Social media enthusiast, grandmother, enjoy taking pictures, writing journals and blogging, I just enjoy penning my thoughts and lively discussions on prophesy, political gossip.
In reflecting on my previous six blog posts, I realize I point out the historical division of race in our country. I must. I am a woman of Mexican ancestry. My worldview has been shaped by the circumstances I was born into, poverty, no father in the home, poor education, my childhood experiences, experiencing the death of classmates and having no one to explain death to me. Marriage and divorce, raising children as a single parent struggling to put food on the table, but the most profound experience was listening to my mother describe her experiences after her and my dad were coerced into repatriating to Mexico in the 30s. It cost her the life of her son. When WWII broke out my dad was in Mexico. The American government took no time to issue him a draft notice. He returned to serve his country, the same one that wanted him out. He served to be captured by the Germans and tossed in a POW camp. According to my mother, he returned a different. These experiences influenced how I saw the world. The world never made any sense to me and trying to navigate mine was always challenging. We all have a story that shaped who we are.
The present chaos in many of our communities, and division among American Christians is alarming. But – as events transpire it is shaping the lives of everyone watching. Unlike the days of yesterday, news today spread like wildfire. The challenges we face today—particularly regarding immigration policy and national security—are not new. Japanese Americans were forced from their homes into prison camps, the Mexicans during the 1920s and 30s. were forcibly (or coerced) deported back to Mexico, many of which were American citizens, like my folks. Today, we are witnessing alleged illegal immigrants forcibly removed from their homes, and deported, or sent to prison camps. Why? Fear. Fear, fear, fear is the driving force behind ICE. As I have said before, I don’t believe, for the most part, Americans take issue with illegal immigration enforcement. Americans take issue with the methods being used. If Americans get caught in the mix, to bad, so sad. They and the children become collateral damage.
For people who grew up in all white communities where everything was nicely packaged, with white picket fences and neatly cut lawns, and Walter Cronkite bringing the news from afar off – the protests, violence and assassinations of key leaders during the civil rights movement probably felt like end times scenarios. Most viewers probably believed the Book of Revelation was coming to life. But violence was quite the norm for people of color. People of color would experience violence for giving a white man a crossed look.
From the days of Adam and Eve to the Israelites’ begging Pilate to release a murderer over a Savior, God’s people have repeatedly struggled to discern good from evil and to recognize the consequences of collective and individual actions (a.k.a. sin).
The tendency to
-justify questionable behavior for the sake of political or social allegiance,
-to overlook the deeper callings of the gospel in favor of traditions of men,
-embrace American ideology, or self-interest, and
-to neglect compassion for the sake of comfort or conformity,
all point to a spiritual blindness, a distancing from the living God, which the Scriptures say leads to hardness of heart. The consequences of turning our back on God are serious. Rejecting God leads to death. God is not mocked!
The Scriptures warn us that the path to life is narrow and that many will not choose it. Seduced by power, pride, and the traditions of men the narrow road has little appeal. As believers, we are to transform into the image of God, but that requires submission and surrender to the will of God. Whatever that looks like for each of us, with a new heart and the mind of Christ we should reflect the love and the glory of God almighty – NOT our own selfish desires. Isaiah says, “I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to carved images.
“But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not! For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Galatians 2:17-21
The true gospel asks not for allegiance to manmade institutions, that includes the physical church, but for complete surrender to the One that created all things. Surrender is not even possible without the Spirit of God. Humility, compassion, patience, kindness, turning the other cheek, giving to him who asks, mercy, grace and to give forgiveness to those who sin against us seventy times seven – all these biblical truths, are unpopular truths. They are not part of American ideology.
Ultimately, the call is to examine ourselves, to discern whether we are being led by the deceitfulness of sin or by the Spirit of God. The times we live in demand our attention, not as onlookers but as children of the living God, who have surrendered our life for the life of Christ, that He may be glorified on earth as He is in heaven. When God sent His Son as a sacrifice for my sin, our sin, He did it because He loved us before we even knew to love Him. Jesus Christ loved His Father so much, He was willing to sacrifice His life for mankind. Unless you pay a man, he will not sacrifice his life for another. He might do it for his child. I remember learning during the mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas that federal courts had ruled that government agencies, including police, are not mandated to protect individuals, even in dangerous situations. Because of that mandate-nineteen children and two adults lost their lives. And even parents were prohibited from entering the building to save their child.
Jesus instructed us to love the Lord, your God – with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these (Mark 12:30-31).” These commandments apparently are not easy to keep and not worth protecting.
The First Amendment to the Constitution says,
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
The Second Amendment to the Constitution says,
“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”
The first two Constitutional Amendments merit more attention from God’s people than the two commandments Jesus commanded us to live by. There is no other commandment greater than these. It is no secret – it is American pride. Americans love their freedoms and they love their guns. Religions, speech and the right to peaceably assemble to protest and be heard is under attack, but Christians appear to be willing to sacrifice these freedoms rather than love their neighbor.
As I said previously, the reason our nation is in chaos is because of the gospel. As a “Christian nation” we do not love God, or ourselves. We do love the blessing of God. Still, how can we possibly love “others” if we perceive them evil? We are a nation built on violence, on top of hate, greed and every evil thing. As a people we have an insatiable lust for what we have yet to obtain.
Can we love our neighbors? How can we, when we are afraid of our own shadow? Certainly, not when we pack (open carry and concealed) weapons to defend ourselves from our neighbors. Hate creates divisions. Satan comes as an angel of light to do just that.
Can God’s people return to the heart of the gospel? Can God’s people turn back to God? The Scriptures say, the city of Ninevah had turned to their wicked ways, but if they confessed their sin, God would save them. Jonah knew the Lord was merciful. When the Lord asked him to go preach to Ninevah He ran because He did not agree with God that “those people” deserved God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Only the Spirit of God can change a heart. Jonah learned that lesson the hard way. Only the Lord can pull us out of the bottomless pit of depravity. Only He can shine light into a world too often content to dwell in darkness. May we choose the path of humility, obedience, and agape love, fully aware that God’s purposes will prevail, and that even in times such as these, He remains Sovereign and faithful.
