My Final Election Thoughts…

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” -Matt. 11:28 Well, here we are! Election time! Like you, I’ve been experiencing V.F. (Voting Fatigue). I made up that diagnosis, but I really am numb to the television and radio political commercials. I GIVE UP! And that’s exactly where we all need to be. By now, we’ve all read excellent articles by many well-known Christian authors. Even though they bring a plethora of perspectives on the election. One theme is crucial: we need to surrender it all to the Lord. It’s clear that we’re to prayerfully vote our own conscience. I am ultimately responsible for me, not you. Like any major decision, I diligently search the scriptures, seek Godly counsel, and submit to the Holy Spirit’s guiding in my life. You don’t have to understand my choices, but I have to be true to my conviction. God’s Word is clear: He is a master over-ruler. God will have His way. He has been moving and shaking nations for a long time. And our beautiful America is no exception. We all love this country and desire the best. One thing is for sure: God will bless America. But His blessings aren’t always easy. Sometimes they are very hard. A loving Father does “discipline the child He loves” (Prv. 3:12). He also disciplines the nations He loves. May we all be prayerful and trusting and peaceful as we lean on His love. His will be done…His will be done. May His will be done. By Eric Joseph Staples © www.lifeaid101.com

The 2016 Presidential Election

“Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God.” -Psa. 20:7 My friend, Will Cunningham, took the “words out of my mouth” regarding the election next week…except he said it better! Please prayerfully ponder his excellent thoughts below. Stay secure in Christ! “Friends... sometimes the Lord puts a message on your heart meant only for you. At other times, however, He gives you a message and makes it very clear He wants you to share it. I believe God wants me to share the following words with you: "So... the ballot is filled out, and the envelope is sealed. I cast my vote for Darrell Castle, knowing he can't win the White House. Over the last few weeks, I went back and forth in my mind, struggling to justify what has been called by many Christians... "a wasted vote." Having as much disdain for a Clinton presidency as the next guy, I had come close to letting fear guide my conscience–– and I told myself a vote for Trump would prevent Clinton's success. Recently, however, God brought to mind a similar situation in the life of ancient Israel. With Assyria breathing threats against them, King Hezekiah was tempted to form an alliance with Egypt for protection against her enemy to the north––despite God's warning through prophets that this would be a disastrous idea. After all, the Assyrians had already carried off Israel into captivity––and Hezekiah certainly didn't want to be next. In Hezekiah's mind, such an alliance was the "lesser of two evils". Sound familiar? But God spoke to good king Hezekiah, and He assured him that if he would just stand still, just wait a little longer, God Himself would fight on Judah's behalf. So, Hezekiah abandoned his plan to ally with Egypt, and that very night God sent an angel who slew 185,000 of Sennacherib's soldiers, sending the Assyrians running. Ask yourself, dear friends... What would motivate a Christian to vote for Donald Trump? It certainly can't be admiration, or like-mindedness, can it? I submit that only FEAR of Hillary could motivate such a vote. Consider this... an alliance with Donald Trump is an alliance with immorality and idolatry, the two evils for which God ultimately judged His chosen people. Trump has promised to make us "rich". But all the money in the world won't make us "good", will it? Nor will it save a single fetus, or turn our prideful hearts back to God. Only repentance can do that. Isaiah 30 and 31 are still crying out to us today––warning us not to align ourselves with Donald Trump, the "lesser of two evils". Please read them today, and question the wisdom of such an alliance. I'm thankful you and I have the freedom to cast our votes as we see fit, and I do not judge anyone who votes for Donald Trump. But I'm also thankful that we have historic examples of men, like King Hezekiah, who, in the face of logical defeat, stood strong, believed in God, and didn't cave in to the "lesser of two evils’”. So, remember, the sun will come up (God willing) the day after the election. Our hope is in Christ anyway, not in any elected official. Rejoice in His presence and care. By Eric Joseph Staples © www.lifeaid101.com