A Christian Perspective

God Blesses Those Who Bless Israel

November 23, 2024November 22, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel, and cursed is everyone who curses you.” Numbers 24:9b NLT

Scripture is quite clear of God’s love for His chosen people, the Jews. God chose Abram to leave his homeland and go to a place He would lead him. The Lord spoke to Abram saying, “I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Gen.12:2-3 nlt) God has fulfilled His promise to Abram. Israel became a great nation, the Jewish people have been a blessing to the world, and all the families of the world are blessed through Abraham’s seed in the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

God’s love has never wavered for Israel even through their times of sinful idolatry recorded in the Old Testament. The Jews were punished severely for their sins by having their land destroyed and being taken captive to foreign kingdoms. But God had grace and mercy on His chosen people and brought back into the land due to His promised covenant and His love for them. The Jews are indeed God’s chosen people. Throughout history nations who have blessed and supported Israel were blessed, and those who have not, were not blessed, but cursed.

The nations of the world in 2024 have had a close eye on Israel since the terrorist attack by Hamas in October of 2023. There are sympathizers on both sides. A word to the nations who support Hamas and other extremists by agreeing with their ideology. The Jews are still God’s chosen people. The prophet Ezekiel prophesied against Mount Seir, also known as Edom, after the bloodshed they caused against the Jews trying to escape their Babylonian captors. “Your eternal hatred for the people of Israel led you to butcher them when they were helpless, when I had already punished them for all their sins. For you said, ‘The lands of Israel and Judah will be ours. We will take possession of them. What do we care that the LORD is there!’” (Ez.35:5, 10 nlt) Sounds a lot like 2024, the 1930’s and ‘40’s, and all through history. God’s chosen people have always been under attack.

God’s Word still stands true today, “Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel,
and cursed is everyone who curses you.” (Num.24:9 nlt) Edom was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in the sixth century B.C. and again by John Hyrcanus, a Hasmonean (Maccabean) leader in 126 B.C… There is no trace of the Edomites in our current day. Curse is everyone who curses Israel.

The United States and many other nations across the world have been supportive of Israel for many years. These nations must be careful not to let their support wane. The United Nations as a governing body hasn’t been much help in garnishing support for Israel. The United States, as the leader of the free world in 2024, has the advantage to take the lead in their support for Israel. As a citizen of the United States and a Christian, I realized America has been blessed beyond measure for our support of God’s chosen people. May the upcoming administration continue and enhance the United States’ support for Israel. For God says, blessed is everyone who blesses Israel.

Read: Ezekiel 35 NLT – A Message for Edom – Again a message – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

N.I.L. our name, image, and likeness

November 16, 2024November 15, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 ESV

It is true nothing stays the same. Some changes that come along are good, others not so good, and it is one’s perspective if it’s good or not. What is good for some may not be good for others. The sporting world has seen its share of changes throughout the years. Of course, the older you are, the more changes you’ll observe during your life, and I have seen a few. Most changes in professional sports are made for safety, making the game more enjoyable and exciting, and keeping up with fan interests, although they have never asked me! Nevertheless, change is inevitable, and I will deal with it.

Collegian sports have changed over the years for the same reasons as professional sports as far as the game itself, but a concerning change has taken place in the last few years with student athletes. There has been a debate for years whether college athletes should be paid. Never mind the dollar amount of the scholarship programs providing free education each semester for these athletes. The cry is that universities are making millions of dollars through their highly successful sports program, and that cannot be denied. Student athletes were feeling used and being taken advantage of in the marketing of their talent without any compensation. An agreement was reached on the creation of N.I.L… The student athletes will now be paid for their name, image, and likeness used by the schools they represent.