Jesus said, “Follow me and let the dead bury their dead.” It’s as if He says, “Let the world handle its own problems. You come out of it”
I think if we gave it due consideration, we would find that the Lord is exposing all the deeds done in darkness, not by the world, but by those that call on His name. And how does He respond? “Depart from Me, you evil doers. I never knew you.” The Lord is a gracious God. He is reminding us that Satan comes as an angel of light, to deceive many. No one can love as God does unless he knows God.
The Scriptures teach us to walk humbly with our God. This is worth repeating. The enemy comes as an angel of light. He likes to condemn us when we quote scripture because he knows scripture better than most Christians. He does not want to hear it. But by the grace of God, all glory to His name, I, we as the body of Christ, will not relent. We will share the truth of the Scriptures. Truth makes liars uncomfortable.
Thank you for reading. My prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24-KJV).”
Satan comes as an angel of light – he knows-his days are numbered-his fate is sealed – so he is recruiting folks
Are you too far gone? Have you listened to enough false teachings that your only outcome is spiritual death? The poison of false teaching has been working its way through your heart and mind. The result is a heart of stone that has no ears to hear, or eyes to see. You have to have a heart of stone for the elephant not to squash you.
Living in the last hour
Just like the day Jesus was sentenced. His followers could say or do nothing to prevent His death. Not a thing. If anything, they scattered. They hid in the shadows. Jesus had already told them what to expect, but they still went into self-preservation mode. He even told Peter that he would deny Him three times. Pilate had no recourse.
Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You? “Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin (John 19:10-11).”
It stands to reason the ones who brought the elephant in the room, are to blame for the destruction caused by the elephant.
At this time in history, the church, the Christian, the evangelical, and whatever other label fits, is fully convinced that the evil upon this nation is because of one political party. I am not clergy. I did not attend Bible college. I am not an apologist and even I know the truth of why evil is in the world. At sixty-six years old, an American woman of Mexican descent, I can tell you that these Bible believing folks forget that the heart of man, all men, is continually evil. They have abandoned their first Love. These folks tolerate false prophets, false teachers, idolatry, sexual immorality, even among their clergy. They are the walking dead. They want to call out the sin of others while ignoring their own. They forget that Jesus Christ will come looking for righteous people, not the self-righteous. They “Christians &, evangelicals” choose to blame the liberal for all the evil in our nation. Does anyone have ears to hear?
If we use worldly terms to describe the Son of God, Jesus was a holy liberal. That is not a political statement. Jesus came to save, not to judge. He came not to condemn man, but to die for the sin of all man. He extended grace and mercy. He sat with sinners and tax collectors. He called out the hypocrisy in the church. He wanted everyone to repent, but He did not force them into it. The Pharisee forced the Jewish people to keep the Mosiac Law, but Jesus knew that men could never keep the Law. That’s why the Father had sent Him.
Today’s church folk equate American ideology with Christianity. The two are in sharp contrast. American ideology/American Christianity is based on desire and hard work. Jesus followers are grounded in faith and submission.
Rich Mullins brought to light many attributes of Christianity that were being twisted and distorted. For one, the idea that the Scriptures teach submission.
“We do not find happiness by being assertive. We don’t find happiness by running over people because we see what we want and they are in the way of that happiness so we either abandon them or we smash them. The Scriptures don’t teach us to be assertive. The Scriptures teach us—and this is remarkable—the Scriptures teach us to be submissive. This is not a popular idea.” ― Rich Mullins
Submission continues to be unpopular among Americans. Submission does not resonate well with white America, but it has been way of life for black America. When the law allowed for slavery, the white church was ok in demanding slaves to obey their masters. When the law changed allowing for equal treatment, the church was not ok with submitting to the new law. When Americans feel the 2nd Amendment is threatened they pull out their weapons in opposition. A popular saying goes along with the sentiment.
No one can argue the truth and the reality of these statements. White privilege put black Americans in their circumstance. It was quite the same expectation for all people of color and people that looked different. When the laws changed mindsets remained.
This the only the beginning. There is still so much more for us to see and experience as followers of Jesus Christ. The reason believers in America are divided is not because of any political agenda as the world would have us believe. It is because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Pharisee and Jesus Christ. That is the purpose of the gospel. The believer – the unbeliever. The one who believes in the One God, and the one who believes in the god of their choice. There are people who believe the Scriptures are the inspired word of God, while others say they are words written by mere men. Some Christians believe the Scriptures to be infallible, others don’t. These differences and religion are the reason most people believe as they do. They have chosen their drink. Others don’t know what to believe or what they believe, or even why they believe, much less believe at all. The spirit of Jim Jones is alive and well. It’s yet another reminder of the Scripture that says, “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand (Matthew 24:23-25).”
Submission to God or submission to the traditions of men?
Choosing to believe in God is not like betting red or black on a roulette wheel. The Scriptures tell us we will have many battles, but there is only one war. The Scriptures tell us the war has already been won. So, our battles are not against flesh and blood. The Scriptures tell me, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).” What this scripture tells me is that the foreigner is not my enemy. It does not matter if the foreigner came here legally or illegally. The sinner is not my enemy. We are all sinners who fall short of the glory of God. When the Scripture says “bad company corrupts good character” I believe it also applies to fellow believers who hold to a version of the truth but deny the power of the gospel. Let’s be honest Jesus did not come for the sake of those who felt well.
