god – Page 3 – Living Words of Encouragement

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

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.

Battling For the Life of our Nation

I Corinthians 15:45-47 TLV:

“If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul.” The last Adam (Jesus, Son of God/Son of Man) became a life-giving spirit. However, the Spirit is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. The first man is of the earth, made of dust; the second man is from heaven…”

‘First the natural, then then the spiritual’, a principle that we must understand that is foundational to understand the Word of God, the message of the Gospel, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our life after we become a believer in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

I want to use this principle to put before you a question regarding this nation’s national election on November 5 (Today is October 30, 2024).

When the electorate in the nation cast their vote, whether by mail, early voting, or on election day, each individual vote represents the heart and mindset of that voter. The outcome of the entirety of all the votes cast will show the heart of the electorate in this nation.

The results may be extremely close or even lopsided.

Who knows?

But an outcome will take place.

Not only will the selection of a new president show the heart of the electorate, but, also, the results for each individual choice, at the state level , will reveal the heart of the electorate, too.

I am concerned.

Why?

Let me ask you, each individual voter, this question?

Will we ‘abort’ this nation’s life, or will we ‘sustain’ this nation’s life?

I believe this will be clearly seen when the votes are tallied, the dust settles, and a direction for this nation has been determined by its electorate.

I encourage you to vote.

I encourage you to vote with a Biblical world-view; not a worldly mind-set that trust in the wisdom of man and ignores the wisdom of God.

blessings to my fellow believers in Christ, deo

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

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 =

60 Years Ago, Ronald Reagan Said…

Before you read my post, I would like to direct your attention to a speech delivered at the 1964 Republican Convention that took place 60 years ago.

Please go to reaganlibrary.gov and read Reagan’s speech, A Time for Choosing Speech, October 27, 1964.

[Go to Menu, Archives, Speeches-Major Speeches, 1964-1989. Enter Search Terms- A Time for Choosing Speech, then scroll down and read the speech.]

Why do I ask you to do this?

Because, 60 years later, ask yourself, what has our nation become since he shared this speech?

UPON WHAT ARE YOU FOCUSED?

As I survey the political climate and breathe the atmosphere of our nation’s beating heart, I visualize clouds of darkness and despair.

Those are not very encouraging words when addressing an audience of readers.

But, if you are aware of the tension that is gripping our nation, then you know that these words are true.

Many see darkness and gloom, others see light and hope.

It is a matter of perspective.

What is your perspective?

What do you see?

Jesus said, in Matthew 6: 22-23, NKJV, “The lamp of the body is the eye, If, therefore, your eye is good (clear or healthy), your whole body is full of light. But if your eye is bad (evil or unhealthy), your whole body will be full of darkness. If, therefore, the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! (inserts, marginal notes) (emphasis mine)

Is the ‘eye’ of our nation, ‘good’ or ‘evil’ ?

Subsequent to these words Jesus said the following:

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24 NKJV)

Q: What master are we serving as a nation?

Upon what is it focused?

Upon what am I focused?

Upon what are you focused?

The notes in my NKJV Spirit Filled Study Bible, make the following observations regarding Matthew 6:22-24.

“The person with the good (“healthy”) eye is one whose intent is to serve God and not mammon (the money-god, used here to indicate the whole system of materialism). The person with the bad eye is selfish, covetous, and miserly. The one’s life is full of light, meaning, and purpose; the other’s life is plunged into darkness, deprived of meaning.” (pg. 1300)

Is it ok to substitute the word ‘nation’ for the word ‘person’ in Jesus’ teaching?

I suggest that it is.

I suggest that our pursuit of ‘mammon’ (the ‘money-god’) is an idol that we, individually, and as a nation have treasured and that that pursuit has taken our focus (eye) off the One True God, and plummeted us into the darkness that we are groping with as a nation. (inserts, emphasis mine)

As we have walked about in our blindness, other philosophies, espousing their opposing ‘isms’, have ‘seen’ our condition and taken advantage of us the past 60 years.

I recommend that you read Deuteronomy 8:1-20.

Notice the progression of Israel taking their ‘eyes’ off the source of their wealth, their God; and transferring its source to their own prideful accomplishments that lifts up their hearts forgetting God.

