Tag: faith

Heaven Is Coming! Part 1

In the late 1960’s, I said to my wife, Christine, “If this is all there is to Christianity, then I want out.”

Was I in despair? What is the basis for such a statement?

I can only make conjecture.

I think I can safely say that it was a frustration of an unsatisfied spiritual life that I was not even aware that I had.

I am grateful to the Lord that upon hearing those words of ‘despair’ He didn’t abandon me (us); but graciously, mercifully, and lovingly, intervened in our lives and showed us that there is truly more to Christianity than one may think.

In essence, heaven intervened.

Christine and I both grew up attending church.

It was, shall I say, part of our childhood life; what we did; and what was expected.

We were married in 1964 at the ‘mature’ age of 20.

Legally, when we were married; Christine was my legal guardian under the law. I didn’t turn 21 until two months after we were married. (lol)

Because we ‘grew up attending church’, we looked for a church to ‘attend’, believing it was right to do so.

The normal thing to do, right?

We wanted it to be part of our married life.

We looked. We attended. We were dissatisfied with what we saw and heard.

We were not ‘satisfied’.

Question: What were we looking for? I am not sure we knew.

Little did we know that the Lord was guiding our footsteps.

That’s called Sovereignty and Providence.

Christine and I were both nominal Christians at best.

We had some Biblical understanding (I think); but basically trained to ‘attend’ church.

Speaking for myself, I had some basic Biblical understanding; but I cannot quantify it, other than it was shallow; yet there was a foundation that had been laid that ‘attending church’ was important.

Question: What was the Lord’s response to my personal words of ‘despair’?

Answer: The Lord introduced us to the Third Person of the Trinity.

His Name is Holy Spirit.

It has been nearly 60 years since that intervention.

The Lord began revealing to us who Holy Spirit is, and what is His part in the life of a believer in Jesus Christ; His function in the Church; and His part in the salvific plan of redemption by the God-head.

During the past 60 years of our married life, our journey with the Lord has been more than we could have imagined.

Married at 20;turning 81 in 2024; we have lived 75% of our lives together under the tutelage of the Lord, guided by Holy Spirit, learning to please the Father, walking by faith in obedience to the Word of God.

We were ‘enrolled’ in the ‘School of the Spirit’, as members of the Body of Christ, the Church by the Lord.

This enrollment included ‘attending’ church.

But it was much more than just ‘attending’.

We, were now, as outlined in Acts 2:42 NASV, “…continually devoting (ourselves) themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. (insert mine)

Question: What brought about an abrupt change in lifestyle to those who were in Jerusalem fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection?

Answer: Acts 2:1-4 NASV, “And when the day of Pentecost had come (was being fulfilled), they [followers of Christ] were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.” (marginal notes) [insert mine]

I want to ‘arrest’ your mind.

I want you to disregard your ‘scriptural prejudices’ about the Day of Pentecost for a moment.

Lay those thoughts aside.

I want you to focus not on ‘what’ took place; but to focus on ‘Who’ came “from heaven“.

Emphasizing Acts 2:2: it begins with these words-“And suddenly there came from heaven…”.

I am NOT minimizing God, the Father; NOR am I minimizing Jesus, the Son.

I am pointing out ‘Who’ came: God, the Holy Spirit.

This is the One, the Lord introduced us too.

I had hardly ever heard about the Holy Spirit growing up in church, as I remember.

The Lord introduced the Person that we needed functioning in our lives.

The Third Person of the Trinity.

The Holy Spirit is the Promise of the Father, according to the words of Jesus, the Son. (Luke 24:49)

The Promise of the Father is one of the central truths explained to Christ’s disciples in the Upper Room, the night of His arrest.

In context, Jesus is speaking about His soon departure going back to the Father.

He is reassuring His disciples of His love and care for them.

He is instructing them about praying to the Father; the ground rules for praying; the expected results of prayer; and about the coming of the Holy Spirit.

This is all found in John 14-16.

Let me paraphrase.

Jesus is speaking to them about a GAP that is going to occur shortly; and how He, the Father, and the Holy Spirit are going to be there for them.

In order to go back to the Father, Jesus will lay down His life as the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.

He is headed to the Cross!

The G.A.P.- Jesus shares with them about His Going; Assurance, and a Promise.

Jesus emphasizing His oneness with His Father. He instructs His disciples about praying to the Father; the conditions for praying when praying to the Father; and the assurance of answered prayer from the Father.

Continuing, Jesus says, in John 14:16-18 NASV,

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, who the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him, or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

Again, let me ‘quiet’ your mind.

Put aside your ‘scriptural prejudices’.

Do you hear what Jesus is saying?

First of all, as His disciple, He invokes the entire God-head, the Trinity is there for you. God-the Father; God-the Son; and God-the Holy Spirit.

Go back and read the verses.

Secondly, He has been physically with them for three plus years; but very shortly, His presence, as they know it, is going to be removed from them.

And He knows that is going to devastate them.

Jesus said they would be as ‘orphans’.

What does that conjure up in your mind?

Maybe you understand that personally?

Third, Jesus is assuring them, that His Father will send them another Person to replace Him in their lives.

That Person is the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit.

Fast forward to the Day of Pentecost.

The Holy Spirit came; descended out of heaven ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, on the Day of Pentecost.

I contend, that many in the Church today, have an ‘unsatisfied spiritual life’.

There is an undercurrent of a cry in many believer’s hearts like the cry of my heart almost 60 years ago that said, “If this is all that Christianity is about, then I want out.”

I understand now that this was not a statement of disowning my salvation.

This was a longing of the ‘heart of a sheep’ looking for something that is missing and really can’t put a ‘handle’ on it.

I also know I didn’t realize that at that time.

(I barely understood what it meant to be saved.)

I had an ‘unsatisfied life’ explained to me many years ago.

I encourage you to read Psalm 42:1-6 and reflect on the words.

If this is truly the cry of your heart, then read the rest of Psalm 42 and Psalm 43.

Our ‘unsatisfied life’ changes as we learn to be content in the Lordship of Jesus Christ, submitting to His Headship, guided and enabled by Holy Spirit, and learning to walk by faith pleasing our heavenly Father, according to the Word of God, in the context of the Church, as summarized in Acts 2:42: that is centered in the ‘apostles teaching’; maintaining ‘fellowship’ with the Body of Christ; ‘breaking bread’ with the Church; and ‘prayer’, individually and corporately.

The Holy Spirit is an active member of the God-Head.

His activity is documented from Genesis 1:1 through Revelation 22:21.

The Person of the Holy Spirit cannot be ignored when living the Christian life.

The Person of the Holy Spirit is an integral part of the entire purpose of God as revealed in the Word of God.

I encourage you to ask the Lord to reveal to you the Person and work of the Holy Spirit in your life.

I am not saying that the Holy Spirit is not in you.

If you belong to Christ, then the Spirit of God dwells in you. (Romans 8:9,10)

I am confident that the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ is about to be confronted with an A.I. moment orchestrated by God, the Father.

I call it, Adonai’s Intervention–Acts 2:2 says, “and suddenly there came from heaven…”

The Holy Spirit came at the Feast of Pentecost ten days after Jesus’ ascension.

Here is what I want you to think about?

Question: When you pray the prayer Jesus gave to His disciples,when they asked Him to teach them to pray in Matthew 6, what do you expect as a response when you say the following words? (Matthew 6:9,10, NASV)

“Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed by Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.” (emphasis mine)

What is your expectation?

My expectation is my Father’s intervention.

Our Father is coming with an Adonai Intervention is going to suddenly happen soon!

‘suddenly from heaven’.

This intervention is NOT the second coming of Christ; but it will be a coming of the Holy Spirit, convicting the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgement. (John 16:8)

It will be a ‘suddenly’ that will reveal the Presence and Power of God to our nation and the nations of the world before the return of Christ.

God, Himself, is coming with ACTION.

It’s A Chosen Time In Our Nation.

This coming will awaken His Church. (Ephesians 5:13-21)

This awakening will bring change to the Church.

There is a shaking coming.

Hebrews 12:25-28 NASV:

“See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less shall we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. And His voice shook the earth then, but now He promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.” And this expression, “Yet once more” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, in order that those things which cannot be shaken remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.”

May the Lord richly bless you as you faithfully continue to follow Him,

blessings, a brother in Christ, deo

It’s Christmas Eve Day

This morning before I arose, a chorus came to mind and I found myself singing it.

“Thank you Lord for saving my soul; Thank you Lord for making me whole; Thank you Lord for giving to me, Thy great salvation so rich and free.”

What makes the truth of these words to this chorus a reality?

Luke 2:8-15, NAS, “And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. And the angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger (feeding trough, marginal note). And suddenly there appears with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased. And it came about when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”

What did they go to see?

Luke 2:1-7, NAS, “Now it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the City of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first-born son; and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for Him in the inn.”

The reason, we, and multitudes of others, can sing the above chorus is because the message of the birth of Christ the Lord, is still being told by ‘shepherds’ proclaiming, “I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; …there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

That is the joy of remembering and celebrating the birth of Christ.

That is the joy of gathering with family and friends, sharing presents with one another, as God, the Father, shared the greatest gift that He personally could give, His very Own Son.

An unmarried young woman, being pregnant, and her betrothal to Joseph is a great burden to bear.

Ask Joseph and Mary about such a burden.

Yet that is what God asked of them regarding the birth of His Son.

Jesus was not not begotten naturally.

Jesus was Fathered miraculously.

“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” (Matthew 1:1 NAS)

The genealogy says that natural fathers, fathered, natural sons.

“To Abraham was born Isaac” (Matthew 1:2 NAS).

This same wording is used throughout the recorded genealogy.

In Matthew 1:16-17, NAS, it says, “…and to Jacob was born Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ (the Messiah, marginal note). Therefore all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the deportation of Babylon fourteen generation; and from the deportation to Babylon to the time of Christ (the Messiah, marginal note) fourteen generations.”

Joseph is not identified as the father of Jesus.

In the third section of the fourteen generations, God, through the prophet Isaiah, speaking to the nation of Judah, and directly to King Ahaz, (Isaiah 7) is pouring out His heart to His people to turn to Him for reliance from the impending invasion that is being planned by “Rezin the king of Aram and Pekah… the king of Israel”, when they “…they went up to Jerusalem to wage war against it, but not conquer (fight against, marginal note) it.”

