Politics and Religion: The Integrity of Love

April 18 2012

I am continually and increasingly awe-struck with Jesus’ character qualities in general, and especially in His restraint when dealing with enemies — something we usually do not see in politics, even from Christians with Christian positions. We too often want to fight politically, even legally, for our positions, and in some cases there is nothing wrong with that and much right about it (when appropriate) in defense of our Christian nation and heritage, the undermining of which is our downfall and the very reason our nation is suffering on so many levels! It is natural to want to protect our nation, heritage, children, families, etc. when we’re under assault!

Loving Your Enemies 

But the Word says to overcome evil with good. Love your enemies. Bless those that curse you. Is the political/governmental realm exempt? Obviously not!

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a lays out the definition of what love is, and simultaneously lays down an inviting, loving invitation to a life-long challenge to pursue it. Not in the taking of it from others (though we must receive it from God first!), but in becoming it, and pouring it out as God did in first giving Christ to and for us when we were yet sinners, and as Jesus did in making the journey!

The integrity of love (for love is not love without the integrity of its own, selfless affection demonstrated to others) seems to have become both an impossible standard, and unfortunately an increasingly despised one, especially in the political realm. And that realm is, unfortunately, a mere reflection of the degraded level of our culture that has increasingly forgotten God, and the Church that has grown cold in its love due to the lawlessness that surrounds us. A manifest fulfillment of the scripture in Matthew 24:12!

Time to re-orient 

First God is love – by definition of His character and identity. People easily lose sight of this truth in everyday life; much less in the political arena. At the end of the day, we should not! Ever! For any reason! God so loved the world that when we were yet sinners, He gave Jesus to die for us! Jesus is the visible manifestation of the invisible God!

Next should come an in-depth study of 1 Corinthians 13, especially verses 4 through 8a, including books on love. I recommend Max Lucado’s book “A Love Worth Giving,” Bob Mumford’s book “Agape Road,” “The Jesus I Never Knew” by Phillip Yancey, and “Seeing Through Heaven’s Eyes” by Leif Hetland, just for starters.

Then there is 1 Peter 2:22 and 23. The piercing thing about verse 22 is not that Jesus had “no sin,” nor that there was “no deceit found in his mouth.” These are rather obvious on the surface. The surprise is the original Greek meaning of the word translated “deceit.” It means “decoy, trick bait, wile.” What that says to me is that yes, of course there were no obvious lies, but there were no “shaded” innuendos, no manipulations, no exaggerations, no understatements, no obtuse subtleties. Nothing ever inaccurate, unfeeling, tactless, insensitive, blind, imperceptive, unobservant, boorish, etc. 100% Truth! Always. How about you?

In verse 23, we read; “and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.” Ponder that. Let it soak in. He did not revile when being reviled; He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to God who judges righteously. Do you revile? Do you threaten? Or do you entrust yourself to God?

Walking the Walk 

I wonder where we would be as a nation if more Christians would walk in this behavior consistently. I wonder where our political culture would be if we Christians showed more love toward our enemies instead of suing them. I wonder if the directive to “overcome evil with good” wouldn’t work better if we actually tried and exhibited the “good.” I am not suggesting compromise at all. May it never be! Jesus loved all, never compromised, and yet the sinners – the prostitutes and tax collectors – flocked to Him! We’re considered a “hate group” and know this is a preposterous accusation, but we were told the world would know us by our love.

Have they missed it? Or have we?  

As one member of my church and supporter of my ministry recently said (and I paraphrase) “People have met the God who hates sin! It’s time they meet the God who loves them!”

Mark Williamson is the Founder and President of Foundation Restoration Ministries and Federal Intercessors, educational and intercessory ministries dedicated to the restoration of Biblical truth, righteousness and justice in the nation and culture, reaching even the highest offices of the Federal government. The views expressed in this column are his personal opinions and observations. Learn more, join the prayer cause, or support the ministry at www.federalintercessors.net. You may contact him directly at mark.williamson@federalintercessors.net, or at 713-722-4301.       

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Politics and Religion: Texas Primary Prep

February 13 2012

Presumably soon, if activist judges will humble themselves and get it right (or just get out of the way), Texas will hold its Primary election. It’s the Legislature’s responsibility to set new Congressional District lines, and they have done so fairly accurately to reflect the will of the people. But these judges are committed to their own liberal agenda and have no qualms about twisting, contorting, and forcing their own agenda on the people of the state. Even the Supreme Court of the United States, hardly a bastion of conservative constitutional principles, found the judges out of order and overruled them. That speaks volumes for those who have ears to hear, eyes to see, and a heart to understand truth and integrity.

As for the Primary itself, the main focus is the Presidential election. President Barack Obama is running unopposed on the democratic ticket, so that seems to be a settled issue. On the republican side, Governor Rick Perry’s withdrawal and the unlikelihood of a Rick Santorum victory (but don’t count him out entirely), and the complete un-qualification of Ron Paul (who is “left” of Barack Obama in his foreign policy positions), leaves Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney, who are currently trying to destroy one another.

First, let me dispense with Ron Paul. While he has many good ideas about our national debt, the Federal Reserve, etc., his foreign policy positions are unacceptable. He has repeatedly blamed America for 911. He thinks the Muslim Middle East is just doing what comes natural in response to our presence in that region, though it is with their invitation and cries for help; remember Kuwait? Somalia? I’ll go ahead and say it: Though he claims to be a Christian (and I don’t set myself up to judge his heart), his actions – not just political posturing but a formal, legislative action – show a strong streak of anti-Semitism.

I discovered Paul’s real attitude toward Israel as I headed from one meeting to another on Capitol Hill the afternoon of February 17, 2011. On the cab’s radio was an hourly newscast that shared a newsflash seemingly very few, if any, caught: Congressman Ron Paul introduced legislation that day to withdraw all foreign aid from Israel. In speaking with another Congressman (a mutual friend of mine and Ron Paul’s), he tried to say that Ron Paul was standing on constitutional principle and that there is no such authorization for foreign aid.

Now, I don’t have a major problem with the principle – I rather agree. However, this is an illogical (to be kind) application of a right principle to a wrong situation, just as it was with the South when leading up to the Civil War. States’ Right were argued– for slavery! A right principle used for an utterly wrong justification is deception, abuse and a contortion in God’s sight.

I agree with “States’ Rights” and disagree with the alternative concept that the federal government should run everything everywhere. But a right principle should never be used to justify the violation of human rights (be it slavery or abortion). In the same way, I agree there should be much less foreign aid, if any, given to any nation, especially in this time of soaring debt, especially regarding giving aid to our enemies.

But to start with Israel? Both spiritually and geopolitically, how blind, immoral, and dangerous is that? As a nation, we already dishonor God with our cultural decline (abortion, pornography, business fraud, etc.). Do we really want to behave this way toward Israel, the apple of God’s eye, all within 70 to 80 years of the Holocaust and the “re-birth” of Israel as a nation? This tiny country is surrounded by enemies on every side, some of whom are openly committed to their destruction. There are many examples of “stupid,” especially in politics, but this one ranks right at the top.

