Tag: unrest in our nation

The topic of ‘unprecedented unrest’ can be very unsettling, nerve wracking, worrisome, and anxious.

This has not the purpose of the last two posts, nor this post.

The fact is, there is ‘unprecedented unrest’ in our nation, and the other nations of the world. In short, this is not a bad thing. The Bible teaches that before Christ returns, things can and will become very tumultuous. (*See end of post*)

The burden of my heart has been to share with you what the Lord has shown me, and to encourage you, while you watch disturbing events taking place throughout our nation, and hear disturbing words that seek to undermine the foundation of our nation.

Please understand that in the next four months, prior to the November presidential election, there will be an unprecedented increase in political rhetoric that is going to be virulent, radical, and irrational. It will not surprise me for there to be demonstrations of rage and lawlessness.

What will that look like? I don’t know.

We will have to wait and see.

Unless God…

I encourage you to re-read and/or read Psalm 64 carefully, and ask the Holy Spirit to walk you through what David was personally experiencing and expressing to God.

At the risk of being very redundant, I suggest that you read or re-read the post entitled The A.R.R.O.W. Of God (livingwordsofencouragement.com).

In the Tree of Life Version Bible (that I personally use ), Psalm 64 is entitled, Protect Me From Conspiracies.

What an apropos title for the political climate and social culture we are now experiencing. There is political chaos in our nation, constant dissenting verbal rhetoric being voiced throughout the media, and corruption.

As I said earlier, the outlook is discouraging; but it is necessary.

It is not time to loose heart, but to focus on the Lord.

In Matthew 24:1-2(TLV), a verbal exchange takes place between Jesus and His disciples. The text says, “Now when Yeshua (Jesus) went out and was going away from the temple, His disciples came up to point out to Him the temple buildings. “Don’t you see all these?” He(Jesus) responded to them. “Amen, I tell you, not one stone will be left here on top of another–every one will be torn down!” (inserts mine)

Obviously, this shocked them. So, they asked, (vs 3b) “Tell us, when will these things happen? What will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”

Historically, we know that the temple was completely destroyed, as Jesus said it would, in 70 A.D.

The Romans did it.

What has always interested and astounded me is the first thing Jesus said when He began answering their questions.

Matthew 24:4 (TLV), “Yeshua (Jesus) answered them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray!” (inserts mine)

Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible says, “…Be taking heed, lest anyone |deceive| you;”

NKJV says, “Take heed that no one deceives you.”

So, what is the tell-tale mark of the time in which we live?

How much deception and lying is going on right before us?

Why have I brought this subject up?

When you read Psalm 64, what type of activity is David pouring out his heart to God about?

I believe a careful reading of the Psalm will give us a clear understanding.

David is rehearsing before God, the lies, the deceits, the deceptions, and the plannings which are the thoughts and intents of his enemies ‘darkened,evil’ hearts.

What kind of atmosphere is created by such scheming?

James 3:14-16 (TLV), says, “Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct let him show his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not boast and lie against the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above (heaven), but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from that is from above (heaven) is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, not hypocritical. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in shalom (peace) by those who make shalom (peace). (inserts mine)

The Bible says that “by their fruits you will know them” (see Matthew 7:15-20 for context).

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (see Matthew 12:34/Luke 6:45 for context).

If the source is not from above (heaven), then where is it from? What does that mean in the Bible? below is hell. (inserts mine)

I know that is a very strong assertion to make; but that is not my opinion, it is the word of God.

As I proceed, I trust that you understand that sometimes we need to consider what we may want to avoid. Allow the Word of God to guide your thinking.

James 3:14-16 is inferring that the source of the wisdom from below is the Devil, Satan himself. Startling words?

Harsh words? Listen to Jesus!

In John 8:44 (TLV), Jesus is speaking to the Jewish religious rulers. He says to them, “You are of your father the devil, 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 (devil). Whenever he speaks lies he is just being himself–for he (devil)is a liar and the father of lies.” (emphasis, inserts mine)

In Ephesians 2:1-10 (TLV), Paul writing to the believers at the church in Ephesus reminds them of their former life. He says, “You were dead in your trespasses and sins. At that time, you walked in the way of this world, in conformity to the ruler (devil) of the domain of the air*–the ruler (devil) of the spirit who is now operating in the sons of disobedience. We,too,all lived among them in the craving of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and the mind. By nature (being unregenerate) we were children of wrath, just like the others. But God was rich in mercy, because of His(God) great love with which He (God) loved us . Even when we were dead in our trespasses, He made us alive together with Messiah (Anointed One). (By grace you have been saved!) And He (God) raised us up with Him (Jesus) and seated us with Him (Jesus) in the heavenly places in Messiah (Anointed One)–to show in the olam ha-ba (the world to come) the measureless riches of His (God) grace in kindness toward us in Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not from yourselves–it is the gift of God. It is not based on deeds (works), so that no one may boast. For we are His (God’s) workmanship created in Messiah Yeshua( Christ Jesus) for good deeds, which God prepared beforehand so we might walk in them.” (emphasis, inserts mine) (*see got questions.org, ‘What does it mean that Satan is the prince of the power of the air, Ephesians 2:2)

The above scripture Ephesians 2;1-10 is resplendent in God’s Everlasting love for His creation, especially man. (see John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…)

The spiritual influence behind what David is lamenting before God has its source working through the sin nature of unregenerate people influenced by the devil.

