How to be Salt and Light in the Middle of a Political Coup

 

If you find my title a little alarming, that is perfectly understandable. It is meant to be. Our nation is in the middle of what most certainly appears to be a political coup the likes we have never before witnessed.... and we have witnessed a great deal! Grand scale election fraud is threatening our Republic for the first time in these United States. My purpose here is not to prove to you the validity of the corruption taking place. Because the mainstream media are colluding with the potential usurpers in this corruption, you will absolutely need to approach this issue with an open mind and an unspiteful heart.

So, to paint a clear picture of what is happening let us go back to election night, November 3^rd. I will confess, I did not watch much of the coverage of the election unfolding on TV. I had a feeling early on that the Leftists media machine would be ungracious and I do not enjoy smug sensationalism. I did receive a continuous flow of text messages from three of my sons’ who were glued to the election results process. I learned that the “Fair and Balanced” Fox News channel called certain states for Biden long before votes were fully counted. Later, I learned that states that were clearly favoring Trump suddenly turned Blue. We can now surmise that is when the fake ballots began to be dumped into the election results. As I stated earlier, I am not going to delve into all the newly emerging evidence. I believe it will all be revealed in time. Mark 4:22  ^"For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light."

The scenario I laid out if accurate, (and I believe it is) is what we all should be able to grasp as an attempted political coup. Cheekiness aside, political coups are very serious business. We are living it right now. Today. So, what do we do? How do we react? First of all, I am sure many of you are feeling fearful and betrayed. You probably feel persecuted as well. Have you been treated unkindly for your belief that the media is lying to us? In the face of governmental (or relationship) betrayal we can, as always, look to Jesus for comfort.

In Matthew 5:10-13 Jesus said:

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Feeling persecuted can make you anxious and grumpy! It can make you forget that God is love and even though you may be in a situation where the truth is extremely unpopular, it is an act of kindness to help those who are deceived receive freedom. Jesus went on to compare His followers to salt and light:

 Matthew 13-16 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

So, now we have a directive on how to proceed during this time of political corruption. We are to be salt and light. Salt is a substance that cleanses and preserves. It stings when applied to an open wound. To be the type of salt Jesus wants us to be in a dark world means telling the truth from a biblical view and not from a worldly view. Sometimes (well, actually often) biblical truths are not popular. Therefore, they are often not accepted. For those who desire a government that is based on unbiblical concepts such as atheism, infanticide, secularism…… the list goes on, the truths being shared with them from a Godly point of view will not be welcomed. But it is still our responsibility to share them. To be the light in this dark world means to share God’s good news in love. The persecution comes when others, especially friends and family, ridicule and harass you for pointing out the darkness of the political party they have chosen to align themselves with. It is probably best to take “party lines” out of the equation and ask others if they believe in justice and rule of law.

 A perfect example of a man who was able to share biblical truth in peace and compassion was Martin Luther King Jr. His ideas were not popular to many in the establishment or the general population at the time but, nevertheless, his beliefs were based on biblical principals of equality of humans as creations of God.

 Sadly, for some Christ-followers being salt and light means unconditional surrender to governmental authority regardless of the world views of those in leadership positions. Many have adopted the belief that Paul, in Romans 13, is instructing believers to obey the government regardless. Is that really true? Are believers expected to submit to leaders in authority at all times? Should American patriots during the time of the Revolution submitted to King George III instead of defying him? During WWII, scores of Christians defied the German, Nazi regime by aiding Jews. Clearly, they were in opposition to the government yet they did it anyway. I do not believe there is a cut and dry answer to the question of government authority and Christian compliance. Surely we are to be respectful and cooperative when our biblical values are not being challenged. But what about when we are being asked (or forced) to go against what God through His scriptures, requires of us? Martin Luther King Jr. knew that the scriptures require humans to be treated with equality and fairness regardless of skin color because God’s Word declares we are ALL created in His image. Early American patriots knew that British rule was oppressive and corrupt. Had they not stood on the word of God that we are meant to live in liberty, we would not be here today.  

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Also, Leviticus 25:10 …proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants….

Those early Americans relied heavily on prayer and God’s Word to stand against British rule. No, they didn’t always get it right and we won’t either but  if we heed what Scripture teaches us and our predecessors lead, we do have a principle upon which to stand. If followed, we can know how to be salt and light in the middle of this present day of darkness and dishonesty.

Sarah

 

 

For Such a Time as This

 

Queen Esther (One Night With the King, Common Sense Media)

 

Beautiful Esther was the Queen of Persia in the 5^th century BC. She was the wife of the haughty King Xerxes. However, when Xerxes chose Esther to be his wife, he did not know she was a Jew. The Persians considered the Jews to be lowly although they treated them slightly better than the surrounding ruling kingdoms. Had Xerxes known of Esther’s heritage prior to his selection, she probably would have never been queen. What we find interesting to Esther’s story are the parallels which can be drawn and the lessons which can be learned from God’s dealing with His people then and now. Of course, during Esther’s time, all believers were Jews (followers of the God of Abraham) and today believers encompass all who call upon the name of the Lord and believe in their hearts that Jesus is Lord. It is Esther’s situation in life (where God placed her) that we find so fascinating as well as prophetic to the time in which we are now living. Esther was meant to be the Queen. She was in the right place at the right time to help save her people from certain destruction.  

 

Esther 4: 14, For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” …For such a time as this? How many of you have felt that we are living in unprecedented, prophetic, perilous, Biblical times? We venture to guess that most of our readers have felt this way in their lifetimes. We also suspect that the perception of living in a special time is growing with each year, month and even day.  Now, before we continue, we are going to confess we may get rather “political”. We have refrained from doing so in the past because we aim to keep our focus on Jesus through the lens of His words. That has not changed. However, it is no secret that the whole world is watching the United States right now in anticipation of the upcoming presidential election. This election may very well be the most important one our country has ever seen. We are not being overdramatic in saying it will be Biblical! That statement may rattle a few feathers and that is okay. We are fully aware that in the very last days God will turn His focus to His chosen people and their land, Israel. We are swiftly moving towards that time. But we are still in the age of Grace or the Church Age and this era is culminating into a time of decision for the followers of Jesus. There is a spiritual battle raging right now over the whole earth. What is happening in the United States sets the tone for the whole world. And no, it is not about human power, it is about God. Let us look back to Esther now …

 

There are parallels between Esther (Hadassah, a Jewish orphan) and believers in Jesus Christ today…

 

Esther was Mordecai’s uncle’s daughter.  When she was orphaned, he adopted her as his own child.  She grew up in Shushan, the capital of Persia, under King Xerxes.  Jesus, Himself, says in John 14:8 “I will not leave your orphans, I will come to you.” Ephesians 1:4-5 (NKJV) “just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” Esther was chosen by the Lord to intercede and help save her people, Israel. She obtained favor in the court of Xerxes, when she was taken among the eligible young women and was eventually chosen as the next queen.  Ephesians 2:4-6 (MEV) “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),  and He raised us up and seated us together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” We can rise up like Queen Esther and boldly go before our King with our petitions. Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

 

Haman, the Agagite, hated the Jewish people.  He convinced the King that they were not following the King’s laws and that they should be destroyed. A lot was cast (Pur) for the date of their destruction. Esther 3:13 (NIV) “Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—on a single day…”

 

Esther had kept silent about her Jewish heritage and faith in the palace.  The King knew nothing of her people or that Mordecai was her uncle.  However, her uncle sent a message to Esther, asking her to “go in to the king to make supplication to him and plead before him for her people.” (Esther 4:8) However, the King had not summoned Esther into the court, and anyone who had not been called would be “put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live.” (Esther 4:11)

 

Esther 4:13-16 (ESV) Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish” [if I am destroyed, then I will be destroyed].

 

Esther fasted and prayed for her people, for wisdom and favor, in order to go before the King. She was willing to perish on their behalf.  What are we willing to do to intercede for our loved ones, for righteous rulers, for Christ’s followers? There is a time of decision today to pray and stand up for TRUTH to prevail!

