2020: A Few Thoughts

Has 2020 seemed turned upside down to you in many ways? It certainly has been different from most years. I have read numerous posts by people who think things will calm down "after the election" or "when 2020 is over." What if they don't? No matter who wins Tuesday (IF we actually have a clear winner), I actually expect the tension to get worse.

Fear & Hate have been the big "4 letter words" of 2020. Politics and a pandemic have created PANDEMONIUM (noun. wild uproar or unrestrained disorder; tumult or chaos. a place or scene of riotous uproar or utter chaos.) People have always taken sides, but I have never seen it to this extent. Everything is politicized. Everything is black and white with few willing to have a civil discussion. Your opinions, especially if they differ from the politically correct, can destroy your life.

I admit that I look at one political party and can't believe anyone would vote for the candidates running under that platform. It honestly saddens me when I think of all of the years when I voted for a person based on experience, education, and character. I believe I registered as an Independent; I know I always deliberately chose people from both major parties (& sometimes a minor party), and my choice was not someone based on race, gender, ethnicity, region, college [football], political affiliation or other factors... unless there was more than one person whom I felt was qualified. We have reached a point in the past 20 years, though, that finding anyone to enthusiastically endorse is difficult.

All that to say that the past 4 years, combined with the increased hatred in recent months, means a lot of people are going to be angrier than ever next week. People can't simply accept the loss, and move forward, seeking a harmonious compromise for what is best for our country. There are those who want to destroy this nation and will stop at nothing to do so. Others, of course, want a different America... not to destroy but because they believe their vision will help America. There are those with a global vision that I can't wrap my mind around. How are we to work together if we won't listen and actually HEAR without the words going through a preconceived filter. We call each other names without even knowing what the words mean and expect a blanket statement to cover an entire group... even when there is evidence that cancels the charges being made.

COVID-19 and masks are another hot topic. Fear vs Faith is how many have categorized it. Some want everyone in masks and keeping their distance from each other. I grieve for all who have lost a loved one due to complications of corona virus, but I am also not seeing logical results concerning those who test positive. I passionately hate wearing a mask, but am willing if I have symptoms, especially coughing or sneezing (even when I know they are due to allergies). But I am not going to wish death or destruction of business on people who disagree.

I don't understand the fear and hatred of people over a virus that has such a high survival rate. We don't treat other causes of death like this. In 2017 (apparently much of the data is collected every 3 years) there were 862,320 abortions in the United States alone. Most were probably avoidable AND it's more than triple the number of COVID-19 deaths in the US in 2020. The survival rate for those who test positive for COVID-19 is extremely high; the survival rate for those aborted is extremely low. I care about the lives of all who are impacted by both.

No matter what the future holds, my hope & faith remain strongly in Jesus Christ. 2020 has certainly not been my personal "WORST YEAR EVER!" I have experienced several years and events that devastated me. The one constant that helped me through the valleys and dark moments was the knowledge my God was with me each moment. I may not always understand & I had moments of anger at God... but He never left me.

A parent doesn't completely reject an angry child, although there normally are consequences. Sometimes God has to let us face the consequences of our actions, but that does not mean He left. This upcoming election is a spiritual battlefield. Remember, neither party nor any candidate is our savior. Not one person or party can destroy us either. I admit that I see hope from one side and destruction from the other, but God will lead us through. Remember, though, you do have an active role and voting for Biblical principles is only one step.

Trust God! Pray for our nation, our citizens, your loved ones... & yourself. Tell Jesus about your fear, your anger, your doubt, and even your struggle to believe there is HOPE.

SPOILER ALERT! I have read the end of the BIBLE... and Jesus gives us the final victory!

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7

Kingdom Citizen - Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans offers a healthy dose of hope: the solution to our nation’s problems and unrest isn’t out of reach. The solution is here―and each one of us as Kingdom Citizens has a vital role to play.

Be assured that our God is greater than any challenge―and He has promised to equip His people. In Kingdom Citizen, you’ll discover how to respond in faith, in spite of a country and culture in decline.

