“I am not an African. I am not an African American. I am an American, and I wouldn’t want to be anything else. America doesn’t owe me anything. American has blessed me beyond measure. If anything, I owe America.” These words are quoted from “Fault Lines“ written by Voddie Baucham Jr., a man’s man, raised as a boy by a single mom in Watts. They are printed along with a complete look at the current social and church issues of “social justice,” “Black Lives Matter,” “critical race theory,” “intersectionality,” etc. which are part and parcel of the same world view. He has read their background material carefully and quotes it accurately to show how it distorts truth, history, and the Bible. He does all this with a very kind, but prophet-like, child-like honesty.
This is the most important book I’ve read this year. I’ll probably blog about it and these issues a couple more times then move on to more productive things. But it’s a deception that needs to be exposed and addressed, so you can take a stand, or understand what’s being said, why it’s being said, and what’s at stake. Do your own research, but this book is a good place to start and end. The 20/20 men’s reading and friendship group that meets in my home recently spent four sessions discussing it and we all feel the same way.
Warning, there are parts of it that are a bit academic, but that’s because he’s a college president and an academic himself. Also, the terms and their meanings have to be defined and understood before they can be discussed. But his story telling, personal history, and Spirit-led sharpness shines throughout and certainly in the end.
It’s hard hitting, factual, informative, and he addresses the things you’ve wondered about, as the media have promoted the worldview of the radical dissidents in reporting the violence and looting of the protesters.
In the end it’s going to be a good jumping off place or segue to several blogs on lies and deception, world wide delusion really, which has been an interest and study of mine for some time, and something the Spirit continually points out to me as the main answer to, “How can these things be happening?” In the church of Jesus Christ, no less!
It you’ve been puzzled by this topic, and these events of the last year, along with the pandemic, this is a good read, and a good place to start, in your search for the truth of the matter, and what to do about it. Godspeed as you journey, and shalom.
I had the thought this morning that I should tell “Our Father,” Happy Father’s Day! So I did, using the Aramaic term for intimacy that Jesus and Paul often used when addressing our Heavenly Father, Abba, rendered in English as “Daddy.”
I was pondering the parable of the prodigal son early this Father’s Day too. It seems proximity didn’t protend relationship. It was something more that broke through to the sons in the end — seeing their Father’s heart. Experiencing His grace and love.
What caused the deception? I don’t know. We aren’t told. Being human I suppose, in a world of lies, and influenced by satan, the father of lies. But even those circumstances exist by His gracious decision and decree.
Whether you are more like the younger son or the older son, this appears to be a setup of sorts. One that forces you to come to grips with what you know about the Father and what you don’t. What is true and what isn’t true about Him.
This setup is so we may come to really know Our Father, how He is and was all along. That He may know us. That we may know ourselves. That we may know the beauty of His majesty and His grace anew. How amazing it is! And how necessary!
Godspeed on your journey, toward Him, and with Him.
Oh by the way, it’s immensely helpful if He dwells in you and with you. And if you dwell or abide with Him. (John 15:5) It was His plan all along, and His promise.
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21
A good friend of mine named Art from Atlanta who I had the joy of meeting on a mission trip to Cuba a few years back sent this email out to family and friends this week with the invitation to share it. He makes many valuable, insightful, and instructive points, so I wanted to share it (slightly shortened for space) with fellow fathers, along with a prayer that our Father in Heaven give us grace to know Him and be like Him, with our children. Blessings on this special day!
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Atlanta is celebrating the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh, the noted but tragic painter, in a show called Van Gogh – The Immersive Experience. The show is an awe-inspiring journey into the universe of Van Gogh using an array of hi-tech resources.
A friend, senior like me, took his family to the Van Gogh show to celebrate his granddaughter’s birthday. He was amazed at the magnitude of Van Gogh’s work in art forms and writings, and the technology that produced such an experience. He shared his experience with our Friday morning group and mentioned one of Van Goph’s quotes that struck him: “What would life be if we hadn’t courage to attempt anything?”
In searching the source of this quote, I discovered a letter – long letter – written to Van Gogh’s brother, Theo. Van Gogh shared with his brother how he and his dad on Christmas day had a violent scene escalating to the point where dad told his son to leave the home, which Van Gogh did, never to return. Van Gogh was 28 at the time.
The argument was – you guessed it – over [ … ] church. How many fathers have lost their kids over religion. (Note: Van Gogh had turned to religion earlier in life, even serving as a missionary in Belgium.)
Referring back to the Van Gogh quote on courage, Van Gogh was himself a courageous person. What if Van Gogh’s dad had not made church such an issue? Van Gogh and his dad [perhaps] could have had an amicable relationship, where Van Gogh could have found himself in relationship with Jesus. The world would be benefiting from the work of a sound man who knew Jesus instead of the product of a deranged madman who at one time cut off an ear and eventually took his own life.
I have frequently written on the most severe condition of our nation that manifests in the craziness of our culture today: fatherlessness.
