Shall America Die At Its Own Hand?

Ken Duncan is a renowned photographer from Australia who is known for his incredible panoramic photography. In 2008 he published a beautiful photographic journey through all fifty of our United States of America. The book is entitled, Walking With God In America. In the introduction of this book Duncan writes:

"It might seem funny that although I am Australian, God has given me a real burden for America. No nation in the world has been more naturally blessed than the United States, and I believe God has done that so people will understand how much He cares for the nation. America's faith in God is what has made it one of the greatest countries on earth, and that faith is a beacon of hope for other struggling nations around the world.

One of the things that motivated me most to do this book was that God clearly showed me how the enemy [Satan, whose task it is to kill, steal, and destroy] was trying to undermine America's godly foundation. He showed me that the awakening of the battle would be when the government is pressured to remove the words 'In God We trust' from the currency. This is something Christians must never allow to happen. Throughout my journey I was aware of many instances where the enemy was trying to remove the Ten Commandments from public buildings and stop prayer in schools, and at times I was deeply saddened. It is so important for America to stand strong against all the attempts to exclude God from people's lives, including government.

In January 1838 in a church in Springfield, Illinois, Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech wherein he warned his nation of approaching danger.

'At what point shall we expect the approach of danger? By what means shall we fortify against it? Shall we expect some transatlantic military giant to step the ocean, and crush us at a blow? Never! All the armies of Europe, Asia and Africa combined, with all the treasures of the earth (our own excepted) in their military chest; with a Bonaparte for a commander, could not by force, take a drink from the Ohio, or make a track on the Blue Ridge, in a trail of a thousand years.'

'At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of free men, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.'

When I first heard this speech of Abraham Lincoln's narrated, it touched me deeply. I felt as if the enemy of which he spoke was lurking in the shadows here and now, in the form of apathy, hopelessness, fear, and division, and that his speech was a warning cry from the past. The United States of America displays the words, 'In God We Trust' on its currency, but has the nation's trust in the steadfast God been exchanged for the ever-changing passions of humanity? The Civil War in America gave testimony to the terrible cost of division. The 2000 and 2004 presidential elections showed how divided a nation could be when its hope is place in mere mortals. A house that is divided can fall. Is there still trust in the Highest power, or are we placing our hope in human authority?

[May I add here that the election of 2012 has shown us that we are a more deeply divided nation than ever.]

The United States of America has been blessed beyond measure. No nation has been granted a more beautiful place to call home. I believe God has blessed this country so that it may be a beacon to others by upholding the belief that liberty, faith, hope and unity can conquer any adversity. The bounty of awesome natural wonders is a constant reminder that there is accountability to a power higher than oneself. My prayer is that the American people never forget where their help comes from - the Maker of heaven and earth.

Our roots provide the strength to withstand the storms of constant change. A hardy breed of men and women pioneered this great nation of America and bequeathed to all a land of hope and possibility - a land of freedom. They have show the way to overcome obstacles and stand strong in times of adversity. Now is the time for all Americans to focus on where they have come from and what the foundation for the future will be.

I journeyed through this land on a three-year pilgrimage endeavoring to capture the spirit of America. My aim is to show the awesome power of God through the beauty of His creation, for I believe that it is the foundation of trust in God that has made America such a blessed nation..."

Duncan then quotes from 1 Kings 2:2,3:
'Keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies...that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn.'

Our one hope going forward in 2013 and beyond will be found only in a great revival of the soul of the church and awakening in the land. PRAY FOR REVIVAL! PRAY FOR AN AWAKENING OF NATIONAL PROPORTIONS!

You will find some of the most beautiful photographic art work anywhere captured with the heart of God at its core at www.kenduncan.com - Promise!

Ben Stein: To The Prodigal

Apparently the White House referred to Christmas Trees as “Holiday Trees” for the first time this year which prompted CBS presenter, Ben Stein, to present this 

piece which I would like to share with you. I think it applies just as much to many countries as it does to America . . .


The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.


My confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejewelled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, “Merry Christmas” to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crib, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her: “How could God let something like this happen?” (regarding Hurricane Katrina). Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said: “I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?”