Healthy folks have no need of a doctor. Yet Jesus came to offer salvation to all mankind, because we could not save ourselves. Yes, even those who do not recognize the cancer eating away their insides. People who believe they are healthy, shun the sick and the weak. The question today is the same as it was in the beginning. Who are you going to serve the gospel or the traditions of men? The Pharisee of yesterday and the Pharisees of today echo the same tragic outcome. Crucify Him! “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.” “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.” When I watch the news, or read the new on social media, the believer on the front lines of this civil war is the enemy. He is the enemy to the traditions of men, the evil one. He is disturbing the peace of all those traditionalists. The true sons of God are those led by the Spirit of God. They are not hiding in the shadows, like Peter did. They are not denying the message of Jesus Christ. They proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. They are not defending the traditions of men. They are exposing the evil traditions of men that have distorted the truth of Scripture for their own gain – as the Lord leads them.
The illegal immigrant is only one scapegoat; the true sacrifice is the believer who will be delivered up for persecution. Like Peter who denied Christ three times, so His elect, deny Him when they cower away. The persecution that Jesus warned us about was not about something coming from outside. It was a warning of the evil within the church. These antichrists had already infiltrated the church, but their endgame, afar off, was going to be much worse.
A house divided will not stand
America is a nation created through centuries of violence, and subjugation. A purchase here, a purchase there would make it legal, but subjugate, nonetheless. That is not opinion. It is history. Today’s conflicts are a testament to that truth. Instead of good governance, or immigration reform, we wage war on the illegal immigrant. We fought the war on drugs, and we are still fighting. People abuse legal drugs. We brought to light the evils of human trafficking and human slavery only to learn the ugly truth. The buying and selling of human flesh is a profitable business. There has never been a lack of demand. Buyers come from all backgrounds and many of those consumers are leaders of this great nation. Creating law does not bring about a changed heart. Law holds everyone, or should, accountable for the actions their evil heart takes to hurts others. “Man-made” law is designed to hold everyone accountable and give its citizenry equal rights and equal protection under the law, but that does not happen. We believe that no man is above the law, but time and again we see that is not always true.
We are disturbed by perceived evil, threatening in appearance, but that is not always the case. What we see with our eyes can deceive us. Evil is a “projected goodness” in any man, or woman whose heart is bent on evil. He uses persuasive words, manipulation, even good acts, but his endgame is destruction. In our first nature that is all humans. We should not fear the one who can destroy the body, but He who can destroy both body and soul.
America has a legacy of violence and creating separation
To separate is the American way – but the Lord comes to do that too
The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo separated us, from them. Sadly, it set the precedence for the future treatment of Americans of Mexican descent. During the 1920’s & 1930s, the Mexican Repatriation conducted by the U.S. government extracted countless of Americans of Mexican descent, and not necessarily because they were here illegally. It was a them or us, scenario. The Civil War separated us – pro-slavery or anti-slavery. Civil Rights separated us by civil rights for all, or civil rights for a few. The Light separates us from the darkness. That’s what Jesus did. When I consider that some Christian groups are bent on creating some kind sanitized utopian America – a heaven on earth. I was reminded of David who wanted to build God a temple, so badly. But God said no. David would not build God’s temple because he was a man of violence. I think to myself “This country could never be nonviolent.”
David said to Solomon: “My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build a house to the name of the Lord my God; but the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and have made great wars; you shall not build a house for My name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in My sight. (1 Chronicles 22)
Jesus came to save. Man cannot create anything good for God. God does not dwell in anything made by human hands. Jesus came to show the world the love of His Father. How does a nation show love, if not by the works of its people? What audacity. We call this is a Christian nation, yet the love of many is stone hard cold. That’s the legacy American children inherited and will inherit.
My Christian Lens – Jesus came to divide
Come on, let’s get real. Texas governor said in September 2021 he was going to get rid of all the rapists in the state. Really? Can any political leader accomplish such a task? What does the Bible say about evil? If you are a believer, think on that.
“I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law (Luke 12:49-53).”
Then He also said to the multitudes, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time (Luke 12:49-56 NKJV)?“
To admit to the atrocities committed by early Americans, is one thing. It’s history. History cannot be erased. But it can be repeated. The scars are hard to hide. What is happening now is history. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must live in this world. The Scriptures say we should live in peace with all men, as much as depends on us. Jim Crow, and the persecution of blacks by KKK, an organized hate group, (they call themselves Christian) has maintained their presence for 160 years of American history. Their brand of violence has not disappeared. It is a tradition that many Americans wish to continue. Clearly, just like illegal drugs there is a “market” for hate. Hate is like murder. And the desired outcomes of hate groups are negative, unlike illegal immigration, which has generally been good for the country. Every crop has its bad apple, but so does every generation of Americans.
Does anyone still have ears to hear? Are we suffering from false teaching buildup? Is the buildup causing hearing loss and ringing so loud we just agree with everything we hear?
When Jesus walked the earth, His message fell on deaf ears with many of the people He came to save. Jesus did not give anyone the right or the power to dehumanize people of color, or for any other reason. If anything, He preached the opposite.
When (murder) hate is justified because of a look, or a perceived threat what happens? Well, one man said “Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.” ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship His statement is either true or the Scriptures are inaccurate.
1 John 4:20 – If a man says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
Proverbs 6:16-19 NKJV “These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.”
It hasn’t even been a century where black and white could drink out of the same water fountain, or where black did not have to go the rear of the bus. We love our ancestors. We do. Compared to the power and influence Jewish leaders had, back in Roman days, today’s top influential Christian leaders display wealth beyond any one’s imagination. Lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life is what makes the American spirit. It blends perfectly with the prosperity gospel.
There is a day of reckoning
The early folks took what they wanted, by force, coercion or violence.
Finally, I was reminded of a Pharisee named Gamaliel, “a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God (Acts 5:34-39).”
