2014 A.D. (The Year of our Lord)

“But thanks be unto God, who gives us the victory

Through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

1Cor 15:57  NKJV

 

 

If you are like me then you are very happy to see a new year begin because 2013 has been disastrous for our nation on many fronts. There are a number of reasons I could cite but the SCOTUS ruling on gay marriage and Obamacare top my list.

 

Though different in scope both gay marriage and Obamacare are tied together with a satanic bow and wrapped in a box of progressive Marxism. We live in an evil time where wickedness is glorified and righteousness is mocked and where speaking out your faith can get you castigated or worse.

 

However, my point is not to bemoan what is or has been but to look to the future with the hope of a new day. I say this because I believe as we have watched what happened to Phil Robertson we have also seen many come to his defense. This, in my humble opinion, is the beginning of the Church rising up to draw a line in the sand.. It is us against the godless and, though Hell has unleashed its fury, God has arisen with, in and through His people to take up the battle cry.

 

One thing I know is the Lord has never lost a war, let alone a battle, nor ever will He. Therefore, if we take a firm stand on the foundation of His Word neither will we lose our “good fight”. However, this will require us to go forward with spiritual resolve and mental determination, no matter how difficult the fight becomes. Then, by God’s grace we will win.

 

There are several things we can do now and the first is to give Christian witness to those who have yet to come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Without knowing the Lord there is no wisdom and, therefore, all decisions are made in darkness as one is blinded with the enemy’s lies and deception. As more come to the light of the Truth so we will not only see the Kingdom of God increase but the enemy’s camp will lose influence and power among us.

 

Another idea is to make sure like-minded folks go to the polls. Recently, I had heard about the small number of Christians who do vote and the greater percentage who are not even registered. As our God given privilege we must encourage our brothers and sisters in this matter because until Christians vote en masse nothing will change in DC. It’s time to clean house and rid ourselves of those who stand with “man” rather than with God.

 

Last, but certainly not least, is to seek the Lord in our own lives as to our own part in these last days. Our God has a plan for each of us and the best way we can serve Him is to be obedient to His will and to be where He desires us to be doing what He desires us to do.

 

These are just a few suggestions and I pray I have given everyone some food for thought. The answer is ever to look beyond ourselves to the God of Glory for He has every answer and is our hope in all things and at all times. The Lord is also faithful to hear and answer those who call upon Him with a sincere heart.

 

I believe if we stand united with faith in God and in each other, with hope in our hearts for this nation we love and doing all things in love and to God’s glory we can and will turn things around because as Jesus said “if you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes”. (Mark 9:23)

 

May the Lord richly bless you and your loved ones during the coming year because, as written, it truly is “The Year of our Lord”. Happy New Year!

 

 

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

To receive power and riches and wisdom

And strength and honor and glory and blessing”

Rev. 5:12 NKJV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But Deliver Us From Evil

As Christians, most of us have uttered these words more times than we can count. Yet, how many of us ever thought we would need to be delivered from the evil of our own government? For the last five years we have watched the Obama administration attempt to restrict our individual rights and take away the liberties our Constitution provides while, at the same time, becoming more and more lawless in their own actions.

 

In the last post I discussed how Obamacare was built upon a foundation of lies. Since then, we have seen and heard even more of the same and, since this is a pattern, I expect it to continue. For example, the administration just announced it has decided to delay the sticker shock of 2015 health insurance rates until after next year’s election. Though this may seem a clever political move, I believe the steady stream of bad news about Obamacare will nullify their efforts to obfuscate the truth.

In other recent news the Senate Democrats have connived to restrict the Republicans’ right to filibuster. As part of Senate history for over 200 years, the filibuster rules change could have serious consequences upon our republic because it will change the way laws are voted upon in the future. However, God’s law always prevails and the Democrats will rue the day they voted upon this change.

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows that he will also reap.” (Gal. 6: 7 NKJV)

The ungodly never seem to learn and the Obama administration is not the first to walk down the road to perdition. From the beginning of time there have been those who have desired to rule over God’s people with tyranny. However, overcome by their own lust for power they fail to consider there is another King, who sits on a Higher Throne and to whom all must give account for their actions.

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever: And He changes the times and the seasons: He removes kings and sets up kings”   (Daniel 2: 20, 21 NKJV)

While thumbing their nose at Heaven, ungodly rulers have oppressed, suppressed and persecuted anyone who worships God. From Pharaoh to Hitler and the Caesars who burned Christians at the stake, they learned this lesson:

‘It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God.’ (Heb. 12:31 NJKV)

 

When I had read the Obama administration said it can and will force Christians to violate their faith, I knew they had sealed the law’s fate as well as their own. Edmund Burke said “those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it” and, in remembering his words, I knew the administration had forgotten the lessons of history and poked its collective finger in God’s eye.

