Author: Ed Craddock

George Washington said, “For if men are to be precluded from offering their sentiments on a matter, which may involve the most serious and alarming consequences, that can invite the consideration of mankind, reason is of no use to us: the freedom of speech may be taken away and dumb and silent we may be led like sheep to the slaughter.” And now we are and have been sliding into the abyss of a dark and unholy alliance of the powers that operate under the administration of Donald Trump and his acolytes and much of the evangelical church which by their support, fuel Trump’s march toward authoritarianism. We are past halfway there.

Wednesday another late-night host, Jimmy Kimmel, was removed indefinitely for comments he made about those responsible for Charlie Kirk’s death. There was nothing of magnitude said and he had previously spoken against the killing. This was no aberration but was another step in removing anyone who disagrees with or mocks Trump. And Trump is using powers seen in one he so wishes to emulate, Victor Orban of Hungary, to gain absolute control. His handpicked head of the FCC, Brendan Carr, has put pressure on ABC and its parent company, Disney. Carr 100% endorses Trump’s agenda and has also gone after NPR, PBS and NBC. And people like this are doing Trump’s bidding. While on Fox News, we saw a main supporter of Trump’s views, news personality Brian Kilmeade, proffer the idea of killing mentally ill homeless people. He is still there, though he days later offered an apology. No calls from Trump to remove him. And there was no sense of extreme outrage from much on the political right or from Trump’s administration. Proverbs 28:1 says that the wicked flee when no one pursues them yet it seems those who are believers are cowering. So many know and quote what German pastor Martin Niemoller said when referring to Hitler’s fascist regime. “First they came for the socialists and I did not speak up because I was not a socialist.” He then proceeds to trade unionists, then Jews, and then states they came for him and no one was there to speak up. We are watching this same thing gain steam like a large boulder looking to smash all that’s in its way. We cannot be complicit. As it states in Ephesians 6, we must stand against this wickedness. It may seem like this is a battle of ideas and political preferences, but we are fighting against principalities and darkness. Against spiritually wicked forces.

This unholy alliance of political, evangelical and financial interests all working to bring about their world order, has birthed a serious spirit of intimidation. Causing people to be in fear of their livelihoods and even their lives. This unholy alliance is like those people spoken of in 2 Timothy 3. They are caught up in the vitriol of those claiming to have a form of godliness but are unloving, controlling, despisers of good, traitors, slanderers, those that love their own self-seeking rather than that which is good. We are told to stay away from such people. This unholy alliance only leads to negative consequences for the believer and the decay of moral principles.

I must add that I seldom watch these late-night shows. But I stand for their right to exist and for people like Kimmel or Colbert to speak their dissent and calling out of often obvious idiocy and that which is an actual threat to our democracy. I also believe Fox News and their personalities have the right to exist and I am against those that would look to muzzle them no matter how heinous their remarks. Beware of those that claim to say they speak for our nation and its direction while embracing that which borders on totalitarianism. These people speak swelling words of promise but are liars. As it says in 2 Peter 2:19, “They promise liberty while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him he is also brought into bondage.” As Thomas Jefferson said, “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” I pray we seek Him for our answers and our way. Pray. Blessings.

As a young boy of 7, I went to 2^nd grade in Kinston, North Carolina. I stayed with my grandmother and my two aunts because the Navy housing at that time was not suitable for school age where my dad was stationed in Virginia. Schools were segregated. So were neighborhoods. But nearly every Saturday, we would go into downtown Kinston to shop and I’d sometimes get an ice cream cone. Most Saturdays were quite obvious in how segregated things were. Blacks were on one side of the street and whites on the other. But my Grandmother would always cross the other side to say hello and hold and kiss the small babies. They all called her Miss Ida. And one could see genuine respect for her. Anything that had to do with ungodly action or rude behavior, or how you treat your fellow man or foul language, my grandmother called “ugly.” That word summed up so much. She never used another term to describe that which was contrary to God’s word. I learned a lot from her.

In 2019, my friend and I traveled to Washington D.C. We spent special time in the museum of African American History and Culture. I was a history major in college and took Black History. But this was far more eye opening. What one sees visually says much more than what a book tells you. And now we’re seeing those in power trying to erase what actually transpired during these evil times and basically “whitewash” this time in our history. In my state of Florida, Governor DeSantis is minimizing what happened during slavery. One measure among many to get rid of what is considered “woke.” We don’t want people to feel responsible for what their ancestors did to people of color, so we teach a different history. DeSantis said of slavery, “Slaves developed skills which in some instances could be applied for their personal benefit.” I guess I never saw this as a job training time for blacks. And I’m sure if you were uprooted from your nation, sold at auction, beaten, killed, raped and dehumanized in every manner one could think of, you might not consider this period as a time where you were preparing to learn a trade.

