The devotions posted here are always intended to encourage and help further your walk with the Lord. And this one is no exception. However, today I want to emphasize the impact you can make on your household, the life of your neighbors and the future of your state and nation.

Regardless of your status, your life is significant and what you do makes a difference. You have the capability with just a movement of your hand to impact many. We are all of equal influence when it comes to this one thing—and what would that be? What can you do that will have a tremendous effect on everyone in America?

VOTE!!

We are blessed to live in America which was founded on principles that allows its citizens to determine who will be their governmental leaders. Our founding fathers wrote the Constitution and the Bill of Rights in such a manner that the individual citizens would always have a voice in their government. In other words, the majority would rule by voting for the candidates they have chosen. Voting for our leaders is not only a privilege, but a right and a duty!!

Currently many politicians, journalists and media outlets are trying to swing your vote for their preferred candidate. You are being bombarded with numerous voices vying for your attention and allegiance. Have you been influenced by them?

What determines your vote? Is it your pocketbook, the economy, your personal likes or dislikes? Perhaps the candidate is nice-looking, charismatic, slim, wealthy, a good speaker, has a similar background or is from your home state. Think about it – whose voice do you respect the most? The only voice as Christians we should hear and value above any other is that of the Holy Spirit. We are promised in John 10:27 that God’s sheep know His voice. God’s voice will never conflict with His Word.

Friend, your one vote in the 2012 election will not only affect these present times but future generations as well. Sometimes we take voting for granted, but, we are all accountable to God for who receives our vote. This is not a trivial matter. Maybe you have been watching the polls and are convinced that your vote won’t make a difference. Or, perhaps you have assumed your candidate is “safe” and will surely win without your input; so why be bothered with the inconvenience of going to the poll?

This election is not about our personal likes or dislikes, personalities, affiliations or party loyalty. What appeals to our flesh or pocketbook should be of no significance. What the media outlets, poll comparisons or other worldly sources are saying should not determine your choice of candidates.

However, what does matter is “What does God say about these issues in His Word?” What is God’s view on the economy, abortion/right-to-life, marriage, religious freedom, morals, integrity, allegiance to Israel, etc.? God’s standards are expressed throughout the Bible. As you begin to hear thoughts or ideas that are not in agreement with Scripture, God’s Spirit will alert you. Listen, respond and obey that still small voice. Ask yourself, “Which candidate represents and believes in the principles closest to the Biblical values?”

All of us are accountable before the Lord regarding our voting choices. The sure resolution to any questions you may have about the candidates or issues is simple — VOTE THE BIBLE!! Can any born-again, Spirit-filled believer in a clear conscience vote for someone who opposes Biblical principles?

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” Proverbs 29:2

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…” Psalm 33:12

**The following poem emphasizes the power of your one vote combined with that of other like-minded Christians standing for righteousness. Pray, pray, pray!!

JUST ONE VOTE

JUST ONE VOTE – DOES IT REALLY MATTER?

SOME SAY “YES”, SOME SAY “NO” AS THEY CHATTER.

MOST DON’T COMPREHEND THE POWER OF ONE,

IT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE FOR DAYS TO COME.

HISTORY HAS PROVEN ONE VOTE TO BE EFFECTIVE,

IT’S IMPORTANT FOR CHRISTIANS TO BE SELECTIVE.

EVIL PREVAILS WHEN NOTHING GOOD IS DONE,

YOUR VOTING HELPS DETERMINE WHO HAS WON.

DON’T GET CAUGHT UP IN ALL THE STRIFE – BE WISE,

LOOK AT THE REAL ISSUES – DON’T COMPROMISE.

USE YOUR POWER OF ONE VOTE – WITH GOD BE IN ACCORD,

YOU HAVE A RIGHT AND DUTY TO WIELD THE VOTING SWORD.

KEEP THE PRINCIPLES OF GOD IN MIND WHEN YOU VOTE,

REVIEW THE POLITICAL PLATFORMS – DON’T JUST FLOAT.

LEARN WHAT THE CANDIDATES HAVE IN MIND,

PRAY FOR GOD’S GUIDANCE – HIS PEACE YOU’LL FIND.

WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS RULE, A NATION IS BLESSED,

AGREE WITH GOD’S WORD AND OF JESUS CONFESS.

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD—GO TO THE POLL—TAKE YOUR STAND;

WITH STROKES OF A PEN THE RIGHTEOUS CAN RULE OUR LAND!!

By Sharon Couchman

**Recently God spoke to the Morningside Prayer Team about the polls. The Lord encouraged us to not be swayed by the political polls; but, to inquire of Him and stay with Biblical standards. God said He had His own poll – and that He knows precisely who is included in that poll!

Those who know Jesus as their Savior have been added to God’s poll. His poll in Bible language is the “the Book of Life.” Two questions we should all ask are, “Am I on the Lord’s side?” and “Is my name written in the Book of Life?” I hope all of you can answer, “Yes!!” to those questions. If “no” is your response then repent, ask forgiveness and receive Jesus right now!

God bless you as you head for the polls on Tuesday, November 6th!