This is the most divisive election of our lifetimes, and as Americans, we have the freedom to choose our leaders. Let us rejoice the the freedom we have to cast our vote, to take a stand, and to play a part in the life of the United States of America. God has given us a responsibility. Let us fulfill it boldly and with gratitude.
2MefromHim Devotionals
Rejoicing in Freedom
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers. Proverbs 11:14
I executed one of the most solemn duties of a citizen of the United States of America the other day, my right and duty to vote. Though this is a controversial and emotional election in this year of our Lord, 2016, I rejoice in the freedom to act as an adviser on the way our country is run.
I have heard many say they will not vote this year, out of protest. I too, feel that same concern. However, if any us fails in the duty to participate in electing the leadership of this great country, they fail us all. We must remember how many have died fighting for the rights we exercise and often take for granted as Americans. We must remember the hundreds of thousands who have given their lives that we might keep these God-given rights.
A lack of comfort in the character of those likely to take control of the highest office of this American public makes this duty all the more important. Voting for the senators and representatives who hold check on the office of the president of the United States is also a sacred duty.
If leaders are corrupt, it is because we the people have failed in our duty to be active in the politics that allow men and women to rise to positions of national authority. I look to my own heart and seek to know where I have fallen short of my responsibility. We all have a part to play.
John Donne wrote:
No man is an island entire of itself; every man
is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;
if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe
is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as
well as any manner of thy friends or of thine
own were; any man’s death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom
the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
Tomorrow is the last chance to exercise the solemn right of choosing the next American president for the next four years. If you are unhappy, make your voice heard. The bell tolls for each of us.
Francis Grimke, a Presbyterian minister (1850-1937), said, “If the time ever comes when we shall go to pieces, it will . . . be . . . from inward corruption – from the disregard of right principles . . . from losing sight of the fact that “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but that sin is a reproach to any people” [Proverbs 14:34]. . . .”
Our time is now. Stand in line and cast your vote. Pray daily for our leaders: that they do their duty well; that if there is corruption, it is found out and punished; that America returns to the Christian principles on which it was founded.
Rejoice in our freedom to vote. Pray to God that our freedom to advise our leaders about what kind of nation we want the United States to be continues.
© Copyright by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman
About the author:
Norma Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 40 years. They have two adult children.
Connect with Norma:
Website: www.normagail.org
Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Norma-Gail/e/B00ILHXBAK/
Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQbZIoC_JSE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNormaGail
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NormaGailwrites
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/normagailth/boards/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7874459
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Norma_Gail
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/norma-gail-thurston-holtman/42/71a/3b2
Book Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Land-My-Dreams-Norma-Gail/dp/1941103170
Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas Bookstore: http:// lpcbooks.com/product/land-of-my-dreams/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/land-of-my-dreams-norma-gail/1119606864?ean=9781941103173
4 Comments
Amen. Well said Norma. The hard part is praying for a leader that is not godly, but I have to remember that God can change any heart. I’ll vote tomorrow and no matter who wins I’ll continue to pray for them and America. I believe with God’s help America can still turn back to Him.
Thank you, Mallory, and God bless you!
Good word, Norma. Thank you.
Thank you, Nan!