Deceived

 

The same bag of tricks.

History repeats if we fail to learn from past mistakes. There will always be the gullible that have the wool easily pulled over their eyes time and time again. Satan has always played from the same playbook with ever so slight variations designed to attack the same weaknesses, varying by humankind’s intellectual development and self-focused “enlightenment.” Our innate selfishness makes us an easy target for a number of strategic attacks by the evil one. Humankind most frequently violates the first commandment, placing ourselves and our needs first and relegating God to the back of the bus. The seven deadly sins are where evil lurks.

·         Pride – Interesting that the LGTBQ+ movement chose pride as their moniker and a rainbow for their logo. Showing utter distain for their maker, they thumb their collective noses at God. They are not alone in their contempt of God. Each of us on a daily basis turn inward to celebrate ourselves as we wallow in our pride. Far too often we believe our success is of our own doing, forgetting the fact that all we are, all we have, and the very world we inhabit are gifts from God. Our pride overwhelms us and drives our overly inflated opinion of ourselves.

“In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise.” “In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God.” Psalm 10:2 and 4.

·         Envy – Coveting what others have earned is the driving force behind the Democratic Socialists of America’s platform. Class envy, racial animus, and sexual deviancy is the left’s calling card. Leftists are consumed with vilifying those they resent because they have achieved success. This powers their disdain of a society that rewards hard work and achievement. Capitalism is scorned by many of our young adults, while they have been convinced to believe that socialism is the proper way to achieve equality.

“Envy and jealousy stem from the fundamental inability to rejoice at someone else's happiness or success.” Matthieu Ricard.

·         Anger – Paid protesters and ill-informed “true believers” chant slogans that disparage their opponents but fail to provide a valid argument for their cause. Indoctrinated college students truly believe the drivel that Marxist professors have been foisting upon our youth for decades. Leftist women march for causes they fail to understand. Access to abortion, or what leftists call reproductive healthcare, drives women, who likely will never request an abortion, to the polls to elect “pro-choice” democrats to protect the right to murder the unborn, that also seek to fundamentally transform this nation.

“There needs to be understanding that anger never helps to solve a problem. It destroys our peace of mind and blinds our ability to think clearly. Anger and attachment are emotions that distort our view of reality.” Dalai Lama.

·         Overindulgence – 72.4% of Americans are considered overweight. In this land of plenty, we negatively impact our health by overeating. Now we have drugs that help us lose weight, drugs that also include some adverse effects. Reminds one of the vomitoriums in ancient Rome where people gorged on food, vomited so they could go back and gorge some more. Why adopt a healthy lifestyle when drugs can do the trick?

“Self-centered indulgence, pride and a lack of shame over sin are now emblems of the American lifestyle.” Billy Graham.

Lust – Today’s leftist democrat party is all about sexual deviancy in the name of compassion, tolerance, and acceptance. Drag queen story hour, curriculum that normalizes homosexuality for elementary students, and hyper sexualization of children through transgender ideology. This is one of the evil one’s most tried and true methods to widen the chasm between God and His children. Sex sells and capitalizing on humankind’s sexuality enables the left to further weaken the fabric of society and create division. Whether or not they realize it, the left is complicit in implementing Satan’s plan.

The foray into sexual deviancy has destroyed many nations without the necessity of an invading army to conquer it. Time and again, Satan uses our carnal appetites to tear apart society and create a new normal that is contrary to God’s will. Unfortunately, this strategy has ensnared many of God’s children.

“Carnal lust rules where there is no love of God.” Saint Augustine.

·         Laziness – A welfare work requirement for the able bodied, without children, is looked upon as a personal affront and a “white supremacy” issue. Able bodied persons should have a work requirement whether or not they are eligible for assistance. Our society no longer frowns upon those who choose to take a handout, even if it is not necessary. Our devices bring all the information that the internet provides, yet many get their information (usually mis or disinformation) from social media. Why read and research when you can mindlessly watch videos that tell you what to think?

“Laziness travels so slowly that poverty soon overtakes it.” Benjamin Franklin.

·         Greed – Socialists accuse those who have gained wealth through hard work and merit as being greedy. Socialists only want to take what is not theirs and what they have failed to earn. And what their ill-begotten gains will be spent on will be to the detriment of this nation. Christians are called to be radically generous, yet sharing what God has given us seems to elude so many. We can be generous with the gifts God has bestowed upon us.

“The vocabulary of the political left is fascinating. For example, it is considered to be 'materialistic' and 'greedy' to want to keep what you have earned. But it is 'idealistic' to want to take away what someone else has earned and spend it for your own political benefit or to feel good about yourself.” Thomas Sowell.

It should be more than apparent that the democrat party has hitched its wagon to the DSA, and in turn, has taken up the devil’s agenda. Democrats have become quite fond of declaring President Trump and the MAGA movement an existential threat to America. The real threat is a political party that is willing to make a deal with the devil in order to gain and maintain power. If democrats prevail in the 2026 mid-terms, it just may begin this nation’s fall from grace. The United States is a Christian majority nation. If you are willing to let this nation be overcome by evil, stay home in November. If you still believe in the shining city on a hill, cast your vote accordingly. With your help, freedom will live to see another day.

Moral Clarity

 

Surviving in an immoral society.

“Do not love the world or anything that belongs to the world. If you love the world, you do not love the Father. Everything that belongs to the world—what the sinful self desires, what people see and want, and everything in this world that people are so proud of—none of this comes from the Father; it all comes from the world. The world and everything in it that people desire is passing away; but those who do the will of God live forever. 1 John 2:15-17.

The shift in societal norms, predominantly driven by leftist ideology, is at odds with God’s will. An angry and selfish society, encouraged by the rantings of the leftist media, Marxist academia, and the democrat party, is the perfect breeding ground for leftist ideology to thrive. An epidemic of selfishness has spread that requires a rejection of traditional morality and Christian values, to be replaced with worldly “wokeness.” Misguided individuals have confused virtue signaling with altruism, leading many young people to embrace socialism, that excludes rather than benefits its supporters. 62% of today’s 18–29-year-olds have a favorable view of socialism. Scary stuff! Socialism breeds Marxism, that leads to communism. All three have embedded in their tenets, animosity toward God, capitalism, and meritocracy.

Christians enduring in this world in which we live without falling prey to the evils of the world is not as difficult as it may seem. While it is often far too easy to “go along to get along,” we are called to be that beacon of truth and light in this world. Traditional, or normal values, fall in line with God’s will. For too long, we have acquiesced to the manipulation that the left has imposed with guilt shaming. Our inaction has led to the subversion of the very fabric of civil society. Too afraid to be called homophobic, transphobic, Islamophobic, or any of the other phobias leftists use to accuse and shame, we stand down, denying our Lord and Savior. The rededication of this nation to its founding principles as one nation under God, is a step in the right direction.

Not only does our nation need to return to God, His people are in dire need of returning to Him. There is nothing more important than our relationship with Jesus Christ and we need to start acting as if it really is not most important thing in our life. We need to normalize our conversations and no longer be timid about our Christianity. There is no other way to the Father but through faith in the living Christ. If we hide our faith, we ignore Christ’s command in the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.

“Then Jesus called the crowd to Him along with His disciples, and He told them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and for the gospel will save it.

What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?  Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?  If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.” Mark 8:34-38.

Making disciples is not about confrontation. Making disciples is not proving that you are right. Making disciples is not about excluding those who do not believe. Making disciples is all about reaching the lost, engaging in real conversation, listening, and asking those questions that can help turn them toward Christ.

 

Weaponized Ignorance

 

Worshipping worldly aspirations.

Shout out to Senator John Kennedy for coining the term “weaponized ignorance.” Virtue signalers. Transgender activists. Global warming disciples. Defenders of illegal alien criminals. Hamas supporters, antisemites, and Islam lovers. Socialism aficionados. Public education indoctrinators. Avowed leftists. Race baiters. The ever leftward leaning media. Useful idiots all. Ignorance can take many forms and can be weaponized in a variety of behaviors. Intelligence is not a prerequisite for the activist class.

