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Have We Willingly Forfeited Our Privacy and Freedom to Big Tech?

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I remember well attending a writer’s conference with a friend in the mid-nineties and the speaker said he would periodically check his email to take a break from writing.

I naively asked my friend, “Why does anyone need email? Who has time to sit and read it?”

She looked at me incredulously and said something to the effect that once you have it, you’ll love it.

She was instrumental in helping me set up my first email account and then sent me emails nonstop. At first, I looked at them as an intrusion in my life. This was before IPhones and my computer was upstairs so it wasn’t convenient or important for me to run up and down the stairs to see if anyone had sent an email.

My friend and I used to talk a lot on the phone or in person, but then our mode of communication became almost exclusively email. I also learned that our words could be misconstrued and misunderstood on the computer screen and our first disagreement came via an email message.

Next, came Facebook which again seemed like a major intrusion in my life but when my daughter moved from California to Idaho and she set up a Facebook account, we became “Facebook friends” so I could see what was going on with her and the young grandchildren.

And hey, it was free as opposed to long-distance phone calls, even though I still preferred hearing her voice and seeing the hard copy pictures she sent in the mail.

Soon, I was Facebook friends with many people I recognized and many I didn’t! It was a fun way to stay in contact and connected. But again, it meant climbing the stairs and sitting at the computer a big chunk of time.

Later, as my writing and speaking ministry was flourishing, I attended another writer’s conference where I took a workshop on how to use “Twitter.” That seemed much more complicated and had a number of steps to actually set it up and use effectively. Maybe I’d work on it later.

I progressed to a Blackberry and a laptop so I no longer had to climb the stairs to my office to engage in email and social media. It was accessible 24/7!

Book publishers expected authors to have a social media presence and it was advantageous to have numerous followers.

Social media began to consume a big part of my waking hours.

I long sometimes for the days when I asked my friend, “Who has time for this?”

We’ve Lost Our Privacy

Like many of you, I’ve begun to see social media acting like Big Brother. If I Google or look on a website for an item, I suddenly see ads for it popping up on Facebook. It almost seems that if I even just say I might need something, ads appear for it.

Just yesterday, I was talking face-to-face with someone in the privacy of my home asking about carpet cleaners in our area. Last night, while scrolling through Facebook, there was an advertisement for a local carpet cleaner!!

Coincidence or is Facebook somehow listening to my conversations if my IPhone is near?!

No, we don’t have Alexa. I’ve read Alexa does listen in on conversations in your home.

Years ago, my daughter told me, “Mom, just Google anything you want to know. It’s all there.”

She’s right and actually it’s quite helpful when I’m doing research for a book, even if I’m looking for a Scripture on a topic.

But there’s a downside to all this “free” technology that we’ve ignored.

Big Tech knows way too much about us and we’ve let them.

Big Tech knows where we are, where we live, where we go, what we buy, and maybe what we say and think.

Big Tech has all generations addicted to electronic devices, which have become a necessity rather than a luxury. We’re hooked!

And we’ve ignored Big Tech’s personal invasion into our lives.

Now Big Tech has us just where they want us so they can control what we see, read, and think.

We’ve Lost Our Freedom of Speech

There is no question that Facebook, Twitter, and Google are biased and loyal to the liberal left. Their goal in this election, and universally, is to squelch and censor any communication that does not fit the Democrat and liberal talking points and agenda.

Our President, his campaign, the White House, conservatives, Republicans, and Christians are having their social media accounts censored, locked, and closed, including by YouTube owned by Google.

Even though Congress and the Senate have themselves been censored if they’re on the wrong side politically of Big Tech, they’ve done nothing to stop this communist type censorship.

We’ve heard the stories of China and Russia censoring what people can say and hear in their countries and we said this could never happen in America, yet here we are.

It’s not Russia interfering with the election. It’s the Big Tech conglomerates who can shutdown anything that doesn’t support their liberal platform, beliefs, and candidates.

And we let it happen. We’re sacrificing our freedoms for what they dangle in front of us as free convenient communication while they censor and control us!

I’ve watched Congress and Senate bring the heads of each of the Big 3 into question them, and things only get worse. After the election, next month the Senate is questioning Facebook’s Zuckerberg and Twitter’s Dorsey on alleged censorship, but the damage is already done for this election.

Will they be held accountable? Will anything change? I’m doubtful.

When I saw many in China forced to wear masks and locked into their homes, I thought that would never happen in America. But it did!

Would you have ever thought schools would be closed in America?

Churches closed?

Neighbors encouraged to snitch on each other?

Support for defunding the police and the Pentagon?

Socialism/Marxism/Communism on the ballot?

There are substitutes for Facebook available, but none are very effective.

I’m speaking to myself when I muse whether God is telling us to use the time we spend on social media to instead communicate with Him through His Word, not the world’s ways and words.

I’m going to write more about that last thought next week.

Social media definitely has its rightful place in our society. It can be used for good.

I’m just considering how it’s also being used to manipulate and distract us from good.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

As you prepare to cast your vote in a week, consider which party supports freedom of speech?

  • Which party is using Big Tech to control what you hear and say?
  • Why don’t they want you to know and share the truth?
    What would America look like if they won?

Can unjust leaders claim that God is on their side—
    leaders whose decrees permit injustice?
21 They gang up against the righteous
    and condemn the innocent to death.
22 But the Lord is my fortress;
    my God is the mighty rock where I hide.
23 God will turn the sins of evil people back on them.
    He will destroy them for their sins.
    The Lord our God will destroy them. Psalm 94:20-23


I would enjoy hearing your thoughts.

October 26, 2020
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What Color Do You See?

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Recently, I’ve been going to a new hairstylist, and like we girls do, I took a picture that I thought depicted well the color highlights I was trying to achieve. But each time I had my hair done, the color turned out different from what I was expecting.

Last week, as the stylist and I put our heads together over her color chart, I noticed she was looking on one side of the chart and I was focused on the opposite side. Finally, a little frustrated I’m sure, she asked me a key question about the picture I had brought her to follow: “What color do you see?”

We had to laugh when we realized she was seeing rust tones and I was seeing reddish tones! How could that happen you ask when we were both looking at the same picture?!

It was such an “Ah ha” moment for me.

Isn’t that how we look at so many issues in our world? In our marriages. In our faith. In politics.

We can’t imagine how anyone could see something so differently from what seems crystal clear and apparent to us. But all you have to do is glance at social media or engage in a political or spiritual conversation to see that we’re often coming from completely different viewpoints on the same subject that looks so obvious from our point of view.

Seeing Black and White, Or Grey

Like many of you, I watched a good portion of the Amy Coney Barrett Supreme Court Justice hearing last week. What a perfect example of how political parties differ on beliefs and how they present their differences.

Judge Barrett listened to presentations and questioning from Democrat and Republican Senators. The Dems tried to get her to change/admit what they thought was her position on specific issues and Republicans endorsed what each side assumed she would rule.

Judge Barrett gracefully and wisely never gave either side a hint of how she would vote. If confirmed, when presented with a case as a Justice, she would base her final decision on interpreting and applying the law according to the Constitution. One side was frustrated with her answers and the other side was elated.

Judge Barrett has black and white guidelines to base how she judges a case: the law and the Constitution. She said many times that she would make a decision using those benchmarks even if it went against her personal beliefs. No grey areas.

She would not rule as an advocate or activist but as a judge!

It shouldn’t matter if the left or the right nominated her because she wouldn’t be influenced by political, personal, or sociological persuasion.

That will be unique and refreshing because it seems few judges can make that distinction today. I’m convinced Justice Barrett will!

What Colors Your Faith?