In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbour as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said okay.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing yet?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit.

If not, then just discard it.... no one will know you did. But if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.

My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,

Ben Stein

No "Dibs" On God's Blessings

I remember when I was a kid whoever called "dibs" on some coveted object had the first rights of ownership on it. In a similar way I guess that you could say that America has had "dibs" on the blessings of God. But in the last thirty to forty years I'm not so sure that is as true as it has been in the past. We have seen the blessings wane as God has little by little been removed from our nation's life.

O Lord, can we rightfully ask you to bless this country without a repentant heart? We've so left you out, indeed forced you out of public life. Political correctness has become the rule of the day expunging you from public discourse. "Please DON'T come to my house Sir, but please bless my house." Somethings not right here.

While we cannot rightfully ask of the Lord for [dibs on] His blessings for this country,  we can rightfully ask that He put us back on the right track. We can ask of the Lord, that He bring us back into a right relationship with Him, that He not turn from us in a time when we need Him more than anything. But a repentant heart must be the first order of business.

Lord, I would ask that you revive the heart of your church. Bring her in brokenness back from the "far country" in which she has been living. I ask for an out pouring of your Spirit on the church and on this land. Send a great awakening of national proportions. FOR THIS WE MAY SHAMELESSLY CALL "DIBS."

For our leaders we pray, to quote several sources: 

• "Instill awareness in our leaders of the godly heritage of our country and their responsibility to honor and preserve that tradition." 
• "Raise up leaders who desire principle over politics; for servant-leaders who desire to be statesmen not politicians; for men and women devoted to the truth of God."
• "Show favor to those who are devoted to God and godly principles. That their influence will grow and be felt. That God's transforming power would be at work in the lives of those who would try to deceive, divide, and destroy."
• "May foolish greed and selfish ambition not supersede or precede any leader's desire for you Lord."
• "May there not be any attacks against Christianity without cause by those in government leadership."

For those candidates campaigning now for the highest office in our land:

• May their lives show love for country, family, and godly values.
• May they speak truth, stay on issues and be accurate with facts.
• May their agendas be clear as to the intent of their goals for governing America.
• May they and their political action groups show discernment and restraint in ad campaigns.
• May they not use personal destruction or defamation of another to win an election.
• Give the electorate wisdom to see through heavy-handed, high-handed tactics designed to confuse or threaten thinking men and women.
• Keep all candidates on the issues: Sanctity of life, of marriage, and of family; national security; reducing the national debt; improving education; enforcement and reform of immigration laws; unemployment; and the threat of European style socialization of the nation's resources. 

For candidates to elevate truth as in 1Tim 6:3-6; 2Tim 2:14-19:

• They not manipulate the truth.
• They not fabricate truth.
• That they would postulate truth.
• That they would elevate truth.
• That true godliness would be revealed in their lives.

"DIBS" ON THE BLESSINGS OF GOD FOR SUCH A 

NATION WITH LEADERS AND CITIZENS  LIKE THIS

The Prodigal Is Us

We must realize that the prodigal nation is us. We are the prodigal. If we do not humble ourselves and repent she does not humble herself and repent (see Jan 5, 2014 post, God Himself Bows To Humility . If we do not pray she does not pray. She is not someone else, she is us.

Lord, I am broken-hearted that I have taken so much freedom and liberty for granted. I have been silent while the very democracy and liberty that I love and cherrish has been used to outlaw and/or marginalize the very principles of godliness upon which this nation was founded.

Going back will be impossible unless you, Lord, intervene for us. Lord I know that you owe us nothing and we owe you so much. I find nether in myself nor in our national life any reason whatsoever that should compel you to do anything for me or for us as a nation. We have ignored you, dismissed you, scorned and abused you.

We are feeding at the trough of pigs. We have spent our inheritance. Many have turned away from us or turning on us. Our sin is against you Father, and has interrupted our relationship with you. We must return to you, Father,  for grace and forgiveness. You are our only hope. You are our best hope.

Hear me Lord - I come not only for the sake of my own heart, but for the heart of my family, my church, and my nation. LORD, I BEG YOUR FORGIVENESS AND GRACE. SEND REVIVAL AND AWAKENING TO THE HEART OF THIS LAND.