“The vocabulary of the political left is fascinating. For example, it is considered to be 'materialistic' and 'greedy' to want to keep what you have earned. But it is 'idealistic' to want to take away what someone else has earned and spend it for your own political benefit or to feel good about yourself.” Thomas Sowell

Intelligence is definitely not required for public service. Perhaps candidates need to pass a test prior to placement on the ballot. This would absolutely improve the quality of our elected representatives, but a better-informed public would be able to prevent the absurdity that exists today.

“The best defense of democracy is an informed electorate.” Thomas Jefferson

The right to peacefully protest and to petition the government for a remedy for their grievances is enshrined in the 1^st Amendment to the US Constitution. Leftist funded anarchists, paid protesters, and self-proclaimed do-gooders attend well organized and often violent demonstrations. Those are not peaceful protests. Those demonstrations are not to petition government for valid grievances. Those are insurrections, carefully planned to create chaos and organize a rebellion.

“Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.” Isaac Asimov

Far too many of our public education institutions allow, or perhaps encourage, indoctrination of students to leftist ideology. Rather than educate those students to be productive members of society, they create automatons incapable of rational thought, spouting slogans spoon fed to them by leftist “educators.” Public schools in the US are failing. Test scores are falling below those of some third world countries. Our future leaders are emerging from the rot ingested from our schools and universities.

“In addition to an education, kids were supposed to graduate with some basic values, self-discipline, and life skills. A little common sense wouldn't hurt either. Our schools don't teach that anymore. Instead, we're more concerned about kids having self-esteem and feeling good about themselves than we are about preparing them for real life. The politically correct crowd has taken over our schools, and as a result we are failing our children.” Donald J. Trump

Rational people operate within the rules of civil society and tend to make logical decisions. Irrational people make poor decisions and defy the rules of order without regard to the consequences of their actions. The left has created a generation of irrational people that are used to further the cause of fundamentally transforming this nation into something it was never intended to be. Irrational hatred drives the speech and actions of these deranged leftists. And that hate has spread to erstwhile “normal” liberals and democrats. Unhinged attacks upon the very freedoms protecting the citizens of this nation push society ever closer to a new civil war.

“Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true.” Martin Luther King Jr.

The democrat party has decided that hatred of all things Trump is a winning strategy. Fact is, that there are no policies from the democrats that are positive for the citizens of the United States. Their platform, especially their obsession with promoting abortion and transgenderism for children, is void of anything positive. They have devolved into incessant ranting about Trump being an existential threat to democracy. It is truly sad that so much hatred is misdirected when democrats should be offering an alternative plan other than simply opposing anything Trump and Republicans propose.

“There will always be dissident voices heard in the land, expressing opposition without alternatives, finding fault but never favor, perceiving gloom on every side and seeking influence without responsibility.” John F. Kennedy.

The legacy media continues to trumpet opinion as if it is reporting the news objectively. When facts are omitted or ignored when they fail to bolster the left’s argument, journalists fail in their duty to report and inform the public. As the Fourth Estate, they are to hold the powerful accountable, for both parties. That is about as far from the truth as more than 90% of legacy news reporting is negative toward President Trump and Republicans. When will people realize that they are being spoon fed a narrative that is detrimental to civil society?

“The press is called the Fourth Estate. It is definitely a power, but to misuse that power is criminal.” Mahatma Gandhi.

Islamophobia is cited almost as often as “white” people are decried as racists. Wake up and smell the roses, Muslims intend to overrun the western world, eliminate our freedoms, and institute sharia law. Sharia law will prohibit homosexuality, freedom of expression, and end all other religions. Yet leftists fail to understand that they have no place in an Islamic society and would likely face a death sentence should Muslims come to power.

”Islam is more than a religion, it's much more than a religion, it's a way of life, it is a one-party political system that has a very elaborate legal system that can put you to death if you leave it.” Reza Aslan.

Secularism is encroaching upon the Judeo-Christian values that this nation was founded upon. This is the very reason behind the chaos that is overwhelming western society. Secularism lacks the moral compass that Christianity provides. Secularism denies our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, ordaining the worship and love of self over the worship and love of God. The one who had no sin that sacrificed Himself, took upon our sin, and rose again so that we may have eternal life is the solution to all that ails our society. All He wants is our heart. Follow Jesus and hatred melts. Follow Jesus and love triumphs. Follow Jesus and reject the ignorance that leads to chaos and death. Love one another as He loves us. This must be proclaimed loudly and proudly from the pulpit. God’s will is recorded in black and white, not in shades of gray. Pastors must call out what is evil. We are sheep in need of spiritual guidance. If the pulpit is silent or lacks the courage to call out what is wrong in God’s eyes, that pastor not only fails in his/her duty to properly serve the Lord, but risks losing their sheep to the evil of the world.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.” Jesus Christ.

Follow Jesus, the light of the world!

 

 

 

Greater

 

Deceived by the worship of self-destruction.

Pride, arrogance, haughtiness are evidence of self-worship and devaluation of God. Celebrities, politicians, and other elites seem to believe that their skills are magnified and their intellects expanded. Since they are proficient in their chosen fields, they extrapolate those skills to make themselves experts in matters in which they do not possess any real-life knowledge.

“Those lowbrow, knuckle dragging Christians cannot possibly understand the nuances of transgenderism or the “monogamous, loving” homosexual lifestyle.” “Conservatives that reject wokeness and long for a return to meritocracy are nothing but a bunch of racist white supremacists.” “The unwashed masses cannot possibly comprehend the democrat’s vision of economic policy and “fair” taxation.” “Supporting legal immigration equals denying refugees.”

“When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2.

“By the sins of their mouths and the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride, in the curses and lies they utter.” Psalm 59:12

Biology affirms that two genders are necessary for procreation of all mammals. Procreation enables the perpetuation of species. Medical science has developed alternate methods to circumvent the traditional method to inseminate a human female, but both genders are still required for artificial insemination. Transgenderism, or what was once formally recognized as gender dysphoria, is a mental disorder. One cannot, no matter how much one desires it to be true, change their gender and be a fully functioning man or woman. A transgender male will never be able to father a child, and a transgender female will never be able to deliver a child. Additionally, surgically altered transgendered individuals will never be able to have normal sexual relations. Subjecting children to puberty blocking drugs or surgical alterations as “gender affirming care” should be accompanied with an arrest and revocation of medical licensing.

“Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.” Colossians 3:5-6

Love your neighbor as yourself. Forgive as you have been forgiven. Political correctness and wokeness threaten the very foundations of society. Hatred and revenge are the hallmarks of the left with their unbridled rush to level the playing field to exact retribution from those labeled as oppressors. “Democratic” socialism is their solution where equity reigns and equality dies. Tax the rich until there are no rich. When the money dries up, then what? Capitalism is far from perfect, but it does foster equal opportunity to all.

Jesus said, “As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:9-13

Unbridled spending drives inflation enables fraud on an almost unimaginable scale and creates generational reliance upon government largesse. Black Americans have been shackled with government handouts and confined to inner city slums for decades by policies championed by democrats. Estimates of fraud are as high as 20% of government spending, or over $1Trillion annually. The national debt has been driven north of $37Trillion by wasteful spending and fraud. Think about that. How can 535 congressional members conduct appropriate oversight, when half of them are likely on the take? Donald Trump and Republicans are not an existential threat to democracy; democrats most certainly are. Congressional democrats have enriched themselves at taxpayer expense. They serve themselves, not their constituency. They take advantage of their position and wield power to their own benefit.

 “Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them.” Isaiah 1:23

We are living in an upside-down world. Our selfish human nature places us outside of God’s will. Society has prioritized the selfish desires of humankind and denied our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Reject the selfishness of the world. Without Jesus we are lost. This is why the world is spiraling out of control. This is why criminals are protected and law enforcement is vilified. This is why so many have resorted to violence. This is why families are torn apart over differing politics. There is a true solution to what ails us. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Follow Him and your world will return to ordered, instead of chaotic. Follow Him and you will learn that loving your neighbor is far more fulfilling than harboring pent-up anger and hatred. Follow Him and you will experience the joy of your salvation. Jesus can heal your heart and change the world. Follow Him!