Here are a few thoughts after considering the father-son impasse in Van Gogh’s life that I hope you can appreciate –
Saint Paul wrote: “And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
After about age 12, trying to get your kid to follow you in your religious track can be like pushing on a wet noodle. Pray (Jesus is your kid’s savior, not you), lead by example, speak the truth in love. “Preach at all times; use words occasionally” (Quote attributed to St. Francis of Assisi).
Be there physically and emotionally. Let your kids know how much you delight in them. (Jesus delights in us as Jesus’ Father delights in Jesus.)
Don’t lie to your kids – about anything. This is especially true about trying to cover up your own life. Be honest, quick to ask forgiveness when you have wronged them, quick to forgive them,
Make sure you understand and fight against the craziness of our culture to which our kids are exposed today. Speak the truth in love against it all. It’s crazy and it’s all false: more than two genders, decide your own gender, America is all bad, our founders were evil, whites are bad, our economic system is evil. If you are allowing your kid to be exposed to this cultural trash without you defending the truth, it’s as bad as lying to them, and the end is ruin for your kids and you.
Pray with me: Dads, be there, come home, make amends with your kids, and be the dads our kids deserve and need.
It’s what God expects from every dad. Responsible dads in the home who love and respect their kids make the family run like God designed it to run. And if the home runs like it should, then the country will run like it should, to the glory of God.
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Thanks Art, and Blessings to you fathers, and grace from the Father of us all! Ephesians 3 :):)
“The Mighty One, God, the Lord, has spoken, and summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.”
“He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; and to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God.” Psalm 50: 1 & 23
January 6, 2021 was Epiphany in the Christian Church around the globe, and in the USA. It’s the day celebrated for centuries, if not millennia, as the day gentiles, Magi from the East, first saw Jesus, knowing and acknowledging Him to be God, the Messiah, the promised King of Kings — an epiphany.
I thought it ironic and telling, a synchronicity of sorts, that it was also the appointed day for the next king or president of the United States to be declared by law after the votes were counted and confirmed valid by Congress. Votes were cast in record numbers despite the pandemic with it’s confusing uncertainty. According to the US Census Bureau, seventeen million more votes were cast than in the 2016 election. 73% of the eligible population was registered to vote, and 67% did vote. It was a highly contested and emotionally charged election, with the media doing its part to portray the choices. The choices in candidates were not all that different according to many, yet the many were polarized and galvanized. The choices in platforms could not have been more clear, different, or stark.
I don’t think it too strong to say if you voted conservatively you voted for the platform that more closely resembled God’s Word and God’s rule in the affairs of man. If you voted liberally you voted for secular humanism, man being his own god and making his own rules, trusting government to take care of the people, and ignoring or rebuffing God’s law and rule.
During and after the large turnout of voters, there were accusations of election fraud in several places, many of them key states in determining the outcome of the election. The evidence was handled in predictable ways by the media and by politicians. But IF there was sufficient evidence of fraud and IF politicians had the back bone to stand up, investigate, and say so, legally the election results could have yet been altered by law to favor a platform more conforming to God’s Word and not opposing God’s Word. That did not happen. So perhaps that was not the case? Or maybe it was? At any rate, the people, and their leaders, stated their preferences loudly and clearly by votes and action, or inaction. Let the record show, and let the people know, their choice was clear. It has been shouted from the roof tops by the media, who apparently couldn’t be more pleased with the result.
I believe while many were celebrating Epiphany quietly, worshipfully, acknowledging and giving thanks to God for Jesus the Savior and soon-coming King; that the USA was having their own epiphany. It was an epiphany of rejecting this King and acknowledging another. It seems as if God was saying, ” I want to make it clear to you what you are asking for, so you will know it was by your choice My judgement begins.”
And so it was. And so it will be.
I felt then what many are feeling and saying now, that the USA has gone over a waterfall of sorts, into a cascading decline and sequence of events that will look like judgment, or God removing His favor or turning away His face from the USA due to our apostasy and unfaithfulness to Him, or what the prophets called “whoring after idols.”
Once I saw this was the peoples decision in the matter, and that God was going to let it go this way, I had a deep peace about it. Oh there was sadness for the church who by and large helped it happen, and for my country and the world who has long looked up to her. I knew the darkness would increase and the blessings we have known would decrease and be given to others and taken away by dark foreign powers, according to the will and word of the Lord — the just rewards for sin, rebellion, and injustice.