 

“For such a time as this….” is today’s passionate prayer for Christians around the world.  What should the followers of Jesus Christ be doing today? How are we allowing ourselves to be influenced? Political popularity contests? Law and order? Anarchy in the streets? Violence against humanity? Global warming: environmental condemnation? Fear based living against plagues (viruses)/ against all hope? Ephesians 4:14 (NKJV) “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting…” Yes!  The story of Esther is prophetic to the times we are in right now… What TRUTHS will we stand up for? Live for? Vote for?  Do all lives matter or just certain ones? What does the Lord Jesus say about these very things? We need to make a decision today: do we stand for and represent “light and all that is good” or “darkness and all that is evil” according to the Word of God?

 

There is a spiritual battle raging throughout the earth today, not just in the United States during this presidential election season…  What should we do? God knew each one of us would be living here now. It is time to ask the Lord how He wants each of us serve Him, for such a time as this. 

           

 

 

Jesus is the Cure

I AM the Cure

The coronavirus has dramatically changed our entire world. Classified as a pandemic, this disease mixed with heightened media attention and strict governmental mandates, has become unparalleled in its scope and impact. There is a great deal of uncertainty and downright confusion regarding this disease which should be a signal to those who follow Jesus, as a situation which requires discernment from the Holy Spirit to be dealt with wisely. Our Heavenly Father is a God of order. He expects order in His church and reflects order in His creation. 

1 Corinthians 14:33 (NKJV) For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Yet here we have a disease that has many interpretations among even the most advanced medical communities in the world. How did this disease develop? How does it spread? Who will get the disease? How do we treat it? Should people wear masks to prevent the spread? Are masks unhealthy? Is this virus even really a virus or is it (as some suggest) a form of bacteria? Now, take those questions and apply the dilemma of who should we listen to for sound advice? Even the World Health Organization has shown itself to be unworthy of our complete trust. All of this turmoil is not from God! 

John 10:10 (NIV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.

We are reminded of the earliest Christians in the book of Acts. As they waited in the upper room for the presence of the Lord, they also dealt with uncertainty. Many of them could not understand each other due to language barriers. It was only when the Holy Spirit came and filled them with His presence, that they were able to move forward with the confidence that comes through understanding. By waiting upon the Lord, they were able to birth a movement that has grown in light and intensity for over 2000 years.

Isaiah 40:31 (AMP) But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.

Today, in the midst of this pandemic we are faced with what appears like new challenges. They aren’t really new, but they may look and feel different. The answer to this pandemic is Jesus. He is the CURE. Jesus gives us Life. Jesus is the way.  How can we move forward with confidence knowing that we can be safe? We can trust Jesus and believe in His provisions for us. We are not talking about “name and claim it” as is being so misused (and misunderstood) in these days. Rather, we are encouraging each reader here today to allow Jesus to activate your faith in Him. Our faith is activated through prayer (talking with Jesus) and declaring (out loud) His words.

The LORD is our Provider, our Healer, and our Peace.

 Genesis 22:14 (NKJV) So Abraham called that place “The Lord will provide”; [Jehovah Jireh] as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”

Exodus 15:26 (NKJV) … If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God and will do what is right in His sight, and will listen to and obey His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I brought upon the Egyptians, for I am the Lord Who heals you.

Romans 16:20 (NKJV) And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

John 14:27 (AMP) Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]

We can have confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ, and His finished work on the cross.  We can live without FEAR of this virus!  God is LOVE and HIS PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT ALL OUR FEARS.

1 John 4:8-9,18 (AMPC) … God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest (displayed) where we are concerned: in that God sent His Son, the only begotten or [unique] Son, into the world so that we might live through Him. There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection].

God’s love for us is COMPLETE.  Jesus Christ’s complete work on the cross guarantees us access to the Father’s love.  We need to receive HIS LOVE and be freed from all FEAR, from any virus, pandemic, destruction, or loss.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  Our HOPE as Christians is in Him. Jesus Christ is coming back for us, His Bride, for those who love Him and have made Him Lord.

 

1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 (NKJV) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.