“Jesus heals your past, is your very present help, and takes care of your future.” Joseph Prince.

All He wants is your heart. Give it to Him and you will be transformed.

“This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10.

 

 

Deceitful

 

The left seeks to destroy.

Once upon a time in this great experiment known as the United States, a more perfect union was formed. Thirteen States declared their independence from England, fought, won the Revolutionary War, and achieved their independence from England. Free at last from the bonds of monarchy, the founding fathers formed a new nation, with a new form of government, by, for, and of the people, a Constitutional Republic. Citizens would vote to elect their representatives in Congress, a President, and Vice-President. Each State also organized to govern each State’s affairs. Federal government was limited, but Federal statutes did take precedence over State and local laws.

This balancing act worked well until 1861, when a group of southern states decided that they were no longer bound by federal law. And so, the Civil War began, not exclusively about slavery, but begun by seditionists that wished to secede from the Union. A bloody war ensued, sometimes pitting brother against brother, completely unnecessary if all sides had adhered to the rule of law. Today, we have our own group of seditionists, also known as the democrat party. When a party is in the minority, they were intended to act as the loyal opposition. Today democrats have instead become a party of neo-confederates, attacking the rule of law.

Democrat run cities and states now proclaim their intention to ignore Federal law. Democrat leaders in those jurisdictions declare that Federal law enforcement can and will be subject to arrest by local law enforcement. Yes, they are actually threatening an armed stand-off, cop vs. cop. Will the first shots fired be tantamount to the first shots fired by confederate troops at Fort Sumter? It is indeed unfortunate that democrats, in their zeal to regain power, have thrown caution to the wind. Six democrat members of Congress, former military or intelligence officers, produced a video exhorting armed forces members to question authority in a misguided effort to undermine the commander in chief. This is nothing short of treason and those democrats should be prosecuted severely.

We are reaching a tipping point in the political discourse in this nation. It is one thing when criminals violate the laws but is another thing entirely when our elected leaders do the same, believing their positions of authority will shield them from accountability. Crime is rampant in many democrat run cities. When criminals are arrested, soft on crime District Attorneys often refuse to prosecute, releasing them to reoffend. Under the guise of the perceived racial disparity in prison population, democrat run cities are reluctant to incarcerate persons of color. Even though persons of color remain a minority population, they commit a majority of crimes.

Actions of the democrat leadership threaten the very foundations of this great nation. Outright lies to hinder the administration from conducting the people’s business to ingratiate themselves with their radical left base is unconscionable. As more of the democrat party’s corruption is uncovered, perhaps those who have long supported democrats will take a long hard look to see if the current crop of democrats represents their values. There is good reason that democrats fight so hard against streamlining government and rooting out corruption. They most benefit from the ill-begotten gains that a lack of accountability and oversight renders.

“Do not participate in the things these people do.  For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!  For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.  Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.” Ephesians 5:7-11

We must do our best to expose the evil that is overcoming this world. Democrat leaders are resolved to align with the left. The left is antithetical to God’s will. The left is opposed to our very way of life. The left wages war against our God and His people. Our leaders need to return to God. The only way to compel those in power to amend the error of their ways is to expose them to the light of day. Those that refuse to change must be voted out of office or they will continue in their evil ways. We are to shine the light of God to be a light to the world. The evil from the left will thrive if left to hide in the dark.

No longer can we stand by idly. No longer can we be quiet Christians. No longer can we wait for someone else to speak out. No longer can we go along to get along. If you wait for pastors to preach it from the pulpit, you may wait forever. The very souls of those influenced by the evil one are at risk. We must call out those who are content to gain wealth and power from their denial of God. If they are not called out, they will continue to travel the wide path to their destruction, and our nation will follow in their wake. The time is now.

Hospitality

 

Kindness is repaid with malicious recompense.

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:2, 13.

These verses are the rallying cry of many progressive churches that support and facilitate unfettered illegal immigration by welcoming all who “claim” refugee status. But, when hospitality is offered and accepted, respect must be given to the host. Failing to do so delegitimizes those imposing on their benefactors. Far too many of those welcomed into our nation pay back the hospitality with criminal actions. Instead of assimilating into their adopted homeland, they show contempt for the freedoms available to them. Rather than adding to our diversity and making a positive contribution to society, they are content to be a drain on our nation’s resources. Immigration without assimilation is tantamount to an invasion.

“They will devour your harvest and food; they will consume your sons and daughters; they will eat up your flocks and herds; they will feed on your vines and fig trees. With the sword they will destroy the fortified cities in which you trust.” Jeremiah 15:17

Those who advocate for those who take advantage of a nation’s good will are far from that which God expects. Those organizations that tout their tolerance, welcoming, and diversity as showing the love of Christ are completely misinterpreting Scripture. God’s love is perfect. Man’s love is far from it. The law of unintended consequences, or perhaps intended, impacts our imperfect love. Citing individual lines of Scripture, to fulfill human desires, without the context necessary to properly interpret God’s intent, is a recipe for disaster. Scripture must be the basis to guide our actions, and not as a justification of our actions. Follow God’s word, submit to His will, walk in obedience, and your path will be set straight.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Some immigrants, in particular some Muslims, are exploiting the western world’s hospitality to enable their plan to overcome the majority and convert society to an Islamic state. Islam is a false religion that rejects the deity of Christ and should be rejected, not embraced as another path to salvation. It is not a religion of peace, it advocates for its followers to commit acts of violence against unbelievers, or infidels. Our tolerance is used by Islamists to trample upon the Judeo-Christian values that we have relied upon for centuries to establish and maintain an effective and productive society. 

When immigrants bite the hand that feeds them, it just may be time to shake the dust off our sandals and reject the premise of affording compassion. If they reject the customs and practices of their host nation, instead trying to impose their belief system, they pervert any privilege due them. Unfortunately, Muslims are not alone as we have witnessed rioting from illegal immigrants waving flags of the very countries they fled. All the while, our fellow citizens on the left encourage lawlessness with continuous anti-American rhetoric.

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.  Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” Romans 13:1-2

Muslims are using our own compassion and desire to love our neighbors as a tool to defeat Christianity. Yet, some of our churches are the most naïve and are exploited by the very people they hope to help. As followers of Christ, we are also taught to turn the other cheek, but that does not require us to be led like a lamb to slaughter. But that is what our brothers and sisters are accomplishing, whether it is their intent or not. If we stand by and allow Muslims to attain a majority, they will be successful in their plan to fundamentally transform America and the west.

“It’s a sophisticated fusion of religion, politics and identity," said Mansour Al-Hadj, a Washington-based researcher on Muslim political movements and extremism. "The same networks that once focused on community services are now mobilizing voters and producing candidates. This is how political Islam adapts inside democracy." Fox News report.

Those that use the freedoms afforded those who live in the US to the detriment of the majority have no place in an open society. Those who would destroy us have made their intentions plain, yet those who are squarely in the crosshairs cannot see, nor understand the implications. Many diminish the risk that unfettered immigration of Muslims will supersede current geo-political mores, but a Muslim majority can and will shift the politics and religious freedoms currently enjoyed by western nations. Those coexist bumper stickers are antithetic to Islam. Islam seeks to overwhelm and replace religious freedom and institute an Islamic state. History has shown as much as former Christian nations such as Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and more became Muslim nations once conquered. Today, no weapons will be necessary to conquer this nation. Our tolerance and acceptance will become our undoing.