It pains me to see so many Christians on the Ron Paul bandwagon when his foreign policy positions are so anti-American, anti-Israel, and frankly, un-Godly. If you are one of them, please get off.

As for Newt, he’s very smart, often undisciplined, and all-too proud and arrogant. He loves new ideas and seemingly has one all the time (even if they’re contradictory). He’s a history professor by profession, and “gets it” more than most, especially from the perspective of accuracy. He has problematic issues – morally, and flirting with goofy ideas ranging from “man-made global warming” to a “lunar colony by the end of the decade.” But he could – and given the chance, will – clean Obama’s clock in a debate. He has some fire in his belly. I’ve heard him speak in Washington, and he “gets” our problems as a nation: That we’ve forgotten God, lost our respect for God, and are tearing apart our Godly foundations as a nation. And when the foundation is destroyed, what happens to what was built upon it?  As Psalm 11:3 asks, “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” While I respect Ann Coulter, E. Emmitt Terrell, Tom DeLay and others for their insightful perspectives, perhaps they are a little “over-the-top” in their intra-party criticisms of Gingrich as not being a true conservative (like Romney is?).

As for Romney, he also has some strong positives. I heard him speak in Boston at a FRC function leading up to the last Presidential race, and he clearly “gets it” on gay marriage. He argued very persuasively that gay marriage was detrimental to children, which it clearly is! While I have serious, substantial, and irreconcilable differences with the extra-Biblical, erroneous doctrines of the Mormon Church, I have found that Mormons have high moral standards. Romney is clearly successful in business, and that is something we could use, as well.

I do not believe that Christians should treat a political race like a Pastor’s Search Committee. Nor can I agree with or excuse this argument: “I’m tired of voting for the lesser of two evils, so I won’t vote at all.” It is a pathetic, ignorant, and lazy excuse for not participating in the great honor and privilege – and responsible stewardship – given us by God to choose our leaders! Such an attitude and behavior dishonors God, our Christian founders, and our children, who will suffer the consequences of such a refusal to be salt and light in every arena!

Let me be very clear: Unless Jesus runs for office, there is NO perfect candidate. The reality is that every candidate is at best the lesser of two evils because they are human. It is self-righteous and spineless to “pull a Pilate” and wash our hands of the process. Through prayerful consideration and righteous purpose, vote for the person you believe best represents the Lord, His righteous ways, and His Biblical, moral, and constitutional order in our society. It is your privilege, honor, and an important opportunity. Don’t squander it in this Primary when have early influence on who will run for many offices in the general election. May God bless America!

Mark Williamson is the Founder and President of Foundation Restoration Ministries and its prayer arm, Federal Intercessors. He leads educational and intercessory ministries dedicated to the restoration of Biblical truth, righteousness and justice in the nation and culture, reaching even the highest offices of the Federal government. The views expressed in this column are his personal opinions and observations. Learn more, join the prayer cause, and support the ministry at www.federalintercessors.net. You may contact him directly at 713-722-4301 or mark.williamson@federalintercessors.net. View the C-Span video he references at www.c-spanvideo.org/program/HouseSession4011.

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Politics and Religion: Election Season Considerations

October 13 2011

We’re just about a year away from the 2012 elections. It’s become a cliché the last few elections, but no one would argue that this will be the most critical election of the modern age, if not the entire history of our nation. America has lost its footing spiritually, morally and economically. Soon, the military could be next once gays are allowed to serve, and chaplains are forced to perform same-sex marriages. And now there is even the coming pressure to allow trans-genders to enlist. This whole thing has been a politically-correct sham, and the military has essentially been sold out by top military leaders who are political hacks instead of men of faith, integrity, and military readiness. It’s embarrassing. George Washington is spinning in his grave.

Tack on the ramifications of the “Hate Crimes” law, the clearly unconstitutional “Obamacare” disaster that is already driving insurance premiums through the roof,  ineffective “stimulus” spending driving our debt upward by trillions (the latest fiasco being the $535 million wasted on Solyndra), increasing border insecurity, throwing Israel under the bus of the 1967 borders, and the continuous attempts by Muslim extremists like the Muslim Brotherhood to carve out “acceptance” of Sharia Law, the shameful “Cordoba” victory-monument Mosque in New York City celebrating 9-11, the rest of the fraudulently “friendly” side of the same infiltration coin that comes with terrorist attacks like Ft. Hood, and the state of the economy (exacerbated if not designed by those who hate America, like extreme-leftists such as George Soros and his ilk), all together spells trouble for the  U.S. Then there is always the counter-intuitive dynamic of those who would kill babies in their mother’s wombs while saving seals.

That doesn’t begin to identify all our problems, but it catches a few of the major concerns – just to remind you that if you’re a patriot, much less a genuine Christian, we can’t have this mess continue for another four years. We might not survive it (and that’s no exaggeration) except by the grace of God.

Prayerfully, Obama will be out. There are even stories starting to circulate that he might not run, preserving an opportunity to run again later, though I doubt that. Someone may run against him from within his own party, and that would be a great thing, because those who face competition for the nomination from within their party seldom win. He is suffering from record-low approval numbers – deservedly so. The disastrous economy is of his own making. Socialism is wrong; it is, in fact, evil. It is sin according to the Bible  and has never worked in the history of mankind, yet liberalism (a spiritual stronghold and a mental deficiency) still fails to grasp reality. After all, we’re doing everything the Roman Empire did to essentially commit suicide (check your history). If we stubbornly continue on this path, what makes anyone think we’ll have a different outcome?

Obama has poked his finger in the eye of God by declaring that the U. S. is not a Christian nation (granted, it’s not acting much like one, but was certainly designed to be one), and that Israel must shrink back to its 1967 borders. That’s basically an indefensible position for Israel geopolitically, and is anti-Biblical at its core. Even though Israel itself is “for” a Palestinian State,” how can that happen when the Palestinians still violently deny Israel’s right to exist? To negotiate with an enemy that continually vows to destroy you is not a negotiation. It’s at best a postponement of the inevitable – war – and it will come sooner than later if the UN dictates that a hostile Palestinian state be recognized. I think most people who pay any attention know what a mess we’re in, and that we have to try to get out of it. So, let’s look at some potential alternatives for President.

Since this is Texas, let’s start with a brief look at Governor Perry. I have long been unimpressed with Perry. I don’t think he’s nearly as conservative as he wants everyone to think, though he has become more so lately. His “teenage female vaccination edict” was not only an incredible blunder, but causes one to ponder how he reaches decisions. That fiasco should have never smelled the hallway air, much less sen the light of day. Hopefully, he’s learned. His border record is “soggy” at best. But our state’s economy is the best in the nation. I have been in some group meetings with him over the last couple of years, and I believe with reasonable assurance that he has grown significantly as a Christian; the prayer event at Reliant was not for show. Therefore, perhaps there is hope that genuine wisdom is gifted from above. To be sure, on Perry’s worst possible day he’s still light years ahead of Obama. If he is the nominee, my vote for him is a no-brainer.