Biblical laws and beliefs are not popular today, but they’re the foundation of our Christian faith and God expects us to follow them even when our faith comes under pressure. Even when it’s hard. Even when the majority does not agree with us.

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-4 The Message

It’s not easy today to go against the culture and sadly we see prominent people of faith moving to the dark side. We wonder how they could go from the brilliant light of Jesus into the world’s evil darkness, especially when we’re all reading the same Bible and praying to the same God.

How could they support the barbaric tortuous murder of unborn children?

How could they dismiss the Bible’s definition of marriage between a man and a woman?

How could they endorse the mutilation and child abuse of gender change in young children?

The Bible has the answer–

They left us, but they were never really with us. If they had been, they would have stuck it out with us, loyal to the end. In leaving, they showed their true colors, showed they never did belong. 1 John 2:19 The Message

We cry out . . .

God, put an end to evil; avenging God, show your colors! Judge of the earth, take your stand; throw the book at the arrogant. God, the wicked get away with murder—how long will you let this go on? They brag and boast and crow about their crimes! Ps. 94:1-4 The Message

Christians have God’s law and His Word to guide us in our actions, choices, and decisions. There is no grey area. “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” Is. 5:20

What Colors Your Vote?

We see states labeled with Liberal Blue or Conservative Red and yet there are both types of people living in those states. My birth state of California is liberal blue, but I have many conservative friends and family living there and many who are leaving. It’s hard to live under a tyrannical rule that pushes agendas contrary to your beliefs.

As a conservative, I admit I’m happy to be living in a “red” state, but I know there are liberals on the ballot who would like nothing better than to turn our state blue! And there are liberals who will vote for them.

Why?

I don’t know.

What do they see in socialism that attracts them? I’m truly curious, but when I ask that question, I never get an answer. I’m usually bombarded with all the things they don’t like about President Trump personally, ignoring everything he’s achieved for our country. Nothing about what they like in the Democrat agenda, which would become the law of the land if they were to win in the election.

Sadly, many people’s vote will be colored by their emotions and not wisdom.

Regardless of who we’re voting for, I believe we should base our vote primarily on platforms and polices, not personality.

Many people today are putting personality first. A treacherous mistake.

Here’s a good article to read. Deroy Murdock: Trump vs. Biden—Voters in 2020 should think long and hard about policy, not personality!

Every few weeks, I can change a wrong hair color, but we can’t change a wrong voting decision for years.

What colors do you see for America?

Red or Blue

Red, White, and Blue!

Last week, I gave a link to Vote Your Faith. I want to add a few others as we move into the countdown to November 3 and maybe you’re voting early.

Decision Magazine free voter guide to download.

Million Voices 2020 Voter Guide

We’re not just voting for a President, Congressmen, Senators, and local government officials. As Pastor Jack Hibbs, who opened the doors of his large California church on May 31 says, we’re voting for a way of life . . .

…we’re voting for our freedom.

…we’re voting to save the unborn.

…we’re voting for our right to worship freely.

…we’re voting to protect our streets and secure our borders.

…we’re voting for the right to promote Godly values!

October 19, 2020
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What Does It Mean to Pray for Your Enemies?

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When I woke up Friday morning to the news that Donald and Melania Trump had tested positive for COVID-19, like many of you, I immediately started praying.

I heard President Trump in a phone interview with Sean Hannity late Thursday night and I commented to Dave that the President’s voice sounded tired, which is understandable since it was late and he had just spoken at an event. But looming in the interview was the knowledge that senior White House advisor Hope Hicks had been on Airforce One with the President and had just tested positive for COVID.

We prayed that night, “Lord please protect the President and First Lady.” But sadly, they both do have COVID along with some of their staff and Republican senators.

I knew instinctively what was going to happen next after their diagnosis. The vitriol on social media, mainstream media, and many liberals and Democrat politicians would start spewing from the abyss.

City Pages, an alternative weekly covering Minneapolis and St. Paul, published an article Friday headlined, “Let’s laugh at all these very good ‘Trump has COVID’ tweets.” Editor-in-chief Emily Cassel led the piece by writing, “So President Trump and the First Lady have COVID. Man, anyone else just in a really, inexplicably good mood this morning?”

We’re in a cancel, carnal, cruel culture so repulsive that people would wish death to their President and political opponent. Granted there were some politicians from the opposing party, including Biden, who declared a partisan truce and wished well to the president, at least for now.

I don’t know about you, but anticipating the evil attacks on our President and First Lady, I tried to stay off social media and just pray. I knew my friends and followers would be posting about praying, but others might want to post examples of the horrible things said by others. I didn’t want to taint my mind.

I wanted to “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Phil. 4:8 NLT

I needed to focus my thoughts on President and Melania Trump having a quick recovery and healing from this terrible plague and not let my mind be filled with the comments of insensitive and hideous people actually celebrating the possible demise of our President to this unseen enemy.

They wanted him to suffer. Die. Joking about a dreaded illness.

What kind of person does that?!

 “If you find yourself rooting for someone’s death—anyone’s death—it’s time to pause and take stock of how your own souls has rotted.”—Tucker Carlson.

 “If you gloat over other people’s afflictions, you are not worthy of being called a human” is another worthy quote I read.

I would not give this human depravity an audience.

My Personal Epiphany

Then the Lord asked me a question I had to address: How would you react if it was Biden who had contracted COVID?

I am praying that he doesn’t win the election. He and his liberal party represent everything I don’t want for our country, much of it I consider evil and ungodly.

So would I pray as earnestly for his recovery as I’m praying for President Trump?

Wow?!

How I respond would show what resides in my heart. Would I show Christian compassion? My husband says I would pray for Biden. I hope he’s right!

How a Christian reacts to other’s misfortune is telling of their spiritual maturity when someone they don’t like is in distress.

Then the Lord brought to mind the verses on loving and praying for our enemies. Those we don’t agree with or even those we fear or have done us wrong.

The Sermon on the Mount

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus first started with the Beatitudes (Mt. 5:3-11). Then he taught about being salt and light, (13-16). He taught about the Law (17-20), anger (21-26), adultery (27-30), divorce (31-32), vows (33-37), revenge (38-42), and he ended his sermon with the difficult admonition to love your enemies.

Jesus Teaching about Love and Prayer for Enemies

43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 

46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48 NLT

Are you convicted like I am when reading this teaching from Jesus? Even on the cross, He prayed for those who were putting Him, an innocent man, to a cruel death.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

Jesus wants us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us when something inside us tells us to not even like them!

It doesn’t mean we accept or agree with their actions, which for purposes of this article we’re talking about those who go against everything we believe spiritually, morally, and politically.

Jesus tells us to be like Him. We must pray for our enemies and be kind to them. I take that to mean we pray for their salvation and what greater “love” could we show for them than to pray they become believers.

Bill O’Reilly commented last week, “If you feel glad that Donald and Melania Trump are ill, then you have a sickness, too. And while most recover from Covid, the disease of enjoying the suffering of others is rarely defeated. That disease is called evil.”

O’Reilly is right that evil is a disease, but there is a cure for it: Jesus Christ.

I think that Matthew 5:45-48 is calling us to pray for those we hear and see vomiting hate and evil. We detest what they’re doing, so we pray that someway, somehow they find salvation in Jesus because He went to the cross for them just like He did for us.

Maybe some of them claim to be believers. Look at their actions and if they’re behaving according to the world or in a hurtful harmful way, we pray that they will return to God and His ways.

What we don’t do is match their behavior in our thoughts, words, or actions because Jesus warns us that then we’re no better than them.

I like this quote from Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family: “I believe strongly in being conservative in my politics–but liberal in my fellowship and in my willingness to pray for others.”

