Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the
Democratic and Republican conventions took on a different format this year. Although the grand celebrations and crowds of
delegates were missing, the advanced planning, filming, and attention to detail
allowed both parties to still hold their conventions and share their
messages.
Observations from conventions:
* Even when delegates are not present, it takes an abundance
of people, many working behind the scenes, for a convention to run smoothly.
* Without the cheering and applause, it was sometimes easier
to focus and think through the words and message of the speaker.
* It’s not as insightful to listen, for the purpose of learning
and understanding, if an instant rebuttal is being planned.
* Whether a candidate or situation is good or bad is
determined by the viewer.
* Sometimes we are too quick to support “our team” and too
quick to criticize and find fault with the “other side,” without further
investigation of the facts.
* People are passionate about who and what they believe and
are willing to share it with others.
* It’s good to take and make time to listen and learn.
* Words and actions make a difference.
* Investment in family is important.
* We are better when we work together.
* Even though our views may differ, we can all pray for and
seek peace and the best for our country.
* There is no perfect party or candidate.
* Even with our flaws, I am grateful to be a citizen of and
live in the United States of America.
* We ALL need Jesus!
In response, I need to:
* Spend time reading God’s Word
* Pray for those in authority
* Ask God for wisdom
* Weigh and check facts before making a decision
* Make sure my words are true, kind, and necessary before
speaking
* Speak in love
* Exercise my right to vote
* Have something to offer in its place before complaining
* Seek peace over division
* Be part of the solution instead of the problem
* Remember that no matter who is elected President of the
United States for the next 4 years, Jesus will always be King of Kings and
worthy of my worship, praise, adoration, attention, and obedience. That relationship should make a difference in
the kind of citizen I choose to be.
The following scripture was in my Bible reading plan on Friday.
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and
authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no
one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Titus 3:1-2
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.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
All
scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and
training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly
equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
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.
1 Peter 2:13-17
If any
of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without
finding fault, and it will be given you.
James 1:5
My dear
brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen,
slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce
the righteousness that God desires.
James 1:19-20
He has shown you, O mortal, what is
good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1
May these words of my mouth and
this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
LORD,
my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
Therefore,
as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other
and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive
as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds
them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your
hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.
Colossians 3:12-15