I am reading about men of God, pastors, and teachers, laypeople speaking out against the cruelty of ICE. They are proclaiming that the actions undertaken by armed masked men, are unchristian. This is a “Christian nation”, unless the label has been abandoned, or rebranded to fit an ungodly agenda. These government agents are condemning men, women and children without due process. Have some of these men gone rogue? It is possible. Some have taken the authority given to them by a governmental agency and chosen to violate basic human rights. They are beating up the foreigner.
While popular and the celebrity Christian leaders criticize the other Christian leaders who have chosen to obey God by protesting abuse of power, the popular ones choose to be complicit to the injustice before them. No doubt they pray for their leader to succeed and for God to protect him. They choose to put on their blindfolds to the inhumane actions of masked men. God is not mocked. As I said earlier, we face the same question today as in the beginning. Choose you today, whom you will serve (Joshua 24:15).
It is worth reminding ourselves that our battles are not against flesh and blood. Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) needs to be written on every believer’s forehead. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Satan comes as an angel of light. He comes with good news to deceive, if possible, even the elect. That is one thing the Scripture is clear on. We are to “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.”
Matthew 9:10-17 NKJV “Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Jesus set the example. Today, the “righteous” and the sinner are offended by this verse.
The Christian does not want to sit next to the sinner; they have no mercy – and the sinner does not want to be called a sinner. Jesus said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” The woman at the well, recognized Jesus as a Jew? He did not identify Himself as such. After their exchange, the woman desired what Jesus was offering. But Jesus directed her to go get her husband. She told him she had no husband. Jesus told her she was being truthful then told her all He knew about her. The woman dropped her pot and went and told the men about a Man who told her everything she had ever done. The Lord still does that for all who seek Him. He reveals Himself then He begins to tell you everything about yourself.
Now, last night as I prayed giving the Lord thanks for all His goodness, His mercy, His grace, the fact that His mercies are new every morning – certain Scriptures came to mind.
It was not Pontius Pilot that found Jesus guilty of any sin. He gave the Jewish people a choice, a murderer, or a Savior. It was the people of God that chose a murderer over a Savior. They were the first people who called good evil and evil good, destroying the good. But it was all part of God’s big plan.
Philippians 3:20 says our citizenship is in heaven. The Scriptures teach that those who believe are not of this world. So, who is the real immigrant here? Just as the illegal immigrant today is being ripped out of his community, accused of all sorts of crimes, degraded, scorned, spit on and flogged the centurion sees himself as providing a valuable service. So, the children of God should expect to suffer as much and worse when persecution comes to their door.
When you read John 3:16 it says whoever believes in Him should not perish. It does not exclude anyone. Jesus died for the sake of all humanity. Luke 5:31-32, (Amplified Bible) says this. “I did not come to call the [self-proclaimed] righteous [who see no need to repent], but sinners to repentance [to change their old way of thinking, to turn from sin and to seek God and His righteousness].” It is the religious who pray in the public squares to be seen by men. The ones who thank God that he or she is not one of them (Luke 18:11).
He did not come to condemn anyone, but to save. He said for those who do not believe are condemned already. Now, for those who believe in the Scriptures, who believe Jesus as the Son of God, believe they are sinners saved from eternal condemnation only because of the love of the Creator. Those who chose to save a murderer, had their Savior before them, bruised, beaten and bleeding, nevertheless continued to reject Him all the way to the cross. They refused to believe that such a man, a man who said He was not of this world, who claimed He and the Father are one, could be the promised Messiah.
If anyone is preaching a different gospel, they are deceived and deceiving. For those pastors concerned with the lack of commitment to church attendance by membership, by dwindling numbers, the church buildings have been packed longer than they have been sparse. False teachings do not transform a heart much less lives into the image of Christ. Jesus is not coming for a people with a form of godliness (2 Timothy 3:5). The traditions of men have built the world we inhabit with all its lusts, and perversions. They have turned the house of God into a den of thieves.
That’s where the Christian lives and worships, in a den of thieves. I was not sure where God was going with this, but the Scriptures are clear, that anyone who professes the name of Christ will be persecuted. I pray for those believers who still love with agape love (a popular phrase in the 1980s), who obey the Lord when they are commanded to confront hypocrisy, who experience persecution – I pray that the Lord will be glorified by their faithfulness to His word. To God be all the glory.
The love of God is unfathomable for those who do not believe. The things of God are foolishness to those who do not believe. This journey of faith described here is one fraught with challenges, division, and the ever-present temptation of false teachings. And the God of the heavens pursues those He calls. The Christian walk is not about comfort, but about confronting uncomfortable truths—both within us and in the world around us. While history and society have often been marred by violence, injustice, and hypocrisy, Jesus set an example of mercy, compassion, and radical love that transcends worldly indoctrinations, political, cultural, and religious. The call is not to self-righteousness or finger-pointing, but to genuine repentance and submission to God’s truth.
We either believe what the Scriptures say, or we don’t. We cannot simply obey the Scriptures that fit personal agendas. As believers, we are reminded that our citizenship is not of this world; persecution and suffering will come for those who follow Christ. You can believe in pre-tribulation rapture, but do not rely simply on that belief. Believers around the world already suffer for their decision to follow Christ and they are still here. Amid darkness, believers are to be the light of Christ’s love. Today, the False Prophet calls evil good, tomorrow the Antichrist will demand everyone to choose whom they will serve. Let us remember that God’s mercy is new every morning, and no matter how far we may feel from Him, His love can transform even a heart of stone. The challenge is not merely to endure, but to reflect Christ’s love and truth in a world desperately in need of both. We may not be in the last days, but it could be our last hour.
Part 6, the Conclusion of The Elephant in the Room is coming tomorrow. I wasn’t sure where the Lord was going with it, but I think I finally got it. It is a long post, so sit back and take your time reading it.
You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. (Galatians 5: 7-9)
Let’s talk about who, and what is evil. White color and blue collar crime, lifestyles, various forms of entertainment – What do you call evil?
