9-10-2012
Pastor Jimmy’s Weekly Devotional
Many of us are concerned about the outcome of November’s elections. And rightfully so! Not
only are we concerned with who will be our leaders, but most are equally concerned with where
they will lead us. Whether you’re a democrat, republican or independent—whether conservative
or liberal, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you must honestly say that the answer to the
often asked question during Presidential election seasons is, “No—we are not better off than we
were four years ago.” All of the indicators emphatically point that out, regardless of how the
“slick” and smooth political pundits may pontificate or spin the facts otherwise.
Our once great nation is in serious decline and danger. The great foundation to which our
founding fathers anchored us, is beginning to crumble. I’m talking about the foundation of God’s
word in our hearts, God’s word in our homes and God’s word in the halls of government and
public institutions.
Now, be sure, there’s nothing wrong with God’s word. It has not changed. The principles and
precepts of the Almighty God of Heaven are timeless and immutable. They are as fixed as His
law of gravity. They are as binding now as when they were written into our DNA before the
foundation of the world was ever created. And there is still immeasurable and infinite power in
His Word to change hearts and homes and to change the direction of governments and nations.
No, the crumbling is not a result of the decay of what some would say is an “old fashioned—outdated—antiquated and out-of-touch belief system.” The removal of God and prayer from the
fabric of society (that has spread like wildfire), is not because we are now so much more
“enlightened” than past generations or “spiritually evolved” in our understanding of who God is.
And the ludicrous and almost insane interpretation of the separation of church and state by the
Supreme Court of our land (which by the way, doesn’t appear anywhere in our Constitution), is
not the reason for our departure from the belief that God should be the centerpiece of our
educational and political processes. The bible says in Psalm 33:1, “But the plans of the LORD
stand firm forever, and the purposes of his heart through all generations.” God’s Word has not,
cannot, and will not deteriorate. The truth contained therein, will always be relevant, significant
and essential to each generation.
The crumbling, and now massive cracks in that foundation, are the result of a consistent chipping
away at the corners in order to one day bring the entire framework down. And at whom do we
point the finger of blame? Corrupt candidates? Corporate crooks? Covert communists? Maybe
there’s enough blame to go around, but the majority of the responsibility for the meteoric rise of
this anti-God and anti-Christian climate in our nation lies squarely on the backs of careless
Christians; the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. We’ve been collectively asleep at the wheel since
World War II ended. You could make a good argument that the drowsiness and apathy began
much earlier in our nation’s history. But without debate or dispute, the church over the last two
or three generations is guilty of the greatest sin of all—the sin of silence.
We must now repent of that horrific sin and begin to be the watchmen on the wall that God has
commanded us to be. Each of us must individually—intentionally—deepen our walk with God.
If we commit to saturating ourselves with God’s Word, we will become increasingly more
sensitive to the subtleties of sin and the damage that our silence has done to our great nation.
From the founding of our nation until well into the 20th century, the Word of God was the
conscience in our land. Our moral and ethical values were based on the absolute truth of the
Bible. 2 Timothy 2:16 says: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is
true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and
teaches us to do what is right.” (NLT) There was a time in America when politicians, lawmakers
and judges would consult the Pastors and Churches to hear what God’s word said about a matter
or a particular piece of legislation. In turn they would legislate and adjudicate according to those
precepts. Just a minimal amount of research will show you that during that time, pastors would
stand in the pulpit and preach on issues of the day as they related to the Word of God.
Election season and election day sermons were the norm in our nations’ past. In those days, the
church—in proclaiming the Word of God—was the moral and ethical compass that guided our
leaders. But little by little since post WWII, we as Christians, have become more and more
enamored with “the world, the flesh and the devil.” We have abandoned our posts as watchmen
and we have embraced the efforts of those who are determined to remove any reference to God
from public life. Politicians aren’t breaking down my door or any other pastor’s door for that
matter, to get God’s view of abortion, same-sex marriage, hate crimes or the so-called and
misapplied separation of church and state.
If we are to see real “hope and change” in our land, then the church must awake and arise and
announce to our politicians with fervency and passion, “Thus saith the Lord!!” And we must be
aware that returning our nation to its greatness, and to once again see the blessing hand of the
Almighty on our land, will not come without great effort and sacrifice. The falling away did not
happen overnight nor will the return to God be sudden or immediate. No doubt, our work will
not find its greatest traction until the next generation. We must do our due diligence and stay
determined to raise this generation of children and youth to become Christian politicians,
businessmen, and leaders in all walks of life and industry. We must raise up men and women of
integrity who are biblically principled. We need the next generation of pastors and church
leaders to be leather-lunged people of God who are unashamed to stand for God regardless of the
consequences!
