I call Vineyard Urbana “my home church”, because I grow the most in this community. I found my image in God during my service here. I turned myself and started to trust God’s plan, witnessing by my brothers and sisters in this church. I love this message about the current hot debt of the president elections.

I think the primary step is to care, to think, then take action. As a citizen, everyone’s vote counts. God bless America!

Election Day Is Here

Voting day, November 8th, is here. We’ve dreamed about it, talked about it, argued about it—but whether we’re excited or not, the day of reckoning is at hand. In all my years, I’ve never seen an election quite like this one. People are confused over issues, polarized, and almost unwilling to go to the polls. Need help? Here’s my vote!

Ask The Spirit For Help

The Holy Spirit is called “The Helper” repeatedly throughout the New Testament. We learned in our recent message series: Hello, Holy Spirit, that He actually lives in us to help us prosper in all issues of life—from the small things to those with massive consequences. Even better, the Holy Spirit can see into the future. He knows what is best for the nation, for the Kingdom and for you. Here are a few action items to consider surrounding Election Day.

Pray

1 Timothy 2:1-3 says that we are to pray for those in authority. Remember, this was written in a time when the evil Roman emperor,  Nero was in power. Paul made no distinction about who was in authority—but rather we were/are to pray for those who are leading. I encourage all of us to not think of prayer as simply an option but as a priority for our country’s leaders.

Vote

While I realize there are no scriptures that ordain the various type of governments within nations, we have one of the best ever devised. One of our privileges (blessings) is that we get to cast a vote—share our opinion on who should be our leaders. This is a precious gift and responsibility. I believe we will be held accountable for exercising our civic duty to be an active participant in the life of our country and community.

After November 8th

Surprising as it may seem, the sun will come up on November 9th. Approximately half of America will think we’re headed into deep and dark days. While things are not exactly heading the way the Bible says they should, there’s still much to be thankful for and this is still a great country. Once more, the directive to pray did not end on election day or whether or not your favorite won the election.

Five Predictions That Will Emerge From The Election

I recently read an excellent blog by Carey Nieuwhol. He is a Canadian pastor and blogger that writes much directed at, and for the American Christians and churches. He listed the following five predictions about the US presidential election.

1. There will be renewed interest in the sovereignty of God.

2. The church will look to Christ more and to the government less.

3. Living out our values will become more important than ever.

4. The tone of public discourse will get worse… or better.

5. The work of the local church will be more important than ever.

If you would like to read the entire article, here is a link, it is clearly one of the best blogs I have seen about politics and culture for a long time. I highly recommend it.

Keep A Kingdom Perspective 

This past July, I wrote a note entitled Politics and Prayer. Let me re-state a portion of that note. “Remember from a Christian point of view, more of Heaven is present on earth than ever. People are getting saved at a rate of 3,000 every 30 minutes rather than 3,000 on a single day like Acts 2. We are seeing increased revelation and understanding about the King and the Kingdom as we’re empowered more and more by the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:20 says that as darkness increases, Grace will much more increase. Thus, I believe our best days are ahead.”

Final Thoughts

These are indeed turbulent times. That’s why the Spirit was given to us by Jesus Christ. What’s more, it says in the Gospel of John that the Spirit will never leave us. In addition, we are given the comfort of the local body of Christ. From this group we draw strength and life.

Thanks for being a part of the Vineyard family. May we band together to see the goodness of God.