Isaiah, speaking for God, is directed to go and meet King Ahaz, and say to him, (vs 4), “Take care, and be calm, have no fear and do not be fainthearted because of these two stubs of smoldering firebrands, on account of their fierce anger…”(vs 5) because these two kings have “planned evil for you, saying, (vs 6) Let us go up against Judah and terrorize it, and make for ourselves a breach in its walls, and set the son of Tabeel, as king in the midst of it, (vs 7), thus says the Lord God (Yahweh, marginal note), It shall not come to pass. In verses 8, 9 God tells King Ahaz that the two countries that are seeking to overthrow him, will be overthrown in the fullness of God’s time. At the end of verse 9, the word of the Lord, through Isaiah, to King Ahaz is, “If you will not believe, you shall surely not last “(be established, marginal note).

God, through the prophet Isaiah, tries to encourage King Ahaz to take His word being given to him seriously.

God loves His people in spite of their turning away from Him.

In context, what is requested by God, for King Ahaz to avail himself of, is to ask Him for a sign to verify what He, God, is telling him (King Ahaz) is true.

God is leaving ‘no stone unturned’, so to speak, to show King Ahaz, and to the people of Judah, His covenantal love for them.

The nation, of Judah, God’s people, have turned away from Him, ignored Him, and His covenant with them, and looked to others for their help and livelihood.

Here the heart of God for His people.

Isaiah 7:10-14 NAS, “Then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying, “Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; make it (make the request deep or high, marginal note) deep as Sheol or high as heaven” (heights, marginal note). “But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!”

Q: is Ahaz’s response humble or hypocritical? A: most commentators agree that Ahaz’s response is hypocritical.

Continuing: (vs 13) “Then he (Isaiah) said, “Listen now, O house of David! Is it too slight a thing for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of God as well? (vs 14) Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold a virgin will be with child and bear a son , and she will call his name Immanuel.”

In context, God is saying, based upon the present circumstances that King Ahaz and Judah are confronted with there will be a natural birth; a birth that will be a sign to King Ahaz. An unmarried woman will give birth to a son, and she will call the name of her son, Immanuel. This natural birth is a sign signifying to King Ahaz that God is with them.

(To understand the various positions regarding this event, you would need to read commentaries.)

I, personally find it interesting, that this virgin, in the days of King Ahaz called her son, Immanuel, which means, ‘God with us’. In the account to Christ’s birth, both Mary (Luke 1:31) and Joseph(Matthew 1:21) were told to name the Child, Jesus.

The name Jesus (Word Wealth, NKJV Spirit Filled Life Bible) [Jesus, lesous; Strong’s #2424: The Greek transliteration of the Hebrew Yeshua, “He Shall Save,” which is the shorter form of Yehoshua(Joshua), “Yahweh is Salvation”. It was a common male name. Ten men in the OT were named Yeshua, and three men in the NT, in addition to the Lord, were so named.]

Let’s compare:

To Joseph, the angel said, “And she (Mary) will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.”

To Mary, the angel said, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.” (verse 32) He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father, David.”

To the virgin in Judah, during the reign of King Ahaz, God said, through Isaiah, “Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you (King Ahaz) a sign: Behold a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.”

{Reflection: Last Sunday, Pastor Kent, at North Creek Church was sharing on Isaiah 7:14. Commenting on the verse, King Ahaz refused to ask for a sign; but God made His own sign. That sign was the birth of His Own Son, the Second Person of the Trinity, the Son of God.}

There is no greater sign.

We are confronted with an incredible event that ‘boggles the mind’-the Incarnation of God in human flesh.

Previously, I composed a post(2022) entitled, Incarnation: Significant or Insignificant, I followed that post (2023) with an upgrade to Christmas: According to AI, and today on Christmas Eve day, 2024, we are, again, considering the miraculous intervention of God, Himself, in lives of His created humanity.

As Pastor Kent alluded to on Sunday past, the Incarnation is the greatest miracle in the entirety of the Word of God.

Galatians 3:4-7 NAS, Paul writes, “But when the fullness of the time came. God sent forth His Son, born of a woman (promise of Genesis 3:15), born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because you are sons (Ephesians 2:8-10), God has sent for the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying Abba Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son; and if a son, then an heir through (through the gracious act of Romans 8:17-marginal note) God.” (inserts mine)

Hebrews 10:5-7 NAS, the author says, quoting Psalm 40:6-8, “Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says, “Sacrifice and offering Thou hast not desired, but a body thou hast prepared for Me; In whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin Thou hast taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold I have come (In the roll of the book it is written of Me, To do Thy will O God.’ ” (emphasis mine)

Without a Divine Incarnation there is no body; there is no perfect Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world; there is no Savior for mankind.

In the first post, Incarnation: Significant or Insignificant, my wife Christine, came and shared with me a picture she had drawn, while she was reflecting upon the birth of Christ. The picture that see drew had these words, “Without Christmas and the manger, there is no Calvary, no Cross.”

She is absolutely correct. God, Himself, laid aside all His grandeur, and “who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made (through the Incarnation) in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8 NAS) [insert mine]

That required a body.

The infant body was wrapped in swaddling cloths. I do not believe that it is wrong to assume that the baby Jesus was cleaned of the birth residue that was on His body before He was wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger.

That baby grew into manhood, in an adult body that was stripped and hung on a cross, was crucified,bled and died, and was wrapped in cloths for burial.

Jewish custom was that “the body was washed with lukewarm water, anointed with fragrant oils, and wrapped in a linen shroud. This body was also covered in a linen robe.”

According to John 19:31 NAS, After the Jews had made their final requests regarding Jesus of Pilate, “because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath ( for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their leg might be broken and that they might be taken away.” The Jews didn’t want the bodies hanging on the crosses.

John 19:32-37,NAS, Pilate honored their request, and his soldiers fulfilled the request to break their legs; however, having broken the legs of the two thieves, when they came to Jesus, they saw that He was already dead and they did not need to break His legs; however one soldier did pierce His side, and “immediately there came out blood and water.”(vs.34)

This ending of the crucifixion moment is significant because vs. 35-37 tell us, “And he who has seen has borne witness, and his witness is true; and he knows that the is telling the truth, so that many may believe. For these things came to pass that the scriptures that the Scripture might be fulfilled, “Not a bone of Him shall be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.” “

These seemingly minor incidents are not insignificant. They fulfill the prophetic Word of God regarding He, Who is the Word of God, Jesus.

Returning to our thoughts about Christ’s burial.

John 19:38-42 NAS, tells us, “And after these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one, for fear of Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. He came therefore, and took away His body. And Nicodemus came also, who had first come to Him by night; bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. And so they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been laid. Therefore on account of the Jewish Day of preparation, because the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” (my thought-the timing of His burial fulfilled the Law, just wondering?)

I, also, find it interesting that the life of Jesus began with a man named Joseph who assisted His birth, and a man named Joseph who assisted with His burial.

The story of the Incarnation is filled with wonder, majesty, and amazement.

The story of the life of Christ is equally filled with wonder, majesty, and amazement.

The conclusion of Christ’s life is, too, equally filled with wonder, majesty, and amazement, with it’s horrific events.

This year, I am amazed that the infant body was Christ was cleaned up and wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger, a feeding trough. And the adult body of Christ was cleaned up and wrapped in burial cloths and laid in a tomb.

Q: How significant is it that God, Himself, came unto His own, being Incarnated in a virgin’s womb?

As Christine said, “Without Christmas and a manger, there is no Calvary, no Cross.”

It requires a body.

Rejoice a Child has been born, a Son has been given.

Blessings to all, Merry Christmas.

a follower of Christ, deo

The Battle Over Authority, Part 3

In January 2017, after Donald Trump became the President-Elect in the 2016 election, I was watching a news broadcast.

This news broadcast was covering a demonstration against Mr. Trump.

What arrested my attention was a sign being carried by a young woman.

On her placard were two words: ‘be ungoverned’.

I was shocked and concerned.

Those two words epitomized the prevailing attitude that was being expressed before Mr. Trump took office.

Throughout his Presidency, the philosophy of being ‘ungoverned’ grew and demonstrated itself against his term of office.

Those two words, ‘be ungoverned’ simply meant in its most negative sense to reject the authority of Mr. Trump as President of the United States.

Since 2017, this nation has witnessed the seeds of those two words, ‘be ungoverned’, grow-blossom-bear fruit-and reap its ‘spirit of lawlessness’.

I submit to you, that the electorate in our 2024 presidential election, was awakened to the philosophy of the current governing political party, both at the national and state levels; awakened them to some of our business leaders, awakened them to many of our educational institutions, awakened them to many in entertainment industry, and especially made it clear to them that the news media outlets thrived on thrusting their ‘lawlessness rhetoric’ upon the citizens of our nation.

That rhetoric reverberated the full weight of the two words, ‘be ungoverned’.

This awareness spread throughout all ethnicities and demographics that comprised the voting electorate, which many called, the silent majority.

But, there were many, that did not ‘awake’ to what millions of other voters were awakened too, and dictated how they were going to respond at the ballot box.

There is no doubt that millions of people simply hated Mr. Trump.

They were known as ‘never Trumpers’.

There is also no doubt that millions of people were angry against the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Roe v. Wade.

The Democratic party strongly advocated abortion.

There were millions of people who had bought into the political philosophy of liberalism and were satisfied with the ‘spirit of lawlessness’ that prevailed in this nation’s culture and society.

A great unknown was how would the Christian community vote, or even not vote.

I know there are a lot of numbers that speak to the demographics of the voting electorate.

I’ll leave that search to you personally.

But let me focus upon what I consider to be the most important issue.

Question: What happens to authority when the ‘spirit of lawlessness’ prevails?

Proverbs 14:34, NASV, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”

Amplified Version reads, “Righteousness (moral and spiritual integrity and virtuous character ) exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.”

I John 3:4, Amplified Version, “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness (ignoring God’s law by action or neglect or by tolerating wrong doing-being unrestrained by His commands and His will).”

Are we a nation that seeks to live morally, with spiritual integrity, and exhibiting a virtuous character?

Or, has our nation become a disgrace?

Our problem is that we are ‘lawless’; and ‘lawlessness’ is sin.