On Tuesday, useful idiots in New York are likely to elect an avowed radical communist Muslim as mayor of that city on a shining hill. His intentions are exposed by the light of day, yet he is expected to prevail, nonetheless. Somali Muslims have taken over a portion of Minneapolis and speak of instituting Sharia law, with the blessing of some of their city and state leaders. Dearborn, Michigan is predominantly Muslim and has seen a marked increase in criminality. This is our future if we are content to stand idly by. Any immigrant residing in this nation that espouses evil intent should have their immigration status revoked immediately and deported. Yes, we are a nation of immigrants that should welcome refugees with open arms. But only those who want to be here and contribute to society should be extended that hospitality, not those who would destroy us from within.

Immigration without assimilation is tantamount to an invasion.

Lost

 

Evil shapes a generation.

In the 2011 film, “the Adjustment Bureau,” Matt Damon and Emily Blunt are cast as star crossed lovers. A group of “Angels?” influence people to live their lives according to the “Plan” created by the “Chairman.” The “Plan” was to prevent the two from establishing a relationship, but unfortunately Damon discovers their intent and rebels. Spoiler alert, eventually the “Chairman” relents and alters the “Plan” so that Damon and Blunt can live happily ever after. Life is often portrayed as so simple in Hollywood movies, but at times it does loosely mirror reality. This movie is Hollywood’s attempt to show that the “Chairman” (God) has a “Plan” (which eliminates free will) that preordains the outcomes of our lives.

While everything that happens is part of the plan God has for this world, free will allows humans to deviate from God’s preferred outcome. Rest assured that everything that happens, good or bad, God uses to temper and mold His children. And we are all children of God. All are loved unconditionally by the creator of the universe, even those who commit heinous acts against their fellow brothers and sisters. No one is inherently evil, but anyone can be influenced by the evil one. God wants all His children to be saved. No matter what you do, you cannot make God love you any more, nor can you make Him love you any less than He already does.

Unfortunately, a generation has been unduly influenced by the evil one with gleeful assistance from academia, mainstream media, and, of course, all coordinated by the left as they strive to accomplish Satan’s preferred “plan.” Satan’s plan is simple, deceive and mislead. Encourage humankind to replace truth with lies. Exchange good for evil. Yet, there are those so gullible as to accept that which is undeniably false as right and good. Young people, indoctrinated by public education decry the freedoms provided by our Constitutional Republic while supporting socialism and all other manner of leftist ideology. Murdering an unborn child becomes abortion. Children are encouraged to experiment with transsexuality and homosexuality by leftist public teachers, without parental notification. See a pattern developing here?

Successfully tempting humankind to engage in sin is as simple as when the serpent deceived Eve. Become like God and make your own rules. If it feels good, do it. Sexual pleasure is the prize Satan offers to humankind to engage in and enjoy. And it has been successful beyond his wildest dreams. Homosexuality becomes normalized and celebrated. Transvestites are now drag queens and engage in story time, invited to public libraries and schools to read books to children in their full, over the top costumes. Sexual “hook ups” are promoted through dating apps to engage in “no strings attached” sexual trysts. Unwed mothers and baby mamas replace the nuclear family in the inner city. Pornography is a multi-billion-dollar industry.

God is a loving God, slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness. Satan thrives on anger and hatred. The left is filled with rage and hatred. Perfect pawns for the evil one. Antifa, Black Lives Matter, Palestine “Hamas” supporters, and anti-Ice are committing violence that fills Satan with delight. Despite rampant violence, democrat party leaders stoke that anger with over-the-top rhetoric directed at their political opponents with the intent to create havoc. Weak-minded individuals have and will continue to act out in violence, incited to do so by democrat leaders who apparently view this as a valid strategy to gain and/or maintain power.

The democrat party has hitched their wagon to the evil that leftism promotes. The refusal of democrats to vote for a continuing resolution to fund the government should tell you all you need to know about the objectives of that wayward party. When illegal aliens are more important than American citizens demonstrates that democrats have failed in their responsibility to represent those who voted them to represent them in Congress, State, and local government.

The only way to end this insanity is to remove from office those democrats that support this madness. The only way to return to the path God desires is to get involved and support leaders who love God. The only way to eliminate this rot from our nation is to vote democrats out of elected office. That is the only way they will relent from this recklessness and return to a semblance of normalcy.

“If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. / It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them.” 2 Peter 2:20-22

The democrat party has left the Lord and has decided to be in league with Satan. But their rebuke of God’s will can be reversed. They can accept God’s plan and reject Satan. Unless they return to God, they must be shunned and removed from power. Perhaps then they will see the error of their ways.

Blind Faith

 

Hearts and minds need to turn to God.

God created everything that is, was, and will come to be, and it was good. Our Father in heaven sent His Son, a perfect sacrifice, to take upon Himself the entirety of humanity’s sin, forfeit His life to grant forgiveness of all who believe in Him. A simple act of faith and God grants us eternal life with Him. God loves you so much that there is nothing you can do to make Him love you anymore and there is nothing you can do to make Him love you any less. All is forgiven through faith in the Risen Son. Yet, unbelief reigns and hatred flourishes. Rather than believing in God who loves them, many bow down at the altar of selfishness, climate science, and racism. Hostility toward those in which we disagree replaces loving our neighbor. Vile language replaces civil discourse. Respect for others becomes a foreign concept. Skin color, sexual orientation, or political affiliation determines how one regards another. The murder of a child waiting to be born in the womb, becomes a woman’s right to choose or a reproductive health decision. We are empowering those who devalue the gift of life. As a nation, we have lost our way.

This United States, far from perfect, was founded upon Judeo-Christian values. Those values support freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and the freedom to pursue your own vision of happiness. How have we become a nation of cowards and appeasers, failing to speak out when others infringe upon our God given rights? Our very lives, the liberty to worship God, and peacefully live are gifts from God. How is it that we ignore or acquiesce to the actions of others who would deny us those rights? This nation is at a crossroad. Our next elected representatives will either be purveyors of anti-Christianity and antisemitism, advocates for the worship of government, disparagers of law enforcement, supporters of  criminality, defenders of abortion, racism, open borders, censorship, and the mutilation of children or those who champion freedom of religion, support police, smaller government, embrace of life, equality, supporters of legal immigration, free speech, and affirm the scientific fact that there are but two genders. The contrast could not be starker.

This election is not about party allegiance. This election is a battle between good and evil. This election will determine whether this nation fails or succeeds. Are we no longer a Christian nation as former President Obama said, or will we rechart our course as the founding fathers intended? They entered into a covenant with our Creator, authoring our founding documents to integrate His chosen morals and laws for us. They agreed that incorporating Biblical values into the Constitution would provide the guidance necessary for a fledgling nation to grow and prosper. Yet those universal truths are in danger of being discarded, to be replaced with deceptive leftist ideology.

Only 62% of registered voters cast ballots in the 2020 Presidential election. That indicates that more than a third of US citizens could care less about the direction of our country. That is absolutely unacceptable! Citizens are granted the authority to choose our elected representatives. Not all countries afford their citizens that privilege, yet not even two thirds of our citizens exercise that right. Granted, many citizens do not care to be properly informed, but there is really no barrier to understand the issues to make an informed decision. As Christians it is our responsibility to support elected representatives that mirror our beliefs.

Your voices need to be heard. If we fail to elect those who will govern according to God’s will and faithfully serving the citizens, we will get what we deserve. If you are happy with the direction this nation is heading, vote accordingly. If you are not, cast your vote for those who would change that direction. The choice is yours. Exercise your Constitutional rights or sit back and allow evil to prosper.

“Could one who hates justice govern? He shatters the mighty without inquiry and sets up others in their place. Therefore, He recognizes their deeds; He overthrows them in the night and they are crushed. He strikes them for their wickedness in full view, because they turned aside from Him and had no regard for any of His ways.” Job 34:17, 24-27.

We are the hands and feet of our God here on earth. Use them for His glory!

 

 

False Pretenses

 

 Hate and lies cannot continue to reign.