May The Heart Of The Prodigal Be Broken

O, how I pray for my prodigal nation. 

Would that America could pray from her heart Psalm 6:

O Lord, rebuke me not in thy anger,

nor chasten me in thy wrath.

Be gracious to me, O Lord,

for I am languishing;

O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled.

My soul also is sorely troubled.

But thou, O Lord - how long?

O, that she might pray...

Turn, O Lord, save my life;

deliver me for the sake of thy steadfast love.

For in death there is no remembrance of thee;

in Sheol who can give thee praise?

I am weary with my moaning;

every night I flood my bed with tears;

I drench my couch with my weeping.

My eye wastes away because of grief,

it grows weak because of all my foes.

O, that she might have such assurance...

Depart from me, all you workers of evil;

for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.

The Lord has heard my supplication;

the Lord accepts my prayer.

All my enemies shall be ashamed and sorely troubled;

they shall turn back, and be put to shame in a moment.

We can pray together, collectively, this prayer - She Is Us! 
Go back and pray now, from your heart, the prayer of Psalm 6. Personalize this Psalm. If we do not pray she does not pray.

Israeli Demise; A Free-world Nation Does Nothing

WWW.NEWSMAX.COM, September 30, 2012, reports, "Kissinger: No More Israel In 10 Years - New York Post columnist Cindy Adams asserts that former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger predicted the end of the state of Israel within 10 years. Adams does not specify when or where Kissinger made that statement. But she writes: "Middle East horror. Democratic Party dissing Jerusalem. DC's anti-Israel mentality. Obama, busy raising reelection funds, no time for beleaguered Netanyahu. The Oval Office attitude versus the Red Line. Iran's oath to destroy our only friend in that part of the world. "Reported to me, Henry Kissinger has stated - and I quote the statement word for word: 'In 10 years, there will be no more Israel.' "I repeat: 'In 10 years, there will be no more Israel.'"

I, your author, have listened with great interest to the speeches of two men delivered at the United Nations this past week of September 23, 2012. Only one spoke words that in my mind and heart reflect true leadership in and for the free world. That man was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

I then heard an interview with a retired United States four-star general (Sorry, I don't recall his name) but, I heard him none the less. The comment he made was that Islamic terrorists, extremists, are bent on eliminating all U.S. influence in the middle east. That is their goal. He also spoke of the "Cold War" and how Russia responded to certain inhalation if they continued to pursue a path of nuclear armament. That worked because they were atheistic communists. The terror of the middle east today is that the Jihadists glorify death. They care nothing about life as we do or as Israel does. Ours is a culture of life and liberty. A terrorist Jihadists culture honors destruction, death, and an apocalyptic radical religious end that will bring them ultimate victory.

As the U.S. continues its troop withdrawal from that region of the world, as we stand aloof from Israel, and as Iran continues it's boisterous threat to wipe Israel off the face of the map, her demise comes closer and closer to the possibility that she may not exist at some point in the future.

Do I know that for a fact? No I don't. Here is what I do know. God's word teaches clearly that those who love Israel and pray for her will prosper (Psm 122:6-9). Those who will bless Him who blesses Jerusalem (Psm 147:2,12-20) will be on the right side of history.

As I listened to the speeches of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Barack Obama this is what I heard. Obama never once referred to the "9/11" attack on Benghazi that left U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans dead as terrorism. He only mentioned that these were "killers and dissidents" who need to be "hunted down and brought to justice"; as if this were a street killing somewhere in the United States. He said the attacks were a spontaneous reaction to a 15 minute video on YouTube that insulted the Muslim world. And who has been arrested since the attacks? The creator of the video, under the guise of a "parole violation." So much for free speech.

Netanyahu on the other hand spoke of the threat of terrorism in the middle east and other parts of the world. He spoke clearly and he spoke succinctly of the threat in Iran who continues its march to acquire a nuclear weapon. He put forward a "red line" strategy to prohibit Iran from gaining nuclear weapons. Much of which our administration has ignored.