We neglect God’s Word.

We tolerate wrong doing.

Our nation has a heart issue.

How is that assessed?

Just listen to what people are saying!

What does God’s Word say?

Luke 6:45, Amplified Version, ” The (intrinsically) good man produces what is good and honorable and moral out of the good treasure (stored) in his heart; and the (intrinsically) evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil (in his heart), for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his mouth.”

Our nation has been listening to evil rhetoric for many years; and the people of his nation have finally ‘heard’ what has been really said.

Now back to the question highlighted above.

The answer to the question is that authority is questioned when the ‘spirit of lawlessness’ prevails.

It creates an undercurrent of ‘uncertainty’; a wrestling with ‘am I safe?’; a feeling of a ‘lack of protection’; a ‘gnawing’ that something is wrong.

“Gnawing is a feeling of persistent discomfort, often anxiety or worry, that can be difficult to ignore. It can make a person feel uneasy or restless.” (googled definition)

I submit to you that the voting electorate in the United States had a ‘gnawing’ feeling that had to be addressed.

I believe that the electorate wanted lawlessness to end and authority to be restored.

I am not so naive as to think that many voters did not consciously feel this way regarding the restoration of authority; but if one examines the politics, the culture, and our society, you will easily discern that there was a ‘gnawing’ of ‘unrest’, even ‘unprecedented unrest’ that was eating (not just the bill for groceries) away at our national identity.

The fruit of our lawlessness has been corruption, chaos, confusion, and daily consternation based upon lies, deception, hidden agendas, and a constant daily rhetoric of untruths collaborated by a tight-knit coalition of net-working a ‘verbal dialogue’ that covered up the destructive plans of those in authority that were running this nation.

As was noted earlier in this post a life of lawlessness is based upon the issues of the heart.

Man made laws are not going to change humanity.

Our Founding Fathers understood that explicitly.

As a nation, we were established with documents that the founders understood would work; but only if ‘we as a people’ sought to be ‘morally and ethically’ upright.

They understood that we, as a nation, need to abide by God’s ‘umbrella’ of Authority, guides by the Word of God.

As Benjamin Franklin said in essence, our Republic will work if we can keep it.

If we reject God’s ‘umbrella’ of Authority, another authority will assert itself and fill the vacuum of that influence of authority.

That is what has taken place.

What is implied is that human nature without lawful restraint would dismantle this nation’s freedom.

On November 5, 2024, the voting electorate sought to put a stop to unlawful restraint.

The people cried out for a return to order.

A return to order implies a return to a governmental system that benefits the nation as a whole; not just those in authority that desire to maintain control, establish their agenda that is antithetical to the Constitution of the United States; and promote a system that benefits them personally and not citizens of this nation.

The ultimate issue of the universe is who is in charge?

The Bible, the Word of God, tells us clearly, Who is in charge?

Almighty God.

When one observes a nation’s society, examines its values, pays attention to its daily rhetoric, it can discern whether or not it values the Word of God.

And if that nation ignores the Word of God, then it ignores God, Himself.

Many in this nation give lip service to God and do their own thing.

That lifestyle is recorded throughout the pages of the Word of God.

Unfortunately, it is most prevalent in the history of the nation of Israel.

Now, many believe that the Church is conducting itself just like the nation of Israel had in the past.

What is necessary to understand is that God is never tolerant of sin. God’s love is long-suffering toward the sinner.

The Word of God is God’s legacy of His long-suffering toward sinful mankind; and the story of His plan of salvation for sinful humanity.

That is the message of the Gospel.

If Jesus Christ is your Savior and Lord, then you live out your redemption according to the Word of God and the Authority of Christ.

You are no longer under the government of sin and Satan’s influence.

You now live in the Kingdom of God.

Jesus Christ is your King.

He is the King of the Kingdom.

You are under a new government.

A government whose headquarters are in heaven.

The young woman that I mentioned at the beginning of this post carrying the placard with the two words, ‘be ungoverned’ represents many in our nation today that do not want to be governed. They want to rule themselves; and they want a governing body of people who will support them in that lifestyle and live according to self-rule themselves.

We have seen that that philosophy is not shared by many of millions of people in this nation who desire to be governed morally and ethically and in justice and truth.

As this nation moves forward, removing the grave clothes of the previous administration bondage, the battle for authority will continue.

Satan has influenced this nation greatly.

His influence has been overturned at the Cross; and will continue to be overturned by a greater influence-the Authority of Christ and the Word of God.

The election results are the beginning of restoring authority in our nation.

Its impact will be determined by elected officials who seek to restore the guidelines of morality and ethics lived out by them personally.

Alongside this, God is working to restore Biblical authority in the Church and a renewed awareness of the Headship of Christ, as the Head of the Church, His Body. That Headship is governed by the Holy Spirit in and through the Church.

Moving forward requires the grace and mercy of God to exercise His Authority, in a demonstrative way, manifesting Himself by His Presence, confirming His Word and Person with signs and wonders, as is written in the New Testament, especially in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles. This will awaken mankind to the reality of God in a dynamic way, bringing many to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Change is coming-a change that only God can do-a change He desires to do-to bring about the salvation of many individuals-and a restoration of this nation to accomplish will and purpose as originally intended.

Satan will oppose this work.

That is a given.

That is no big deal to God.

Satan has lost.

But God uses him for His purposes.

You and I-believers in Jesus Christ-submit to the Headship of Christ-obey His Authority-walk according to His Word, and complete the works that He has assigned to each of us in these last days.

As Revelation 12:11, NASB, tells us, “And they (that’s us) overcame him (Satan) because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony, and they (that’s us) did not love their (that’s us) even unto death.” (inserts mine)

The conflict over authority is always present; but we are victorious in Christ; because He (Jesus) disarmed Satan’s authority at the cross. (Colossians 2:1-15)

Resting in His Authority, blessings, deo

The Battle Over Authority-The Conflict in the Heavenly Part 2

At the end of Part 1 of the previous post, this proposition was put forward.

Does the Church exercise this authority of Christ in the world today?

If you have not read the previous post, then this question is a challenging one to reflect upon? (Please see Part 1)

There is spiritual warfare that is constantly going on.

Why?

Satan is God’s adversary.

Satan sought to be like God.

His pride caused his fall and his ultimate damnation along with the one-third of the angelic force that sided with him.

Satan is not a threat to God, His will, or His ultimate plan of salvation for His fallen humanity who rebelled against God at the instigation of Satan.

God has always been and God will always be in complete Sovereign control of His entire creation.

God in His grace and mercy so loves the world, that before its creation, in eternity past, He purposed that His Son, Jesus Christ, would be Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of the world. (Ephesians 1:1-23)

That is the majesty of the Gospel.

That is the message of the Cross.

That is the mystery of Christ in us, the hope of glory. (John 3:16)

Adam was given a position by God to be His authority on the earth. (emphasis mine)

Satan challenged that authority, by engaging in a conversation with Eve, getting her to question God’s word regarding the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, enticing her to sin, and so deceiving her that she took of the fruit of the tree, ate it, and then gave it to Adam. (emphasis mine)

What did Adam do?

He responded positively to Eve’s temptation, instead of responding negatively, by choosing to obey God’s word given directly to Him not to eat that tree’s fruit.

The result is called, the fall of man.

Adam’s relationship (and Eve’s) was forfeited with God.

They are in a state of total depravity.

Adam’s authority given by God to him to be exercised through a direct relationship with Him was forfeited and now Adam’s authority was his own self-government empowered by Satan’s influence. (emphasis mine)

Leaving Genesis and jumping ahead to the Gospel of John,

Jesus is talking to the Pharisees.

It is a ‘heated’ moment.

Jesus says to them, John 8:41-45 NASV, “You are doing the deeds of your father.” They said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; (Q: Are they referring to Him being born of a virgin?) we have one Father, even God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me; for I proceeded forth and have come from God (I believe that answers the question about being born of a virgin and not born as a result of fornication), for I have not even come on My own initiative (John 3:16, Ephesians 1), but He sent Me. Why do you not understand what I am saying? (Jesus will tell us why?) It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father, the devil (Satan), and you want to do the desires of your father . He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks he lies (this is what happened in the Garden of Eden), he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar and the father of lies (and because of Adam’s sin, we are of his nature and a liar, too). But because I speak the truth you do not believe Me.” (inserts mine)

That is as straight forward as it can be explained.

Jesus said it.

Enter the message of the Cross, where God ,the Father’s Justice and Love intersect ,and completely satisfies God’s wrath against mankind and provides His Father’s love for all who will call upon the Name of the Lord to be saved.

That salvation does NOT include Satan and his angelic followers.

Jesus says in Matthew 25:41b NASV, “Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels (this place was not for the humanity God created. However if one does not accept Christ as his personal Savior, then Jesus said, this, too, is your destination).

Compare that to Matthew 25:46 NASV, Jesus speaks of another destination. Jesus says, beginning with the previous individuals that are accursed, He says, “And these(the accursed ones) will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

What is the difference?

Jesus explained that in Matthew 25:31-46.

He is speaking of His second coming. All the nations are before Him; and He will separate humanity into two groups.

One group, His sheep (believers in Christ) will be put on His right.

The other group, identified as goats-not His sheep, will be put on His left.

These are NOT their political party affiliation!

It’s more important than that.

It’s having eternal life with God; or it’s being eternally separated from God in hell.

Strong words but that is what Jesus is telling those who are listening to Him; and what He is still telling people today who will listen to His Word.

Fact: God loves you and He wants you to come to Him through Christ.

Do you know Christ as your personal Savior? Yes or No.

Yes, is on the right; No is on the left.

Again, these are NOT political party affiliations!

Matthew 25:34 NASV, “Then the King (Jesus-the One in Authority) will say to those on His right. ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world’.” (emphasis mine)

This is God, the Father, heart for mankind.

If you do not know Christ as your personal Savior, I implore you to call upon the Name of the Lord..

Read theses words slowly and carefully.

Romans 10:8-13 NASV, says, “…”THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”–that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED”. (put to shame) For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all who call upon Him; for WHOEVER WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” (emphasis mine) (insert mine)

Q: Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?

Fact: One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:11)

That confession is acknowledging that all Authority has been given unto Him. (emphasis mine)

At that moment, you will be making this confession whether you are a believer in Christ or not a believer in Christ.