What does God say will happen to them?

Deuteronomy 8:30-31, NKJV, “Then it shall be if you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other God’s, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. As the nations which the Lord destroys before you, so you shall perish, because you would be obedient to the voice of the Lord your God.” (emphasis mine)

What is the progression? forget, follow, serve, worship

What does this progression lead to? idol worship

The Apostle John, in I John 5:21 (NKJV) concludes his letter saying, “Little children (believers), keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” (insert, emphasis mine)

Our nation is beset with idolatry.

Does this mean that we, as a nation, have not been generous to other nations throughout our history?

Absolutely not !

We have been very generous throughout the life of this nation.

But, in spite of our generosity, we find ourselves using our resources in ways not for the sole of bringing help and assistance to others; but, for the purpose of selfish gain and supporting causes that are not in the best interest for us as a nation.

Our resources are being used to build up and support causes that are destructive to our founding principles, our Constitutional Republic, destroying the foundation of our government, enhancing the personal priorities of individuals, and enabling a political agenda that undermines us as a nation.

In short, the people of this nation, have been blinded by the darkness of the ‘god of mammon’; and we have fallen asleep as the darkness of evil influenced our lifestyle.

We have pridefully turned away from following the Lord and pursued our own personal idols both as individuals and as a nation.

We need to be awakened.

Please read I Timothy 6:6-21.

I want to draw your attention especially to I Timothy 6:10, NKJV.

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

I believe these words tell us exactly where we are as a nation.

This is a root cause for the darkness in our nation

The pursuit of the ‘god of mammon’ is not just a non-christian pursuit.

Believers in Christ can also forget, follow, serve, and worship the ‘god of mammon’.

This is the teaching of Deuteronomy 8.

This pursuit of following the ‘god of mammon’ has affected the church.

Let me remind you again of the words, I quoted earlier found in Matthew 6:24, that Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5-7)

In context, the Lord is teaching His listeners about the lifestyle for those who choose to follow Him; and explaining to them what to expect as His disciple.

He is very poignant when He says, “you cannot serve God and mammon”.

So , is it correct to assume that ‘all’ of our issues are the result focusing on money and ignoring God?

Some agree with that conclusion and some do not agree with that conclusion; but when you have carefully read Deuteronomy 8, I believe, that you will be hard pressed not to see the parallel between what is said about the nation of Israel and the history of the United States in its relationship to the ‘god of mammon’.

The truth is ‘any idol‘ ‘will change your ‘clear’ eye to an ‘evil’ eye.

What are the first and second commandments ? See Exodus 20: 1-6

Are these commandments relative today in the life of a follower of Christ?

Absolutely.

They are the moral and ethical standards for the followers of Christ to understand and apply to their life ‘in Christ’.

Those standards were taught in principle by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, and outlined throughout the teaching of the New Testament.

Remember, I am NOT saying that America is the nation of Israel.

I am pointing out what I understand to be a parallelism between the nation of Israel and our nation.

As of February 2024, our national debt was $34.4 trillion.

What is the outcome of such indebtedness?

Time will tell.

So ponder this: a) is the lifestyle of the local church governed by its relationship to mammon? b) is the lifestyle of a nation governed by its relationship to mammon?

Re-read what Jesus said in Matthew 6:22-24.

Remember Jesus is outlining His Kingdom beatitudes for His followers to ‘see’ as they follow Him.

Again, you “cannot serve God and mammon”.

Application.

For some time now, I have been sharing about the ‘unprecedented unrest’ that is coming to this nation and to the nations of the world.

These two words, the Lord spoke to me, pointing out the state of affairs coming to our nation and to the nations of the world.

It is obvious that what was brought to my attention is true, has begun, and is escalating.

Like you, I have read and heard people in the media use both of these words.

They speak of things that are ‘unprecedented’ and also of the ‘unrest’ that is happening in our nation.

We, as a nation, are experiencing the fruit of the ‘evil’ seeds that have been sown in the lifestyle of the ‘soils’ of our nation and our individual lives.

We are harvesting the crops of our failures.

We are harvesting the crops of the evil seeds that have been implanted in the ‘soil’ of America throughout its history ,especially since 1900, and more extensively since the 1960’s.