What has made it more complicated is the extension of the transfer portal with thousands of students seeking a better deal or more playing time. According to NPR, “NCAA statistics show that between August 2021 and July 2022, more than 20,900 Division I student athletes entered the transfer portal. And the numbers are building. The 20,900 student athletes in 2021-2022 was up from 18,000 the previous year.” (1)

College sports and education opportunities for student athletes are changing in a big way. They are beginning to see the fruit of these changes with diminished opportunities to be molded into successful men and women as many high-profile coaches are finding it difficult to continue their style of coaching. A good number have left over the last few years as they have seen this coming. The latest surprise was Tony Bennett, head basketball coach at the University of Virginia, who stepped down right before the start of the season. A report from AP News quotes Bennett’s reasoning for stepping down, “I looked at myself and I realized, I’m no longer the best coach to lead this program, if you’re going to do it, you’ve got to be all in. You’ve got to have everything. And if you do it half-hearted, it’s not fair to the university and those young men. That’s what made me step down. The game and college athletics is not in a healthy spot,” Bennett said. “And there needs to be change. I think I was equipped to do the job here the old way. That’s who I am and that’s how it was.” (2)

So, what is the Chrisitan Perspective on N.I.L.? Christian student athletes have a tremendous opportunity not only to represent their school with N.I.L. but also Jesus Christ. There are serious issues now with the NCAA, and Christian students should not shy away, but represent Christ in a way that brings honor and glory to God. Bear His likeness noting that it is not about me or the money, but this is where God has placed you.

All Christians have the same opportunity, in fact it is our new likeness. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2Cor.5:17 esv) We are to be image bearers of our Lord and Savior. Our name, image, and likeness are not us, but Jesus Christ. It is worth more the any N.I.L. package, and we did enter the transfer portal. We were transferred from death unto life. “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” (Jn.5:24 esv)

(1) Welcome to the NCAA transfer portal — where athletes can make a shot at glory : NPR

(2) Virginia coach Tony Bennett explains sudden retirement | AP News

A Christian Perspective

The Word of God Cannot be Chained

November 9, 2024November 7, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.” 2 Tinothy 2:8-9 NLT

According to ‘Open Doors International’ more than 365 million Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith worldwide. (1) Many of them are imprisoned simply for sharing their faith or owning a Bible, and many are martyred. The Bible is illegal, banned, or severely restricted in 52 countries across the globe. (2) Persecution of Christians is nothing new. James, one of Jesus’ disciples was the first to be martyred for his faith in Christ. The list goes on as all the disciples were killed for their faith except John who died in exile on the island of Patmos Throughout the centuries Christians have been persecuted and the Bible forbidden, but it is noticeably escalating in these last days as Satan knows his time is running out.

The apostle Paul was well acquainted with persecution from both sides as the persecutor and the persecuted. Paul had been beaten and jailed several times for his continual preaching of the Word of God. The Bible doesn’t state Paul’s manner of death, but tradition says he also was martyred. In Paul’s second letter to his son in the faith, Timothy, he wrote he was chained like a criminal for preaching the Good News of the gospel, and then added, “But the word of God cannot be chained.” (2Tim.2:9b nlt) Paul likely foresaw the confiscation and banning of Scripture that would continue to increase over the years. But he encouraged Timothy and us that it cannot be chained.

Despite the efforts of government authorities creating laws to make it illegal to read or own a Bible, the Lord God will see to it that His Word is never chained. It cannot be, it contains the words of the living God and cannot be silenced. The world is becoming more secular everyday erasing any reference to God within its society. Eventually banning the Bible is on the horizon in every country on earth if it has not started already. Efforts will continue to increase and with greater determination to rid society of everything with a Christian nature, especially the Bible. Praise God His Words cannot be silenced or chained, for it contains the Good News!

(1) World Watch List 2024 · Serving Persecuted Christians Worldwide

(2) Bible Is Banned Here: Check Out This Long List of Countries

A Christian Perspective

Jesus Christ will Judge the World with Righteousness

November 2, 2024October 31, 2024 Loring Schultz

“For He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world, And the peoples with equity.” Psalm 98:9 NKJV

Anticipation for the results of the United States Presidential election is running as high as the money spent between both political campaigns. A vast majority of America’s population are anxiously waiting to see who the Commander-in-Chief will be sitting in the oval office where the buck stops. The hope is whoever it is will rule with integrity, honestly, and for the benefit of all the people. May I be honest with you by saying it is only a hope and most likely will not be a reality. Human beings are prone to sin inherited from our first parents, and that includes Presidents. Chances are there will be plenty of finger pointing at the next administration and perhaps justifiably so. Hope for ‘a new way forward’ or ‘make America great again’ will fall short and there will be disappointment for all.