But I also know God to be full of mercy and grace. I saw in times of gross sin, rebellion, and apostasy in ancient Israel and Judah, the prophets who saw it coming simply prayed to God, “In wrath remember mercy,” knowing that a spanking or discipling was needed and necessary for the people to wake up and have the opportunity to change their hearts and their ways. These prophets, like the Israeli Priest Eli, on a day when he received some very bad news about the Lord’s judgment coming on his family for sin and neglect of duty, but knowing the goodness of God, His justice, and His mercy, said, “Let the LORD do what seems good to Him.” [1 Samuel 3:18]
I also saw the LORD saying through His servants the prophets during these dark times that He would take note of those who feared Him, protect them, and care for them. This He would do even as He was chastising those who were doing wrong and in open rebellion to Him and His ways. Malachi would write, “But for those who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will arise with healing in its wings.” [4:2] Zechariah would write about God’s own, “I will be a wall of fire around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.” [2:5]
This judgment or correction will be painful to watch. In fact I feel the Lord has impressed me not to watch it that much but instead dwell on the good things in life, the gifts of God, experience Him more and more intimately, and watch for His grace to be on the move, letting it and desiring it to move through me. He says in His Word, “Where sin abounds, grace much more abounds.” [Romans 5:20]
That’s my tact and world view given the situation and circumstances. I believe it to be Biblical and what the Spirit is saying to the churches, and therefore worthy of your consideration. Godspeed on your journey! Stay awake. Stay in the battle. Rest in Him. His shalom to you and yours.
I was awakened yesterday morning with some thoughts about our times and the state of the republic. I think we can barely call it a union at the moment.
The overarching reality and truth for those who know God and His grace by faith is that they will be fine, and fare well under any political system or government.
God rules over the nations. They are but a drop in the bucket to Him. Psalm Two states that fundamental and foundational truth, supported by many, many other Scriptures that tell us the same thing.
“Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, ‘Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.’ The One enthroned in heaven laughs;” Psalm 2:1-4a
“Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.” Isaiah 40:15
Jesus said as much while being purposely specific and purposefully ambiguous in the “woe to you” passages of Matthew chapter eleven. He addresses the cities of Sodom, Sidon, Capernaum, and others for their unbelief and bad behavior when they should have known better.
God has righteously judged these people and their rulers in their times, and for all times. Righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne. That is Who He is. That is what He does.
“Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.” Pssalm 97:2
Black Lives Matter is a pale, secular-humanist, misguided effort to take these justice matters into human hands where hearts are bitter with self entitlement (pride) and/or unforgiveness. They evidently feel that there is no God, thus they must right these wrongs themselves. For those who ascribe to it, it is destructive, even self-destructive, accomplishing little and festering much anger that will reap a bitter end. Those who climb high on this ladder will do so only to find it leaning against the wrong wall. But I digress.
“I said to myself, ‘God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.’” Eccl 3:17
“‘Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Romans 12:19
The twelve minor prophets as well as the whole of Scripture tell us and show us that it’s possible and desirable for believers to live a quiet and peaceful life and work with their hands, no matter the government of the times being good or bad, honest or evil, God-fearing or God-ignoring.
“Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name.” Malachi 3:16
Note Ruth and Boaz toward the end of the dark, Judges period in Israel’s history. Note Jesus coming during the dark times of Rome and Israel. Note Paul the apostle of Jesus Christ, along with Peter and their fellows, birthing and establishing the church of Christ and furthering the kingdom of God during those same dark times. Followers of The Way flourished and grew and spread the news of life in Christ from Asia to Europe, from where it would go around the globe. These disciples and friends of Jesus lived quiet and peaceful lives, with faith, hope, and love — righteousness, peace, and joy in the midst of whatever government or epoch they found themselves. Often with suffering and persecution, as foretold and experienced by the Apostles and fathers of the faith, but they would enjoy each other and supernatural help in times of trouble from the Spirit of God himself, and get to know Him better as the merciful, gracious, loving, all-powerful One He is.
Psalm 37 and Psalm 73 perhaps describe the practical aspects of these relationships best — the sacred and the secular. The secular humanist are usually seeking power and control, fueled by greed. Those seeking the Sacred would come to know the power, the touch, the beauty of the Holy One helping them along. And actually lowering Himself, humbling Himself to tabernacle with them, to even dwell within them — indeed God comes near.
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:25
“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Col 1:27
As for their times and whatever blessings or struggles they would face, they trusted God, His Word, and His indwelling Presence. As Paul by the Spirit told the stoic philosophers on Mars Hill in Athens, those words recorded in Scriptures for believers of all ages, “God chooses where men will live and their times.”
“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,” (Acts 17:26-27)
Who do we admire 2000 years after the times of the Caesars and the Apostles? The simple witness of history is that today people name their sons Paul, and their dogs Nero.
From Over Arching Truth to January 6, 2021
January 6, 2021 could either become one of the most momentous dates in American history, or slip by unnoticed like a small but malignant cancer.
Let me explain. Some trusted friends a few days ago made me aware that President Trump could still legally be the 46th President of the United States. A very simple summary of how that might happen follows.
The founding fathers who with Gods help gave us the constitution of the United States, the electoral college, and the best, most free, republic in history; also wrote a little known and seldom used provision for the presidential election in the event the vote has questionable validity.
On January 6, vice president Pence acting as president of the Senate will assemble both houses of Congress to officially present them the voting results from the electoral college. Typically and historically they have been accepted and the next president officially declared.