Any American citizen could listen to these two speeches and tell which one deals with reality and which one is full of hapless rhetoric. Obama really believes his Muslim roots will bring the whole world together as the, I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing, song says, "in perfect harmony." But this strategy has not worked, is not working, and will not work with those who only seek our elimination. This strategy will only weaken our nation. Our resolve must be to stand with Israel and to move with certainty against any and all aggressors who come against the free world. Any straight thinking American citizen can see that. But I don't think Mr. Obama believes that common citizens can think.

If you have any doubt that we may see an Israeli, and perhaps our own, demise by the willful acts of terrorists, I encourage you to read my September 28, 2012 post, While We Sit In Silence. Here is a quote from that post:

"Peace-loving Germans, Japanese, Chinese, Russians, Rwandans, Serbs, Afghans, Iraqis, Palestinians, Somalis, Nigerians, Algerians, and many others have died because the peaceful majority did not speak up until it was too late. As for us who watch it all unfold, we must pay attention to the only group that counts - the fanatics who threaten our way of life."

While We Sit In Silence!

Normally this is not a place where I share the writings of others. However, when something I believe is worth understanding comes across my desk it an imperative to share and not just an optional thought.

As with any prodigal, a parent must be alert to all the influences upon that life so that prayer and necessary action can be applied. Please excuse me this once. The Republic is at stake. 

Look back at the 1940s and learn from history. The following is quoted:

"Germany was not classified as a "melting pot" like America during WW2....very few Germans didn't think they were the master race...they got rid of the Jews and all that was left was the residue. History says...that we as a mighty nation will have our down-fall by being rotten from the inside out...etc then the vultures will move in, like they have now...

'[This is] a German's View on Islam - worth reading. This is by far the best explanation of the Muslim terrorist situation I have ever read. His references to past history are accurate and clear. Not long, easy to understand, and well worth the read. The author of this [piece] is said to be Dr Emanuel Tanya, a well-known and well-respected psychiatrist.'

A German's View on Islam 

                       A man, whose family was German aristocracy prior to World War II, owned a number of large industries and estates. When asked how many German people were true Nazis, the answer he gave can guide our attitude toward fanaticism.

                       'Very few people were true Nazis,' he said, 'but many enjoyed the return of German pride, and many more were too busy to care. I was one of those who just thought the Nazis were a bunch of fools. So, the majority just sat back and let it all happen. Then, before we knew it, they owned us, and we had lost control, and the end of the world had come. My family lost everything. I ended up in a concentration camp and the Allies destroyed my factories.'

                       We are told again and again by 'experts' and 'talking heads' that Islam is the religion of peace and that the vast majority of Muslims just want to live in peace. Although this unqualified assertion may be true, it is entirely irrelevant. It is meaningless fluff, meant to make us feel better, and meant to somehow diminish the specter of fanatics rampaging across the globe in the name of Islam.

                       The fact is that the fanatics rule Islam at this moment in history. It is the fanatics who march. It is the fanatics who wage any one of 50 shooting wars worldwide. It is the fanatics who systematically slaughter Christian or tribal groups throughout Africa and are gradually taking over the entire continent in an Islamic wave. It is the fanatics who bomb, behead, murder, or honour-kill. It is the fanatics who take over mosque after mosque. It is the fanatics who zealously spread the stoning and hanging of rape victims and homosexuals. It is the fanatics who teach their young to kill and to become suicide bombers.

                       The hard, quantifiable fact is that the peaceful majority, the 'silent majority,' is cowed and extraneous.

                       Communist Russia was comprised of Russians who just wanted to live in peace, yet the Russian Communists were responsible for the murder of about 20 million people. The peaceful majority were irrelevant.. China 's huge population was peaceful as well, but Chinese Communists managed to kill a staggering 70 million people..

                       The average Japanese individual prior to World War II was not a warmongering sadist. Yet, Japan murdered and slaughtered its way across South East Asia in an orgy of killing that included the systematic murder of 12 million Chinese civilians; most killed by sword, shovel, and bayonet.

                       And who can forget Rwanda, which collapsed into butchery. Could it not be said that the majority of Rwandans were 'peace loving'?