Human government, although ordained by God to administer justice, will fail in some way every time because it is a ‘human’ government. We are to obey human authorities but not put our trust in them. The psalmist gives us great advice, “Itis better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in princes.” (Ps.118:8-9 nkjv) So, if we are putting our trust in one candidate or the other that is not where it should be, because both will fall terribly short of what we expect. Our trust should be in Jesus Christ, and in Him alone.

There will be a time when we can and will put our trust in a prince. The prince of peace, Jesus Christ, is going to rule on the earth with righteous judgement when He returns to establish His kingdom. He will not fall short, He cannot. Jesus will rule all people with righteousness and equity, true Christ-like equity. There will be no more elections. All will be obedient to Him and there will be no disappointment. So, as we eagerly wait for the results of the U.S. Presidential election may we be just as excited anticipating the coming Prince of Peace who will judge the world with righteousness.

Read: Psalm 98 NKJV – A Song of Praise to the Lord for His – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

America at the Crossroads

October 26, 2024October 25, 2024 Loring Schultz

“This is what the LORD says: ‘Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, No, that’s not the road we want!’” Jeremiah 6:16 NLT

Last week’s ‘Christian Perspective’ focused on the question ‘Is America Fixin’ to Fall,’ (1) Several self-incriminating examples were noted that if not done away with could very well do away with the United States. This week the main point in ‘A Christian Perspective’ is America is at the crossroads. America’s future will be decided in a few days after the results of the U.S. Presidential election is announced. The country could not be more divided, growing more hostile in what separates us. Any resemblance to truth has been thrown out in almost every political ad being replaced with statements taken out of context, exaggerations, and outright lies. Desperation is setting in not only for the candidates but also for those in both camps who see their defeat as an end to democracy as they see it. For clarification, ‘democracy’ is defined by Webster’s New World Dictionary as, “government by the people, directly or through representatives.”

Some of Jeremiah’s prophecies to Judah could have been spoken to ‘We the people’ of the United States. We looked at one last week and here is another from Jeremiah 6:16, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.’ But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’” (nlt) The Lord told Judah to ‘Stop’ at the crossroads. America needs to stop. Stop what we are doing long enough and look around. Look back at where we have been and look forward to where we are going. The Lord says to ask for the old, godly way and walk in it. America is not walking in a godly way in 2024, but just the opposite. One candidate has referenced in campaign speeches ‘we’re not going back.’ But in this case, going back is not a bad idea if we’re going back to the godly principles America was founded on. The Lord says if we travel that old, godly path, we will find rest for our souls. ‘We the people’ have not had rest in our souls for decades.

Again, the Lords words to Judah through Jeremiah parallels America today. ‘We the people’ are responding to God the same way by saying, “No, that’s not the road we want!” The United States has pushed God aside in favor of ourselves. God becomes relevant when He is needed to round up votes, but not to His godly ways of administering equal justice, governing honestly, and protecting the sanity of life. Yes, America is at the crossroads. Judah was at the crossroads, and they refused to go the old, godly way resulting in their destruction. America and the world at large are at the crossroads between good and evil. As Christians we understand God is in control and He will choose the President of the United States for His purposes. But that does not excuse us for not participating in voting for those who will best follow the old, godly way remaining on that path so those they govern, ‘We the people,’ will find rest for our souls.

(1) Is America Fixin’ to Fall? – Word for the Soul

A Christian Perspective

Is America Fixin’ to Fall?

October 19, 2024October 18, 2024 Loring Schultz

In 1980 the Charlie Daniels Band released the recording of ‘In America,’ the lead single from their album ‘Full Moon.’ The song rose to number 11 on the billboard charts as a call to patriotism after the stresses of the 1970’s in the United States. The opening line is, “Well, the eagle’s been flyin’ slow And the flag’s been flyin’ low And a lotta people sayin’ that America’s fixin’ to fall.” (1) The premise was, if united, America will stand and not fall from outside forces looking to destroy us. Although we fight among ourselves, we are united when threatened from the outside. That may still be true today, but what if the sources looking to destroy us are not on the outside, but from within. The phrase, ‘the enemy from within’ has got a lot of traction in the United States lately just three weeks before the election. However, I am not referring to any one political party, or any individuals, but to the nation as a whole.

