~ "It's all drama..."

Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. (Matt 22:17-21)

We are to follow the law.  Not just the law of God, but the law of man as well.  We are not tasked with deciding which laws are right.  We are tasked simply with following them.  

I dabbled in politics long enough to know that it was not for me.  There are very few honest politicians in our country.  They can be ruthless and they lie - plain and simple.  I had the distinct privilege of campaigning against an honest incumbent (who did win his election - thank you, Jesus) and being drawn into the unethical and slanderous campaign of another incumbent (who lost her election, and with good cause).  People who do not keep company with God lie. Their goal is not for anything other than their own causes, their own wants, their own status, their own ideas.  They want what they want - not what God wants, not what the people want, not what is morally and ethically right.  

Jesus knew that the people were looking for a leader, a King for this world.  They thought the Messiah was to come to free them "literally" from the bonds of captivity (Roman Law) and that they would rise up in glory to reclaim what was rightfully theirs.  They could not have been further from the truth.  Jesus' role was to free all men from the bonds of captivity - the captivity of sin.  

Any victory in this world must begin with a victory in the hearts of the people.  Jesus wanted to teach the people about the true Messiah - the Messiah who came for all mankind.  He was not what they had been expecting.  Jesus' Kingdom is not concerned with the overthrow of governments, but with the overthrow of sin in the hearts of the people!  Prayer plays a very important part in this victory!  Democrat, Republican, Independent - it doesn't matter - if God is not the center of their individual lives, if Jesus' death and resurrection means nothing to the individual, how then can they ever place anyone's interest other than their own first, for a true Christian, regardless of his or her political status, places God's laws, God's commands, God's love above everything and everyone else!

Pray for them that they may come to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit - that they may do what God is calling them to do - that they may stand up and be counted in the campaign that matters the most - the campaign against Satan and his army, which is marching arrogantly across this country.  Only through prayer can this enemy be bound. 

~ "Make time to pray..."

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. (Mark 1:35)

Busy, busy, busy.  You can NEVER be too busy to pray!  It is the foundation of your day (at least it is for mine).  We are told throughout the Bible to pray.  We can see and read the effects the power of prayer has on the lives of others.  Why would we not want to pray?

Yes, there are times (and I have experienced them) when it is difficult to pray.  Mainly because we aren't quite sure what it is we need to focus our prayer on.  What I've found (and it's in my book as well) is one prayer that never fails..."help me, Lord".  He will not turn away from you.  We may become discouraged by the trials life throws at as, but as with Job, our faith must not waiver.  Whatever comes our way will pass.  Whatever ailments, challenges, disappointments or catastrophes cross our path, we do not face them alone.  

We also make choices, decisions and yes, even stupid mistakes that cannot be undone.  We can't change these often devastating conditions, but we can change the way we look at them and turn them into a testimony for God's mercy and grace!  Through prayer and constant contact with God, we can become stronger, braver and even smarter when it comes to certain situations.  Only through prayer can we communicate our praises and petitions to the Father!  Only through Jesus will they be received.  

Don't fret over bad financial decisions, lost loves, wasted time and things that mean nothing in this world.  God will provide all that you need, and if your heart is truly repentant, you are forgiven.  Through prayer you will come to know the power of God in your own life and you will become a witness to His goodness and mercy.  Let Him take the lead...follow!  

Offer up to God what is rightfully His - your thoughts, your prayers, your praises...He'll accept them without hesitation.  You don't need beautiful or scripted words written in a book - you just need what is written in your heart!