Observations of Political Conventions

* Planning and execution take much detailed work.

* It is important to be wise about what one chooses to say, write, text, tweet, and do.  It can be recalled and broadcast at a moment’s notice, even actions from years ago.

* It's good to have people on your team to support, encourage, and help you be better.

* People are watching and listening, even when you are not on stage.

* There are times to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.

* Whether a candidate or situation is good or bad is determined by the viewer.

* We are sometimes too quick to support “our team” and too quick to criticize and find fault with the “other team” without further investigation of the truth.

* It is worth investing in your children.

* People are passionate about who and what they believe and are willing to share it with others.

* Words and actions make a difference.

* The cleanup crew had a big job awaiting them.

* We are ALL sinners in need of a Savior.

In response, I must:

* pray for those in authority.

* obey the law.

* research the candidates.

* weigh and check the facts before making a decision.

* think before I speak.

* speak in love.

* exercise the right to vote.

* be willing to do my part to be part of the solution instead of the problem.
* take and make the time to listen.

* entrust my delight, focus, and allegiance to Jesus.

* remember that no matter who is elected president for the next 4 years, Jesus will always be the King of Kings who is worthy of my worship, praise, adoration, attention, and obedience.  May I willingly and joyfully share Him with others.

For all God’s words are right, and everything he does is worthy of our trust. He loves whatever is just and good; the earth is filled with his tender love.

Ps 33:4, 5

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

 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, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

I Timothy 2:1-4

 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

I Peter 2:13-17

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8