Reflections on the 2016 Election

It’s finally over. After weeks of mudslinging during a very divisive election, Donald Trump will be the 45th U. S. President on January 20th. At 70 years old, Trump is the oldest person ever elected to a first term (surpassing 69-year-old Ronald Reagan in 1980). Many reporters have called Trump’s victory “an upset” despite huge crowds that showed up at his campaign rallies.

On Election Day I went evangelizing at a mall having already voted for Donald Trump using an absentee ballot. Then I watched the election returns on TV. Because the results were a bit close and a few networks stalled in declaring Trump the projected winner of selected states, I stayed up past 2:30 a.m. praying until he made his acceptance speech. It was also gratifying to hear the Republicans still have control of Congress. This will hopefully result in Trump repealing (as he calls it) “the disaster known as Obamacare.”

It’s sad how this election caused some Christians to be ensnared by a political spirit. Last weekend I received a Facebook friend request from a revivalist who previously unfriended me because of differences we had regarding the Second Amendment. She friended me from a second page set up to promote Hillary Clinton for president. This revivalist stated on her wall this page would be taken down in a few days. So I sent a private message explaining I already voted for Trump but she was welcome to add me after the election. My friend responded with a bunch of negative comments about Trump and claimed I “lost my heart” for evangelism. Really? It appears someone else had became more passionate about politics than getting the gospel out.

Donald Trump has set up an evangelical advisory board that includes James Dobson, Jerry Falwell Jr., Ralph Reed, Jentezen Franklin, and Kenneth & Gloria Copeland. Another reason believers should be glad Trump won the election is because of his vice-president. Mike Pence has repeatedly stated, “I’m a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican in that order.” A Trump Administration will protect religious freedoms that some liberal leaders have attempted to suppress. Hillary Clinton’s running mate Tim Kaine was the Virginia governor who supported a superintendent’s order to stop police chaplains from praying in Jesus’ name.

A question many are now asking is “What will happen to Hillary?” Trump had talked of prosecuting and imprisoning his Democratic rival for mishandling classified information while she was Secretary of State. I’d rather see Hillary repent and fess up to all wrong doing that would be considered treasonous if done by anyone else.

Hillary Clinton actually has a slight lead in the popular vote like what happened in the 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. I’m thankful the electoral college is still in place. Our founding fathers devised it to prevent voter fraud. There have been reports of voting machines automatically changing Trump votes to Clinton votes, dead people registered to vote, and walk-ins without IDs. Current Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe (a long-time friend of Hillary) allowed as many as 60,000 felons to vote by an executive order.

It’s unfortunate many Americans who put their hope in Hillary are acting like a bunch of whiny babies. Colleges offered therapy to students “traumatized” over the election outcome. One held a “Cry In” with tissues handed out by school staff. Teachers cancelled classes so students could “recover.” Some disgruntled voters are rioting and blocking highways. A few Hollywood celebrities threatened to leave the country if Trump got elected (I’m curious how many of them will follow through on that). It’s time for these sore losers to grow up so the United States can be united again.

Regardless of who’s president, God is on the throne and will heal our land if we seek Him first and continue praying for our political leaders. Only then will America become great again.

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” - Psalm 118:8

Does God Pick Politicians?

Five years ago during a prayer meeting at a church in West Fargo, North Dakota, I was praying for the 2012 presidential election and specifically asked for God’s choice to be elected. Michele Bachmann’s name came up in my mind but I didn’t immediately speak that out. Seconds later, the prayer group leader started praying for the congresswoman from Minnesota.

A few days after that I posted a comment about this on Michele Bachmann’s Facebook page. Unfortunately, that triggered mostly negative responses. One person argued that God doesn’t choose politicians…people do. It’s true in a democracy, the candidate with the most votes gets elected. Nevertheless, God does anoint selected individuals for positions of authority such as King David in 1 Samuel 16:12.  

One might question if I really heard from God regarding Michele Bachmann becoming president since she dropped out of the race months later. Regardless, if more God-fearing people sought the Lord before going to the polls, we would see more politicians with integrity in office. One friend of mine told me she voted for Barack Obama in the 2008 election unaware of his policies contrary to Scripture. She later regretted voting for him. 

People’s prayers can also have an impact on incumbent government leaders. In his book “Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting”, the late Derek Prince wrote how he heard that Joseph Stalin was planning to purge all the Jews in the former Soviet Union. Derek fasted and prayed for the Russian Jews. Two weeks later Stalin died from a cerebral hemorrhage and the plan was called off. Prayer and fasting saved the lives of numerous Jews who had been marked for death by a dictator already responsible for millions of deaths. Daniel 2:21 says, “And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings.”

