The Wired Word for 1132024 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 11/3/2024 ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article0.00998d930354.png) ## Metadata - Author: [[The Wired Word]] - Full Title: The Wired Word for 11/3/2024 - Category: #articles - Document Note: --- tags: [#politics, #election, #decision_making, #ranked_choice_voting, #biblical_references, #leadership] - #politics - #election - #decision_making - #ranked_choice_voting - #biblical_references - #leadership Author: Communication Resources Source: The Wired Word Reference: Dear Class Members, 2024 Election and Biblical Insights date created: 2024-11-03 10:30 --- # Title: **Leadership, Decision-Making, and Election Choices in Biblical and Modern Contexts** ## Table of Contents: - [📝 Summary](#-summary) - [📖 Main Content](#-main-content) - [🗒️ Notes](#-notes) - [📖 References](#-references) - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#-paraphrase) - [📰 Newsletter](#-newsletter) - [✅ Action Items](#-action-items) - [🧪 Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) - [📊 Methodology](#-methodology) - [❓ Questions](#-questions) - [🔮 Future Research](#-future-research) - [💡 Implications](#-implications) - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) - [🌍 DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Assessment](#-deib-diversity-equity-inclusion-and-belonging-assessment) - [✅ Logical Validity](#-logical-validity) - [🔍 DARVO Analysis](#-darvo-analysis) - [🔍 SEO Evaluation](#-seo-evaluation) - [🎯 Conclusion](#-conclusion) --- ## 📝 Summary: This article compares the complexities of contemporary election methods, like ranked choice voting, with traditional methods of leadership and decision-making, drawing parallels to biblical principles. Topics include the ranked choice voting approach Portland is testing, proportional multimember districts, and historical perspectives on leadership selection, such as Jethro's advice to Moses and the Urim and Thummim's use in ancient Israel. The text also questions how faith may guide democratic participation and responsible leadership choices today. ## 📖 Main Content: The article reflects on various electoral methods across cultures, emphasizing ranked choice voting, proportional representation, and traditional forms. It also references biblical models for selecting leaders, noting how divine guidance, wisdom, and community input were emphasized in ancient contexts. Drutman advocates a multiparty system to foster diversity and compromise in U.S. politics, while also questioning the Electoral College and highlighting voter exhaustion in complex ballot systems. Parallels to decision-making in faith communities underscore the value of spiritual discernment and prayer. ### 🗒️ Notes - **Ranked Choice Voting in Portland** - Voters list candidates by preference. - Candidates with broad, cross-preference appeal may succeed. - Issues: complexity, voter fatigue, ballot exhaustion. - **Multiparty Democracy (Drutman)** - Suggests proportional multimember districts to increase representation. - Coalition-building across parties could enhance democratic engagement. - **Electoral College vs. Popular Vote** - National Popular Vote Compact as a potential alternative. - Concerns about representation, majority rule, and voter impact. - **Biblical Decision-Making** - Jethro’s guidance to Moses on delegation and discernment. - Urim and Thummim as tools for divine judgment. - Community’s role in leadership and discernment in Acts. ## 📖 References: 1. *Election of Portland's Next Mayor Has Statewide Implications*, Oregon Capital Chronicle 2. *List of Electoral Systems by Country*, Wikipedia 3. *Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop: The Case for Multiparty Democracy in America*, Lee Drutman 4. *Cultural Influences in Decision-Making Process*, Country Navigator ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: 1. The article discusses how diverse cultures make decisions, noting that some Asian and Amish models prioritize community over individual autonomy. This contrasts with the American emphasis on personal freedom and independence. 2. Drutman argues that proportional districts and coalition-building can mitigate polarization, allowing more voices to influence policy. He emphasizes that reform is essential for innovation and cooperation within the U.S. political system. ## 📰 Newsletter: 🎉 **WordPress Community Spotlight: November 2024** Portland, Oregon, is testing ranked choice voting in its mayoral election. This method could serve as a new way to diversify representation beyond the traditional two-party structure in the U.S., potentially changing the approach to coalition-building and compromise in local and national elections. Curious about how other cultures and biblical teachings influence our modern approach to democracy? Explore the latest in open-source governance, political innovation, and community input at [The Wired Word](https://www.thewiredword.com). ## ✅ Action Items: 1. **Educational Initiative**: Highlight comparisons between ranked choice voting and traditional voting systems in WordPress community forums. 2. **Advocacy Workshop**: Lead a discussion on decision-making processes across cultures, emphasizing coalition-building and shared responsibility. 3. **Open-Source Funding**: Develop resources aligning open-source projects with sustainable, community-based decision models. 4. **OSPO Goals**: Incorporate coalition-building techniques in WordPress open-source projects to foster inclusivity and innovation. ## 🧪 Hypotheses: 1. Proportional representation in open-source project governance could increase diverse participation. 2. Faith-based approaches to leadership may provide effective community cohesion frameworks for democratic systems. ### 📊 Methodology: 1. **Survey Analysis**: Study open-source project outcomes under proportional vs. hierarchical leadership. 2. **Comparative Analysis**: Evaluate voter engagement in regions with ranked choice voting vs. traditional ballots. ### ❓ Questions: 1. How might coalition-building alter the decision-making process in open-source communities? 2. What ethical considerations should faith-based organizations address when influencing public policy? ### 🔮 Future Research: 1. **Coalition Impact**: Analyze the long-term effects of coalition-driven policies in multiparty systems. 2. **Electoral Fatigue**: Explore methods to reduce voter fatigue in complex electoral systems like ranked choice voting. ### 💡 Implications: 1. **Democratic Engagement**: Coalition-driven policies may foster voter engagement by representing diverse perspectives. 2. **Faith and Governance**: Faith-based decision models may inform ethical frameworks in governance, promoting communal responsibility. ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment: - **Visual**: Limited graphics; add flowcharts or voting system diagrams. - **Aural**: Lacks auditory content; recommend adding an audio summary. - **Verbal**: Detailed language supports verbal learners. - **Physical**: Could benefit from interactive examples or application exercises. - **Logical**: Logical arguments are well-presented; more data examples would benefit. - **Social**: Lacks group discussion prompts; adding forum links recommended. - **Solitary**: Reflection questions are present. - **Naturalistic**: Limited; integrate more environmental and community examples. ### 📊 Accessibility Assessment: - **Screen Reader Compatibility**: Text-based format with limited visuals. - **Keyboard Navigation**: Standard HTML accessible. - **Contrast & Readability**: High contrast; easily readable font. - **Improvements**: Alt text on graphics, if added, for visual learners. ### 🌍 DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Assessment: - **Cultural Relevance**: Broad but U.S.-centric; suggest adding international perspectives. - **Inclusive Language**: Generally inclusive, but could simplify for non-native speakers. - **Representation**: Example expansion recommended for greater cultural representation. - **Psychological Safety**: Contains inclusive faith-based discussion prompts. ### ✅ Logical Validity: - **Logical Consistency**: Well-structured with clear cause-effect reasoning. - **Balanced Viewpoint**: Addresses pros and cons of electoral systems. - **Suggestions**: More specific examples of coalition success for broader support. ### 🔍 DARVO Analysis: No significant DARVO elements; content focuses on impartial comparison and - Document Tags: [[Politics & Society]] - Summary: As we reach the peak of this election season, we thought it would be worthwhile to explore some of the ways leadership and policy decisions have been made throughout human history, in biblical times and subsequently. Dear Class Members, As we reach the peak of this election season, we thought it would be worthwhile to explore some of the ways leadership and policy decisions have been made throughout human history, in biblical times and subsequently. For people who have grown up with only one political system, it might come as a bit of a surprise to learn that other nations and groups of people use different methods to establish and maintain social cohesiveness and health. Does God favor any particular social structure? And how are we to behave, as God-followers, in our particular system? So that is our topic for this week. ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **As Nation Chooses Leaders, Direction, Some Try New Ways of Making Decisions*****The Wired Word*** **for the Week of November 3, 2024** **In the News** In this election cycle, Portland, Oregon, is trying ranked choice voting to select a new mayor from 19 candidates on the ballot. Three of the candidates are well-known incumbent city council members, but others have never served in elective office and are relatively unknown to the populace. In ranked choice voting, voters can list which candidates they would pick, in order of preference. If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote initially, the lowest-ranking candidates are eliminated from contention as other candidates get their votes. A candidate who might be the first choice of a significant number of voters could lose to a candidate who had broad appeal to more voters in their second- or third-place choices. Problems with ranked choice voting include a great increase in ballot complexity -- leading to ballot exhaustion and reduced voter turnout. Alaska, which adopted ranked choice voting in 2020, is voting this year on returning to the previous system. After watching Portland's experiment with ranked choice voting, Oregon voters may consider whether to adopt the method on a statewide scale. Lee Drutman, the author of *Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop: The Case for Multiparty Democracy in America*, wrote that in other nations, and in part of American history as well, the political landscape is more fluid than it is in the current climate in the United States, with multiple parties representing portions of the electorate. These parties tend to have more nuanced ideological views, economic, social and political identities. To work toward their goals, they usually need to build coalitions with other groups, which requires listening to and sometimes compromising with others who have different perspectives. Drutman suggested that adopting proportional multimember districts might be one way to break the hold of the two-party system over our political decision-making process. That means more than one candidate from a single party could represent a district, raising the likelihood that more voices with different perspectives would be heard in the rooms where decisions affecting the public are being made. "Freeing the existing factions to forge new and shifting alliances would liberate the political innovation lying untapped in our political system," Drutman asserted. "Our current political system turns Americans against one another. Only by changing the rules and incentives of our politics can we give ourselves a fighting chance to respond to the tremendous challenges faced by our nation and planet." Another proposal for the House of Representatives is to increase its number. Currently fixed at 435 members, each member now represents an electorate average of over 750,000 -- by far the largest of any economically developed country, and well over the roughly 30,000 each one represented when the Constitution was adopted. One special aspect of the federal government is the use of the Electoral College, which uses a complicated method to determine who wins a presidential election, not by who gets the most popular votes, but by who gets a 270-vote majority of the votes of electors. The [National Popular Vote Interstate Compact](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCwBIZqUpwwOd8CtyZyo95YV3qE1uyJ0ckuebKbl0UrCiDq30KljO0H7I6B-2BN465YRCu2RQ-2BGhWp1u6KYsy1lUU-3DqPfn_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9oyXrDct6JAYWM7fJCl-2FPY1gSu6JJKCkPafGCubzbCH1izrdQiZCkJWCJl51qDTUfVa1mSs-2Bq-2FUTS0eX01PjFSvEktNxLpNKRyq3JbcHC-2BmwHv7xcM69bOi8qiTyj9es9lHzkJTQPsvWAgkZNW8kz1FEkZpwt0t4pQKlALWc-2Fz8si-2BZNIEjky7zLKGadI0jurwzkAdt03MCxIpKLzWeSdeLo-3D), currently agreed to by 17 U.S. states representing 209 electoral votes, is a "winner take all" type of arrangement that would award their electoral votes to whichever presidential candidate gets the most votes nationwide. This plan would take effect when enough states sign on to constitute the 270-vote majority of electoral votes needed to secure victory in a presidential election. Neither the current Electoral College method nor the interstate compact system guarantees that presidents have won the support of a majority of voters. In some political systems, candidates win only when they receive support from more than half of those who cast ballots, which may be achieved through one or more run-off contests. More on this story can be found at these links: [Election of Portland's Next Mayor Has Statewide Implications.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHLMB-2B5YGdhpaWZs3isbqk5uP91aCOl4draF1zZDf7ZDXGpaGaRAK4Fs3b-2FWvZ92fyr-2B1DUoTeC1-2F8IijtkQ5gMe8WOW-2FkxP-2F0-2FxY7X2kJNDGVholxfBOrJc61SuVI3lFbj2Ga9BD7AvYPDzvCHYgls-3DfHLz_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o9ZNSL-2BeFkUPJHW-2B1DriPHaWP3PKKI8yKflFA2LnEQZdvwhNtvpOeOzIXocbZkxz5Hu2om6J5eev98HATfK5Jc6pfpT66Nka5daX5yRaL8wt8isvfmTt28bktFoxPgUDvJOL-2B7W6NZHVFUmk55y4k6OKO5-2BB45-2BikKP0aYAEknHY4GZ37XUpZ75nnCqtxRmrU-2F2SdPm36jvlyuOCaCYGI2Y-3D) [*Oregon Capital Chronicle*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHLMB-2B5YGdhpaWZs3isbqk5uP91aCOl4draF1zZDf7ZDXGpaGaRAK4Fs3b-2FWvZ92fyr-2B1DUoTeC1-2F8IijtkQ5gMe8WOW-2FkxP-2F0-2FxY7X2kJNDGVholxfBOrJc61SuVI3lFbj2Ga9BD7AvYPDzvCHYgls-3DNlB4_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o5-2FLQQVFdXjuveGhZ9NgrDI3Me3Rw-2FY0-2FQsM0-2Flui8AbegrANb9k1MpsGmXn6d5J8-2BE84gvZ0rS9YqYTrzdrkowWNqhkdW2Ioc3tYlIYSEZviOhSaTmojQDwZ4DoZXEJ3HjSrgyNe0OxGqu-2BKfvUV8EKaNxmH-2B41W2GIMhGvAZIJfzqP9tuJUH-2Fns1I2gC1lbfoD5GMpYhamksmeG0U3GMU-3D) [List of Electoral Systems by Country.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCwBIZqUpwwOd8CtyZyo95Zo1cRzT5LOF07WshxjAQ49IsD0Jv5k0djTEoD-2Br51ZIBR5XHSTLmxTVgNpt2rpFbA-3DM2G-_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9ow6iOmkqcEd0xQsjQPDcBoXp1eD0idYi8jH-2FZZ8wsYOVQKjPInC-2BHoUwwhNNwC2lcKJ6SLkMA0Jy21pmz8-2FN8GDPiDBg9ftj1MHVZftCOqD6QQEnsvNPbm2SzzvgDWjL3x6aHQy6tAoJTEf0RaKbL8mS1YvUCCHL1DZopuufcDsw48XRkTh9tWEpXoMJcUlfavVPoQ-2B6v1bStVFYZjDUIB0-3D) [*Wikipedia*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCwBIZqUpwwOd8CtyZyo95Zo1cRzT5LOF07WshxjAQ49IsD0Jv5k0djTEoD-2Br51ZIBR5XHSTLmxTVgNpt2rpFbA-3Dhitj_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o9oktcKP9p5jRa1BXc515Lb8JslhbnMX3g7kO2nHOOKeo2Dns2yq69g505b1UUNAWloU4xHkQeu9EZuz5IfgJIX-2BG8usiL-2BnbaR5uHJY7HcbibqS-2BB4IjLmRmAAlwHaf9xZAhVrMe-2FbYSUiYroYUkz8aHlTJ39VrJi2p-2BlIRO9zv5mEsaEmBHCdIPkpsFN1muQEXfAEK8yE0knGgFavRWH4-3D)[Cultural Influences in Decision Making Process.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOJUn4YnQ24l3LsBtc9Rw9FVcns15H8JtZgMwH6T-2F-2BQuHlhsIu4QAztXieZV6G9eWdWlegz2mdhBUD5oOtqjVh2sdfTsk8fi3AQ3dn8mj8vY6OwXP-2F9E1CrhUJkmtWcP5g-3D-3DKGE__-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9oyMaBs1gbcSlfRwIjUF8slD7ZbWt3W2jwoO-2BRIWrh5ttgp0z2OX-2F-2Fa4m-2BScYmCUIFWaAfkPCVK-2BR-2BT1MacD8G9mNCO8kjR9cVoNhlbVg-2B8vlm50dMR98lfGdWM-2FOqqDIbGxSmlGZtq7W9B-2BpP1Tjd7HdxzPRSmPYymB-2BsMlUoMDrtjIW0PMdwyJOwUQaOEqF4TJZsDZzVJpfk9xvpfSpQ-2B8-3D) [*Country Navigator*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOJUn4YnQ24l3LsBtc9Rw9FVcns15H8JtZgMwH6T-2F-2BQuHlhsIu4QAztXieZV6G9eWdWlegz2mdhBUD5oOtqjVh2sdfTsk8fi3AQ3dn8mj8vY6OwXP-2F9E1CrhUJkmtWcP5g-3D-3D0NK0_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o1jI-2B7pZXcCK1jWyJ1xRMxVjZw3Jd3fmFhZMJ-2F-2B-2BAz7tiPY1Lj7wdtsp6ERgQWxjKqKURalwnPMlUFeVuOYZJb9Fjzps4-2FUMJ3IdFndLqbl3k7-2FRvyJjzqznQ-2BDQWeaCTqn3j87SDlTQn0DxNKaFZovPdpakgY8Sp1Vzn4S0Xiv8SleXH7QqWpg7TGOK-2FyRCHT1a3cdlpVG0SaKM-2FhEwD40-3D)[Quiz: If America Had Six Parties, Which Would You Belong To?](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJjqs9eTHTvMgxKUxOrSDPrZEFm0zZ8FnXBgjGl5opGBxgRrYP9VRLSEehXsiZhgicGY-2BgwoJBgXcJXlNdrY-2FD7QGDiqcYxFKKvrEnm-2BePFmM9DvKxv-2Fj9vZ8Ck1zWNfbg-3D-3DBScF_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o-2F-2FQIbMDU-2BKCKYFjBP-2Bg2AAOrMeEapXluqOqhSIjcB77O5IcNxHhVvhYyxbg7-2BTT4MfbPPvWrUzSDq5LSo1Njog6IUkix7WTqDy8TXW4unwA-2BMkvwnN62mBwoR8JNxLjeeBvS0redNDnDNsBjZ1-2BncBfpHVdMB1fx9PlZoN-2BcgBNvN1CE6nQIIz2w-2FyJGOnPN8BIjli-2FbARQhVWGeogrSAk-3D) [*The New York Times*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJjqs9eTHTvMgxKUxOrSDPrZEFm0zZ8FnXBgjGl5opGBxgRrYP9VRLSEehXsiZhgicGY-2BgwoJBgXcJXlNdrY-2FD7QGDiqcYxFKKvrEnm-2BePFmM9DvKxv-2Fj9vZ8Ck1zWNfbg-3D-3DEmBm_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9ow2pFWezjcKKY-2FicY0Cg7Z11yxxZEm8zas7-2BLz2C-2Btxwp-2FXgWI0Yr4pOwwgawcFMG-2BcmKCCaqadJ6O3UGLBYk1DtbHc00s4GusVl0xHU2Cm4n0VZ2G8VbpTqJ-2BD0DvYgzuJrsSLYCUOw21yYBbBrGZn3HHox3D1bypG9jxJQsJI4UPGM4i6MoqgP4h2zm4WzI0zrbSbHDXkqlIOC82qbUbg-3D)[No Country Still Uses an Electoral College -- Except the US.