Here is a powerful call to action for concerned Christians. Here is a call for unity and restoration. And here is strong assurance that each of us has the ability to walk justly, to seek truth, and to stand in the gap for our land. (Amazon site)

My Review: Kingdom Citizens is a short but insightful read on how we, as Christians, should have a role in rebuilding and restoring our relationship with God, the church, our nation, and our fellow citizens. Our country has been in turmoil for several years and it often feels as though we are on a brink of another civil war.

Pastor Evans reminds us to look at our nation's problems through a spiritual lens. We see the mess instead of focusing on how big our God is and leaning on Him. One example used in the book is Nehemiah and rebuilding Jerusalem. He turned to God first and then stepped out in faith, knowing God would move. Most of us worry, get angry, and/or try to figure out a solution. Then we turn to God to pray for his blessing or response to our requests.

This is an excellent book that reminds me of God's promises and encourages me to lean on Him. And... to take action, trusting God to clear the path and show me the way.

I received a copy of this book from the Tyndale Blog Program at no cost to me. However, all opinions are my own.

Hope of Nations - John S. Dickerson

In Hope of Nations, author John S. Dickerson, prize-winning investigative reporter, a frequent commentator, and pastor, offers a greater understanding of how and why the world is changing. In explaining the mindset of many of today's social justice warriors, Millennials in particular, Dickerson shows us where we are and where America appears to be heading. This will help many Christians know how to live like Christ in today’s society.
 
Political scandals, terrorist attacks, riots, and the bullying of those whom you disagree with politically are in the headlines daily. Before we can regroup from one disaster or area of division, another occurs. Each side seems to be completely blind to any point of view other than their own and truth is obscured, sometimes willfully, by the very ones whom we have always relied upon for an honest report of events. In these uncertain days, which often feel like the final days referred to in Scripture, we struggle to know which direction we will be heading in next. 

I have always considered myself to be a person willing to listen to other viewpoints, but calm discussions are becoming rare with the preeminence of keyboard warriors and nonstop coverage of world events via the internet. Dickerson's explanation of the mindset of younger, more liberal people did help me see things from their view a bit more clearly...even if I do still disagree. I have compared America to pre-World War 2 Germany many times, and the author and I are in agreement there. Since our perspectives are similar, many of the things he said made a lot of sense to me.

Calling this the Post-Truth Generation was clarifying, albeit sad, but did demonstrate that some changes have to be made within myself since what I see so clearly is missed by others younger than me. Overall I did really like the book and mentioned it several times on social media as I read. However, it also seemed to get a bit repetitive. I really liked it and do recommend it, but there were times I would have to lay it aside when things would run together a bit.

I received a copy of this book from Handlebar Marketing for review purposes. All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a positive review.

Resting and Trusting in God

'This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "Only in returning to Me and resting in Me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.'  ~ Isaiah 30:15

This verse popped up tonight as I was researching something that had nothing to do with anything from Scripture. Actually, I was doing a quick Math calculation, and was puzzled to see Scripture popping up. But, curiosity got the best of it, so I looked it up.

Immediately, I was struck by how it tied in with something that was been in my thoughts lately. Actually, several things have been on my mind due to issues that our facing our nation, and our world, and many are being brought to the forefront with a political twist added. I have struggled with frustration, rage, and even feelings of hopelessness as I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the hatred that has become social media. Even the ever-present kitten pictures and videos bring opinions and comments from joy to vile utterances.

A certain Bible verse has also been in my news feed a lot lately--- 'Be still and know that I am God.' ~ Psalm 46:10. I said, somewhat jokingly, to someone that God must really be trying to get me to pay attention. Of course, I have only paid attention superficially. Just now, I looked up the verse (I always forget the "address" of verses), and was struck even more by the portion of the verse that is rarely included: "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." So, the full Scripture is even closer to what has troubled me so much.