The Obama administration has now also joined with other countries to allow Iran to continue enriching uranium and this agreement will put Israel in great jeopardy. This is a foolish and dangerous decision because the Lord does not look kindly upon any nation who aligns with Israel’s enemies. The administration is either ignorant of Scripture or has forgotten the warning the Lord gave long ago in regard to His people Israel.

“I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you.”
(Gen. 12: 3 NKJV)
                                                                                                                                         

Returning to the subject at hand let me say, if the administration thinks by using the term ACA instead of Obamacare they will deflect criticism they are deceived. If they think they think the website will be functional and secure by this Saturday, November 30th, they are sadly mistaken. Finally, if they think they can win back the House and keep the Senate after shredding the trust of the American people they are delusional.

If the administration was smart they would read this post and heed its words. However, I know that will not happen because their own arrogance would never allow them to admit they had been wrong all along. This is unfortunate because as it is written:

“Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
(Proverbs 16: 18 NKJV)

R.K 2013   

UNITED WE STAND

One thing we can take away from this past Tuesday’s election is what can occur when disagreement creates division and trumps common sense. In Virginia, the Republican Party decided to limit financial support for their standard bearer, Ken Cuccinelli. In turn, they lost a governorship in a state crucial to the 2016 presidential election.

 We know by news reports the Democrat Party and the Republican establishment disdain the Tea Party and also that the GOP has decided to thwart them at every opportunity. Was this the reason for not supporting Mr. Cuccinelli? If so, is it smart for the Republicans to seek to destroy their base because they differ with them on some issues?

The Bible tells us division is never an answer and is a precursor to destruction. Jesus said:

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.”            (Matthew 12:25)

Therefore, Tuesday night begs the question: is the Republican establishment willing to destroy the entire party, rather than work with the Tea Party? Are they willing to sacrifice all to keep the status quo? It is foolish for the Republicans to bite the hand that feeds them but, apparently, this is the decision they have made.

 Who is the Tea Party? At this point in time, it is not a formal political party. It consists of like minded citizens who have become a powerful force in American politics. Most are average Americans who work, pay taxes and vote and who are only concerned for the welfare of their families and their nation. Many have never been politically involved other than to vote on Election Day. In reality, the Tea Party is nothing more than we the people demanding our leaders listen to us and keep the campaign promises they made

 The Tea Party is not the only group whom the Republican Party holds in contempt. For years, Conservatives have been pushed aside for their principled stance on issues. The moderate and liberal wing of the party leans to the left and would much rather compromise with the Democrats than fight alongside the Right, especially on matters of faith and morals.

 The mainstream media and the Democrat Party have now convinced some Republicans that if the party becomes more liberal on issues such as immigration, abortion and gay rights, they can attract more voters. This, of course, is foolishness because why would someone vote for a Republican posing as a Democrat when they can vote for the Democrat Party’s candidate? Unfortunately, the GOP has chosen to listen to everyone except those who will support their candidates and help them to get elected.

 “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 26:12)

Lord Acton wrote “power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely” and so it can and does, especially when someone forgets why they have it and who it was that gave it to them. Power is addictive and the passion to keep it can be dangerous and fraught with pitfalls. However, we are blessed to live in a nation with a representative government and free elections. Therefore, we are able to remove any elected officials who have a short memory span.

 Replacing those who have held their seat long term is not an easy task.  Relationships have been built upon years of cronyism and with lobbyists donating to their cause, the monies available to their coffers seems without end. However, we must always remember they, like us, only have one vote. This is what we need to take away from Virginia’s election. Let it strengthen and arm us for 2014. The opposition may seem more powerful but we can and will win if we remember we are not fighting alone.

 Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites fought those who were greater in number. Yet, they won every battle when they obeyed the Lord and allowed Him to lead them to victory. David was a king who was strong and mighty because he sought the Lord for His counsel and then listened and obeyed God’s direction.

“So David inquired of the LORD, saying, ‘Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?’ And He answered him, ‘Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all’.” (1Chronicles 30:8)

 

If Christians keep this in mind, we will have the victory and regain control of the government in every branch and on every level. By fighting evil as God has taught us, listening to Him and obeying His commands we will overcome the enemy of our souls and those who do his bidding.