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPMqBIxvpVTfYxYEWj9-2BBPWu2Bjw73ImgJG6IK0h41PfUEJ9gCZpYBLLNfzZW44TgjufIj7cbCBWA-2BnDuu2Xk-2BRscvdiMsemBo-2F-2BinNaf-2BsC6jfXOyPW-2FNooLYCltHR41CA-3D-3Djzrp_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o6CPZ9PVfA7ZKQRvuvGI2LzSi31Wn7MuZ5rFJoq4O4ncGXzGtVzFX8C826ZxuLVKnQgxu84toHCJA3LC20M63r1Xu-2B5LrsjQ1YCVSxIh2Uc-2Fx-2Bs8KC55CShVLXb6fOfAnRh1JhxpzBfEWPbibxONgqv5m2LPtOO8oIY02X2OVpUCfLzJvvyeESetG-2Fk33TzVgIQYRhPF7PI0cGxWoQ1dTJU-3D) [*The Conversation*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPMqBIxvpVTfYxYEWj9-2BBPWu2Bjw73ImgJG6IK0h41PfUEJ9gCZpYBLLNfzZW44TgjufIj7cbCBWA-2BnDuu2Xk-2BRscvdiMsemBo-2F-2BinNaf-2BsC6jfXOyPW-2FNooLYCltHR41CA-3D-3DLK27_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9ow4OK5D8Bgz2fjqwYc1JuQ-2BNI-2F7GRF5s3btaayx-2FQMD9nhlLbjLSk7pg6N-2FtqPikQW3AkFH59QIlrnO6yRQIqLnYEvPqXeQiXUE0fiE4aAC-2BG-2Bw-2FoOp9wegFGyhtg-2Bt9wDyGnYvMyxugh-2BujbMlGDixV6Ug0ZGE6L0L6aebGASNxy0jWruYkpHUkhG-2Bi1Cmo26wSfYhQMYYHHl2qY9nhiqo-3D) **Applying the News Story** The psalmist writes that the Lord will teach those who fear the Lord "the way that they should choose" ([Psalm 25:12-14](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxne48HDKdjqsJnrd53iPukqGnJCJgeKxX6fvGoJlrrpzLyxtsjFyCsLJFMJL8ExYLqv_r_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o-2BmFVPJFtuDvWzMJO1wZI4RjsgB8o-2FxfmlJiGs9jv1hJ3sfktER7gDzVAw2v04yLjPmB2awD2-2B7ARqcW3IO9GIqvvDXgHlAERddDd0JPloOxaKigqBCiUA96d5bO8xx33S5kV3YicLGn6gpVz-2BK-2BqmHSRiFNmb9fT1J2JDJj4TiGfIq7CwQlWK59wYTepJhPZexb3m0NPuinTRfgv-2BW-2FoEo-3D)). If we want to know which way to go, our first task is to respect God. God provides guidance to help us know how we should live, through God's commandments, which "enlighten the eyes" ([Psalm 19:8](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEYsRn6dfakFVAxp1QQdxIFv92egkdNl5yN18zcW1H8BxWd1TgSz-2BbZGLSvEgSMMoiWX5_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o1mnwf4c8ZhUwufdRPbXePQ81PghYOAMSA53ND-2Fyd6lkEHdu7Um7-2FxWAtuEDPu1N-2FQxNDKvZqA-2FiTjU5BSn6-2BzhIOJbdDi0Nql8ertEXvOjN2yssssdSBN2ri8aqh-2BsLRUpFtGMySZnkNQWYRFX1v1V7qhyBtOyF5KiWKHMUCH2ykkd4dfhCR-2Bn78c0FFdY-2BA9haW1VJhfbqE0ScBYLKNKg-3D)) and shine light on our path ([Psalm 119:105](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxqeSUAn-2B-2Bl1-2FWXpdQetpZnPBDHVbPIMhvE-2FIPBdClTVkh6XZ-2Brq4O5Hm-2B6mSBicuiZDhT_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o3LwgPvR-2BFg6EBv6UVbNCNmKHogjB6BwFagqCSUtwEVaEb8NkicbxBbsaLOKYwZThLppz3Pmia4A6ogJYLSyTzbnw6zp8pLcanQBXJFYx5LwHVe4j-2F-2FZAk9eJZKFMZQvqBScMU4YLSBR-2F2VE6L2f918h7CHAAjGzpPdGZFFDkJq-2FFLypCYPHZ54bTZKj3toXcOM1A1U3-2Br7VB281XrXV3bM-3D)). Jesus also promised that the Holy Spirit would guide his disciples into all the truth ([John 16:13](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxxRMgP-2BMZTq2hLjCFHQ09sVyU6j-2F0yW7FgKyv9OKaYzZz2yLkUxfWWTatHYxobgx7j8vc_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o1HE0qhznI6u5Af8vZGWt12LzvyLuryizFv5c3DUE-2FD5-2Fa6-2F3gjZcCF-2Fv1KmfCDhJl-2FWaehMYlMBOMdL8zFS9wXTpNaphZem9FuNwrNZEsiTfhFZ9hY0vF2a4xBslij1leY8q5RS3ImELVGuFIUBlQdD8y3YLS3bjQrjq0LQPJ3G4EPSlE4cM3KTekGRrU6U1XnwueqHW3jfWGAUw-2BOYvkM-3D)). The Bible also speaks of the wisdom of listening to others with different perspectives and of making decisions in community, which brings safety, success and wisdom for the future ([Proverbs 11:14](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihUxRs1hiuXoEVhEmFnBg71aE0t31xfoeJV0jL3wnsedW6qSB_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o5b68kEcXiYNpErqtfowRLsj-2F1ryulx-2Ffwuf-2Ft-2F5nnIGYgfoCZEU-2F8jRxcFShhePFGsuGe1B1O74whmcBVB7WeFNJ7AX2yxatZx52FsdTNYQQVj-2BbXcrizbdtcrlb2oEvKrFGC4xYcOqvc5ZNtqzeRInos7deKPPq8h5fB0FWlgglnJorQTGypwEljFYRBN83YiJ-2FHpcPbVoaOwgLLUGhfQ-3D); [Proverbs 15:22](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihfjIygMkp12lspcJQDQ1c-2F29G4bHLiSVMnlxqtBAMi-2FN8nXh_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o4CTcZUJYQ33CBla2zTgK01MfQnb2s6539eUNeEM6T-2FZQHtI0qqqnXVNhVrB-2BgRcjmlNQkVy27DfLKjMfJkUTDQRVLYcXccZG3WItcIeggcYXI4eCtTpfd0Spn67BA6PUu-2FlJoCI31sWv8N45-2FVtmM6ASNxdUDuLpQ3lKUTyj6xkwnykMAZ0i1-2B1E1p0vBLoWs81yvPYl2PbAoBsMaFgZkM-3D); [Proverbs 12:15](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihY7d92t2oSlQpLyhKWZq-2BK7RgUlF81eISjCd1CmgnjJOjQdB_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o3Dyo2VKUmqPBYWUXdU0M3RbwJ0sCttFPeeH1LhGM06OFH65p8c0vuzKcUb3T9-2BjoHg5Yw8Vm2sJiPLBNEiwBtOfLR1PRw-2FZxGO5V-2FDdMHosy4-2BXB1GkZ0I26xqw1kae9uZBBzEDfCOhJpt6chBTeOttQzeMcMdvneTk-2BS5nlzhEUyY7OBxR2sQNxg0MQp8gAFFwMrSYkUolhmlizjSoUfo-3D); [Proverbs 19:20](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihVR-2FIomy8X11YgBPLqpDX-2Bhtq1YDAL9GNoqcHkNJRfsiGbfj_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o2s5plE1X8JHBy5PhQL9ebhGfXyPrNWxZEHg9TE5G3EKCShvKzAMRUHtAv9BvhXFtL-2BFKKzBkzDmLiWEU8eALklkj7ckUeX0aXw8fQrixFyzrSzBYlHjcGgg1RaoDg3C38-2BO8lr-2BoVEUe0Z8EAEFfUKkr4pUa-2F0SGaA-2B8-2Fwp7owfy53ZmTsnHTnLpFYvOm7uII3Qvq92vWim81abOU08sZ8-3D)). Whatever happens after seeking God's help in discerning the best way forward, we should "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" ([1 Thessalonians 5:16-18](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxnwlwJkO4zrT-2FXtDNTMfl-2B938-2BO81Tp9wj-2FIk88UNms3lik5kvZZJub83phSvrFESbgih68S6ffKA0PnwSnj8Cg-3D-3D8Kge_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o9yeQmuOeLdJ2G32FSfGeEqTJhTdSqSH2iWNE1oaVF55TJdaslaDkIPBISBfuFwHBTeGCEYxwMTiwfy6e-2FvnjgQUoiifgzGb9LlS2RC0Evy7JHRFhA7jhVDPy2AaroC8dLLwoJ7eXHN0NCMDkNJLu7pr4OCBA9O64-2BOqHO-2B2fPzyYWXN6paURnAX3TVd-2Fr7UEY801sJPArb8uYKkHWj6iAU-3D)). Fretting over what happens next accomplishes nothing. Instead, we need to practice joy, keep praying, trusting and thanking God in all things. That is God's will, whatever the results of any election. **The Big Questions** 1. In what sense might casting a ballot be a sacred trust? 2. What do you know about how other countries choose their leaders and make decisions about how they organize and run their society? 3. What advantages and disadvantages do you see in different methods of making decisions that impact the wider society (ranked choice voting, holding runoffs, consensus, multiparty systems versus one- or two-party systems, popular vote versus electoral college, etc.)? 4. What guidance, if any, does our faith provide with regard to making informed decisions that impact the entire populace? 5. How does your faith equip you to thrive, whatever happens in any given election? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **Exodus 18:21-23** *[Jethro said,] "You should also look for able men among all the people, men who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain; set them as officers over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Let them sit as judges for the people at all times; let them bring every important case to you but decide every minor case themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people will go to their homes in peace."* (For context, read [Exodus 18:13-27](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxTZnIxspyl-2FH5UeJwRbVY50BJ7042IqapmSENBUB5-2FtnOBlqRjpPJbkRteBUm4nBHTCG-_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9owhnAkEA3lGXn3yb2NjViuEpbgkEM80L4gU89fMyE7L5tNYFu5ZVKEdAXRGHomPcuNNUGZMErpy5QinVEnkdG9Dv-2BbjhV5nMT99YZMosEIPtiK4L12Vj3QsdK6oL8Kp9hlDy1looKwKurIHKI4SqE-2FJQt4UjLG5Hpp8d3geonSkfD83v5F2FBQUMWOc-2BzGO3Q-2F8ZWnq8pNd5kJrbmMpxeP4-3D).) As Moses began to teach the Israelites how God expected them to live, he developed a clunky methodology which exhausted him and the people, leading to frustration and delays in reaching conclusions in their cases. He couldn't see the forest for the trees, since every dispute had to go through him, leading to him becoming the bottleneck where decisions became clogged and unresolved. Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, advised him to continue to represent the people before God and to bring their cases to God (v. 19), and to teach them God's law "and make known to them the way they are to go and the things they are to do" (v. 20). Beyond that, he recommended that Moses delegate responsibility to others who could share the workload and make wise judgments on behalf of the people. > **Questions:** What qualities did Jethro counsel Moses to look for in those who would serve as judges and officers of the court? What is significant about the suggestion that Moses seek leaders "among all the people"? Why did Jethro add the caveat, "and God so commands you"? What did Jethro envision as the outcome of the new way of making decisions? What aspects of Jethro's advice might be useful in our own selection of leaders and the way they might operate? **Exodus 28:30***In the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron's heart when he goes in before the LORD; thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the Israelites on his heart before the LORD continually.* (For context, read [Exodus 28:15-30](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxx2FEd3BoRBTxbt4VK5xnRnoQ1hztLr6tRQZv5ogAcaHoBXAA2cwTl0-2BKrhg-2B0Ypw-Z7j_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o3oJQNMtx5aV8f3e-2BSpnt28edvfAdCyMtR2TAIlfH-2FyWIwckR1XYSqlSVKeMIRr1FMyUPJlR0nreF8OxONdS3avcFqtMAY-2FLS-2FLVp-2B2yixrZTnMofua66codh-2BQzKN61SgOo902ST-2FjC9g0OwWY5sMhv4DK7wfRNSXiX-2BqRfNwsGYFsHA-2BQVqRENPK-2BUUrgVVTAyN5EzwDhWyFJrANCBaXU-3D).) The Urim and Thummim on the high priest's breastplate were oracles used to provide Israel direction and counsel when needed, in the recognition and commissioning of new leaders (Joshua before the death of Moses as found in [Numbers 27:12-23](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxipKmMB4V5Lv9UivoVYw8ZtUP20cUDvtLy4nyMYX-2B9FhlCTGBEEGJ1IzzqtJ99PbjXVLI_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9oxa-2FWB7wMiprml0aLfjmIfU6MsxSHgvTv74MBOpqzyDxJgPHFPu7xka88ncYKchdgfv-2B85enG8sAjw41h6TY9eJ0oxnRmD-2B0jRSQ2NQU8kP96VqHzVSszCvXvRkQPV4y6rgT-2F4MOQH79mlbtohYa-2BM9tjrTuKPwUnZ6t-2FNsCOBfTq0cnemL7zxAyJOIvclcFpb8Kg97YYyhbjSY3kwUaNjc-3D)), and in the determination of innocence or guilt (as in the case of Jonathan in [1 Samuel 14:24-46](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxFCMNoDo0nIQk1OOuVDrhcXHx8wzc1XWAEg9uaXQRYfY5rQM6Z0WD-2BwdU6q9wuAfYXfNY_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o14n8-2FBrRQ9Di88ET9uIneaCLegrduAGnCLSnGBYX6TnjyeJPKix13MKb2ORLMTgtb9JYdBLkTr96RFEz0nhkKdnMjNmiqjKpe3I-2FqqAgENE456loIi-2FKJiDODE4qBMpKw7sr0R5qpsWAxysXcD-2B73eRRV1pGefibPJKBij10ttQ-2FXsHHnFcBnDwy3qaOdW7Dz-2BPGEOQTebx-2FtWDvL5C5Dw-3D)). When the Philistine army surrounded Saul and his forces, he sought to know the mind of God by consulting the Urim, but God did not answer him, because Saul had disobeyed the Lord ([1 