                       History lessons are often incredibly simple and blunt, yet for all our powers of reason, we often miss the most basic and uncomplicated of points:

                       Peace-loving Muslims have been made irrelevant by their silence.

                       Peace-loving Muslims will become our enemy if they don't speak up, because like my friend from Germany , they will awaken one day and find that the fanatics own them, and the end of their world will have begun.

                       Peace-loving Germans, Japanese, Chinese, Russians, Rwandans, Serbs, Afghans, Iraqis, Palestinians, Somalis, Nigerians, Algerians, and many others have died because the peaceful majority did not speak up until it was too late. As for us who watch it all unfold, we must pay attention to the only group that counts--the fanatics who threaten our way of life.

                       Lastly, anyone who doubts that the issue is serious and just ignores the threat without sharing it, is contributing to the passiveness that allows the problems to expand. So, extend yourself a bit and pass this on [share this blog] and on and on! Let us hope that thousands, world-wide, read this and think about it, and pass it on - before it's too late.

                       Now Islamic prayers are said to be introduced into Toronto public Schools while the Lord's Prayer was removed (due to being so offensive?)

                       The Islamic way may be peaceful for the time being in our country until the fanatics move in.

                       And we are silent.

 Christian living depends on

Christain learning....you
gotta read [God's] BOOK!"

Respect The Sanctity Of...

Though I do not agree with the current U.S. administration's political and social values, I do highly respect the sanctity of their life and their right to speak their views. I have served in the military and would serve again to protect those rights.

I pray for the protection of our national leaders in this political season. I pray that they will express their views and be transparent in their campaigns. I pray that the people of this great nation will be drawn back to godly values and God's redeeming love (Psm 16, especially vv 4-6). Only then will we once again see a representative government that honors and respects God. The government, after all is nothing but a reflection of who we are as a people. 

This "hope and change" will not come, however, because of an election. It can only come by a change of heart in the people of this nation (within all parties). Only this kind of change can put our nation in line with the divine will and purposes of God. What say you?

Sign up here to pray 40 days leading up to our nation's elections. Receive a daily email for 40 days.

Has God Sent A Famine Of His Word?

There is a dearth of the word of God in our time. How long shall we be satisfied with no word from God? Let godly men speak into your life. Would you take ten minutes here to let God speak a word to your heart? 

Behold the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. - Amos 8:11

O, Lord GOD, would that Your people would hear from You again.

A Call To Anguish

This seven minute excerpt from a David Wilkerson message should tear at your soul for the need of revival in the church and awakening in America. Will you pray for our prodigal nation? Will you pray for this beloved prodigal child who is blind to the her sin. Will you pray for the the stained heart of His beloved church?

Restoring Spiritual Passion - Roger Hollar

IF THE CHURCH SHALL IMPACT SOCIETY

A saying has been circulating of late that says something like, "People in our society really like our Jesus. They just don't much like Christians." What is wrong with how Christians (the Church) go about trying to make a meaningful impact on society? Or, as a friend recently remarked, "How do Christians 'contend' without being 'contentious?'"

I was reading recently from Devotional Classics by Richard Foster. In that book he highlights various believers who have impacted our world. William Temple (1881-1944) is one of those individuals. He was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1942-1944. He was a "tireless church reformer and leader of Christian social movements." This is what Temple says needs to happen if the church expects to make an impact on society. 

IF THE CHURCH EXPECTS TO IMPACT SOCIETY SHE MUST… 

•      Possess some understanding of the needs she wants to address and then offer practical ideas to bring the “existing order” closer to her “Christian Principles.”

•      Stand in a Christ-like tension between reform and status-quo. She must continue to influence and permeate both sides (the influencers and the complacent).

•      Keep God and not self at the center of the solutions so that His love and compassion is clearly seen.

•      Use “Christian Principles” to guide her solutions to reform, to supply clear principles upon which to build  a better world.

•      Be obedient to God’s laws. All thinking starts with God and moves from the temporal to the eternal.

•      Understand that the true value (dignity) of man is in the eye of “The Beloved” beholder. All of our lives should be ordered with this dignity in view.

