Who will occupy the White House as President ?

Today's the day! Or should I say, tonight's the night? If the returns come
in in a timely manner, we'll find out who will occupy the White House as
President of the United States this January. Will President Obama return for
another four years? Or, will it be presidential hopeful, Governor Romney? I
don't know. But here's what I do know:

#1 I have a responsibility to whomever is elected today. The Good Book says,
"Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king" (1 Pt. 2:17;
cf. Tit. 3:1-2). We owe our elected leader the honor and respect that the
office demands.

#2 Whether you vote today for a Republican candidate or Democratic
candidate, you will owe the winner your respect. While we may not always
agree with any particular Administration we still owe the office of the
President of the United States our respect. Paul said, "To speak evil of no
man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men" (Tit.
3:2). Over the last several months we've heard folks from both sides of the
political aisle speaking disrespectfully about one another. Is the "Golden
Rule" principle no longer valid? "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would
that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and
the prophets" (Mt. 7:12).

#3 Whether you vote today for a Republican candidate or Democratic
candidate, you will owe the winner your prayers. Francis Bacon once said,
"In this world, only God and the angels may be spectators." My friends, Mr.
Bacon was completely wrong. God is still in control. One of the prophets of
old said, "But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he
that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have
called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the
waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow
thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither
shall the flame kindle upon thee" (Isa. 43:1-2). Since God still works in
the lives of men, we must pray. Prayer is what calls upon the power of the
One who created heaven and earth and everything therein. Prayer is what
opens the door to the throne room wherein sits the One who healed the sick,
raised the dead, delivered the wanderers, and made salvation possible for
all. My friends, great things happen when we pray.

#4 Whether you vote today for a Republican candidate or Democratic
candidate, you will owe the winner your voice. For these past many months,
folks have voiced their concern, about what matters most to them--economy,
jobs, moral matters, etc. But don't stop now! Our voice can, must, and will
continue to be heard on Capitol Hill and in the White House with respect to
these matters. It is my hope that as we express our thoughts and concerns to
the one we elect--whomever he is, that we will do so with firmness but with
kindness. Remember how that Paul said, "But speaking the truth in love, may
grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (Eph. 4:15).

November is the month of Thanksgiving. So many have taken to the social
media sites and making daily posts for what they're thankful for. Let me
tell you what I'm thankful for:

#1 I'm thankful for the great country in which we live.

#2 I'm thankful that we can share ideas without the fear of imprisonment.

#3 I'm thankful that we live in a land of prosperity--compared to many
nations around us.

#4 I'm thankful that we live in a free society that allows us to worship
whenever and wherever we so choose.

#5 I'm thankful that we have people who are willing to sacrifice their own
lives for these freedoms.

#6 I'm also thankful for men like President Obama and Governor Romney, as
well as the many other political figures who choose to serve in the
political arena and endure some of the loneliest positions of power that
exist.

#7 Above all, I'm thankful for the God who still rules heaven and earth with
a hand of mercy, love, and kindness.

For previous devotionals, visit www.NeilRichey.com.