The prophet Jeremah was commissioned by God to warn the people of Judah of the destruction that was coming their way because of their sins. Throughout his messaging Jeremiah not only warned them, but also let them know that if they repented and turned back to God, they would not be destroyed. “This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘Even now, if you quit your evil ways, I will let you stay in your own land.’” (Jer.7:3 nlt) God is gracious and merciful. The people of Judah had plenty of opportunity to turn back to God, but they continued to turn their back on Him. America is in the same place today. America has turned their back on God as a nation.

Yes, the United States is a secular nation, but it has been founded on the principles of God’s Holy Word, the Bible. The Lord has blessed us throughout its short history and will continue to bless us if those founding principles stay in place. But if we remove them, I’m afraid our blessing will be removed as well. America will be fixin’ to fall.

For those of you who think America will never fall, remember God judged His own chosen people for turning their back on Him and not repenting. You may say but Israel was a theocracy, and you would be right, however, compare Jeremiah’s words of warning to them and the United States today. See how they are related. “But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice; only if you stop exploiting foreigners, orphans, and widows; only if you stop your murdering; and only if you stop harming yourselves by worshiping idols. Then I will let you stay in this land that I gave to your ancestors to keep forever.” (Jer.7:5-7 nlt)

This enemy from within America is exactly what Jeremiah told Judah before their destruction and captivity if they did not repent; evil thoughts and acting on those thoughts, not treating each other with justice both personally and in the courts, a broken immigration system that is exploiting the innocent, not caring for the less fortunate among us, people being murdered every day on our city streets and in the womb, and worshiping the idols of our desires.

One other line from Charlie Daniels’ ‘In America,’ “We’re gonna put her feet back
On the path of righteousness and then God bless America again.” (1) I don’t think we have done that, but just the opposite. America’s fixin’ to fall, but it does not need to be. If we do put our feet back on the path of righteousness, God will bless America again!

(1) Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Charles Fred Hayward / Charlie Daniels / William J. Digregorio / Fred Edwards / James W. Marshall / John Crain In America lyrics © Music Corp. Of America, Inc.

A Christian Perspective

Let the Little Children Come to Me

October 12, 2024October 12, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.” Luke 18:16 NIV

The 2024 United States Presidential election has several key issues on the minds of voters. The hot button issue of abortion is the most controversial by far. It is so controversial that one of the major parties hardly references it. The other major party has filled the airwaves making it an issue of choice. ‘Abortion’ is rarely mentioned in any campaign ad. There is controversy in how late in the pregnancy a woman may make this decision. With no definite clarity from abortion advocates, there is no time frame in which a woman does not have the right to choose.

We have all heard of the ‘exceptions rule’ allowing abortion in the case of rape, incest, or the life of the mother. Let’s look at some statistics. In a report by USA Today in 2019, “Just 1% of women obtain an abortion because they became pregnant through rape, and less than 0.5% do so because of incest, according to the Guttmacher Institute.” (1) From that same report, 74% said having a baby would dramatically change my life, 73% said they can’t afford a baby now, 48% admitted to not wanting to be a single mother or have relationship problems, and 38% referenced they completed their childbearing years. (1) The Charlette Lozier Institute reports that 0.3% of abortions are performed due to risk of the women’s life or a major body function. (2) It is quite easy to see that mostly all abortions are due to choice. Abortion advocates are right, it is all about choice. But how are Christians, followers of Jesus, to rectify this choice movement. Is it strictly a woman’s choice? It is her body made in the image of God, but does God approve of the choice that effects another one of His image bearers? “Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.” Ps.127:3 (nlt) And how did Jesus did feel about children when He was on the earth.

