Deborah and Barak

I turn to Judges
And the story of Deborah and Barak.
She was the fourth Judge;
He was the fifth.
Together they saved their people
From the Canaanites.
Is there a message for today?
I do not know.
Clearly, a woman then a man
Led the nation.
So, today a woman or a man
Could lead our country.
Which would be best?
That answer does not lie in Judges.
We must pray that we choose wisely,
But remember that God can use
Anyone.

Deborah

Choosing our Leaders

As a roaring lion,

And a ranging bear,

So is a wicked ruler

over a poor people.

The prince that lacketh understanding

is also a great oppressor...

Proverbs 28: 15-16

Words to remember as we choose
The person to lead this nation.
Who is wicked?
Overt acts make for easy judgment.
Few who reach for power
Have made such blatant mistakes.
Evil disguises itself.
Our duty is to look deeper,
To know the soul of the power seeker.
How do they treat those around them?
Who are their friends?
Listen to their words,
But hear their meaning.
People of faith
Must pray for guidance.
Remember Christ's words:
"And ye shall know the truth,
And the truth shall make you free."
Pray to know the truth.

Prayer: God's Will in the Presidential Race

Author of all creation, I praise you in all your aspects,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
I acknowledge you as supreme and
Hope that all will know your loving kindness.
Help me as I face the decisions of daily life.
Help me to choose wisely and with your Spirit in my heart.
Our nation must choose candidates for President.
I have only one vote,
But I want to cast it in light of your will.
Guide me to see these people as you see them
And to choose wisely.
I know that others will not vote as I do,
But feel just as I do that they voted in accordance with your will.
Help me to understand how that can be.
Help me not to let my emotions drive
My reactions to those who choose differently,
The temptation is so great.
Let me remember that in your creation
You can use whoever wins the Presidential race
To guide and protect this nation.
You are master of all,
The past, present, and future.
Always let it be thy will, not mine.

Amen.