of our cities, states and government, vote something in that was on the ballet, it doesn’t get put into effect or some small group of protestors brings about issues that it shouldn’t have made it to the ballot to begin with? Huh? Doesn’t it have to go through some committee that decides whether or not it gets placed on the ballot? Is there a guy at the ballot printing company that decides to put it on there just to see what happens?

Professional Spots Figures Salaries – Now when is it justified when professional (fill in the blank of a sport) players, get paid millions over a few years to play a sport, while teachers are facing budget issues, and are being laid off in droves in the worst economy since the great depression? Since when do sports players deserve to make more money that fire fighters, police officers, nurses, doctors and teachers? I guess we will have to close more hospitals and emergency rooms to pay for another player’s salary!

Gas prices – Why do gas prices come down by pennies over the course of weeks, while it rises by a nickel or more over a day? Who determines that anyway?

Emergency Room Waiting Times – I realize that since more hospitals in most areas have reduced or even eliminated ER services for cost cutting issues, the waiting times have increased at the ones that are left. Why then don’t urgent care centers stay open 24 hours so parents can zip in and get a quick fix to a child’s high fever or a cough? Doctor’s offices are not staying open later, nor are urgent care centers, so parents are forced to wait 4+ hours to be seen by a doctor just to get the prescription they need.

Cell Phone Company Contracts – In this economy where car manufacturers are dealing with the sudden loss of jobs and offering customers up to 12 months of payment help depending on the company and yet cell phone companies won’t let you out of your contract for any reason? If you have a family plan with 4 lines, that is between $175.00 to $300.00 per line to cancel your service. I would like to see a phone company stand up to this and offer its customers no cancellation fee, should you lose your job. I mean how are you going to pay for it, if you aren’t working? I guess we’ll let the house go into foreclosure because we have a $1200.00 bill for canceling our phone service this month.

Whew! That is a lot of pet peeves, guess I should get a pet and name it Peeve after all! I hope you get some humor from my list and add to it in your comments on my blog today. Can’t wait to hear what yours are?