(Please read, if you have not, Ronald Reagan’s speech from the 1964 Republican Convention.)

I do not need to rehearse for you the daily headlines; nor do I need to list the stories of ‘unrest’ that are daily posted on the media apps that we see and read.

What is tragic is the constant watering and fertilizing of those seeds that are producing the crops of ‘unrest’!

This watering and fertilizing takes place daily throughout the media, especially the cable news networks.

I am not picking sides.

I am commenting on the ‘watering and fertilizing with words’ that takes place 24/7.

The cable news networks functions like a farmer taking care of his crops.

What needs to happen is a change of ‘seeds’ that are being planted in the soil of America. We need good seeds to be planted. Those seeds need a healthy ‘watering with words’ that will cause those ‘good’ seeds to grow in our nation.

Unfortunately, we as a nation, have set aside God’s Word, which is the ‘good’ seed that needs to be sown in the soil of our hearts, individually and as a nation.

If we have chosen to forget, follow, serve and worship the One True God, then we are reaping what we have sown.

I want to use the words of a parable that Jesus shared to show you a principle for living as a nation.

In context, Jesus is talking about the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 13:24-28 NKJV, Jesus told this parable.

This parable follows the parable of the sower.

The parable is entitled, The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares. (New Spirit Filled Life Study Bible)

“Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; “but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. “But when the grain sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir did you not so good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us to gather them up?’ But he said, ‘No lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. ‘Let them both grow until the harvest, and at that time I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ‘ “

Using the commentary in my Study Bible about this parable, it says:

“The central message of this parable is that the consummated Kingdom of God will be different from the present kingdom (reign) in that the consummated kingdom will be in a perfected environment of only the sons of the kingdom. Currently, sons of the kingdom and sons of the Evil One live together in human society,”

In light of this parable, it is clear that the ‘unprecedented unrest’ that we, as believers and a nation, are experiencing today in ‘human society’ should not be a surprise.

A former Pastor of mine, Dr. Robert Evans said, “The world is going to do what the world is going to do.”

The scripture tells us plainly that we will ‘reap what we sow’. (Galatians 5-6)

What is the Spirit of God saying to the Church, the Ekklesia, at this time?

This parable gives us an example of what has taken place in our nation’s history.

I am NOT saying that America is the Kingdom of God.

We as a nation were founded and established with the ‘good’ seed of Judeo-Christian principles. Since our founding, enemies of this nation have sown ‘evil’ seeds to undermine this nation; to destroy its Christian heritage;and to undo its Constitutional foundation.

Our nation blossomed in its founding; it grew ‘good’ crops that were healthy because of the ‘good’ seeds that were sown.

Unfortunately,seeds of ‘evil’ influence have also been sown in the soil of America and produced crops that appeared to be ‘good’ crops, but are ‘look alikes’.*

*[Note: Look up the difference between darnel and wheat]

These ‘look alikes’ sound correct, look correct, and behaved like ‘good’ crops; but down deep in their hearts their moral and ethical fruits are not like the crops of the original Judeo-Christian seeds sown.

Why?

Their hearts are ‘evil’.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes this statement in Matthew 7:15-20 about false prophets.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruits you will know them.”

My emphasis is focusing on the fruits of the seeds that have been sown.

The witnesses of the ‘look alikes’ to this nation and to other nations are deceptive.

They are a false testimony. They are liars and deceivers.

Who is the father of lies, and a deceiver?

Satan

Like the ‘man who sowed good seed’ in his field, while he and his workers slept, believing everything was ‘good’; his enemies came in during the night (darkness) and sowed their own ‘evil’ seeds of influence among the ‘good’ seeds.

Using this parable as an analogy, what is the result?

We as a nation, have ‘slept’ in our goodness and prosperity.

Our ‘pride of greatness’, as we have called it, has ‘blinded’ us from what has quietly been sown in our midst.

Those ‘evil’ seeds have grown into healthy crops and overtaken us to the point where our ‘good’ seeds have been choked out and our ‘good’ crops can hardly grow and have any ‘good’ positive influence in our nation.

Like the servants of the farmer who awoke and saw what had happened, we as a nation are awakening up to what has happened in our nation.

