Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- May 26, 2012
“But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.” Acts 16:37
Citizenship in a free country is a gift from God, and is not to be taken for granted. It is a stewardship with privileges and responsibilities. Millions of men and women gave their lives so that generations to come could live as citizens of a republic, united around principles founded in the Word of God. Citizenship gives you freedom for good or evil, so remind the culture of wise thinking and value-based living. This is the purpose of the regular election of government officials, for your vote is their performance review.
Voting is a citizen’s responsibility to provide feedback to the God-ordained institution of government. This authority is used by God to carry out His purposes. The Bible says, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. God has established the authorities that exist.
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1-2).
Therefore, elect men and woman of principal who, as statesmen, will risk losing their House or Senate seat because they govern by unwavering values founded in the Scriptures. They value life, especially for those who are unable to defend themselves.
The unborn and the elderly are on the top of their list of whom to protect. They value marriage, one man and one woman, engaged in holy matrimony. They reject a redefinition of marriage from those driven by money and immorality. They value national security because freedom is not free. Sophisticated vigilance from terrorism and nuclear threat are required. Most importantly, they value God and His Word. There is a humble submission and respect to the authority of Almighty God. So your vote matters because your citizenship matters.
Newly initiated citizens are fresh to freedom, so their determination, participation, and appreciation make them grateful citizens. See yourself as one of the world’s privileged few. Stay abreast of the issues and the position of the politician who represents you. Do they reflect your values? Are they consistent? Do they follow through with their commitments? If not, be a good steward and remove them from office. Replace them with someone hungry to do what’s right, in the right way.
Public service is a public trust. Pray for trustworthy men and women motivated by principle. Daniel was a government official of integrity. “At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.” (Daniel 6:4).
Hold accountable those cowards who hide behind compromise or enrich themselves with personal profit. God is in control, but He expects participation from the people of the state. Look for leaders who will return prayer and the fear of God back into the public arena. Expect the language of the Lord to pepper their speeches. We are citizens of a greater kingdom who have a temporary assignment to engage in our earthly kingdom. Therefore, steward well your citizenship while you can. God expects engaged citizens.
Taken from May 28th reading in the 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God”… http://bit.ly/bQHNIE
Post/Tweet this today: Public service is a public trust, so pray for trustworthy men and women motivated by principle. #elect #citizen
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Praying
First, I want to say I admire and appreciate your gift of communicating so cleverly and insightfully the truth in God’s word. Your use of vocabulary, alliteration and other grammarical liberties keeps me attentive and invloved. Thank you!
P.S.- I was always told the use of the word principal is for a person as the principal is your “pal”. But the word, principle, is what you refer to in today’s devotion ( May 26-Citizenship Stewardship) i.e. guidelines or rules.
To God be the glory….
Love you guys.
I’m concern that your descriptive list (reflecting God’s view) omitted those candidates that publicly belong to cults and denounce Jesus who they say is a prophet only and not God as several scriptures give evidence: John 1:14, Hebrews 1 as does the entire Bible does. Here’s another blind-side to the precious words of trusted orators of God.
Citizenship must always be preceded with prayer (the conscious of God) that His Will be done. Many in my family who served in several of the wars were unable to enjoy these privileges until recently. I’m thanking God for the prayers of my ancestors.
But keep in mind while voting, there is a vast difference between those who publicly accepts and lives his confession in Jesus as Lord and Savior (God) and sins are forgiven than from the “rich little man” who trust is in himself and his millions, and has never admit that Jesus is God (the Son, Father, and Holy Spring are One).
Yours is a big responsibility. I’m praying for your wisdom as well.
I’m concern that your descriptive list (reflecting God’s view) omitted those candidates that publicly belong to cults and denounce Jesus who they say is a prophet only and not God as several scriptures give evidence: John 1:14, Hebrews 1 as does the entire Bible. Here’s another blind-side to the precious words of trusted orators of God.
Citizenship must always be preceded with prayer (the conscious of God) that His Will be done. Many in my family who served in several of the wars were unable to enjoy these privileges until recently. I’m thanking God for the prayers of ancestors.
But keep in mind while voting, there is a vast difference between those who publicly accepts and lives his confession in Jesus as Lord and Savior (God) and sins are forgiven than from the “rich little man” whose trust is in himself and his millions, but does not publicly admitted that Jesus is God (the Son, Father, and Holy Spirit are One).
Yours is a big responsibility. I’m praying for your wisdom as well.
Right on Boyd! We should all start by asking God to lead our leaders and then, what should be my level of involvement. Thank you.
I feel that the policies reflected in your devotional today are clearly conservative republican values. I am a Christian. I am a democrat. I voted for Barack Obama and I will vote for him again. As a Christian, I am saddened that the Church has become synonymous with the right wing agenda. Liberals are painted as evil-doers. I am for helping the poor and the down trodden because I feel that is what Jesus asked us to do. Those are my values. Please no angry comments in return. This is my humble opinion.
Thank you for this wise and godly counsel, as the days get darker, we as believers need to take heed and be responsible citizens.
Amen