The main stream media, as you are no doubt aware, has already declared the next president to the masses. Boldly and loudly they have said there is little or no evidence of fraud in the election that would have altered the outcome.
While it’s true the courts have been reluctant to hear the evidence and by and large have refused to do so on jurisdiction or technical grounds, not wanting to touch it with a ten-foot pole, at least one judge has and ordered forensic computer folks to investigate, even publishing their findings of fraud and possible manipulation on a sophisticated and widespread scale. So while evidence of this possibility or actuality has been collected, it has not been widely reported or heard.
That is, until Wednesday, December 16, when the Senate had a hearing to examine the evidence themselves.
On to January 6, 2021. If the evidence is substantial that cyber skulduggery and other forms of improper or unethical voting in the swing states is presented, one member of each house of Congress can motion in writing that those states make the electoral vote invalid, not reflecting the will and actual vote of the people.
In this event both houses are ordered to their separate chambers to examine the evidence and debate the issue for two hours. When they reconvene, then Congress votes to elect the next president.
Only this vote is by state. Each state gets one vote, and there are more republican states than democratic states.
Can you imagine the chaos and confusion this could cause?
IF the evidence is there? IF the congressmen have the fortitude to do right according to the evidence? Those are two very big IFs!
What it could show is at the vote was stolen from the American people and from President Trump.
What the populace would probably believe is that by political maneuvering the vote was stolen from the American people and from President elect Biden. After all, his victory has been confirmed by the media!
So could there be protests, property destruction, loss of life, and violence in the streets? Of course there could be and almost certainly would be to some extent, given our recent history, albeit probably not on the level people fear.
And it begs the question, the age old question, which is more important truth or peace? Acting on fear or with courage? Being on the side of what’s right or what’s expedient?
If you fear God more than man, you choose what’s right. Because historically if you don’t, He will, and after some time passes the ramifications will be much worse and harder to bear.
What will happen? Ready or not?
One side of me thinks the probability of this scenario playing out, even if it be true and the evidence clearly shown, is slim. Why? Because of fear. Our people are increasingly afraid. They typically have shown themselves to prefer “peace and safety,” “in our time,” and “come what may” to standing up for what’s true and right with courage and conviction as an antidote to future tyranny and slavery.
Also the leaders, some of them anyway, prefer the riches that come by being allied in someway with the deep state or bureaucratic swamp, to what is right or best for the people, even what the law says. That is quite different from our Founding Fathers, men like Benjamin Franklin saying, “We must hang together or we most certainly will hang separately.” And saying, “[We’ve given you] a republic if you can keep it.” Men who risked it all to establish our country, and indeed many of them sacrificed it all.
Haman’s Gallows — Purim in the USA?
The other side of me, the spiritual side, says, “This would be a miracle, but this could happen!”
Remember the story of Esther? Haman, a high-ranking official who appeared on his way to being Prime Minister of Persia, the nation ruling the whole world at the time, had an evil heart. He had hatched an evil scheme to murder all the Jews in Persia. His plot was in place. Dates were set. Actions laid out for the plan. It appeared it couldn’t be stopped. He had even deceived the king of Persia about these people he hated because of jealousy and the fact they wouldn’t bow to him, and the king had approved his plan. You can read this story for yourself in Esther chapter five and there about.
But when the truth and the evil came to light, the king issued another decree because the laws of the Medes and Persians issued by the king couldn’t be altered. This turned out to be even better in its results, as the evil people and enemies of the truth were exposed and eradicated.
This caused the kingdom, the king, and the people much joy as good rulers and good rule could continue going forward.
So What to Do?
We wait. We pray. We act as the Spirit leads. But we mainly watch for Him to act, and pray for His mercy and His justice to prevail.
I know personally, I want to get back to the reason for the season. To meditation, contemplation, and worship of Jesus Christ, the ruler of all of history and all eternity. Come what may in our circumstances, the government ultimately rests upon His shoulders, and of the increase of His kingdom there will be no end.
Christmas peace and blessings to you all in His magnificent Name! Amen.
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.”
Ron, a longtime friend unloaded a bombshell Tuesday morning when our 2020 reading group met. Sitting in the very chair where I’m sitting right now he read to us what could happen January 6, regarding who will be the 46th President of the United States.
Since I don’t watch the news, this was intriguing to me and continues to be as I’ve spent some time researching the matter.
Who knew? The founding fathers had this provision framed into our laws. On January 6, Vice President Pence, a man of character and Christian conviction, will preside over a joint session of Congress to open, present, and have them approve the outcome of the duly elected and appointed electoral college.
In years past this has been a formality, with a few notable exceptions like the Kennedy election of 1960 where there were concerns in Congress about fraud in the Chicago voting.
But this time, contrary to the narrative being projected by the media, if there should be enough evidence of fraud in the voting in key states, evidence which the Republicans say they have, one member of the House and one member of the Senate can motion in writitng that the vote is in question and not valid.