The Scriptures say the heart of man is continually evil. Let’s face it, evil, is attractive. It is enticing. The lustful eye finds it pleasurable. It is something people can support. It is profitable. It is non discriminant. It is the confession of being a Christ follower with the evidence of a corrupt speech. The New Testament says this:
But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.” Matthew 15: !8-20
To lay all the blame on illegals for the rapes and murders, kidnappings, drug problems and various crimes is absurd. Yes. I have read where some people feel as such. Then I remember Andrene McDonald. A young woman violently murdered, dismembered and burned and discarded like trash, by her Air Force husband, in front of their autistic child. Last year, a local white woman disappeared, she has yet to be found, and her American, Anglo husband is the prime suspect. To believe that removing illegal occupants will make for a safer community is delusional. Ancestry DNA had revealed the prevalence of incest in past generations. DNA has helped find murderers from decades ago. Prisons are full of men who have been wrongly condemned, condemned because they are the wrong color, because they happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Are true criminals locked up? Of course. Did they all get equal justice? That could be debated in more than a few cases.
Evil is what killed a fourteen year-old black male. It was not too long ago that white Americans got away with killing Emmet Till, and a bunch of folks who were fighting for the rights of black people.
It is also safe to say that a degree of hatred (hate is a strong word) and intolerance still lingers for people of color, much of which was subtle, except in 1998, in Texas, with the racially motivated murder of James Byrd Jr.. There have been other instances of racially motivated crimes, especially the last ten years. Social media brings news of such crimes, all crimes for that matter, to us instantly.
Drug trafficking, gangs, and the mafia have always maintained a presence.
Has violence increased? Yes. “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” If you believe in the Scriptures, you probably believe this has been happening. You believe in biblical prophesy. Regardless, more people and fewer resources add up to lack. Lack brings its on challenges.
These are the times that force us to choose sides. Joshua, Judas, the Jewish people, Lot’s wife, etc. all chose sides. One could remain neutral but both sides would accuse you of siding with the enemy.
And so many people are sitting in darkness.
I imagine that past civil rights activists, Christian and unbelievers, as did Germans during Hitler’s reign of terror chose a side. The times compelled them to choose sides. On Thursday, I sat through my first city council meeting. As I listened to the speakers, one by one, they proclaimed their opposition to the anti-immigration tactics being used to rip out the illegal immigrant from within our communities. Those in support of ICE tactics felt immigration agents were exercising the force necessary to remove the bad seed from our midst. I strongly disagreed.
It is not a history lesson as much as it is an awakening
In the beginning, no one in this new land denied the new settlers entry. They came, they saw that it was good and they proceeded to kill and conquer. It was a hard life full of challenges. People came to this new nation to make a new life for themselves, to escape religious persecution. Still, historically, we know that Americans of color have experienced various forms of oppression in their own front yard.
Whatever drew and still draws the foreigner to this nation, only God knows. Other presidencies have taken on the task of removing illegal immigrants, but never to the degree of inhumanity that has been recorded by witnesses in the last few weeks. I have read some disturbing stories of the forced Repatriation of the 1920s but none read as violent and dehumanizing as what we are witnessing today. It is safe to say that most Americans do not take issue with illegal immigration enforcement. It is also safe to say that a degree of hatred (hate is a strong word) and intolerance still lingers for people of color.
Have you ever wondered why racial issues that tore a nation apart, 160 years ago, persist in the 21st century? Why do white supremacy attitudes, beliefs and tolerance for such groups persist? We admitted that enslaving black humans, all humans, was morally wrong. After the end of slavery, it took 100 years to admit separating people by race was unconstitutional. Christians could support such laws because the Scriptures command slaves to obey their masters. The people that created this nation created a document that stated all men were created equal, but for centuries it only applied to one people. There is no answer for hatred, except for it is a characteristic of the father of lies.
The children of the father of lies are an interesting people. I was browsing books at an estate sale last year and found some very interesting books. In particular was an old publication, a book titled White America by Earnest Sevier Cox (1923-Revised, Special Ed. 1937). I found another book titled Dear White America – Letter to A New Minority by Tim Wise (2012). Sometimes titles alone draw me to a book, as these two titles did. I assumed the books were addressing the topic of race. They were. But boy, was I shocked by White America. Tim Wise was writing a book on race and inequality, racial disparities designed to reach a specific white population. I have yet to read the entire book but so far it has my interest. The other book, by Cox made my jaw drop. The audacity of the author was incredible. He wrote in his introduction
“There is no lamp by which my feet may be guided but the lamp of experience.” This declaration is found in that eventful oration of Patrick Henry which brought the Southern colonies to the aid of the Northern and resulted in the establishing of the United States of America. It is a tribute to the inestimable value of experience as a guide to conduct, individual and social. Experience is knowledge, and, by having knowledge of the past, we are able to avoid the mistakes of the past. Experience charts the oceans, determines dangerous currents, place beacons upon the rocks, marks the safe passages.”
He probably did not realize that the first paragraph of his introduction would explain current events. And that is, Americans have not learned to avoid the mistakes of the past. The subject of the book is racially motivated. In a nutshell, he wanted to remove all blacks and other non-Anglos from American soil. Similar to the Mexican Repatriation of the 1920s and 30s. I considered posting some of the content, but the language is to offensive for me. On Pg. 14, he writes, “That the white race retain ethnic purity is not a superficial desire: it is a primary necessity if civilization, as we understand it, is to continue. By preserving itself, the white race is to promote its own progress and impart its achievements to the backward races.” “Backward races?”
As I prayed, I was reminded of Peter when confronted by the Jewish leaders after an angel released him from prison. Confronting the present day Pharisee is something few are willing to do. It is almost instant shame and shunning by fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to confront the Pharisees.
