Our constitution gives us a privilege in this society. We each have the right to vote and make our choice known. Suffragettes marched and battled for years for a woman’s right to vote; they were horribly persecuted before their right to vote was established. Colored people were not given the right to vote in our nation for many generations, suffering similar woes. People who were not landowners also had to fight for this right. We fast forward to this generation and the horrid statistics showing how few who call themselves Christians are registered to vote; then how many fewer actually vote!

“I just don’t have time!” “My vote won’t make a difference.” “I can’t get out to vote; I’m handicapped.” These may be good excuses, but not good reasons to not vote. We have a letter giving us multiple days to vote early in multiple places. This letter also tells how to vote by mail and how to do absentee voting. I know volunteers who will drive people to polling places if they need a ride. Of course, you can look on the internet to find answers to any questions you have: how to register, who is on the ballot, what their track record is, etc.

Another issue is what party to register for. I know there are two major parties and several others that are interesting, so research their platforms and pick one. Alternately, when I changed my address on my driver’s license, they gave me the chance to change my voter registration. I never knew I could register as “No Party”. Well, I did that and other than only being able to vote in the general elections, I am happy with my choice.

What does this all have to do with following Jesus? We are salt and light in this world. In the past decades, our salt and light have been watered down. Churches encouraged followers not to get involved in government or politics. This took the Biblical voices out of places where they could make a difference. We have let evil work its way into our nation by standing back and thinking we were protecting ourselves. Don’t worry; I include myself as part of this and repent with you all.

In this era, the spirits of civil war and world war are ripening. Not just in our nation, but in our churches, neighborhoods and families. We do not help when we militantly slap others with Biblical truth without love and mercy. If we humble ourselves and repent for not listening to God and to other people, we can begin walking in the fruits of the Holy Spirit. This will give us inspiration for practical, Biblical responses and right, Godly ways to turn conflict management into God-management. We must love the Samaritan; not demonize him.

Ephesians 6:12 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.

Yes, we are not to demonize our opponents because that’s not where the fight lies. Jesus says:

Matthew 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust

Here are a few things I gleaned from “Who Is My Neighbour?” // Power Hour LIVE! // Week 24, Episode 88 – with Emma Stark, Sarah-Jane Biggart and Sam Robertson. [sorry, I linked you to Episode 89] “Stop pointing the finger-run to the mercy seat! Civil war will cease when we stop flesh and blood reactions; debate and anger. Ask Holy Spirit to fill you first with the fruit of the Spirit, then war in the Spirit instead of the natural.”

So, if you want to do your part to make a difference in your nation, use the tools you have been given. Yes, make sure you register to vote. Then vote, but not before you have prayed about it and let the Spirit consume your unrighteous anger and frustration; replacing them with Spirit fruit.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

A reader asked me to include a book review/whatever I’m reading each week, so here goes. I’m reading Heavenly Visitation by Kevin L. Zadai. I have been listening to him/watching his videos since I saw him interviewed on Sid Roth’s ISN. I finally have in my hand the visitation Kevin’s been referring to. I love to have his books or cd’s because it puts the complete story or teaching in a nutshell. If you watch Warrior Notes or the churches he teaches in, he talks about several topics each session but his books, workbooks and recorded teachings bring a topic/experience of his into focus. I am beginning chapter 3 The Divine Pattern which teaches the way God set up layers of power and authority. I recommend this book if you want to delve into some of the topics I touched in this post. Shalom to you, my dear readers. Thanks for joining me as I vent and muse!