 The world is under the control of demonic powers and Satan wants to divide rather than unite. However, the Lord asks us to love one another and to be in harmony because, in this, lies the victory. Israel was united in their battles and so must we be in ours. If we are to take our country back, we must be strong in the Lord and united in our cause.

If our desire is to restore our nation to its foundational principles we must first begin to unite the Body of Christ. We must encourage our brothers and sisters in the Lord to become engaged in the political process. We must also pray to know who the Lord has raised up and then give them our support in whatever way possible. Last, but not least, we must go to the polls and cast our vote for them on Election Day.

 

We must do all we are able and then believe God and trust Him to lead us, guide us and give us the victory. With faith in God, hope in our nation’s future and the courage and determination to win, we will again become “one nation under God”.

 

Standing on a Firm Foundation

Back in 2009 I wrote a blog article on the state of things in the church, and in the world.  I borrowed the lyrics from a song from the 90’s by Arrowsmith called “Living on the Edge”.  The first verse starts with "There's somethin' wrong with the world today, I don't know what it is. Something's wrong with our eyes. We're seein' things in a different way, and God knows it ain't his. It sure ain't no surprise ..."

 

Ecclesiastes tells us that there is nothing new under the sun. The fact is, I could have written the blog article yesterday, last year, ten years ago and it still would be the case. Something’s wrong with the world today- with America, with the church, but I do know what it is.

There has been evil in society since the fall of man. Even with the ‘first’ family, Cain murdered his own brother, so no there is nothing new about corrupt societies, but when the church is strong with a firm foundation, when a nation such as America recognizes and build’s its foundation on Biblical principles, society is better off. Not perfect, but better.

America has had its ups and downs as far as any nation, but there was a time when something incredible swept the land.

The Great Awakening was not just something which affected the Christian church, but the whole nation benefited from the renewed commitment to living a life worthy of Christians.  Many people from all over participated, or were spiritually gifted to contribute to the movement. Pastors such as the Rev. Samuel Davies, who delivered such sermons from his pulpit in Virginia that a young man was so impressed that he imitated his skills in speaking and eventually delivered one of the most famous speeches of American History which concluded with the words, “Give me Liberty or Give me Death!”

It was because of Patrick Henry’s opposition to the ratification of the Constitution that helped bring about the Bill of Rights because he firmly believed in the God given rights of individuals and through them the rights of States against Federal Government intrusion.

Rev. Davies became president of Princeton University, succeeding a friend of his, one of the most influential pastors of the Great Awakening, Jonathan Edwards, who was famous for his sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”.

The Great Awakening was a spiritual renewal which began with people like John and Charles Wesley and George Whitefield in England and spread to the American Colonies during the first half of the 1700s. But how many people realize that the Awakening’s biggest effects were evident the way it prepared America for Independence?

In the decades before the Revolutionary war, people realized that they could be outspoken against religious authority and that when churches weren’t living up to the believers’ expectations, the people could break off and form new groups, new congregations. Speaking against the religious powers of the church affected other areas of life in the colonies and public gatherings, revival and prayer mixed with fiery sermons from pastors like Jonathan Edwards; the Awakening also had effects in cultural and political life.

Through the Awakening, the Colonists realized that religious power resided in themselves, rather than in the hands of the Church of England, or any other religious authority and they began to see that political power was not in the hands of the Monarchy, but in their own desire for self-governance. Not all the Colonists shared the same theological beliefs but they did share the desire of freedom and the Great Awakening brought about change in people’s spirits which made the American Revolution possible.

The ideas of covenants were popular among Puritans and showed the biblical understanding of association. Within the Mayflower Compact, Colonial Charters and later forming the foundation to gain independence from Great Britain, the idea of a covenant grew to join religion and politics and is evident in the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution Bill of Rights.

Back in the Colonial days, and during and after the Revolutionary war, church pastors and elders could be found among the signers of our founding documents. They could be found on the battlefields among the "Minute Men" fighting at a moment's notice against the British. They could be found in the earliest congress- not as career politicians, but as servants to the people, their flocks. They viewed public service as their God given duty to shape and help the new nation grow into a prosperous and morally driven nation, begun for, Blessed by and "under God".

America from the onset has been a nation of immigrants.  From the days of the first pilgrims from the Godspeed to the Mayflower, people have been coming to America for one thing; Freedom. They came for Freedom of religion; freedom to speak without reprisals or persecution from tyrannical governments; freedom to live, to work, to provide, to enjoy the fruits of their labors, for their pursuit of happiness.