“But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”
Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”
But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts 5:22-32
Rich Mullins had it right
“The Church has got to be a conscience in the society it’s in. Otherwise what’s the point of having a Church? The government cannot make people moral by legislating morality and in many cases that’s what its laws are trying to do. The Church on the other hand, has the ability to make people new.” — Rich Mullins [“Life As A Monk” by Kathleen A. Ervin, Harvest Rock Syndicate, Vol 6, Issue 1, Winter 1992] #richmullins
Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
“I have attended church regularly since I was less than a week old. I’ve listened to sermons about virtue, sermons against vice. I have heard about money, time management, tithing, abstinence, and generosity. I’ve listened to thousands of sermons. But I could count on one hand the number of sermons that were a simple proclamation of the gospel of Christ.” ― Rich Mullins
Psalm 7:14
Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. KJV
Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment. NIV
Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity; yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood. NKJV
Lo! the wicked hath conceived sorrow; he painfully hath brought forth unrightfulness, and he hath childed wickedness. (Lo! he who is wicked hath conceived many ways to bring sorrow; yea, he hath painfully brought forth unrighteousness, and he hath birthed wickedness.) Wycliffe Bible
There are many issues that creep into our lives that we did not ask for, that we fail to address, or do not know how to address, refuse to address, or do not address to the satisfaction of others.
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of trial in the wilderness, where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, and saw My works forty years. Therefore I was angry with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, and they have not known My ways.’ So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ”
Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” NKJV Hebrews 3: 7-15
The deceitfulness of sin
Eve and the Jews, the chosen people of God (who chose Barabbas over Jesus) presented but a glimpse of God’s big picture and the deceitfulness of sin. Consider the subsequent generations of Jews that did not choose Barabbas. False teaching works the same way.
Rich Mullins (1955-1997), the Christian singer from back in the days, was for me, the last great theologian, even if he wasn’t, and didn’t consider himself as one. He had a way of speaking truth that made me evaluate my faith.
“Christianity is not about building an absolutely secure little niche in the world where you can live with your perfect little wife and your perfect little children in your beautiful little house where you have no gays or minority groups anywhere near you. Christianity is about learning to love like Jesus loved and Jesus loved the poor and Jesus loved the broken.” ― Rich Mullins
“Never forget what Jesus did for you. Never take lightly what it cost Him. And never assume that if it cost Him His very life, that it won’t also cost you yours.” ― “We were given the Scriptures to humble us into realizing that God is right, and the rest of us are just guessing.” ― Rich Mullins
Finding myself in unexpected waters
A former sister-in-law, long since gone home, once share with me a decision she was compelled to make. Thinking on her experience, later, it occurred to me that maybe that’s why fellow Christians leave ministries behind. Let’s be truthful, so few people in the church have a heart, much less time for volunteer ministry. Martha is very demanding. She even complained about Mary to Jesus. Pastors will indirectly call out congregants for this failure. They are thankful for the folks who give of their time, folks who sacrifice their time, but they are only a few folks and there is so much work to be done. “We really need more folks to step up.” Scripture says the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. I don’t use this example lightly, operating a church takes a lot of people as it has many needs.
Anyway, my sister-in-law felt constantly pulled by her church to volunteer for this and that. She confessed that she found it hard to say no. She was a young mom with three children who needed her attention. She was also homeschooling them. It was not easy for her to say no. Her first priority had to be the needs of her children. She felt “this is the lot that the Lord has given me and I cannot do a good job if I am constantly putting others before my children.” She chose obedience to the lot she felt the Lord had given her. She did not stop serving the Lord. She admitted to me it was not the lot she would have chosen. Growing up she knew she wanted to be a professional. I was like, wow. That took a lot of discernment.
There are many circumstances I would not have chosen for myself or my children, but it was the lot I had been given. For my sister-in-law it was not about saying no to God, but learning to say no to Martha and not feeling guilty about choosing God’s will. Learning to accept the lot one has been given is not easy, especially as Americans. The apostle Paul learned to be content in all things.
Learning from the parent-child relationship
After my divorce in 1997, I had to learn how to navigate a very cold world. As a single mother, I found very little compassion and an abundance of judgment. Adversity was on every corner. It took me a while to realize I was unprepared to adequately provide for my children. So I went to college. That in itself was a challenge. But it lead me down a path that the Lord would later use to teach me. I chose to study child development. I learned many valuable lessons working in the field of early childhood and the many facets of the parent-child relationship. The Lord was gracious in revealing to me how the earthly relationships parallel the heavenly relationship.
Early childhood encompasses the array of development all children experience. A healthy emotional development is critical as children learn to express themselves. Abuse and neglect have been shown to alter a child’s brain architecture. The effects are long-lasting and make it difficult for children to make secure attachments with caregivers. It is heartbreaking that the people designed to nurture them can also inflict pain and suffering.
The effects of neglectful and abusive parenting is not always as obvious as one would believe. Too often, the children love their abuser. They love their mommy and daddy. The signs of neglect manifest differently than signs of physical abuse. Christian parents like to quote the scripture spare the rod and spoil the child as rational for spanking their children. That is what I was taught. So Christians, in general, more often than not, consider the lack of physical punishment bad parenting. So all the disobedient, and disrespectful children are a result of bad parenting. Parents who spare the rod raise children that spoil everything. Very few individuals will step in to help a child getting yelled at, or getting a whooping for crying in the grocery store. Have you ever witnessed a parent yelling at an infant? A child up to a year old is considered an infant. Their only form of communication is still crying. I believe most people have seen a toddler getting berated in public. Very few people even react to such a sight. It’s heartbreaking.
It is nobody’s business, right? Well, consider the neglectful and abusive parent/child relationship. Believers are the children of God. God is our Heavenly Father. I will not lay it out for you. When God’s children are disobedient He must discipline them. The church is tasked with feeding the sheep, with tending His sheep. When the church is neglectful, the signs too can manifest differently than when the church is abusive. Jim Jones (He was a preacher, ordained, influenced by Pentecostalism.) I would consider abusive. He lead 900+ people to death. The Templars were just as bad.