The person I’ve seen in politics who does the best at responding to opposition as a Christian is Vice President Mike Pence. He lets you know when he doesn’t agree with someone, but he does it in a way that is never demeaning or disparaging. He tends to defend his position rather than attack the other person personally. I’m looking forward to his debate with Kamala Harris this week. And I’m praying for him and his health.

Let’s be sure during this very contested political season that our comments and posts reflect the mind and kindness of Christ. That we pray for the hearts and souls of those who persecute us, or persecute the ones we care about, or decry our values.

Pray for those who seem consumed with anger and animosity.

If you remember in last week’s blog, I said the Lord kept giving me a vision of a sudden outpouring of the Holy Spirit over all those who are doing evil in our cities and government. A miracle of mass salvation!

I see all the rioters and haters suddenly dropping their weapons of destruction and their tongues of vileness being stilled. The tyrannical government officials and those trying to tear down our country, having a reawakening about the goodness of God and the greatness of the country He blessed us with—The United States of America!

We have to look for things to praise, even when small, and focus on finding ways to “be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.”

Let’s keep our minds and hearts positive and loving as we pray for the recovery of our President and his beautiful wife, even if he isn’t your preferred candidate. Remember we haven’t reached perfection either.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT

October 5, 2020
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We Prayed. God Blessed Us. Now What?

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Only God would coordinate the timing on September 26, 2020 of the Franklin Graham Prayer March 2020 and The Return with Jonathan Cahn both in Washington DC on the National Mall on the same day that President Trump announces the nomination of a conservative Christian woman Justice for the Supreme Court!

Only God!

This was no coincidence!

A friend messaged me what I also believe to be true: “I believe the remnant is storming the Highest Court in prayer and praise!”

I do believe that God heard the prayers of His people and the heavenlies smiled down on us.

So now we keep on praying and believing. We must not stop because you know that Satan is only going to ramp up his efforts to create chaos, fear, and turmoil.

I also participated in a “March for Peace and Prayer in America” in my small rural mountain community. It was nondenominational and not political. You could bring “signs of prayer and peace but please no negativity.”

As I discussed the walk with a friend from church, I found myself wondering if carrying an American flag would be considered political. Negative?

I’m happy to say we carried a large American flag and signs with encouraging Scriptures and quotes. Some of those walking were barely able to walk from the very young, one with a cane, and even some slightly lame. But everyone completed the march and gathered together at the end for encouragement and prayer.

The morning started with rain that cleared before we walked and God blessed us with an affirming rainbow!

What a spirit-filled day from coast to coast!

How Have We Strayed So Far?

As we watched the joy and smiles of the thousands walking, and some even in wheel chairs on the National Mall, I noticed many carrying and waving with pride small American flags. I couldn’t help but think what a sad day in America when emblems of patriotism and love for our country are politicized. Even scorned and burned.

I ask myself so often: How did we let this happen? I know many are bravely and boldly speaking up, as am I, but why are so many denouncing their own country? Why are children being taught that America is bad when the rest of the world looks up to us with admiration? At least they used to.

Why are we letting a fringe element of Marxists convince us that there is “systemic racism” in our country?

Why aren’t more people acknowledging that the problem is systemic secularism?

People are rejecting what they once held true and dear to fit in with a system that is rejecting not only our country . . . but our God.

As I pondered these thoughts, my Bible reading was Psalm 37 in the Holman Christian Standard Bible. I’m going to share with you some of the verses that spoke directly to my heart in these troubling times where God calls His people to action but not agitation.

I add my commentary in italics and add emphasis to the scriptures. I hope they bless you too!

Psalm 37 “Instruction in Wisdom”

Isn’t wisdom what we all want right now as our tempers rise with current events? I’ve even had some friends say their blood pressure is literally rising. God says this:

Do not be agitated by evildoers;
do not envy those who do wrong.
2 For they wither quickly like grass
and wilt like tender green plants.

3 Trust in the Lord and do what is good;
dwell in the land and live securely.[b]
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and He will give you your heart’s desires.

God tells us that if we trust Him completely and continue doing what we know is right and good, even in the midst of all the rioting, lying, COVID, and evil we’re watching daily, He will keep our lives secure.

He wants us to keep our focus on the Lord and the joy that He brings to our life and He will give us what we’re praying for either on earth or later in heaven.

Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him;
do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way,
by the man who carries out evil plans.

8 Refrain from anger and give up your rage;
do not be agitated—it can only bring harm.
9 For evildoers will be destroyed,
but those who put their hope in the Lord
will inherit the land.

I don’t know about you, but at our house we’ve found ourselves very agitated at the injustice and evil that seems to be prevalent in our country today. But notice that in eight verses, God tells us three times to not be agitated by those doing evil because it does no good. In fact, it can bring harm to our health and well-being.

Instead, we need to do just what thousands of us did on Saturday, pray with trust that God is on His throne and we will get our land back if we don’t lose hope.

A little while, and the wicked person will be no more;
though you look for him, he will not be there.
11 But the humble will inherit the land
and will enjoy abundant prosperity.

12 The wicked person schemes against the righteous
and gnashes his teeth at him.
13 The Lord laughs at him
because He sees that his day is coming.

The wicked have drawn the sword and strung the bow
to bring down the afflicted and needy
and to slaughter those whose way is upright.
15 Their swords will enter their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.

. . .

The Lord watches over the blameless all their days,
and their inheritance will last forever.
19 They will not be disgraced in times of adversity;
they will be satisfied in days of hunger.

20 But the wicked will perish;
the Lord’s enemies, like the glory of the pastures,
will fade away—they will fade away like smoke.

As Christians, we know that doing wrong or evil to satisfy the culture, never pleases God. Even though we’re laughed at and disparaged, we let it bounce off us because our future is eternal life. Those who are scoffing at God will learn some day that their future is literally in hell.

A man’s steps are established by the Lord,
and He takes pleasure in his way.
24 Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed,
because the Lord holds his hand.

25 I have been young and now I am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous abandoned
or his children begging for bread.
26 He is always generous, always lending,
and his children are a blessing.

Turn away from evil and do what is good,
and dwell there[i] forever.
28 For the Lord loves justice
and will not abandon His faithful ones.
They are kept safe forever,
but the children of the wicked will be destroyed.
29 The righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it permanently.

God reminds us that in the end, His justice will prevail. Until then, we seek righteous wisdom from God and follow guidance from His Word. We will dwell safely and securely with the Lord forever.

This theme runs through the remainder of the psalm. As you continue reading, pray that God will speak to you to calm your heart, mind, and soul as you pray for His righteousness to prevail in our world and that those promoting and supporting the evil will be unveiled and stopped.

It may look like they are winning for the moment, but God is always the winner.

The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom;
his tongue speaks what is just.
31 The instruction of his God is in his heart;
his steps do not falter.

32 The wicked one lies in wait for the righteous
and seeks to kill him;
33 the Lord will not leave him
in the power of the wicked one or allow him to be condemned when he is judged.

34 Wait for the Lord and keep His way,
and He will exalt you to inherit the land.
You will watch when the wicked are destroyed.

35 I have seen a wicked, violent man
well-rooted like a flourishing native tree.
36 Then I passed by and  noticed he was gone;
I searched for him, but he could not be found.

Watch the blameless and observe the upright,
for the man of peace will have a future.
38 But transgressors will all be eliminated;
the future of the wicked will be destroyed.

39 The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord,
their refuge in a time of distress.
40 The Lord helps and delivers them;
He will deliver them from the wicked and will save them
because they take refuge in Him.

Amen!

So What Do We Do Now?

We keep on praying!

