Lots of people find reading to be hard work. I call them “reluctant readers.” Many of them lack the ability to scan. They start at the top and work their way down the page, reading every word.
I scan without thinking. I search for a specific Bible verse, barely noticing the surrounding text. Imagine reading every word between the top of the page and the verse you’re looking for. Imagine that every word is hard work.
Now you know why they’re reluctant.
We are saved by grace, not our vote–
by God, not a politician.
Isaiah 12:2 (AMP)
Behold, God, my salvation!
I will trust and not be afraid,
For the Lord God is my strength and song;
Yes, He has become my salvation.
Election Day, 2000: I skipped lunch and went to a nearby park. I sensed the Spirit’s nudge to pray for the candidates’ peace as the votes were tallied.
I pictured the candidates and their wives (George and Laura Bush, Al and Tipper Gore) heading to bed while the votes were counted. I prayed that they would sleep well in the midst of the unknown. I asked God to grant them peace of mind.
I thought this would be a one-night project. 2000 was the longest count in US history. I prayed this for more than a month. 
Candidates who lose don’t automatically drop off my prayer list. Scripture guides my prayers for them too.
Come to think of it, these prayers could apply to everyone I know — including me.
I look to Scripture to guide my prayers. Here are some of my favorites for the candidates who won — including those who did and did not get my vote:
May it be so, Lord.
I used to pray,
Lord, make my candidate win!
I’m learning to pray,
Lord, who would You have me vote for?
My vote is an act of obedience, not a guarantee of the candidate’s victory.
Romans 13:1 (ESV)
And all those who rule now were given that power by God.
God’s power is at work in my life. God’s power is at work in government. At any moment in time, the two may not look the same. God still has it under control.
“54% of U.S. adults 16-74 years old – about 130 million people – lack proficiency in literacy, reading below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level.”
Forbes, 9/9/2020
Writers, Bible study leaders, pastors,
Remember this: for millions of folks, reading is not fun. It’s hard work. Make each word worth the effort. Keep it short and simple.
My car comes equipped with a lane departure warning system. When I cross the lane line, a light on my dashboard flashes, and I hear a warning alarm.
God has given me a boundary warning system. The Bible is my boundary departure light. The Holy Spirit sounds the alarm.
Do I ignore these warning systems? You bet.
Are the systems set up for my own good? Yep.
Should I pay closer attention? Absolutely.
Some folks think God’s rules take the fun out of life. Not so!
Psalm 16:6 (NIV)
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
“The sense of our Father’s love is like honey at the end of every rod; it turns stones into bread, and water into wine, and the valley of trouble into a door of hope . . . and when we are upon the cross for Christ, as if we were in paradise with Christ.”
Timothy Cruso (1657–1697)
“The Treasury of David” by Charles Spurgeon
God’s boundaries = good boundaries.
Others trespass on my space
From the Lord’s Prayer:
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive
those who trespass against us.
From God’s Word:
Luke 6:31 (NIV)
Do to others as you would
have them do to you.
God calls me to forgive others as I would have them forgive me.