Many Gallup polls show a majority of Americans still consider themselves Christian. Yet in recent years, just over half of eligible voters show up to cast their ballots. As historian David Barton points out, “Godly candidates are most often defeated not by activists and radicals, but by inactive Christians!” Believers must do their part by going out to vote and selecting the right candidates if the United States is to fulfill her divine destiny. I pray that happens this Tuesday.

“You shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses; one from among your brethren you shall set as king over you; you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother.” - Deuteronomy 17:15

Reviling Rulers

I have a missionary friend who closely follows the American political scene. Back in 2010, he sent me an article he wrote in response to that year’s midterm elections. For the most part I thought his commentary was well written. My friend even admitted he used to be a “bleeding heart liberal” that disliked Ronald Reagan. Three years after the 1980 election, he suddenly became a big Reagan supporter. What made the difference? My friend got born again and in his own words, “...my new Kingdom affiliation had brought about a new worldview!”

However, there was one part of his article that bothered me. My friend labeled Barack Obama a “liar and impostor.” I don't agree with the decisions Obama has continued making since becoming President. I would be happy if he was removed from office before his current term runs out. Then again, I read how the late Ruth Heflin (who hosted a couple of inaugural prayer breakfasts) lifted up President Bill Clinton in prayer while he faced impeachment hearings following the Monica Lewinsky affair. Sister Ruth believed an impeachment would have done more harm to our nation.

While the First Amendment gives Americans freedom to criticize government officials, God holds His people to a higher standard. Titus 3:1-2 says, “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.” The Apostle Paul wrote other Scriptures about submitting to authority at a time when Roman emperors severely persecuted Christians. They were more wicked than most of our American politicians.  

Look in Acts 23 how Paul responded to one authority figure who gave a commandment that violated the law… 

1 Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” 

2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 

3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?”

4 And those who stood by said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?” 

5 Then Paul said, “I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

Paul was referring to Exodus 22:28,”You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.” One dictionary defines revile as “to make a fierce or abusive verbal attack on somebody or something.” 

This is not to say we should passively let our leaders make bad decisions. God’s people should take a stand against ungodly legislation in a reputable but firm manner. Moses repeatedly confronted Pharaoh to “let my people go.” John the Baptist was bold enough to tell King Herod he was in an unlawful marriage (Matthew 14:4).

Certainly, I don’t like how the United States has drifted away from the godly values it was founded upon. Uttering harsh remarks about our politicians is not the solution. As Christians we are commanded to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2) even if we didn’t vote for them. The prayers of the prophet Daniel resulted in King Nebuchadnezzar repenting before the Lord. The same thing can happen to the President, congressmen, judges, and other authority figures if we pray instead of complaining.

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Reflecting on the 2012 Election

Last weekend at a prayer meeting in Massachusetts, I was waiting on the Lord when I had a disturbing vision of Barack Obama’s face. I noticed the president had evil-looking eyes and then the vision zoomed in on his forehead. Minutes later I exhorted the congregation to pray daily for our government leaders to have the mind of Christ, so they make godly decisions (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Those who continue to enact policies contrary to Scripture need to be voted out!

The morning after Election Day, a Facebook friend shared with me a Bob Jones prophecy from earlier this year declaring Mitt Romney would become the next U. S. president. Although I was disturbed that it appears Bob’s prophecy won’t be coming to pass, one thought went through my mind. Romney may have been the candidate God wanted to win this election but all His people didn’t do their part in voting. According to the latest statistics I’ve seen, fewer people voted in the 2012 election than they did in 2008. Faith and Freedom Coalition founder Ralph Reed estimated 17 million Evangelical Christians didn't vote in the 2008 election. (Barack Obama defeated John McCain by about half that amount of votes.)

I’ve had other Facebook friends proudly announce they didn’t vote this year. One of them even suggested if we had voted either for Mitt Romney or Barack Obama, we needed to repent. Shortly after I posted a response pointing out how voter apathy is one reason bad politicians win elections, my friend removed my comment from his wall. I have no regrets that I voted for Mitt Romney. Granted I wasn’t totally fond of the possibility of a Mormon president. But for this year's election, I felt he was a better choice to lead this nation. 

Before some of you pick up stones and accuse Bob Jones of being a false prophet, there is one part of his prophecy that deserves special attention: “These next eight years will be full of joy if the Church steps into authority and God's righteous people are elected.” Notice the word “if” was inserted. Many prophetic words are conditional. We need to do our part (in this case by praying and voting) to see them come to pass.

While I will continue praying for Barack Obama, I still don’t like the thought of four more years of a Commander-in-Chief who is forcing a national health care plan down our throats plus endorses perverted lifestyles, killing unborn babies, and dividing up Israel’s land. But despite the consequences of bad decisions made by our political leaders, God will continue providing for those who put their trust in Him. Even when the ten plagues were brought upon Egypt as the result of Pharaoh’s stubbornness, the Israelites were supernaturally protected.

May God continue to have mercy upon the United States of America.

“Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” - Proverbs 14:34 (NLT)

Why Not Newt?

During every election, I usually vote for Republican candidates since they tend to make decisions more in line with the Word of God than Democrats. While President Obama will likely be the Democratic nominee again this year, the Republican nomination may not be decided for a while. One man who might represent the GOP in November is Newt Gingrich. 

Last weekend, the former House Speaker came from behind in the polls to win the South Carolina Primary. This was surprising especially since two days before, the ABC news program “Nightline” aired a controversial interview with one of Newt’s former wives. Marianne Gingrich claimed that prior to their divorce, her husband wanted “an open marriage” (allowing for him to have a wife and a mistress at the same time). Newt has refuted his ex-wife’s claims.

Many people are quick to criticize Newt Gingrich because he cheated on his two ex-wives and got married a third time. However, he has repented as a result of his conversion to Catholicism. Newt told CBN News, “I have confessed my weaknesses, and I have had to go to God for forgiveness and reconciliation.” Since I have also gone through two divorces (but because of ex-wives being unfaithful to me), I can somewhat relate to the flak Newt has experienced.

For those of you uncomfortable with Newt Gingrich’s past sins, remember that Jesus told the Pharisees regarding the woman caught in adultery, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” (John 8:7) Let’s not forget other U. S. Presidents such as Bill Clinton had extramarital affairs while in office. Certainly, I’m not condoning adultery by our politicians. But God has used leaders like King David who committed adultery but were quick to repent.

The day after the South Carolina primary, I happened to watch YouTube videos of Newt Gingrich speaking last year at John Hagee’s Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas. I was impressed with Newt’s knowledge of American history, his support for Israel, and especially his desire to see our country’s godly heritage restored.

I also like the fact Newt wants to revive our nation’s declining space program and put a permanent American base on the moon by 2020. As long as our more immediate problems on Earth are solved, the United States could have a very exciting future.

This article is not an official endorsement of Newt Gingrich for President. Unless a Democrat or independent politician rises up whose voting record is more closely aligned with the Judeo-Christian ethic, I’m praying for God’s choice to win the Republican nomination and the subsequent election. I will say I’d rather have Newt in the Oval Office instead of a Commander-in-Chief who condones killing unborn children and celebrates homosexuality in the White House.

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” - Proverbs 29:2

An Open Letter to Barack Obama

Dear Mr. President,

I’m a Christian missionary who has previously lived and worked in Washington, DC. I write this letter out of concern for the great nation that you currently lead.

Yesterday you held a “Gay Pride” reception at the White House. I first found out about this after discovering a lesbian teenager was invited to attend. Constance McMillen, a Mississippi high school student, had her senior prom canceled because she couldn’t take her “girlfriend” to the prom.

In an interview two years ago at Saddleback Church in California, Pastor Rick Warren asked you to define marriage. You replied, “I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman. Now, for me as a Christian...it’s also a sacred union. You know, God’s in the mix.”

As a Christian, Mr. President, why are you publicly endorsing lifestyles that clearly go against God’s word? As a brother in Christ, I strongly advise you to read Romans 1:18-32 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. By encouraging people to live immoral lifestyles, you are leading them on the path of eternal separation from God.

Mr. President, what would happen if Malia or
 Sasha decided to become a lesbian at a young age? What if one of your daughters wanted to bring a “girlfriend” to her prom? Gay activists would tell you that you should be supportive if you really love your daughter. But Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Jesus also gave a severe warning in Mark 9:42 to those who cause a child who believes in Him to sin.

Mr. President, the Bible defines all sexual activity outside of marriage as a sin. By encouraging teenage homosexuals, you are not only enticing them to violate God’s word but also to break the law regarding sexual activity with minors. I recognize that being the President of the United States is a difficult job for you cannot please all the people all the time. But ultimately, you will have to answer to God for decisions that affect the lives of millions.

Contrary to what you said last year in Turkey, the United States of America was founded upon the Judeo-Christian ethic. Continued disregard of these moral values has resulted in broken families and a misled generation of young people with no solid foundation of what’s right and wrong. In a few years, we might see individuals protesting for the right to marry their relatives, pets, or plants!

Even the Father of Our Country opposed homosexuality. On March 14, 1778, at Valley Forge, George Washington ordered a practicing homosexual within his ranks to be "drummed out of the military." I can't imagine what Washington would think of what's happening now in the city named after him that recently legalized same-sex marriages.

Let me clarify that I am not a homophobe and will minister God's love to homosexuals I encounter while doing street ministry. 2 Peter 3:9 says that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. I personally know former homosexuals who overcame same-sex attraction with God’s help.

In closing Mr. President, I will continue to pray for the well-being of you and your family. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 commands us to pray “…for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life.” But I’m also praying that you repent of making ungodly decisions.

May God have mercy upon America and her leaders.

In Christ,

Todd R. Post