*I ask that if you start reading this, you read it all. I do not want anyone leaving this post without the full picture of what I am trying to say.*

I’ve been wrestling. Wrestling with myself on what to write, if I should write, in regard to the situation our nation is currently facing. I must confess, I’m having trouble sleeping. Anyone who knows me knows that I suffer from some sleeping problems anyways (average about 3-4 hours a night.) But something has really been eating at me. Our government.

When I was a child (not long ago) I knew that our government was ran by flawed individuals. I knew that many of them were scandalous in every sense of the word. However, I also knew that we lived in the greatest nation on earth. I knew that we had freedoms that most of the “outside world” could only dream about. I knew we had a document called the constitution that was not inspired by God, but was a good document that protected the citizens of this country on many levels.

I took comfort from the fact that I could attend worship services and Bible classes without fear. I took comfort in seeing so many great men such as my grandpa’s who fought and sacrificed for our country. I knew that as long as we had men like them, we would be ok.

Today we still have those brave men and women who serve our country (many of my friends) and I am forever grateful to them. However something is off, something is missing. You know as well as I that that “something” is Godly leaders. I emphasize Godly LEADERS, because you can not convince me that God is missing. Men and women who seek His face are what is missing.

Here is a confession that I must make. I have “preached” to many in recent months and years, about the importance of not getting too bogged down in politics, propaganda, and drama. Yet, I have found myself doing just that. Please hear me clearly, I am not saying that we should not vote, be informed, check sources, have discussions. I believe this to be a duty. What I am saying, is that I must not allow satan to steal my heart.

If I believe the Bible to be true (and I do) and if I believe every word to be true (and I do) then I must accept the fact that I have a genuine enemy. My enemy, is not our president. My enemy, is Satan. 1 Peter 5:8 tells me that Satan has one goal, he wants to destroy my soul. He wants to devour me, he wants to make sure that I won’t be in heaven.

Here are a few signs that Satan is leading me away from Heaven:

• I’m not praying like I should.
• I’m taking my frustrations with our culture out on my family.
• I’m slandering the elected officials, instead of praying for them.
• I’m worrying more about our nations debt, than the debt I owe my Jesus.
• I’m more concerned with winning an argument, than winning a soul.
• I’m rooting more for “my party” than what is right.
• I’m asking church family what their thoughts are on the latest political unraveling, when I should be asking them about their physical/ spiritual health
• I’m reading more CNN, FOX, NBC, or other articles than I am from my Bible

Please do not misunderstand, I am not so simple minded to think that if I, as an individual rectify all of the above issues that this will solve our nations problems. However, there does come a time when I need to look in the mirror and focus on my life, myself, my soul. Am I caught in Satan’s web? Are my priorities out of line?

As I write these words, I want you to know that I have no one in mind except for myself. I figure if I need a reminder, maybe there is someone else who does as well. Please take a moment to allow God’s Words to sink deep within your heart.

1 Peter 5:8- Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Romans 13:1- Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

5:16-Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

1 Timothy 2:1-4- 1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Philippians 3:20-But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

“Father, forgive me for failing to realize that you are in control of eternity. Father, you are great, powerful, majestic, and sustain me when nothing or no one else can. Forgive me for my lack of focus. Help me to focus upon You, Your Word, and Your will for my life. In Jesus name, Amen.”