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. 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 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 8
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!
In the meantime,
enjoy the beauty that God has given us even if it’s a short drive to admire the
colors on the trees. I believe that the
beauty of autumn leaves is a gift from God that shows us the God who created us
because he loves us, also reminds us of beauty he created for all of us. It’s a time for harvest and preparation for
the winter that is to come. It’s a time
to praise God and to give thanks. All
this He gave us in preparation for the greatest gift of all – His Son, Jesus
Christ!
In deed it is more than Autumn leaves; God has given us
everything.
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