The ‘evil’ seeds of influence have overtaken much of our society and are flourishing abundantly and manifesting their fruits of ‘unprecedented unrest’.

Our society is being subjected to the philosophical crops of the evil- isms that have matured.

This ‘unrest’ is the result of the ‘evil’ seeds sown by our enemy in the soil of our nation just like into the soil of the farmer in Jesus’ parable.

The ‘evil’ seeds have produced the fruits of ‘unprecedented unrest’.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, one of the first questions, I would ask myself is whether or not I see this ‘unprecedented unrest’ or am I walking in blindness?

This ‘unrest’ is not new.

This ‘unrest’ is the fruit of Satan that he orchestrated in the Garden of Eden.

He deceived Eve; then Adam followed in willful disobedience to God’s instruction to him. (Romans 5)

This is the result of the original sin.

The source is not Adam. Adam is ‘flesh and blood’, a human being “created in the image and likeness of God”.

Satan is the source; but Adam’s response is the source of the ‘evil seed’.

We, the descendants of Adam, are responsible for our lifestyles , actions, behaviors, conducts, and words?

Selah.

Thank you Father, for the Incarnation of Christ, Who came in the likeness of sinful flesh, and knew no sin, that we might become the righteousness of God.

B.U.T. (Believers Understand This), “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood (humanity) but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 NKJV) (emphasis mine, insert mine)

Bluntly stated, the source of the ‘evil’ seed is the devil and his demons who deceive mankind to sow ‘evil’ seed because the heart of mankind is ‘evil’ because of Adam’s disobedience.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 NKJV, “For though we walk in the flesh (a human body), we do not war according to the flesh (using human strength, weaponry). For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of the flesh-marginal note) but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds (whose strongholds? Satan’s), casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (like the evil philosophical influences), bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” (inserts mine)

We are witnessing and wrestling against the fruits of what is exalting itself against the knowledge of God as we watch and listen to the daily activities of the ‘unprecedented unrest’.

Paul exhorts us to bring every thought to the obedience of Christ. But note, he says that we must bring our thought process into obedience before we are can do battle with the ‘thoughts of the enemy’.

Did he really say that? Yes, go back and read it carefully.

The commentary in my Study Bible makes this true. It says, “Paul is ready to punish the rebels who continue to refuse to repent. First he must be assured of the obedience of the congregation as a whole.”

Paul is correcting the Church at Corinth, not unbelievers.

Is God saying the same thing to His Church today?

Yes!

The Church must repent, confess its sins, take its focus off the world, the nation and its politics, put God at its center, and then God will deal with the issues that our nation is wrestling with.

[Note: What does 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 instruct God’s people to do?]

(Verse 13 sounds like ‘unrest’; verse 14 is God’s instruction for the solution to that ‘unrest’.)

(vs 13) “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people.” (NKJV)

(vs 14) “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land.” (NKJV)]

In context, Paul is encouraging the Church in Corinth to withstand the ‘evil’ influences they were facing by setting aside the false doctrines and the ‘evil’ influences, through obedience to Christ.

As a believer, are you ‘so’ focused on the politics of our day that you have been overtly influenced by the evil rhetoric that is rampant in our nation?

Is ‘politics’ an idol in your life? Are you consumed by it? Is it the ‘focus’ of your life?

I believe that before ‘Making America Great Again’, we first come to grips with this: We need to ‘Magnify Almighty God Again’; then the Lord will rid us of the sources of ‘evil’ that ravish this nation and restore to this nation the ‘good’ influence comes from being rightly related to Him, as we, as a nation experienced in our beginning..

There are many in this nation that are in agreement with this outcome.

I encourage you to turn away from the ‘political rhetoric’ that comes from both sides of the aisle.

I am not telling you to bury you head in the sand and ignore our election process.

I am beseeching you not to be governed by the political rhetoric.

If you understand what I just said, then know that the political rhetoric and the ‘unrest’ will get worse as we approach our national election on November 5th.

Don’t let the election rhetoric govern your mind. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)

Let the peace of God govern your mind. (Isaiah 26:2-8, Philippians 4:4-7)

“Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].” (Colossians 3:25 Amplified Bible)

Rest in the Lord….Jesus is our REST.