Samuel 28:6](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxFCMNoDo0nIQk1OOuVDrhcQEutyN-2FHpvHvZTyE4BDb0PA4r88OWT5RaUIS-2Bfc-2FAC-2BN7v6_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9oy2wOTNBBLEpIhKdONUKo-2BmyCY56MLA3vE3dpjdAkQZldASU2ijxiDIR-2B0kfQp4FXv6EWPjKYLrZbK0OC80R5-2BxcQ-2Bs44M3hyczVqdoOUgo1ncfiLJixdRgORkngbebeGZloL685JGA26oK-2BAkqEu1kUnQ37S2e2GPbIGerk1LsURNe7UX6iQqUHPO4UZ9l1c2C3Po-2BB-2BRbklQ5PwJlnLxo-3D)). [Numbers 17:1-11](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxipKmMB4V5Lv9UivoVYw8ZjrMWXHFcrZFRxZrw-2Fy4qgWmf6u-2FS3lR5k77a71T3pKo6QnK_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o8bArRK6yIaQrItMYOobTAzajVoBoLxOcVtdNq13CvRfVUN79l8Ow-2BJDBrLlhb4Gpt2U1cRQG-2FkyM9fuyfpgVB1Xg4Di-2Fr6QnO9Bf2Fp1uMt8zxPa0wRKfU-2FXkZ3hzJ3JPYoSKOWdj2myrOliA3vEVNjr2rzsQtuSbjjtLXDS9-2BSouzWMibQ8hv-2B-2FRX3m3VwCFRWrfv-2BjETK8pNI4Dg7CyQ-3D) tells the story of how God affirmed the priesthood of Aaron by causing his staff to sprout, produce blossoms and bear ripe almonds, when none of the other staffs belonging to other leaders did so. The miracle was meant to silence his critics and to show that God had indeed chosen him for the role of priest. > **Questions:** What contemporary religious or secular objects or entities might people consult today to try to discern what their next steps should be? When might such attempts be warranted, and when might they be ill-advised? **Acts 1:23-26** *So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was added to the eleven apostles.* (For context, read [Acts 1:15-26](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxSDOKyP-2BTOlJTbwGSjk3b5cEaGd5h7Y3JgQpbro2IGW6rGNEEgdEHtYFAOvEzs7SFPiZm_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o80jnvpxDimHdITIRGVmbIoXvLdA3K2C6Tc0w812dwqbZGK8MWYUNfK6DKh1Os1FHfN833dPr3ORD0q7N2Zn7PGajOLda-2BWgivwYixNBRVwuMXZ2-2FCBZWHs2-2FTWBYZAQm0zJ-2B55G0NpkZePGs9QpC4MpAWs6XkgYV6RxoQFoXkvbwXsk6ZEJE-2FMBxIBu4Q-2BFZTkT3vCK377kdbBJix42Lcw-3D).) After Jesus' ascension, the disciples felt the need to fill the empty space left by Judas' betrayal and suicide. Peter addressed the gathering of about 120 brothers and sisters, referring to the statement in the book of Psalms that another should "take his position of overseer" (vv. 15, 20). Peter recommended that a candidate for that role had to be someone who had been with them "during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us" who was also "a witness ... to his resurrection" (vv. 21-22). According to [the website for Lebanon, New Hampshire](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPK-2BoDJfuezBlcdaEnrPhcVIGVSoG2qQv4YSbQ-2F3joElkzGr9_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o-2B0jcblBFrJLuJ8QeaztRGy4EIHOIAUlLudQBs-2FII082OFOJ5p6t8bzMIWxVs1c7EHJ5YtmmisSgikoTL-2Bwq1sqwNo6RhT-2BgtaFRdEHI2T0eQRb19-2Bys0XXeyCX-2F4uW-2Fe5ccXgS-2BuflU9jkl8psuqV7t1urmuFozItMnTQ9gKgTbWVdhU29W-2F5UQaeesrr3arAh-2FZm9guBxvWWdjJmI7-2BAE-3D), state law provides that in the case of a tie vote at any election, the winner is determined by lot, or by drawing the winner's name "from a hat." In New Mexico, winners have sometimes been determined by a game of chance or cards, a coin toss, or dice throws. [Proverbs 16:33](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihVMIRh0rozjdTgVHtDVvgfH9GW9mHscrNNVOaSvo7rT8Hm1r_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9oyoXk-2BxnXZ63xGmiYg9hbEyl7H2018XFoiccyiZeoEpDQliMLvx-2F10HmQAZLxnX5518zGM5PpYcOnXBLqDW6I9CHPvgCoz2QMZoZu8B35YbBo0EIwsKano9OLGKMkyCghX5qfg7VZ3mXRXgOXItPzoK9MAd-2BzlpW9QeForaTN5usyK-2FUGLZsUdyqD87i9JqVoJ-2FmOtRW-2FFzZS6bUGJH8CkE-3D) says, "The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is the LORD's alone." > **Questions:** What factors were part of the decision-making process to select a new apostle? > What might be some positive and negative consequences of using this kind of method to select leaders and make decisions? Who might resist such an approach, and why? Who might favor it, and why? Should we select leaders for secular government this way? Why or why not? **Acts 6:2-6** *And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers and sisters, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word." What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.* (For context, read [Acts 6:1-7](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxZPacDBqXS-2FETBVGmz0VSk2RZ9XqRUUKb-2B8TRS1SN7Tcsxik-2F5NEzCX96qbGPvrAjP5gg_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o7roldvaBVOAjAIKpNEokhXLHx9QIHhQJFhDu06cchNV19oozv4HPR-2Fdma0nUZcuqixiFbUW9xsaDomzEF1r7FEkO-2BE22WMsUbm1dun6kdalsARR6bjS9YzMwpSRIT7HCrwlPAzYIcsTL2oO7iEZ6P3sA-2BLJEV3OFDPRDMICXcL6DFoJDUyl4kDKbWOy3LTgM2W25vp6ETTlcx4PYwf1dH4-3D).) As the number of disciples increased in the early days of the church, a conflict arose because there was a perception that Hebrew widows were receiving preferential treatment over Hellenist widows in the daily distribution of food (v. 1). The twelve apostles responded by deferring to the whole community of disciples for a decision about who should take on the role of the distribution of food. > **Questions:** What minimum characteristics did the apostles identify that would qualify people to serve as leaders in this ministry? What is the significance of the fact that the seven chosen all had Greek names? Who made the selection of leaders, and why is that important? How did the apostles participate in the process? **For Further Discussion** 1. Respond to this, from a woman who stated that she would not vote for president this year: "I care enough about my own values and integrity. I have voted too many times for the lesser of two evils, or against one candidate instead of for a candidate. No more. I concentrate on making my vote count for other candidates, especially state and local levels. At this time, there is no presidential candidate who is worth violating my conscience and ethics." 2. Examine this article, [Leadership and Decision Making in the Christian Community (Acts 15)](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPMqpwefFU6RvZtGmnwI4lI6pvRF-2FqCAPL4xbIxUcq1ZoOAbBvjJ6jSYNY3zbUN1S1o0R3DHUzqHgU0WaffMl2GfBAh0aPSYcN1rcreNqAmnPQZHCQjzgNNsPk6-2BeJEMkcGhIIy8Tduz6SPiidZfCGxbKQ-2Bm1giDAFubJE0MYPJX-2BbB0s7dZRdWZO7JY5Ve93gO03yCZjLssAqnKUTEhLbjihRSprW3ONkV5dlTjtfDuNUq_1_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o24BbmUguI7Zo6Os87NLrPp5dxu7ks-2B7S8VluSOyJmc-2Bwc7x-2B17bjT30urGr2EnCeznzKpP8B3qidOPFHKdAk7XUGtdGGkg6OPD2aQRAl6ei9Atowr5L8SZIEM2BF0KJeP197sIywqu3HUIKKIxMzEQx9rjwqgsUVGHDrUYvR71eW8SBPDSEthGotMrsGKzRA9QPFDwAB7M079-2FEoSMJqio-3D), for an analysis of how the early church dealt with a crucial matter that would determine the nature of the fellowship of believers. Briefly describe the controversy the church faced. Who were the principal participants, and what were their positions on the matter? How did they work through the conflict? Who made the final decision about what position the church should take? What attitudes contributed to a positive resolution of the matter? 3. Discuss this: In [How Cultures Around the World Make Decisions](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPL2AzhBiRuMboRXvctezDPfZhFpMGprmPRNi5YXOhEe9aDOojQtUg5fKLQJwdPBaCqUnFTsEckS1c5J86W3L5kw-3DkanG_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o64RUGGHhaYBq3JWe9sgrNIgyVKHtGFbdbjVi61C1YjF8jlLD1gsboHBj8x-2BQMR5G3scM6-2BYZ0jY6BbZpnUu4m9N4WaSuFiiAXpcqukxAvygID9B23-2B5APR7W0-2Flieu7lvIl80xfT2Dx71PGOH55AZmxOmcMFfb1YVYweqZTr-2B941Dy5Fo4nw9VAzD5yKiMm-2FWsnyYItreH9FshoRfJGRfw-3D)*,* journalist Amy S. Choi contrasts various ways people make decisions in different cultures. In the United States, a powerful social construct values personal autonomy, personal choice and independence over "tradition and social expectation." Sheena Iyengar, professor at Columbia Business School and author of *The Art of Choosing*, wrote, "the idea of personal autonomy [is] such a dogma that it almost became a religion itself." Choi writes that by this model, people define themselves by their individual choices "to prove that we are free." But that is not the only possibility within American culture, Choi says, as she offers as an alternative "The Amish model" which values belonging to a community over individual choice. In that model, identity is shaped by the community to which you belong, rather than by personal preferences. Some Asian cultures prioritize interdependence and harmonious relations over independence and self-fulfillment. Traditional Eastern religions "foster an idea that a person is not a whole, but a part, and only becomes whole in connection with others," says Hazel Markus, social psychologist and professor of behavioral sciences at Stanford University. **Responding to the News** You might want to draft an individual or group [prayer for the next president](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGN3Trtxm3aiQzElMwKbYABI5f97AaXgY47ZkrM0Va4iXltnKVJA2y3KFdxmoXcrbsgKILThFTes46nuJF9y1r7g4FFmSHuHMyPNt6YPWdoOUpVQKPAThFZPm8t6VEU8wIVSVlOcI356TCs4LYFjllY-3DRjLr_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o3KsinXxpgMIfg0h0Gt9lLHOdxtXa1EV-2BHAPWCV-2BpBYGSHQrjOjiAZIuLzMDAdMlZQtHRs0ksBjBVqkSn9h-2BnzMbuPuvLQl-2BBniBrCJ9c9XDr6sahfqxWowhumGybNaVGb-2F3tcp5q4EhTovEaLDqQ51L4tQa3SEcpTrNqcxph4ZpEG5fSJSWroHTNEO6SeiyK1CQNSBC9oE-2BpdUBu9MXP0g-3D), whoever that might be, as Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, has been doing as part of a teaching series leading up to the election on November 5. Pastor Megan Fate Marshman pointed to 1 Timothy 2 as the basis for the project: "'I urge you then first of all that petitions, prayers, intercession, thanksgiving be made for all' -- here