And Donald Trump is looking to do the same with our museums of black history and Native American history in Washington D.C. All the negative things shown are just a downer. Trump said of these museums, “Everything discussed is how horrible our country is, how bad slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been. Nothing about success, nothing about brightness, nothing about the future.” And in this time in our nation’s history, we still see those who not only wish to whitewash our history but repeat it. Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederate States said of slavery and white supremacy, “This principle for which we contended is bound to reassert itself, though it may be at another time and another form.” That other time is today.

Genesis 1 says we are all created in His image. Yet some have given themselves over to feeling superior. We use brown skinned people to help run our economy then abuse and mistreat them as scapegoats for all that is wrong in our country. We forget God sees all and we must answer for all. Psalm 34:15-16 states that the Lord hears the cries of the oppressed and His face is against those that do evil. All is before Him. The Lord warns us in James 2:4, “Have you not shown partiality among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” All of this evil is done in a premeditated manner without fear of repercussion. Matthew 12 tells us we will give an account for all we do or say. And we should remember with trembling what was spoken in James 2:13, “For judgement is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy.” Separate yourselves from those who have set themselves up as paragons of godly virtue, when in essence they worship Baal and self. Put off the works of darkness and separate yourselves from those who commit these evil acts. This all falls under the definition of what my grandmother called “ugly.” But it’s more than that. It’s demonic. Be always in prayer. Blessings.

The morning of August 4 at about 5:30 A.M., while standing at my bathroom sink, I experienced a faint brought about by what is called vasovagal syncope. That is a sudden loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood pressure and heart rate. I fell, hit my head and was knocked out. No idea how long. I was taken to the hospital by ambulance and spent the next 2 and ½ days there. Cat scans showed a hematoma, but a follow up MRI showed no brain bleed. But there are still after effects of being concussed. Headache, dizziness, fatigue and low energy mainly. But in all of this, the Lord spoke to me how these and other symptoms of concussion are so evident in our church. Just like the vagus nerve sending an incorrect signal to the body causing a drop in BP and then a faint, we see those in church leadership sending incorrect signals to the body of Christ, resulting in a church without direction or ability to hear or function properly. This then results in poor memory, behavioral problems, instability, anxiety, and irritability. All signs pointing to a rudderless church following a man-made theology.

In Mark 7, Jesus addresses such concussed theology saying, “Isaiah was right about frauds like you, hit the bull’s eye in fact: These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn’t in it. They act like they are worshipping Me, but they don’t mean it. They just use Me as a cover for teaching whatever suits their fancy.” (Message Bible) They basically set aside God’s word and substitute their own ways. Nor do they feel shame when their sin is made apparent. In their haste to set up their government here on earth, these of NAR or 7 Mountain theology have hit their heads together, yet still seek to make sound judgement from a concussed state. They rush to lay hands on one in Donald Trump who still has no fear in what awaits one who uses God’s name for personal ambition and riches. They ignore the Apostle Paul’s admonition in Galatians 1 to reject any gospel that is not of Jesus.

What the Lord spoke to the church in the book of Revelation still holds true today. 1) We have lost our first love 2) We have tolerated false teachers and immoral teachings 3) We have compromised our faith for worldly acceptance 4) We have tolerated the false teachings of Jezebel leading to immorality 5) We have become spiritually dead even though so many claim to be spiritually alive 6) So many seek wealth and self-satisfaction but are self-deceived. Saying they have wealth and have need of nothing when in fact they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked 7) So many have become lukewarm. He still stands at the door and knocks. While it is still today, I pray you shake off the effects of a concussed state and turn to Him and His admonitions. 2 John warns us that many deceivers have gone out into the world. They are of the antichrist spirit. Look to Him so you do not lose that which is promised to those that persevere. Love your brother. Stand up for those without a voice and for the marginalized. For those of color. The foreigner. The downtrodden. Shake off the ill effects of that spiritual concussion and follow Him not man. For this is the message that we have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Any other message is a lie. Blessings.

A few weeks ago, I was sitting after my time of prayer and a picture came to my mind of a scene from Band of Brothers. It was the scene where Easy Company has come upon the Nazi concentration camp. They eventually find so many Jews were killed and even disrespected in death. The townspeople attempted to plead ignorance but they were found to be complicit. They were made to dig graves for many bodies not given a proper burial. And even in the discovery of their despicable actions, many seemed indignant. The Lord likened their disregard for humanity and hatred of those seen as inferior to much of what we see going on in our country today. For those who seem to not care about the injustice they see and are actually being complicit by saying nothing to injustice in our country today, I heard the Lord say “Ask them whose graves will you dig.”