And then, the Lord Jesus Christ will separate His sheep from the goats based upon whether or not you have received Him as your personal Savior, those who have call upon His name to be saved.

Fact: God is Sovereign over all His creation.

Fact: Jesus Christ has been given All Authority. (emphasis mine)

Jesus said to His disciples just prior to His ascension, Matthew 28:18 NASV, “All authority has been given unto Me in heaven and on earth.” (emphasis mine)

Ephesians 1:18-23, NASV, Paul prays, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward those who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and Him as head over the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him who fills all in all.” (emphasis mine).

In the beginning Adam was given authority by God to govern what He had created. Satan deceived Eve, Adam listened to Eve, and Adam forfeited the authority God had given him, and became self-governing. (emphasis mine)

By nature, fallen humanity is a child of his father, the devil (Jesus’ words).

Satan governs fallen humanity by the influence of his sinful nature.

Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy; but Jesus has come to bring life, and that life more abundantly. (John 10:10)

Today, there is still a wrestling over the issue of authority; should there be?

But God…Colossians 2:6-15 NASV:

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over (of) all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And when you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having cancelled our the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us and which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him(meaning ‘it’, the cross).” (Insert mine from the marginal notes) (emphasis mine)

The Church abides in the Victory of Christ by His blood that forgives us of our sins and His triumph of His resurrection that has completely dismantled Satan’s governing rule, taking back the authority Adam had forfeited through disobedience; because of Christ’s complete obedience as the last Adam. (Romans 5) (emphasis mine)

The Church is governed by the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ.

The Church is empowered by Holy Spirit to guide the Body of Christ to obey the will and purpose of the Head of the Body, Jesus Christ.

The Church is to function according to Word of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, exercising the authority of Christ here on earth. (emphasis mine)

And, yes, there is an Ongoing Battle in the Heavenly. (emphasis mine)

Satan still wars against God’s will being done in the earth.

God is in the Absolute Authority. (emphasis mine)

God uses Satan for His purposes.

And soon, all of Christ’s enemies will be put under His feet by God the Father.

In closing, I want to share the following.

It comes ‘From Daniel’s Desk’, Ancient Truth for Modern Time.

The article is entitled FIVE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM KING DAVID, April 26, 2020, by Daniel Pentimone-in Biblical Studies.

It’s number 4 out of the 5 listed.

It is entitled: Pray for Deliverance from Your Enemies.

He writes,

“Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me.” (Psalm 25:19)

God’s people have a variety of enemies. Sometimes they are physical-the sort that David often faced. In such times, it is important to cry out to God for Deliverance from their craftiness. Other times, these enemies are more spiritual in nature.

While you may not have thought of it this way, every Christian is in a fight with the devil, a spiritual enemy who is violently angry with God and His people. As you read about the devil and his various temptations, it is important to recognize the serious nature of the spiritual struggle. The devil (and every other force aiming for your spiritual destruction) is violent, vicious, and lion-like. You are not sufficient to meet this enemy: you need God’s deliverance.”

End of paragraph.

If you can synthesize what I have been sharing, please understand that you and I do not wrestle against flesh and blood, fellow humans; we wrestle against demonic influences that seek to undermine each one of individually, our families, and our nation. (Ephesians 6:12)

We have been considering, the effect that Satan and his demonic forces have had upon our nation, suffocating it mercilessly with destructive rhetoric, evil thinking and evil influence for many years.

But our nation is being brought back to life by the intervention of God’s grace and mercy.

Satan will continue to attack and seek to destroy what God is raising up.

Satan is not victorious, Jesus is!

Satan does not have an authority that can overcome the authority of Christ. (emphasis mine

John 1:4-5, NASV, “In Him (Christ) was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend (overpower)it. (insert from marginal notes)

But the Church must ‘be strong and stand’ as Paul says in Ephesians 6:10-11,13 NASV,

“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against schemes of the devil…Therefore, take up the full armor of God that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”(emphasis mine)

Church, rise up, take off your grave clothes, get into the Word of God, ask Holy Spirit for His guidance and power, and learn to exercise the authority of Christ here on earth. (emphasis mine)

Blessings, on this journey with you, a brother in Christ, deo

TBC

Battle Over Authority is Nothing New-The Conflict is in the Heavenly

Prior to our previous presidential election, a post entitled, I AM the Resurrection and the Life, was centered on Jesus standing before a sealed tomb in which His friend Lazarus had been lying dead for four days. (emphasis mine)

This scene is part of a pivotal moment in the life Jesus Christ recounted in John 11.

I am applying this event in the life of Christ to our nation’s national election.

How so? (See the post-I AM the Resurrection and the Life.)

I had previously asked the following question: “Will we ‘abort’ this nation’s life, or will we ‘sustain’ this nation’s life?

I know those are strong words, but I believe this question speaks directly to the main issue that is the driving force for this election spiritually. (emphasis mine)

Someone might be thinking, wait, you can’t mix politics and religion!

Wrong, I am not mixing politics and religion; I am showing us that God is Sovereign of all the nations of the earth. (Romans 13:1-7)

Our nation, has been entombed, and bound in grave clothes, with a stone rolled across its entrance for the past four years (not just four days).

Intercessors throughout our nation, and intercessors throughout the world, churches, and multitudes of Christians have been beseeching God to come and raise this nation back to life.

The election on November 5, 2024 revealed the Sovereign work of God intervening in the life of our nation, answering intercessory prayers asking Him to restore this nation’s health and well being.

On November 5, 2024, the voting electorate rolled back the stone at the ballot box; the votes were counted; and the results were declared to the people of this nation and to the other nations of the world that the United States of America was being brought back to life.

If you will permit me, just as Lazarus responded to Jesus’ words, “Lazarus come forth”; so our nation rose up and came out of its political tomb bound in all its grave clothes.

The voting electorate cast their votes for this nation to ‘come forth’.

John 11:44, NASV says, “He who had died (Lazarus) came forth bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” (insert mine)

As a result of our nation’s election process, our nation has arisen and we have been given a renewed life.

Our newly elected officials have the responsibility to unbind (remove) the grave clothes of the previous administration that have bound our nation’s hands and feet, and covered our eyes.

As the grave clothes are removed, once again we will be able to walk freely, work unhindered, and see clearly.

The results of this election has amazed many; some positively; some negatively.

John 11:45 NASV says, (positively), “Many, therefore of the Jews, who had come to Mary (John 11:19) and beheld what He (Jesus) had done, believed in Him (Jesus).” (inserts mine)

John 11:46 NASV says, (negatively), “But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things which Jesus had done.” (insert mine)

The same is true today.

I can see a number of people shouting back at me accusing me saying that I am saying that our new President is the savior of our nation. That is totally wrong. I am not saying that. I am not inferring it.

God, Himself, who is Sovereign over the nations of this world raises up individuals to be put in places of importance and authority according to His will and purpose.

Please see my previous post, A Comment About the 2024 Election.

There is no doubt in the hearts and minds of many believers in Christ that God heard their prayers, answered their prayers, and raised up a ‘bound-lifeless’ nation giving it new life to move forward.

There is also no doubt that in the hearts and minds of many believers in Christ that God did not answer their prayers as they had prayed.

These people are in anguish; especially if they do not understand the Sovereignty of God as taught in the Bible.

The truth is that the results of the election have left millions of people devastated and distraught.

Please see the post I AM the Resurrection and the Life.

This is NOT the time for believers in Christ to gloat over the results.

Reflecting on I Corinthians 13:4b-5a NASV, “…love does not brag, and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly…” Unfortunately, some have; but to gloat-by bragging, being arrogant, or unbecoming is not the “love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.”

(The election results do not give a believer the right to gloat.)

Unfortunately, the reality is, just because the election process has taken place, and the results have been announced does not mean that bringing this nation back to full life is not going to be without difficultly.

What I am about to share with you, the Church must learn not just as information, but in their life experience.

Living in a sinful world demands that the Church understand the daily spiritual warfare that it faces.

What I am sharing, intercessors understand and battle daily.

I, confess, that I do not understand the dynamics of intercession; but I do understand that the Church must pray and learn to wrestle against the principalities of evil in the heavenly realms.

Paul writing to the Corinthian Church regarding learning to walk with Lord every day of his life, says, in I Corinthians 10:3-6, NASV, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.”

Paul understood the importance of the constant spiritual warfare he faced as he carried out his ministry for the Lord in the Church.

Jesus said, Matthew 16:18b, NASV, “… I will build My Church; and the gates of Hades (hell) shall not overpower it.” (insert mine)

Please stop, and read, Ephesians 6:10-19.

In Ephesians 6:12, NASV, Paul exhorts the Church telling them this truth.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (emphasis mine)

Does the Church exercise this authority of Christ in the world today?

Hence, the title of this post,

Battle Over Authority is Nothing New-The Conflict is in the Heavenly.

TBC

your brother in Christ, deo

A Comment About the 2024 Election

I am at the close of reading a book entitled, The Many Sided David, written by Philip E. Howard.

It is the end of David’s life, in fact, King David has died. I Kings 2:10,11.

I am quoting from this book. Page 130, Section II.

“If any man is moved, as these glimpses of David’s life draw to their close, to remember most vividly the worst and to forget most readily the best about him, let him reflect upon the distorted view that such a retrospect would give of his own life if he himself should be so remembered. That which is most worth remembering about any man is what God has done for him. It seemed good to Jehovah to select this man for a great task-the welding of a nation, and the writing of heart-songs not for his Hebrew people alone, but for his other folk yet unborn in lands where his redemptive love should be made known. We ourselves are in no position to offer suggestion to Jehovah as to the type of man he should have chosen, particularly when we recall the fact that in spite of God’s thorough knowledge of us today, he yet goes so far as to entrust some of us commissions that seem quite inconsistent with what we know of our own defects. It becomes evident that God chooses men for service on the basis of what he sees he can do with them. If he had waited until he found men upon the earth who were in ideal correspondence with his own perfections, he would have had no human instruments through which to work. But he could find here and there a man who was at heart willing to take his orders from God, and then he could equip him and use him for beyond human calculations.”