it is -- 'all people.' Not just those you agree with." After the election, you can [use this link](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPMCwY2lfEmaFU-2BxVMDDLB9AKG8XRUMcAA79VSXS7HRuBrgcJlA8PMJxVfbl6yPYgKQ-3D-3DJiuL_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o421GbgpecWGFMiykwpyQEWjzLopHSMd9HV4dCQKpGMTE-2Bf15WWmTQBfQRA6W7ju3DFS3HWqASh8Px8pmCs5ySLjtmpE5s54nn-2BQ4T-2FaVhTo2YzOmku5mHcxtrOz8BQSsuzfdB1-2Fr9kvFSF3kdTfhVyB2Sbl3QOyhcb67SKPiQPUZQ6jWi7sh7AbOP7QQrnMTTpVV6jn5Q1cuKERoJCsoHM-3D) to send your prayer, marked "For the Next President," to The White House. **Prayer** suggested by [James 1:5](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxNIqZG-2B-2B-2BvBBz5qy3Z-2Fu629p7Cw54xqQd-2BCyHpTUGuBS8PN8ACaGWC25Ntb35IszdRYab_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o-2FR-2BbaoRpq81wM1-2Fh4pc0wZyPAq5n9vl24oOIawOI-2FBBzzWM0a3d9xmweQMQHhI4eAdqLSkD3ttLzEsrUFwGmPjuP2igDklOz6YWon5TDCcI7r7EiDK1KIfgt8NzwnlMIMFegeLTR9B9uZq88NPfqVeLfG0lco-2BVon8PeYvARVmhGaUbTJTatahasEec5nN8EMDqtX36Rw7BiNOI0UbJitg-3D); [Proverbs 2:1-15](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihTobItfvPKG9sfhHmM2KhDeD4VAm8hXOSF-2F9APLMUYdbyrvU_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o5EvOezsE6c69PG1Xe7qX65WuhvIFjpoXHuNVSlXLlp839-2B8QItGDFK-2BC6jKbV6zFuxrSrskKwg6-2FDccLlvSMgsUo-2FX1H5CtDnckAHnrd5g5YpbEeBmU7NWJwQcPG-2BB38SFndCT0j6Bss1BAjKXbCVvHPPnqoxRTAFeaK-2FEUha86cH-2Fvcno8h-2Bcz49DcD8cv535R9-2FoRMzrBomoajwG5Vpw-3D); [Psalm 25:4-5](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxne48HDKdjqsJnrd53iPukk-2Bi2496hmsAp8vuIHRJ0emZVP30lGyz18r3O-2BXFqNSE-CnA_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9oxSsJoBfxfQmVSb5KyyzMO5bxCV8ZRiNYPzCMh-2BaRPoqzdo6ZzzKnkyfcha-2FNtIdH-2F6PvwZQLwnlZ3CWXQK1KRMd0wviUfMG8ZlCSCHRwWi-2FqRH7ZBocS-2BmH6tFKGTxZt41-2FzIyI7CCt94Yd7chHACelSmGXZovFgAEQ1AhtQtWQnTujRojJ9vZY2pRGibpHw0P2h2DDZ-2Ba3fc-2BlLGq2L84-3D); [Psalm 32:8](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx2PEJbIsPW-2FsMHNa6d7N0m14isdQnlZkV56LFrYpnyjADkGuQb-2FqSpifnXUw1C5w8OHkt_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9oxfTyeq7ow3XLW6k1YTJ44qQwBoKo39MDUklOztUBOLZM0ty0DvoUUVz9lugirWA7TARvUPmRNJ5sWtIDvoY5XVTy1CQZ48lwnJaV5ImPOx8dj2Q-2F66wMNOKsYovvWjkSO9emFiCbfhIc5ngsdz12q60RyEo7jbJt9MlGLz9SaZTuYgdM7TNSUU5TerQ-2BlIfdnG6RxOlGfOPBDuMj9A2vsc-3D); [Isaiah 58:9-12](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx8fPDsj5S5hW7hBewUShLx-2Fy8-2BHfieqmxdqin4s5wRiGqqof5-2BUBRxVbaExMSmukTcfV4_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o5zfEyb-2FHQsuDSz-2BF6Z1YGBu2dgdjZceeySQxO4xHspaA1L9wq0m7JiK4CO0Al-2FYH8RT5gDHeAV26CBxdkLcMSF0ANT3X4XXAIryBeddKyfDcrV-2B18ZnOu3FG-2BmHsZ-2BAMRyKe88bc5c5g0FlyrRYCY0fjoybrIb-2FjgU6n9nUywuTOxFR36NcdOWd0D7CbId1u510xxmRjWJSmfpKNPJVh9k-3D); [Romans 12:1-21](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxB1sByFkCq00De7qxK5ZsvoUJGRLU3qCBeNUIlHm-2FEi3VG3qoh5Im4jz4jQmh1CEHsU2O_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o-2B3HirIqCapZOxkDLvFfoTmMWuSkoFZfignwzSogwK5u-2B0taKUw-2BekX-2F5lBljN4ma139teKCjzR2BgbmB8O9qF5v5TooQ75THFnGcaOlAc9ItTEthHdqLE5HJgoo0Qk4AMpyX2FgNTGmA62Z5p2ZfyfKHYWbFxR4fDyhmSMD-2Bj0Wr1bvthomUl6JLodBZOtgB2GqWLEEUVBNaM8KxJKWyco-3D) All-wise God, the generous giver of wisdom, as we consider different candidates and ballot initiatives, we ask you for insight and understanding, so that we will make wise decisions that will result in blessing for our community, nation and the world. Transform us by the renewing of the mind, so that we may not be conformed to this age, but discern your good and perfect will. Lead us in your truth and teach us the way we should go. As we learn your ways of mercy and compassion, heal our land, we pray, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen. ****Copyright 2024 Communication Resources**** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=TW7Qd7thQen9bAyoGEotF0Ag5th9KnkX4VfGupktNQpoMDAwdTAwMMmiSs-SVRw-KEnsz3PFP--Z4eVwCLCoaWF1H4FIDwTxfhgTkTmx7VWPY8NbJ7i5kvVqOsM4CHeOHKlHivqKdXsEiOKNgOybLtI_QBna5n36DN-VXNBRr2nY2FWZCDfhOKY6FmJhwSCj7tsoVCl9kx5ir3z4owqYcJSfaKKtokuSFXhQ0xy4LeQ2gyHjhzoNOuWo8oVECKcy8a42QN5xvdBKZM0I0WCWvq51AataQ3jfbW4q8ITQjJn81Z5vr0SBQSHvVIOXaXA2VopUjgvIDVhRCqxE0KS_WHZwNpgWs5cZBD0JkFmgCpBtI-w6WVsvoX871038s8fNXKm03sO2FSb3U7xGK22i4TGKc8X84BbWz34162ziBpjUpEXDGtTtwK2N3OErCcTiVjYr6F9yNdvnH4rbZrOkGRN8YD-ueZoeObPxMqJtW--7BRC9vl0rk_45WEBk2bZM7x_LbuHxzAOE2duwWTYPwUCrhOpFK-UhGJa-rRir3f31QRKaYkIP6hOiWRZBHVWx3YJ9dUFL_C9kiL9U-DTRduBw2x8YNETZBmlG0MzZ_i9sYm7T7gj7h71MXFwcNaxBSfYYUgOAq0g=) <div>Dear Class Members, As we reach the peak of this election season, we thought it would be worthwhile to explore some of the ways leadership and policy decisions have been made throughout human history, in biblical times and subsequently. For people who have grown up with only one political system, it might come as a bit of a surprise to learn that other nations and groups of people use different methods to establish and maintain social cohesiveness and health. Does God favor any particular social structure? And how are we to behave, as God-followers, in our particular system? So that is our topic for this week. <center><img alt="" src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/></center> As Nation Chooses Leaders, Direction, Some Try New Ways of Making Decisions The Wired Word for the Week of November 3, 2024 In the News In this election cycle, Portland, Oregon, is trying ranked choice voting to select a new mayor from 19 candidates on the ballot. Three of the candidates are well-known incumbent city council members, but others have never served in elective office and are relatively unknown to the populace. In ranked choice voting, voters can list which candidates they would pick, in order of preference. If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote initially, the lowest-ranking candidates are eliminated from contention as other candidates get their votes. A candidate who might be the first choice of a significant number of voters could lose to a candidate who had broad appeal to more voters in their second- or third-place choices. Problems with ranked choice voting include a great increase in ballot complexity -- leading to ballot exhaustion and reduced voter turnout. Alaska, which adopted ranked choice voting in 2020, is voting this year on returning to the previous system. After watching Portland's experiment with ranked choice voting, Oregon voters may consider whether to adopt the method on a statewide scale. Lee Drutman, the author of Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop: The Case for Multiparty Democracy in America, wrote that in other nations, and in part of American history as well, the political landscape is more fluid than it is in the current climate in the United States, with multiple parties representing portions of the electorate. These parties tend to have more nuanced ideological views, economic, social and political identities. To work toward their goals, they usually need to build coalitions with other groups, which requires listening to and sometimes compromising with others who have different perspectives. Drutman suggested that adopting proportional multimember districts might be one way to break the hold of the two-party system over our political decision-making process. That means more than one candidate from a single party could represent a district, raising the likelihood that more voices with different perspectives would be heard in the rooms where decisions affecting the public are being made. "Freeing the existing factions to forge new and shifting alliances would liberate the political innovation lying untapped in our political system," Drutman asserted. "Our current political system turns Americans against one another. Only by changing the rules and incentives of our politics can we give ourselves a fighting chance to respond to the tremendous challenges faced by our nation and planet." Another proposal for the House of Representatives is to increase its number. Currently fixed at 435 members, each member now represents an electorate average of over 750,000 -- by far the largest of any economically developed country, and well over the roughly 30,000 each one represented when the Constitution was adopted. One special aspect of the federal government is the use of the Electoral College, which uses a complicated method to determine who wins a presidential election, not by who gets the most popular votes, but by who gets a 270-vote majority of the votes of electors. The <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCwBIZqUpwwOd8CtyZyo95YV3qE1uyJ0ckuebKbl0UrCiDq30KljO0H7I6B-2BN465YRCu2RQ-2BGhWp1u6KYsy1lUU-3DqPfn\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9oyXrDct6JAYWM7fJCl-2FPY1gSu6JJKCkPafGCubzbCH1izrdQiZCkJWCJl51qDTUfVa1mSs-2Bq-2FUTS0eX01PjFSvEktNxLpNKRyq3JbcHC-2BmwHv7xcM69bOi8qiTyj9es9lHzkJTQPsvWAgkZNW8kz1FEkZpwt0t4pQKlALWc-2Fz8si-2BZNIEjky7zLKGadI0jurwzkAdt03MCxIpKLzWeSdeLo-3D">National Popular Vote Interstate Compact</a>, currently agreed to by 17 U.S. states representing 209 electoral votes, is a "winner take all" type of arrangement that would award their electoral votes to whichever presidential candidate gets the most votes nationwide. This plan would take effect when enough states sign on to constitute the 270-vote majority of electoral votes needed to secure victory in a presidential election. Neither the current Electoral College method nor the interstate compact system guarantees that presidents have won the support of a majority of voters. In some political systems, candidates win only when they receive support from more than half of those who cast ballots, which may be achieved through one or more run-off contests. More on this story can be found at these links: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHLMB-2B5YGdhpaWZs3isbqk5uP91aCOl4draF1zZDf7ZDXGpaGaRAK4Fs3b-2FWvZ92fyr-2B1DUoTeC1-2F8IijtkQ5gMe8WOW-2FkxP-2F0-2FxY7X2kJNDGVholxfBOrJc61SuVI3lFbj2Ga9BD7AvYPDzvCHYgls-3DfHLz\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o9ZNSL-2BeFkUPJHW-2B1DriPHaWP3PKKI8yKflFA2LnEQZdvwhNtvpOeOzIXocbZkxz5Hu2om6J5eev98HATfK5Jc6pfpT66Nka5daX5yRaL8wt8isvfmTt28bktFoxPgUDvJOL-2B7W6NZHVFUmk55y4k6OKO5-2BB45-2BikKP0aYAEknHY4GZ37XUpZ75nnCqtxRmrU-2F2SdPm36jvlyuOCaCYGI2Y-3D">Election of Portland's Next Mayor Has Statewide Implications. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHLMB-2B5YGdhpaWZs3isbqk5uP91aCOl4draF1zZDf7ZDXGpaGaRAK4Fs3b-2FWvZ92fyr-2B1DUoTeC1-2F8IijtkQ5gMe8WOW-2FkxP-2F0-2FxY7X2kJNDGVholxfBOrJc61SuVI3lFbj2Ga9BD7AvYPDzvCHYgls-3DNlB4\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o5-2FLQQVFdXjuveGhZ9NgrDI3Me3Rw-2FY0-2FQsM0-2Flui8AbegrANb9k1MpsGmXn6d5J8-2BE84gvZ0rS9YqYTrzdrkowWNqhkdW2Ioc3tYlIYSEZviOhSaTmojQDwZ4DoZXEJ3HjSrgyNe0OxGqu-2BKfvUV8EKaNxmH-2B41W2GIMhGvAZIJfzqP9tuJUH-2Fns1I2gC1lbfoD5GMpYhamksmeG0U3GMU-3D">Oregon Capital Chronicle</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCwBIZqUpwwOd8CtyZyo95Zo1cRzT5LOF07WshxjAQ49IsD0Jv5k0djTEoD-2Br51ZIBR5XHSTLmxTVgNpt2rpFbA-3DM2G-\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9ow6iOmkqcEd0xQsjQPDcBoXp1eD0idYi8jH-2FZZ8wsYOVQKjPInC-2BHoUwwhNNwC2lcKJ6SLkMA0Jy21pmz8-2FN8GDPiDBg9ftj1MHVZftCOqD6QQEnsvNPbm2SzzvgDWjL3x6aHQy6tAoJTEf0RaKbL8mS1YvUCCHL1DZopuufcDsw48XRkTh9tWEpXoMJcUlfavVPoQ-2B6v1bStVFYZjDUIB0-3D">List of Electoral Systems by Country. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCwBIZqUpwwOd8CtyZyo95Zo1cRzT5LOF07WshxjAQ49IsD0Jv5k0djTEoD-2Br51ZIBR5XHSTLmxTVgNpt2rpFbA-3Dhitj\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o9oktcKP9p5jRa1BXc515Lb8JslhbnMX3g7kO2nHOOKeo2Dns2yq69g505b1UUNAWloU4xHkQeu9EZuz5IfgJIX-2BG8usiL-2BnbaR5uHJY7HcbibqS-2BB4IjLmRmAAlwHaf9xZAhVrMe-2FbYSUiYroYUkz8aHlTJ39VrJi2p-2BlIRO9zv5mEsaEmBHCdIPkpsFN1muQEXfAEK8yE0knGgFavRWH4-3D">Wikipedia </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOJUn4YnQ24l3LsBtc9Rw9FVcns15H8JtZgMwH6T-2F-2BQuHlhsIu4QAztXieZV6G9eWdWlegz2mdhBUD5oOtqjVh2sdfTsk8fi3AQ3dn8mj8vY6OwXP-2F9E1CrhUJkmtWcP5g-3D-3DKGE\_\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9oyMaBs1gbcSlfRwIjUF8slD7ZbWt3W2jwoO-2BRIWrh5ttgp0z2OX-2F-2Fa4m-2BScYmCUIFWaAfkPCVK-2BR-2BT1MacD8G9mNCO8kjR9cVoNhlbVg-2B8vlm50dMR98lfGdWM-2FOqqDIbGxSmlGZtq7W9B-2BpP1Tjd7HdxzPRSmPYymB-2BsMlUoMDrtjIW0PMdwyJOwUQaOEqF4TJZsDZzVJpfk9xvpfSpQ-2B8-3D">Cultural Influences in Decision Making Process. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOJUn4YnQ24l3LsBtc9Rw9FVcns15H8JtZgMwH6T-2F-2BQuHlhsIu4QAztXieZV6G9eWdWlegz2mdhBUD5oOtqjVh2sdfTsk8fi3AQ3dn8mj8vY6OwXP-2F9E1CrhUJkmtWcP5g-3D-3D0NK0\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o1jI-2B7pZXcCK1jWyJ1xRMxVjZw3Jd3fmFhZMJ-2F-2B-2BAz7tiPY1Lj7wdtsp6ERgQWxjKqKURalwnPMlUFeVuOYZJb9Fjzps4-2FUMJ3IdFndLqbl3k7-2FRvyJjzqznQ-2BDQWeaCTqn3j87SDlTQn0DxNKaFZovPdpakgY8Sp1Vzn4S0Xiv8SleXH7QqWpg7TGOK-2FyRCHT1a3cdlpVG0SaKM-2FhEwD40-3D">Country Navigator </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJjqs9eTHTvMgxKUxOrSDPrZEFm0zZ8FnXBgjGl5opGBxgRrYP9VRLSEehXsiZhgicGY-2BgwoJBgXcJXlNdrY-2FD7QGDiqcYxFKKvrEnm-2BePFmM9DvKxv-2Fj9vZ8Ck1zWNfbg-3D-3DBScF\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o-2F-2FQIbMDU-2BKCKYFjBP-2Bg2AAOrMeEapXluqOqhSIjcB77O5IcNxHhVvhYyxbg7-2BTT4MfbPPvWrUzSDq5LSo1Njog6IUkix7WTqDy8TXW4unwA-2BMkvwnN62mBwoR8JNxLjeeBvS0redNDnDNsBjZ1-2BncBfpHVdMB1fx9PlZoN-2BcgBNvN1CE6nQIIz2w-2FyJGOnPN8BIjli-2FbARQhVWGeogrSAk-3D">Quiz: If America Had Six Parties, Which Would You Belong To? </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJjqs9eTHTvMgxKUxOrSDPrZEFm0zZ8FnXBgjGl5opGBxgRrYP9VRLSEehXsiZhgicGY-2BgwoJBgXcJXlNdrY-2FD7QGDiqcYxFKKvrEnm-2BePFmM9DvKxv-2Fj9vZ8Ck1zWNfbg-3D-3DEmBm\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9ow2pFWezjcKKY-2FicY0Cg7Z11yxxZEm8zas7-2BLz2C-2Btxwp-2FXgWI0Yr4pOwwgawcFMG-2BcmKCCaqadJ6O3UGLBYk1DtbHc00s4GusVl0xHU2Cm4n0VZ2G8VbpTqJ-2BD0DvYgzuJrsSLYCUOw21yYBbBrGZn3HHox3D1bypG9jxJQsJI4UPGM4i6MoqgP4h2zm4WzI0zrbSbHDXkqlIOC82qbUbg-3D">The New York Times </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPMqBIxvpVTfYxYEWj9-2BBPWu2Bjw73ImgJG6IK0h41PfUEJ9gCZpYBLLNfzZW44TgjufIj7cbCBWA-2BnDuu2Xk-2BRscvdiMsemBo-2F-2BinNaf-2BsC6jfXOyPW-2FNooLYCltHR41CA-3D-3Djzrp\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o6CPZ9PVfA7ZKQRvuvGI2LzSi31Wn7MuZ5rFJoq4O4ncGXzGtVzFX8C826ZxuLVKnQgxu84toHCJA3LC20M63r1Xu-2B5LrsjQ1YCVSxIh2Uc-2Fx-2Bs8KC55CShVLXb6fOfAnRh1JhxpzBfEWPbibxONgqv5m2LPtOO8oIY02X2OVpUCfLzJvvyeESetG-2Fk33TzVgIQYRhPF7PI0cGxWoQ1dTJU-3D">No Country Still Uses an Electoral College -- Except the US. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPMqBIxvpVTfYxYEWj9-2BBPWu2Bjw73ImgJG6IK0h41PfUEJ9gCZpYBLLNfzZW44TgjufIj7cbCBWA-2BnDuu2Xk-2BRscvdiMsemBo-2F-2BinNaf-2BsC6jfXOyPW-2FNooLYCltHR41CA-3D-3DLK27\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9ow4OK5D8Bgz2fjqwYc1JuQ-2BNI-2F7GRF5s3btaayx-2FQMD9nhlLbjLSk7pg6N-2FtqPikQW3AkFH59QIlrnO6yRQIqLnYEvPqXeQiXUE0fiE4aAC-2BG-2Bw-2FoOp9wegFGyhtg-2Bt9wDyGnYvMyxugh-2BujbMlGDixV6Ug0ZGE6L0L6aebGASNxy0jWruYkpHUkhG-2Bi1Cmo26wSfYhQMYYHHl2qY9nhiqo-3D">The Conversation</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHLMB-2B5YGdhpaWZs3isbqk5uP91aCOl4draF1zZDf7ZDXGpaGaRAK4Fs3b-2FWvZ92fyr-2B1DUoTeC1-2F8IijtkQ5gMe8WOW-2FkxP-2F0-2FxY7X2kJNDGVholxfBOrJc61SuVI3lFbj2Ga9BD7AvYPDzvCHYgls-3DNyl0\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9ozTgjn9TaGYibq9X9LUQOOaEODTvuvA9AmHATpqyoW-2B8h4J-2BpRIWr66ZsYoZOjtjezdrq-2BGiTVaYiMMsk2vRR4-2B-2BsCdkZ1EFvZESU0-2F5bDOZCpzUQyakHH5g6UEg0OrbJGaOTv2Y-2FmsqbESyyuBSzl2TzA0Q2052X81ws6J5RpU2uPaZL8mop-2FRAfXDQqVLiGOXl-2F2-2BpdI9-2BY017nRa5u7g-3D"> </a> Applying the News Story The psalmist writes that the Lord will teach those who fear the Lord "the way that they should choose" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxne48HDKdjqsJnrd53iPukqGnJCJgeKxX6fvGoJlrrpzLyxtsjFyCsLJFMJL8ExYLqv\_r\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o-2BmFVPJFtuDvWzMJO1wZI4RjsgB8o-2FxfmlJiGs9jv1hJ3sfktER7gDzVAw2v04yLjPmB2awD2-2B7ARqcW3IO9GIqvvDXgHlAERddDd0JPloOxaKigqBCiUA96d5bO8xx33S5kV3YicLGn6gpVz-2BK-2BqmHSRiFNmb9fT1J2JDJj4TiGfIq7CwQlWK59wYTepJhPZexb3m0NPuinTRfgv-2BW-2FoEo-3D">Psalm 25:12-14</a>). If we want to know which way to go, our first task is to respect God. God provides guidance to help us know how we should live, through God's commandments, which "enlighten the eyes" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEYsRn6dfakFVAxp1QQdxIFv92egkdNl5yN18zcW1H8BxWd1TgSz-2BbZGLSvEgSMMoiWX5\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o1mnwf4c8ZhUwufdRPbXePQ81PghYOAMSA53ND-2Fyd6lkEHdu7Um7-2FxWAtuEDPu1N-2FQxNDKvZqA-2FiTjU5BSn6-2BzhIOJbdDi0Nql8ertEXvOjN2yssssdSBN2ri8aqh-2BsLRUpFtGMySZnkNQWYRFX1v1V7qhyBtOyF5KiWKHMUCH2ykkd4dfhCR-2Bn78c0FFdY-2BA9haW1VJhfbqE0ScBYLKNKg-3D">Psalm 19:8</a>) and shine light on our path (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxqeSUAn-2B-2Bl1-2FWXpdQetpZnPBDHVbPIMhvE-2FIPBdClTVkh6XZ-2Brq4O5Hm-2B6mSBicuiZDhT\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o3LwgPvR-2BFg6EBv6UVbNCNmKHogjB6BwFagqCSUtwEVaEb8NkicbxBbsaLOKYwZThLppz3Pmia4A6ogJYLSyTzbnw6zp8pLcanQBXJFYx5LwHVe4j-2F-2FZAk9eJZKFMZQvqBScMU4YLSBR-2F2VE6L2f918h7CHAAjGzpPdGZFFDkJq-2FFLypCYPHZ54bTZKj3toXcOM1A1U3-2Br7VB281XrXV3bM-3D">Psalm 119:105</a>). Jesus also promised that the Holy Spirit would guide his disciples into all the truth (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxxRMgP-2BMZTq2hLjCFHQ09sVyU6j-2F0yW7FgKyv9OKaYzZz2yLkUxfWWTatHYxobgx7j8vc\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o1HE0qhznI6u5Af8vZGWt12LzvyLuryizFv5c3DUE-2FD5-2Fa6-2F3gjZcCF-2Fv1KmfCDhJl-2FWaehMYlMBOMdL8zFS9wXTpNaphZem9FuNwrNZEsiTfhFZ9hY0vF2a4xBslij1leY8q5RS3ImELVGuFIUBlQdD8y3YLS3bjQrjq0LQPJ3G4EPSlE4cM3KTekGRrU6U1XnwueqHW3jfWGAUw-2BOYvkM-3D">John 16:13</a>). The Bible also speaks of the wisdom of listening to others with different perspectives and of making decisions in community, which brings safety, success and wisdom for the future (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihUxRs1hiuXoEVhEmFnBg71aE0t31xfoeJV0jL3wnsedW6qSB\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o5b68kEcXiYNpErqtfowRLsj-2F1ryulx-2Ffwuf-2Ft-2F5nnIGYgfoCZEU-2F8jRxcFShhePFGsuGe1B1O74whmcBVB7WeFNJ7AX2yxatZx52FsdTNYQQVj-2BbXcrizbdtcrlb2oEvKrFGC4xYcOqvc5ZNtqzeRInos7deKPPq8h5fB0FWlgglnJorQTGypwEljFYRBN83YiJ-2FHpcPbVoaOwgLLUGhfQ-3D">Proverbs 11:14</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihfjIygMkp12lspcJQDQ1c-2F29G4bHLiSVMnlxqtBAMi-2FN8nXh\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o4CTcZUJYQ33CBla2zTgK01MfQnb2s6539eUNeEM6T-2FZQHtI0qqqnXVNhVrB-2BgRcjmlNQkVy27DfLKjMfJkUTDQRVLYcXccZG3WItcIeggcYXI4eCtTpfd0Spn67BA6PUu-2FlJoCI31sWv8N45-2FVtmM6ASNxdUDuLpQ3lKUTyj6xkwnykMAZ0i1-2B1E1p0vBLoWs81yvPYl2PbAoBsMaFgZkM-3D">Proverbs 15:22</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihY7d92t2oSlQpLyhKWZq-2BK7RgUlF81eISjCd1CmgnjJOjQdB\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o3Dyo2VKUmqPBYWUXdU0M3RbwJ0sCttFPeeH1LhGM06OFH65p8c0vuzKcUb3T9-2BjoHg5Yw8Vm2sJiPLBNEiwBtOfLR1PRw-2FZxGO5V-2FDdMHosy4-2BXB1GkZ0I26xqw1kae9uZBBzEDfCOhJpt6chBTeOttQzeMcMdvneTk-2BS5nlzhEUyY7OBxR2sQNxg0MQp8gAFFwMrSYkUolhmlizjSoUfo-3D">Proverbs 12:15</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihVR-2FIomy8X11YgBPLqpDX-2Bhtq1YDAL9GNoqcHkNJRfsiGbfj\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o2s5plE1X8JHBy5PhQL9ebhGfXyPrNWxZEHg9TE5G3EKCShvKzAMRUHtAv9BvhXFtL-2BFKKzBkzDmLiWEU8eALklkj7ckUeX0aXw8fQrixFyzrSzBYlHjcGgg1RaoDg3C38-2BO8lr-2BoVEUe0Z8EAEFfUKkr4pUa-2F0SGaA-2B8-2Fwp7owfy53ZmTsnHTnLpFYvOm7uII3Qvq92vWim81abOU08sZ8-3D">Proverbs 19:20</a>). Whatever happens after seeking God's help in discerning the best way forward, we should "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxnwlwJkO4zrT-2FXtDNTMfl-2B938-2BO81Tp9wj-2FIk88UNms3lik5kvZZJub83phSvrFESbgih68S6ffKA0PnwSnj8Cg-3D-3D8Kge\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o9yeQmuOeLdJ2G32FSfGeEqTJhTdSqSH2iWNE1oaVF55TJdaslaDkIPBISBfuFwHBTeGCEYxwMTiwfy6e-2FvnjgQUoiifgzGb9LlS2RC0Evy7JHRFhA7jhVDPy2AaroC8dLLwoJ7eXHN0NCMDkNJLu7pr4OCBA9O64-2BOqHO-2B2fPzyYWXN6paURnAX3TVd-2Fr7UEY801sJPArb8uYKkHWj6iAU-3D">1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</a>). Fretting over what happens next accomplishes nothing. Instead, we need to practice joy, keep praying, trusting and thanking God in all things. That is God's will, whatever the results of any election. The Big Questions 1. In what sense might casting a ballot be a sacred trust? 