In this event, the vice president overseeing these proceedings as the president of the Senate would instruct both houses of Congress to separate and debate the matter for two hours, then reconvene and decide the matter by vote.
Each state would have only one vote, no matter how densely populated. There are more republican states than democratic states, so if every Republican state represented sees the fraud evidence sufficient and has the courage to vote that way, Donald Trump would likely remain the president of the United States of America.
Shocking! Can you imagine the shock? Of the majority of the population! Who have been told over and over that it’s over and Mr. Biden has won.
I remember two recent presidential elections where the media practically declared the outcome of the election in the weeks and days before — but it went unexplainably the other way? I digress.
So could there be political unrest? Maybe rioting in the streets? I’m sure there might be.
I would suggest that is not the biggest issue, although for many it is. Peace and safety at all cost, is the mantra or guiding position of many. The trouble is, it doesn’t work that way with evil in the world, and evil continues to plague mankind.
Evil is very much like cancer. You want to cut it out early to stop the spread and preserve the life of the whole! Do you not?
Or do you consider surgery too invasive? And the temporary pain and inconvenience too much of a sacrifice, and go on your way, letting it grow and spread? Thinking, “It will probably be all right.”
It’s exactly the same with evil. This is the best analogy I know. If free-will people do not stand up for truth and against evil, then more evil will come more powerfully to their door.
“You can pay me now, or pay me later.” We’ve all heard this about preventive maintenance and facing the truth or reality of a situation. We also know the price of “later” usually is much, much “greater.”
Ask the German people in Hitler and Bonhoeffer’s time. As the Russian people in Stalin and Solzhenitsyn’s time. Ask Israel in pre-Babylon and Isaiah’s time?
Dr. Ben Carson said it well when he was on the campaign trail for president, as he ended many of his speeches. “America will continue to be the land of the free, as long as she is the home of the brave.”
Let us not be like the British before World War II. Churchill was seeing things clearly and pointing out to the people Hitler’s true nature and plans. British Prime Minister Chamberlain at that time went to meet with Hitler and came back with his personal reality saying, “Peace, peace in our time.”
Of course people wanted to hear that. We all do. But the reality of what was about to happen was much different. The people were deluded by themselves and their leader to their own hurt. Many bombs would subsequently fall on London, many buildings would be burned or blown up. Many, many lives would be lost. The world would be plunged into a world war that might have been averted. When war came to England they went looking for Churchill, who saw the reality clearly in the beginning, to lead them through the terrible ordeal which by God’s grace he did.
Reality! Who do we celebrate, the doctor who makes an early, correct diagnosis of cancer, then addresses is the matter? Or the doctor who is casual, maybe inept, too busy with his life to be thorough with yours, or otherwise misses the reality of unhealthy, destructive cells growing in your body?
Truth is important! Reality is important! Seek to know both. Be willing to sacrifice for them. Pray for courage and insight. Then take courage.
The sooner you confront cancer the better off you are, no matter what the treatment looks like. The sooner you confront evil and lies the better off you are no matter what the ramifications look like.
It pleases God. And He will help you.
“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings….” Malachi 4:2
What do you want? Righteousness and justice, which the Bible says is the foundation of God’s throne, and which will result in a better and more lasting peace? Or “Peace, peace in our time,” no matter the cost and the future consequences?
Hopefully January 6, 2021, the truth will be known. And then men and women in positions of leadership will act with integrity? Will they act for their own enrichment? Or for the present and future good of the country? Or for “Peace, peace in our time?” God knows.
The stakes seem pretty high for our republic and our way of life. The church and culture seem to be spiraling on a downward path away from God and his ways. One senses this could be an opportunity to slow the slide or reverse it.
There appears to be much evil in our government and it seems to be gaining ground. There are many snares being laid for the righteous. There is much boasting, bribery, and pride. There are many thinking their evil ways are hidden and will not be revealed. But Jesus reminded us that is not how it will work.
“Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops.” Luke 12:3
Historically, these are activities that happen in many cultures and countries. But they have been relatively few and out of sight in our country due to our founding father’s God-honoring roots, and moral population not willing to tolerate such.
These activities also historically have been shown to ignite the corrective actions of the Almighty. God is only unpredictable in the question of “when” and “how” He acts. As far as acting, He is the same yesterday today and forever.
At times it seems like His timetable is more like that of volcanoes, earthquakes, or geologic time. His timing is hard to predict and His judgments patiently delayed at times. He even says that about himself, as a warning to us.
“Whom have you so dreaded and feared that you have not been true to me, and have neither remembered me nor taken this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear me? Isaiah 57:11
“These things you have done and I kept silence; You thought that I was just like you; I will reprove you and state the case in order before your eyes.” Psalm 50:21
But His judgments are true, and all together righteous. Only He has enough insight, wisdom, kindness, righteousness, and might, along with a merciful heart, to judge and act perfectly. He will act in His time.
