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Prayer is more Powerful than even Polls

I urge that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1Tim 2:1-2

America has a rich and blessed heritage where we have the privilege of voting our key leaders into positions of authority. This form of government is quite new to history, since most governments were established as theocracies or monarchies. The blessing is that we have a say in who leads and where our country goes.

But by being a country where our opinions influence policy, it also can distract us from the mission we were given by Jesus. We ARE to participate and be a voice in political issues. But our primary objective is to be an ambassador and witness for the King we swore allegiance to. His mission was for us to go change hearts, not votes.

Sometimes we fall for the trap to think we can change the country by voting for candidates, and to some extent that is true...but it's also temporary. The true way we change our country is to change people's hearts. And the way we change hearts is to bring them to know the Heart-Changer ... King Jesus.

So it's appropriate to remember Paul's instruction on every election---whether your candidate won or lost. We are to pray for our leaders and live in peace, so that we can continue the assignment of bringing people to know Jesus. Prayer is more powerful than polls---because the polls may elect a temporary leader, but prayer empowers an eternal Lord. So pray for your leaders and submit to their authority, and get back to work on the mission we were called to do.

Who knows---God may just use the new leader to bring the change He wants for many people thru our prayers!!

Are we speaking words or a message?

Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. 1Thess 1:5

Ever heard someone tell you to believe something or do something that they don't practice themselves? Maybe you have done that as well?

Parenting kids can commonly expose these issues. With us, it was most obvious when sarcasm came out of our daughter's mouth ... and we quickly realized telling her to stop being sarcastic was just words. She was only doing what we as parents were also doing. For it to stop, we had to set the example. Telling her to quit was only words---she needed to see that we practiced it too.

Words do not have much power until they are backed by example. When we say words, they come out I our mouth, but when we share our example in words AND action, it becomes a message out of our hearts. And with those words comes power.

The power of God is not in the words on the paper of our Bibles, but in the perfect example He modeled for us both in His creation and in His son. God didn't just give us words--He have us a message. And that message has great power...because it targets our heart, not just our head. That's why the Bible is so living an active---it's the message of God, not just words.

Words backed by example are powerful. The Gospel is Jesus' love backed up by his example & His actions. It is a message, not just words.

Parents---don't give your kids your words, share a message. Leaders---don't boss your employees with rules, set for them the message of your example.

Let your message speak louder than your words.