The church, Christians, evangelicals, the people of God have a history of neglecting God’s Law. Jesus left us with a new narrative. A narrative that saves. The gospel is God’s authority. The signs of a neglectful church are evident to those few with eyes to see. The Bible is clear on that subject. They have chosen the way of Balaam. Feed my sheep, said the Lord. Where are God’s sheep?
The Scriptures tell us that the Lord disciplines because He loves us. His discipline is not abstract. Everything the Lord of creation does is purposeful. Even for those who do not believe. Following the lead of Israel, Christian and evangelicals cried for a king to lead them, to protect them from secularists, to save Christianity, clearly they were to busy lusting after the things of the world that there was no time to give to the lost. That is a very cynical attitude to take, isn’t it? But those “secularists”, the unsaved, the unbelievers, the sinner, the degenerates, all those people, Jesus came to save. They had to be sacrificed for their king. Just like the Pharisees dragged the adulterous woman to where Jesus was, front and center, calling out her sin, so the evangelicals have done. The Pharisees did not expect Jesus to do what He did, so Christians and evangelicals did not expect what their king is doing, or maybe they did and like Judas have gone astray. Their king is not done claiming his rights. The Pharisees thought they were safe and in control, but we know how that ended.
In the 21st century, Israel repeated history by willingly and willfully rejecting God, the King of Kings, and Lord of lords, for a human king. The most popular and influential Christians and evangelicals today, big names, signed off on the king’s appointment. God chose Saul, but Israel would suffer the consequences for their sin. The elephant in the room was asked to come in…
v. 9 – Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.”
v. 19-20 – But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” 1 Samuel 8 – NIV
To everything there is a purpose…
More to come… I am beginning to see the end of this narrative. Come back to see where Part 5 goes.
The simple truth of the gospel is that Jesus Christ came not to judge or condemn, but to save all who will believe. First to the Jew then the Gentile. That was a radical message for the days Jesus walked the earth, and so it remains today. Every American has chosen which lies they will believe. Satan is working both camps. The men that Jesus called had to overcome all the teachings they had been taught since childhood.
Question: As believers, as followers of Jesus Christ are we going to be keepers of the old Law, like the Pharisees, or extenders of God’s grace, who we believe sent His only Son to suffer for the sin of man and redeem him back to Himself?
Some situations we are born into, some are thrust upon us, some we choose
I have heard people say that everyone is in the situation they are in because of the choices they have made, for the good or for the bad. I disagree with that up to a point. As newborn infants, we are born into our circumstances. A few are born into wealth and influence, the majority are not. What defines us in this world is predetermined even before conception. Out birth land – genetics, color of skin – color of eyes – color of hair – height – race – our ethnicity – sex (I do not refer to gender), our faith and religion, our social economic class, our environmental upbringing to include parenting styles, or lack of, all influence our behaviors, attitudes and experiences.
Then again, some situations are thrust upon us. There are many situations I would not have chosen for myself, like single parenting. But at a certain point I chose to stay a single parent. I would not have chosen to be born into poverty, but I worked to not remain in poverty. Still according to government definitions , I meet the poverty guidelines. Nevertheless that was the lot that was given to me.
No American in the last one-hundred years chose to enslave the black people, but let’s face it, many Anglo Americans enjoyed an extra privileged making them complicit in the dehumanization of blacks and other people of color up until the 1990’s and it has never really disappeared. It just took on a more subtle form. That is the lot of many Americans. The truth hurts. As adults our life chances allow us to change some of what we inherited from our parents. If we so desire.
Christians and Jews have been divided and pitted against one another over biblical interpretations, and political ideologies. A longstanding wile of the devil.
A friend posted the meme below. As I read it, it occurred to me that one could argue for either side with their definition of unrepented pride. That is literally happening right now.
The Lord said everything done in darkness would be brought to the light. There is no secret agenda that will not be revealed.
We are slaves to whatever we submit to. Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? I had a friend during Trump’s first run tell me, just out of the blue that “they” her and her husband fully supported him. My husband and I just looked at each other. I don’t know if she expected us to jump for joy. We were not at their home to talk politics. However, it kinda felt like a declaration of war. By the way, they have not changed their minds which truly shocks me.
The true gospel transforms hearts and lives. If that does not happen to a professing believer, then the problem is not in the Scriptures but in the interpretation of them leading to false teachings that lead to a spiritual life built on beautiful sandy shores. Satan does not have to work hard at deceiving people who are already deceived. I do not mean to say that my friends are deceived. But the fact that Christians are divided in this issue of worldly leadership, well, I believe God appoints all leaders, but I also believe he does so according to His will, not ours. What could God be telling American Christians right now? Every man has a plan in his heart, but the Lord’s will prevails.
We believe that all newborns are born innocent. But the Scriptures say we are born with a sinful nature. I doubt people, in general, view all sin as “evil” or that it necessarily makes anyone evil. If it did, this country would be in a world of hurt, more than we are today. Newborns grow and mature. They grow to be toddlers. Toddlers get a bad rap. Those terrible tantrums are usually triggered when they do not get their way.
Crises situations often and quickly lead to conspiracy theories, prophetic Babble/Babel, blame game, and lots of rhetoric.
Biblical prophesy is clear on three events that Christians will experience. Yes, there are more but here I only point out these three. Christians will suffer persecution. Few Christians will travel the narrow road. Many will be turned away because they did not do the will of the Father. And no amount of prophesying, performing miracles, or driving out demons will save anyone who does not do the will of the Father.
