Sunday Writing by Jan Andersen....11/6/16

Good Morning,

Today the devotional is titled, "ELECTION TIME....," and it was written by Jan Andersen. The theme of this writing is about both our human elections as well as God's election of us.   Jan wrote, "No matter who wins in these elections, we have comfort in knowing that God can work miracles through anyone."  and   "God chooses all to be saved, but some reject him and his gift.  May we be his witness to others..."

Have a sweet Sunday, and please remember to pray for our country.
God bless,
Corinne and Jan

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Today's Devotional

ELECTION TIME
by
Jan Andersen

As our U.S. presidential election draws closer, most of us are really tired of all the election time clamor.  There are attack ads on T.V., automated phone calls at inopportune times, and tons of junk mail begging us for our votes.  Add to that the memes and shares on social media and the discourse between people everywhere you go - sometimes not too friendly.  We will be happy with the change of focus when the cacophony stops.  But we might not be happy with the outcome of the elections.  

No matter who wins in these elections, we have comfort in knowing that God can work miracles through anyone.  He wants us to turn to him in prayer for those in governmental offices.  We are to pray for them and also to give thanks for them.  Even when we don't agree with them, we are to pray these things. 

1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)  I urge, then, first of all, 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.  

Interestingly, those verses continue with what some call the teaching of election - whom God chooses (elects) to save, or "does God choose us, or do we choose to follow God?"

1 Timothy 2:3-6 (NIV)  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, that man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. 

So God "elects" or chooses for ALL people to be saved through faith in Christ Jesus.  In fact, he chose us before the world began according to Ephesians 1:4-8 (NIV)  "For he chose us in Christ before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished  on us."  The only thing we humans choose is whether to reject that free gift of salvation.  God chooses all to be saved, but some reject him and his gift.  May we be his witnesses to others so that they may seek understanding of God's merciful grace and forgiveness. 

The following prayer is from the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod:

A PRAYER FOR THE UPCOMING UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Heavenly Father, Your beloved Son Jesus Christ reigns as Lord of lords and King of kings. As our country faces the election of our next President, we ask You to keep us in Your care.  Bless all with peace and faith, trusting that You are our great Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.  Give wisdom to those who rule over us. May they curb evil and protect the innocent. Give to Your Church wisdom to serve and love our neighbors, that all might seek the reason for the hope that we have. Increase our faith, that we might trust in You all our days, through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns over all things.  Amen.

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A positive thought for you!

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Prayers are lifted up daily for 

you by the Devotional Writers 

and the Monthly Writing Staff

of Women's Focus Ministries.

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