What Now? How Do We Move Forward?

     It has been nearly a week since our national election and there seems to be a concerted effort to continuously promote division amongst our populace.  It's as if a powerful "force" is determined to create rivalry, bitterness, and hostility between us.  We can point to outside agitators, but we know who that "force" really is, don't we?  And I believe that the animosity we are seeing here in our nation, on earth, is mirroring the hostilities that are occurring in heaven between God and His host, and Satan and his followers.
     So, how are we to react, and what are our responsibilities?  I think I can sum it up by sharing an interesting experience I enjoyed this past weekend.  I have told you that my husband is an artist and part of our business is to exhibit his art at various shows and events.  He is primarily a Western artist, but every once in awhile, he is inspired to paint a different subject matter.
      As to be expected, there is always a cross-section of people who enjoy the arts.  They are not classified by political ideology, race or ethnicity, or whether they share religious beliefs or not.  In fact, we try to receive all people on an identical footing, with the idea that we are disciples of Christ, wherever we find ourselves.

"Yeshua" - My husband's comment on the painting:
"The emotion and impact of the Crucifixion is
stunning and heart-rending. The cut limestone
background and weathered Mexican wood
of the sideboard it rests upon only accentuate
the emotion of this piece.  Dramatic lighting
and the carved stone of the figure of Messiah
are poignant and touch my spirit".  

     That being said, it has been suggested to us, by one of the venues in which we exhibit, that presenting faith-based paintings is probably not a good idea because the public isn't interested in seeing them.  Of course, that doesn't deter my husband, who will not deny the glorification of our Lord because someone doesn't accept Him, or it makes them uncomfortable.  And, often, they are the first paintings to sell, because they strike an emotional chord in someone who loves Him as much as we do.
     Another artist who attended our opening was a photographer who had the same experience.  Likewise, she was advised not to enter a moving photograph in a contest because it featured an image of an open Bible through the window of an old church, with the panes casting a shadow of the cross across the wooden floor.  That photograph was very emotional and she received several orders for it.
     I relate all this to illustrate how easily the Enemy tries to convince us that our message of Christ is unwanted, unwelcome, and uninspiring.  And I believe that is the message that is being encouraged in the wake of this contentious election.  But, I believe just the opposite is true!  Right now, our nation needs the hope that Jesus inspires in those of us who are His disciples.  And it's taken me a bit to get to my point, but here it is .... Now is the time for us to live out what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.  And exactly what does that mean and how do we do it?
     First of all, a careful study in Strong's Concordance tells me that to be a disciple of Jesus is to follow His teachings.  That means more than to be His student or pupil, but to be an upholder, a defender, and a true believer in Jesus.  In other words, it is our faith accompanied by action; to be an imitator of Christ within our spheres of influence.
      Very simply put, we need to show our nation -- and the world -- that we have faith in Jesus's message; that we live and love according to His holy principles; and above all, to show them what a life abiding in Christ looks like.  We are not nasty, racist, homophobic, misogynist, sexist haters.  In fact, we are honorable and moral people who will accept you even if you don't accept us.  We won't hate you for your sins, because we know what it is to be a sinner.  By exhibiting what it's like to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, we hope to show you Someone greater to believe in than yourself or the shiny temptations of the world.
     Don't get me wrong, we would love nothing more than to create a curiosity in others about the peace we find in the midst of all this discord and disharmony.  We want to share our testimony and tell you how we've been able to endure the difficulties and struggles in our lives; how and why we don't covet money, or prestige, or possessions.  We want to share the Source of why we are moved to paint, or photograph, or write about the One who defines our life.  Yes, I will admit that I want to teach you about Him, so that you might love Him as much as I do.  But I want to do that by showing you what it's like to serve others, to put others first, and to seek  Him above all things worldly.
     Those are attitudes that have been missing in our national discourse, and no elected official is going to be able to legislate Discipleship.  True discipleship comes from being a committed follower of Jesus, imitating Him in how we treat others, and adhering to His commandment to be the Light of the world.  There will be those who will respond to us, and those who will reject us.  We mustn't concern ourselves with the job of convincing people to accept us.  We must live our lives as examples of Christ, and let the Holy Spirit convict those He will.  So, in the intense and impassioned days ahead, do not lose your focus, nor turn aside from your responsibility as a Disciple of Christ.  Let not the world discourage you nor dissuade you from your purpose… because they will certainly try.  Just remember that we are equipped to carry on as His witnesses ... and our nation needs our example.

John 15:8    "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples."
   
   

The Election of Our Lifetime

     I got a phone call from my brother yesterday, proudly proclaiming that he had voted early.  Like many of you, he rightly understands that this Presidential election could very well determine the future of our nation as we know it.  If you are not a Christian, then you probably look upon this election as a decision between a life-long politician and an anti-Washington Establishment candidate.
     If you are a Christian, then issues like Supreme Court Justices, who will decide the law of the land in regards to abortion, same-sex marriage, and religious and civil rights, are important to you.  Sadly, if we are looking for a true Christian candidate, then we're out of luck.  But, as I've seen written on several different websites, "we are not voting for a pastor but for a politician".

     And let's not lose sight that we live in a fallen world.  Being Conservative or Liberal does not equal being a Christian.  That's where a candidate's character and integrity come into play.  I think it is pretty safe to say that, the way the world is headed, the next President is going to have a tremendous amount of adversity to deal with.  Which one do you think will stand up to the pressure, and consider what is best for the people, rather than their political future?  I know that is nearly impossible to imagine, given the history of politicians in our lifetime, but I truly believe we are on the precipice of world-changing events that will effect the entire globe... so who do you trust to measure up to that mental, physical, and emotional stress (or at least, which one do you mistrust the least?)
     Here's my true assessment of the Christian voter's dilemma ... It has become clearer and clearer to me that we have abdicated our role as citizens of the Kingdom of God in favor of seeing ourselves as citizens of the United States of America.  Because we have not understood or performed our role as citizens of God's Kingdom, and helped to institute a structured, organized government with the very authority of God behind it, we are suffering the consequences of surrendering our identity.
     Stop and consider this ... To Jesus and His disciples, the term Kingdom of God meant a government that would be established on earth. They anticipated that its arrival would amount to nothing less than a sweeping, overwhelming change in the world order.  Read that highlighted part of the last sentence again.  Have we, the Body of Christ, done that in this country?  No!  Instead, we are seeing more violence, lawlessness, and discord than ever.
     And I firmly believe that we could be facing the advent of one of the most repressive systems in the history of our nation.  So what do we do if God allows that to take place?  What is our role after November 8th, no matter who wins?  It's clear that we have failed in the last several decades to influence the culture or the government.  We have not conducted ourselves as representatives of the Kingdom of God on earth.  Instead we have compromised and made concessions in the hope that we could maintain our status within our own closed faction of society.  But we see where that got us.
     Those who we failed to influence are now not satisfied with our status quo.  And we've forgotten Who we represent on this planet, and sought those politicians we hoped would represent us.  We've lost sight of the fact that America is just our temporary home, and we were to help establish Our Father's Kingdom ... on earth as it is in Heaven.
     Is it too late to reclaim our ambassadorship and citizenship?  Never!  This age in which we live is awash in hostilities, injustice, and fear.  But we serve a King who is the answer to all that!  We can show our fellow citizens that there is a counter-culture that offers hope!  The solution to our nation's problems does not lie in another bill before the Legislature, or a Supreme Court decision, or even who is the 45th President of the United States.  The answer lies in fulfilling our roles as citizens of a very real Kingdom of God on earth.
     If we accept that challenge, we must decide which of the two candidates is most likely to serve our purpose.  To not vote is your choice, as well.  This is the fine line that the Christian must walk; we have dual citizenship, both as citizens of America and the Kingdom.  For myself, I will exercise my right to vote for the leader of my nation; with an eye on which one will allow me to influence my fellow Americans by helping to establish a government with, not only the Authority of God behind it, but with that sweeping, overwhelming change that has been anticipated since our King walked this earth.  It may not come in my lifetime, but I am ready to assume my proper identity and walk out my citizenship in His Kingdom.  May the nation get in step with my Lord.

Ephesians 2:19    "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens [outsiders without rights of citizenship], but you are fellow citizens with the saints (God’s people), and are [members] of God’s household..."

Satan and Politics: A New Revolution?

     If you are like me, this whole political cycle is becoming tedious.  I do not happen to believe that we can change the direction of this country -- or the world, for that matter -- with a political solution. I believe our problems are much bigger than the contested Republican convention that is predicted; or the scandal over Hillary's emails, Benghazi, and the threats to national security.  I have huge doubts about the ability of any newly-elected President to turn around our failing economy, our immigrant/border problem, or the encroachment upon our national sovereignty by any foreign powers or global institution.  I think our problems are the result of our spiritual deterioration; our rebellion and rejection of God; and the doors we have opened to Satanic influence in our homes, our culture, and our churches.  In short, watching Fox News or CNN to get the latest political update seems like I'm watching a carefully scripted mockery of the delusion that we have any say in the future of this nation.
     That bit of pessimism aside, my always alert husband discovered an article he thought worthy of our discussion.  I read it, at first, with a sense of sad amusement -- that people could be so deceived as to actually be a follower of such nonsense -- but that was soon replaced with the very real sense that there are people who are hopelessly lost, and convenient tools of the dark side of this world.  Let me explain....
     This all may seem laughable, and unrealistic, but keep in mind that Satan seeks to enter all facets of our lives, and politics is a very impressionable and powerful subculture of our society.  And we have a generation of dissatisfied, alienated, and discontented youth who, like every generation before them, think that they have the solution for the "perfect revolution" to change the world.  It's just that in this time of history, the Enemy has done away with subtle and muted messages, and is openly identifying himself as an alternative choice -- even in politics.

The Satanic Temple performs a satanic ritual at
the Michigan State Capitol in December 2015

     So, you may be familiar with the organization known as The Satanic Temple.  They have made their presence known by demanding the same religious rights and privileges afforded to Christianity.  You may recall their campaigns to create satanic coloring books for distribution in schools in Florida and Colorado; bids to erect satanic “nativity scenes” on government property in Florida, Michigan and Indiana; offering prayers to Satan at a high school football game in Seattle; and demanding that a monument to the Ten Commandments at the Oklahoma State Capitol be accompanied by a monument to Baphomet (a goat-headed idol associated with witches' sabbaths).
     I've always assumed that they saw themselves as an alternative "religion".  But you should know that the foundation of their "movement" is political, and they have stated as such on their website:  "The Satanic Temple (TST) facilitates the communication and mobilization of politically aware Satanists, secularists, and advocates for individual liberty."  It is obvious they aim to make their presence known in politics!
     Their latest attempt to influence the political culture in this country came at South by Southwest (SXSW), an annual set of film, interactive media, and music festivals and conferences that take place in mid-March in Austin, Texas.  This event started out as a forum for talented, new, and independent artists, and as far as I'm concerned, has attracted far too many of the "fringe" and "bizarre" types.  But they open the venue to anyone, so what better place for The Satanic Temple to present a unique political message to the masses.
     First, you need to know that the TST political campaign involves the 2016 movie, "The Witch", a tale of a Puritan family turning on each other as they attempt to root out the supernatural evil plaguing their farm.  The film won the award for best director at the Sundance Film Festival – and even frightened horror master Stephen King, which is quite a feat, and enough to keep me from ever seeing it.  But the important fact, here, is that The Satanic Temple combined forces with A24 Studios, to promote a four-city tour called The Sabbat Cycle, which consisted of screenings of the film followed by politically driven satanic rituals.  I kid you not!  The stated goal of The Sabbat Cycle was to inspire a “satanic revolution.”  That got your attention, didn't it?
     Revolutions have always been about rebelling against the status quo, and who better than Satan, the first leader of an organized rebellion, to represent a burgeoning political movement?  But I think you should know exactly what The Sabbat Cycle is all about.  Obviously, it is meant to denigrate the Sabbath, a holy day as designated by God.  But in satanism it is also a supposed annual midnight meeting of witches with the Devil.  If you dare, you can click on this link to the website, but if you would rather skip the disgusting photos, then I can clue you in on their purpose and plan.  Here is the official mission statement:  "Inspired by the film The Witch, The Satanic Temple crossed the nation February 2016 to present a four-part cycle of interactive performances to reify the witch (to make something abstract more concrete or real) - and herald a new Satanic American era. A study of the pathology of religious hysteria, The Witch provides a glimpse into a dark period of our collective history, a  puritanical worldview turned parasitic.  Despite the mythology, supernatural forces do not inspire an attraction to the left hand path, rather it is the unnatural pressures of theocracy that ultimately produce a Satanic breakthrough. This is a timely film.  Nearly four-hundred years after the first execution of an American "witch," many in our nation still call for the establishment of an American theocracy and a return to the puritanical delusions of old.   In the face of relentless persecution, of unjust authority treading on our private, intellectual and sexual lives, we, the outsiders, the freethinking, and the godless have found ourselves strengthened.  We act now to righteously assert our American freedoms, for the edification of our communities and the future of the private citizen.  The Sabbat Cycle mirrors phases of "becoming" in the personal road to Satanism and is an invitation to join us in the Satanic Revolution."
     And to become part of this satanic political revolution, they apparently feel it is necessary to perform a satanic ritual.  You can read the full description, as provided by a reporter who decided to witness it for himself.  But here's the shortened version:  After viewing the film, the participants adjourned to a nearby bar where the entire area was adorned in black-and-white American flags, just like the ones that everybody in the room received as they entered. As all of this went down, a sermon played over loudspeakers, as a Christian minister described what Satan wanted from his followers—"Satan wants you to do what you want to do," a point that apparently both sides of the Jesus/Satan divide can agree on—while what the reporter described as "a punishing ambient soundscape provided by British electronic music weirdos Consumer Electronics" droned in the background.

     Then the head priestess or witch, whose name, believe it or not, is Jex Blackmore, came out from behind her black shroud and gave her own sermon.   "Who taught you to be ashamed?" and declaring that "satanism is the rational assertion of aggressive individualism." A naked couple, who were part of the show, got hoods draped over their heads, then removed them to chug down containers full of wine (supposed to represent blood). People in the crowd rushed to the front of the stage.  The priestess culminated her sermon by declaring, "We do not seek followers, we are seeking collaborators—individuals for a satanic alliance!" Then she instructed those collaborators to place their black-and-white flags outside of crisis pregnancy centers and the Texas governor's mansion. She ended the sermon by shouting "Hail Satan!" and raising her fist into the devil-horn sign, which the majority of the crowd of a hundred or so fired back, chanting "Hail Satan!" along with her, over and over again.
     Now, this might seem like an absurd exhibition, but we must never assume that it was nonproductive.  Anytime anyone praises Satan, or glorifies him, or honors him with worship, you can bet that our Enemy will take advantage of it and push his agenda.  He will use these willing dupes to present himself as a legitimate alternative to the religion of Christianity, as well as a genuine and different choice in the political arena.  But we must not forget that it is always a counterfeit option.  It is a false promise.
     Ms. Blackmore embraces her position as witch/political activist with relish. She sees the collaboration with the film, The Witch, as an opportunity to get more people involved and hasten their political revolution. She, along with the organization she represents (The Satanic Temple) want to challenge the popular belief that America is a “Christian nation.”  Seems like there are a lot of people in politics that hold that same belief system.  Can groups like TST and their occultic entourage change the landscape of our political consciousness?
     Are you willing to bet that they can't?  We have to face the fact that our culture and the nation's underlying foundation of the Christian Church has certainly changed in the last decade.  And Millennials now outnumber us Baby Boomers.  They don't see the big picture the way we do.  And if their picture doesn't include the reflection of God in their lives, their homes, our society, or our government, then they are inevitably ripe for deception and a counterculture that TST offers them.  We saw it happen in the 60s, when the youth of this nation forged new ideas of free sex, while protesting against the government, affluence, war, and any and all authority.
     Authority ... isn't that what Satan rebelled against, too?  God's Authority?  And now the youth of this nation openly hail God's Adversary by name.  But now that rebellion is moving from the religious sphere into the political arena, where the Bible tells us that Satan is ruler of this world.  Up to now, he has been able to work in relative obscurity -- most people are unaware that he is actually called the Prince of this world.  But now it appears as though he is coming out of the shadows and into full view amidst the corrupt, criminal, and immoral political landscape.  He should feel right at home.  And  now,  he's ready to get in the race.  Most of our spiritually protective walls have been torn down, and we already see the evidence of him winning court battles in Florida, Oklahoma, Colorado, Michigan, and Indiana.  When satanic rituals are allowed to be held in public, and are directed toward members of our government, then I fear that we have sealed our doom.  We are witnessing an unholy pact, and God help us!

Romans 1:32    "Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them."


   
   

What Is Your Litmus Test For President?

     We are facing what I believe will be the most important President election in our lifetimes... perhaps in the life of the nation.  We sit at a crossroads.  Never before has our nation seemed so far from God and His principles, and the people so removed from a desire for Him.
     Just as the nation of Israel was established with God as their ruler, so was the United States founded with the idea that God would be at the center of its existence.  Say what you will ... that the Founding Fathers were Deists rather than Christians; that they never intended for God to be involved in the governing of this nation ... but there is still enough historical documentation that credits the hand of God on this land.  Whether it is the Mayflower Compact which states that the colonization of America by the Pilgrim leaders was for the glory of God, or the miraculous victories during the Revolutionary War that George Washington credited to God... it is apparent that God was seen as a heavenly ruler.
     But just as Israel strayed from their allegiance to God, so has this nation fallen away from following Him.  Israel decided that they wanted what they wanted as men, instead of the path that God take them down as His chosen people.  So, they opted for a king made of flesh; one that would listen to their desires.  We, too, have abandoned His fundamental truths for the desires of our fickle hearts, and it has resulted in such chaos and disorder that we are in danger of demanding a king-like candidate that will listen to our pleas and give us what we want.

     But that's not good enough for me.  Christians are speaking up these days and demanding a return of this nation to our Godly roots, and the candidates are paying attention.  You may have noticed that their rhetoric is including more inferences to God, and Bible verses are becoming part of campaign speech.  But, as Bible-believing Christians, isn't it our duty to be extra discerning when it comes to giving them our vote?  Shouldn't their actions mirror their words?
     If a man's deeds do not match his words, then how are we to trust him?  If a candidate says he is pro-life, yet voted to fund Planned Parenthood, isn't that contradictory?  Where is the fruit of his profession of faith?  In politics, words can be changed and altered to fit different positions, but the Bible says that "by our words we will be justified, and by our words we will be condemned."  Our words matter!  And candidates should be scrutinized to see if their words and actions match.
     Courting the Evangelical vote is nothing new.  Candidates over the past few cycle of elections have come to understand that it is a powerful and influential voting bloc.  But how many Christians do not hold a candidate accountable when it comes to declaring his/her faith?  Why do we let them slide by accepting their statement that they are a Christian, or they go to church regularly?  Is that all there is to your litmus test?  Why would it not be essential that they openly declare that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior?  Doesn't that tell us exactly where their moral center lies?  Anything less than that doesn't convince me of their commitment to God or to Godly leadership.
     Finally, we must take seriously the stand they take on social issues.  The last eight years have seen our nation slide deeper into an immoral abyss.  We, and our leaders, have compromised and accepted unbiblical standards of living... and those of us who dare to disagree are becoming targets of verbal (so far) persecution, discrimination, and what would have been illegal actions, just a few years ago.  Where is the candidate that is willing to call abortion what it is ... murder?  And where is the candidate that will declare that same-sex marriage is against their Creator's design for matrimony?  And who is brave enough to say that transgenderism is not okay, and should not be funded by the taxpayers?
     This nation once found favor in the eyes of God.  And I believe it was in large part because the people of this nation, and the leaders we elected to govern us, sought guidance from God and sought to follow His moral precepts.  I also believe that the downward spiral we are experiencing today is due to our abandonment of that righteous path.  As much as there are those who don't want to admit it ... we are under judgment for our sins.  If we are to ever return this nation to its previous greatness, we must begin with recognition of our sins, followed by repentance, and the choice of Godly leaders. Do not take this election lightly!  I sincerely believe that the lives, and perhaps the very existence of our children and grandchildren, depend on the next person whom we decide will lead us.  Lord, we want You as our Divine Ruler, and we earnestly pray that You will send us Your earthly representative to guide this nation back to You!

Hebrews 13:7     "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."