We must understand this!

David’s enemies are unregenerate people. Their father is the devil. They are sons of disobedience upon whom the wrath of God abides unless God works in them by His grace, opening their hearts and minds to the truth of the gospel. We are all, like Paul said, children of disobedience but for the grace of God.

Because they are unregenerate, sinners by nature, they exhibit the same characteristics as their father, the devil. That is what Jesus said, and that is what Paul said.

[Why does God still love us? Because man was originally created in His image; that image has been marred by sin. The Gospel is God providing the means to be born again as a new creation in Christ Jesus and grow into the image of His Son.]

In Revelation 12:10-12 (TLV) the following is said of the devil. He is an “accuser” of believers.

How many political accusations are thrown about daily in our nation? How many social and cultural accusations are also spoken against others in our nation?

In Psalm 64, David is in the midst of a spiritual battle. He is being verbally hammered by individuals who are unregenerate, those whose father is the devil.

I know these thoughts can be difficult to process; but allow the truth of the Word to minister to you.

Does God care about our leaders? Absolutely!

Read 1 Timothy 2:1-8, Paul tells us to pray for those in authority over us. Paul also tells us why? Because God “desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” (TLV)

Remember, David is the King of Israel.

We, as a nation, are in the midst of a spiritual battle. (Ephesians 6:10-20) We, too, are, are being verbally hammered by unregenerate mankind. That is why Paul says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood (humanity) 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.” What we are struggling against is the influence of the devil on the unregenerate hearts of mankind that are in positions of authority and influence in our nation.

Don’t focus on a person and their personality, or a person’s strengths and weaknesses.

Focus on Christ.

That is why the Ekklesia, the Church, the Body of Christ needs to pray and intercede daily for this nation.

It is time to close our thoughts; but it is important that we see clearly what is taking place.

Our, Father God, has shot His ARROW. He is exposing the words and the deeds of darkness. The works of the devil that has been done in darkness are being brought to light.

With the revelation of truth being exposed, mankind will be fearful.

I propose that both the saved and the unsaved will respond with fear because of the great shaking that is and will take place in our nation and the other nations in the world.

The ‘unsaved’ will have a dreaded fear. The ‘saved’, too, will initially be shaken and experience fear; but their (those saved) fear will not continue in dreaded fear. Their fear will become a reverential fear and awe for their heavenly Father.

How so?

2 Timothy 1:7 (TLV), says, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity (fear) but of power and love and self-discipline (sound mind).”

Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible says (2 Timothy 1:7) “For God hath not given us a spirit of cowardice, But of power, and love, and correction.”

New Spirit Filled Life Bible says, (2 Timothy 1:7) “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

In context, Paul is encouraging a youthful Timothy, not to fear, because of the circumstances and responsibilities he is facing.

A sound mind, Word Wealth notes for 1:7 says, “The word denotes good judgment, disciplined thought patterns, and the ability to understand and make right decisions. It includes the qualities of self-control and self-discipline.”

How does this apply to us?

Psalm 64:10a tells us all men shall fear. Psalm 64:b continues, “So they will declare the work of God.” They is all men(all mankind),the saved and the unsaved. The work of God has caused ‘unprecedented unrest’. Some will have a dreadful fearful experience (unsaved); others (the saved) will rejoice. This means their fear will turn to praise. (emphasis, inserts mine)

Why can I say that? Let’s look at the text.

The next verse tells us what takes place.

Psalm 64:11 (TLV), the saved have processed what is going on. I contend that believers will exercise their sound mind given by God.

Verse 11 says, “the righteous will be glad in Adonai and take refuge in Him.”

Those who are in a right relationship with Father God, will be able to discern what is happening, will rejoice and come under the “shadow of His wings” (Psalm 91)

The verse continues, “Let all the upright in heart give glory!

Only believers ‘in Christ’ can do that!

To whom are they giving glory?

God, their Father.

See there is Good News in this ‘unprecedented unrest’.

Where?

The unsaved, too, can find refuge in God. (See above, 1 Timothy 2:1-8)

Will there be judgment? Yes

Will there be an opportunity for repentance? Absolutely.