2. What do you know about how other countries choose their leaders and make decisions about how they organize and run their society? 3. What advantages and disadvantages do you see in different methods of making decisions that impact the wider society (ranked choice voting, holding runoffs, consensus, multiparty systems versus one- or two-party systems, popular vote versus electoral college, etc.)? 4. What guidance, if any, does our faith provide with regard to making informed decisions that impact the entire populace? 5. How does your faith equip you to thrive, whatever happens in any given election? Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: Exodus 18:21-23 [Jethro said,] "You should also look for able men among all the people, men who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain; set them as officers over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Let them sit as judges for the people at all times; let them bring every important case to you but decide every minor case themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people will go to their homes in peace." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxTZnIxspyl-2FH5UeJwRbVY50BJ7042IqapmSENBUB5-2FtnOBlqRjpPJbkRteBUm4nBHTCG-\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9owhnAkEA3lGXn3yb2NjViuEpbgkEM80L4gU89fMyE7L5tNYFu5ZVKEdAXRGHomPcuNNUGZMErpy5QinVEnkdG9Dv-2BbjhV5nMT99YZMosEIPtiK4L12Vj3QsdK6oL8Kp9hlDy1looKwKurIHKI4SqE-2FJQt4UjLG5Hpp8d3geonSkfD83v5F2FBQUMWOc-2BzGO3Q-2F8ZWnq8pNd5kJrbmMpxeP4-3D">Exodus 18:13-27</a>.) As Moses began to teach the Israelites how God expected them to live, he developed a clunky methodology which exhausted him and the people, leading to frustration and delays in reaching conclusions in their cases. He couldn't see the forest for the trees, since every dispute had to go through him, leading to him becoming the bottleneck where decisions became clogged and unresolved. Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, advised him to continue to represent the people before God and to bring their cases to God (v. 19), and to teach them God's law "and make known to them the way they are to go and the things they are to do" (v. 20). Beyond that, he recommended that Moses delegate responsibility to others who could share the workload and make wise judgments on behalf of the people. <blockquote> Questions: What qualities did Jethro counsel Moses to look for in those who would serve as judges and officers of the court? What is significant about the suggestion that Moses seek leaders "among all the people"? Why did Jethro add the caveat, "and God so commands you"? What did Jethro envision as the outcome of the new way of making decisions? What aspects of Jethro's advice might be useful in our own selection of leaders and the way they might operate? </blockquote> Exodus 28:30 In the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron's heart when he goes in before the LORD; thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the Israelites on his heart before the LORD continually. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxx2FEd3BoRBTxbt4VK5xnRnoQ1hztLr6tRQZv5ogAcaHoBXAA2cwTl0-2BKrhg-2B0Ypw-Z7j\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o3oJQNMtx5aV8f3e-2BSpnt28edvfAdCyMtR2TAIlfH-2FyWIwckR1XYSqlSVKeMIRr1FMyUPJlR0nreF8OxONdS3avcFqtMAY-2FLS-2FLVp-2B2yixrZTnMofua66codh-2BQzKN61SgOo902ST-2FjC9g0OwWY5sMhv4DK7wfRNSXiX-2BqRfNwsGYFsHA-2BQVqRENPK-2BUUrgVVTAyN5EzwDhWyFJrANCBaXU-3D">Exodus 28:15-30</a>.) The Urim and Thummim on the high priest's breastplate were oracles used to provide Israel direction and counsel when needed, in the recognition and commissioning of new leaders (Joshua before the death of Moses as found in <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxipKmMB4V5Lv9UivoVYw8ZtUP20cUDvtLy4nyMYX-2B9FhlCTGBEEGJ1IzzqtJ99PbjXVLI\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9oxa-2FWB7wMiprml0aLfjmIfU6MsxSHgvTv74MBOpqzyDxJgPHFPu7xka88ncYKchdgfv-2B85enG8sAjw41h6TY9eJ0oxnRmD-2B0jRSQ2NQU8kP96VqHzVSszCvXvRkQPV4y6rgT-2F4MOQH79mlbtohYa-2BM9tjrTuKPwUnZ6t-2FNsCOBfTq0cnemL7zxAyJOIvclcFpb8Kg97YYyhbjSY3kwUaNjc-3D">Numbers 27:12-23</a>), and in the determination of innocence or guilt (as in the case of Jonathan in <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxFCMNoDo0nIQk1OOuVDrhcXHx8wzc1XWAEg9uaXQRYfY5rQM6Z0WD-2BwdU6q9wuAfYXfNY\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o14n8-2FBrRQ9Di88ET9uIneaCLegrduAGnCLSnGBYX6TnjyeJPKix13MKb2ORLMTgtb9JYdBLkTr96RFEz0nhkKdnMjNmiqjKpe3I-2FqqAgENE456loIi-2FKJiDODE4qBMpKw7sr0R5qpsWAxysXcD-2B73eRRV1pGefibPJKBij10ttQ-2FXsHHnFcBnDwy3qaOdW7Dz-2BPGEOQTebx-2FtWDvL5C5Dw-3D">1 Samuel 14:24-46</a>). When the Philistine army surrounded Saul and his forces, he sought to know the mind of God by consulting the Urim, but God did not answer him, because Saul had disobeyed the Lord (<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxFCMNoDo0nIQk1OOuVDrhcQEutyN-2FHpvHvZTyE4BDb0PA4r88OWT5RaUIS-2Bfc-2FAC-2BN7v6\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9oy2wOTNBBLEpIhKdONUKo-2BmyCY56MLA3vE3dpjdAkQZldASU2ijxiDIR-2B0kfQp4FXv6EWPjKYLrZbK0OC80R5-2BxcQ-2Bs44M3hyczVqdoOUgo1ncfiLJixdRgORkngbebeGZloL685JGA26oK-2BAkqEu1kUnQ37S2e2GPbIGerk1LsURNe7UX6iQqUHPO4UZ9l1c2C3Po-2BB-2BRbklQ5PwJlnLxo-3D">1 Samuel 28:6</a>). <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxipKmMB4V5Lv9UivoVYw8ZjrMWXHFcrZFRxZrw-2Fy4qgWmf6u-2FS3lR5k77a71T3pKo6QnK\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o8bArRK6yIaQrItMYOobTAzajVoBoLxOcVtdNq13CvRfVUN79l8Ow-2BJDBrLlhb4Gpt2U1cRQG-2FkyM9fuyfpgVB1Xg4Di-2Fr6QnO9Bf2Fp1uMt8zxPa0wRKfU-2FXkZ3hzJ3JPYoSKOWdj2myrOliA3vEVNjr2rzsQtuSbjjtLXDS9-2BSouzWMibQ8hv-2B-2FRX3m3VwCFRWrfv-2BjETK8pNI4Dg7CyQ-3D">Numbers 17:1-11</a> tells the story of how God affirmed the priesthood of Aaron by causing his staff to sprout, produce blossoms and bear ripe almonds, when none of the other staffs belonging to other leaders did so. The miracle was meant to silence his critics and to show that God had indeed chosen him for the role of priest. <blockquote> Questions: What contemporary religious or secular objects or entities might people consult today to try to discern what their next steps should be? When might such attempts be warranted, and when might they be ill-advised? </blockquote> Acts 1:23-26 So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was added to the eleven apostles. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxSDOKyP-2BTOlJTbwGSjk3b5cEaGd5h7Y3JgQpbro2IGW6rGNEEgdEHtYFAOvEzs7SFPiZm\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o80jnvpxDimHdITIRGVmbIoXvLdA3K2C6Tc0w812dwqbZGK8MWYUNfK6DKh1Os1FHfN833dPr3ORD0q7N2Zn7PGajOLda-2BWgivwYixNBRVwuMXZ2-2FCBZWHs2-2FTWBYZAQm0zJ-2B55G0NpkZePGs9QpC4MpAWs6XkgYV6RxoQFoXkvbwXsk6ZEJE-2FMBxIBu4Q-2BFZTkT3vCK377kdbBJix42Lcw-3D">Acts 1:15-26</a>.) After Jesus' ascension, the disciples felt the need to fill the empty space left by Judas' betrayal and suicide. Peter addressed the gathering of about 120 brothers and sisters, referring to the statement in the book of Psalms that another should "take his position of overseer" (vv. 15, 20). Peter recommended that a candidate for that role had to be someone who had been with them "during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us" who was also "a witness ... to his resurrection" (vv. 21-22). According to <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPK-2BoDJfuezBlcdaEnrPhcVIGVSoG2qQv4YSbQ-2F3joElkzGr9\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o-2B0jcblBFrJLuJ8QeaztRGy4EIHOIAUlLudQBs-2FII082OFOJ5p6t8bzMIWxVs1c7EHJ5YtmmisSgikoTL-2Bwq1sqwNo6RhT-2BgtaFRdEHI2T0eQRb19-2Bys0XXeyCX-2F4uW-2Fe5ccXgS-2BuflU9jkl8psuqV7t1urmuFozItMnTQ9gKgTbWVdhU29W-2F5UQaeesrr3arAh-2FZm9guBxvWWdjJmI7-2BAE-3D">the website for Lebanon, New Hampshire</a>, state law provides that in the case of a tie vote at any election, the winner is determined by lot, or by drawing the winner's name "from a hat." In New Mexico, winners have sometimes been determined by a game of chance or cards, a coin toss, or dice throws. <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihVMIRh0rozjdTgVHtDVvgfH9GW9mHscrNNVOaSvo7rT8Hm1r\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9oyoXk-2BxnXZ63xGmiYg9hbEyl7H2018XFoiccyiZeoEpDQliMLvx-2F10HmQAZLxnX5518zGM5PpYcOnXBLqDW6I9CHPvgCoz2QMZoZu8B35YbBo0EIwsKano9OLGKMkyCghX5qfg7VZ3mXRXgOXItPzoK9MAd-2BzlpW9QeForaTN5usyK-2FUGLZsUdyqD87i9JqVoJ-2FmOtRW-2FFzZS6bUGJH8CkE-3D">Proverbs 16:33</a> says, "The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is the LORD's alone." <blockquote> Questions: What factors were part of the decision-making process to select a new apostle? What might be some positive