Remember, Christ is our ARK. He is our place of refuge during the tumultuous storm of ‘unprecedented unrest’.

He is always our Refuge.

We have no need to fear.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (safe-thinking, make right decisions, qualities of self-control and self-discipline) ( notes from Study Bible)2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

Will those who have done unjustly be judged?

Yes

Is that our responsibility?

Why?

Romans 12:17-19 NKJV, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.”

How do we live between now and November 5th?

1. We rest and wait on the Lord.

2.We watch, be alert, be ready, and we pray. (Matthew 24-25)

3. We take refuge in Christ.

I encourage you to read Psalms 34,35,36,37.

David understood ‘unrest’ and he understood that God was His refuge.

In my Study Bible, Isaiah 9 is entitled, “The Government of the Promised Son“.

Isaiah 9:2, the prophet writes, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.” (emphasis mine)

We as a nation are living a land of great darkness; but the Light of Christ is coming to dispel the darkness that has overtaken this nation.

“This is the message which we have heard from Him, and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (I John 1:5-7 NKJV)

The Apostle John wrote in I John 2:17-19 NKJV, “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. Little children (believers), it is the last hour, and you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come , by which we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.” (inserts mine)

The ‘unprecedented unrest’ will reveal who are the wheat and who are the darnel.

Let us return to the Lord, focus on Him, seek His face, walk in His Light, and dispel the darkness that surrounds us in this darkened world.

This is the call to the Ekklesia, NOW, in our nation’s history.

The Ekklesia is to fast and pray for our nation.

This election is not about political parties; it is not about presidential personalities; it’s about the ‘soul’ of our nation.

We, the people, are the ‘souls’ of this nation.

If our heart is right before God, then our eye will be clear to see what needs to be done when it’s time to vote.

If our heart is not right before God, then our eye will be evil and we will not know what is right when it comes time to vote.

Good or Evil, Light or Darkness, those are the options.

The future of our nation is dependent upon our hearts response to God so that we walk in the Light.

If we continue to ignore God (i.e. forget,follow, serve, worship other gods), then we will walk in darkness, as a blind man, and not know the way in which we should go.

Listen to the words of Joshua 24:19-25 NKJV.

“But Joshua said to the people, You cannot serve the LORD, for He is a holy God. He is a jealous God; He will not forgive you transgressions nor your sins. If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign God’s, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you, after He has done you good.” And the people said to Joshua, “No but, we will serve the LORD!” So Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD for yourselves, to serve Him.” And they said, “We are witnesses!” “Now therefore”, he said, “put away the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart to the LORD God of Israel.” And the people said to Joshua, The LORD our God we will serve and His voice we will obey!” So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and made for them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.”

I encourage you to simply embrace these thoughts about the passage.

Jesus is our Joshua.

Jesus has made a covenant for us with God, His Father.

As believers in Christ, our sins and transgressions have been forgiven.

Let us faithfully declare that we will follow our Lord Jesus Christ, serve Him, obey His voice, and ‘put away’ any thing that takes our focus off of Him.

Be blessed in the Lord, a brother in Christ, deo

Author Unknown

This morning I was trying to find a teaching that I had written many years ago. As I was rummaging through my papers, I found this. It’s message is apropos for this time of year as we reflect on the Passion Week, Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

Beneath the blood -stained lintel I with my family stand; A messenger of evil is passing through the land. There is no other refuge from the destroyer’s face; Beneath the blood-stained lintel shall be our hiding place.

The Lamb of God has suffered, our sins and griefs He bore; By faith the blood is sprinkled above our dwelling’s door. The foe who seeks to enter doth fear that sacred sign; Tonight the blood-stained lintel shall shelter me and mine.

My Saviour, for my dear ones I claim thy promise true. The Lamb is for “for the household”–the children’s Saviour too. On earth the little children once felt Thy touch divine; Beneath the blood-stained lintel They blessing give to mine.

O Thou who gave them, guard them–those wayward little feet, The wilderness before them, the ills of life to meet. My mother love is helpless, I trust them to Thy care! Beneath the blood-stained lintel, oh, keep me ever there!

The faith I rest upon Thee Thou wilt not disappoint; With wisdom, Lord, to train them, my shrinking heart anoint. Without my children, Father, I cannot see Thy face; I plead the blood-stained lintel, Thy covenant of grace.

