In a world of high tech, I’m probably as low tech as they come. I don’t have the most recent smart phone. In fact, it’s probably so old, it’s considered a “dumb phone”. My computer is at least ten years old, not a laptop, and it has been refurbished and upgraded so many times, it’s definitely running on borrowed time. Up until recently, I was running an older version of Windows, that refused to open some programs I needed for writing. My old computer tries to incorporate the new apps and technology into it’s already overwhelmed system, but it’s like teaching an old dog new tricks. It refuses to obey my commands.
My year old grandson, grabbed my daughter’s “smart” phone the other day, and by pressing a few buttons ordered a few things off of Amazon before she noticed what he was doing. Luckily, he is still not savvy enough to figure out how to pay by credit card! My almost three year old granddaughter plays with an old Nintendo Gameboy and feeds, walks and plays with her digital “puppies”. I can hardly figure out how to turn the Gameboy on!
For the past week I’ve been trying to access iCloud so I could download the pictures that mysteriously sync with my devices whether I want them to or not. I was blocked at every turn. Access was denied because, (1) I couldn’t remember my password, and (2) I couldn’t remember the answers to my security questions needed to verify that it was actually me trying to get into my account.
Ok. Not tech’s fault that I can’t remember passwords etc. That’s on me.
Finally, out of desperation, I prayed a fervent “HELP ME!” prayer to God and like the Red Sea being parted, iCloud opened without a glitch, and I was able to enter the Promised Land…uh…I mean program.
Canada is voting today to choose a new Prime Minister. I voted in the advance polls a week ago and had to laugh at the “low tech” manner in which my vote was cast. Yes, the polling station, an Elections Canada station, verified my identity and address by computer, but then it was a hands-on process. I was given a folded paper ballot which I marked with an X in pencil, for my candidate of choice. I stood behind a cardboard screen while filling out the ballot. I returned my refolded ballot to the elections official, who chatted merrily with me while handing me an envelope. I placed my ballot inside the envelope and peeled off a sticky strip to seal the envelope. Then I was given another envelope to put the first envelope in, and given a glue stick to seal that envelope. I was told to sign the envelope and date it, and then on the back place a check mark to declare I signed on the front. (No wonder advance polls took an hour or more to clear!). I was then able to place my ballot into the cardboard ballot box. It was a bit of a convoluted process, but I appreciated the fact there were no armed soldiers stationed outside as is the case in some countries. There was peaceful chatter amongst voters and it was a pleasant way to perform my civic duty. Tonight my two envelopes will be unsealed with millions of others and my vote will be counted in the democratic process. Canadians will elect the leader they want as Prime Minister, or the leader we “deserve” as a nation.
Let that statement sink in.
John MacArthur often speaks about the consequences of societal sin and its impact on leadership. He suggests that a nation’s leaders are often a reflection of its collective moral failings. Psalm 2 is often cited by MacArthur to illustrate the consequences of rejecting God’s authority and the potential for leaders to act against God’s will. He suggests that such actions can lead to God’s judgment and the selection of leaders who reflect that rebellion. In other words people will get the leader a nation deserves, rather than a leader who follows God wholeheartedly in his personal life and in his leadership role.
No matter the outcome tonight, I know God is in control. God is Sovereign and I will pray for our PM and the men and women who will lead our country over the next four years. They need our prayers!
“Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear
and celebrate his rule with trembling.”
Lynn Dove's Journey Thoughts 