The truth is that my favorite is Michele Bachmann. I’ve met with her personally several times over the last two-plus years, and I can tell you she is the real deal. She is a strong Christian, spiritually mature and sure, right on all the moral issues like abortion, is socially and fiscally conservative; she is a “Tea-Party” favorite for all the right reasons, and has no illusions about “God” NOT being the same as “Allah.”

Nor is she confused about the aggressive deception by Obama’s friends in the Muslim Brotherhood and their “public relations fraud” of promoting Sharia Law and their infiltration of the government and even conservative political organizations. Note: You may hear a lot about “conservative” Grover Norquist and his Americans for Tax Reform organization, but he is also a shill “covering” for a lot of Muslims to get them into very influential positions. He is the co-founder of the Islam Free Market Institute, and is married to a Muslim. Norquist is another example, in my opinion, of someone interested in only money and influence without any real moral foundation.

The “Muslim” issue brings up another troubling candidate from right here in southeast Texas. I’ve spoken briefly on several occasions with Congressman Ron Paul during the 2008 campaign, and I’m less impressed now than I was then, to put it “courteously.” His mind seems completely disengaged from even the possibility of the threat of radical Islam, which in my mind disqualifies him above all others from the Presidency. He blames America for 9-11, is against the Iraq and Afghan wars, introduced legislation earlier this year to withdraw foreign aid from Israel, and now with the recent killing of top al-Qaeda leader Anwar al-Aulaqi, he criticizes it as an “assassination.”

What do you make of a person with those kinds of clueless and naïve, yet extremely dangerous, ideas? I wish he would be as tough on radical Islam as he seeks to be on the Federal Reserve. But apparently in his universe, financial miss-management is a far greater evil than mass murder and terrorism aimed primarily at Jews, Christians, and western society as a whole! Does he think their avowed worldwide “Islamic Caliphate’ is just humorous fodder for Leno? Or that Ahmadinejad is just pulling our leg when swearing repeatedly that Israel will be destroyed? Unconscionable and obviously unacceptable!

When it comes to Mitt Romney, it’s a question of Obamacare vs. Romneycare. You say tomato, others say tomAHto. Six of one, half dozen of the other. Socialism and state-controlled health care by any other name is still, wrong, bad, horrible and incredibly dangerous.

Here’s a look at the rest of the pack at this point:

Jon Huntsman is basically a Democrat in Republican clothing, going nowhere. Newt Gingrich is a brilliant man, but is somewhat flawed and too condescending lately. In my opinion, he could have won the nomination and the Presidency if he had run four years ago, but it appears he missed his window of opportunity and is behind the times, has had horrendous issues within his campaign, and his views on man-made global warming are very suspect to put it mildly. But, he is very smart and could be a player.

As of this writing, Sarah Palin is still undecided. Her indecision is not doing anything to undo the damage done to her credibility when she resigned as Governor half way through her first term. I like her a lot, but she’s probably better suited to being a cultural commentator with the freedom to speak on any and every issue – including the moral ones. She, Gingrich, and Rick Santorum are at this point in time are all better positioned to hold other’s feet to the fire!

Speaking of former Senator Rick Santorum, he is a great guy and completely capable of being President. However, I don’t see much possibility of that happening. He might be a not-so-likely VP running mate, possibly more likely a cabinet or ambassadorial appointee, or a Fox pundit. Senator Marco Rubio, first, and Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, second, are the most likely VP candidates at this point in my opinion.

Herman Cain has a lot of potential and may continue to move up in the running. He is a smart businessman with problem-solving strengths. Not being an experienced politician could hurt him over the long haul in terms of communicating problems and solutions. Two African Americans running against each other with such clear differences in values and solutions could be awesome!

Of course, it’s very early in the process and anything could change . . . and more than likely will.

The bottom line is that America as a nation needs to find her way back to Jesus. The best of born-again, Spirit-filled politicians cannot do alone what needs to be done, even if there were many more of them in Congress. While you can say “God” anytime, (ultimately meaning anything of one’s own imagination), the name “Jesus” is controversial to say the least, and is getting more so daily. We need as a people to start standing up for the truth, and stop stewing in our cowardice. We can save this nation for our children if we will just grow a backbone and take a stand, in love, for the truth that saves in this life and the next.

If you won’t fight for what you believe, you’ll lose it for your children and grandchildren. What kind of legacy will you leave for your loved ones? Will you stand and vote the truth-principles of the Bible, or sell out for what you mistakenly believe is free to feed your greed and idolatry? Know this! Jesus cares, and will lead you in voting for those who, though being imperfect, still have a heart to obey him personally and in national policy. Sin is always a reproach to any people and any nation. Take a stand for righteousness as best you can in every opportunity you have – including the voting booth during both the primary in the spring and the general election in November, 2012!

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Politics and Religion

August 17 2011

Once again, I’m led to write on a critical issue not necessarily related to politics, and only very briefly as this could be a long discussion. But I will try to highlight some basic suggestions of a change in perspective for the average Christian, and spur you to prayer and further consideration of the truths of God. As I said, this is not a typical focus on faith and politics; it is in one sense of applicability and necessity, but it is individually important that we line up personally with how God does things.

“Without faith it is impossible to please God.” That’s plain enough. You say you are a “believer” and that of course means you believe in Jesus, and that is the most important eternal issue imaginable. But do you really believe God at His Word in your life? Are you living in the prosperity that God intends and promises? Are you healed, and living in divine health? Are you delivered? Are you sowing with expectation of reaping? Are you “working” the principles of the Kingdom with faith?

These blessings are part of your salvation. Look up the Greek word for salvation (sozo) and see what it means. You can look throughout the Bible and see the promises of the blessings of God, but you look around at most Christians and see them living in defeat. They’re focused on “when we all get to heaven…” but we don’t have to wait until then to be blessed. Poverty and sickness are of the devil – NOT of God – and you will find neither in heaven. It is twisted, religious logic that I was raised with all my life and is typically practiced, in one form or another, to one degree or another, in most churches today. It has been very destructive, and a waste of many years. Even as an ordained Pastor in full-time ministry (mostly to U. S. Congressmen), I’m changing my perspective, and encourage you to do the same. To borrow a phrase from Andrew Wommack again, I’ve not arrived, but I’ve left. I’m moving on. I’m increasingly taking the Bible at face value and believing what it says, even those promises that have always seemed so elusive, for which I resigned myself to somehow being unqualified for, or that otherwise just didn’t seem to work for me.