The new reality that DEI has inflicted upon this nation discounts merit and rewards specific attributes of those deemed to matter more than others. The days of working hard and earning a promotion are considered relics of a bygone era. Common sense is excoriated as a symptom of white supremacy, rooted in racism and homophobia. Equality is no longer a goal for all, those who are deemed oppressed due to skin color or gender orientation, require a head start to level the playing field so that everyone has an equal outcome, regardless of effort. Anyone denying their birth gender must be respected, but somehow, are not required to respect any opinion that offends them. Mental illness and sexual deviancy are to be celebrated and revered by society. History is being rewritten by those who once were the dregs of society, now elevated by woke ideology in this new age of enlightenment.

History isn’t the only norm being edited and/or cancelled out of existence. Once accepted truths are substituted with the fabrications of a corrupt, biased media. Edicts from the self-appointed ruling elite countermand the responsibility to serve and represent. As we approach a tipping point in this nations’ evolution, some things are self-evident and no manner of insane wokeness will ever change that. We are all created by a God that loves us, made in His image, for His purpose. That Jesus Christ went to the cross for us, taking all of humankind’s sin, rose and defeated death so that we will have a place with Him for all eternity. We are all created with an emptiness in our hearts that can only be filled with the love of Christ. We were carefully made to love our God and Creator.

Woke culture is inspired by the evil one. Those who are overcome by evil use the appealing words of diversity, equity, and inclusion to deceive those into loving the things of the world. The democrat party, simply put, is in league with the devil and promotes the works of his hand. The democrat party rejects the living God and revels in the lies of the evil one to gain and maintain power. It is time for good Christians to reject the lies and the evil of this world. It is time for good Christians to choose godly men and women to lead this nation. No, there is not a savior that is of this world, but we can use our vote to put in place those that would lead according to God’s will. No party is pure, just as all people are flawed and fall short of the glory of God. God’s word is an instruction manual for His people. If one dwells in His word, it becomes apparent as to what is truly evil in this world and how we can reject it.

We must reject the hatred spewed by the democrat party and their surrogates in the media. We must engage in the tough love of our neighbor and rebuff the dangerous woke ideology so that they can change the error of their ways and embrace our Lord and Savior once again. Keeping them in authority will only validate their march away from Him and embolden them to continue to enact more of their evil policies. If we decide to stand idly by and allow this insanity to overwhelm us, we abandon our responsibilities as followers of Christ and citizens of this nation. Once evil takes firm rooting, it becomes more and more difficult to excise. It is become customary to call each election, “the most important in our lifetime,” but this election will decide the course of this nation going forward. Do we want to be ruled by godless elites that will continue to persecute their stated enemies, Christians, conservatives, and traditional Judeo-Christian value and morals, or do we want to facilitate the return to normalcy?

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12

Bitter Harvest

 You reap what you sow….

Unfortunately, Obama’s pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright was prophetic with his “the chickens have come home to roost” rant. They have indeed. The ideology of the left; white supremacy is rampant and a clear and present danger; that every problem in this nation is caused by racism and reparations are warranted; “My body, my choice” or what is actually abortion on demand; pursue the myth of toxic masculinity to villainize men; the persistent devaluation of biologic sexuality and the normalization of (homosexual/transexual/pansexual/bisexual and more; the demonization of faith and family; and the utter rejection of God, replaced with glorification of selfishness. Society has been brainwashed to place the blame for our shortcomings on anyone but ourselves. Society has been indoctrinated to believe that we are above our Creator and to accuse believers as ignorant, hateful, and unwelcoming. Society ignores God’s intended plan for humanity and we all suffer the consequences.

Rather than following Jesus’ teaching to love one’s neighbor, we devolve into tribal animals that hate those who think and look different from themselves. Rather than follow the science of biology and embrace our differences, gender is defined as fluid and biological sex is just a social construct of a patriarchal society dominated by privileged white males. Toxic masculinity is shouted from the rooftops without it even being defined. Rather than celebrating the sacred union of one man and one woman in the bonds of marriage in order to produce and raise children, we promote deviant sexual behavior as normal while persuading our children to, not only accept, but to experiment with these practices. Rather than accepting responsibility for our mistakes and learning from them, we look to place blame at everyone but ourselves. If you think the strife and pain occurring in this world is self-incurred, you would be absolutely correct. We have met the enemy, and it is us. Subtract God from the equation and there is no solution.

There is evil in the world and it is high time that we call it out for what it is. We can no longer trust the mainstream media to expose malfeasance or even report honestly and we cannot trust public education to teach truth, as they continue to try to out-woke each other. The task to instill morals and Christian values to the next generation resides with parents and the clergy. We are called to expose the evil that exists and is growing in our society. If we fail to acknowledge the rise of evil, we will be overcome by it. Far too many seek to just go along to get along, not wishing to be looked upon as judgmental. Problem is, evil flourishes when allowed to spread unabated. If we ignore what we know is wrong, it will not go away. It will grow and fester like an infection that goes untreated. Yes, we are called to love our neighbor, but we are also called to “To teach and not be resentful.  To gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance, leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”

Failure to act is acquiescing to the evil that is creating havoc in our society. Parents are beginning to wake up, but far too many are still asleep at the wheel. Parents need to take an active role in the education of their children by attending all parent-teacher conferences, monitoring and understanding curriculum, teaching methods and confront School Boards that accept the “woke” agenda. Parents must find the time to take back our School Boards and eliminate the cultural rot that far too many school administrations pursue. A whole generation of our children are being indoctrinated to accept these false ideologies. It is far too late to stand back and let the “system” work it out without active participation by Christian parents. The future of our nation stands in the balance.

Pastors that try to strike a balance of acceptance and tolerance by “not going there” place their congregants at risk to the perception that leftist ideology must not be that bad if there is no one calling it out for what it is, evil. Loving your neighbor does not mean that you must accept every action they practice. Plain and simple, abortion is the murder of a preborn child. Transgenderism is the rejection of God by placing one’s desires above God’s will by the worship of oneself. Critical race theory pits one race against another, degrading another person based upon skin color alone. Racism is racism no matter who practices it. The “New World Order” looks to take away your individual rights, granted by God, to be replaced by a cabal of elites that will dictate our lives the way they see fit. This is evil personified and if we cannot have our clergy call out the evil in this world, they will have failed in their calling. Exposing an evil ideology and calling to reject it is not judgmental; it is simply revealing the truth.

Soon, we will reach the point of no return and our nation will fail. The chickens are in flight and the death throes of our nation have already begun. Question is; will you stand up for your God and nation, or will you just sit by and watch the evil one lead our nation and our children into the abyss?

Truth is....

Truth is the body of real things, events and facts, conformity with fact or reality, a verified or undisputable fact, proposition, principle or the like. Truth is not what you want or hope it to be. Truth is real. Truth is factual. Truth is tangible, genuine and unaffected by one’s perception of it. Truth has been twisted to fit the agenda of those who would destroy us. This is our reality: Our society is at a tipping point. Right is wrong, up is down and evil is good. There are those that would have you believe and accept lies as truth. Virtue signaling and wokeness is overtaking common sense. The following are the inconvenient truths that refute the direction of the woke left.

Truth is that an unborn child is a human life from the time of conception. Every child has distinct DNA that will guide their development in the womb becoming a unique human being. Choosing to end that life with a procedure known as an abortion, dismissing the unborn child as some sort of non-viable tissue, in order to make a woman feel less angst and guilt, does not lessen the criminal act of homicide. Our constitution states that we are endowed with certain inalienable rights by our Creator. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Actions that end a life, are expressly prohibited by each and every State and punishable by up to life in prison. How then does an abortion, a premeditated decision to take an action that ends a human life, any different? How is this an individual right granted by the Constitution? It is not! When the Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, has the temerity to scale the steps of the Supreme Court, pound on the door and intimidate seated justices by name, in support of an abortion “rights” protest, perhaps leading an unhinged left winger to attempt to assassinate Justice Kavanaugh, something is terribly wrong.