Let’s pray for Amy Coney Barrett and her family. We know how malicious the attacks will be but the Lord will be her strength and give her the right words and countenance.

Pray for President Trump as he continues to govern our nation while campaigning.

Pray for an outpouring of the Spirit on our nation.

Pray for a down pouring of rain and cold temperatures on the cities where the riots continue.

Pray for the safety of our police force and the military.

Pray for the coronavirus plague to subside.

Pray for churches to open their doors.

The vision the Lord keeps giving me is a sudden outpouring of the Holy Spirit over all those who are doing evil in our cities and government. A miracle of mass salvation!

There is no one outside of God’s reach, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Rom. 10:13)

Nothing is impossible with God.

Let me know what you’re praying for. What vision is God giving you?

September 28, 2020
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God Will Not be Silenced So Why are His People Being Silent?

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Every time I hear the term “Silent Majority,” I cringe. I cringe because they’re talking about conservatives, especially conservative Christians.

I wonder: If we’re in the majority, why are we silent?

If we know the Truth and truly believe that the Truth will sustain and maintain righteous freedom, why are we silent?

If we’re in the majority, what are we afraid of? Why do we let the vocal minority claim the public square?

If God is on our side, who should we fear?

If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Rom. 8:31 NLT

Why are we cowering and not only staying silent but letting ourselves be silenced, dismissed, opposed, mocked, and marginalized?

It’s clear that mainstream media really has no idea who we are or the grit in our soul . . . maybe because we don’t tell them!

We let ourselves be referred to as living in “fly over states.” “Middle America.” “Kitchen table people.” Even “smelly Walmart shoppers.” “Blue collar workers.” Suffering from “cognitive dissonance.” “Deplorables.” Illiterate “credulous rubes.” And more . . . .

“People who love your guns and love your Bibles.” As if that’s a negative.

Many times the “silent majority” defamation is spit out with disdain unless a politician is trying to win our vote.

Politicians know we’re not silent when we go to cast our vote. And cast our vote we must!

The “silent majority’s” voice is “heard” loud and clear at the ballot box but why not also on the soapbox?

Why Wait Until Election Day to Give God a Voice

No matter what your political persuasion, if you watched the Republican National Convention, you saw everyday people speaking out and taking a courageous stand for their faith, their beliefs, and their aspirations for our country. They were not afraid!

Many of these men and women probably never read a teleprompter before, but they spoke clearly, distinctly, and passionately looking straight into the camera and letting their voices be heard across America. They were NOT silent!

I applauded each one who took such a brave and bold step. I kept wondering what the rioting minority might do to try to disrupt their life. Because that’s what bullying, abrasive, mean-spirited people do who can’t make their point in a civilized way or win by fair means.

You’ve read in past blogs how troubled I am when churches acquiesce without even a fight and close their doors. I don’t think Jesus would have done that nor would his disciples and apostles. They were not silent!

I wrote about that last week, Why Watching Church Online is NOT a Substitute for Attending in Person.

When I wrote the book, Everyday Brave: Living Courageously as a Woman of Faith, I became familiar with many biblical verses and circumstances where God knew we would need His support to be brave and not give a foothold to the enemy.

Yes, Satan is the one who really wants to silence us!

“Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.” 2 Sam. 10:12

As we watch civil law go counter to God’s laws and rampant tolerance for everything except Christianity, we’re under intense pressure to comply with the culture. God says, “Stand firm in the faith” and don’t crumble.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Cor. 16:13

Courage is faith that calls on God to help us speak when we have the opportunity and remain silent when the time is not right.

We will not be silenced by those who oppose us and try to suppress us. Instead, opposition gives us a platform to show who we are in Christ and for Christ!

God tells us we can trust Him to stand right beside us! Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Ps. 31:24 NLT

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NLT

Jesus also warns us . . .

But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. Mt. 10:33

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Tim. 1:7

How and When Should We Speak Out?

We have so many opportunities to give God the glory in our life for the little and big things He does every day.

If you’re on social media, you have a constant platform to speak truth. It’s not a place to get into arguments trying to prove your point as you’ve probably already learned. But it is a place you can “speak” and defend your beliefs. Expect that you might get pushback, but ignore it. If someone is debating you, it means they heard you.

Again, the point isn’t to prove you’re right but maybe to encourage others to bravely speak their views. You never know who might be persuaded by something you say. That goes for conversations also.

Being a kind and considerate person can win over many people or they might at least be willing to consider your opinions.

It’s sad when I hear people say to be careful what you say because someone might hurt you. Is that the world we want to live in? Intimidated by bullies and thugs?

I don’t know where God wants you to speak out in your life, but I would ask you to pray about it.

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21 NLT

People often thank me for not being silent about God and the conservative Christian agenda. But my response is that speaking out at appropriate times for what you believe shouldn’t be unusual. Everyone should!

We can’t be silent at a time when evil is flourishing all around us!

Saying nothing is saying something!

Silence is deafening!

Women wouldn’t have the vote today if the suffragettes had stayed silent.

Don’t let the culture cancel your voice or your right to speak or your courage to speak.

We speak the truth in love but we speak!

Pray before you speak, then speak the words God gives you.

Except for the part about being too young, I relate to the prophet Jeremiah when I don’t know what to say in a blog every week. When Jeremiah questioned God about what he should say, God said:

“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”

7 The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. 8 And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Jeremiah 1:6-8 NLT

Let us be known as the majority who speaks up courageously and graciously for moral values, truth, faith, patriotism, and Almighty God!

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,
12 That my [a]soul may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever. Ps. 30:11-12 NASB

As the Lord encouraged Paul so should we be encouraged that the majority of Americans agree with us. Let’s not be silent or silenced!

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” Acts 18:9-10 NLT

A True Story

After I had this blog ready to post, I saw this story below of a pastor’s response to someone who sent him a private message to please stick to preaching and stay off politics.

“I responded graciously and thanked her for her thoughts. [Then I wrote] I only talk about Jesus Christ and His Kingdom on Sundays. However…. I am an American citizen. I pay taxes. When I write on my personal page, I am writing only my thoughts and represent only what I think. You are free to disagree with me and I will respect you, honor you, and encourage you to speak your disagreement freely!

But I do not write in a vacuum. I know history. I understand philosophy. I know the principles upon which this great country was founded. Historically, I’ve been called a “classical liberal” because I’ve advocated for the abused, stood up to those in power, preached the equality of women and all ethnicities, and encouraged people to treat everyone with dignity and respect.

That said, I can and will no longer remain silent when it comes to our nation. I’ll talk about Jesus with you all day – and if you come to Emmanuel on Sunday mornings or Wednesday night – that’s all you will hear me talk about – the Savior and the Scriptures. But on my personal social media accounts, the Spirit has prompted me to begin speaking up, and the more people write me telling me to “stick to preaching,” the more I’ll write. :)” [Emphasis added]

August 31, 2020
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Why Watching Church Online is NOT a Substitute for Attending in Person

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“15 Days to Slow the Spread” seemed doable when the Coronavirus Task Force first asked everyone to shelter-at-home. Churches complied by shutting their doors to protect their parishioners. Those who already had online services expanded access and those like ours who didn’t already video messages started videoing.

Then 15 days morphed into 30 days, which segued into 45 days and churches are still told today that they’re not essential and mandated to stay closed or open with tyrannical restrictions.

A number of pastors across the United States are rightfully questioning this discrimination against the church when liquor stores and casinos are considered essential. So they’ve begun finding creative ways for their churches to meet, even under penalty of fines and threats of imprisonment. Hard to imagine that would happen in America!

Other churches remain closed today. One mega church announced they plan on staying closed until 2021?!