I, like probably most of you, have spent most of my life feeling unqualified for these “additional” blessings of God like health and wealth. There has been, at best, such a mixture of law and grace in most churches, and it’s been, at best, a well-intentioned but highly destructive error. I’m only now seeing fully the raw reality of the conflict between Paul and Peter (and others) on “lawful” requirements for believers to be saved – or even blessed. Paul was very adamant about Christ alone being our sufficiency, not circumcision, or there being anything else for us to do for salvation, and His perspective “won out.” True Christianity is Christ-focused! Not man-focused. It’s not what we do to keep the law, it’s what Christ did to keep the law, and then take our sins, iniquity, sickness, disease, poverty, and oppression into Himself on the cross to take all these things away from us.

Have you ever given real thought to your having become righteous through Christ? How can that be? What is the reality of that? How is it true? It is the same miraculous transfer of how that Christ became sin – never having committed a single sin – and through Him, through faith in Him, we believers have become righteous even though you have no righteousness of yourself. That is the almost-too-good-to-be-true-news of the true Gospel of Christ.

Another myth in the church is that if you preach this grace, it gives people a license to sin. Neither I nor anyone else I have ever met or observed needed a license. The truth of scripture is that if we are under grace, sin will not master us (Romans 6:14). That means what it says. It’s a supernatural dynamic of the heart, by the Holy Spirit. It may take years for this maturity to set in fully, but it will happen much faster as we are taught the truth, believe the Word, and love Christ with all that is within us, and appreciate and are mindful always of what He has done!

It is Christ, and not your performance that qualifies you for the grace of God! Receive that revelation! Love Him, Worship Him, live for Him Who has taken all of your failures and sinfulness and given you His righteousness! You are blessed for evermore, but also now in this lifetime!

When 1st Peter 2:24 says you were healed, believe it and receive it. God cannot lie! It is the “unbelief” of most “believers” that hinder the manifestation of their own blessings. Walking by faith and not by sight does not imply walking “blindly!” It is locking your faith in on the specific promises of God, believing Him and His Word with a whole heart, not doubting, but asking Him, believing you receive from Him (Mark 11:24), and then thanking, praising, and worshiping Him continually!

And of course, pray for our civil leaders (as well as our spiritual ones), one of our first New Testament responsibilities, 1st Timothy 2:1-4. They need a full revelation of Christ, and all He has done for all of us. They need wisdom and the Mind of Christ. Pray in faith, believing! God bless you all!

Mark Williamson is the Founder and President of Foundation Restoration Ministries and Federal Intercessors, educational and intercessory ministries dedicated to the restoration of Biblical truth, righteousness and justice in the nation and culture, reaching even the highest offices of the Federal government. Learn more, join the prayer cause, or support the ministry at www.federalintercessors.net.

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Politics and Religion: Hardness of Heart

June 14 2011

Hardness of heart is at crisis proportions in the American Church, and culture. You can imagine the culture, but “The Church?” you probably ask in shock and disbelief. Yes, the Church.

I have learned something profound (from Andrew Wommack), and this discussion of hardness of heart may help you. This is a very deep and challenging subject, but I will attempt to summarize briefly as best as I can some of the major points of how a hard heart develops, and what the solution is. It’s a constant battle, but one that most believers are clueless about and are therefore defeated and don’t realize why. Let’s commit to changing that.

Hardness of heart in the Bible refers to believers, not atheists and God haters.

Mark 6:52 says “for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened.” This is speaking of Jesus’ disciples, not unbelieving pagans. Is it speaking of you, to you? This verse describes how the disciples were so afraid of the storm crossing the Sea of Galilee because their hearts were hardened, and that was so because they had not considered the miracle of Jesus having fed the 5,000 men (plus women and children). The point is that you can love God, give yourself fully to Christ and His cause, and still suffer from hardness of heart, the result of which is further doubt and unbelief. It’s a matter of focus and awareness.

Hardness of heart happens through the distractions of life, as well as through overt sin. Most of you would not argue that hardness of heart will happen with continual, un-repentant sin. Most of you would be surprised as I was to learn that hardness of heart can happen with simple distractions of everyday life that gain too large a foothold in our lives. From being a workaholic, to a Facebook – TV – internet – video game addict, these things can and will harden the heart to the things of God (which range from saving souls to raising the dead). Even “ministry” itself can become such a distraction that it hardens the heart and displaces us further from the heart of God (not that He leaves us – he promised He wouldn’t – but we gradually grow distant). The ministry becomes more important in service to God instead of relationship with God – the true source of any worthwhile ministry – which is a hallmark of the orphan spirit.

This is one aspect of why the persecuted church seems to always explode, and the complacent, lazy, fat, “intellectual” church typically doesn’t. The former needs God, relies on God, thirsts after God, and deeply believes God instead of watching “As the Stomach Churns” on TV, all the “un-reality” shows, and other forms of entertainment saturated with adultery, lust, strife, envy, and murder. (Humans are like computers: garbage in, garbage out!) Even in our churches we seem to have to be entertained anymore. A great band and mood lighting for worship is more important than time in the Word and in prayer to develop ourselves such that we are so close to God that we become confident we have the power and authority to raise the dead!

Jesus’ heart was never hardened because He was God. We, on the other hand, too often see ourselves “on the outside looking in,” but this is a wrong perspective that will keep us in religious bondage, instead of the life of God flowing through us.

Our hearts are “waxed” hard the same way a candle is made – by continually being “dipped” in sin and/or life’s distractions.  What are you being “dipped in” every day? Troubles at work? Strife in the family? Economic and/or health problems? Entertainment? Resistance to repentance? Disappointment with God? Others? Are you taking time to be “re-baptized” in the presence of God often and regularly? Are you considering (meditating) on the truths of God, such as the truth that God takes pleasure in prospering His own, and that we “were healed by the stripes of Jesus,” or just resigning yourself to “it doesn’t seem to work for me”?

Have you noticed that it’s harder than ever to fight all these distractions in life in the modern day? From smart phones, email, Skype, movies with fascinating special effects, games and gizmos and “readers” of every kind, to dramatic geo-political developments within and external to our nation – and all on an almost weekly basis. The intensity of everything is manifesting all around us, yet the manifestation of God, His love, His power, and His authority are trying to come forth, but this is largely up to us. Are you preparing to participate with Him, to release the Holy Spirit through you? He’s not likely to make us do it, but is longing for us to choose to.

Our hearts can be hardened by what we see, hear and learn even in churches.

In Matthew 16:6, Jesus said “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” I believe the warning here is the “leaven” of doubt and unbelief, wrong teaching (miracles have passed) and non-Kingdom priorities – all cloaked in religious pride and pomp, hypocrisy, hype, and manipulation. The bread of communion is unleavened, and the meaning is not to be lost. Much of what passes in the modern American church for a “move” or a “mission” of God is the leavening of hype and manipulation. People aren’t healed, the deaf rarely hear, the blind rarely see, and offerings are manipulated out of people instead of challenging them to simply, really believe. Ephesians 4:14 says “…..we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming…”

Many churches are grossly out of order and largely dysfunctional compared to what Christ intended. They still remain “social clubs” with lots of entertainment and hype, but little Word, Spirit or Truth beyond the basics and denominational traditions.