• Reflect the glory of the lord – This is her destiny. Her social life (the lives of believers) should be ordered with that destiny in view.

     This is sound advice for those who desire to contend for the faith without being contentious; for those who expect to impact our culture. Think about it.

HOW DOES THIS IMPACT YOUR THOUGHTS? 

Uncertain Times Call For A Certain Hope

These are uncertain times. I have been thinking for several weeks about what is happening in our country right now. Politics are getting meaner and more sleazy by the year. Our government has become something strange, something distasteful to us. More intrusive. More demanding. Nothing like we have known in the past.

The world stage is fragile. Civil unrest is rampant in parts of the world with dictators raping and killing their people. Financial markets seem ready to implode. Most of us feel totally at a loss to do anything about it. It seems that a fog has moved in and clouded our sense of well-being and security. There seems to be a spirit of confusion and instability. We (at least I) feel like something foreboding is on the horizon. You'd think that people, especially Christians, would turn to the help of God, as in times past. But I think the post-Christian culture we live in veils this help.

Even the church seems to have lost it's purpose and it's way in the midst of a "politically correct" culture. There is no shortage of programs. Many of them are good. There is good-faith effort to want to help Christians in their growth and walk with God. But the "man in the pew" (if he/she is even present) seems largely unaffected. He or she can sort of "take it or leave it." Concern for a lost and shaken world is thin and the most powerful tool available to us, prayer, is the last thing on anyone's mind...not sure it really works anyway. We do that in which we truly believe.

THEN THE SENSELESS SHOOTINGS IN AURORA, COLORADO BREAKS POWERFULLY IN ON THIS LETHARGIC LANDSCAPE...and we ask WHY?

I mentioned these things to a pastor recently. He told me to read 2 Chronicles 15. I did. There was no voice, no message of hope in the land of Israel. Israel was without a "teaching priest" and the result was was "turmoil" and confusion. Sounds a lot like our nation, our world today.

King Asa did the only thing that could be done. He called for a sacred assembly of the people for prayer. That is what we need today. God has to be broken-hearted over the state of a once God-honoring nation. The church needs revival and the nation, the world, needs an awakening of overwhelming proportions. UNCERTAIN TIMES CALL FOR A CERTAIN HOPE.

There is HOPE in God. He has the answer to the dilemmas of our day. The Church must get on it's knees before God and plead for revival. That starts with me. I need to be on my knees in repentance.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS POST?   CHECK BELOW.

If Jesus Is Coming Soon, Why Pray For Revival and For Spiritual Awakening?

When considering the subject of revival and spiritual awakening in the twenty-first century, this question, as the title suggests, is often asked. I have certainly given thought to it myself. Why would we pray when we know that according to Scripture things in the world will get worse and worse just before Jesus returns to this earth? What is the motivation or inspiration for any such revival prayer activity?

In his book, Revival, Richard Owens Roberts answers this question under the heading of “General Hindrances To Revival.” He lists three hindrances. I commend a reading of this book to you. I will quote here only a portion of the first of the three hindrances, “The hindrance of erroneous interpretation” (the other hindrances being Prayerlessness and Faithlessness):

Have you heard someone say, ‘These are the last days. No revival of religion can ever again be hoped for. We can only expect things to grow worse and worse’? Obviously, such a viewpoint can have a devastating effect on revival interest…

We must not let our observations on the condition of society and the degeneration of the hearts of men block our earnest seeking of God’s face. God is as able to send revival now or at any time during the history of His Church. While on the surface, things do seem to be getting worse and worse, a balanced perspective on history clearly suggests that the Bible is absolutely right in declaring men of all times and in all places are ‘deceitful and desperately wicked.’ There have been times in the past when it looked as if the world could not survive another generation, and yet it did. This may well be the last generation, but then again, our great-great-grandchildren may be the ones to see Christ’s coming in the air. Since the possibility exists that this may not be the last generation, we should, with ever-increasing fervency, seek a mighty outpouring of the Spirit of God in revival blessing for the sake of both our own and future generations, and for the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

Roberts goes on:

To hinder revival by arbitrarily announcing that it cannot come because of the late hour of history in which we live is to abandon our role as faithful servants of Jesus Christ and to pose as God. If God chooses to revive us again, who has sufficient authority to say He cannot? Time after time, in the dark seasons of the past, God has stepped into the stream of history and sent revival. Why shouldn’t we expect Him to do it again?