The Many Sided David, by Philip E. Howard, Association Press, 124 East 28th Street, New York, 1917, copyright 1917 by The International committed of Young Men’s Christian Associations. The Bible test used in this volume is taken from the American Standard Edition of the Revised Bible, copyright 1901, by Thomas Nelson & Sons, and used by permission.

The Upcoming Six-Day War

In 1967, there was a Six-Day War. “The war began on June 5, 1967, when Israel launched a preemptive assault against the Egyptian and Syrian air forces.” (Google)

“The Six-Day War ended with Israel capturing the Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Heights, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.” (Google)

I remember watching a documentary about the Six-Day War emphasizing what some Israeli soldiers had experienced during the fighting. They shared personal experiences that could only be attributed to the Providential intervention of God.

This intervention began in Eden, when God dealt with the consequences of Adam and Eve’s disobedience.

God dealt with Eve regarding her decision to ignore God’s Word and respond to the deceitful lie spoken to her by the serpent.

God dealt with Adam and his willful disobedience not to obey His instruction

God also dealt with Satan who had tempted Eve to question God’s Word not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

God said to the serpent (through whom Satan spoke), in Genesis 3:14-15 TLV, “Because you did this, Cursed are you above all the livestock and above every animal of the field. On your belly you will go, and dust will you eat all the days of your life. I will put animosity between you (Satan) and the woman–between your seed (the descendants of Adam) and her seed (the prophetic Incarnation of Jesus-Son of God/Son of Man). He (Jesus) will crush your head (at the Cross), and you will crush his heel(seek to afflict Him all through His life). (inserts mine)

Note: Compare these words to Paul’s words in Romans 16:17-20 TLV, “Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep your eye on those who are causing divisions and stumbling blocks, contrary to the teaching that you learned. Turn away from them. For such people do not serve our Lord the Messiah(Anointed One), but only their own belly. By their smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. Your obedience has become known to all, so I rejoice over you–but I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. Now the God of shalom (peace) will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Yeshua (Jesus) be with you.” (inserts mine)

The Book of Daniel, in the Old Testament, records a Twenty-One day war that took place in the heavenlies. Daniel was being given visions and understanding by the Lord regarding what was going to happen prophetically to the nation of Israel and prophetic words regarding end time events when God would bring the created age to a close.

In Daniel, chapter 10:2-3(TLV), “In those days,I, Daniel was mourning for three whole weeks (21 days). I ate not rich food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I anoint myself with oil, until the end of the three-weeks(21 days).” (inserts mine)

Daniel had a vision during this time, (vs. 4-8) of a heavenly messenger.

In Daniel 10:9-14(TLV), it is recorded by Daniel, “Yet I heard the sound of his words. When I heard him speaking, I fell on my face in a deep sleep with my face to the ground. Then behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said to me, Daniel, highly valued man, carefully consider the words I am speaking to you. Stand up! For now I have been sent to you. When he spoke this word to me, I stood up trembling. Then he said to me, ‘Don’t be afraid, Daniel!’ For from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come because of your words. However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia resisted me for 21 days, but behold Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me because I had been detained there with the king of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future days. For the vision concerns days yet to come.” (emphasis mine)

What Daniel experienced is what Paul explained to believers in the church at Ephesus; and that explanation is still relevant to the church today.

Ephesians 6:10-12(TLV), Paul instructs the church, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you are able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood (humanity), but against the rulers, against the powers, against the forces of this darkness, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (insert,emphasis mine)

This is exactly what Daniel went through. I am not sure if he realized it at the time it was happening.

It was explained to Daniel.

The rulers,the powers, the forces of darkness, the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places are all embodied in the words ‘the prince of the kingdom of Persia resisted me for 21-days’. Spiritual warfare is real. Satan is “the prince of the power of the air”(Ephesians 2:2) [TLV says: “…the ruler of the domain of the air”]

What is it that we as a nation are warring against?

Most of us, in this nation, are battling politics.

We are sorting out the rhetoric, and ‘wrestling against flesh and blood'(humanity), possibly struggling with which candidate to vote for as President?; which candidates to choose to represent the state we live in for Congress?; and also which candidates to elect for our state government?

I would assume that many are wrestling also with the choices that need to be made concerning the state propositions, laws, and bills that are before us. Which ones do we affirm? Which ones do we deny ?

I am not saying that any of those choices are irrelevant.

They are all important.

BUT…Who or what is influencing your mindset?

What is the source of the intellect that is seeking to influence you, challenging you to vote their way?

There are three possibilities. The wisdom of heaven; human wisdom (which is self); the wisdom of hell.

What is it that many people do not understand?

What is it that many people do not want to embrace?

What has been a struggle in my own personal mindset is the realization that there is a spiritual enemy that is relentlessly opposing God, His creation, His plan and purpose for His creation, and seeks to destroy what God has desired from before the creation of the world.

The Word of God is not silent about this. (This is a study by itself. Many have written about Romans 12:1,2)

That enemy is Satan.

James 3:13-18 Amplified Version:

“Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with gentleness and humility of true wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant and [as a last result] be in defiance to the truth. This [superficial wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly [secular], natural [unspiritual], even demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder [unrest, rebellion] and every evil thing and morally degrading practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering without [self-righteous] hypocrisy[and self-serving guile]. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness[spiritual maturity] is sown in peace by those who make peace[by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals].” (inserts Amp. Bible)

Question: What is the political atmosphere of our nation based upon the words that we hear daily spewed out from both sides of the political aisle?

Question: What do you discern about the source of the wisdom that is being given to you daily?

Question: Who are you listening too?

Question: Where do you go to find wisdom?

Let me give you three choices that are based upon James 3:13-18 : a) God’s Word; b) your own personal understanding and intellect; c) the deceitful influence of the enemy of God, Satan.

I say all of that to say this!

Satan’s opposition includes deconstructing God’s design for this nation and all the other nations of the world.

Satan opposes this nation.

Satan wants to dismantle this nation at its foundation.

Satan desires to influence this election at every level to cause chaos, confusion, and corruption in our midst.

Of this I am certain, in spite of Satan’s activity, God is in complete control.

God is Sovereign over all the nations.

God is Providential over His people.

Satan’s influence was defeated at the CROSS.

Jesus, disarmed “the principalities and powers. He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in the cross.” (Colossians 2:15 TLV) (emphasis mine)

Then why is there still spiritual warfare?

Because even though what we have accepted as a free gift, our salvation, ‘positionally’ at the Cross (the work of the cross is finished); we are now being conformed ‘experientially’ (by the way of the cross) to the image of Christ.

This is what Christians must understand.

The process of being changed into the image of Christ includes suffering.

Our Father God allows the enemy, Satan, to be part of that process of spiritual growth.

Ask Job about this! (Job 1,2)

As this work continues in us, God, our Father, is fulfilling His will and purpose until the return of Christ, the End of the Age, the Millennium, and the final judgment.

This is what Daniel was being shown.

Since, we are constantly engaged in spiritual warfare, we must learn to stand because the days are evil.

What did the messenger instruct Daniel to do?

Answer: stand and don’t be afraid.

What about us?

Question: What did Paul instruct the believers to do? Answer: stand

I just thought of this!

The context is Israel leaving Egypt after the 10 plagues that were poured out upon Egypt.

That was God’s intervention to deliver His covenantal people from bondage.

Exodus 14:13-14 TLV, Moses is counteracting the words of the people that want to return to Egypt, and serve the Egyptians, rather than to die in the wilderness.

“But Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid! Stand still and see the salvation of Adonai, which He will perform for you today. You have see the Egyptians today, but you will never see them again, ever! Adonai will fight for you, while you hold your peace.” (emphasis mine)

I wonder if God was saying: Stand still; see the salvation of God; meaning, watch what I am going to do for you, and against the enemy pursuing you; and stop grumbling!

I believe God understood their fear and He was going to quiet it, and bring them peace.

Therefore, I submit to you that we, as a nation, will be experiencing a Six-Day War in the heavenlies between October 31 and November 5.

During these six days, we need to stand, hold our position spiritually, not grumble, but we, like Moses, who stretched forth his rod of authority, need to pray with the authority God has given us in His Word; be not afraid; and see the intervention of God against the enemies of this nation,exposing Satan’s evil influence.

There will be intense spiritual warfare between Halloween and Election Day.

At this point many of you may be overly disturbed or even frightened by my words.

You may even think I am out of my mind.

That is ok; I understand.

But…

I want to remind you that we are in a spiritual battle for the soul of this nation.

I want to implore those who have been praying for this nation to continue to do so.

Use your rod of authority, speak to the issues before us, and watch God provide a way forward for His people on dry ground; and swallow up the enemy that seeks to overtake us.

I also want to encourage believers, who may have not been praying, to pray.

Please re-read Daniel 10.

Please re-read Ephesians 6:10-12.

Spiritual battle is not a video game.

It is not a board game.

It is not a hoax.

This is serious warfare.

At this point, many of you might decide to stop reading this post.

I understand that too.

I would encourage those who understand what I am saying to continue reading.

Selah.

If you have not read the posts, A Call to Heavenly Warfare and/or The Spiritual Battle is Ongoing, I encourage you to read them before you continue on with this post. (go to livingwordsofencouragement.com)

Continuing,

This past, October 12, 2014, there was in Washington DC, An Esther Call to the Mall.

It was estimated that 250,000 people came, and maybe as many as twice that (GiveHim15). It has also been noted that the web-site for this event “received 10M hits. Fifty nations also held companion events. It was truly unprecedented.”(GiveHim15).

Most of those who attended Washington DC were women.

They came to worship, pray, and call upon God for this nation.

This assembly was called on the Jewish Day of Atonement.

Why is that significant?

“The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:27-28) also known as Yom Kippur was the most solemn holy day of all the Israelite feasts and festivals, occurring once a year on the tenth day of Tishri, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. On that day the high priest was to perform elaborate rituals to atone for the sins of the people….This was not a ceremony to be taken lightly and the people were to understand that atonement for sin was to be done God’s way.” (got questions.org)

Jesus, the Lamb of God, atoned for the sin of the world, God’s way, on the cross.

