I cast my mind to Calvary and transfix my gaze on Him

Early on in the election process, I was truly amazed at information that would be on the news. Any one story would have been major news at any other time with any other people, but as the time has drawn closer to the actual election, all bets are off.  Too many things to mention…. Have made me numb to our country as we once knew it.  If we only got information through social media, we would be filled with hate and condemnation for anyone who happens to think different than we do.So, I have tried to stay away from political comments from “Friends” on facebook.  I choose to agree to disagree in love.  After all, when the election is done, life will go back to a new normal, but friends will have been lost in the process. That is the sad part for me to watch.In trying to avoid looking at other comments, I have tried not to voice my own.  I know there are many who do not agree with me and that is fine. We live in America, land of the free, and freedom of speech. But good grief, have our rights been taken out of context…I was going to quietly wait for Tuesday to get here and thankfully be over. But God….. I heard some really great words today in church and wanted to try to share. As I hastily was writing things down, so I wouldn`t forget, I am soaking them in now, as I go back over them.It started as a reminder in our songs we were singing.. by Hillsong I cast my mind to Calvary Where Jesus bled and died for me.I see His wounds ,His hands, His feet.My Saviour on that cursed tree His body bound and drenched in tearsThey laid Him down in Joseph's tomb.The entrance sealed by heavy stoneMessiah still and all alone And then on the third at break of dawn,The Son of heaven rose again.O trampled death where is your sting?The angels roar for Christ the King He shall return in robes of white,The blazing Son shall pierce the night.And I will rise among the saints,My gaze transfixed on Jesus' faceO praise the name of the Lord our GodO praise His name forever moreFor endless days we will sing Your praiseOh Lord, oh Lord our God I realize and am thankful that I am not defined by who will win the election. It will effect my life, yes, absolutely, but I am not defined by it.  I can cast my mind to Calvary, and my gaze on Jesus face. He defines me. He gives me hope. He gives me a future with Him. He is the one who has rescued my soul.  God is still on the throne.Psalm 47:2 “For the LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.”Psalm 103:  13- As a father has compassion on his children,so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;14 for he knows how we are formed,he remembers that we are dust.15 The life of mortals is like grass,they flourish like a flower of the field;16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,and its place remembers it no more.17 But from everlasting to everlastingthe Lord’s love is with those who fear him,and his righteousness with their children’s children—18 with those who keep his covenantand remember to obey his preceptsOur choice is not for a man or woman, a democrat or republican, but rather on who will lead our country based on Biblical values and our religious freedoms.  The future President will only be around 4 or 8 years but the Supreme Court Justices that will be appointed during the presidents term, will be lifetime appointees. They have supreme power to change everything.If you are thinking of not voting, just remember that alot of blood was shed so we can go mark a little black circle on the ballot Tuesday. We can be part of the process. We can make a difference and let our voice be heard.The legacy we leave for our children and grandchildren will be decided this week.I urge you to vote for who best lines up with your Christian  beliefs.  If we put our trust and hope in people, they always disappoint. These two candidates are no different.  They have and will let us down. They are not perfect. But the question that we need to answer in our own mind, is who will led us with respect to our religious freedoms and Biblical teachings.People can be political correct and say whatever they like. People try to take the scripture out of context and make it “Feel good” religion. BUT GOD……. The one thing that NEVER changes is His WORD. It is as true today as it was when it was written.So I choose to remember the song we sang this morning, and cast my mind to Calvary , and the blessed hope that we have in Christ Jesus..I have started this new painting. Actually, a long time ago, it was started. Another one of those that didn`t really do anything for me, as it was, just a big make over was due. It is a start with a long way to go, but it represents how Jesus is calling us to come to Him. The windows , on the other side, is our choice..... Another song, 'Jesus is tenderly calling us home, calling today, calling today.....Jesus is tenderly calling you home—Calling today, calling today,Why from the sunshine of love will you roamFarther and farther away?

• Refrain:Calling today, calling today,Jesus is calling, is tenderly calling today.

1. Jesus is calling the weary to rest—Calling today, calling today,Bring Him your burden and you shall be blest;He will not turn you away.
2. Jesus is waiting, oh, come to Him now—Waiting today, waiting today,Come with your sins, at His feet lowly bow;Come, and no longer delay.
3. Jesus is pleading, oh, list to His voice:Hear Him today, hear Him today,They who believe on His name shall rejoice;Quickly arise and away.

Love that old hymn!! Anyway, here is the process that I wanted to share today as it is very meaningful to the story... I still have layers to go, to finish the windows and background but it is heading in the right direction.... to show my vision.....I know this was a bit long, and sorry about that, but just weighing heavy on my heart... this new week of ours... Please pray for Him to place who He desires in the White House, and continue to pray for our country and the hate that has been born.Linked with Sunday Sketches today http://bluechairdiary.blogspot.com/Have a blessed new weekLove, Jane