Compiler’s Summary

It is clear to me that it is a matter of even greater urgency that we fervently

pray for revival and spiritual awakening in these “last days.”

We could be praying for the last great revival,

the last great awakening the world may ever know

Could it be that hundreds of thousands of people might be swept

into the Kingdom of God in one final great move of God and then

comes the end of history, as we know it, followed by the return of Christ?

If we believe prayer works, why wouldn’t we watch and pray?

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Is America Undergoing Judgement And Is The Church Complicit In That Judgment?

(June 2012 Edit)

America is not a nation like Israel; a nation founded as a Theocracy. However, America is a nation founded on Judeo-Christian values. To the degree America adheres to those values she is a Christian nation. She is a free nation because she was founded upon the values and principles of freedom and “inalienable rights.” This is true even though America embraces “pluralism.” She embraces the individual’s right to freely choose any particular or no belief at all.

America was founded upon and has received great Light, visa vie the Holy Scriptures. That Light has brought about great freedom and liberty. So long as that Light burns brightly those freedoms and liberties remain. But when that Light grows dim, darkness will fall on freedom and liberty. How is the Light sustained? It is sustained first by the Reflectors of the Light, by those who are the followers of Jehovah God and who revere God’s Holy Word. Second, it is sustained by the Respecters of the Light, be they followers of God or not. They respect the Judeo-Christian values and principles of God’s Word upon which America, our Republic, was founded. This may be seen in the following statement by  William Henry Harrison, U.S. President (1841-1841) in his Inaugural Address (March 4, 1841):

“I deem the present occasion sufficiently important and solemn to justify me in expressing to my fellow-citizens a profound reverence for the Christian religion and a thorough conviction that sound morals, religious liberty, and a just sense of religious responsibility are essentially connected with all true and lasting happiness; and to that good Being who has blessed us by the gifts of civil and religious freedom, who watched over and prospered the labors of our fathers and has hitherto preserved to us institutions far exceeding in excellence those of any other people, let us unity in fervently commending every interest of our beloved country in all future time.”

The Reflectors and the Respecters of God form an alliance affecting America’s freedom and liberty. They both enjoy a great privilege and a great responsibility. They work and survive in a culture of liberty by honoring the Judeo-Christian values and principles that undergird America. They are inseparable in many ways. But the survival of America as a free nation depends upon their mutual dependence upon the God of freedom and “inalienable rights.”

Is America undergoing judgment? Yes, America is undergoing judgment. What does that mean? Richard Owen Roberts, foremost authority on revival in our world explains how God uses judgment. In his little booklet, The Solemn Assembly, he writes, “While some judgments are immediate and final, resulting in deaths among the wicked; others are gracious and remedial, resulting in brokenness, prayer, repentance and extraordinary seeking of God’s face.” I believe America’s judgment at this point in time is “remedial” in nature. There is still time for America to act, to truly repent of her neglect of God and turn to Him NOW, before a “final” judgment comes, before she goes past the point of no return. But America and God are waiting on the Church.

Is the church (Reflectors of the Light) complicit in the judgment on America? Yes. The church is complicit because she alone is responsible for keeping the Light of the Gospel brightly shining. If the Light grows dim it can only be because the church has lost or is losing her influence and status as a reflection of the Light.

Henry Blackaby stated in the Cedars Bible Conference of 2010, “The healing of America is waiting on God’s people. The forgiveness of God’s people [for willful sin and disobedience] will determine the healing of America.” He said of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, “This was a warning to God’s people [the church].” He said the same of hurricane Katrina and the economic disasters of 2008-2010. I would submit that the fires, drought, floods, civil unrest, increase in terrorism worldwide and the murder of innocent people and police officers since then should also be viewed as a wake up call to the Church. These disasters coincide with Roberts’ statements above about “remedial judgment.” Blackaby said that God’s people must do some things: Humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and TURN from THEIR WICKED WAYS. “If you are NOT seeing the manifest presence of God in your life then there ARE wicked ways [in your life for which you must repent]." Roberts states that “remedial judgment” opens the door for brokenness, prayer, repentance and the seeking of God’s face on the part of God people.

