For many people, 2020 began like all new years begin, with anticipation of a better year, goals, aspirations, dreams, etc. And then, seemingly overnight, the whole world changed – a global pandemic. The days of covid were upon us.

And then, just as we were all starting to get a grasp of the whole covid thing, a police officer in Minnesota murdered a suspect and it was captured live on video. While that heinous and devilish act was horrific, what resulted and continues is equally heinous and devilish.

During these days of the covid and riots in the streets, like so many people, I’ve spent most of my time at home. As a result, some very positive things have occurred in my life. Below are a few of the things I’ve been doing, followed by some things I’ve learned, that may, to some, be a wake up call.

First, and most important, like many people, I’ve spent a lot more time in prayer. I’m sure you’d agree, these days there is lots to pray about.

Secondly, I’ve spent considerable more time reading and studying the “Good News,” the Bible, as well as having more opportunities to teach. Our small weekly “home fellowship” switched to an online fellowship. And much to my surprise, people began joining in from 7-10 other states from time to time as well, even from Germany a couple of times.

I’m also doing an online fellowship for the folks at Desert Winds Retirement Center twice a month. For weeks on end those elderly folks have been confined to their apartments. In addition, utilizing video technology, I’ve had the opportunity on Saturday evenings to teach the men at the Phoenix Rescue Mission. And hosting weekly video prayer nights on Tuesdays has been a very special time.

Thirdly, instead of going to the gym twice a week, I exercise at home, including a 2 mile walk every morning. As of late, with the Arizona heat this time of year, walking needs to be early as temperatures are 90 degrees or so around 6 AM. It’s a quiet time to pray and get some much needed, albeit very hot, sunlight, which is so important in the days of covid.

Fourthly, I have been doing my best to avoid “going down the rabbit hole” from all the information coming from a multitude of directions concerning both the covid and the riots. It takes a conscious effort to be selective in what you see and hear, and most importantly, to not allow emotions to dismiss reason.

And, finally, in light of so much chaos and noise, instead of just swallowing any and all narratives, I have looked for answers beyond what we all see and hear. And while the actions of people in the streets have been so shockingly sad, it’s equally shocking and sad what many people are buying into.

Information is readily available, if you’re willing to put emotions aside and take an honest look. When it comes to the riots in the streets, I have. It’s very sad to me that some of those who call themselves Christians find themselves so emotionally driven that they accept and support a new political group, whose founders openly admit they are, “trained Marxists.”

On their very own website it shows their intent and beliefs, including Marxist diatribes against the traditional family, capitalism, and by extension the idea of progress. 

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Information is not only out there, it’s in plain sight! What we see in our streets is not about racism; it’s not about police brutality; it’s not about white supremacy; it is clearly about the overthrow of this country. And, as usual, the end result, promised by those who appear to be running the show, is utopia – a wonderful and beautiful new world where everything will be fair for everyone!

But even beyond that, it’s really not just about the overthrow of this country; it’s about the overthrow of God, His Word, and His Son! The end game for socialism, communism, and totalitarianism is, the state is now god, period!

Ignorance! Ignorance I say! Too many Christians are ignorant of what is really going on in the streets. But even worse, they are ignorant of the Scriptures, God’s Word!

The Bible clearly shows us that the god of this world, your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour. Jesus said the thief comes not but for to steal, and to kill and to destroy. God tells us plainly we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. We are told to not be ignorant of Satan’s devices! *

The Bible tells us our adversary is a liar and the father of lies; he is a deceiver! Swallow the lies, be led by your emotions, and he will have you hooked.

Are some of my brothers and sisters so naive, so duped that when they see a few churches burned, and a few statues of Jesus destroyed, they think those are just the actions of some overzealous protesters? Make no mistake, it is only the beginning, with the end game to take away your freedoms, including your freedom to worship. If you think it can’t happen, gaze upon your brothers and sisters in danger for their faith every day in China, North Korea, etc. etc.

If this country falls, it will not be utopia, it will be devastating for the people of this land, and for the people of the rest of the world. If you don’t believe that, then you were never accurately taught history.

During these days of the covid and riots in the streets, for me personally there have been some wonderfully positive results in my life. I’m grateful for those. But at this moment, the future of the United States of America is uncertain.  So, I strongly implore my brothers and sisters to join me in getting your head in the Book, and praying much for this country.

And, speak up! Look for opportunities to courageously speak the Truth of God’s Word with all the love in your heart. The light of God’s Word is so needed, now, today, in our country! Preach the delivering power of God! Preach the love of God! Preach the resurrected Christ! The Truth sets people free.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
II Chronicles 7:14

* For added understanding concerning this topic, under the tab, Recent Teachings, listen to 6-28-2020 The Spiritual Battle (39:24)