We watch as evil is being perpetrated on those unable to defend themselves. On the marginalized. On the poor. On people of color or ethnic origin. And not enough are standing up to say enough! So, it not only continues but gets worse. Children are being taken by an American version of Nazi jackbooted thugs. (ICE) Along with those following U.S. laws to report for immigration hearings. Innocents reporting to jobs. Those who served in our military and some who were wounded in action for our country. People being abducted and sent to places of horrid and cruel conditions or even to countries they have no relation to. Proverbs 6 tells us there are seven things that are an abomination to the Lord. 1) A proud look 2) A lying tongue 3) Hands that shed innocent blood 4) A heart that devises wicked plans 5) Feet that are swift in running to evil 6) A false witness that speaks lies and 7) One who sows discord among brethren. We see all of these things on a daily basis. We see president Trump and those who surround him sow hate, division, and discord on a daily basis. We are told in Proverbs 31:9 to plead the cause of the poor and needy. Not just those who agree with us or look like us. We are living in a time where hatred, anti-semitism, racism, disregard for those in need have just become words. The effect from this evil should have us on our face before Him.

Proverbs 22:23 paints a very frightening picture. The Lord has warned about oppressing the poor and the needy. And it says the Lord will plead their cause and plunder the soul of those who plunder the poor and marginalized. The Lord will strip away that which has been gained unjustly to the detriment of the oppressed. Better in this life than in the next. I warn with all that is in me. Turn from this evil path while there is still time. Seek Him and His path. Do not be one of those who will have to be “digging the graves” of those they were complicit in doing evil to by direct action or indifference. And pay heed to what was spoken in Isaiah 1:17 which says “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Rebuke the oppressor. Defend those in need.” Blessings.

I watch with amazement and sadness at the battles to dismantle our free press and speech afforded to us as citizens in the 1^st amendment to the Constitution. I watch as evil people look to erode and then fully change constitutional rights that many have come to take for granted. We have a president who looks to emulate Victor Orban, the prime minister of Hungary. An authoritarian ruler and strongman. Trump looks to follow in the power grab of all authoritarian leaders who reign with complete control. To defy them is to risk loss of income, job, security and prestige. And many that are enablers to Trump’s power grab will soon see themselves as victims. He has no loyalty to anyone but himself, money, power, and the evil one he worships. Those who agree with him and stand with him will be judged harshly.

Recently I watched the news report saying Stephen Colbert was told his show would be cancelled. The reason given was financial problems but his show is the number one rated of the late night shows. I rarely watch any of the ABC, CBS, NBC late night shows but I fully believe they should exist. Mr. Colbert brought his bosses at CBS/Paramount to task for capitulating to demands of Donald Trump. He basically accused them of being bribed by Trump with their agreement to “funnel” 16 million dollars to the Trump presidential library. I would think that could be fully supplied by a few coloring books and crayons. He doesn’t read. The president of Paramount is CEO David Ellison. His father, Larry Ellison, is a billionaire and a major supporter of Trump. And Trump is doing his best to quiet all dissenting voices with daily threats. And with every win we get closer to authoritarianism.

I remember as a child watching Walter Cronkite take off his glasses to wipe away tears as he announced the time of death of President Kennedy. And later I watched and listened with great interest as Cronkite spoke of the ongoing war in Vietnam that was tearing our country apart and killing our finest. He said, “To say that we are closer to victory today is to believe, in the face of evidence, the optimists who have been wrong in the past.” Cronkite further concluded, “We are mired in in a stalemate.” No major news reporter had said such words during this era. This was a turning point in public perception of the war and is often cited as the “Cronkite Argument.” President Lyndon Johnson reportedly said, “If I’ve lost Cronkite, I’ve lost middle America.” Imagine someone with that much clout and authority speaking today. Reporters saying anything negative to Trump today are called bad, evil, liars, paid by the opposition, or nasty people. And he then enlists his henchmen to scare them with lying reports and threats or entrusting his band of maga Christians to come against them. We are closer to authoritarianism than many care to realize. To quote Walter Cronkite’s famous sign off, “And that’s the way it is.” And as citizens and Christians, we must speak up.

