Tag: #PrayElection2020; #PrayforAmerica

It is time for us to give more serious thought to serious matters.

After being released from prison, Jake Blues visits the boarding school he attended as a youth along with his brother Ellwood.

They learn that the Archdiocese is about to sell the school unless the Education Authority receives $5000 in taxes. They feel God has called them to save the school.

Jake and Ellwood put together their old blues band and miraculously raise the money after evading police and delivering a stellar live concert performance.

They are 106 miles from Chicago, must continue to evade the police, and get to City Hall before it closes. As they sneak out of the concert venue via an underground tunnel, a woman confronts them and opens fire with an M-16 rifle.

She turns out to be the woman Jake left standing at the altar years ago. Jake instinctively knows what to do. He rises, slowly approaches her, and then falls to his knees and proclaims: it wasn’t my fault!

Jake then fires off a list of unbelievable excuses as he pleads for his life, and it works. She has compassion on him; they embrace; then he drops her in the mud with no remorse, and begins the journey to Chicago with Ellwood. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U9Yl5CXvcQ

Some people are skilled at the art of deception. I have fallen victim to them, but I am not as gullible as I used to be.

Casablanca ranks near the top of the list of greatest films in history. It is one of my top three films. There is a famous line in the movie that serves the purposes of this article.

Claude Rains plays Captain Louis Renault, the corrupt French prefect of police who serves under Nazi supervision. Whenever criminal activity takes place in Casablanca, he directs the police to “round up the usual suspects.”

Rounding up the usual suspects directs activity against scapegoats rather than the real criminals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXuBnz6vtuI

Last week, I read an article in which a prominent Christian minister said he predicted coronavirus ahead of its arrival.  He said God told him that the virus was God’s judgment on America for allowing abortion and gay marriage.

I am pro-life from conception to the grave, and I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman; nevertheless, I would like to ask him a question.

Does he believe the rest of the world is suffering from COVID-19 because of abortion and gay marriage in America? I love America, but she is not the center of God’s universe.

To be clear, I do not believe this man nor most Christian ministers intend to deceive like Jake and Captain Renault, but there is a fundamental problem.

For decades, a small but influential group of Christian leaders have presented a short-list of root-causes for current and pending judgments on America.

Millions of American Christians, including myself, subscribed to their list and their logic. I should have thought more critically.

The Bible teaches us that there are many things we do not see clearly in this present age.  (1 Corinthians 13:12)

One day Jesus passed by a man blind from birth. His disciples assumed his blindness was the result of his sins or the sins of his parents. (John 9:2) They based their assumptions on Jewish cultural and religious norms, among them the widely held belief that you always reap what you sow. 

Jesus corrected the disciples and told them that neither the man nor his parents sinned. The man was born blind so that God’s mighty power could be seen in his life.  (v. 3)

After the 9/11 attacks, I heard prominent and influential Christian leaders place part of the blame for the attacks on pagans, abortionists, feminists, gays and lesbians, the American Civil Liberties Union, People for the American Way, and so on.

I don’t want to be disrespectful, but that explanation sounds more like something Jake would say than seasoned Christian leaders.

It became clear to me that, similar to the disciples, their short-list was shaped by cultural and political norms. That is simply the way they saw things. Unfortunately, they used their position and influence to persuade millions of others to see the world through the same lens.

It is time for us to give more serious thought to serious matters.

I have taught the Old & New Testaments to undergraduates since 2005. God is concerned for the needs of the poor, the foreigner, and the outcast, and he holds leaders accountable to address their needs.

The religious leaders I referred to never added neglect of the poor, foreigners, or outcasts to their short-list.

Having the usual suspects served to me for so many years has left me weary. I’ve made up my mind to think more critically.

On that regard, I believe the Holy Spirit has identified a clear and present danger to our nation that is neither from Democrats nor Republicans. The clear and present danger is from an apathetic and lukewarm church.

God is calling my home church, Bethel Temple, Hampton, VA –and perhaps other churches in America- to repent and turn back to Him. Consider what God spoke to the First Century church in Philadelphia:

But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. (Rev 2:4-5)

If we were to put this message to song lyrics, it might sound like MJ’s “Man in the Mirror:”

I’m starting with the man in the mirror. I’m asking him to change his ways. And no message could have been any clearer. If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change.

The church in America is complicit with many of the problems in our nation through our infighting, apathy and indifference.

It is time for us to give more serious thought to serious matters.

