Common Sense

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT VOTING?

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I’m about to enter a subject that is very controversial. I do so by the guidance of the Bible. As we near a time to vote, we should do so with guidance. Although we do not live under Old Testament law, there is much we can learn from what it tells us.

In 1 Samuel 8:1-22 there is the story of Isreal rejecting their God, the one who rescued them from slavery, provided for them and gave them victory over their enemies. Isreal demanded a King who would judge them, go before them and fight their battles. God had already provided these for them. They wanted a king as other nations. They rejected their true King. God tried to tell them that He was their King.

God granted their request and gave them over to their desires, but not without warning. He promised them a king like all nations. He would give them one who was selfish, oppressive, lied, and had self-interested instead of the people’s needs. They did not heed God’s warning.

Does this sound like what is happening in our election today. We want to be like everyone else. If we follow Isreal’s desire, we could find ourselves overcome by our leader’s wants and desires. Guess who is going to pay? You will never have enough because the “King” will demand more.  You can be sure we will lose our freedom.

I could go on, and I’m sure you could too. Where has the truth gone? All we hear is lie after lie, They promise freedom, a better life, free stuff, when they are slaves to corruption. 2 Peter 2:19 warns  us about this.

This is what happens when we, like Isreal fall prey to the desires of the flesh. When we turn from the wisdom of the Lord and His ways, we eat the fruit of our ways.

In our ways to be like what the devil wants; we miss out on the real blessings of God. Even though we fallow the desires of the flesh, God still shows mercy and works through our rebellion by providing what is best for us just as God later appointed David King.

In God’s eyes there is only one King and that is Jesus Christ. Freedom will only come by submitting ourselves to the true King, Jesus Christ. Otherwise, there is no peace or freedom.

So, when you vote, people have a choice, you can ask God for wisdom as stated in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you”. Or you can follow your own desire. God also provides common sense as stated in Proverbs 3:21, Encourages people to hold onto common sense and discernment, which are like jewels that keep people safe. 

Regardless of how you vote, are you following the aforementioned guidelines or the desires of the flesh? By living in the United States, you have the privilege of voting and take the responsibility seriously.

For those that follow the Christian life, be informed and vote as you believe the Lord leads especially for those that demonstrate Godly leadership. Be careful not to be taken in by emotional forces or political campaigns or your own selfish interests.

Something that may be overlooked after the election is over, Christians are to pray for those that are in authority. 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2 Pray for those that are in higher offices whose decisions affect many people lives.

PROVERBS 29:2 With good men in authority, the people rejoice; but with the wicked in power, they groan.

We need to remember Hebrews 13:8 KJV,  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

He loves you and so do I.

Praying the Scriptures

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Praying Hands on Bible Free Photo

Praying the Scripture

Do you feel that your prayers have become repetitious or lack spiritual leadership? Have you felt that you are not sure what to pray for? Have you ask yourself, am I praying wrong? I am sure many people have ask these questions and many more regarding their prayer life.

Have you considered praying the scriptures? Before you jump into this method of prayer, you need to ask yourself, what is my relationship with God? The Bible is very clear regarding your praying to God. Just stop for a moment and ask, am I qualified to ask God for anything. Let us look at the Gospel of John 9:31 (NKJV) now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.

There is one prayer that God does hear from sinners and that is the sinner’s prayer for salvation. That salvation only comes through His Son, Jesus Christ. Gospel of John 3:16-17 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

It is so important to understand God. What He is and what He does and what He has done. This can only be understood by reading and studying the Bible. God gave man a free will to choose their way of life. God wants people to come to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. God wants a family that loves Him like He loves us. God hates sin. God’s love is a merciful love because He wants everyone to come to repentance because we are all sinners. God’s invitation to salvation is for everyone. Whether we choose His way or not is up to us. This means not everyone will be saved because God will not ignore sin.

Many people believe that prayer and Bible study are separate spiritual practices. They can be but they can also be combined as one. Hebrews 4:12 says that God’s Word is alive and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword. When you speak and pray the Scriptures, you are coming into agreement with God. His power is released in answer to our petitions. You will build your faith and confidence in your prayer life by being in harmony with God. You will deepen your relationship with Him. Your prayers will become more powerful when you pray the Scriptures.

Your confidence will strengthened because you will know that you are in God’s will when you pray God’s own words. God’s Word will become personal as you put yourself, someone else or something into a verse and lift it up to God. You will feel a closer relationship with Him. Instead of struggling with doubts about your prayers, come to realize that praying the scriptures you are aligning yourself with the Holy Spirit

Do you realize that from Genesis through Revelation, the Bible is full of prayers that will strengthen your faith, understanding God, and your spiritual life? Have you felt at times your prayers have become repetitious? Is there something in your life that is a special need, such as healing, some one’s salvation, decisions, or some other matter. The scriptures covers every circumstance that you encounter in this life. The Bible encourages us to follow God’s way so that He can bless you beyond your imagination. If only we would let Him instead of trying to control our lives. Sin revolves around our desires.