The purpose of this blog is not to discuss why churches need to open NOW because I’ve covered that extensively in previous blogs. I’ll list a couple at the end of this article.

But I do want to talk about why it’s important for believers to not become accustomed to sitting at home in their recliners in pj’s with a cup of coffee watching a sermon online and calling it church.

Why We Go To Church

One winter Sunday morning, hubby was sick! If our steep driveway wasn’t covered in ice, that wouldn’t be a big deal. I’d hop in the car and head off to church by myself. But I hadn’t driven our new car in snow and ice and didn’t want my first off-roading attempt to be without him.

I could stay home and watch church online or on television. I’d done that for more Sundays than I’d care to remember when a concussion, kidney surgery, three eye surgeries, and a broken wrist had kept me home. I was desperate to go to church.

Whew, friends with a jeep rescued me that Sunday.

Why was it so important to go to church? While homebound, I’d watched a number of excellent church services online and on TV . . . but it’s not the same as worshipping together with my church family.

When our Governor in Idaho announced that churches could open in COVID Phase One of reopening Idaho, our church literally opened the doors May 1 with all the recommended precautions.

As I walked through the church doors that first Sunday, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. I immediately realized what had been missing watching services at home.

People were missing. My brothers and sisters in Christ were missing.

Singing, worshipping, and praying together were missing.

Seeing each other’s smiles and yes, sometimes, tears were missing.

Church is not just the sermon. Church is the gathering together of God’s people!

Yes, believers have our personal relationship with Jesus which we experience wherever we are, but we don’t experience the Christian life alone. That’s why God said it’s not good to be alone and there are so many Scriptures reminding us to encourage and support each other.

Online church absolutely is a tremendous benefit for people who can’t attend church because of physical or transportation issues, out of town, working, or need to stay home with a sick child or family member. It’s a wonderful tool in an emergency like Covid was in the beginning or for anyone who is high-risk.

Online church also is an outreach opportunity for those who are hesitant to walk into a church.

But for those with no restrictive issues, here are five reasons I feel God wants us to worship together in His house and follow the example of the first church.

“On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place” (Acts 2:1).

5 Reasons to Meet in Church Together

1. Fellowship and Relationships

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals . . . with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42, 46-47)

The early church, a template for today’s church, understood that the meeting together of believers creates community. We need each other to uplift our spirit when we’re sad and rejoice together when we’re glad.

You can find good teaching and truth online, but you need to be in church to experience the fellowship of fellow believers and develop relationships within the church body.

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thess. 5:11)

2. Celebrating Communion, Worshipping, and Praying Together

“All the believers devoted themselves to . . . sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. They worshiped together at the Temple each day . . . all the while praising God . . . . (Acts 2:42, 46-47)

You share communion, the Lord’s Supper, together in church. Our church also has a time of Prayer, Praise, and Share every Sunday where the congregation can ask for prayer and share praises.

Many churches list in the bulletin or announce those in need of prayer so the church can pray for each other and celebrate praises together. “But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him” (Acts 12:15).

God instructed the congregation to sing in church because it is a unifying expression of worship. What a joy to worship and sing praise songs to the Lord in unison.

“Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts” (Col. 3:16).

“Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:1-4)

3. We Are the Family of God

And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. (Acts 2:44-45)

Watching church is like being an observer instead of a participant.

We need each other. We are one body, the Bride of Christ.

The church needs us to serve. Church isn’t taking in selfishly; it’s giving out selflessly. We don’t attend church solely for our own benefit. We’re also there to serve the body of Christ, our spiritual family. Christ wants us to care more about others than our own convenience or inconvenience.

We are to use the spiritual gifts and talents the Lord has given us to benefit the church. (1 Cor. 12:12-22).

“Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body” (Col. 1:18).

“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it” (1 Cor. 12:27).

4. Accountability and Mentoring

“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives.” Colossians 3:16

There’s always going to be a time when we can’t make it to church, but it should be the exception, not the rule. The tendency today is to isolate ourselves in front of electronics where we interact with a screen instead of each other. A clicker or mouse replaces friendly face-to-face interaction.

I’ve heard testimonies of people saved by watching a preacher on television or online, which is wonderful. But one of the surest ways to stay true to your faith as a believer is joining a church to spiritually grow and mature with other believers who encourage us and keep us accountable.

Church is more than listening to a sermon; it’s an experience and an exchange with other believers. It’s where you help others grow, partake in ministries, serve, give of your talents and spiritual gifts, mentor, and receive mentoring.

“2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.

3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers.[a] Instead, they should teach others what is good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes,[b] to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.” (Titus 2:2-5)

5. Setting the Example for Children

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. Psalm 145:4

It takes more effort to get dressed and drive to church than to flip on the computer or television screen. Your children and grandchildren are learning by your actions what takes priority in your life: God’s house or your house?

Teach by example that church is a privilege we should never take for granted and we should never let it be taken away from us. If we can go to Costco, shopping, Walmart, Home Depot, and even “peacefully protest” in the streets, we can go to church!

So yes, you can watch a service online anonymously and probably get something out of it, but what are you putting first in your life that seeks out convenience instead of commitment?

If your church hasn’t opened back up for services after COVID closure, I encourage you to remind your pastor that church is an essential part of every believer’s life and worth fighting for your 1st Amendment right to meet.

It wasn’t easy for the early church either and often the disciples and apostles were thrown into jail for gathering people together to share the Gospel, but we’re reminded of what Peter said when he met opposition from the authorities.

24 When the captain of the Temple guard and the leading priests heard this, they were perplexed, wondering where it would all end. 25 Then someone arrived with startling news: “The men you put in jail are standing in the Temple, teaching the people!”

26 The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. 27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 “We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!”

29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. Acts 5:24-29 (I would encourage you to read the entire passage Acts 5:12-41)

Sadly, many governing officials act from an ungodly worldview. If the government contradicts God, we answer to God alone.

As a child, I remember in Sunday school intertwining our fingers on the outside of our hands, putting our forefingers together, and opening our hands, saying the jingle: Here’s the church, here’s the steeple, open the door, and where’s all the people? But intertwining fingers inside our hand and opening: Here’s the church, here’s the steeple, open the door and there’s all the people!

 “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25

*All Scriptures are from the New Living Translation, with emphasis added.

Note: A true story of what can happen when the church stays silent! From the Facebook of Worship Leader Sean Feucht

Pastor Joseph Bondarenko (the KGB’s most wanted) was jailed for 10 years, tortured & told every day his entire family would die because of their faith. He refused to deny Jesus. Many of his friends were martyred but God spared his life. His story of boldness has now circled the globe.

For the American Church he warns:

“Don’t they realize what is happening now in America is exactly what happened to us in communist Russia?? It started with ‘Don’t gather. Don’t sing. Spread apart. Listen to the government.’ Then it quickly turned into full on persecution and the church did not wake up in time.

I am here to beg you to call the church to WAKE UP, STAND FIRM, CONQUER!”

The Rant, a Rave, and a Primal Scream

How is Home Depot More “Essential” than God’s Home?!

If God is Pulling Back the Veil on Evil, How Should the Church Respond?

August 24, 2020
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The Truth the Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth!

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The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. Proverbs 12:22 NLT

How can we possibly know the truth from lies today? It seems like we’re living in a culture of deception that leaves us wondering, who can we believe?

People raise their right hand in Congress swearing to tell the truth and later evidence proves they lied. Some are prosecuted for their lies and others get a pass depending on politics.

Dr. Fauci is on record at the onset of COVID telling us that masks were of no help warding off or spreading the virus. Now as he insists that everyone should wear masks, he explains he based his earlier comments on trying to save masks for medical professionals. In other words, he lied to us! So how can we really ever believe anything he says?! Might it all just be political and not really medical?