Come let us return to the Lord and He will restore us to sure foundations. Time is of the essence because the storm winds are blowing. God Bless! Press On!! Kevin

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. (Matthew 7:24-25)

This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. Hebrews 12:27

Update. Hurricane Laura was the strongest Hurricane to hit Louisiana but was not as devastating as it could have been. As of Friday, 28 August, nearly 700,000 are estimated to be without power across Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas.

Sadly, six individuals from Louisiana lost their lives in the storm.

I believe I am more sensitive than most to the effects of a major hurricane and I will address that shortly. First a word of encouragement from a woman who responded to last week’s article, The Coming Storm:

“Last night I kept dreaming I was in one storm after another. I could see trees blowing and hard rains, but I was inside, dry, and at peace. 

I had previously been anxious and afraid of life storm, but I am receiving the message that God uses them to show His faithfulness, strengthen our trust and reliance on Him, and to prepare us for future callings.“

There have only been three category five hurricanes to make landfall in the United States since 1900. The last one was Hurricane Andrew that slammed into south Florida in late August 1992.

I was among the first to arrive from 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, several days after the eye of Hurricane Andrew passed through southern Florida. 

For the next five weeks, we provided disaster relief in Florida City, a city in Dade County. Up to 25 individuals were killed in Dade County. The storm damaged or destroyed over 150.000 homes with about 175,000 rendered homeless–the vast majority in Dade County.

A storm of that magnitude clarifies things. You come to terms with who you REALLY are and what matters to you.

I will never forget the stories of the people who rode out the storm. Of particular note were remarks from individuals during a Sunday morning church service.

These people were full of joy and extremely thankful despite the devastation all around them.  They got through it, grew through it, and exhibited a strength and resolve that you could feel.

I saw tons of relief supplies coming in from across the nation. There were reports of looting and crime, but I only observed minor instances of greed. Mostly, I saw incredible acts of service that left a lasting impression on me.

The demographics of Florida City today are as follows: 44.75% White; 51.08% Black; 0.21% Asian. The hurricane made all things equal. I saw actions across racial lines that were positively remarkable. 

I was taken aback by relief workers enduring brutal summer heat to feed, clothe, and shelter others. These workers expanded my understanding of Christian ministry. 

They taught me that it costs you something to serve others because it is not about you. 

The storms did not destroy the people of Dade County. Many that I encountered came through it with dignity and strength. The support provided by relief workers taught me that there are great people in America.

There are other storms on the horizon. Two weeks ago, former top advisor to President Trump, Steve Bannon, was indicted for fraud. The President quickly distanced himself from Mr. Bannon.

Earlier this week, one of President Trump’s most trusted advisors, Kellyanne Conway, announced that she is stepping down from her White House role to focus on her family. 

Now, if you support Joe Biden, that may be good news, but her husband, George Conway, is likewise leaving his position with the Lincoln Project to focus on their family. So what? 

The Lincoln Project is a group of conservatives with a singular mission to defeat President Trump in the next election. The Conway household is a house divided and a family with four teenage children in turmoil. 

Then there is the news out of Liberty University (LU) where my son just graduated. LU President Jerry Falwell Jr. resigned this week on the heels of moral issues inconsistent with LU policies.

The Conway and Falwell families face serious family challenges, but how does a polarized and politicized church offer healing to those in need? 

If you think this shakeup of individuals is coincidental, I respectfully ask you to think again. Storm winds are blowing in a mosaic of activity that God is orchestrating.

Another headline reads, “The Kenosha Police Officer Who Shot Jacob Blake In The Back Has Been Identified.” You know by now that Mr. Blake, a black man, was shot seven times in the back by a white police officer.

Blake was trying to enter his car with his three children inside when he was fired upon. Blake is paralyzed from the waist down. A new round of clashes between police and protestors is taking place.

Storm winds are blowing in America to get our attention as a nation. The storm winds are going to intensify.

Fear not. I saw it in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. Storms of great magnitude clarify things. We are coming to terms with who we REALLY are and what matters to us.

Fear not. There are great people in America. Racial division will not destroy this nation.

Fear not. A powerful remnant of the church is going to get out of bed with political parties and finds its voice.

Fear not! The storm winds are not to destroy us, but there will be losses. In times of trouble, rest assured there is much to gain.

We must not allow these words to become a tired cliché:

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 I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

As our sister said at the outset: God uses storms to show His faithfulness, strengthen our trust and reliance on Him, and to prepare us for future callings.

There is a future for America and a calling on the church in America. We may be in for some tough times ahead, but we will come out with dignity and strength. Revival is coming our way! God Bless! Press On!! Kevin 

We say we want to know the future, but what if that future included a series of storms that could turn your world upside down? Would you still want to know?