This is not to condemn anyone. I am guilty of this myself. But as Andrew Wommack says, “I have not arrived, but I’ve left.” I have not overcome all of this, but I’m armed with awareness, and will overcome it by the truth and grace of God. Andrew Wommack has a revelatory, in-depth teaching on this subject, and I strongly recommend you get it free by downloading it from his website at http://www.awmi.net/extra/audio/1003.

Of course, I must also ask you to pray for the epidemic of hardness of heart afflicting so many of our civil leaders – because most do not focus on the Lord, but on their political survival. Even believing office holders hold the position that they don’t wear their faith on their sleeves, and their beliefs don’t belong in public policy. Wrong! The anger and strife (directly because of the absence of their focus on God) is affecting the nation, because the anointing – good or bad – flows from the head down.

Let’s make it a personal quest to change “hardness of heart” personally and culturally! Give it to God. Yield. God bless you as you do!

Mark Williamson is the Founder and President of Foundation Restoration Ministries and Federal Intercessors, educational and intercessory ministries dedicated to the restoration of Biblical truth, righteousness and justice in the nation and culture, reaching even the highest offices of the Federal government. The views expressed in this column are his personal opinions and observations. Learn more, join the prayer cause, or support the ministry at www.federalintercessors.net. You may contact him directly at mark.williamson@federalintercessors.net, or at 713-722-4301.

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Politics and Religion: The Power of Blessing

February 23 2011

One of the greatest challenges I’ve had in trying to minister fully and effectively to congressional leaders in Washington was to first grasp, and then to remember and practice the truth that “blessing” does not mean – or require – my agreement! A few may recognize that truth somewhat superficially, but at a very deep level, this character trait of “blessing the undeserving” is one of the most profound differences between God and a carnal human (and unfortunately, most Christians).

We too often view God like we view each other or even ourselves. At best, we say we could never bless evil (and are in fact commanded to hate evil). But there is a difference between evil demonic forces and human beings who are created in the image and likeness of God, from whom we wrongfully withhold blessings when we’re commanded to release those blessings even to those who curse us! It is our duty, honor, privilege and authority – and a measure of our Christ-likeness – to bless others regardless of their performance, goodness, or obedience – just like God did in sending Jesus to reconcile us.

Many members of the Body of Christ – leaders and “laity” – create legalistic pressures of one kind or another to get others to conform, perform, or reform. The preaching and teaching against sin is arguably effective at condemning the obvious wrongs, but rarely extends the true freedom, power, and grace of the genuine Christian life by emphasizing “the blessing.” This misses the victory from which we should live. We’re left – erroneously – with little more than hoping, wishing, and praying to gain in the “great by and by” what Christ has already given us!

Scripture is clear that when we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Take that in for a few moments. It was – and is – the most incredible, infinite, and eternal blessing; initiated and completed by God Himself while mankind was not just neutral or uncaring, but in open rebellion toward God and His ways. His “blessing” of salvation through Jesus Christ (alone) certainly did not equate “agreement” with our fallen state. The true nature of God is to love and bless, reconcile and restore. That is who He is; who are you?

This is one aspect of the hidden power of the Christ-life. It is one of those things that we don’t really get. We don’t love our enemies like we should. We don’t bless others as we should – even when they’re somewhat “deserving” of blessing in our eyes. And we especially fail to obey, from the heart, the command to “bless those who curse us and despitefully use us.” We must change!

Two of the Greek words used for “blessing” in the New Testament essentially mean “eulogy” (a tribute) and “attribution of good fortune.” The latter has the understanding of God’s full intention and favor for one’s life. To “bless” is to prophetically state over a person, institution or organization “May the Lord grant you favor and the fullness of His intentions and potentiality that He has purposed for you.” To say to someone “I bless you” is to release the power of God’s desire and potential over the person or thing so as to come into the full manifestation of God’s will in the matter. This is an awesome, real, and powerful dynamic!

This is also an aspect of identity – who you are; who your father is. A key goal and potential of the genuine Christian life is to become like our Father God, as exemplified by His Son Jesus. Just as Jesus represented the nature and character of the Father, so are we to reflect Jesus’ same attributes. This potential is already in us due to the shed blood of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As Andrew Wommack says, “you’ve already got it,” including the Lord’s authority and nature to “bless.” Scripture is clear; “…as He is, so also are we in this world.” You’ve got to get it that “you’ve already got it”! Then use it!

So how does this apply to our government? Simple. Bless our leaders (in addition to praying for them), and do not curse them. All of them. No matter their party. No matter whether you agree with them or not. I know many, many Christians who get so infuriated with our government that they wind up speaking curses out of their mouth and aren’t really even aware of what they’re doing. James 3 discusses at length that our mouths are to speak blessings and not curses!

In no way am I suggesting any denial of reality, but rather the reality of the truths and power of God to override natural facts and change things in ways we can hardly imagine. I’ve written very strong columns here about the incredible misbehavior of our government, its lawlessness, and its rebellion to our constitution. Diagnosing problems and exposing the truth and applicability of the scriptures (and the constitution) is “not” cursing. It is exposing the works of darkness which we are commanded to do. But do not curse the people in the process! Be aware of the wrong, but do not focus on it. Do not live in doubt and unbelief! Focus on the Lord and His power to make changes. Exercise faith and hope! Pray in faith, NOT complaint! And live it out by blessing everyone, including those that curse you! Not only the government, but also your family, church, workplace, neighborhoods, drivers, the economy, etc.! In blessing, you partake of the divine nature of God, and help extend His goodness. Blessing others will change your heart (especially where forgiveness is needed), and the environment around you. You will reap what you sow.

I bless you to be a blessing! I bless you to be a “blessor”!

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Politics and Religion: Election 2010 – Another Chance?

December 09 2010

Despite the “lame-duck” insanity session being played out in the Congress as I write this, I am genuinely appreciative of the grace of God that was manifest in the November election. It was an historic election with overwhelming Republican gains in the House, and lesser but significant gains in the Senate. What happened in the House (gains of 65 or so seats) has not been seen in seven decades!

And yet, the leftist extremists who have hijacked the Democratic Party, led by the soon-to-be-former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, still don’t get it, and show no signs of doing so. They were throwing parties congratulating themselves for what is essentially the hastening destruction of America thanks to their anti-God, anti-Constitution, anti-capitalist, anti-health, anti-freedom, pro-insolvency, pro-abortion, pro-euthanasia agenda!

I not sure I’ve ever seen such delusion, especially on such a grand, public scale with such detrimental, life-impacting implications for us and our children! It was their own resistance to the will of the people, especially their obstinate refusal to hear the loud and clear message on “health-care,” which did them in – and rightfully so.