We should decide what sort of time we think it is? And what our part or course of action should be? Practice justice and what’s right in your own life and realm. And pray for our country and leaders as in fact He instructs us to do.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8
“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— for kings and all those in authority— so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,” I Timothy 2: 1-3
May God have mercy on our country. Christmas peace to you all.
My first interaction with China was in June 2008. I flew a Boeing 777 to Shanghai from Chicago for American Airlines and spent a couple days in the city. I know Shanghai is more western and showy than the rest of China because of its history and interaction with the West. But I will never forget what I saw there; its vibe, its raw economic and technological power.
My second and most recent encounter with China was yesterday. I tested positive for COVID-19.
COVID-19
I had experienced symptoms for a few days of what I was pretty certain was a common cold, an intermittent wet cough and a mild headache. But I was planning to fly today to a Bible conference and visit some friends in Monroe Louisiana, so I thought it prudent to be tested.
And just like that, the trip was canceled, and I began the prescribed 14-day quarantine from the first day of coughing, along with my beautiful bride who now must also assume she’s contagious, although she’s asymptomatic.
I hope it’s not too much togetherness for her! 🙂 We will try to social distance in the house, using different bedrooms and bathrooms, practice excessive hand washing, and wearing masks if we need to be closer than six feet. But our daughter who is a MD says she is likely to get it anyway. I don’t know many people personally who have contracted COVID-19, less than ten I think, but in every case except one where there was a couple involved, they both got it.
I hope and pray if she gets it, her symptoms will be mild like mine. 99% of the cases reportedly are. The mystery and variety of the 1% is what’s troubling.
The biggest pain for us is the restriction of freedom. Not going out to eat, to shop, to run errands, etc. But we will make the best of it. Lots of reading, writing and journaling for me — that’s not a big change. It will be harder for her.
As someone said early in the pandemic, their baseboards have never been so clean. Those of you who know my wife know they’re already clean. I’ll probably have to get them re-painted after this!
Our kids called last night concerned, but also pointing out this could be a good thing and good timing going into the holidays, as we’ll be immune and not worried about getting it or giving it to others! 🙂
China
A bird just flew into our windows with a thud. Then it flew away in a bit of shock, confusion and with a headache, if birds get headaches?
I guess that’s what having COVID-19 myself means for me spiritually? I feel like I’m awake spiritually, and walking in light, His light. But how does one really know? Deception has the intrinsic quality that if you are deceived — you don’t know it.
But that bird knows it now! Whatever he or she saw enticing or encouraging full speed flight into our window was a mistake. It was caused by an illusion, a wrong perception, not seeing things as they really are.
China — A Piece of the Puzzle
My COVID-19 story has gotten long, so my China musings will be brief. They will serve as an introduction for you possibly of what has recently come onto my personal radar.
A few weeks ago a retired CEO in our 2020 book club and men’s group told us about a secular book he was reading about China. The author is an intellectual, a think tank person, but one who has advised several US presidents on foreign policy and international affairs.
I have not read the book yet, but I will. As our CEO friend shared from his notes and then a summary, it became clear that political China is an enemy of the United States of America. Also that they are probably already the world’s leading economic power, and on a course to be the world’s leading military power. The author, for reasons I won’t go into at this juncture, sees a future war with China as probable if not in inevitable.
I’m coming to see that China may be to us what ancient Babylon was to Judah before 586 BC — on the rise. A tiger. A dragon. Read Habakkuk, as he asks the Lord about what he was seeing in Babylon and Judah, and what would be the outcome of it all?
Ask Yourself
Ask yourself, “Why did China suspend all flights from Wuhan into China while releasing flights into the rest of the world?”
I’ll build my case later for this. But I see China as a major piece of the puzzle for life in the U.S. and on the planet in the next chapter, even in this present darkness.
They are to us a formidable enemy on the rise like Babylon was to Judah before 586 BC. It depends on the prayers and repentance of the church when and whether they come.
Either way one can read Habakkuk and see the Lord’s discussion with the prophet as how it might play out. And more importantly how a true believer will act and regard these times and those times, if it happens the way I’m describing.
Two Streams
To complicate the matter, although it’s not complicated to the Lord, almost certainly the largest and healthiest church in the world is the underground church in China. Its size is estimated about the same as the US population currently. They are our kingdom brothers and sisters in the true faith of the Lord Jesus Christ.
So while they are our true friends, their government is our true enemy. The situation merits watching, just like watching Israel .
You may recall Jesus told us to be alert for the signs that point to the end of the age, or the latter days, and his return.
Israel has always been one of those signs and will always be, because of God’s promises to them and to the nations who treat them well or treat them poorly.
I’ve often thought China would loom large and be a major player in the end time events. Now there is much evidence this is the case. And the time could be now, in the coming decades, maybe even in just a few years?
More on this later but let me point you to a few books and publications that point to the truth and evidence of what I’m suggesting.