My wife and I are the first people they talk to. The conversation we have with them may be the most important conversation of their lives.

Vanessa and I speak to them after they respond to an invitation to commit their lives to Christ.

The reasons they come to this decision vary, but they have one thing in common. They are looking for a change. They just responded to a preacher who told them that Jesus is the change they are looking for.

Now Vanessa and I face a delicate challenge. How do we encourage them in practical ways to pursue a relationship with God, while warning them about the storm headed their way? What storm?

The Bible tells us that persecution, worldly cares, and satan himself will immediately test their resolve to serve God. (Mark 4:14-19) How do you adequately prepare people who are already dealing with problems? 

About 15 years ago, Dr. Terry Mintor, the president of Bethel Bible Institute, gave me some advice on dealing with incoming freshman students.

He told me that he and his wife could not understand why incoming students complained so much about problems they encountered.

Then it dawned on him. Dr. Mintor said he forgot to tell the students about spiritual warfare. He told me to warn students at the beginning of the semester.

I have warned several hundred students over the years about the invisible warfare they will encounter. (Ephesians 6:11-12) Most make it through the storm.

Vanessa is the Children’s Pastor at Bethel Temple. The children cannot gather due to social distancing requirements; therefore, she develops and posts their lessons on the church website.

Sometimes we forget how hard it was growing up. Imagine what it is like for children today. This week their lesson addresses the hardships the apostles faced in declaring the gospel, and how God brought them through.

Vanessa believes children should understand both the benefits and the challenges of being a Christian so she prepares them for what’s coming. 

We say we want to know the future, but what if that future included a series of storms that could turn your world upside down? Would you still want to know?

I had some rough going early in my military career, but things changed in my 13th year. Life is hard, but there are those rare seasons when everything falls into place. I was enjoying such a season and it was wonderful, but it did not last.

I remember the day so vividly. The air was crisp in Schwabisch Gmund, Germany. The birds were chirping, the sun was shining, and all was well. Then I heard an inner voice saying, you are going to have trouble in your next assignment. What?

Less than a year later, we were stationed at Ft. Drum, NY, and I was in a full-fledged struggle with a supervisor who was plotting to end my career. That storm lasted almost a year. 

Let me ask you a question. Would you rather know about a storm ahead of time or not know until it arrives? As always, the Bible informs the conversation. 

After a successful missionary journey in Asia Minor and Greece, the Apostle Paul decided to go to Jerusalem for Pentecost. As Paul acted on those plans, the Holy Spirit began speaking to him.

God told him through trusted sources that tribulation and imprisonment awaited him if he went to Jerusalem. (Acts 20:23; 21:13)

Undeterred by the warnings, Paul famously said: “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the LORD Jesus.” (Acts 21:13)

Paul went to Jerusalem. He ran into trouble. He was placed in chains. While a prisoner, the Jews planned to ambush and kill him. All of this was true but only part of the story.

Paul was prepared for this storm because God spoke to him. This storm lasted nearly three years, but blew him all the way to Rome to fulfill his destiny to testify of Christ before Caesar. 

Over two centuries later, Paul’s seed came to fruition when Roman Emperor Constantine (AD 306–337), ended persecution and began the transition of Christianity as the dominant religion in the Roman Empire.

God is at work in you during storms. If you yield, God will work through you during storms. Moreover, God will see you THROUGH every storm.

God speaks to His people about storms on the horizon.  America is headed for storms in the fall of 2020. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a record-breaking number of named hurricanes this year. They are predicting up to 25 with the record being 28 including, Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma in 2005.

Other storms are headed our way. Chaos will follow the November elections regardless of the winner. We face the possible merging of flu season activity with COVID-19, and the overtaxing of our medical system again.

Tensions surrounding social justice will continue to build, and the strain on our financial systems will continue unabated, but that is what is fairly predictable.

Like COVID-19, there are unforecasted storms on the horizon. Prepare yourself because they too are coming our way and will cause disruption and instability.

A prepared people and church will thrive amid disruption and instability. Pray now that God will lessen the impact of the coming storms. Pray for the church to be a lighthouse through the storms.

Here is a word of encouragement in stormy times and seasons: 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. (Isaiah 43:2)

God is at work in you during storms. God wants to work through you in the coming storms. God will surely see you through every storm. May God’s Psalm 91 blessing of protection rest upon you and your household. God Bless! Press On!! Kevin