The CDC changes their guidelines regularly. I’m not sure if they’re motivated by politics or they really have no idea how to treat a plague that has no precedent.

Many report never having been tested for coronavirus, but receiving a call they are positive? All the reported COVID statistics seem questionable. Intentional lies for political reasons or human error?

We’ve heard so many conflicting arguments on wearing masks, COVID treatment medications, closing schools, churches, businesses while protesters and rioters are encouraged to gather in large numbers with absolutely NO restrictions. Don’t sing in church, but you can shout in the streets. Lies? Politics?

The mainstream media picks and chooses parts of stories to report to support their bias and even manipulates what news to cover. They often fabricate and when caught in their lies, they seldom apologize or make a correction. Lies. Politics.

Attorney General William Barr explained it like this on the Mark Levin show Life Liberty and Levin when he condemned the media for “projecting a narrative” and selling a “lie” to the American people in their watered-down coverage of the civil unrest.

“You don’t see it on the networks. You don’t see it on the other cable stations. And yet you hear about these peaceful demonstrators. So it’s you know, it’s just it’s a lie. The American people are being told a lie by the media” Barr said.

Depending on which side of the political aisle you take a stand, you will either support or question the conflicting information you’re receiving daily on television, social media, and people standing six feet apart from you. If you point out the discrepancies, some might say you believe in conspiracies. Maybe there are conspiracies. Someone’s not telling the truth!

I’ll admit it might be easier not to question but simply accept all the governmental restrictions, which often have no consistent or logical basis. But I don’t think that’s what we should do.

We need to pray for discernment and not just follow like lemmings the ever-changing state imposed guidelines, strictest and Orwellian in blue states. Yes, that’s political, but it is the truth.

As I’m writing this blog, my August 8 devotional from Bill & Marsha Burns is so timely:

Keep your soul pure as you strive to be straightforward and honest. These are days when you cannot always trust those around you to tell the unvarnished truth. Prejudice will twist the facts to fit a certain narrative.

Open your heart and mind to know that which is correct, accurate and genuine without personal bias. The devil is a liar and the father of lies. 1 Peter 3:10 for “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.”

5 Steps to Discerning the Truth?

Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws. Psalm 119:125 NLT

We will not find our source of truth in the world. The world is turning away from religious and moral standards and burning Bibles and flags in the street. Telling lies and manipulating people for political gain is now the norm.

But as believers, we have a standard of truth by which to measure everything that inundates us today. We put our hope and future in God’s truth. God never lies and His truth NEVER changes.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Heb. 13:8

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Cor. 10:5

Praying for the spirit of discernment can prove to be a brave and bold request in itself. When we humbly ask God to reveal His will to us for specific situations, even when others may not see what we perceive, God may ask us to perform courageous acts that could be lifesaving or forever life changing.

We can become the brave spiritual warriors that our world needs so desperately.

James 1:5–6 reminds us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

Here are five steps that help me discern fact from fiction, truth from lies.

1. Pray. Prayerfully seek the Holy Spirit’s wise direction and guidance gleaned from reading the Bible and prayer. Spiritual discernment and godly wisdom lets God guide.

2. Be patient. Discernment takes time and effort to develop as we grow and mature in our faith and develop an ability to sense God’s plan and purpose in a given situation.

3. Research the facts. Don’t take someone’s opinion or believe what you hear or read in the news or on social media as accurate. If you’re going to let something effect you personally, be sure you know whether it is true.

4. Consider the source. Ask questions. Is the information coming from someone you respect and has proven to tell the truth or are they simply passing along hearsay and opinions? Beware of the words, “someone said” “I heard” “I read” “everyone agrees” “probably” “maybe” “I think” . . . . Find out for yourself.

5. Obey. Expectantly ask God for the willingness, strength, and desire to take whatever action your discernment dictates and let God handle the consequences.

Some Christians are more sensitive than others are to the still small voice of God, but with patience, studying—not just reading—God’s Word, and a desire to know God’s will, we all have the ability to seek and obtain discernment to determine factual from fabrication.

Reliable information from misinformation.

When our hearts are filled with the culture of God’s Kingdom and not the world’s culture, we’re able to discern truth and dismiss deception. Lies become obvious and truth becomes apparent.

In moments that require the spirit of discernment, we need to pray for God’s protection and then respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting. If we ignore the Holy Spirit, we may regret it or even feel responsible for a preventable crisis or someone else’s anxiety, discouragement, or deception.

It takes great courage to step out in faith on a revealed truth. If it’s God’s will, He’ll be there giving us the help, courage, and reassurance we need when it’s difficult or others don’t believe us.

We speak the truth in love, but we always speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help us God!

For the Lord is our judge, our lawgiver, and our king. He will care for us and save us. Is. 33:22 NLT

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 NLT

Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. Hosea 14:9 NLT

Truth always frees our emotions, thoughts, and concerns from fear while unleashing a faith-filled hopeful spirit!

“One of the rarest commodities in the world right now is a healthy perspective. Have one. Look at falsehoods, deceptions, the language of animosity, and arguments against God that are rampant in social media and other public forums, and laugh at their futility.

Don’t get caught up in such thinking: You speak a different language. Your words and your attitude—your refusals to buy into empty disputes and debates—strip lies of their power. Your hope overcomes. It is a precious commodity. Offer it freely to everyone.” Chris Tiegreen, The One Year Salt & Light Devotional

I hope you’ll listen to this interview on Tucker Carlson with Professor Jason Hill who describes how our country is turning to “systemic nihilism,” the rejection of all religious and moral principles, in the belief that life is meaningless. We know the antithesis to nihilism, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Also listen to Carlson’s synopsis on what has happened to America in the past seven months. Not only do we have the Chinese virus, we are looking more like China every day. Is that political you ask? No, I would say it’s realistic and truthful. Pray for our churches to come out of their slumber and take the Truth to the streets.

I had a Crosswalk article publish this week that you might find applicable to your life right now and please share with others. Every Christian needs 4 Powerful Ways to Pray for a Hedge of Protection.

August 10, 2020
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The Riots are Not a “Myth” and Jesus is Not a Myth: The Bible is Real and We’re Watching It Come Alive!

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Last week, Jerry Nadler was questioned in a live interview about the violence and rioting taking place in Portland by ANTIFA and BLM. His response, “It’s a myth that’s only being spread in Washington DC!”

If you’ve watched any of the videos or news coverage of attempts to destroy and burn down the Federal Courthouse in Portland, or the rioting and destruction that’s been going on for months, it’s hard to imagine such a ludicrous comment. It’s as if Nadler actually thinks he can declare the carnage a myth and everyone will look the other way and ignore what we all see is happening every night in the streets of what once was a beautiful city.

It’s definitely not a myth. Here’s the reality Nadler can’t deny.

“Throughout the night some people in this crowd spent their time shaking the fence around the building, throwing rocks, bottles, and assorted debris over the fence, shining lasers through the fence, firing explosive fireworks into the area blocked by the fence, and using power tools to try to cut through the fence,” the bureau said in a statement.

“People wore gas masks, carried shields, hockey sticks, leaf blowers, flags, and umbrellas specifically to thwart police in crowd dispersal or attempt to conceal criminal acts. People against the fence sprayed unknown liquids through it toward the courthouse. People tied rope to the fence and attempted to pull it down,” the bureau said.

“At about 1:03 a.m. people in the crowd attached a chain to the fence and with many people pulling managed to pull a section of it down,” the bureau said, with protesters also lighting fires in the street.” [From the interview article above]

This past weekend, the rioters burned Bibles and the flag in the street! A satanic statement of who is at the center of the riots. There’s no denying evil motivation when you burn Bibles!

