Midterms are Coming . . . Be Ready Part 2

Today I want to put out some ways that Minnesotans can be involved in our government.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NIV) 1 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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,

PRAY 

Most importantly we are called to prayer. Pray for ALL in authority. Note the results of our prayers in the Scripture above.

1. We get to live peaceful and quiet lives.

2. Our prayers are good and pleasing to God.

Do you have peace in your heart? Or is the enemy stealing peace and joy, leaving a trail of fear? The Bible says perfect love casts out fear. I John 4:18

As you pray for our leaders, pray over yourself by inviting God’s perfect peace, inexplainable joy and wisdom. Wisdom that casts away fear, doubt and discouragement.

While you’re at it, ask the Lord to lead you in the ways that you can be feet on the ground in the battle for righteousness in our government.

ENTER THE ARENA 

Mike and I have chosen to enter at a grassroots level. We’ve found the place and times we can meet those who are representing us and most importantly, those who are running for office in our precinct, district and state. 

This allows us to ask the questions that are important to us. How do you stand on abortion? Taxation? Fraud?

If you’re elected, what will YOU do to make changes? 

As we meet these leaders, we learn so much more. Now we can decide which ones are worthy of our support. Who lines up best with our values? Are they Christian? Do they value family? Life? God?

When these representatives speak at our grassroots meetings, I learn so much more.

BECOME INFORMED 

This grassroots level allows me to become informed. Not only do I get to meet those running for offices, but I'm learning about the issues they are concerned with. I hear speakers talk about our education, communities, health organizations and a myriad of other concerning topics.

Proverbs 18:15 (NIV) The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.

There's power in knowledge. And let’s face it-we live in the Age of Information. We can google every candidate to learn about them and the issues that they’re standing upon. The election is coming-we have time to become informed voters. 

The State of Minnesota https://mn.gov/portal/government/state has a ton of information. That’s one of the places that I go to learn about the laws that have been passed as well as those that are currently in process.

SUPPORT A CANDIDATE OR A CAUSE

Did you know that you can support a candidate up to $75 per year and the State of MInnesota will reimburse your $75? Then you can choose another candidate to support. 

Most candidates need our financial support. But they are also looking for folks to help spread their candidacy through door knocking, phone calls, yard signs, sharing their views on social media. I found many are open to our prayers and words of encouragement. Find a candidate to support, you may even find yourself walking in the local parades passing out stickers.

After all, these folks are fighting FOR us on the front lines. They deserve our help.

RUN FOR OFFICE

You might have a calling to run for office. Our friend, Allen Shen, was debating his response to that call. When his church was bombarded during Sunday services by anti-ice protesters, he finalized his decision. He is currently running for State House. 

By the way, we wouldn’t know Allen if we hadn’t become grassroots folks.

Whatever God calls you to do, DO IT.  The road isn’t always easy but we can be an agent of change when we walk out in the ways of God.  He is the One who will hold us accountable on the Day of Judgement. 

Although this verse is specific to what happens when we choose to have blind eyes towards the sacrifice of babies to Molech, God does call us to a place of holiness. We are called to be a people set apart for Him and His purposes.

Leviticus 20:4-5 (NIV) If the members of the community close their eyes when that man sacrifices one of his children to Molek and if they fail to put him to death, I myself will set my face against him and his family and will cut them off from their people together with all who follow him in prostituting themselves to Molek.

This brings us full circle, back to prayer. As we pray for our leaders, let us not neglect praying that each one of us will do our part in history. 

Dear Lord,  May we seek You and Your  purposes in our lives. May we walk in obedience to You alone. 

Help us to hear your voice today. Show us where we are to stand in this very important time in history. May we serve You well. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.