A recent Hillsdale College article on China: Imprimis Sepember 2020 “Facing Up to the China Threat“
About the underground church in China: The Heavenly Man Brother Yun
Also about Christian life in China’s underground church: Bold as a Lamb Ken Anderson The Story of Samuel Lamb
My Advice & My Personal Tact
Stay awake. Stay alert. Stay close.
Abide in the vineyard. Stay close to the Master. Be like Habakkuk at the end of his book. The Lord bless and keep you. The Lord turn his face toward you and be gracious to you. The Lord cause his countenance to shine upon you and give you peace. Amen [Numbers 6:24-26]
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“O LORD, I have heard the report of You; I stand in awe, O LORD, of Your deeds. Revive them in these years; make them known in these years. In Your wrath, remember mercy!” Hab 3:3
“Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, And makes me walk on my high places.” Hab 3:17-19
“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you….” Psalm 91:1-3a
It might appear that the election for our president is over. It might be said the Lord’s decision in the matter is final? But where the Lord of creation, the mighty God, is concerned, it’s not over till it’s over, maybe even after it’s over? Remember Lazarus?
If there was any skulduggery, impropriety, corruption in the election process, I pray it be shown. If there is any legal challenge to the results, I pray the laws of the land prevail. We are still a nation of laws despite the corruption and abuse of the present generation.
That said, I am aware that Mr. Biden received, I believe The New York Times reported, four million or so more popular votes than did President Trump. And of course they clamor for doing away with the electoral college, thinking they have more wisdom than the Founding Fathers. I predict history will show, and indeed has shown, they do not. We wouldn’t have wanted to miss the crisis leadership of Abraham Lincoln, would we?
Anyway the people have voted in record numbers and asked for a certain king. It’s still my prayer that God will give us by some means known to him, legally of course, the best leader for our nation at such a time as this. And show His mercy in this way.
If that turns out to be Mr. Biden, perhaps succeeded by his running mate, “May the Lord do what seems good to him,” as Eli prayed.
I would suggest to Christians, if you can’t pray that way, perhaps you don’t know the goodness of our Lord nor his power. Sometimes the way up is down. He knows. A quick glance at the cross and the Roman empire would show us that.
Also if the election is where you placed all your hope for the future — the political system and our government may mean too much to you? And the kingdom of God with its present and eternal King too little? (Psalm 2)
Anyway, the real question is, “What will you do today, and the rest of your days?” The same question was posed by Joshua to a similar people, in a time similar to ours, with similar things at stake. Joshua said it this way, “Choose you this day whom you will serve… But as for me in my house, we will serve the Lord.”
“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
A friend of mine, a dentist, once said in a sermon from his church’s pulpit, “Only two days matter; this day and that day.” Choose wisely, and by His grace. Amen.
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” By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just.” Proverbs 8:15
“No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.” Psalm 75:6-7
“So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Then Eli said, “He is the LORD; let Him do what is good in His eyes.” I Samuel 3:18
I have a good friend who started sending out a morning Scripture and missive five years ago or more. Today’s seemed to really fit for believers, so I share it with permission (bolding mine). Thanks Dwayne Russell.
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,” 1 Peter 1:13-14 ESV “Set your hope fully on Him!!! There is a lot of craziness, lots disorder all around but Jesus is not moved from His position. We are still called to occupy till He comes. That day may be sooner than we think. We have to be willing to suffer as our Savior did. It may get harder before He comes, but one thing I know He is faithful and we can trust Him with our tomorrows.”
And today’s verse of the day from YouVersion seemed to be an excellent reminder considering our days and today. His blessings to you and yours!
“For the earth will be filled With the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, As the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14
Good morning! As I arise at the cabin before sun up and see the breaking of dawn on the horizon, I am reminded that God is faithful — the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. It’s in Him I put my trust, and not in any man or political system.
That said, He has ordained and given us our unique political system and government for His purposes and to serve us. Today is an important day in which we get to select our leader for the next four years. Please exercise your constitutional privilege, your civic duty and VOTE!
Yesterday’s blog mentioned two things that seem to be at the forefront of this election for Christians; platform and character. Both are important, but in this election I said the platform or issues loomed much larger than character, and I spoke to the issues. They are so starkly different that any Christian should see that to vote one way is to choose secular humanism or man’s rule in the totality of life, and to vote the other way would be to choose God, His ways and His rule in our national life.
CHARACTER
But I said I would address the character issue and I will. First I will give you my short, simple version. Then quickly I will defer to an article a friend sent me yesterday by Wayne Grudem who discusses the same issue. I consider Wayne Grudem one of the best theologians and Bible scholars alive today. And he certainly hits this nail on the head, discussing the character issue in depth.
DWAYNE’S THOUGHTS
That we should be voting today between two men with low morals, according to the media and the campaign ads, says more about our country and ourselves, than it does about the candidates perhaps. So I would suggest a look inward, and upward, asking the Divine for help in righting our moral ship with His Trustworthy Compass.