The current political season, filled with more animosity than ever, is dividing us radically...and with a hypocrisy that truly baffles me. I don't have a candidate I fully trust and support, but I will choose the one who seems more likely to choose wise advisors and is not as vocal in support of practices that I find evil. I cannot make others turn (or return) to God, but I can continue to pray and show kindness and love...and sometimes, merely shake the dirt off my feet (Matthew 10:14; Luke 9:5) and move on. Yes, I do believe that we are told to speak when a brother or sister in Christ strays, but not to rebuke those who are not believers. Does this mean to be silent about my opinion? No! That makes no sense. But, I can avoid name-calling, foul language, and hatred, or, more to the point, not allow others doing so to change me and my attitude.

The important thing to remember is---I do have a God I fully trust. I can rest in Him and have the confidence that He has all in control. No matter who wins or what happens as a result of this election, God will be triumphant!

Spiritual Darkness

Today I listened to a message from Robert Morris of Gateway Church in Texas as he discussed the political climate of the world today. He said something that both described what is going on, yet gave a reminder of the hope that followers of Jesus Christ have in spite of the turmoil, rage, and spiritual darkness surrounding us. He was talking about a dream he once had and that he had referenced the 9th Plague in a discussion he had during the the dream.

The background story, for any who may be unfamiliar, is when Moses was asking to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, where  they had been held as slaves for hundreds of years. At each refusal from Pharaoh, the Lord sent another plague. Yet, Pharaoh stubbornly hardened his heart each time. Read (or listen to) The 10 Plagues of Egypt in Exodus 7- 11.

But the 9th Plague---The Plague of Darkness---is the focus this time.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, and there will be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness that can be felt.”  So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was thick darkness throughout the land of Egypt for three days.  One person could not see another, and for three days they did not move from where they were. Yet all the Israelites had light where they lived. ~ Exodus 10:21-23


Can you imagine a darkness so thick it can be felt? So dark that you cannot see anyone around you, and you are paralyzed with fear? In referencing that passage, Pastor Robert said, "God is saying it is going to get darker and darker in our world, but we will have Light in our dwelling." For those who follow Christ, we will not be consumed by the darkness that is creeping across our world at a faster and faster pace. Ephesians 5:12 tells us, "But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself."

Jesus said in John 3:19-21 , “This, then, is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”

Of course, people do not measure good and evil by the same standard, and it is evident that the struggle between darkness and light is growing stronger. The gradual slide into acceptance has become a raging battle. If you disagree, you are called vile names or everything about you is based on your belief system. No longer content to mock and ridicule, people now want to destroy anyone that has a different point of view. The Bible foretold this too. Even among fellow believers, we fight over interpretation. I confess, I can get as furious at a believer who does not view some Scriptures as i do...but I still love them. I just pray that their eyes be opened...or mine! (I have been mistaken, repented... and then continue to mature spiritually.)

It is important for us to remember that darkness and evil (even when disguised as something good and loving) will continue. We are, no doubt, in an age of spiritual darkness as we draw closer to the time Christ promised to return for His Bride. Now, more than ever, we need to pray for ourselves, our family and friends, our nation, and our world. But, also remember always that Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." We Have HOPE!

A Nation Under Judgment by Richard Capriola

Has something gone terribly wrong in America? What does it mean to be "one nation under God"? Our Founding Fathers believed it was more than a political slogan. Have we strayed from their vision? A Nation Under Judgment focuses on issues currently facing our country, such as hunger, homelessness, marriage, income inequality and poverty. These subjects are reviewed from a social policy and Scriptural point of view, empowering readers to decide whether or not our nation is.

A Nation Under Judgment: One Nation Apart from God by Richard Capriola is written from the perspective of how our nation currently makes policies and if we seek wisdom from God's point of view. Some of the social policies that are covered by the author include hunger, poverty, marriage, abortion, environmental issues, gambling, and homelessness. Using Scripture, historical data, current laws, and insights on the way our nation seems to be leaning today, Capriola clearly demonstrates that the United States is moving further from the Biblical principles upon which this nation was founded. 

Some would argue that we are not, nor have we never been, "One Nation Under God", but there is clear evidence that the majority of our founding fathers did seek wisdom from God and studied Scripture. "The ability to see things from God's point of view" is the definition of wisdom used in the book and Capriola makes his point that our current lawmakers are further away from seeking wisdom when crafting current laws and decisions that affect the social policies that affect us all.