From the beginning, the people dedicated their settlements to God, and their desire to spread the Gospel of Christ. During and after the Great Awakening, the people re dedicated their lives to make a new nation, free for all people, because they knew that God is the giver of rights, not government, and that God created all equally, they formed a government that was to be by the people for the people.

American society held integrity, modesty and character as virtues to be achieved.  People worked hard, and helped their families and neighbors in time of need. Families were strong, and society mirrored that strength.  Immorality was shunned, because people had a strong faith.  When America continued to build on the strong Biblical foundations, America prospered. America has been the bread basket of the world. Her colleges and universities were the greatest in the world. America was the beginning of the Industrial revolution- the first automobile, assembly line, electricity.  America was exceptional.

Something happened though, around the time between the late 19^th and middle of the 20^th centuries. People began ignoring the foundation, and cracks started to form. Not many noticed at first, a few more decades of decay, a lawsuit to remove the Bible and prayer here, a change in law there… All of a sudden people noticed that much of America’s foundation had crumbled completely away.

Socialist and humanistic philosophies filled the vacuum that the removal of God had created, not only in society, but in the Christian church, people began to question, then mock the existence of an Almighty God, and have been searching out every other god and idea ever since.

What began as a New Republic, the first truly free nation on earth, one in which the  Government branches- the Legislative, the Judicial and the Executive, were based on the core of Biblical principles, has become ungodly and progressivism has created a welfare state, an elite class who rules the people instead of the People ruling the government. We have gone from that great cry given by Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death!' to just plain give me, give me, where people believe in free stuff more than they do Freedom.

People believe that morality and truth is whatever they believe it to be. To so many, there is no plumb line in which to measure it.  When America believed in God, Americans read the Bible, and knew what was right and what was not. They had a standard in which to try and live by. Today, even among so many churches, young pastors have come out of seminary not believing the whole Word of the Bible, not believing even the core doctrine of the Christian faith, so is it any wonder that our society no longer reflects what used to be when men such as Edwards and Davies preached.

One thing I have heard often in the past decade or so is that social issues aren’t important when it comes to politics. People are understandably concerned with things such as a bloated federal government, fiscal responsibility, unemployment, the economy. Even among tea party groups, many focus on economic and Constitutional freedoms which are important, but not believing social issues matter and generally staying out of those discussions altogether. They don’t realize that without a strong moral foundation, we will never have a strong and prosperous economy. How can we expect amoral people who believe its ok to cheat on taxes, to cheat in business, to cheat by insider trading to run our government honestly? How can we have fairness in justice- when those who rule have no standard to judge by but only by what they feel is right?

It’s a judgment against an immoral society that cares more for what feels good, what they can get from the government when immoral politicians are reelected in the first place. How can we expect our government to work for the people when we reelect career politicians who have highly questionable character and very little if any integrity?

 

Our Founders knew that integrity, morality and Biblical values are the most important issues facing our nation.  George Washington said, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”  He also said, “In vain that would man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness… The mere politician equally with the pious man ought to respect and cherish them.”

America is at a crossroads. It’s not only Christians who see and sense this. There are only two paths which this nation can go on; either continue on the slope that we’ve been on which has led to godless government intrusion, which will lead to outright tyranny as history has proven over and over again. When people give the government, a small ruling elite the power to give rights, that government also has the full power to take rights.

Or we can choose the path of our Founders, one which was laid on the Biblical principles which made this the freest nation on the face of the earth, the one which more people still struggle to come to from oppressed nations, one that knows that rights are inalienable and come from God, which can never be given or taken away.

We need a spiritual Awakening. Some of my friends have felt God moving, I have too. He is drawing us into groups who encourage each other, drawing out our talents, our gifts, to benefit each other, to glorify Him.  He is helping us find each other, for such a time as when we need to pray together for our nation and fight for it. He is working in groups all over the country, just as God reminded Elijah that He had seven thousand who were praying,  I know that there are more groups just like the ones I am a part of.

 

While I would clearly love to see a smaller, more just government, filled with men and women of integrity, with a servant’s heart- not a career oriented mind, we will not have that as long as we allow society to destroy America’s spiritual, Biblical foundation.  We who are believers must spend time in prayer, on our knees, pray for our churches, pray for our pastors, pray for changes of hearts- our own and our communities. Pray for those in leadership now, and pray for another Great Awakening.

  Its time for us to put on our Armor, we’ve got a serious battle ahead.
CAE 2013