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CAUTION!!
As Christians, we must resist the temptation to let personality influence our voting decisions. In today’s culture, personality often dominates political discussions, with candidates being judged more for their charisma or relatability than for their stance on critical issues. However, as believers, we are called to dig deeper and look beyond these surface-level traits. Our vote should be guided by biblical principles, focusing on issues like the sanctity of life, religious freedom, justice, and integrity, rather than how likable or charming a candidate appears. Proverbs 29:2 reminds us that the righteous bring joy to a nation, but the wicked cause distress. It is our responsibility to ensure that we support leaders who will uphold biblical values and promote righteousness, even if their personalities don’t immediately appeal to us. While a charismatic leader may be appealing, charm without conviction can lead a nation astray. Conversely, a leader who may not be as charismatic but stands firmly on principles aligned with God’s Word can lead with integrity and strength. Focusing solely on personality may distract us from the critical policies that will shape the moral and ethical direction of our society. God has entrusted us with the ability to vote wisely, and this responsibility includes setting aside our personal preferences and biases to focus on the larger picture: the leader’s vision, policies, and alignment with God’s truth. When we let personality guide our vote, we risk undermining the very values we are called to uphold. By focusing on biblical principles rather than personal appeal, we fulfill our role as stewards of God’s values in the political realm. It’s essential that we ask whether a candidate’s policies reflect biblical truth and whether they stand for justice, righteousness, and the protection of the vulnerable. In this way, we can ensure that our vote reflects God’s heart and seeks the well-being of our nation.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
WALKING IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me.”
This verse is not just a historical promise made to the early disciples; it is a living and active promise for every believer today.
The power of the Holy Spirit is meant to equip us to live out our faith boldly, effectively, and joyfully.
This power is not something we can manufacture on our own; it comes only through surrender and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus spoke these words to the disciples, He was calling them—and now us—into a life of supernatural power and purpose.
Think about the disciples before and after Pentecost.
Before receiving the Holy Spirit, they were full of fear, doubt, and uncertainty.
Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, even denied Him three times out of fear.
Yet, after the Holy Spirit came upon them, everything changed.
On the day of Pentecost, the same Peter stood boldly before thousands, preaching the gospel with such power that 3,000 souls were saved in one day.
The disciples, who had been hiding, became fearless witnesses for Christ.
This transformation is the undeniable evidence of the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives—and this same power is available to us today.
In my own journey, there have been times when I’ve tried to live out my faith in my own strength, striving, pushing, and exhausting myself with little fruit.
But the moment I surrender to the Holy Spirit, everything shifts.
It’s as though a weight is lifted, and suddenly, I’m no longer trying to manufacture my faith.
Instead, the Spirit is flowing through me, giving me boldness, wisdom, and peace that I couldn’t find on my own.
Are you, too, trying to live out your Christian walk in your own strength?
It’s a frustrating place to be because we were never meant to do this alone.
Jesus knew we would need help—that’s why He promised the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, to come alongside us, empower us, and guide us in all truth.
When we rely on His power, our faith becomes more than a belief; it becomes an unstoppable force that transforms our lives and the world around us.
Imagine trying to light a lamp without plugging it into the power source.
No matter how beautifully designed the lamp is, without the electricity, it’s just decoration in the dark.
That’s what it’s like trying to live the Christian life without the Holy Spirit.
We may have all the knowledge, all the resources, and all the intentions, but without the Holy Spirit’s power, we remain ineffective in shining the light of Christ to those around us.
The Spirit is the “power source” that allows us to shine brightly, bringing hope and transformation to others.
PRAYER
Lord, I recognize that I cannot live the Christian life in my own strength. I need Your Holy Spirit to guide me, empower me, and fill me with boldness to be the witness You have called me to be. Please fill me with Your Spirit today. Let Your power flow through me, and help me to rely on You in every area of my life. In Your Name, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
This week, intentionally ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in specific areas of your life—whether it’s in your relationships, your work, your faith, or your witness to others.
Write down what you sense Him leading you to do, and take steps in obedience, trusting that His power will accomplish far more than you ever could on your own.
Watch how God works when you surrender and rely fully on His Spirit.
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Freddie May’s Mom
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard – Piedmont Atlanta
James Parker
Jeff Brown
June Davis
Kim McClain
Linda Hodge
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Matt Barron’s Mother
Melba Torbich’s Family
Victims Of Storm And Chemical Fire
Amy Garner’s Mom
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Daniel Cooper’s Mother
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother in law
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Parker
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Graham’s Family
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher