BEGIN THE TURN-AROUND

Now that the 2014 elections are over and we have elected a significant number of common-sense legislators and governors into office, it’s time to organize and begin to turn this ship of state around away from the rocky shoals it was headed for.

Our first course correction must steer us toward a reaffirmation of our national motto: “In God We Trust,” and a frank discussion of its meaning, and how it should impact public policy.

It’s interesting to note that even among our most conservative politicians, no one—not a single one that I have heard—has spoken about this fundamental truth that has produced the greatest nation the world has ever known. It is the architectural framework that must prevail if the American experiment is to continue and succeed.  Are they afraid to stand on what they believe? Are they listening to their political consultants advising them to refrain from using the “G” word?

It’s time for men and women of courage to state firmly—and without equivocation—the foundation of their political world view. It is as African-American Civil Rights leader, Frederick Douglass, told us,

[i]“I have one great political idea. . . . That idea is an old one. It is widely and generally assented to; nevertheless, it is very generally trampled upon and disregarded. The best expression of it, I have found in the Bible. It is in substance, “Righteousness exalteth a nation; sin is a reproach to any people” [Proverbs 14:34]. . . This constitutes my politics – the negative and positive of my politics, and the whole of my politics. . . . I feel it my duty to do all in my power to infuse this idea into the public mind, that it may speedily be recognized and practiced upon by our people."

That idea is summarized in our national motto, and reaffirmed in the phrase, “One nation Under God.” By our silence we have allowed a consistent drift away from these sure moorings that have led to peace and prosperity unknown in the world from its creation.

WHY ARE THESE IDEAS SO IMPORTANT?

Consider the fact that our founders never said, “In Government We Trust,” or “In the Constitution We Trust,” or even “In We the People We Trust.” No, our trust is in something even greater—the God of the universe!

Governments change; the Constitution changes; we the people certainly change, but God never changes, and putting our trust in Him has provided a firm and stable reference point, our North Star, so-to-speak, that has allowed us to live under one form of government for over 200 years, a fact that Americans take for granted, but is nevertheless unheard of in other parts of the world. We enjoy living under the longest ever Constitutional republic. Our War for Independence came at a time when other nations were also seeking liberty, but none have enjoyed the peace and prosperity we have known.  France, who had their Revolution shortly after our War for Independence has known more than seven different forms of government since then. Italy has had over fifty! As Americans, we could never imagine what it would be like to go to bed at night wondering what our government was going to look like in the morning, but in the rest of the world that is not an uncommon experience.

Why? It’s because we have put our trust, not in the unstable minds and hands of people, parties or parchments, but we have placed our trust in the unchanging sovereignty of God.

THE KEY TO UNITY

The idea that we are “One Nation Under God” also serves to provide a source of unity necessary for continued peace and progress.  We have seen the negative impact of “identity politics,” and by every measure it has proven to be counter-productive. Race relations have not improved, and studies show they have gotten worse. We must reaffirm, and incorporate into our lives and politics the truth that we are one nation—black, white, yellow, Hispanic, rich, poor, whatever, we are all Americans—one, nation, one people, under one God.  This must be the common, unifying and equalizing principle that brings us together as an American family. Someone might then say, “But where does that leave people who don’t believe in God?” Let me answer as President Eisenhower did,

[ii]“Without God there could be no American form of government, nor an American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first –the most basic- expression of Americanism.”

So then, it is clear that anyone who does not believe in God may certainly enjoy the benefits of citizenship as long as they meet the legal requirements, but they can never be an American in spirit if they cannot even subscribe to our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

CONCLUSION

Let the turn-around begin, but my word to newly elected legislators and all those who hold public office is

“Be not afraid to speak of what you believe, and  boldly reset our nation- with a clear voice- on that firm foundation expressed in our national motto,  “In God We Trust.”

Let that be the beginning of the turn-around and I believe He will bless it and grant us success for the benefit of coming generations.

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[i] Frederick Douglass Convention Speech 1852

[ii]“Remarks Recorded for the "Back-to-God" Program of the American Legion, 2/20/55

THE FIRST ANTI-AMERICAN AMERICAN PRESIDENT

I have said before—and I have been criticized for saying it—that President Obama is the first “un-American American President.”  Well, let me take that a step further. The recent release of five Taliban high level commanders is evidence that he is the first “Anti"-American” American President. His actions actually give aid and comfort to the enemy—grounds for treason. Not only is this a morale booster for the Taliban fighters, but he supplied them with high level commanders, now elevated as heroes because of their Gitmo experience.  They will no doubt help to recruit more soldiers who will kill Americans, and whose blood will be on the hands of this President. He couldn’t be more of an ally to our enemies than these actions represent. One wonders if he might be on their payroll instead of the payroll of the American people.

Congress must stop him by whatever legal means possible before he does further damage to our country. The American people must rise from their complacency or we will lose the liberty, prosperity and peace we have been blessed with since our founding. This is no time for summer soldiers or sunshine patriots.

MISSION 2014

Considering the gravity our time, and the message I sensed the Lord was speaking to me about His Church, I have been somewhat slow to publish what I believe to be the mission for the Church in 2014. I needed more time than usual to meditate on God’s Word and soak it in prayer as I sought not just God’s mind, but also His heart for His Church. Here is what I believe the Spirit is saying.

1. You (America) have gone beyond the tipping point.
“You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.” –Daniel 5:27 (NIV)

The people have re-elected a leader who not only neglects the rule of God, but in fact, wars against His sovereignty. As a result, God has lifted his hedge of protection and the U.S. will experience, in increasing measure, the effects of the curse. This will manifest in various ways including natural disasters, economic and national defense failures, and domestic chaos and confusion. This should come as no surprise to the “people of the Book,” as the Old Testament is replete with examples of how God deals with nations. The Apostle Paul tells us,

“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come”–. 1 Corinthians 10:11 (NIV)

So we are without excuse. Our forefathers have warned us:

“The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained”-George Washington,
and,

“It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependency upon the overruling power of God, and to recognize the sublime truth announced in Holy Scriptures and proven by all history that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”—Abraham Lincoln

More important than what our founders have said is what God says in His Word,
“if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; (2 peter 2:6)
Why would we expect God to deal with us any differently?

2. You must repent.
Judgment is certain unless we repent according to the formula God has given in His Word:

“If my people who are called by my Name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land.” –2 Chronicles 7:14.

National repentance must be led by the leaders of the Church as they repent of:
a) Pride and self-righteousness esteeming themselves more highly than other church leaders of different expressions of the faith.

b) Protecting factions and dissensions which are works of the sinful nature, (Galatians 5:20). The New Testament couldn’t be more clear about the evil brought on by pledging one’s allegiance to anything, or anyone other than Christ and His Gospel. Any division or “denominationalism” based on allegiance to anything other than Christ and his cause is idolatry.
This is the single most responsible cause for the powerlessness of His Church. Jesus taught us that a house divided cannot stand. His house is divided. Our divisions have been the greatest stumbling block preventing the manifestation of the supernatural power of God.
Sadly, this condition is preferred by some who would rather spread the Gospel with persuasive speech and the wisdom of men, than surrender to the sovereignty of God and a demonstration of the Spirit’s power (1 Corinthians 2:4). At best, this condition reflects Biblical ignorance; at worst, it suggests a pharisaical attitude that will not relinquish control to God, manifest in the Holy Spirit.

3. Leaders must pursue unity in Christ even at the risk of sacrificing doctrinal distinctives that are not foundational to the faith. We must practice the Augustinian rule: “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, love. As has been said, “If it’s an issue, it’s an idol.”
The only Biblical distinctions for local congregations identify them by their location, i.e., “the Church of Corinth,” “the Church at Ephesus,” etc. That should be the heart’s desire of every local pastor, because that is the heart of Christ who prayed that we would “all be one.” How far we have fallen!

Leaders must put off their small-mindedness, often generated by their own insecurities, and become more Kingdom-minded. They must choose between building their own church or watching Him build His Church in our midst, and being grateful that we can be a part.

4. Then leaders must be equipped with the knowledge of the role God has played in the life of our nation, and they must teach the people. Just as God told Moses to remind the people continually of how He delivered them from bondage, and led them to a land flowing with milk and honey, so too, must today’s leaders remind the people of God of how He delivered us from bondage and tyranny throughout our American history.

Then, equipped with knowledge and faith for the future leaders must teach their people to pray fervently for God’s mercy. The Church must be a house of prayer, until we see a genuine visitation from God, a supernatural presence that will melt hearts and resurrect His Church.

5. Then we must get up to possess the gates of the enemy. The “gates” are the place where decisions are made for our community, like the school board, the PTA, the town council, and any other place in the civic arena where “we, the people” gather to make decisions for our communities. We must “re-Christianize” American politics if America is to be redeemed.
Human nature does not change, and just like the Israelites, we too, have been “complacent in Zion.” And like the Israelites, our “feasting and lounging” will end suddenly, unless we repent, (Amos 6).

 

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This is what I believe God is saying to the Church concerning our mission in 2014. I would only ask that you would prayerfully consider what I have said, and to the extent God confirms this word by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in you, to that extent I pray that you would respond as He leads you.
I would be honored to help in any way I can to see this nation come back to God, for the benefit of my grandchildren, an unsaved world, and His glory!