It’s Voting & Praying Time

It’s Voting & Praying Time

By

Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr.

Today I want to teach on the subject It’s Voting & Praying Time.

PRAYER

SCRIPTURES: - FOCUS SCRIPTURE John 18:36 “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence”. Daniel 2:31-45. Daniel 7. Revelation 17 & 18.

OPENING: - The Bible says in Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge” that scripture I believe is never so true as it is today people are destroyed because of the lack of knowledge and if I would add to that I would add Galatians 6:7 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” because we are living in times when people are being destroyed and deceived.

I came across a very interesting article this week in my studies and as I began to read what was written it let me understand just how true those scriptures truly are. The article was written by a man named Adam Russell Taylor and it is entitled Global Christians are Praying for U.S. Elections. Will We Pray for Theirs? And in that article, he pointed out some very interesting points that literally stopped me in my tracks and made me think. He stated that “by the end of this year more than 50 countries representing half of humanity will have held national elections”. He also stated and this is what really caught my attention that “Despite the unprecedented number of people casting ballots this year, key democratic norms and principles continue to decline. According to an annual analysis by Freedom House, a nonpartisan organization that monitors democracy and human rights around the world, overall global freedom declined for the 18th consecutive year in 2023, with 52 countries seeing reductions in political rights and civil liberties compared to 21 that saw improvements. Among the primary factors driving this deterioration, according to Freedom House, are violence around and manipulation of elections, including 2023 elections in Cambodia, Guatemala, Poland, Turkey, and Zimbabwe.

He went on to say “We also know that the authoritarian tactics that undermine democracy are so often contagious. As Protect Democracy has documented, aspiring and ruling authoritarian leaders all over the world are learning from one another and employ a similar set of tactics across a wide range of different national contexts. These authoritarian tactics include politicizing independent institutions, spreading disinformation, aggrandizing executive power, quashing dissent, scapegoating vulnerable communities, corrupting elections, and stoking violence. And with so many people heading to the polls this year, there are ample opportunities for authoritarian leaders to employ these tactics. With these growing threats in mind, we can pray that elections around the world are free of violence and intimidation. We can pray that elections are competitive, with opposition parties and candidates being able to campaign freely. We can also pray that people elect leaders who prioritize promoting peace, justice, and the common good”.

It is said that 67 million viewers watched the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on Tuesday Night and with the election literally less than 2 months away I want to impress upon each and everyone to get out and vote. I don’t believe it is a sin if you don’t, I don’t believe that God will hold you accountable if you do or if you don’t. However, I don’t believe you have the right to be critical or to complain about the condition of our country or the position or party of our leaders if you do not get out and vote. Just as I feel if you don’t have a DD-214 then you don’t have a right to comment on Veteran Affairs and the Benefits of Veterans if you have not served in the military yourself. WHY – because people gave blood, limbs, and life for you to have the privilege to express our rights and voice by voting and have the freedom to do so and although not a Biblical sin is completely irresponsible and totally disrespectful to those who have fought so hard and lost so much for us to have the awesome privilege to express ourselves and the freedom to express ourselves by voting.

Now I can’t tell you how to vote and don’t let no preacher tell you how to vote that is your personal choice and privilege. I know how I am going to vote, and I pray that you will vote the same way but if you don’t I encourage you to still get out and vote and ask God to lead and guide you to make the right choice not based upon what people say or what seems to be popular but what is right what promotes peace and is for the common good.