Christians today, me included, strive to live the way Jesus lived by following His words and example. When Jesus’ disciples mistakenly were not allowing parents to bring their babies to Jesus to touch them, Jesus overruled them and invited the babies to Himself. “People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.’” (Lk.18:16 niv) Jesus’ words and feelings are the same today. He is saying ‘let the little children come to me.’

Matthew records Jesus’ words regarding children’s guardian angels, “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.” (Mt.18:10 nlt) Parents refer to their children as little angels the minute they are born. It’s hard to believe they are not innocent little angels in the womb and with their guarding angel looking over them.

The choice that is being made every day does not consider the innocent who is unable to make a choice if they want to live or die. According to NPR, “More than a million abortions were provided in the U.S. in 2023. To be precise, researchers estimate there were 1,026,700 abortions in 2023. ‘That’s the highest number in over a decade, [and] the first time there have been over a million abortions provided in the U.S. formal health care system since 2012,’ explains Issac Maddow-Zimet, a data scientist with Guttmacher.” (3)

So, what is a Jesus follower to do? “Rescue those being led away to death.” (Pr.24:11 niv) for Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.”

(1) https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/05/24/rape-and-incest-account-few-abortions-so-why-all-attention/1211175001/

(2)

Fact Sheet: Reasons for Abortion

(3) https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/03/19/1238293143/abortion-data-how-many-us-2023

A Christian Perspective

The One and Only Fact Checker with the Truth

October 5, 2024October 3, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed. Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who renounces evil is attacked. The LORD looked and was displeased to find there was no justice.” Isaiah 59:14-15 NLT

“For you are God, O Sovereign LORD. Your words are truth.” 2 Samuel 7:28 NLT

What is your source to find honest reporting of the news? Where do you go to verify the news you have heard to be true? The radio airwaves, television networks, cable news channels, and all streaming devices have been spreading news about the U.S. Presidential election for months and will continue to do so for the next 31 days. Again, where do you go to verify what you have heard? Most of us will go to the news source we trust the most, and that is usually in line with our political biases. But can we be sure that our most trusted news networks are always telling us the truth. The truth is, no pun intended, the answer is no.

So, to be fair and balanced as we say, a fact checker system has been put in place to fact check news stories and political candidate’s statements. But, here again, can we trust the fact checker? Is the fact checker neutral? From what source are they retrieving the information they are using to verify a statement, and is it in the proper context? I’m afraid most fact checkers are not worth their weight in salt. So, where do we turn to find out if a candidate seeking political office is telling the truth or not? There is only one fact checker who will always tell us the truth, the God of heaven through His Word.

Now, before you stop reading this piece, I understand Scripture does not address current issues of our day directly, but they do have a lot to say about integrity, telling the truth, being a false witness, bribery, showing favoritism, honest wages and business practices, and the overall role of government to provide security and safety for the people.

When a candidate makes pledges and announces policies for their administration if elected, our job is to do our own fact checking and see how this lines up with Scripture. Is what they propose truthful and a goal that can be achieved fairly for all citizens? Do any of their polices violate God’s Laws found in Scripture? Many candidates quote the Bible during campaign speeches. Christians must determine if they are quoting correctly and is it in the right context with the whole of Scripture or are they trying to make a point that is contrary to God’s standards? Sadly, in today’s environment candidates will do or say just about anything to ensure a victory on election night.

The prophet Isaiah’s words ring true for the current conditions of the United States in 2024, “Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed. Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who announces evil is attacked” (Is.59:14b-15a nlt) But Samuel tells us, “For you are God, O Sovereign LORD. Your words are truth.” (2Sam.7:28 nlt) We have a source we can turn to for the truth in this age of lies, falsehoods, and misinformation. It is the Lord God Himself through the words of Scripture. The one and only fact checker with the truth.

A Christian Perspective

Standing in the Gap for America

September 28, 2024September 27, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one. So now I will pour out my fury on them, consuming them with the fire of my anger. I will heap on their heads the full penalty for all their sins. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!” Ezekiel 22:30-31 NLT

The United States of America is still the greatest, most prosperous nation in the world today. Cemented on Judeo-Christian values from the pages of Holy Scripture by the founding Fathers, the United States has been blessed as no other nation for the undivided attention given to God’s commands and the truth given to us from our creator. But, I’m afraid those days are surely coming to an end. The United States as a country has abandon God and we are starting to see the beginning of the end of our freedom unless a radical change back to God is made very soon.