There was a satirical meme going around social media with Nadler sitting in Congress while the building was burning and everyone evacuating, but he was still in his chair proclaiming it’s all a myth. As I watched that meme, all I could think of is Armageddon when many will dig in their heels protesting that God, Jesus, and the Bible are all a myth while the world burns.

The Bible is Real and So Are Its Predictions

Dr. David Jeremiah writes in The Book of Signs, “Thus the nations do not believe that a time is coming when God’s judgement will inevitably descend. But be assured, He is storing up judgment against a day to come. The Bible is clear: one of these days God will have had enough, and His judgment will pour down like consuming fire against the world’s wicked nations.”

“They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.” Revelation 16:9

Even as we watch today the birth pangs of the Bible’s predicted end times, many still do not believe the time could be short to turn their life over to Jesus. Instead, during the COVID pandemic, local governments, and even the Supreme Court, consider the church irrelevant and nonessential!

You can rest assured that it is NOT God closing the churches. Satan understands exactly how relevant and essential the church is, especially now, and I’ve written about this in The Rant, A Rave, and A Primal Scream and If God Is Pulling Back the Veil on Evil, How Should the Church Respond?

Jesus warns everyone to beware and be ready!

Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Matt. 24:4-8 NLT

Luke 21:11 NLT adds that “There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.

Speaking to Christians, Jesus continues . . .

9 “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Matthew 24:9-14 NLT

Who is going to endure the persecution by the state and preach the Good News throughout our country?

Many pastors still have the doors of their churches closed, but others are opening anyway, and most are sharing their messages virtually transmitted to all corners of the world. Worship leader, Sean Feucht, is sponsoring outdoor revivals drawing thousands. God knows no boundaries.

But you and I are also God’s disciples and ministers. What better way to dismiss the myths about Jesus then to share our testimony of how Jesus changed our life. We all know someone who needs to hear our story of what Jesus did for us!

Speak the Language of Hope!

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29 NLT

If this pandemic inspires Americans to live better lives that would definitely be a positive outcome. But according to an article New Poll: Americans See The Hand Of God At Work In Current Events, surveys show that Americans are increasingly turning to drugs, alcohol and television during this pandemic, and a survey that was released just this week found that Bible reading in the United States dropped precipitously “between January and June!”

Oh dear friends, now more than ever we need to be in our Bibles daily meditating on God’s Word and applying it to our own emotions and concerns. Letting God speak to us, comfort us, and encourage us to live by faith not by sight. To live courageously not fearfully!

You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. Ps. 119:114 NLT

The world needs us! Our families need us! God needs us to be a beacon of light in a dark and dreary world.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

Many today are living in fear because they have no hope. They don’t know where they’re going when they die.

It’s up to Christians to make Jesus real to them, but before they’re going to believe in Jesus, they need to believe that Jesus is in us!

They need to know we care about their life and their salvation.

They need to see the love of Jesus in our actions and words.

15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.  Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT

We must live like believers!

Live like we believe what the Bible says!

Live like we trust God!

Live like we are Everyday Brave!

Live like we have hope!

Live like Jesus is real in our life and is not a myth!

3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 2 Timothy 4:3-5 NLT

This is an exciting time to live because if ever the love, forgiveness, and hope of Jesus needs sharing with a worried, fearful, depressed, frustrated, and deceived world . . . it’s NOW!

We were born and reborn for such a time as this.

Don’t ever think you can’t make a difference.

Don’t give up no matter how ominous or discouraging the world looks.

Fight for truth! Stand for truth! Speak God’s truth!

We’re the ones who are expected to help Jesus light up this dark world, at least our world.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

“The language of hope is revolutionary in the way we see, the words we speak, and the lives we encourage and change . . . Real change begins one mouth at a time, one new vision voiced in the lives of those who need a fresh breath from God. It begins at street level with those who carry the culture of the Kingdom within them and know how to express it well. It begins with people like you!” Chris Tiegreen

And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. Titus 2:12-14

“All it takes is for good people to do something! Be activists in everything you do!” Charlie Kirk, Turning Point.

I hope I hear a resounding, “Amen!”

Note: When I finished writing this blog, a friend shared the YouTube of Charlie Kirk and Pastor Jack Hibbs at her church, Calvary Church Chino Hills. It’s so good. They start with Bible Prophecy and go on to cover a wide range of topics relevant to today’s events. Allow yourself an hour to listen. You’ll be blessed!

August 3, 2020
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If God Is Pulling Back the Veil on Evil, How Should the Church Respond?

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I recently commented to my husband that I had no idea there were so many people succumbing to the wiles of evil! I’m not naive about Satan being the active ruler of this world, but I am alarmed at how many deceived followers he has, especially in America.

Maybe evil is so prevalent today because during times of lawlessness, like we’re experiencing, evil goes unchecked by those in authority and in many cases is blatantly defended and encouraged. Never in my lifetime have I seen the display of evil actually bowed down to and elevated like in the Old Testament days when the people turned away from God and worshipped idols and other gods.

Would you have ever thought in America that . . .

Governors and mayors support and encourage the destruction of their own cities by anarchists and domestic terrorists.

Public and private property decimated and vandalized by cheering crowds and local officials do nothing to stop the mayhem, even telling the police to “stand down” while innocent citizens are terrorized? A congressional leader’s response, “People will do things.”

Vulgar and hateful words become graffiti covering city and government buildings.

Toddlers shot and murdered while sleeping in their beds and babies shot in their strollers or car seats.

Young innocent children playing outside, walking home, riding in a car, or getting out of a car shot dead and the local government does nothing.

Millions of unborn babies legally murdered by genocide in their mommy’s tummy. Or if born alive, they could still be left to die!

Police officers assaulted, disrespected, defunded, and restrained from protecting us.

Loss of our First Amendment and God-given right to attend church and worship together.

Guns confiscated from owners using them to protect their property from rioters who threaten to kill them and burn down their house. The victim homeowners are prosecuted but not the criminal rioting trespassers.

Criminals set free.

A Marxist organization that wants to disband the patriarchal family, eliminate the police, provide free abortions, support the LGBTQ agenda, and control America or burn it down, receive praise, money, followers, and is bowed down to and paid homage.

Sexual immorality runs rampant and few take notice, even in the church?

The Supreme Court allows tighter restrictions on churches than on casinos!

Craziness!

Anyone denouncing any of these anomalies is subjected to discrimination, slander, threats, hate, and told to let the carnage continue!

I could go on, but you see it all happening too. Most of this barely makes the mainstream media.

Evil and mayhem normalized.

What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. Isaiah 5:20 NLT

Why Is God Letting This Happen?

I believe that God is exposing rampant evil because the church has forfeited its position in mainstream society. How many pastors have you seen publically respond to or denounce any of the issues I mentioned above? Yes, there are a few, but very few.

It’s a wakeup call. A line-in-the-sand moment.

If the church stays quiet and lets evil reign, Christianity will become irrelevant.

This is our deciding hour. Not to cower from Satan but to advance the name of Jesus Christ, the only hope and solution to the survival of America! Not to ignore evil but to confront it and boldly offer the only cure.

Much like God warns the Church in Sardis in Revelation 3:1-6 NLT:

Write this letter to the angel[a] of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit[b] of God and the seven stars:

“I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. 3 Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.

4 “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.

6 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.

For the church or Christian who is trying to straddle between the world and the Word, God has a message to them also as He tells the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-16, 19-21 NLT.

14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning[a] of God’s new creation:

15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! . . . 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.