It is the true beauty of our nation: to materially change our government without a shot fired! It is truly a gift of our gracious God! It is a heritage left us by our founding fathers, and those men and women in uniform who have sacrificed their lives to protect those freedoms over the last two-plus centuries. Never take it for granted!

So what does the future hold? Maybe not so much if you ignore your opportunity. Don’t be like most Christians over the last few decades who, if they voted righteously at all, typically “rolled over and went back to sleep” spiritually when an election went the right way.

I encourage you to keep a personal interest and keen awareness of developments in Washington (and Austin). It’s not that hard to track what is happening. Together, we can keep them accountable. Pray for our leaders. Pray for righteous outcomes of legislative agendas. Pray for salvation for those leaders who need it (one doesn’t have much chance to do much good or right if one doesn’t at least have the Bible and the Holy Spirit available to them for guidance in the “ways of truth”). Pray for those who are genuinely saved to live it personally, and exercise it in their governmental stewardship so as to obey the Constitutional limitations and Biblical foundations on which our nation is founded (and from which we stray to our own harm). Pray for them to get the revelation that “redistribution of wealth” is of the devil himself, that socialism is a tool of the devil to steal people’s dreams, kill their hopes, and destroy their faith (literally, particularly in the case of homosexual indoctrination of children in public schools).

Pray for them, and instruct them as your employees – your public servants who are there to represent and serve you – via calls, letters, faxes, and emails to perform the following:
1. Cut spending – drastically! Balance and reduce the federal budget!
2. Cut taxes!
3. Repeal “Obama-care”! Totally! Start over on health reform (if at all)!
4. Secure our borders!
5. Enforce (and tighten) our immigration laws, and our Visa regulations (as in cutting off easy visitation/migration from terrorist nations)!
6. Stop the D.R.E.A.M. Act, an initial amnesty for illegals leading to more of same!
7. Stop all efforts of the radical, militant homosexual agenda, including “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”!
8. Stop the “Food Safety” bill fraud (what I call “Obama-care Light,” or what one Senator’s Chief of Staff described to me as the “make food more expensive” bill.)
9. Reign in the TSA. The constitutional restriction on “unreasonable search and seizure” is now violated beyond reason, and inflicted on the innocent. It is past-time to “profile behaviors” of those who are more likely to be terrorists, and leave little children, elderly citizens, and hard-working, patriotic people alone.
10. Passage of a “bright line” bill making it overtly plain that Pastors and ministries can speak out on moral, political issues without fear of any retribution from the IRS, or lawsuits by opposing organizations. If possible, this should also include civil and perhaps criminal penalties for persons or organizations that misrepresent the law or threaten to abuse other’s rights of freedom of speech, such as the ACLU, Citizens United for the Separation of Church and State, the Freedom from Religion Foundation, etc.
11. Pass PRENDA, an upcoming, pro-life pre-natal bill protecting the right to life of the pre-born!
12. No confirmations of liberal, anti-Constitutionalist, immoral, anti-religious, globalist judges at any level!
13. Investigate/regulate the Fed!
14. Overturn Obama’s Gulf drilling moratorium!
15. Press the Justice Department to explore Julian Assange’s violations of the law, and imprison him as an enemy combatant. Indict him as the “high-tech” terrorist and traitor that he is.
16. The same for George Soros. Indict him as the economic terrorist he is.
17. Generally, encourage and instruct them to read the Constitution. Learn it. Obey it. Exercise it. Get really familiar with its limitations, and especially Article III, Section 2, which says the Congress has the authority (and duty) to limit the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court (and thus all other courts)! Then use it! Especially on issues of protecting traditional morality!

Make it known to them all that we want our freedom back!

That’s my beginning list for this new Congress, in this “New Year.” Pray these things in. Write, fax, and call your Congressman and Senators regularly. Do not back off. Do not get slack. Stay alert and informed. Focus on the Lord and the fullness of His Kingdom come; individually, spiritually, and in the “natural order” of our civil and governmental structure! We Christians, we true patriots of our God-given nation, have a lot of work to do – while we still can!

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Politics and Religion: Election Truth for 2010

October 12 2010

Election 2010 is finally here. It is my urgent hope that America doesn’t blow it like we did in 2008. We are losing our freedoms and our Christian identity, and our opportunities to turn the tide are seemingly diminishing at an increasing pace.

I cannot overstate the importance of the essential role of obedient Christian Americans in this election (and in 2012). The Lord is calling the genuine, committed, believing, disciples of Jesus – who take their ambassadorial commission to be salt and light in every sphere of society very seriously – to stand tall and vote for righteousness’ sake. Is that you? Where do you stand? Do you really believe what you say you believe in; the truths of the Bible? Will you testify to your beliefs in the voting booth, or compromise your integrity before the Lord, the Church, and the nation?

I could fill volumes of this magazine with overt scriptural truths that clearly define Biblical, Kingdom policies – and the lack thereof in our current culture and political age. The truth and its various applications are easy to learn, discern, and practice, if you’re interested.

Let’s look at some truth for this election. First, God is not the author of confusion. He is not double-minded about His purpose for civil government. Yet Christians are seemingly confused. They too often hold to their own political, familial, or racial pride as it concerns modern politics. In round numbers, half of Christians don’t vote, and over half of those who do, vote in opposition to Biblical truth. Don’t be either one.

For those of you who don’t vote, may the Lord rebuke you! Don’t let it happen again! Your vote is a privilege and a responsibility before God. It is a stewardship issue from both a Biblical and citizenship perspective. Many “pull a Pilate” and wash their hands of their responsibility to be “salt and light” in the governmental realm. They do so because they either don’t care, can’t decide, or in their own self-righteousness, they deem all candidates as unworthy of their vote.

Two years ago, Dr. James Dobson and Lou Engle both made big public pronouncements of their unwillingness to vote for the pro-life John McCain because he had voted for embryonic stem cell research. I agree that embryonic stem cell research is evil and ineffective. (No cures or treatments have ever been found this way – and none will be because God created human beings in His image, and will not permit “healing” to come out of the destruction of the innocent. Murder may kill, but it cannot resurrect). Many Christians followed suit in not voting, and now we see the overwhelming destruction perpetrated on our nation under the lying guise of (false) “hope.”

We now have the most pro-abortion President (and party) in our history; so anti-life that he proactively proposed multiple times in the Illinois state Senate to allow babies who survived an abortion to be left alone to die, instead of being rescued with life-saving medical treatment. Many now suggest abortions be an option up to two years old! How completely sick and demented is that?!! As President, Obama proudly proclaims and works for the elimination of all restrictions on abortion – while claiming to be a Christian! What a chasm there turned out to be between Obama and John McCain.