It is impossible for anyone to not be aware of the deterioration of the very fabric of our nation. Even the casual observer of the news is confronted with political turmoil, ever increasing crime, hatred towards others, racism, scandals within our government institutions, attempts to silence free speech, discrimination, churches turning away from the truths of God’s Word, and Federal government spending causing the rise in the debt ceiling. The fact is, although being aware of the crisis in our country, many people are either disinterested or simply don’t care. Others are too busy with their own concerns, some are part of the problem, and then there are others who do care but only complain. They never take the initiative by getting involved to help in any way they can, even praying for the country.

The Lord speaking through the prophet Ezekiel was looking for someone to intercede on behalf of the people of Jerusalem who were about to be taken captive, and the city destroyed. Their continued sinning by turning their back on God is about to unleash the consequences. Sadly, the Lord found no one to ‘stand in the gap’ rebuilding the wall of righteousness. There was no one to teach repentance and return to the Lord their God. Jerusalem was destroyed and the people taken to Babylon in captivity.

The United States must heed this warning from the Old Testament book of Ezekiel, if the Lord God did not spare His own people from destruction due to their sin, what makes us think He will spare the United States of America? “So now I will pour out my fury on them, consuming them with the fire of my anger. I will heap on their heads the full penalty for all their sins. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!” (Ez.22:31 nlt) Who will help rebuild the wall of righteousness, the sacred Judeo-Christian values that established the United States, and stand in the ‘stand in the gap?’ Will it be you? Will it be me? May it be both of us!

The link below will help get us off to a good start. Today is Day 2 of ’40 Days of Prayer before the U. S. Presidential election.’ May we all be in prayer as we stand in the gap for the next 40 days for America and other countries around the world.

40 Days USA | A Call To Pray For Our Nation

A Christian Perspective

Pray for Christian Leaders in Government

September 21, 2024September 18, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. So they concluded, ‘Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.’” Daniel 6:4-5 NLT

Government officials who profess Christianity are looked upon as a threat to our way of life. Adhering to Biblical principles accuses them of intolerance, taking away rights, discrimination, limiting freedom, and dare I say a threat to democracy. Of course, none of this is true for the God of the Bible would never support those things listed above. In fact, the Bible speaks quite openly just the opposite when administered according to His standard of truth and His holiness. God has established government for an orderly way of life in our world to maintain peace by punishing criminals and providing safety and protection for all its citizens. The guidelines to follow are found in His book He has written to us, the Bible. It is when government seeks to establish their own reasoning of right and wrong contrary to God’s standards that we have an unorderly world.

Christians in government leadership positions need our daily prayers. They are in an uphill battle with mostly every piece of legislation being debated or with laws they need to follow which are against God’s Word. There are many who want to silence them and see them out of office. I believe the Lord has placed them there by His grace and will use them for His glory not only for a more stable government, but in advancing His kingdom by leading others to Christ. They have a great responsibility to maintain integrity among their colleagues with whom they are in opposition for the greater cause for doing the right thing for the people.

The prophet Daniel in the Old Testament could well represent a modern-day government official. He, indeed, was one. One of the top three in Darius’ administration. Daniel’s character and integrity were above reproach, and his work was of excellent quality. He was on his way to being promoted but his two companions wanted him out of office and tried to find some accusation against him but couldn’t find any. Daniel’s godly character and work ethic made it impossible to find anything negative in his service to the king. His opponents knew they could only get him to violate the law if it was something that went against his God, so they devised a plan and they passed such a law. This is being done in our government before our very eyes in 2024.

Be praying for all who hold office in our government, Christians and non-Christians alike. For those who do not know the living savior to come to know Him and for Christians to be able to stand for the truth and not be persuaded to compromise God’s Word in fear of losing their jobs. Pray they will maintain their integrity and conduct their work to highest standard as a follower of Jesus. And continue to pray for the United States in the upcoming election that men and women of God will be elected to office governing as God’s Word commands.