Oh, wonderful Redeemer, who suffered for our sake, When o’re the guilty nations the judgment storm shall break, With joy from that safe shelter may be then meet Thine eye, Beneath the blood -stained lintel, my children, Lord, and I.

Father, we thank you for Jesus Christ, Your Son, the Passover Lamb, that takes away the sin of the world.

Thank you Father that , “…without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”(Hebrews 9:22)

Thank you Father that, You, “made the One (Jesus) who knew no sin to become a sin offering on our behalf, so that in Him (Jesus) we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, TLV)

As you reflect upon the work of Christ, His Passion Week, His death, burial, and resurrection, remember that it was God, the Father, who sent His Son into the world to be a sacrifice for sin on the Cross, so that His creation of mankind might be saved.

Consider the following: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. The one who believes in Him is not condemned; but whoever does not believe has been condemned already, because he has not put his trust in the name of the one and only Ben-Elohim (Son of God).” (John 3:16-18 TLV) (inserts mine)

This is the grace, mercy, and love of God demonstrated and poured out to all of mankind. God, the Father, sent His only Son, so that He might have a larger family of sons and daughters for eternity. God was willing to personally take on the issue of separation that sin created between Himself and His creation when Adam sinned. That is the message of the Gospel.

God loves you and desires that you become a child of His, by accepting His Son, Jesus Christ, as your personal Saviour.

Ask Christ, to be your Saviour; ask Christ to forgive you of your sin; thank Christ for His forgiveness and eternal life.

God’s Word says, “… For Everyone who calls upon the name of Adonai (the Lord) shall be saved. (Romans 10:13, TLV, insert mine)

May the Lord richly bless you this Resurrection season, your brother in Christ, deo

C.O.V.I.D.

It is without question that COVID is a deadly disease. Deadly diseases have affected mankind throughout its history. Deadly diseases have ravaged nations. One could study, list, and share the details of the plagues that have destroyed human beings, their cultures, and their economies.

Mankind, through its ingenuity, hard work, and by God’s grace, has been able to overcome and subdue many illnesses, sicknesses, plagues, and deadly diseases. But, unfortunately, they continue to raise their destructive and deadly effects rendering humanity helpless to its illness unless a cure is found.

I would like to refer you to the following blog site. davidjeremiah.blog. There I found the following teaching entitled ‘What are the 3 Tribulation Plagues?’ The article begins, “Do you want to see a miracle? Are you sure? During the Tribulation, three terrifying miracles–plagues–will warn the world of God’s impending judgment.” I will leave the reading/watching of his teaching to you.

Dr. Jeremiah says the three kinds of plagues during the tribulation are: 1)The plague of death; 2)The plague of drought; 3)The plague of disease.

He, then lists the three reasons for the tribulation plagues. 1)Protection; 2)Preservation; 3)Purpose.

Why do I reference this article? I am not espousing a certain end time eschatology; but I want to draw our attention to the fact that deadly diseases and plagues exist, which I assume is an obvious fact, to all ,if not most of humanity, and that they are also a Divine instrument in the hands of God.

Throughout scripture, God has used plagues to get humanity’s attention, His people’s attention, and has used plagues as instruments of judgment upon nations.

I have been writing about a coming ‘unprecedented unrest’ upon our nation and the nations of the world. I have said that I do not believe that this ‘unrest’ is the tribulation spoken about in Revelation.

However, we are aware that there is a Great Tribulation coming to this world in the timing and purpose of God; and, associated with that Tribulation, is a person, who, is also coming, the anti-christ.

All of this is a precursor to the return of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Himself.

Come Lord Jesus.

But, there is one disease that mankind cannot find a cure for.

It is a deadly disease that plagues all mankind.

It is the disease of sin that is found in the heart of mankind.

Sin is the source of death. Genesis 2:15-3:24, the fall of man, his original sin, and its consequences.

Romans 3:23 (TLV) says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Romans 6:23 (TLV) says, “For sin’s payment is death, but God’s gracious gift is eternal life in Messiah Yeshua our Lord.”

John 3:16 (TLV) says “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish may have eternal life.”

