Chat with J 11/9/2020

Family, 

Hello everyone, I hope you all are doing well today. 

Let's get this out of the bag right now.  I helped get President Trump nominated in 2016 and I voted for him again this year believing very much in the policy decisions he was making.  I know that it might be hard to hear me say this but that is ok.  It’s ok for you to feel that way and it’s ok for me to believe in what I believe in - at the end of the day, I love you all and I know you all love me.  This post is NOT to argue the merits of Trump or Biden but to remind you that it's ok to believe differently than others and it's also ok to be disappointed or jubilant in the outcome of the election.  So, with this week being as challenging politically for me that it has been I wondered what God says through the Bible about similar situations.  Does God care about our elections and how our country is led?  Yep…..let me explain:

1 Timothy 2:1-2

1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

So, I believe that God indeed cares about how we live our lives and how we are governed while on Earth knowing that we all need the freedoms and encouragements that a freely governed society provides to spread His word without fear of repercussions.  Paul; the apostle, writes here that prayers be made for all people.  Not one political party or for just a specific cause or ideal but for all people that inhabit the world.  Sure, an election may not go the way we want or what we feel is right but that does not mean we are to NOT pray for those in authority.  Yes, I’m VERY disappointed in the current situation of our election but that doesn't mean I do not wish ill upon people from the other side.  I’m commanded to pray for them and pray I will.  Did you know that early Christians were often accused of undermining the state because they claimed a higher Lord other than Caesar? Yet they would point out that they supported the state by being good citizens and by praying for the emperor, not to him.  So, this is not a concession devotional here and I still hope that in some way or another the facts will come out on top after investigations into how the election unfolded.  If they do unfold in a way that does not match with what I believe in, I will accept this and pray.  I will pray for you, my family!! I will pray for everyone especially those that cannot help themselves and look forward to being outspoken and passionate without being destructive to my community in hopes of better results politically in the future.  

Now it’s time to continue listening to some awesome, peaceful, and passionate music and move about my day.  I look forward to seeing all of you one day when we do not have this Pandemic dominating our way of life or are being told to keep gatherings to only 10 people….HAH.  

Take care, 

J.