Episode 44

The United States election is less than a week away. The American people have never been more divided. The disrespect and disdain displayed on the news and in social media between the left and the right has been far from godly and dignified.

No wonder Paul wrote to Timothy “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.” My mom once told me that if I didn’t like someone, I should pray for them, and if I hated someone, I should pray for them a lot. I learned that those prayers did more to change me than the person I was praying for. Paul went on to write, “Ask God to help them, intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.” Then Paul got more specific about who to pray this way for, mentioning “kings and all who are in authority.” Paul instructs us to ask God to help all who are in authority; to intercede for them and give thanks for them. Do you struggle with giving thanks for those who are in authority over you? It’s easier to do when your preferred candidate wins. But no matter who wins the U.S. election in a few short days, today’s declaration is true.

Longing to Belong: Discovering the Joy of Acceptance is now available for purchase on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com, Booksamillion.com and Christianbook.com. It’s also available for download to your Kindle or from the Apple store for your iBooks app. Or visit my website to purchase a copy at shawnamariebryant.com

This week’s scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-4