Today, Christ Jesus is our High Priest, who ever lives in heaven, making intercession for us. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Thinking about the assembly using the name Esther:

Without going into the complete story that is told in the Book of Esther. The woman for whom the Book is titled, is a young Jewish girl, who is the niece of Mordecai. Because of a fallout between the king of Persia and his queen, Esther finds herself in a situation not of her choosing; just like Daniel, who was taken captive to Babylon, where God raised him up to serve the Babylonian king and the nation. Esther, too, is ‘taken against her will’ along with many other young girls. The purpose is to find a replacement for the deposed queen. Esther submits to her situation and is chosen by the king to be his new queen.

The entire Book of Esther is the Sovereign and Providential work of God against Satan who seeks to destroy God’s people–it is a story of spiritual warfare in the heavenlies that is lived out like a play that has been cast for a theater production.

This story is representative of the ongoing struggle that has been taking place since God’s pronouncement upon Satan in Genesis 3.

The individuals in this story are real people.

Assuming you know the details of the story, the king is manipulated(deceived), and he makes a decree to have all the Jewish people in his kingdom killed.

What the king does not know is that Esther is a Jewish woman.

Her uncle Mordecai, hears about the edict that has come from the king, and sends a message to Esther.

Esther does not pull rank on her uncle.

She submits to her uncle’s instructions.

Mordecai tells his niece, Esther, “Do not think in your soul that you will escape in the king’s household more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place-but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows whether you have attained royal status for such a time as this?” Esther 4:13-14 TLV)

What was Esther’s response to Mordecai ?

“Go! Gather all the Jews who are in Shusan and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast in the same way. Afterwards, I will go into the king, even though it is not according to the law. So if I perish, I perish!” So Mordecai left and did all that Esther commanded him.” (Esther 4:15-17 TLV)

Esther entered into spiritual warfare. She and others fasted and prayed.

Remember Daniel had fasted and prayed.

In this instance, Esther fulfilled her three days, stepped out in faith, and…

Esther was granted entrance to the king, her husband.

God intervened.

The plot against the Jews was brought to light.

The villain was hanged.

The Jews were legally given their right to fight back against all those who sought to kill them.

The Jews prevailed.

What Satan had purposed for evil, God intervened and purposed for good.

Now, let us compare this to another gathering of women that will be held in Washington DC on November 2, 2024.

I mentioned this gathering in my post The Spiritual Battle is Ongoing.

What is the purpose of this gathering of women?

Quoting from their website, womensmarch.com, it is entitled WOMEN’S MARCH to the WHITE HOUSE, November 2,2024, DC and Nationwide,

OUR BODIES. OUR FUTURE.

I am not saying that these women cannot express themselves nor conduct their march.

I want you to discern their spirit.

Using their own words from their web-site. (emphasis mine)

“At this pivotal moment in our country, Women’s March is leading the charge to build a feminist, multi-racial democracy that serves us ALL.”

“What happens in 2024 and the four years to follow will set the foundation for the four to five decades.”

WE ARE MARCHING.

November 2, 2024

Personally, just reading these words makes me shudder.

I do not support this rhetoric.

What is their motive?

I do not want to be part of their ‘ALL’.

Please understand that I am not saying ‘ALL’ women in this nation support their position.

Question: What political party do they want to win?

Based upon their own words, I categorically choose not to support the party they are supporting.

Their rhetoric continues:

“LET’S GO!

“We will never stop fighting for what matters to women and our communities. We will galvanize women across the country and win again in 2024.”

They are motivated and sound relentless in the pursuit of their agenda.

What is their main initiative?

“ABORTION IS NOT A CRIME-We want healthcare, not punishment.”

I do not support abortion.

I do support rational healthcare.

Why do I bring this to our attention?

They do not express an Esther spirit.

What is an Esther spirit?

Esther did not seek to serve herself.

The Women’s March serves self.

This is understandable.

Why?

Because of Adam’s sin. Our human nature is self-serving. It does not seek the things of God. Our nation is at the junction of whether it will continue to push God aside and serve it’s fallen human nature or will it repent of it’s sin, cry out to God, and ask God to intervene in the future of this nation’s destiny.

This is the spiritual warfare that we are engaged in wrestling against.

It is a daily battle in each of our lives; and it has grown into monstrous proportions in our nation.

We are living on a dramatic stage . Like the story of Esther, we are real people.

And there is a spiritual battleground that is being waged in the heavenlies, orchestrated by the prince of the power of the air, Satan.

Then why the post title: The Upcoming Six-Day War ?

Because the spiritual warfare is going to increase exponentially by the enemy against our souls, against this nation, and against the issues being voted upon in the states, and especially at our national election for President and the members of Congress.

The days between October 31 and November 5, will be 6 days of elevated rhetoric, accusations, and vehement words spewed forth to influence the voting electorate’s decision regarding who and what to vote for.

These will not be words from above, but words from below as we read in James 3:13-18.

I am not calling out one party.

I believe it will come from both sides of the political spectrum.

These ‘words’ can be likened to the edict that went forth by the king of Persia to have all the Jews killed. I am NOT saying there will be killing. I am saying that these words are spoken to stir up irrational thinking against the presidential candidates, and to dissuade voters from voting using common sense and rational thinking, and where possible dissuade people from voting, or even keep people from changing their mind to vote.

Queen Esther, prayed and fasted, sought God for His favor, went before the king, and was granted an audience; this resulted in her people, the Jewish nation, being saved. (Read the Book of Esther)

Was there spiritual warfare going on in the heavenlies? Absolutely.

Some might be asking the question, How do you know that?

Answer: This same scenario is paramount throughout the entire narrative of the Bible. The Biblical lives of the people recorded in scripture reflect the spiritual tension in their lives and the gracious and loving kindness of God’s intervention in the lives of His covenanted people.

On November 2, 2024, there will be a gathering of women, marching and voicing their rhetoric.

Their words will be spoken to persuade people to stand with them and vote according to their agenda.

It will be interesting to hear the tenor of their words as they are expressed.

I do not personally believe that their spirit will be humble and submissive.

The proof will be heard on November 2.

Again, I ask you? What is the spirit of their agenda?

Reflecting back to October 8, 2022, for the mid-term election, this group had a Women’s March. Their motto was: “We Demand Our Rights”.

Observation: Esther didn’t demand her rights; These women are demanding their rights.

What spirit do you support?

Esther focused on God. The other group focuses on self.

Two spirits: Esther’s spirit is humble and submissive; the other spirit is prideful and self-centered.

That is the fundamental origin of spiritual warfare.

Lucifer, Satan, sought to be like God. He declared his self ‘I will” (Isaiah 14:13-14, (see also gotquestions.org ‘What are the “I will” Statements of Satan, God, and Jesus?)

Therefore, focusing on the Six-Days, between Halloween and the Election, consider the following:-(I encourage you to all visit gotquestions.org, and type in Halloween)

The unclean spirits that honor the dead on Halloween, October 31, 2024, focus their incantations, curses, and spells, and prayers against God, His plans, and His people.

I believe that they will also be focused on our national election. (See Intercessors For America, October 26,2024)

Do not be naive and believe that this does not occur, because it does.

The Satanists, those who give worth-ship to Satan, which includes witches and warlocks, will be intensely involved in speaking (praying) against the results of our national election.

There will be a battle in the heavenlies.

It is unseen,but it goes on.

Do not be deceived.

Remember this, Daniel, was involved, in spiritual warfare.

Again, I am not sure that he realized this, until he was informed by God’s messenger, who had been delayed 21 days, because of the warfare in the heavenlies.

So great was the opposition to Daniel’s prayers that Michael was sent to assist the messenger. Daniel’s prayers were hindered by the prince of Persia. This was all unseen.

Esther was involved in spiritual battle for her people in the empire of Persia.

She was the queen.

Like Daniel, she fasted and prayed to God. Her husband was the king of Persia.

There was spiritual opposition in the heavenlies.

God intervened.

As I wrote earlier in this post, we are fighting against the rulers, powers, worldly forces of darkness, and spiritual forces of evil that reside in heavenly places.

But, we, who believe in Christ, have been raised by God, and “He(God) has raised us up with Him(Christ) and seated us with Him(Christ) in the heavenly places in Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus).” (inserts mine) (Ephesians 2: 6 TLV)

In Christ we are in the presence of God in heaven, above the domain of Satan, who is the “ruler of the domain of the air”. (Ephesians 2:2 TLV)

In Christ, we are the Bride of Christ, one day to be married to Christ.

Question: Is the Church, who is betrothed to Christ, an Esther, who is to fast and pray, and seek her Husband, the King of the Kingdom, Christ Jesus, for His intervention in life of this nation?

Is all this talking about spiritual warfare wearying you?

Be renewed with: I John 4:1-6, verse 4, says, “You are from God, children, and you have overcome them(the false prophets) because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (TLV) [insert mine] {Please read the passage in entirety}

Be renewed with : I John 5:4-5 TLV, “And the victory that has overcome the world is this–our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world, if not the one who believes that Yeshua is Ben-Elohim?”(Jesus is Son of God)

Be renewed with: Revelation 1:7-12 TLV (Please read this passage), Verse 11 says, “They overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb(Jesus) and by the word of their testimony and they did not love their lives even in the face of death.”

Now what?

I encourage you to read I Peter 5:1-11. (note especially verses 6-9)

Stand fast in: James 4:7-8 TLV, “Therefore submit to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (Please read James 4:1-12 for context)

I want to encourage you to continue to pray for our nation, the upcoming election, and for the Church to awaken to the spiritual battle that we are facing at this time.

The Six-Day War in 1967 saw God’s intervention.

The 21 day battle of Daniel that occurred in the heavens was won by God’s intervention sending Michael.

The saving of the Jewish nation in the day of Esther was won because of God’s intervention.

2 Chronicles 20:14-15 TLV, says, “Then in the midst of the congregation, the Rauch(Spirit of) Adonai came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah the Levite, the son Asaph, and he said, “Listen all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat. Thus Adonai says to you, ‘Do not be afraid because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (This is a great story to read in context, 2 Chronicles 20:1-30) (insert mine)

This battle was won because of God’s intervention, doing it His way.

Our battle for this nation will be won with God’s intervention, doing it His way.

What is His way? I suggest this verse.

“When My people, over whom My name is called, humble themselves and pray, seek My face and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ” 2 Chronicles 8:14 TLV, (context 2 Chronicles 8: 11-22, Solomon’s prayer, and God’s answer at the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem.)