The point is that Biblical stewardship says you make the best, most Godly choice you can with the choices you’ve got to work with. You don’t “no-show.” By definition there will never be a “perfect candidate” unless Jesus decides to run for office. But it is no excuse in the Lord’s sight to withdraw from the cultural, governmental conflict which is ultimately just another battle front between the Kingdom of Heaven and the kingdom of darkness. Get the revelation: all politics is spiritual warfare! Are you showing up? Are you being salt and light? If not, which side are you actually on? What seed are you sowing (from which you and your children will surely reap)?

There is the reality of the current anti-Christ political agenda that only those who are mesmerized by a “spirit of stupid” would deny exists. It is characterized generally by the desire to “cast off all restraint” and is comprised in part by the following specifics:

• Abortion (murder of the unborn, which is a demonically inspired assault on life itself; a manifest, grievous, betrayal of God and the most basic, elementary, and obvious violation of God’s command to “choose life”)
• Perpetuation and legal protection of homosexuality (including the elementary school room indoctrination of children that homosexuality is not only normal, but to be celebrated)
• Taking God out of the public square (in insane opposition to the concrete reality that God and His ways are the only hope we have for our society, government and culture)
• Bankrupting the nation (the efforts to “implode” the “system” – economically and morally – are real and dangerous, and are increasingly having their desired effects)
• Making government “god” so as to replace God (striving to make the government the master of everything in every way; controlling everyone and everything, including health care rationing, excessive taxation, state-given “rights” vs. God-given rights, etc.)
• Stealing the minds and morals – the hearts – of our children so as to prepare them for hell (the indoctrination I speak of surpasses the homosexual agenda and includes everything from evolution to sex, drugs and rock-n-roll, to rebellion towards parents, the Bible, the Constitution, etc.)
• Globalism (the push toward global government, which includes efforts to disarm Americans, the intentional “failure” of our government to secure our borders and enforce our immigration laws, and the pending UN Treaty on the Rights of the Child – which will essentially undermine parental authority and criminalize parental discipline)

These are just the most obvious points of the liberal, socialistic, progressive, Marxist “grand utopian-fantasy agenda” found primarily in the Democratic Party. Make no mistake: the salvation of America is in Jesus and not in the Republican Party. But the destruction of America is absolutely in the liberal agenda, and that’s found primarily in the Democratic Party.

Don’t buy the lie of the liberal agenda; it is clearly anti-Biblical. Socialism is the manifestation of government sanctioned and enforced covetousness, a violation of the 10th Commandment, and it clearly contradicts the truth that God “gives you the power to gain wealth” (not the government!). Abortion is a clear violation of the 6th Commandment. Exodus 20:11 destroys evolution. The current “footsie” being played with Islamic nations at the expense of Israel is in direct opposition to the Lord’s promise to bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse Israel. And so on.

There are many more specific examples of Obama and the Democrats’ manifest perpetuation of this anti-American, anti-Christian agenda. From the fraud of man-made global warming, to the environmental wacko-ism used to justify the oil drilling moratorium in the gulf while subsidizing Brazil and Mexico drilling in the gulf! From our corrupt Justice Department dropping voting rights violation cases, and joining Mexico in a perverse lawsuit against Arizona, to the elimination of the Bush tax cuts so as to continue to lose jobs and damage the economy. It just never ends.

As for Texas, some Republicans claim they’re voting for Bill White for governor. Really? He is an Obama clone. Why would we want those destructive policies concentrated internally in our state government? As State Senator Dan Patrick recently pointed out, the governor of Texas has a huge responsibility in appointing personnel throughout state government. I’m not a huge fan of Perry, but his decisions on appointments would prove infinitely better than White’s. For lack of space, I cannot even get into the whole census/Congressional district re-apportionment process that is forthcoming, but it must stay in conservative hands! We cannot afford to lose Perry.

Is Christ divided? Is He confused? No, and His body shouldn’t be either! Vote the values of the Kingdom when and where possible! Vote the values of the Bible and the Constitution – they’re in incredible harmony! Vote conservative, not liberal! And as a default, when in doubt, vote Republican. Not that they’re perfect, they’re not! They’re barely acceptable. But wisdom in our day says apply some brakes to our government before the bus goes over the cliff. Republicans = brakes. Democrats = pedal to the metal – right over the cliff of government sanctioned economic and moral destruction.

Mark Williamson is the Founder and President of Foundation Restoration Ministries and Federal Intercessors, educational and intercessory ministries dedicated to the restoration of Biblical truth, righteousness and justice in the nation and culture, reaching even the highest offices of the Federal government. The views expressed in this column are his personal opinions and observations. Learn more and join the prayer cause at www.federalintercessors.net. You may contact him directly at mark.williamson@federalintercessors.net, or at 713-722-4301.

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Politics & Religion: Arizona Immigration

August 04 2010

Since my last column, Arizona has been sued – and has lost – in federal court over its state law (mirroring federal law) on immigration enforcement. Judge Susan Bolton, a Clinton appointee (typical), quickly resorted to the liberal’s standard operating procedure of judicial activism. Her ruling knocked the teeth out of the state law and overruled federal law. In doing so, she betrayed our Constitution, the rights and responsibilities of a sovereign state, and the will of the vast majority of the populace of the state as well as the nation.

This judge showed herself – at the very least – to be sympathetic to the liberal, globalist agenda that has been gradually but increasingly exercising itself against the sovereignty of America for the last century. The “progressive” movement has accelerated since the early 1900s, exposing itself overtly with David Rockefellers’ mid-century comment “All we need is the right major crisis, and the nations will accept the new world order,” to the overtly evil strategies of the God-hating, America-hating George Soros to destroy currencies, undermine economies, etc.

Two related federal laws that this “judge” thumbed her nose at are:

1. Non-citizens are required to keep their “papers” on them and be ready to show them at any time. This is a common requirement in every nation in the world, including the U.S. This judge said “no” (at least in terms of showing their identification to state and local authorities in Arizona, which in turn effectively voids the following federal law):

2. Section 642 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 says “no…government entity or official may prohibit, or in any way restrict, any government entity or official from sending…information regarding the citizenship or immigration status…of any individual.” (In other words, federal, state, and local law enforcement are all in this together. That is, or at least was, federal law.)

Judge Bolton flushed the Constitution and federal law in this egregious example of judicial activism. Take note that this is a forewarning of the type of judge Elena Kagan will be on the Supreme Court (who will hear this case when it inevitably reaches the Supreme Court).

The aforementioned 1996 law made “sanctuary” cites and states illegal. But Obama did not sue San Francisco which has been thumbing their nose at federal immigration laws for years. He sued Arizona for trying to protect their citizenry. This is beyond hypocrisy! It is another sign that Obama is not seeking to protect and defend the Constitution, but is trying to destroy the America that we all know and love in order to, in his words, “fundamentally transform America.”