Man has attempted many different ways to find a cure for the internal sin that plagues his/her heart; but every attempt by mankind is futile ans impossible to reverse the effects of this universal disease that culminates in an eternal separation from the Living God.

Enter C.O.V.I.D.

What?

Let me explain in an acronym.

Christ’s Obedience Victoriously Incapacitated Death

There is a cure for the disease of sin.

It is the Blood of Christ; it is Christ crucified on the Cross; it is His death, burial and resurrection.

I Corinthians 15:1-8, (TLV), the Apostle Paul writes, “Now I make known to you, brothers and sisters, the Good News, which I proclaimed to you. You also received it, and you took your stand on it, and by it you are being saved if you hold firm to the word I proclaimed to you–unless you believed without proper consideration. For I also passed on to you first of all what I also received–that Messiah died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Kefa (Peter), then to the Twelve. Then He appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time–most of them are still alive, though some have died. Then He appeared to Jacob (James, His brother), and last of all, as to one untimely born, He also appeared to me.” (inserts mine)

This is the message of the Gospel of Christ.

Have you taken your stand for this message on the solid Rock, who is Christ Jesus our Lord?

I would like to recommend that you read Romans 5:1-21.

This passage explains the source of death, Adam’s disobedience; and the source of the gift of eternal life, Messiah’s (Jesus) obedience. (insert mine)

Ephesians 2:8-9 (TLV) says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this gift is not from yourselves–it is the gift of God. It is not bases on deeds, so that no one may boast.”

Mankind cannot do what needs to be done to become rightly related to their Creator. God, Himself, has provided the means of salvation from sin and its penalty. God, Himself, sent His Son, to be born of a woman; to be clothed in human flesh; and to die on the cross as the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus, Who knew no sin, became sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God. Without His sacrificial death, there would be no forgiveness of sin. His Blood cleanses us from all sin. His death, burial, and resurrection validates His victory of sin, death, and the Devil. Because Christ lives, we too, shall live. This is our glorious hope.

Therefore…

In the midst of the coming ‘unprecedented unrest’, our safety and security is in Christ Jesus our Lord. He is our Solid Rock. He is our ARK in the time of the storm. [see livingwordsofencouragement.com for previous posts]

I do not believe that I am trying to hype the current social and political climate of our nation. If you read the headline news; or if you watch and/or follow the media on line; you will certainly understand that our nation is experiencing tension, worry, anxiety, and stress. We are seeing an uprising in lawlessness. We are witnessing the exposure of political cover ups that have many feeling uneasy about the direction of the nation. We are witnessing the mismanagement of our judicial system that seeks to malign our presidential election process. As I write that post (I remind us) that on March 4, 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that states could not make the decision to remove a man’s name from their state ballot because they believed that person was in violation of insurrection according to the 14th Amendment. We live in a Constitutional Republic. The Constitution was upheld. This is a victory in which we should be thankful and rejoice; but one in which, we, the Church, should not gloat. Why? Because gloating is not LOVE. Gloating is based on self. It is a fruit of the flesh, not a fruit of the Spirit.

As we progress through the next several months, watching the election cycle unfold, it will become increasingly hostile and irrational verbally; I encourage you to stay focused upon the Lord Jesus Christ. That does not mean that you do not keep an ‘eye’ on what is happening politically; but it does mean that you do not become ‘consumed’ with/by the political process and ‘stress out’.

I exhort you to pray diligently. Ask the Lord how and for whom you vote. When you vote, you should have a clear conscience. Ask the Lord for His wisdom.

Remember, His ways are not our ways; nor are His thoughts our thoughts.

James 1:5-8 (TLV) instructs us, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all without hesitation and without reproach; and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, without doubting–for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord–he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

We thank you Father for wisdom during this time of ‘unprecedented unrest’.

We thank you Father for Your wisdom to navigate the political storm and the societal storm that has come and is coming to our nation.

We thank you Father that You are working a mighty work of grace and mercy in our nation and the nations of the world.

Thank you Father for exposing corruption in our nation and bringing deliverance to our nation.

Thank you Father for revival, reformation, and recovery in this nation.

We bless You, Father; and we thank You for Your great work of grace.

a brother in Christ, deo

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