Notice the progression of thought, prefaced with the word, ‘when My people’–

Let us humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn from our evil ways(repent).

That is what God says for us to do.

What does God say He will do in response when we do this?

God says that He will hear us, will forgive our sin , and will heal the nation.

In short, God will intervene.

Many in this nation have been doing this. Some for years; others just recently.

That is not judgmental.

That is what is taking place in the Ekklesia.

Now, let’s give our attention to voting.

We are responsible to vote.

We must VOTE. asking God for His wisdom using a Biblical world-view according to His Word to filter our thought process.

Turn off the political rhetoric.

Do not listen to the irrational words that are being spewed forth as wisdom so that you can make your decision.

Turn your ears to the Lord, read His Word, listen for the Holy Spirit to guide and direct your thoughts.

There may be dark clouds surrounding us. There may be a torrential downpour of the rain of words that brings an unsettling and unprecedented unrest to your soul. Remember you are a member of the Body of Christ; you are part of the Bride of Christ; you are a joint-heir in Christ; you are a son or daughter of God, our Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is your great high priest, mediator, and advocate. “Therefore, since we have a great Kohen Gadol (High Priest) who has passed through the heavens, Yeshua Ben-Elohim (Jesus the Son of God), let us hold firmly to our confessed allegiance. For we do not have a kohen godal (high priest under the Law of God), who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One (Jesus) who has been tempted in all the same ways-yet without sin. Therefore, let us draw near to the throne of grace with boldness so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help in the time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16 TLV) [inserts mine]

May the Lord richly bless you and give you peace,

a brother in Christ, deo

A Call to Heavenly Warfare

It is no secret that throughout the history of mankind, there has been an eternal battle in the heavenlies. This warfare began with Lucifer’s prideful rebellion against God. (Isaiah 14:12-14)

Today, we ascribe the name of Satan to Lucifer. They are one and the same being.

Satan seeks to oppose God constantly. Satan is relentless in his pursuit to destroy what God has purposed.

I bring this to your remembrance.

It is not my purpose to discuss the doctrine of evil.

For those who follow my posts, you are aware that Ephesians 6:12 has been emphasized for two reasons. This warfare is real; and the call to warring in prayer is an absolute necessity in the last days.

Ephesians 6:12, KJV, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood (humanity), but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (insert mine)

Ephesians 6:12, Tree of Life Version, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the worldly forces of this darkness, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

I want to quote from Got Questions, ‘How is Satan god of this world? (2 Corinthians 4:4)

[As you read this post, we know that God is the only One True God. He is Sovereign over all. Satan has been totally disarmed because of the Cross.]

Then why does he (Satan) have influence? Because God in His Sovereign plan of salvation uses him for His own purposes. ( See Job 1,2) We cannot question God. (insert mine)

“The phrase god of this world, (or god of this age) indicates that Satan is the major influence on the ideals, opinions, goals, and views of the majority of people. His influence encompasses the world’s philosophies, education, and commerce. When people live as if there is no God, they by default follow the god of this world. The unholy thoughts, destructive ideas, and wild speculations, and false religions of this world have sprung from Satan’s lies and deceptions. (See Ephesians 2:2, John 12:31, I John 5:19) Satan may be the god of this world, but his domain is limited to unbelievers. Born again children of God are no longer under the rule of Satan. God the Father “has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” (Colossians 1:13)…As the god of this world, Satan exercises his power over the unbelieving world world to keep them from Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 4:4, Matthew 13:19, I Timothy 4:1)” (got questions.com)

With this in mind, the Ekklesia, is called upon to pray.

The days are dark. The storm clouds are immense. The atmosphere is electric with the energy of our upcoming presidential election; and the Church must intercede for this nation.

We are in spiritual warfare. Satan is opposing the work of God.

This nation is at a crossroads for its very existence.

We as a nation, have sinned against God. We have walked out from under the umbrella of His protection for His purpose for us as a nation.

Recently, I became aware of some upcoming events that will be occurring in our nation.

I am composing this post on October 7, 2024.

Tomorrow the following begins to take place.

The dates are October 8, October 12, and November 2, 2024.

On October 8, there is a Woman’s March in Washington DC. (Editorial note, this March was in 2022(?), my error. However, their goals are the same. Please for give me.)

Quoting from their web-site. “Join us on Saturday October 8th in Washington D.C. to help us send a message: WE DEMAND OUR RIGHTS….Since October 8th marks 31 days until Election Day, we’re more fired up than ever to elect more women and pro-choice candidates around the country–we’re ready for the Women’s Wave. (Reminder this was in 2022(?) )

However, this year, 2024–

On October 12, there is ‘An Esther call to the Mall’ in Washington D.C.

Quoting from their .org, “A Million Women is gathering for those hungry to see the Lord’s hand cover this nation at the Mall in Washington DC on October 12, the Day of Atonement, to fast and prayer in unity as a Last Stand moment in America.”

I see an obvious difference in these two agendas.

On October 8th 2022(?9 the women were ‘demanding their rights’; on October 12th, 2024, the women are humbling themselves before God.

The first agenda centers on ‘self’; the second agenda centers in God.

This is the essence of the spiritual warfare in our nation.

Will we follow the dictates of our fallen humanity and serve self?

Or will we cry out to God and ask for His grace and mercy and center this nation on Him?

There is also another Women’s March scheduled for November 2, 2024 Washington D.C. and throughout the nation.

The theme of this activity is “Our Bodies, Our Future”. Their stated goal is “to build a feminist, multi-racial democracy that serves us all.”

What are the underlying spirits of these two agendas?

The Women’s March that demanded their rights; and now advocating ‘our bodies, our future’.

Compare this to the Women’s gathering that is assembling themselves to fast and pray for our nation.

There is no demand for their rights; they are humbling themselves before God.

One group is pridefully demanding their rights; the other group is submitting themselves to God.

These two agendas are in direct conflict. This conflict is spiritual warfare.

What does the Word of God instruct us to do?

James 4:6-10, KJV, “But He giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil (Satan), and he will will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”(insert mine)

Psalms 138:6 KJV, “Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly; but the proud he knoweth afar off.”

I Peter 5:5-11 KJV, Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him ; for he cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil (Satan), as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strenghen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (insert mine)

Quoting “An Esther Call to the Mall” gathering, “As we read in Joel 2, when there is no hope for a nation in crisis, where there is no remedy in the natural, God still has a prescription. “Blow the trumpet in Zion, consecrate a fast, call a solemn assembly: gather the people…” Joel 2:15-16a KJV (I quoted the verse in full), let the Esthers, the children, and the Mordecais gather and call on the Lord on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur-the time for individuals to atone for their sins of the past year. This is done in order to start the new year fresh, unburdened by past actions. )”

Quoting Women’s March, “Women’s March is building a base of feminists to end sexism, sexist exploitation. By 2050, we will be a feminist led movement that ensures anyone and everyone has the freedom to lead empowered lives in safety and security in their bodies, in their communities and throughout the country.”

The Women’s March says, “We see an economic system that values the rights and contributions of all, and that supports safety and dignity for everyone. These feminist values prioritize stewardship, and the just distribution of collective resources.”

Between October 8th and November 5th, our nation is going to continue to face a relentless barrage of viral verbal rhetoric that is going to fill the airways.

I, personally, do not need to hear anymore words. My heart is settled. My conscience is clear. I have considered the two platforms using a Biblical world view. Both platforms have their issues. But I have resolved that one platform supports a Biblical world view more than the other. I am not voting for or against a person nor choosing a president based upon his or her personality.

Why? because “we are not wrestling against flesh and blood”. However, there are issues in both platforms that are easily identifiable as being for and/or against a Biblical world view. I have concluded that one platform outweighs the other as being more positive toward a Biblical world view.

I encourage you to fast and pray for our nation.

I encourage you to wrestle in prayer against the principalities, rulers, powers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places.

I encourage you to evaluate your voting choices based upon a Biblical world view.

(If you need some additional help understanding what I am saying, please read the post, Five Weeks and Counting, at livingwordsofencouragement.com)

Church, we need to pray. The enemy of our souls, and our nation, is relentless. He, Satan, is waging spiritual warfare against us. He is seeking relentlessly to influence our thinking to dismantle this nation.

Your resistance is important.

Your vote expresses your resistance against Satan, and the forces of “spiritual wickedness in high places”.

Thank you for fasting, praying, and voting.

Blessing, a brother in Christ, deo

tbc

Five Weeks And Counting…

It is now less than Five Weeks And Counting-November 5 will be here soon!

At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, as the ‘unprecedented unrest’ is mounting…as the light of political truth reveals the secrets that have been hiding in darkness…as the volume of accusatory rhetoric increases…as the level of irrational wrangling escalates…we as a nation, a Constitutional republic will be going to the polls on or by November 5, 2024. Today is October 17,2024 and Five Weeks And Counting started, October 1, 2024.

As a believer in Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, what is my responsibility as a citizen of the United States? I have dual citizenship. I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God, and Christ is my Lord; and I am a citizen of the United States and Joe Biden is my President.

I am told, and have understood, that many believers are in a valley of decision regarding the upcoming election. They are torn, not wanting to vote in this election. It is documented that many believers in the past elections have not voted because they were dissatisfied with the choice that was put before them in our national election for President.

I understand that struggle.

I, too, wrestled with the choice before me. But I was able to come to a ‘somewhat’ peaceful conclusion in the past elections and vote.

How? I had to identify what is most important to me as a citizen of the United States of America.

I want to encourage you, as a Christian, to vote.

It is important. Really important!

If you are in a valley of indecision, I want to encourage you not turn a blind eye away from the election process; but that you “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full into His wonderful face, And the things earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.” (Words by Helen H. Lemmel, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus)

Your initial response to this might be: are you telling me then to ‘turn a blind eye’; no, in fact, I am trusting the Holy Spirit, that as you turn your eyes upon Jesus, you will look at your nation and see the upcoming election through the eyes of your Savior and Lord.

I contend that as you turn to Jesus, you will receive His focus upon the events shaping our nation, and give you understanding as you walk through your ‘valley of indecision’.

I believe the outcome will be that you will not ‘shrink’ from your responsibility to vote as a citizen of the United States because you will see that to vote is being a responsible citizen of the Kingdom of God.