Truth is that, even though I am not a biologist, there are only two genders, male and female. Gender dysphoria affects .005 to .014% of biological males and .002 to .003% of biological females. Those that are gender confused are suffering from a mental disorder similar to a person suffering from anorexia, according to Dr. Paul McHugh, former psychiatrist in chief at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Persons that believe that they assigned the wrong gender at birth and undergo sex reassignment surgery have a 20 times higher rate of suicide than the general public. Leftist talking points that blame non-acceptance of those who believe they are transgender causes a higher rate of suicide is patently false. 70-80% of children that experience gender confusion spontaneously lose those feelings and return to normal. Teaching kindergartners about sex, transgenderism and homosexuality is ludicrous. They do not possess the mental capacity to understand any of those concepts and should not be taught to accept alternate lifestyles as normative, especially at an age where they can be easily manipulated and confused.

Truth is that guns do not commit murder. Law abiding citizens do not commit murder. Criminals commit murder. Mentally ill people commit murder and the constitutional rights that protect them from unreasonable search and seizure is used to keep those who need mental health treatment from receiving it. Unless it can be proven that the mentally ill are a danger to themselves or others, they will continue to freely roam our society until they actually take action to harm themselves or others. The left decries those that want to protect their 2^nd Amendment rights as facilitators of murder and accuse Republicans of failing to provide appropriate funding for mental illness treatment. The Federal Government allocated over $238 billion in Federal funds to augment each State’s spending on mental health programs in 2020. Just as the “war on poverty” has proven, throwing money at a problem is never a viable solution without attempting to solve the root causes. The mentally ill deserve the chance to have the appropriate treatment for their disease just as much as the public must be protected by those that often cannot determine right from wrong. Far too often it is too late when society diagnoses those with mental illness.

Truth is that parents that are concerned about the content and quality of their children’s education are not domestic terrorists. Anti-fa and Black Lives Matter are domestic terrorist organizations. Why would the Department of Justice target parents, yet ignore the violence, vandalism and anarchy promoted and perpetrated by organizations that actually advertise their desire to tear down our Constitutional Republic and replace it with socialism, in turn, leading to communism?

Truth is one political party is in bed with everything antithetical to the will of God. This drive to fundamentally transform our society is of the world. “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”  Romans 12:2 We are called to follow the teaching of Christ, not embrace things that are of the world. Foolhardy energy policies are driving up the price of gas to its’ highest level ever, causing undue hardship on those in the bottom rungs of our society. Unwarranted Federal spending is driving inflation to its’ highest level since Jimmy Carter, 40 years ago. All goods and services are increasing in cost. This administration advances immigration policies that disregard the law and open our borders to crime, drugs and the facilitation of human trafficking. The pandemic was used to ignore election laws and opened the door to voting fraud by allowing unlimited mail in and drop box balloting in all the battleground states. That likely turned the tide against Donald Trump and helped “elect” Joe Biden. Some blue cities are even allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections. Our military leaders emphasize inclusivity and wokeness instead of producing soldiers that would be able to protect our homeland. Our educators indoctrinate our children with CRT, SEL and the like, taking time away from teaching science, technology, engineering and math, leading to abysmal scores in the STEM areas of study. We are no better than many third world countries in the quality of our education, producing a generation of illiterates. This is not the direction our Savior would have us travel.

Truth is the dark path this nation is traveling is pushing us into the abyss. There seems to be no way to slow this rocket sled towards hell. We can feel lost, with the sense that we are unable to stop this runaway train. We cannot, of our own volition, make a real difference. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 In this broken, sinful and dark world, how do we, as Christians shine the light of Jesus into the darkness? The only way we can overcome this great evil is through Him. There have always been differing opinions, but most shared common goals, no matter the politics. That has changed. Without any common ground, we cannot reconcile with one another. Without any common ground, we make enemies of our neighbors. Without common ground, we are doomed to failure and the fall of our nation. There is one common ground that we all share. We are all children of God, and that makes us all brothers and sisters. We have one Savior, who gave His life for us even though we are all sinful human beings, who love ourselves more than our Creator.

Truth is that we must be able to open a door to dialogue with those in which we disagree. As Christians we are called to “make disciples of all nations”, especially those in opposition to Christianity. After all, Jesus told the rabbis in Mark 2:17, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” So, it is incumbent upon us to reach out to the lost and open a door so that they can recognize their true Savior, and we cannot accomplish this if we build walls and harbor animosity toward those in which we disagree. Those who are lost are not going to find their way to Jesus if we fail to engage with understanding and love. God loves all of His children unconditionally and wants all to come to Him. Listen to opposing viewpoints. Find common ground. Plant the seeds that the Spirit can nurture and grow. Take the first step toward healing our division. “On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:20-21 It is difficult to hate someone who is gracious and respectful. We are not to pass judgement. We are called to gently correct. God is reaching down His hand to set things right, and that hand is tapping you on the shoulder to be His hands and feet. Will you listen and act?

 

Ancient Words

“How long, O LORD, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted. Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed.” Habakkuk 1 3-5. It’s not often that one hearkens back to one of the lesser known books of the Old Testament, but many of you may find yourself pleading to God to intervene amidst the wickedness of our time, similar to the petitions offered by the Prophet Habakkuk. It is often hard to accept the fact that God allows injustice to reign in our world without raising His almighty hand to deliver us from all those who encourage and promote evil against humanity. Even some of our elected leaders endorse violence and confrontation against those they disagree with. Civil disobedience has always been the best used tool for the radical left, but now some of our leaders revel in violating our Constitution and laws in an act of political virtue signaling while an ever growing segment of the public openly support this appalling behavior. When will God say enough is enough?

In Habakkuk’s time, God grew so impatient and angry at the disobedience and outright evil in His chosen people, the Israelites, that He allowed an even more evil people, the Babylonians to attack and defeat them, carrying them away into bondage. I can’t imagine God being more upset with His people as evil abounds in this present age. Abortion is celebrated. All types of perversion are lifted up and praised. God’s own church calls out and berates those who hold fast to the Word and uphold traditional Christian doctrine. Churches openly advocate against Israel and fall into league with terrorist organizations that would want nothing less than to convert them to Islam or kill them. The evil one must be very pleased in this world today.

Well, in this present age, the wicked do not outnumber the righteous. It may seem so, since they typically are louder, more confrontational and less encumbered by maintaining the societal norm of engaging in rational and acceptable behavior. Our tendency to respond without having all the facts present infects all sides of the political and religious spectrum. We have become our own worst enemies in dealing with conflict. The left continually blames President Trump and talk radio for the decline of our political discourse, but the left has too long been unchallenged in establishing the “acceptable political narrative”, all the while berating those with whom they disagree. Long established truths of our faith are being, not only challenged, but altered to fit in with the world. Many churches no longer teach that Jesus is the only way, that there are many other valid paths. In many ways the church has become enamored with and overcome by the world, no longer offering a path to salvation, but uplifting the selfish nature of humanity over the will of the Lord.

Listening and engaging with those who hold the same opinion without any discourse with others with differing opinions leads society to engage in group think or what is called the “silo effect”. Social media infects our discourse with quick hitting accusations from the safety of our devices without discerning all the facts. False and misleading articles from unreliable sources cause many to become enraged. Far too many simply look at headlines without even taking the time to read the article before asserting their opinion for all to see. The deliberate avoidance of any discussion about religion or politics among those holding differing opinions only leads us away from any common ground or agreement. We are trapped in our own version of reality and will discount any opinion that contrasts from our own. Left vs. right political views and the, dare I say, hijacking of religion by the left, in an attempt to dilute and minimize our faith, will continue to gnaw away at our society until we end up at each other’s throats.

