I recently had the privilege of listening to a powerful message by Bishop Joel R. Peebles Sr., titled "Beyond the Ballots: God's Vision for our Future." In this message, Bishop Peebles eloquently addresses the challenges and responsibilities we face as a community. Allow me to share these insights with you, woven into my own reflections, as we navigate these pivotal times together.
Beloved, we find ourselves in troubling times, where not only must we arm ourselves with truth and knowledge, but we must also stand vigilant against those who would seek to undermine our very democracy. As we've witnessed the recent attacks on ballot boxes in the Pacific Northwest, we're reminded of the words in Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
These acts of arson, targeting our sacred right to vote, are a stark reminder of why Hosea 4:6 rings true today: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." We must be informed not only about the issues on the ballot but also about the threats to our voting process. Just as those ballot boxes were set ablaze, so too can ignorance set fire to the foundations of our community.
In Portland and Vancouver, we saw how fragile our democratic process can be. Hundreds of ballots were destroyed, voices silenced by flames. This is why we must be ever vigilant, ever informed. Proverbs 4:7 tells us, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." We must understand the systems that govern us, the laws that shape our lives, and the consequences of our choices at the ballot box.
As we face these challenges, let us remember the words of Isaiah 54:17, "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper." Though there are those who would seek to disenfranchise us, to burn away our voices, we must stand firm in our faith and in our civic duty.
We are called to be stewards of our community, just as we are stewards of God's word. Proverbs 22:6 instructs us to "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This applies not only to spiritual matters but to education about our rights, our responsibilities, and the importance of every vote.
Let us heed the wisdom of Proverbs 3:13-14, which states, "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold." We must prioritize education on civic matters, on financial literacy, and on the issues that affect our daily lives.
As we strive for unity and progress in these divisive times, let us remember the words of Ephesians 4:3, "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." We must work together, sharing our resources and knowledge, to uplift one another and strengthen our community against those who would seek to tear it apart.
Finally, let us cultivate a genuine prayer life, for as James 5:16 reminds us, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Through prayer and action, we can bring about positive change, protect our right to vote, and realize God's vision for our future.
In these times of uncertainty, when ballot boxes burn and misinformation spreads like wildfire, let us be the light that shines in the darkness. Let us be informed, engaged, and united in our pursuit of justice and equality. For it is only through our collective wisdom, strength, and faith that we can overcome these challenges and build the future that God envisions for us all.
Eιɖεર Dરε
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