While I did differ slightly in the author's conclusion in some of the chapters, this is a book that is free from political party views and does give Scripture to back his argument. I do agree with his statement that "One Nation Under God" should be a call to action for our leaders and not merely a slogan. If we continue our current defiance against the wisdom of God, and continue to move away from Him, we will have to face the consequences. Capriola makes a valid argument that "the future of our nation may rest on our commitment to create policies and financial priorities that return us to living out the words---one nation under God". I liked the book, but some of it seemed a bit repetitive. It is easy to read and gives the reader something to think about.

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Christmas Controversy

         Although I live in an area where Christmas and public displays featuring Christian symbols are not only accepted, but usually expected, each year there seems be more more controversy surrounding the "offensiveness" of Christmas. Everyone who is reading this knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am of the Christian faith. If you aren't aware, I hope to make it more clear in the future. My point of view is shaped by my faith in Jesus Christ and my unwavering belief in the Bible. So, while I try to be open-minded and willing to listen to others, bottom line for me is trying to be the person I believe Jesus would have me to be. I am often a failure, but it is my goal.

The following link is to a news story I recently watched about Christmas trees causing psychological harm to non-believers. My first response was, "What?!?" Click on here for God Discussion. Read the article and watch the video for yourself. I really would like to hear the opinions of others. I guess I have never thought about a Christmas tree being a Christian symbol. Personally, I don't have a tree up this year, but I am going to be home alone. I think they are beautiful and enjoy looking at them, especially at night with only the lights on the tree glowing. But the tree itself does not make me think any more or less about Jesus. Actually it seems to be one of the less controversial aspects of Christmas. Even non-believers seem to have no problem with a decorated tree...or so I thought. I am also including a link to an article about Biblical, pagan, and secular symbolism concerning Christmas Trees. This link will also lead you to other articles surrounding Christmas symbols and beliefs.

Separation of church and state is an issue that continues to be debated. One of the scenes in the upcoming film from Pathlight Entertainment, Beyond The Farthest Star , is the burning of a nativity by a US Senator. Watch writer/director Andrew Librizzi talk about the film's  burning the Nativity scene.





Some have told me that they find that such a scene in a faith-based film to be offensive. Most change their minds and agree that the dramatic statement can and will lead to discussion. I think that keeping things hidden in the dark or refusing to acknowledge them are wrong. Some within the church have become so afraid of offending either fellow believers or non-believers that we timidly huddle together in silence. I don't know how this scene will eventually play out on screen, but I applaud the decision to address the matter. Personally, I have seen many things on public property that I found to be offensive, but none that tempted me to commit arson. But, I digress, and the point I am hoping to make is that the very name Christmas seems to shout that it commemorates Christ.

I don't see Hanukkah, Kwanza, Festivus, or whatever winter holiday anyone else chooses to celebrate being protested. It would never cross my mind to do so, nor do I protest those who prefer to focus on Santa, reindeer, & presents. Actually the excessive gifts and materialism does bother me, but I don't begrudge people celebrating however they want. The hype of the season makes me feel more isolated and left out than any particular symbol that may be publicly displayed. It is all I can do to keep my mouth shut when I hear, what to me is the bizarre question of, "Are you ready for Christmas?" I never know how to answer.

I realize that it is extremely doubtful that Jesus was born this time of year, but that is a side issue for me. I celebrate the fact that God came to earth as a man to sacrifice Himself in atonement for my sins every day. However, December 25th is when those who have placed their faith and trust in Him choose to celebrate His birth. Am I simply not acknowledging protests of other faiths? Again, the area I live in is not very culturally diverse. Baptist vs Methodists is to be more likely than Christian vs (fill in the blank). I am not one of those who goes ballistic if you choose to wish me a Happy Holiday rather than a Merry Christmas. I don't care if you refuse to say anything to me. However, I do object to unfairly targeting symbols of the Christian faith during the time chosen (for whatever reason) to celebrate the birth of our Messiah. If you don't believe, just don't celebrate it......do not tell me that I can't because you disagree with my belief.