At the Cross, ‘judgment was paid; and salvation was made’. (my words)

God’s awakening will bring judgment to evil and salvation to those who respond to God’s saving grace during this time of ‘unprecedented unrest’ orchestrated by God, Himself. (See Ephesians 2:1-10 earlier in this post)

As I was composing this post, a chorus came to mind: “God is moving by His Spirit, Moving in all the earth, Signs and Wonders, when God moveth, move Oh Lord in me.” [Note: The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir wrote and recorded this song “God is Moving by His Spirit” in 1996.]

It is happening and it will happen. God is moving by His Spirit.

My word of encouragement to you is that we need to be careful not think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think. (Romans 12:3)

In short, our thinking is, I can handle this!

No one really knows how they are going to respond when God steps on the scene.

Remember, being “in Christ” is the same as taking refuge in God. Jesus is our refuge. Jesus is our ARK. [I encourage you to read my post: THE ALTERNATIVE TO WORRY, ANXIETY, AND/OR STRESS (livingwordsofencouragement.com) ](emphasis insert mine)

Christ is our Refuge.

John 16:33 (TLV), Jesus, in the upper room, prior to His arrest, said to His disciples: “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me (in Christ), you may have shalom (peace). In the world you will have tribulation ( may I say, ‘unprecedented unrest’) but take heart! I have overcome the world!” (emphasis and inserts mine)

The Apostle John writes, I John 5:4-5 (TLV), “For everyone born of God overcomes the world, 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 the Son of God) ? (emphasis and insert mine)

Earlier in this post, I referenced Satan in Revelation 12:10-12 (TLV). I will now complete the end of verse 12. “They(believer) overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their(believer) testimony, and they (believers) did not love their(believer) lives even in the face of death.”

What will we face in the coming months and years is known only to God?

But that does not change what Jesus said about being His disciple.

We need to ‘double down’ as His disciple.

Luke 9: 18-27 is the context for what Jesus said regarding being a disciple.

Luke 9:22 (TLV) says, “But Yeshua (Jesus) warned them (His disciples) not to tell this to any to anyone, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and ruling kohanim (priests) and Torah (the Law) scholars, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” (inserts mine)

[Personal note: the time for silence has passed. Now is the time to tell!]

Luke 9:23-24 (TLV), Then Yeshua (Jesus) was saying to everyone, “If anyone wants to follow Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross every day, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” (inserts mine)

[Personal note: this is the ‘work of the Cross’ (the other side of Calvary on resurrection ground) changing you into the image of Christ. This means that we must learn to live walking after the Spirit and not after the flesh.]

So, at this present moment, there is ‘unprecedented unrest’ in our midst as a nation. We must focus on the Lord and not listen to the verbal rhetoric that is being thrown about seeking to devour and deceive (see I Peter 5:8) those who listen to other voices, other than the voice of our Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ.

I recommend that you read John 10:1-19. It’s about, Jesus’ sheep hearing Jesus’ voice. Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd.”

I want to encourage you also to read, to reflect upon, and to rest in the following passages of scripture.

The Lord is our Shepherd: 1) Psalm 62:1-9; 2) Psalm 46:1-12; 3) Psalm 57:1-2; 4) Psalm 71:1-8; 5) Psalm 91:1-16; 6) Nahum 1:17.

I close with the joy declared in Psalm 64:11 (TLV), “The righteous will be glad in Adonai and take refuge in Him. Let all the upright in heart give glory.”

In spite of all David’s lamenting, he ends with a ‘words of rejoicing’.

David- my God reigns!

Today, our God reigns too!

blessings, a brother in Christ, deo

*I believe that in Matthew 24:3-14(TLV), Jesus gives us an initial insight into the ‘unprecedented unrest’ that we all will face. I know people will differ with interpretations and timing. That is ok. My hope is that you will glean what Jesus is outlining and telling us what will take place before the end of the age.

“As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when will these things (temple demolished completely) happen? What will be the sign of Your coming and the end of the age? Yeshua (Jesus) answered them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray (deceives you)! For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will lead many astray. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must happen but it is not the end yet. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are only the beginning of birth pains. Then they will hand you over to persecution and will kill you. You will be hated by all the nations because of My name. And then many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold. [Personal note: the word used for love here is agape-that is God’s love! What is Jesus saying to believers, regarding His love?] B.U.T. (Believers Understand This) the one who endures to the end will be saved. [These are Jesus’ words not my words.] This Good News (Gospel) of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (emphasis, inserts mine)

We are in the process of living out the fulfillment of Jesus’ words.

Come Lord Jesus!

God’s purpose for this time of ‘unprecedented unrest’ is to bring judgment on sin and salvation to mankind who responds to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This is the redemptive purpose of the Cross.

God’s Redemptive Activity Changes Everything!

“…This is the word of Adonai to Zerubbabel saying, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Ruach! (Spirit, breath of God)”, says Adonai-Tzva’ ot(The Lord of Host)…He will bring out the capstone with shouts of “Grace, grace” to it. (Zechariah 4:6-7, TLV)