and negative consequences of using this kind of method to select leaders and make decisions? Who might resist such an approach, and why? Who might favor it, and why? Should we select leaders for secular government this way? Why or why not? </blockquote> Acts 6:2-6 And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers and sisters, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word." What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxZPacDBqXS-2FETBVGmz0VSk2RZ9XqRUUKb-2B8TRS1SN7Tcsxik-2F5NEzCX96qbGPvrAjP5gg\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o7roldvaBVOAjAIKpNEokhXLHx9QIHhQJFhDu06cchNV19oozv4HPR-2Fdma0nUZcuqixiFbUW9xsaDomzEF1r7FEkO-2BE22WMsUbm1dun6kdalsARR6bjS9YzMwpSRIT7HCrwlPAzYIcsTL2oO7iEZ6P3sA-2BLJEV3OFDPRDMICXcL6DFoJDUyl4kDKbWOy3LTgM2W25vp6ETTlcx4PYwf1dH4-3D">Acts 6:1-7</a>.) As the number of disciples increased in the early days of the church, a conflict arose because there was a perception that Hebrew widows were receiving preferential treatment over Hellenist widows in the daily distribution of food (v. 1). The twelve apostles responded by deferring to the whole community of disciples for a decision about who should take on the role of the distribution of food. <blockquote> Questions: What minimum characteristics did the apostles identify that would qualify people to serve as leaders in this ministry? What is the significance of the fact that the seven chosen all had Greek names? Who made the selection of leaders, and why is that important? How did the apostles participate in the process? </blockquote> For Further Discussion 1. Respond to this, from a woman who stated that she would not vote for president this year: "I care enough about my own values and integrity. I have voted too many times for the lesser of two evils, or against one candidate instead of for a candidate. No more. I concentrate on making my vote count for other candidates, especially state and local levels. At this time, there is no presidential candidate who is worth violating my conscience and ethics." 2. Examine this article, <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPMqpwefFU6RvZtGmnwI4lI6pvRF-2FqCAPL4xbIxUcq1ZoOAbBvjJ6jSYNY3zbUN1S1o0R3DHUzqHgU0WaffMl2GfBAh0aPSYcN1rcreNqAmnPQZHCQjzgNNsPk6-2BeJEMkcGhIIy8Tduz6SPiidZfCGxbKQ-2Bm1giDAFubJE0MYPJX-2BbB0s7dZRdWZO7JY5Ve93gO03yCZjLssAqnKUTEhLbjihRSprW3ONkV5dlTjtfDuNUq\_1\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o24BbmUguI7Zo6Os87NLrPp5dxu7ks-2B7S8VluSOyJmc-2Bwc7x-2B17bjT30urGr2EnCeznzKpP8B3qidOPFHKdAk7XUGtdGGkg6OPD2aQRAl6ei9Atowr5L8SZIEM2BF0KJeP197sIywqu3HUIKKIxMzEQx9rjwqgsUVGHDrUYvR71eW8SBPDSEthGotMrsGKzRA9QPFDwAB7M079-2FEoSMJqio-3D">Leadership and Decision Making in the Christian Community (Acts 15)</a>, for an analysis of how the early church dealt with a crucial matter that would determine the nature of the fellowship of believers. Briefly describe the controversy the church faced. Who were the principal participants, and what were their positions on the matter? How did they work through the conflict? Who made the final decision about what position the church should take? What attitudes contributed to a positive resolution of the matter? 3. Discuss this: In <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPL2AzhBiRuMboRXvctezDPfZhFpMGprmPRNi5YXOhEe9aDOojQtUg5fKLQJwdPBaCqUnFTsEckS1c5J86W3L5kw-3DkanG\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o64RUGGHhaYBq3JWe9sgrNIgyVKHtGFbdbjVi61C1YjF8jlLD1gsboHBj8x-2BQMR5G3scM6-2BYZ0jY6BbZpnUu4m9N4WaSuFiiAXpcqukxAvygID9B23-2B5APR7W0-2Flieu7lvIl80xfT2Dx71PGOH55AZmxOmcMFfb1YVYweqZTr-2B941Dy5Fo4nw9VAzD5yKiMm-2FWsnyYItreH9FshoRfJGRfw-3D">How Cultures Around the World Make Decisions</a>, journalist Amy S. Choi contrasts various ways people make decisions in different cultures. In the United States, a powerful social construct values personal autonomy, personal choice and independence over "tradition and social expectation." Sheena Iyengar, professor at Columbia Business School and author of The Art of Choosing, wrote, "the idea of personal autonomy [is] such a dogma that it almost became a religion itself." Choi writes that by this model, people define themselves by their individual choices "to prove that we are free." But that is not the only possibility within American culture, Choi says, as she offers as an alternative "The Amish model" which values belonging to a community over individual choice. In that model, identity is shaped by the community to which you belong, rather than by personal preferences. Some Asian cultures prioritize interdependence and harmonious relations over independence and self-fulfillment. Traditional Eastern religions "foster an idea that a person is not a whole, but a part, and only becomes whole in connection with others," says Hazel Markus, social psychologist and professor of behavioral sciences at Stanford University. Responding to the News You might want to draft an individual or group <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGN3Trtxm3aiQzElMwKbYABI5f97AaXgY47ZkrM0Va4iXltnKVJA2y3KFdxmoXcrbsgKILThFTes46nuJF9y1r7g4FFmSHuHMyPNt6YPWdoOUpVQKPAThFZPm8t6VEU8wIVSVlOcI356TCs4LYFjllY-3DRjLr\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o3KsinXxpgMIfg0h0Gt9lLHOdxtXa1EV-2BHAPWCV-2BpBYGSHQrjOjiAZIuLzMDAdMlZQtHRs0ksBjBVqkSn9h-2BnzMbuPuvLQl-2BBniBrCJ9c9XDr6sahfqxWowhumGybNaVGb-2F3tcp5q4EhTovEaLDqQ51L4tQa3SEcpTrNqcxph4ZpEG5fSJSWroHTNEO6SeiyK1CQNSBC9oE-2BpdUBu9MXP0g-3D">prayer for the next president</a>, whoever that might be, as Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, has been doing as part of a teaching series leading up to the election on November 5. Pastor Megan Fate Marshman pointed to 1 Timothy 2 as the basis for the project: "'I urge you then first of all that petitions, prayers, intercession, thanksgiving be made for all' -- here it is -- 'all people.' Not just those you agree with." After the election, you can <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPMCwY2lfEmaFU-2BxVMDDLB9AKG8XRUMcAA79VSXS7HRuBrgcJlA8PMJxVfbl6yPYgKQ-3D-3DJiuL\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o421GbgpecWGFMiykwpyQEWjzLopHSMd9HV4dCQKpGMTE-2Bf15WWmTQBfQRA6W7ju3DFS3HWqASh8Px8pmCs5ySLjtmpE5s54nn-2BQ4T-2FaVhTo2YzOmku5mHcxtrOz8BQSsuzfdB1-2Fr9kvFSF3kdTfhVyB2Sbl3QOyhcb67SKPiQPUZQ6jWi7sh7AbOP7QQrnMTTpVV6jn5Q1cuKERoJCsoHM-3D">use this link</a> to send your prayer, marked "For the Next President," to The White House. Prayer suggested by <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxNIqZG-2B-2B-2BvBBz5qy3Z-2Fu629p7Cw54xqQd-2BCyHpTUGuBS8PN8ACaGWC25Ntb35IszdRYab\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o-2FR-2BbaoRpq81wM1-2Fh4pc0wZyPAq5n9vl24oOIawOI-2FBBzzWM0a3d9xmweQMQHhI4eAdqLSkD3ttLzEsrUFwGmPjuP2igDklOz6YWon5TDCcI7r7EiDK1KIfgt8NzwnlMIMFegeLTR9B9uZq88NPfqVeLfG0lco-2BVon8PeYvARVmhGaUbTJTatahasEec5nN8EMDqtX36Rw7BiNOI0UbJitg-3D">James 1:5</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihTobItfvPKG9sfhHmM2KhDeD4VAm8hXOSF-2F9APLMUYdbyrvU\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o5EvOezsE6c69PG1Xe7qX65WuhvIFjpoXHuNVSlXLlp839-2B8QItGDFK-2BC6jKbV6zFuxrSrskKwg6-2FDccLlvSMgsUo-2FX1H5CtDnckAHnrd5g5YpbEeBmU7NWJwQcPG-2BB38SFndCT0j6Bss1BAjKXbCVvHPPnqoxRTAFeaK-2FEUha86cH-2Fvcno8h-2Bcz49DcD8cv535R9-2FoRMzrBomoajwG5Vpw-3D">Proverbs 2:1-15</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxne48HDKdjqsJnrd53iPukk-2Bi2496hmsAp8vuIHRJ0emZVP30lGyz18r3O-2BXFqNSE-CnA\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9oxSsJoBfxfQmVSb5KyyzMO5bxCV8ZRiNYPzCMh-2BaRPoqzdo6ZzzKnkyfcha-2FNtIdH-2F6PvwZQLwnlZ3CWXQK1KRMd0wviUfMG8ZlCSCHRwWi-2FqRH7ZBocS-2BmH6tFKGTxZt41-2FzIyI7CCt94Yd7chHACelSmGXZovFgAEQ1AhtQtWQnTujRojJ9vZY2pRGibpHw0P2h2DDZ-2Ba3fc-2BlLGq2L84-3D">Psalm 25:4-5</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx2PEJbIsPW-2FsMHNa6d7N0m14isdQnlZkV56LFrYpnyjADkGuQb-2FqSpifnXUw1C5w8OHkt\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9oxfTyeq7ow3XLW6k1YTJ44qQwBoKo39MDUklOztUBOLZM0ty0DvoUUVz9lugirWA7TARvUPmRNJ5sWtIDvoY5XVTy1CQZ48lwnJaV5ImPOx8dj2Q-2F66wMNOKsYovvWjkSO9emFiCbfhIc5ngsdz12q60RyEo7jbJt9MlGLz9SaZTuYgdM7TNSUU5TerQ-2BlIfdnG6RxOlGfOPBDuMj9A2vsc-3D">Psalm 32:8</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx8fPDsj5S5hW7hBewUShLx-2Fy8-2BHfieqmxdqin4s5wRiGqqof5-2BUBRxVbaExMSmukTcfV4\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o5zfEyb-2FHQsuDSz-2BF6Z1YGBu2dgdjZceeySQxO4xHspaA1L9wq0m7JiK4CO0Al-2FYH8RT5gDHeAV26CBxdkLcMSF0ANT3X4XXAIryBeddKyfDcrV-2B18ZnOu3FG-2BmHsZ-2BAMRyKe88bc5c5g0FlyrRYCY0fjoybrIb-2FjgU6n9nUywuTOxFR36NcdOWd0D7CbId1u510xxmRjWJSmfpKNPJVh9k-3D">Isaiah 58:9-12</a>; <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxB1sByFkCq00De7qxK5ZsvoUJGRLU3qCBeNUIlHm-2FEi3VG3qoh5Im4jz4jQmh1CEHsU2O\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmSmWcsrUrimwQPoWp-2BY19jL2G3TM9dwWoWtmdTMJVLTizXPvf8Z02DZVbHpz3tH9o-2B3HirIqCapZOxkDLvFfoTmMWuSkoFZfignwzSogwK5u-2B0taKUw-2BekX-2F5lBljN4ma139teKCjzR2BgbmB8O9qF5v5TooQ75THFnGcaOlAc9ItTEthHdqLE5HJgoo0Qk4AMpyX2FgNTGmA62Z5p2ZfyfKHYWbFxR4fDyhmSMD-2Bj0Wr1bvthomUl6JLodBZOtgB2GqWLEEUVBNaM8KxJKWyco-3D">Romans 12:1-21</a> All-wise God, the generous giver of wisdom, as we consider different candidates and ballot initiatives, we ask you for insight and understanding, so that we will make wise decisions that will result in blessing for our community, nation and the world. Transform us by the renewing of the mind, so that we may not be conformed to this age, but discern your good and perfect will. Lead us in your truth and teach us the way we should go. As we learn your ways of mercy and compassion, heal our land, we pray, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen. 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