Former Congressman and Republican Presidential Candidate Tom Tancredo recently wrote a Washington Times Op-Ed piece called “The Case for Impeachment.” Tancredo points out that there are several valid Constitutional reasons to do so, but the repeated violations of his oath of office in upholding the laws of the land regarding immigration and border enforcement are undeniable and inexcusable. I have come to the place where I have to agree.

But what we see happening in the nation is happening only because the same exact thing is happening in the church. The church in America has been AWOL in its civil stewardship for decades. We have not taught our children (and still don’t) what it means to really be a Christian who loves the truth and stands in integrity and character, nor what it is to be a true American.

Obama is a mirror thrust into the face of the compromising church, the supposed “salt and light” of a compromising nation. Our political leaders (with very few exceptions) long ago sold their integrity. Our business leaders (with almost no exceptions) long ago sold their integrity. Our spiritual leaders (with some exceptions) long ago compromised their integrity; all of them for a buck or to please man – or both.

There are nationally and internationally known Christian leaders who are miss-representing the truth in social, cultural and civil issues and putting a “Christian” label on this deception. Locally, the Houston Area Pastors Council’s very public statement on immigration is the latest example of such self-serving compromise. I’m a member, and know a couple of the leaders. They should know better. Their statement consisted of

1. Secure the borders (which thankfully, they got right)

2. Comprehensive immigration reform (which is code for illegal alien amnesty, which is wrong and rewards lawlessness, which in turn is anti-Biblical in principle)

3. Treat current illegals “humanely” (which is, at best, an unfortunate word usage seeing as how we’re not water boarding them, driving screwdrivers under their fingernails, or being “inhumane” to begin with.)

Such religious posturing is weak, and contributes to the plague in the American Church at-large of re-creating God in our own image, in our own like-ness (our own imagination), i.e., what we want him to be like instead being Who He Is as revealed in the Bible. He is the God of Truth, Whose passion is order, desiring His Kingdom to be established on earth, that His will would be done on earth as it is in heaven.

The reality is that in our government and in our churches, Isaiah 59:14 is again true today: “Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the street, and uprightness cannot enter.”

Both political sides are selling out the nation for a price of their own choosing and convenience. Supposedly “republican” business interests want excessively cheap labor, which is an immoral violation of James 5:4. An overt desire of liberal democrats is to gain new voters, even illegal ones if necessary, and that violates any sense of fair play or allegiance to the Constitution. To take people from another nation, override the legal process and grant them amnesty so as to arbitrarily gain new voters to further their own socialistic agenda is particularly twisted and hypocritical. It reminds me a lot in principle of the accusation Jesus brought against the Pharisees of “traveling the world to make converts and making them twice the son of hell you are.”

One political agenda (liberalism) is about the overt destruction of America. The countering political agenda (conservatism) is often compromising and spineless. On the whole, what passes as “spiritual” leadership is a man-pleasing compromise between the two political agendas, instead of adherence to the higher, overriding Biblical and Constitutional truth, proclaimed clearly, accurately applied, with authority, and without compromise. We urgently need to return to that higher standard!

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Arizona Immigration Reality Check

June 16 2010

America was built in large part by immigrants. That’s not debatable. The question is: what kind of immigrant? To distinguish, (yes, to “discriminate” between that which is desirable and that which isn’t) is critical to the solution.

Particularly over the last century, America has welcomed immigrants from throughout the world. They certainly wanted a better life here, and were willing and often anxious to leave their former world behind and truly become American. Most were desirous of the opportunities and freedoms that America provided, and were cognizant of the responsibilities that were part of the package.

The hope of America was a dream, an ideal, something of great value, a higher standard to live up to; something a person was both responsible and exceedingly grateful for; something very precious, worth the cost of great sacrifice. They wanted only the opportunity, not handouts. They humbly wanted to become American, not to re-make America in the image of their former nation or culture with, frankly, its’ limitations and failures.

We used to limit the number of immigrants. We would regularly reduce our intake of immigrants until other immigrants were more successfully assimilated. In other words, we were interested in the quality of citizen the immigrant would make, their successful assimilation, and the overall process of immigration in increasing the number of good Americans for the good of America and all her citizens. What was wrong with that?

Now, the apparent attitude is that we must take almost anyone, from anywhere, in any number, for any reason, lest we be “racist.” This is lunacy. We must restore order and sanity to our broken borders. We must realize our borders are broken and porous, and our laws intentionally un-enforced thanks to the globalists who want to dissolve borders between nations (which is un-Biblical). It is past time for Americans to demand that the federal government do its job, and fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.

We were founded as a nation of laws, not of men and selfish agendas. People can bring their agendas to the table and negotiate legislatively the laws that we will all live by. But living by the law is less and less the case anymore. Seemingly everyone, including deceived and un-discerning leaders in the church (representing all denominations and theological streams), is doing “what is right in their own eyes.” It is lawlessness.

Our President, who intentionally does nothing to enforce the immigration laws that are on the books, criticizes the Arizona immigration law. He thinks the states have no rights in this regard. He is wrong on both counts. As President, he is the constitutionally mandated executive authority to enforce the laws Congress has passed. He continues to fail.

The Constitution, in Article 1 Section 8 says

•  “The Congress shall have Power To….provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States;…” (Which it is not doing.)

•  “To establish an uniform Rule of a Naturalization,…” (Which it has done but is not enforcing.)

•  “To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;…” (Which it is not doing.)

However, in Section 10 of Article 1, the Constitution also addresses the state’s responsibilities:

•  No State shall, without the Consent of Congress…..enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.”

Now that is clear constitutional authorization for Arizona to protect its’ state and citizens in whatever way is necessary to respond to an “invasion.” An unarmed invasion by lawless people is still an invasion (this one isn’t unarmed anymore), and should be viewed as an assault on America in general and a sovereign state of the union in particular. The point is that for Arizona to do nothing would not only be a failure to uphold the rule of law, but a clear violation of Arizona’s duties under the Constitution. (The anti-American ACLU’s opposition to the Arizona law is further proof of the law’s validity!)

Sanctuary cities like San Francisco violate the Constitution and federal law by passing laws protecting illegal aliens. For Arizona to “lie down” and allow this invasion of illegals from Mexico would make them a de-facto “sanctuary state.”

A professing Christian asked me the rhetorical question recently “would Jesus call these illegal aliens ‘illegal’?” The Biblical response is obvious. Yes, of course Jesus would call them illegal just as he would call someone that broke into your house a thief. He is not confused by word games, or the socialist-Marxist agenda masquerading as “Christian compassion” and/or “social justice.”

It is a sobering thing to think that on Judgment Day, Jesus will say to some “depart from me, I never knew you…you who practice lawlessness.” There are many professing Christians who are lawless at heart. But as Mike Murdoch says, God’s “obsession” is order. That puts Him squarely at odds with chaos and confusion. Order is the nature of His Kingdom. He will one day rule and reign with “a rod of iron” (Revelation 2:27), and there will be order, not semi-controlled anarchy and lawlessness masquerading as “freedom.”

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