I believe that in November 2012, we will face the most important election in the history of our
nation. It is imperative that we, as Christians, pray and go to the polls to vote our principles and
not our pocketbook. Sadly, there will be many Christians who want to see real change, not so
much to put God back in his rightful place in the fabric of our society, but to insure that our way
of life is preserved—so that we can continue to afford and keep our luxury cars and homes and
lifestyles. They want a new administration because they are afraid their American Dream is in
jeopardy.
Let’s wake up! The reason we have been blessed the way we have is because one of the great
motivations of our founding fathers in coming to these shores was to pursue the freedom to
worship God in the manner that they believed would please the Lord. God honored that and has
blessed this nation. And as a result of that blessing, the United States of America has taken the
Gospel of Jesus Christ from our shores to every nation on this earth. We have sent more
missionaries and more aid to more countries and people groups in need, than any other nation
that has ever existed. Christians listen: If eternal life is a reality, and a man, woman, boy or girl is
lost and headed for hell without Jesus Christ as the Bible declares, then the most important thing
we could ever do with the blessings of God, is to use them primarily to tell the world about the
Savior Jesus. That and that alone has been the reason for our blessing. And to remove God from
our nation’s history and future will be the reason for our judgment.
If we as Americans have done anything to deserve the favor of God, it has come only from our
obedience to his great commission. So with that in mind, I have compiled a prayer list from
various ministries below that I hope you will all use daily as we come to this most important
election in our nation’s history.
Until the Whole World Hears,
Pastor Jimmy Fuller
HLBC
Prayers for Election
O God, Your plans are firm, faithful and forever. The purposes of Your heart prevail
through all the generations. Let Your mighty, perfect will be done in the elections this fall. -Psalm 33:11 (But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through
all generations.)
O Lord, bring righteous people who fear You to lead our nation into the future. Establish
godly leaders who glorify You as they lead, and let their tenure be as welcome as the light
of morning at sunrise and like the brightness after rain that brings green grass to the earth.
--II Samuel 23:3-4 (The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: 'When one rules over
men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, 4 he is like the light of morning at
sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the
earth.')
O Lord, grant that wicked and evil influences will be weak and impotent in their efforts at
bringing down the candidates for election. Usher into authority those who are committed to
leading with righteousness. --Proverbs 25:5 (remove the wicked from the king's presence, and
his throne will be established through righteousness.)
Heavenly Father, You promise to bless us with rejoicing when righteous leaders are in
charge. So we ask You for godly, good leaders who will bring joy to those they lead. Do not
allow any wicked persons to gain public office in this fall's elections, but only those who will
honor You. --Proverbs 29:2 (When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked
rule, the people groan.)
My Lord, You value so deeply the qualities of good judgment and discernment, but it is
easy for us to lose sight of them. Guide all those who will vote in this year's elections a sense
of discernment and sound judgment, and let that discernment in turn bring discerning
leaders into office. --Proverbs 3:21 (My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not
let them out of your sight);
Lord God, during election time it is easy to get wrapped up in the negative, in fault-finding,
criticism and contentiousness. Cause our hearts to be sweet and pure, obediently acting as
You want Your children to act, so no one can find fault. In this way, we can shine for you in
our darkened world. --Philippians 2:14-15 (Do everything without complaining or arguing,
15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and
depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out[c] the word
of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.
17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming
from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice
with me.)
Mighty God, we look to You for protection and safe keeping, especially during the days
leading up to this fall's elections. Keep the candidates, the conventions, the delegates and
the media safe from every kind of harm, O Lord, and deliver us from any evil plots that
have been arranged. Let no weapon that is formed against our nation or our leaders
prosper. --Psalm 32:7, (You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround
me with songs of deliverance. Selah.) Isaiah 54:17 (no weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the
LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD.
Father God, You love truth and are displeased with lies. Grant a spirit of truthfulness in
the elections, particularly on the part of all media. Grant a spirit of fairness and honesty in
the reports created by all members of the media, and give discernment and wisdom to
citizens as they seek information from the media. --Proverbs 12:22 (The LORD detests lying
lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.)
O God, You are actively involved in every part of Your creation at every moment. Grant to
all Americans a willingness to get involved in the upcoming elections, resisting complacency
and passivity. Let each one know the value of his or her vote, and let each one exercise their
privilege with diligence and faith. --Amos 6:1 ( Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to
you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the
people of Israel come!)
Lord we ask for fairness and justice in the balloting procedures as our citizens vote this
fall. May it be just and equitable, revealing the truth with clarity. --Proverbs 1:1-3 (The
proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for
understanding words of insight; 3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is
right and just and fair;)