Today we find ourselves living in a “post-Christian” culture. Why? Because both the Reflectors of God and the Respecters of God have succumb to the peril of privilege. They have fallen asleep at the wheel. They have taken for granted liberty and “inalienable rights.” When that happens freedom and individual pursuit of happiness is forfeited.

What has gone wrong? With great privilege comes great responsibility. Neither a Reflector nor a Respecter of God is assured the mutual protection and favor of God when they no longer reflect and no longer respect God. When reflecting and respecting turns inward it becomes apathy, complacency and neglect. The nation, the Republic, is in trouble. Reflectors no longer propagate the Light. Respecters no longer revere the Light. Less Light turns to less toleration. Soon the Reflectors and the Respecters of God find themselves marginalized, on the outside looking in. The Light is slowly snuffed out by shadows and darkness, the creeping enemy of the Light. The result is the loss of freedom, liberty and “inalienable rights.”

Not much has changed in 2,000 years. Consider the writings of Athanasius (297-373 A.D.) These words could easily be said about our generation today.

“But men, foolish as they are, thought little of the grace they had received, and turned away from God. They defiled their own soul so completely that they not only lost their apprehension of God, but invented for themselves other gods of various kinds. They fashioned idols for themselves in place of the truth and reverenced things that are not, rather than God Who is, as St. Paul says, ‘worshipping the creature rather than the Creator.’

Moreover, and much worse, they transferred the honor, which is due to God to material objects such as wood and stone, and also to man. Indeed, so impious were they that they worshipped evil spirits as gods in satisfaction of their lusts. They sacrificed brute beasts and immolated men, as the just due of these deities, thereby bringing themselves more and more under their insane control. Magic arts also were taught among them, oracles in sundry places led men astray, and the cause of everything in human life was traced to the stars, as though nothing existed but that which could be seen. In a word, impiety and lawlessness were everywhere, and neither God nr His Word was known.¹

Reflectors become weaker and fewer. Respecters become weaker and fewer. A new group emerges. They are the Renouncers. 

Renouncers show zero tolerance for Judeo-Christian values. They wish for and work for the removal of any mention of God. They use only language that is “politically correct.” They would see the Reflectors and Respecters completely silenced. While those who reflect the Light and those who respect the Light continue in their apathy and neglect the Renouncers wage a full scale rejection of the Light, tolerance, and mutual dependence upon God. We are in a battle for the soul of America. The church must awaken from her slumber. John Hagee said, “America’s future is in the hands of God’s children.” God is waiting for Christians in America to answer His wake-up call and PRAY.

I close with the thought-provoking words of Richard Owen Roberts: “That there has been a very great increase of immorality and decrease of true biblical spirituality in America in recent years is a fact beyond controversy…Is it because the devil is more powerful…? No. It is because God has judged America with the remedial judgment of the withdrawal of certain manifestations of his gracious presence and mercy.” Roberts sounds an alarm to the church, “As soon as it becomes evident that immorality is on the increase and spirituality is on the decline the biblically sound and spiritually lively Church will not foolishly blame the world but will immediately recognize its own COMPLICITY. The Church must first repent, for the righteous judgment was not against the world but against the church (Pe 4:17-19). Therefore, in times of spiritual declension and moral decadence, the great duty of every Christian is both to discover those sins which have caused the judgment and to put them away…”

Wake up Church and humbly seek God's face for the sake of the Kingdom and for the sake of this great nation.

¹ Foster, Richard J. Devotional Classics. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers, 1989. Athanasius was important in early church history as he helped to steer the Church away from the heresy of Arianism – belief that Jesus was merely a human being. He wrote extensively on the incarnation and how God took on human form. He took part in the first council of Nicea (325 A.D.). The portion Foster quotes above is taken from his primary work, On The Incarnation.

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