Threads from Henry's Web:
November 2, 2004

Election Day

by Jody Neufeld

Righteous are you, O LORD, and your laws are right.
The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.
My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words.
Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.
Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts.
Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true.
Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight.
Your statutes are forever right; give me understanding that I may live.
          Psalm 119:137-144

Today is Election Day here in America. We vote every two years but every four years is a time for us to elect a single person who is seen as the leader of freedom in the world. I can’t imagine anyone wanting that job! Truly, it is a ‘call’ from God to the single person that God has given His hand to guide. And so I, too, seek the Lord’s knowledge to know where to put my vote.

[Peter said,] "Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."
So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
             Acts 1:21-26

‘Dice’ was thrown to determine the twelfth apostle. That troubles me until I read that prayer come before the throwing of the dice. I think I trust the Holy Spirit to move the dice appropriately versus those who vote today hearing and obeying the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Too often we are swayed by ads and rhetoric that may be true or merely ‘shaded’ in truth. All of this pulls my eyes away from what I do know is true – and that’s where the Lord started me today.

Many of us may even be (dare I use the word?) … AFRAID that our candidate will not win this election. I believe the pollsters are used by the enemy to ‘feed’ that feeling! Does God know the outcome of this election in 2004? Does God know what will happen if President Bush wins? If Senator Kerry wins?

When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?       Psalm 56:3-4

What else is there to say? Today is a day to pray and be obedient to God’s leading. He does it so well! Tomorrow will also be a day to pray and be obedient and so will the day after and the day after and…I think I have the picture. God is God. I walk today in that comfort and assurance.