So, how does a Christian live in the world, but not be overcome by the world? How do we bridge the gap and engage in respectful and meaningful dialogue with our neighbors? What would Jesus want us to do? As difficult as it seems to be, Paul declared, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21 Easier said than done, you may say. How can one engage in productive conversation with someone who will not listen? Ask questions in an attempt to better understand the other’s position. If someone is in obvious error, pattern your questioning to elicit a response that forces them to uphold their argument with logic and facts. When the wayward attempt to convince you of the validity of their argument, it likely will shine the light upon the lack of any logic to their argument. “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Avoid arguments and let the lost find their way by attempting to explain the unexplainable. Any attempt to convince will often lead to a door closing, ending any possibility to reconcile them to God. It is not us that can convince, it is the Holy Spirit. We can only attempt to plant the seeds of reconciliation; it is up to God to bring it to fruition. Once we realize that God’s got this under control, not us, we can begin to lessen our worries and concerns. “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

Equality of Opportunity

President Obama constantly berates those that have been successful in society. According to his logic, those who have succeeded have done so because the system is unfairly stacked in their favor. Speech after speech he promises to level the playing field and make those that he accuses “have succeeded on the backs of the poor” pay for their alleged crimes. His now infamous “you didn’t build that” speech ranks right up there with some of the most inane statements ever made by a politician, let alone a sitting president. Ever present in his arguments are vague accusations with no specifics, wagging his finger at the 1% while he touts that it is his goal is to set policy that lift up the middle class. Those who have more than they need should pay more than their fair share. Income disparity continues to grow. The rich are getting richer. Unfortunately, his policies are making the poor, poorer and the wealthy are taking advantage of the Fed propping up the stock market. The wealthy drive our economy by spending and more importantly, creating jobs and investing. Without the supposed “evil one percent”, those of us on the bottom rungs would have much less. Those that are foolish enough to trust in this charlatan’s rhetoric will only get what they deserve.

Protests to make the minimum wage a “living wage” spring up around the country. Wisconsin Democrat congressperson Gwen Moore brings “dignity” to her position by being arrested and charged with obstruction of justice during a protest in Milwaukee. One man complains that he has worked at McDonald’s for 22 years and cannot continue to live and provide for his family with an $8.00 per hour job. I don’t want to get too judgmental here, but a person with even one ounce of ambition would have been at least promoted to assistant manager by now. Progressives complain about the one percent and how unfair it is that the wealthy do not pay their fair share. Over and over they parrot talking points that blame the successful for the failures of the “Have Nots.” The United States has been engaged in a war on poverty since the 1960’s pouring billions and billions into programs that are supposed to end poverty. This welfare system conceived during the administration of President Lyndon Johnson and declared as the beginning of the “Great Society” simply invented a new method to keep the black man down. While some may decry the fact that we have done little to eradicate poverty, progressives continue to maintain their power on the backs of the poor. African Americans, freed from the cotton plantation, are deceived by the progressive scheme and move onto the plantation of welfare dependency. Entitlements become the chains that prevent them from escaping a life of poverty. Combined with propaganda to keep the flames of racial animosity burning, black America remains angry and suspicious of conservatives while maintaining dependence upon their new masters, thanking them with their votes that continue their enslavement.

Democrat run cities, such as Detroit and democrat run states like California continue to spend money they do not have nor will ever be able to repay, providing lavish salaries and benefits to their ever burgeoning bureaucracy, using their flawed argument that their free spending is benefiting those in the lower rungs of society. Isaiah 10:1-2, "Woe to those who make unjust laws,to those who issue oppressive decrees,to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless." As more and more democrats run their governments into the ground, they expect that others pay for their foolishness. Claiming bankruptcy shifts the burden of their reckless spending to other parts of the country that maintain financial stability. Republican run cities and states continue to provide necessary services while keeping taxes low but now will be punished in order to bail out the democrats yet again.

The progressive understands the danger that the “nuclear family” presents to their grand scheme and concocts programs to replace the father in the underclass, especially targeting blacks, dividing the country by creating class warfare. Destroying faith and family is necessary for the progressives to reach their objective. Once out of the way, government dependence becomes the new religion and government entitlements replace the necessity of the family. This is the blueprint to maintain minority dependence upon the very programs that stifle their ability to move out of poverty. In some states, a premium is paid to the mother for every child born into that poverty, giving incentive to conceive even more children that will become beholding to the very people that intend to use them to maintain their power and position. What a tangled web we weave. While conservatism actually more closely mirrors the values of most African Americans, the majority of African Americans look upon conservatives with contempt. A majority of African Americans are pro-life. A majority of African Americans remain opposed to same-sex marriage. A majority of African Americans are Christian. If one would look beyond the African American’s affinity to vote Democrat, you would believe that by their stated values, they would tend to vote for conservative candidates. But, by continuing to obfuscate and confuse, using innuendo and outright lies, the progressives preserve their power with the willing vote of a manipulated and perhaps permanent underclass.

So, how to combat this perceived “inequity”? Far too many African American children are raised without a father’s influence. More than 7 of every 10 births occur out of wedlock to African Americans. Some may argue that today’s African American male that concurs with the “Hip Hop culture” that relegates women as “Hoe’s and Bitches” would not make a good father anyway. But, God intended a family to be raised by a mother and a father. When a father takes the responsibility as a parent, the paternal instinct is a strong influence. Reconnecting with God and instilling the tenets of faith in the family structure will guide both the parents and their parenting. This is how we turn back the clock and take back our nation. We need Christian parents to raise their children to follow God’s will and take responsibility for their lives. If we can once again instill Christ as first in our hearts our nation will begin to heal.

It has taken the progressive movement a very short time to completely undermine the values of a nation that took hundreds of years to form this, what was at one time, a more perfect union. The fundamental transformation of this nation is not just underway, it is almost complete. But, it is not too late to turn the tide. We can return to the fundamentals that made this nation great, but it will take time and much hard work. Progressives maintain a strong foothold in academia, in the media and in government. We must begin by getting personally involved in government, first by becoming better informed on the candidates and targeting local school boards to elect those who would make certain that curriculum includes civics, history that is not revisionary and that political correctness dies a quick and painful death.

The truth will indeed set us all free. John 8:31-32, “Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Our nation was founded upon our forefather’s Judeo-Christian beliefs and we must return to those roots. We must reject the secular progressive’s goal of governing against the will of the people. We must use the power of the ballot box to rebuke those who would work to control our lives by taking away our freedoms. We must not remain silent any longer. We are a Christian nation and it is time to reclaim our nation by replacing the secular, progressive elite with those who would properly represent the electorate. If you want to take back our country, it is time to speak out. It is time for the silent majority to be heard. We need to make a statement to the world that we will not have our lives dictated to us any longer. The choice is clear. Sit and complain while a minority opinion drives our country’s decision making or cast your vote and make certain that everyone you know who upholds Christian principles goes to the ballot box and casts his or her vote. If this does not happen soon, it may never come about and our nation will be forever changed and there will be no opportunity at all.

Historically Critical

The historical critical method is one way that literary critics use to examine origins of ancient manuscripts in an attempt to interpret the historical and experiential prisms used by the author. This method of ascertaining intent attempts to identify the historical context in which it was written. Historical critics seek to reconstruct ancient texts by delving into the historical records of the time when it was composed. These critics attempt to recreate the historical facts known from that time and piece them together with the data compiled by the author. This method of research, when done appropriately, should allow the critic to properly interpret the historical significance of those documents. Most importantly, the researcher should have no preconceived notions regarding the specific text that is examined, using whatever facts that are available to uncover the truth.

Many of the historical critics of today tend to minimize the historicity of the Bible, maintaining that most of the information contained within is either fictional or are simply exaggerations by the authors. Further, many maintain that the original documents were altered by the scribes that translated the Bible into different languages in an effort to bolster claims made by the authors of Scripture. Many historical critics tend to lean on the notion that the Bible is primarily a literary collection from the early history of Israel. Many of these critics state that although it is a historical fact that Jesus Christ did exist at the time described in the Bible and it can be proven that He was a valid figure in the history of Israel, they remain skeptical of the miracles attributed to Him and His status as the Son of God. Some of the most prominent ELCA theologians have made it clear that they have made up their minds regarding the authority of Scripture.

