After Rain…

    I took this photo today, just after one of today’s rains soaked us. I think some of these words above are part of the song, ” When you walk through a storm”. I think the bird was a lark and not a dove? It’s interesting what Holy Spirit brings to mind along with my thoughts! I’m so thankful for his ministry.

Elections

     Today I muse about the recent elections, both those in Israel and the USA. Neither one was easy; both had much contention going on. It’s truly a storm, but what comes after a storm?

Psalm 43:5 NKJV
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

Responsibilities

     We still have many in the U.S. who forfeit their right to vote. Since I’m registered as a conservative, I cannot vote in all election/primaries. But I will hope in God and do my part.

Psalm 44:3 NKJV
For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, Nor did their own arm save them;

Our Hope?

     We cannot place our hopes in our government. If we don’t do our part, that is wrong.  We must do what we are able and not give up.

But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, Because You favored them.

     Apparently, in Israel they vote, then those voted into office decide how the government organizes. In our country, those voted in work to unbalance the party they oppose.

Zero Sum

     No matter who wins or loses, we all lose if we abdocate our right to be informed citizens, to vote, and to pray for those in power.

Exhortation

1 Timothy 2:1-4 NKJV
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,

[2] for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

Pray!

     Wow! We are asked to pray for those in authority over us. Why? So we can lead a quiet, peaceful life. That we may live with godliness and reverence. These things are for our own good as well as for that of our families, friends, and neighbors.

God’s Desire

[3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, [4] who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

     Let us seek and find the heart of God. It’s not about things being right as we see it, but realizing God’s will is for our greater good.

Vengeance is Mine

Psalm 44:5-6 NKJV
Through You we will push down our enemies; Through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us. [6] For I will not trust in my bow, Nor shall my sword save me.

What/Who to trust

     Some trust in planes and tanks; some in the government. But I will remember the Lord, and in him I will confidently place my  trust. My greatest weapon is prayer and declaration.

Ephesians 6:10-11 NKJV – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Our Battle

     Remember, our battle is not with flesh and blood. We need to stop taking it out on people, hoping they will save us.

Ephesians 6:12-13 NKJV – 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.

     Our armor in Jesus Christ is God’s armor that was used in the Old Testament. Through Jesus, we are adopted, which gives us access to His power and authority. So…

13 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 firm on the solid rock. All other ground truly is sinking sand!  Shalom to you, my dear readers.