Pastor John MacArthur, Grace Community Church, wrote an excellent response to the unjust closing of churches: Christ, Not Caesar, is the Head of the Church: A Biblical Case for the Church’s Duty to Remain Open. I came across his article as I was finishing my blog, and once again, God confirmed that I heard His voice clearly on what I was to write.

Here is a paragraph from Pastor MacArthur’s article, which I encourage you to read, especially if you question whether the church is to follow the local government or God. If your church is closed right now share it with your pastor.

As government policy moves further away from biblical principles, and as legal and political pressures against the church intensify, we must recognize that the Lord may be using these pressures as means of purging to reveal the true church. Succumbing to governmental overreach may cause churches to remain closed indefinitely. How can the true church of Jesus Christ distinguish herself in such a hostile climate? There is only one way: bold allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our prayer is that every faithful congregation will stand with us in obedience to our Lord as Christians have done through the centuries.

Today in my church, our pastor preached on Acts 4:1-21 where Peter and John were arrested by the “temple police and the Sadducees” for publically teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Temple where 5000 people were saved! Peter and John were ordered to leave and commanded not to teach or preach again in the name of Jesus.

But Peter and John replied, ‘Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.’” (Acts 4:19 NLT)

How Long Will God Tarry?

Evil will not end until Jesus returns, but it doesn’t mean we surrender to it until then. No, we fight against Satan with every breath in us! We put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Then together we take a bold, courageous, prayerful, vocal, and faith-filled stand against the schemes of the enemy.

Hebrews 5:13-14 reminds us of all the teaching and training we’ve had in the church—now is the hour to apply it!

“Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

Honestly, God has put this so heavy on my heart to share right now. I can’t ignore the moral and cultural decline we’re watching in our world today. I hope you can’t either!

The Bible tells us that no one knows when Jesus will return. Also, no one knows when he or she will take their last breath. My burden is that we all be found ready for both.

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose  for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served . . . , or the gods of the Amorites, [today’s culture] in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (my additions in brackets)

Note: We need to be praying for all our police officers. Here is a prayer I wrote for them and their families: 4 Prayers In Honor of Police Officers.

If you haven’t read my past blogs, I share thoughts on Don’t Let COVID Divide the Church! We’re On the Same Team!
America’s Problem is Systemic Secularism NOT Systemic Racism!

July 27, 2020
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Don’t Let COVID Divide the Church! We’re On the Same Team!

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It bothers me, and I hope it bothers you too, to see how easily Satan has used the COVID pandemic to divide Christians.

Church members used to have differing opinions on worship style music: Contemporary or hymns? Pews or chairs? Young or mature pastor? Multiple services or one? Carpet or wood floors?

They might also differ on theological issues like Pre, Post, or Mid Tribulation.

Sadly, sometimes those disagreements did divide the church!

Today, if you go on social media the topics disputed range from: open the church or stay closed? Meet outside or inside? Sing or don’t sing?

Wear masks or don’t wear masks? Social distance or be social? Back to school or keep kids home?

Then there’s the recent dividing issue of racism, which I talked about in last week’s blog America’s Problem is Systemic Secularism NOT Systemic Racism!

You would hardly know sometimes that it’s Christians communicating as they sling opinions as assaults and attacks on each other. Anger seeps through every word. Conversations escalate to arguments. Verbal attacks and accusations fly through the comments on a Facebook post, twitter, an article, or in person.

Just today, I became entangled in one of these tirades about wearing masks. Everyone was wrestling to have their voice heard and actually denounce any dissenting viewpoints. No grace or acknowledgement that others might disagree.

Suddenly, the Holy Spirit spiritually scolded me that this exchange was such a waste of time and energy. Often we’re trying to convince a stranger, as if they’re suddenly going to see our point of view. They’re not!

My last comment seemed to close the conversation for a little while. In an attempt to bring everyone to a realization of what we all need to think about. Here’s what I wrote:

I think if Christians spent as much time and energy sharing the Gospel as they do arguing over masks, we could see a huge revival and maybe even the rapture where for sure we won’t need masks or gloves. BTW I wonder why no one is talking about plastic gloves anymore? Anyway, I have a blog to write and bet you have better things to do today too.

I thought that was the end of the discussion until it turned to gloves. I was scolded that plastic gloves were never recommended for coronavirus protection. And off everyone went about gloves!

Sometimes, we need the righteous right hand of the Lord to give us one of those wake-up jolts to bring us out of the stupor we’ve succumbed to by arguing over issues where there really is no definitive answer or right way to think or do something. Or that we have no control over.

I meant what I wrote in the comment above. What if we put the same energy and effort into convincing people to give their life to Christ as we do trying to convince them to wear masks or stay home?

Why aren’t we as worried about other people’s spiritual death as we are about their physical death? Or is it really just about us?

I like Lou Holtz’s thinking, “I don’t want to stop living for fear of dying.”

Do We Want to Identify with The Mob or The Lord?

We’ve seen in this woke culture that if anyone disagrees with the mob, they use intimidation, horrible name-calling, ruining reputations, shouting down opposition, or even violence.

The mob is not the group we want to imitate.

If ever Christians needed to be counter-culture, it’s now!

There’s little in today’s culture we want to reflect in our own lives. But as we listen to all the arguing and dissent in the news today and on social media, it’s so easy to let some of it seep into our mind and yes our heart and conversation.

There are definitely two sides to society: a worldly culture that wants to eliminate God and His teachings and a godly culture that wants to share Jesus and the gospel with the world.

My belief is that while some might try to have a little of both cultures in their life, in a truly Christ-centered life, there isn’t space for any of the world’s ways.

Not easy. It takes so much prayer, discipline, and time in God’s Word to be able to differentiate God’s wisdom from Satan’s manipulation.

We must pray about everything we “hear” and ask God to help us discern if it’s truth or lies.

God is good. He will direct you.

As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! Psalm 119:7 NLT

Don’t just repeat everything the culture is telling you right now. What is God telling you? Most times, it will be the exact opposite of a term or opinion you hear repeatedly.

Don’t accept anything as truth just because someone on the news or Facebook or even an “expert” said it like it was believable.

We’re living in a culture like the time of Judges where everyone did what was right in his own eyes. “All the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” Judges 21:25 NLT

The only eyes we should focus on are God’s eyes, which roam the world looking for those who will follow Him exclusively. “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chr. 16:9

I want to be one of those people that catches God’s eye and I know you do too.

With the closing of many churches today, Satan has the perfect circumstance to not only keep the church silent, but to also let differences fester. We all know that sitting home and watching a sermon online fills the void of hearing a message but does not replace the gathering together of God’s people to encourage each other and lift each other up, especially now.

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrew 10:24-25

We need to find ways to uplift and encourage each other through our conversation and interaction. Disagree without being disagreeable or disrespectful.

As God’s people, we unite for one purpose, to grow in our faith so we can share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

We don’t know when the Lord will return, but it could be soon or He could tarry to give more time for people to repent. Let’s use our time wisely to be kind to each other and focus on what really matters, saving the lost and encouraging our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thess. 5:11-12

I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 1 Cor. 1:10 NLT

Side note: I want to make clear that by uniting as the church, I mean the Bible-believing church. Sadly, many Christians and churches today have joined the progressive liberal culture to change the meaning of the Bible to adapt to culture instead of culture adapting to the Bible.

Pastor Shane Idleman has an excellent article I would encourage you to read about Christians who have adapted to the culture.

Also, one of the best factual commentaries on the Black Lives Matter movement is from Mike Huckabee’s opening monologue on his show July 18, 2020. It’s not very long, I hope you’ll listen. At first, it will say an error occurred please try again later, but just wait a few minutes and it will start. I’ve noticed that a lot lately on YouTube.

July 20, 2020
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