AUTUMN LEAVES

AUTUMN LEAVES

  “He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”    Daniel 2:21 (NKJV)

            Looking out across my backyard, I watched the autumn leaves falling off the trees and landing all over the grass.  The green of summer grass has changed and turned into a carpet of brown and beige.  Just as God changes the seasons of the earth, he also changes the seasons of our lives.  It seems like autumn always brings many changes.
            First, this is Harvest Time; a time when we gather the fruits of the fields and orchards.  The produce stands are filled with apples, pears, squash and pumpkins. Cider and donuts are readily available.  For some reason these sights are such a comfort.  Maybe it’s because these are familiar sights which have appeared year after year and it’s comforting to know that it hasn’t changed for decades. 
            Secondly, this is Halloween time or All Hollow’s Eve.  As Christians we do not celebrate the underworld or those that dwell in it.  We want nothing to do with witchcraft or demon figures.  The Christian’s enemy is Satan and his demons and to honor this day of Halloween is totally against what we believe.  This is really difficult for the children who are in school and want to be a part of what is going on.  After all, who doesn’t like to dress up and pretend to be someone else? 
            Many churches and groups have ‘Harvest Parties’ in place of trick or treating.  I’m not sure if it’s the ‘right thing’ to do, or if it’s ‘Compromise’.  As a child I loved Halloween; dressing up and getting bags of candy was a pretty exciting thing.  However, when I actually knew what it really meant, it changed my entire thought about it.  This is a good time to teach our children what Halloween is really about, the truth is scary enough that they might not want any part of it.  Of course it is up to each parent to decide the best direction for their children.  It might be a good thing to pray about.
            Thirdly, this is the time of year for elections.  This year is probably the most crucial election for a president that there has ever been in the history of the United States.  Our very country is at stake; our national debt is out of sight; our jobless people are at the highest level; poverty is at its highest and we won’t even talk about gas prices and energy.
            Look at the above scripture in the Living Bible; “World events are under his control. He removes kings and sets others on their thrones.”  Daniel 2:21 (TLB) Does this mean we shouldn’t even bother to vote?  No, not at all; rather it means that as God’s people we need to be praying about this daily.  God will give you direction and already has in his Word.  Let’s look at some of those answers.

1.               “You shall not murder!”  This means we should not vote for anyone who stands for abortion.     Deuteronomy 5:17 (NKJV)

      2.               Same-Sex Marriage: “And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my
                 flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man."  Therefore a man
                shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one
                flesh.”           Genesis 2:23-24 (NKJV)

3.               Un-Godly; we should not vote for anyone who does not hold up God Almighty, or does not practice Godly morals. “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?”  Amos 3:3 (NKJV)                  

4.               Other Religions:  It is one thing to be tolerant of people of another faith, but it is another thing to lift up those of a faith that breeds terrorists and jihad.  Do not vote for someone who lifts up those whose goal is to kill Americans and Israelis. Therefore "Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you."                    2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV)

5.               Backing Israel:  Do not vote for anyone who does not completely stand with Israel.  Israel is God’s nation of God’s chosen people.  Those nations who would come against her are in danger of being destroyed.  “For thus says the LORD of hosts: "He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.  For surely I will shake My hand against them, and they shall become spoil for their servants. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me.”     Zechariah 2:8-9 (NKJV)

There are many more things we should prayerfully consider in the Word of God before we vote.  I believe the outcome of whom we vote for will personally and seriously affect us in the near future. If you are satisfied with where our country is today and has been over the last 4 years, you know who to vote for.  If you think our country needs a change for the better, you know who to vote for.

      As for me, I’m anxious to see if all the ‘born again’ Christians who believe the Word of God is the Truth, will step up and vote The Bible.  Yes, it will take time to reverse the damage that’s been done, but be patient and wait on the Lord.  He has it all in control.  Amen!