Devotional 10-14-16

Please read Jeremiah 29: 1-7

In this reading, Jeremiah is writing to the Jewish elders, priests, prophets and to all the people who have been deported to Babylon.

Jeremiah is writing from Jerusalem to all of these people who have been sent from their lands and family and friends. He tells them that this is a letter from the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel.

The letter tells these people that they are to build homes, plant vineyards and plan to stay. They are to marry and raise families and multiply.

 They are to pray for peace and the prosperity of Babylon for if Babylon has peace and prosperity, they will also.

 When I read this I had to think about our upcoming Presidential election. It's hard not to when everywhere you look it seems to be the topic. I'm not saying it shouldn't be, it's very important. I guess that what I'm trying to say is that no matter who wins, lots and lots of people are going to be unhappy. There will be many reasons for that and so many of those reasons will be viable but, there is one thing that we can all do. 

Before, during and after this election, especially after, pray for peace in our country and around the world. Pray for prosperity in this city, this state and this country. Pray for our leaders, especially if you don't like them. Sitting back and saying  "I knew this would be bad for us" only insures it will be bad for us. Praying to our Heavenly Father for wisdom and understanding may not make things change in the blink of an eye but it may change how we look at things or at other people and that can change things, even if it takes a few years, like four maybe.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, As your children we always need your guidance and right now we could use lots of that. Please help us as we try to make the best decisions that we can in this coming election but even more important, help us to remember that we are all your children and we need to pray that whom ever wins this election will need your help and our prayers to do the best job that they can. That will benefit all of us. In your name we pray. Amen

Debbie McGinnis