Contrived doctrines, such as bound conscience, are evidence that ELCA theologians regard their opinions over the word of God. They pick and choose which verses of Scripture tend to advance their preconceived notions and desired conclusions. Abandoning the tenets of Lutheranism and replacing sound doctrine with human reasoning and opinion only prove that Biblical scholars in the ELCA truly do not believe in Scriptural authority and more often, fall in line with many of the secular critics. And those that hold fast to Biblical authority continue to be called out by ELCA pastors. In an April 5th edition of Salina.com, an on-line feature of the Salina Journal, ELCA pastor Lorna Paulus, in an article entitled, Ultimate Truth of Message , denounces those Christians that adhere to the authority of Scripture and believe God’s word to be without error. In a stunningly dishonest comment she states, “However, the ELCA does read Scripture differently than many of the groups who like to talk about "inerrancy." We believe that all Scripture is inspired by God. It is the norm for our Christian life. It is not, for us, as Beckmann quoted Borg, just a "human cultural product." But we refuse to take isolated verses of Scripture out of context and treat them as if they were the whole message as many of the "inerrancy" folk tend to do. We believe that taking Scripture out of context distorts the message of Scripture and can be used to twist Scripture to say things God never intended.” I could hardly believe this when I read it. Talk about having a plank in one’s eye!

Perhaps, Paulus should take the time to read the ELCA statement, Human Sexuality-Gift and Trust, and determine if, in fact, the ELCA Biblical scholars cherry pick Scriptural verses when attempting to justify behavior that God prohibits. Perhaps, she should educate herself as to how ELCA theologian, Tim Wengert disregards Scripture while he misinterprets and/or outright contrives illogical arguments to bolster the false doctrine of bound conscience. Obviously not all ELCA pastors are this misguided in their interpretation of the “new things” that are affecting the doctrine of the largest Lutheran Church body in the United States. But, pastors like this do lead their respective flocks and those in the pews listen to what these persons, ordained to preach the Gospel proclaim when they are in the pulpit. When our brothers and sisters in Christ have this type of preaching imposed upon them when they attend worship, some will come to believe and accept this as God’s will. We need to continue to proclaim the Gospel, loud and proud, so that all will come to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior, and make certain that those who have come to believe, do not fall away.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2

If a Tree Falls.....

"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" Many a philosopher and now even an auto insurance commercial wrestle with this question. In today’s hyper-partisan environment, when certain events occur, nary a peep is made. As the media controls the narrative of the day, only that which they deem important makes the news. In the former Soviet Union, propaganda filled the pages of Pravda and the airwaves. The Politiburo determined what it wanted its’ citizens to hear, think and say. Dissidents were jailed or simply disappeared, some ending up in Siberia with what amounted to a death sentence. In this bastion of freedom, known as the United States of America, we are hearkening back to those days behind the Iron Curtain. The narrative that drives our current day media outlets focuses upon progressive ideals, scoffs at conservative values and ridicules those foolish enough to profess their Christian faith. Our President, so longed for and expected to heal everything from the racial divide to our very planet, uses the arms of the government, such as the IRS to exact political revenge upon those seen to oppose his agenda. Yes, political retribution has been refined to a fine art by this current “Chicago style” administration. Wisconsin, which is becoming the poster child for partisanship in the aftermath of Act 10, has taken political retaliation to an entirely new level.

Israel Ozanne, democrat district attorney for Dane County, filed felony voter fraud charges against a republican state representative’s staffer. As you may know, Wisconsin democrats have been fighting tooth and nail to defeat a voter ID bill that they say will disenfranchise minority voters (when all it will really do is make it tougher for democrats to cheat and overturn the will of the people). Milwaukee’s democrat mayor, Tom Barrett denies that voter fraud is even an issue, complaining that there is nothing to see here and asking over and over to show him the violators if there is a problem. A 2004 report by Milwaukee Police found that between 4,600 and 5,300 more votes were counted in Milwaukee than the number of voters recorded as having cast ballots during the national election that year. Absentee ballots were cast by people living elsewhere; ineligible felons not only voted but worked at the polls; transient college students cast improper votes; homeless voters possibly voted more than once. 65 felony charges of voter fraud involving 35 individuals have been issued since 2008. One of those cases an Oak Creek man submitted 54 fraudulent voter registrations while working for the Community Voters Project, a liberal based organization. Common to each of these cases was the intent to commit voter fraud. Cue the crickets as little attention is given these cases by the media. However, the case of Marcie Malszycki, who cast her votes in 2008 and 2010 at the district where she lived before becoming a staffer for Republican State Representative Warren Petryk, apparently is a big deal. Her mother lives in that district and Malszycki resided there before moving to Madison. She did not cast a vote in either of those elections in Madison or any other polling place. This makes the front page of local newspapers and TV news reports. Ozanne, a democrat, also refused to issue charges against a Cross Plains woman who made repeated e-mail threats to kill Republican Governor Scott Walker and his family. Nary a peep on this issue either. I guess all is fair in love and war.

While the Obama administration is embroiled in a seemingly endless stream of scandals that would likely overwhelm any other administration, those abuses are decried as “phony” or contrived by the Tea Party and Fox News. Impeachable offenses by Obama and his administration are largely ignored or minimized by the main stream media, while any misstep by a conservative is blown out of proportion. (See Chris Christie and “BridgeGate”) Far worse are the thousands upon thousands of Christians that are being murdered throughout the Muslim world and yet the media remains silent. Repeated rocket attacks against Israel, targeting civilians are largely ignored. Even Secretary of State John Kerry claimed that there were no deaths in Israel due to terrorist attacks in 2013, ignoring the 6 Israelis that were murdered by Palestinians and that attacks in the West Bank more than doubled in 2013 -- 1,271 as opposed to 578 in 2012.

And then we have those athletes that announce their homosexuality and are immediately proclaimed heroes by the media. Keep repeating after me while watching the shiny object. There is no liberal bias in the media… The producer of the new epic film “Noah” complains that negative reactions to pre-screenings of his movie are unfairly being driven by a small minority of conservative Christians. Sorry about that, but if you are going to take creative license with a Biblical story, perhaps you should stick a little closer to the story line, after all it is about a historical figure. And since we are bringing up minorities that drive narratives, how does the minority LGTBQ community drive the opinion of so much of our secular society? Seems like a group, that consists of less than 5% of our population has much more clout than any other class of people in this country. When the mini-series, “The Bible” was broadcast, for the most part keeping true to the Word, it became the most viewed cable series of all time. Perhaps when conservative Christians speak up, Hollywood may behoove itself to listen.

All Christians can be assured that while the devil does his best to turn our world upside down, everything that happens, does so for God’s purpose. God’s plan continues to drive the events of our world, even those that seem to run contrary to His will. Each and every trial and tribulation is used by our Father in heaven to mold us. We can use these, sometimes troublesome events, as God intends or we can give in to our selfish nature and do as the evil one would desire, complain, blame God or behave in a manner unpleasing to Him. Every person placed into a position of authority is done so at God’s command. Those leaders that behave as they do, even when it appears that they are doing the devil’s work, are doing so for His purpose. When President Obama proclaims to the world that the United States is no longer a Christian nation, sleeping Christians wake up and work to restore their faith. When the leaders of the ELCA lead the faithful astray, a new revival begins and denominations true to the Gospel break away and thrive. We can never truly understand why God allows evil people into positions of authority, but know this, our Father in heaven is in charge and while we are called to submit to the authorities appointed by Him, we are not called to lay down as sheep being led to slaughter. Do not allow anyone to drive you away from your calling to be a disciple of Christ. Do not be frustrated when it appears that the powers of darkness seem to be winning every battle. The story has been written and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ has triumphed over the evil one and his minions..

1 Peter 2:13-18, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”

This world is but a brief existence for God’s children. When we focus on what is truly important, submit ourselves to Gods’ will and work to further His kingdom here on earth, we come to understand our role in all of this. Do not be afraid to speak out for our Lord. Do not be afraid to speak out at the ballot box by supporting candidates that uphold Christian values. Do not be afraid to do the things that are pleasing to God.

1 Peter 1:23-25, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.”