What is our responsibility in the hour in which we are living?

As the title to this post declares, Five Weeks And Counting will be our national elections both at the federal and state levels.

As a citizen of the United States of America, voting has evolved throughout the history of our nation. Originally the states were given the determination who was approved to vote. This led obviously to quite a bit of variation among the states. We as a nation are still wrestling with the question of who can legally vote. Unfortunately, this wrangling has caused numerous issues in our recent elections.

Is it important for you to vote?

Absolutely.

Your vote, expresses your support for the nation. The process of voting is to keep our Republic strong by electing officials who are best suited to keep our nation moving forward based upon the strengths of our founding documents.

V.O.T.E : Voting Offers a True Expression of what you personally believe.

Unfortunately, over the course of our national history, there have arisen factions that want to change our founding foundation. Since the 1900s the thought of change has grown in intensity; and in the past 60 years, the proponents of change have become more demonstrative, both verbally and behaviorally.

From my perspective the fruit of those seeds of influence are now being expressed as ‘unprecedented unrest’ in our nation.

Some will automatically call me conspiratorial. That is not my heart.

The fact is that such a label of advocating ‘conspiracy theories’ is one of the issues that is at the heart of our current election rhetoric. People who disagree with the truth, or who want to ignore the thinking of those who raise credible contradictions dismiss their opposition’s claims with ‘name calling’.

Such is a current bedrock in our nation’s political rhetoric.

The SOUL, the LIFEBLOOD, the FUTURE, and the STABILITY of our nation, may indeed, be changed based upon the outcome of the November 5, 2024 election.

If you listen carefully to both political sides, that is exactly, what they are advocating.

Both sides are claiming to be saving our nation, our democracy, our very existence as we know it.

In fact, it is no secret, but both sides are praying to God for victory and their opposition’s defeat.

To me that is parallel to two competing athletic teams that have Christian players on both teams praying and asking God for victory.

What does one conclude when the winner and the loser become a reality, the contest is over, and victor is known?

How do you ‘feel’ when your favorite athletic team loses?

Are you ‘bummed out’?

*A personal testimony*

If you are a believer in Christ, confused, turned off to politics, bogged down in a valley of indecision, who has made the decision not to vote, I want you to know that I am not out to manipulate, pressure, or coerce you; however, I am asking you to seriously reconsider your decision.

Why?

We are not wrestling against flesh and blood (people/and their personalities); but we are wrestling against principalities, powers, and rulers of spiritual darkness. (Ephesians 6:12) (insert mine)

Consider this, your non-vote is a vote supporting those in our nation that want to dismantle our founding principles that will cause our Constitutional Republic to become weak and/or completely destroyed.

Yes, I am aware that those are strong words; but think seriously about the ramifications of our nation being changed negatively from within!

What is the S.O.U.L. of our nation? It is Saving Our Unalienable Liberties (or Lifestyle). It is about our life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

I suggest that if you clearly understand this; you will vote.

A couple of weeks ago, I came a point, where I realized that I did not need to hear any more words; I did not need to read any more headlines and their subsequent content. I have been purposely avoiding the news shows and the cable pundits because their analysis and rhetoric is verbal venom poisoning the minds of the voting electorate. I was certain I was not going to hear anything new. (As I update this post-I confess that there have been articles that have caught my attention. The latest is one about the number of Christian that are projected not to vote. It could be as high as 42 million. I believe that is wrong.)

[I am convinced that the Lord is uncovering the deeds and words of darkness bringing to light the lies and deceptions that have been perpetrated by both sides of the political isle. (If you would like to read more about this, go to livingwordsofencouragement.com and see the post, The A.R.R.O.W. of God.)]

I came to the point where I understood that my mind was mentally settled and that I could rest in my decision to vote.

Let me tell you why I needed to vote.

It is my responsibility as a citizen of the United States of America.

I need to live at peace with the Lord.

I need to live at peace with myself.

I need to have a clear conscience.

I need to be able to pray for the next President, just as I now pray for President Biden. The Word of God tells us to pray for those in authority over us “so that people can live peaceful and quiet lives.” (I Timothy 2:1-2)

I desire to be in that group of ‘people’. The scripture does not say that I have to agree with their decisions. Most of President Biden’s decisions I do not personally agree with; but that is not an excuse for me to avoid praying for him, and others in authority over me with a clear conscience.

Therefore, as I mentioned above, I do not need to be persuaded how to vote listening to the rhetoric of the political parties, and their pundits pontificating every day.

I am at rest in the Lord.

What has brought me to that rest?

That rest has been created by the Word of God.

I have chosen the Biblical worldview to come to my decision.

The Biblical worldview is Absolute Truth.

Both parties platforms are the expressions of man’s wisdom for the hour in which we live and are written explaining what they believe and they want to be accomplished to this nation forward.

They believe their platform will bring about the course correction needed for this nation.

What do you believe is necessary for a course correction for our nation?

If your course correction rests completely upon a candidate and his or her personality and/or characteristics, then I must say to you that you have fallen short of what is best for our nation?

Both platforms are NOT without serious shortfalls from the Absolute of God’s Word; but using the Word of God to evaluate both parties platforms, I have concluded that one of the two parties platforms provides for a resting place for my own personal peace and a clear conscience as a believer in Jesus Christ.

I am NOT saying that the party platform I have chosen perfectly aligns with the Word of God.

I have chosen the platform that I believe is more aligned with the Word of God than the other platform.

As I said previously, my decision brings rest and peace to me personally.

Why is that important?

It allows me to pray for this nation’s next President with a clear conscience, and not riddled by guilt, or regret.

It gives me a spiritual position of being able to quench the ‘fiery darts’ of the enemy that wants to assail me with accusations of fault.

In Christ, I can confidently submit myself before God, resist the devil, and he will flee. (James 4:7)

Therefore, I encourage you to prayerfully consider your personal position as a voter in this nation’s upcoming election.

What are your beliefs?

Do they align with the Word of God?

Are you at peace and rest as you approach the time to cast your vote?

There are major issues on state ballots that need voting upon by a responsible informed electorate.

Jesus said, that the enemy comes only to kill, steal, and destroy; but that He has come that we may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)

God has blessed this nation abundantly. Yes, we have misused those blessings; but we, too, have been able to bless many other nations and individuals.

Let us make sure we do not lose our founding principles because we choose not to vote or vote ignorantly listening only to the wisdom of man and not be guided by the wisdom of God’s Word.

It’s time to pray, be informed by Godly Absolutes, and vote intelligently and conscientiously.

Blessings, a brother in Christ, deo

Note: I want to give credit to my brother, David, who sent me a text that had the words, five weeks and counting, that I used for the title for this post.

Chaos+Confusion+Corruption =

On August 14, 2024, a post was composed with this word equation as its title.

Today is September 16, 2024. I would like to share some additional thoughts regarding the post.

It’s no ‘new’ news to those that follow my posts that I have been sharing about the ‘unprecedented unrest’ coming to this nation.

We have seen and heard of events that have escalated the ‘unrest’ in this nation.

As the day of our Presidential election gets closer, things will continue heating up. The political climate will become hotter and hotter each day.

What is contributing to these elevated temperatures throughout the nation?

The clash of words. We are in an incendiary moment. There is a ‘war of words’ that are igniting worry. They are proceeding from both political parties and even from Christian ministries that mean well. Their words can cause anxiety too.

The ‘war of words’ reminds of the story of Chicken Little who is constantly crying out, “the sky is falling, the sky is falling”. I am using these words because we are being told by both political parties that the end of our nation is eminent if the ‘other side’ wins.

The political rhetoric is to emphasize traumatic worry within the minds of the voters.

Let me share my thinking in a more forceful way.

The ‘words of this world’ that generate worry are like ‘water boarding’ a prisoner attempting to break their resolve and vote like they are told.

The words of our political process are like a ‘constant dripping’ of a faucet that needs to be turned off.

The ‘many words’ of the political process are like a heavy weight upon the mind that is pressing down the very souls of the voters.

Strong words, yes; but I believe that they are true.

What is the SOUL of our nation: Saving Our Unalienable Liberties.

Both sides are saying they are the answer to saving the SOUL of our nation.

The problem is that the wisdom of the world does not have the answers.

The wisdom that we need is the ‘Wisdom of the Word’.

The ‘Wisdom of the Word’ does not bring worry. Let me state that again. The ‘Wisdom of the Word’ does not bring worry.

The Wisdom of the Word brings light that exposes the darkness; life that conquers death; peace of mind that overcomes anxiety, worry, fret, uncertainty.

I want to share with you a personal testimony.

Several days ago, I came to the place where I was mentally tired of all the words that were being shared, regurgitated, re-analyzed, dug-up, etc. This realization became apparent to me in spite of the fact that I have been personally avoiding not being caught up in the political rhetoric; yet trying to be somewhat savey of what is going on.

I found myself at a place where I didn’t need to hear any more words. I was at peace in my mind. I had a clear conscience about how I was going to vote.

Now it was time to thank the Lord for His Sovereignty regarding the election in our nation. I was resting in the ‘Wisdom of the Word’.

Regarding the election, it will be God’s will. There is no room for another conclusion.

My choice of vote is not based upon a person or his/her personality.

My choice is based upon honoring my Lord according to His Word.

Jesus Christ is our Wisdom. He is the Wisdom of the Word. He is the Word.

I Corinthians 1: 27-31 NKJV says, “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound (put to shame) the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound (put to shame) the things that are mighty; and the base (insignificant) things of the world, and the things that are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and the things that are not, to bring to nought (nothing) the things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God, is(became for us) wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (inserts from the marginal notes of the Study Bible)

Thank you Father, I am resting in my Lord, and giving Him the glory.

Therefore, for me, personally, Chaos+Confusion+Corruption is negated by resting in Christ, Who is my Wisdom in the midst of the verbal political conflict perpetrated by the ‘words of the world’ that are foolishness in God’s sight.

These words are connected to the previous post of August 14, 2024.

If you would like to read the original post for the first time, or for a second time I encourage you to do so.

I especially pray that the Lord will fulfill for you Philippians 4:5-7.

I encourage you to read it, reflect upon it, and pray it, believing that the Lord will give His peace of mind in these stressful times.

Blessings, a brother in Christ, deo

Chaos+Confusion+Corruption =