Living through Sept 11 and a pandemic taught me some valuable lessons. First, these days, (911 we relied on print and news media for info) social media is our first go to place for information, everybody and their brother on social media seem to be experts on the law, not just constitutional, state and local and biblical law. I know a few Christians familiar with various conspiracy theories, and some that also believe them to be true. Second, I found, in times of crisis, prophets rise quickly. They come out of the wood work. Their audience grows during these times. Let’s not forget, fear of the mark of the beast rears its ugly head too. Then, the blame game takes on new direction. Everyone over there is to blame. It’s their fault. Liberals, democrats and progressive Christians are ruining America. Republicans are taking the country backwards. President Obama was blamed for destroying Christian values. My Christian friends were very critical of the Obama administration. Folks, or trolls on Facebook enjoyed taking pokes at Biden’s mental state. The evangelical cry “America has lost its moral compass.” The battle cry? “America return to God.” It gets more rhetorical with every event. It is shameful. It is not surprising that the gospel has lost that loving feeling.
Blaming others is what Christians do best. Eve started that tradition. Recall in Genesis, Eve blamed the serpent. Adam blamed the woman. In Texas, Christians blame democrats for everything that is wrong with this state and this country especially the rise in crime by immigrants. It was “them” who opened the flood gates to immorality by passing laws that contradict God’s laws. The apostle Paul said “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being (1 Corinthians 10:23-24).” Just because alcohol is legal does not mean anyone has to partake of it. But…
I will not forget that Christians were quick to jump on the bandwagon blaming China for the virus. Yes. It did start in China and it was delivered here by boat. When I heard some mention that the COVID vaccine was somehow the mark of the beast. I was like, OK. ? Another voice said that the vaccine was inserting a chip into our bodies. ? The time in quarantine gave me a lot of time to do research on different things, and study the Scriptures. I had friends claiming the COVID vaccine was more harmful to the body than the virus. Christians that believed the various conspiracy theories of stolen elections celebrated the assault on the U.S. Capital. Their president was supposed to win because some prophet from the halls of YouTube had said God told him so. Christians have turned American democracy into a circus. Seriously, I don’t think they want to live in peace. I think they “Christian and evangelicals, do not like equal rights for all. The warning does say, if you hear “Peace and safety!” sudden destruction comes upon them like a pregnant woman in labor. As far as the Scriptures go, well, this is a capitalistic nation. It’s all about making money and chasing the American Dream. How many American Christians have abandoned the truth of the Scriptures for the world and all its lusts, the lust for power and control, over the purpose of the gospel. Even words, fiery arrows, are part of the evangelical arsenal. Just like the Jewish leaders accused Jesus of heresy, so do Christians accuse those that do not share their “political views.”
I believe there are more folks in church that may not be truly saved, but are comfortable with their status. But again, only God knows the heart of any man and He can change a man’s heart. The Scriptures certainly say as much. When it comes to sharing the gospel and leading people to salvation, John 3:16 is a well quoted verse. The subsequent verses not so much and they are too significant to simply gloss over or ignore.
vs. 16: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
vs. 17: For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. And what are evangelicals doing but condemning everyone that does not look, or think, or believe as they do.
vs. 18: Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This verse is clear.
vs. 19: This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Christians seem to support all the chaos created by the current administration and they have no problem reconciling their support with the old Law rather than loving others as we love ourselves.
A couple of night ago, as I prayed to my Lord, with heaviness of heart I released all my trials, concerns, fears, and desire to respond negatively to the evil forces that are terrorizing men, women and children. It is tiring to carry the burdens of others, but we are commanded to so (Galatians 6:2). Supporting fellow believers in prayer, encouragement, and whatever way the Lord leads is not burdensome. On the other hand, it can become burdensome during trying times because we don’t know what the Lord is doing, only that He is doing something. So praying for our leaders gets sticky.
No matter how much I pray for the man in the big house, for wisdom, and guidance, his actions suggest otherwise. My prayer has progressed to praying that he will grow a heart, compassion, a conscience, still he continues to seek his own glory, but the Lord’s will be done. And many of his supporters are fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. The pastor at this church we recently started attending, I think it was on a Wednesday night service joked about the president’s actions often being unpredictable. You never know what the guy is going to say or do any given morning when he wakes up. Which is true. But he believed that the guy had done some good things that he agreed with. I thought, “Like what?” Funny, not funny.
Depending on whose doctrine we lean on for biblical interpretation we are on one side of the fence or the other. There is no doubt about it. I take comfort in the warnings of Matthew 24.“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.”
These days it is hard to make sense of what is going on in our country. Spiritually, I am persuaded that the Lord is calling out His people, but seems few have ears to hear, as many Christians spew out hate rather than extend mercy and the grace of a loving God. Sadly, some of these Christians are family and friends. In prayer and daily I ask God for His peace. I am like “Lord, where is the love of God? Where is Jesus? I do trust God through times of chaos and confusion and in times of peace. Still, the times are disturbing. After a long night of praying, and casting all my burdens on Him, in the morning, I felt His peace and reassurance that He had all this ugly mess under His control.
The following night, as I prayed for family and friends, for God’s people, for leaders, I prayed for direction, for confidence to stand for righteousness. I was compelled to write this long narrative. I can’t wait to get to the end. Ecclesiastics 3 says to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.
Vs. 7-11 “There is a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.”
The days where we call evil good and good evil are upon us. What brought us to this point was/is pride and arrogance – disobedience – turning away from the living God. Today, it is the collaborative actions of popular Christian leaders and the world that have defined what is good. It would be like the Pharisee and the Roman government agreeing that the adulterous woman had committed a crime deserving of death. Jesus would be the bait. Today we are witnessing what many Christian Americans are defining, as good. It is good that illegal immigrants are being ripped out of our communities, sacrificing anyone and everyone that interferes or even using them as bait. The issue is not immigration. Immigrants’ legal and illegal have always been in this country. Their contributions are evident. The issue is the inhumane treatment that fellow humans are experiencing to satisfy the fears of those who feel threatened by the foreigner.
LIVING IN THE LAST HOUR 
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