This election cycle in the USA is almost over and many of us are feeling anxious about it. What can the Bible tell us about voting and to ease our anxieties around our election?

In Mark 10 we meed Bartimaeus who is blind. He does a few things that we are also called to do and it seems much of the catalyst is being seen by Jesus.

Jesus, the son of God, intercedes for our sin like the high priests of the Hebrew Bible, but unlike those high priests who were imperfect, Jesus the THE Great High Priest. Through him we have redemption from sin and fellowship with God. Today we are encouraged to walk in that love and fellowship, embracing it and sharing it with those around us.

Today we meet a rich, young man who seemed to have it all but who was unable to find his place in the kingdom of God. If he couldn't make it, then who could?

James 3:13-18 lays out the choice we have to choose between the wisdom of God and earthly Wisdom.

Words can have an incredible impact on ourselves and on those around us. This week in James 3, we are encouraged to speak words that point others to the love of God rather than words that tear others down or build ourselves up.

This week we were in James 2:14-17 talking about putting our faith into action out of love for others around us.

While religious traditions and preferences can be important, and a benefit to those who practice them, elevating them to a "gospel" status can be harmful. Rather, we should be on the lookout for those things within ourselves that threaten to harm us and our neighbor.

This week in John 6:66-69 we are challenged to answer this question for ourselves. To whom else could we go? Who else has the words of life? It's not always easy to answer but for many, the answer is Jesus.

In our lives, we learn from the wisdom of others and we are called to walk in that wisdom, especially in light of God's love. What does that look like? We'll talk about it in our examination of Ephesians 5:15-20