Praying the scriptures becomes our tutor on how we learn to communicate with God. The Lord’s Prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13 is an example of teaching us how to pray. Many people have prayed these verses without realizing they were praying the scriptures. 1 John 5:14 (KJV) and this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. Praying the scriptures gives us confidence and tells us we are in His will since we are using God’s own words. I believe God hastens to perform a request on His own words.

The whole Book of Psalms is a prayer book although the whole Bible is a prayer book and there many examples that will fit your needs. It does not take long to read a verse or two. Meditate on a verse and the let it become personal where you put your name, someone else’s name or some other request within the verse. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. It may seem awkward at first but as you learn it will become easy and comfortable to you. It is important that you pray the scriptures out loud because the spoken Word of God will cause action.

Romans 10:17 (NKJV)  So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Something that I believe hinders prayers is that there is a lack of knowledge and understanding what God wants for us to know. The main element of our relationship with God is faith. The 11th chapter of Hebrews illustrates this. Because of lack of knowledge or the subdued teaching in some churches, it is believed that healing is not available today. I believe that everything that belongs to Jesus Christ belongs to those who have been born again. Jesus took sickness and diseases to the cross and they were crucified with Him on the cross. There are plenty of examples of people receiving healing, raised from the dead and many other blessing in today’s world. All because of faith.

I would suggest that you follow an order for praying the scriptures such as beginning with Praise to God. Confession of sins, Read the Word, Intercession on behalf of someone, Petition for yourself, Pray the Word, Thanksgiving, Meditate, Listen for God to speak, and then Praise Him and thank Him again in conclusion. It is recommended that you spend at least 5 minutes in each area to begin with. Don’t rush through them. This is only a suggestion. I highly suggest you depend on the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

God loves you and so do I.

WHY?

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WHY?

As a former law enforcement officer, I have to ask, why was there such a demonstration this past week regarding guns behind words such as safety and other words? Don’t misunderstand, I am all for safety as I spent 20 years protecting people, property, and rights of people. I respect the rights of people to have the freedom of speech and to demonstrate as long as it is lawful.

The question I have is why single out guns when there are more important issues of safety than guns? The gun issue falls under the protection of the 2nd amendment of the Constitution. The illegal drug use does not fall under the umbrella of the Constitution. It falls under state regulation.

My career as a law enforcement officer both with local and state departments, I saw the destruction of drugs destroy people’s lives even unto death. I saw chronic marijuana smokers die because of residue built up in their esophagus until they choked to death. I saw the results of LSD users who thought they could fly and jump off high rise buildings. I saw many who just took too much of their drugs and overdosed and died. The examples keep on going.

Today the drug epidemic is worse than when I was involved. There are over 1000 individuals die every week from both illegal and legal use. How many realize that is way more than guns kill. By the way it is not guns that kill people, it is people with guns that kill people. Drugs kill people. Also, it is not the law bidding citizen that is involved. So why is the push to penalize them when there are more important issues to confront?

The main reason drugs continue to survive is because of greed and people wanting and needing (addiction) them. Look at the push to legalize pot which many states have and some are considering. Why, because of the almighty dollar. Many will argue with this point, but I saw it and know that marijuana will lead to more addicting drugs.

It is interesting how the minorities get there way and the majority pays for their rights. Wake up America and realize we the majority need to stand up for our rights and not let the minority rule. Remember how one person took prayer out of the schools. How one person started the kneeling at the National Anthem? There is a great push to take God out of everything and the attacks go on and on.

Like I said, I am all for protection of all people. We need to start using common sense in our priorities. Guns are not the problem, people are the problem. Drugs are more of a problem. It is becoming an epidemic.

We should have learned when alcohol was legalized. Look at what a destroyer it is. How many people die, injured, families destroyed, all because of greed. Alcohol does not take the number of lives that people with guns do, but one life is too many. Oh, yes there are groups that are fighting the cause. Again they are the minority.

Do you realize that more people die at the hands of a knife than that with guns? Nobody seems to want to regulate knives. I know there are some who are saying that I am being ridiculous. Am I! A life is a life.

We cannot depend on our governments to curtail the problems because some on the inside are too deep in the pockets of the establishment. Now, it seems that the majority of politicians both national, state, and local do not care what the American people want or demand.

The movement of demonstration against guns and safety were well organized. The number shows that. I just have one question, why guns when there are more important issues? What about the mental conditions of the shooters? The red flags are there, but nobody wants to look at them. It isn’t the guns, it’s the people. We are headed into a lawless society if we don’t change our ways.

One last thought, plain old common sense knows that bad people will always have guns or some other weapon to attack “maybe you or a member of your family” and we will have no defense if they take away our guns. Do you not understand that evil does not abide by the law. Past and present situations show that to be true.

Maybe we need to bring God back into our lives. Churches and Christians need to stand up to the evil that is taking over our country. Jesus said to come and follow Him. WHY NOT? It sure is better than where we are are headed.

Love to all.