This is my scripture today, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life”  Revelation 2:10.  It really made me think about a situation in the political races going on right now.

Last night, Sarah Palin endorsed Donald Trump for president.  Sarah Palin has by her own admission and testimony a strong relationship with God.  She has put out there her beliefs and has said that God leads and guides her.  I will not question that.  The candidates that are out there have been open to answer the question of their relationship with God.  In the Republican party a lot of the issues, especially social issues, that drive Republican voters are derived from our belief in God.  We tend to treasure the Bible, even over the United States Constitution.  The Constitution was based on Christian principles and the men who wrote it were inspired by Biblical principles.  Our leaders need to assure us they are strong on protecting the Constitution and hopefully we will have men who also loudly profess their commitment to God.

This year we have several candidates who have spoke eloquently and detailed on their relationship with God.  Ted Cruz has a wonderful testimony and never fails to tell of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Marco Rubio, Mike Huckabee, and Rick Santorum have also spoken frequently, especially Rubio of how his decisions do reflect the guidance of God.  There are choices of men who share the values of Christian voters.

There was an interview with Donald Trump in July 2015 in which he was asked by Frank Luntz if he had ever asked God for forgiveness?  Mr. Trump replied, “I’m not sure I have ever asked God’s forgiveness.  I don’t bring God into that picture.”  Later, after being asked about that statement and forgiveness, his reply was, “When I go to church and when I drink my little wine and have my little cracker, I guess that is a form of forgiveness. I do that as often as I can because I feel cleansed.  I say let’s go on and let’s make it right.”

Mr. Trump is not a politician that has a voting record that we can check, we can however, check his public profile from the many years of his very public life.  I am not suggesting his “family life” be scrutinized because from all indications, he has wonderful children and a happy marriage now.  I am talking about who he has given money to, what charities and programs he has supported.  Also, what are his views on abortion and same sex marriage.  I do know he has vowed to support Christians and not allow discrimination against Christians.  He is a multi-faceted candidate that may end up as the Republican nominee so we must do the research to know what we would be getting.

As a Christian, I have prayed and have always recommended that we pray about our votes.  That we are responsible  for the choices we make and that we make the choice that is most honorable to God.  I think there are choices of men who have proven records of their positions on the social issues that I base my vote.  I want to be faithful to those convictions and faithful to honor God as much as possible with my vote and would encourage you all to do the same.

I want to be faithful to God and bring honor to Him in any way possible.  I love the Precious Moments chapel.  There is a peaceful, calm feeling among all these beautiful murals.  What a testimony Sam Butcher has.  He is reaching all types of people with his tear drop characters.  Thank God for him following the prompting of God to build this place to honor God.

This week I ask you to really start thinking about the responsibility as an American that you have to cast a vote.  There is a lot of responsibility in that choice because those we chose to put in charge of our country can make it a God honoring  country or a country that goes against God and tries to remove Him from daily life.  I ask you to Take a Stand for Jesus with your voting privilege when the time comes and for now Take a Stand by encouraging others to take their privilege and responsibility seriously.

Have a Blessed Week!