"How to VOTE for President"

That was the title of this mornings message brought by our pastor, Dr. Young. I found this sermon to be very insightful and thought I would just share some of the points that he made this morning.
He spoke about the illusions in our culture. How illusions are a mirage, they keep you from seeing the TRUTH. Jesus was in the business of dissolving illusions.

Here are some "illusions" in our culture today:
1.) Christian's shouldn't be involved in politics.
- This is so far from the truth. We should be as involved as ever because we are citizens of the United States of America & we hold every right to make our vote/opinions count. Not only are we citizens of the US, but more importantly we are citizens of the Kingdom of God. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are to be "salt", "light", "fire", "water", "leven", & "keys" in this world. These were all metaphors that Jesus used in the New Testament when challenging his followers to make a difference. To be these things in our culture today, we MUST BE INVOLVED in the culture.
2.) American's believe that their vote doesn't count.
3.) That we shouldn't legislate morality.
4.) That you can be "neutral" on the issues.

*As Christians then, how should we vote:
-Habakkuk 2:1-11
Begin at the "watch tower" (Habakkuk 2:1). Get above all the media, the family/friends opinions & points of view to see the whole picture. Look at the history, their records, and their character as a human being.
-Moses as an example, in Exodus 18:18, when his father-in-law Jethro came to visit him while he was in charge of leading 2 million people through the wilderness, pointed out to Moses that the task of one man managing that many people & problems was a "task that was too heavy for him". Leaders represent the people before God. Therefore they should get their wisdom from God, taking all the problems to Him.

Exodus 18:19-21 (Jethro speaking to Moses)
"Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain..."

Things to look for in a candidate for President:
1.) They should have proven character.
2.) Comptence in decision-making.
3.) Courage, for without it = failure in leadership.
4.) Shame, humility.

So as Christians we need to do three things:
1.) Get on our "watch tower" (Habakkuk 2:1)
2.) PRAY & Repent.
3.) GO VOTE!

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and

seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from

heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

II Chronicles 7:14