But decide we must.
If one is in the business of throwing stones, both candidates loom large as targets. And their lives have been put under a media microscope, perhaps one more than the other. The critics of one point to pride and past sexual misconduct. The critics of the other point to bribes and corruption evidence, as well as someone who frequently says one thing and does another, or changes what he says about an issue depending on the audience .
I’m going to give my nod to President Trump as having the best character of the two. A man who has done what he said he would do when he ran four years ago and since he took office. Speaking the truth, and keeping your word to me are very important signs of underlying character.
And again, God is the ultimate judge of character and actions, not me, not you. We just have to look at our options and vote.
WAYNE’S THOUGHTS
Wayne Grudem’s thoughts are through, well thought out, and conveyed, typical of writers, scholars, and theologians. I’m only going to quote a few thoughts here that seem the most apropos to the issue and provide you the link. He writes (Bolding mine.):
“A candidate’s character and policies are both important to consider before voting. And I would agree that there are some character flaws so serious that they would by themselves disqualify a candidate (such as an avowed racist). But in most elections, and with most candidates, we have to choose between two rather ordinary human beings, both of whom have flaws. In that case, an evaluation of their policies becomes decisive. And that is the case in this election.”
“Here is the point at which people will make different political judgments, because human beings are extremely complex, and therefore an accurate assessment of a person’s character is difficult. It certainly should not be done quickly on the basis of small snippets of information. And complicating the task is the fact that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:20), so every human being has flaws that others can criticize.
Piper speaks of Trump’s character in entirely negative terms. Because of unbelievably hostile reporting in the mainstream press, other people can see no good character traits at all in President Trump. My assessment is different, and I think it is more balanced. I wrote this in 2016 and it still applies:
“’He is egotistical, bombastic, and brash. He often lacks nuance in his statements. Sometimes he blurts out mistaken ideas…that he later must abandon. He insults people. He can be vindictive when people attack him…He has been married three times and claims to have been unfaithful in his marriages. These are certainly flaws, but I don’t think they are disqualifying flaws in this election.’”
“On the other hand, I think some of the accusations hurled against him are unjustified. His many years of business conduct show that he is not racist or anti-(legal) immigrant or anti-Semitic or misogynistic – I think these are unjust magnifications by a hostile press exaggerating some careless statements he has made. I think he is deeply patriotic and sincerely wants the best for the country. He has been an unusually successful problem solver in business. He has raised remarkable children. Many who have known him personally speak highly of his kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity.”
“And now, after his nearly four years in office, I would add that he has shown remarkable courage of his convictions, faithfulness to his campaign promises, steadfastness of purpose in spite of an astoundingly hostile press, incredible energy in the performance of his job, dignity and even eloquence in many formal speeches and ceremonies at home and abroad, respect and appreciation for his wife Melania and his sons and daughters, and a wide-ranging understanding of the hundreds of different issues that every president faces. In contrast to his past life, during his term in office there is not been even a hint of any sexual impropriety. He is sometimes boastful but on a number of occasions I have seen him publicly give credit to many other people for things that have been accomplished. And I think he has shown mature and wise judgment in a variety of situations that he has faced as president.”
“With Trump, we will get good policies and character flaws, but with Biden we will get bad policies and character flaws.”
“It is easy to compare President Trump with a hypothetical “perfect” president and to conclude that he falls short, but that is not our choice. If Trump is not reelected, we will have President Biden, with an entirely different set of character flaws. The multiple allegations that Vice President Biden used his government office and influence to enrich members of his own family with millions of dollars from China, Russia, and Ukraine should be of deep concern, because using government power to enrich one’s own family is the consistent characteristic of corrupt leaders in many countries of the world.”
And lastly:
“The Trump administration has brought to prominence many leaders with exemplary lives.”
“Donald Trump is not the only person we are voting for. It is remarkable that the Trump administration has elevated so many self-professing evangelical Christians – far more than any in my lifetime – into positions of high influence in our government. They also provide role models for Americans. To vote for Trump as president is also to vote for Mike Pence as vice president, Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, Ben Carson as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education, Russell Vought as director of the Office of Management and Budget, and numerous others. In addition, Trump has appointed numerous deeply committed Roman Catholics to various positions, the most recent being Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. The character of these leaders is also a role model for the nation.”
I hope you have found this discussion helpful. And that you will vote… wisely. For your own well being, as well as that of our children, and our grandchildren. America is in a moral free fall it seems, the kind that has produced collapse and judgment in the past, and this election will not fix that problem. Only the God that gave us life, and this nation birth, can do that. And He’s willing to help. But the outcome of this election will be a big step in one direction or the other. In letting Him know what we want. And showing us what we’re asking for?
May God give you wisdom, and peace, as you consider the options, and VOTE!
“Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as at this day.” I Kings 8:61
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;”Col 4:2
“This I say for your own benefit; not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord.” I Cor 7:35