For some reason many hide their heads in the sand and refuse to face facts. Especially those wrapped in evil. We must be cognizant of what is going on and how our fellow countrymen are affected. We will answer for our disinterest and callousness. James 4:17 tells us that he who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it will be accounted as sin. Hosea 10 tells us that if we sow to righteousness, we will reap mercy. But if we plow to wickedness you will reap iniquity because you have eaten the fruit of deception. According to Ephesians 5:11. “We are to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather expose them.” And that’s getting harder to do right now as so many either follow this darkness or are afraid or apathetic. We cannot sit idly by. We must stand for righteousness no matter the cost. Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God. And how we love our brother speaks to who we are in Him. As it says in Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do good; Seek justice. Rebuke the oppressor. Defend those in need.” Be a voice. Blessings.

I’ve expressed before how I’ve asked God where His sheep are. Where are those who will stand against this ever present and increasing evil? I look for those who will speak forcefully and without fear against what I see coming at an increased speed. I look for those who will stand against Trump and his acolytes. Especially those who claim to be Christians. And I’ve expressed my annoyance to Him about those whose only answer is “we must pray for Trump.” Too much pointing out the evil he does is labeled as condemning or one with a critical spirit. I must admit I’d like to do what Elijah did in 2 Kings 1 and call down fire. But I know I’d be answered just as Jesus did James and John in Luke 9 and tell me I don’t know what spirit I am of. So, I do pray that all come to a knowledge of Him and that all seek Godly wisdom. But I’m not naive or clueless. There are many on a path which I feel they shall never turn from. They have erected a god that meets their needs. And we must speak to them and their ungodly actions. Call them out.

In 1 Corinthians 5 the apostle Paul called out a man for his blatant and unrepentant sexual immorality. He said to deliver such a one as this to Satan for the destruction of his flesh that his soul might be saved. In Acts 13 Paul addressed Elymas the sorcerer and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord.” Then he struck him blind. If Paul was around today, one could make millions renting out seeing eye dogs in Washington D.C. Disciples spoke against that which was not of God. They preached the Word even when it was not allowed. They obeyed God, not man. Yet today we find so many who claim to speak for the Lord constantly extolling the virtues of Trump and his followers. These are people who follow a doctrine of demons. Corrupt people who are destitute of truth who use His teachings as a way to gain power and make money. In Romans 3, Paul says of these people, “Their throat is an open tomb. With their tongues they have practiced deceit. The poison of asps is under their lips, whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; Destruction and misery are in their ways; And the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes.” We are not told to pray for the/an anti-christ.

I have prayed for the president. Yet I feel this is one that cares little of what awaits him for using the name of God to hold/gain power. Yet what power has my prayer when Trump has said he has nothing to repent of. Even when other Christians say I must forgo speaking to his foibles and evil ways, as he is God’s chosen leader, I must speak to what I hear. And one’s position in office is not always His preferred choice for us. C.S. Lewis, in speaking of one manifestly bad, said, “The demand that God should forgive such a man while he remains what he is, is based on a confusion between condoning and forgiving. To condone an evil is simply to ignore it, to treat it as if it were good. But forgiveness needs to be accepted as well as offered if it is to be complete: and a man who admits no guilt can accept no forgiveness.” God will judge Trump and those who align with him but I will recognize the evil he has wrapped himself in and do my best to warn. We need to remember that Jesus spoke of King Herod as that “fox.” Knowing he was a man that looked only to himself and his “wants.” One that was unrepentant. One who looked to use Jesus. Wanted to see a miracle. Jesus said not a word to him. The Lord did not ask Herod to accept Jesus as savior. It’s a horrible thing to have One who holds the key to all eternity just ignore you.

So, I won’t ask to have fire called down on anyone as it may also hit me. He who is without sin cast the first stone. 1 John tells us that we should not be deceived. He who practices righteousness is righteous. He who practices sin is of the devil. If we can sit idly by when we see what is being done to those who are without the power to defend themselves, those of different color skin, the marginalized, those we disagree with and look to subjugate, then the love of God is not in us. We cannot attempt to love in what we say, but in our actions. In our truth. Blessings.

There was a term I heard expressed about 50 years ago that was said a bit in anger and at times said as if the speaker was in a state of disbelief in what they saw. It was a bit paradoxical. And it was surely verbal irony. The speaker said, “Christ on a crutch!” This of Jesus who healed the lame. Raised the dead. Multiplied a small amount of fish and bread that fed thousands and still had 12 baskets of leftovers pointing to who else would be fed. So, this surely is a contradictory statement yet it seems appropriate today in too many cases. Today I see people serving a god who limps.

I remember well, even a few decades ago, when there were healing meetings. I saw and participated in actual healings. I saw people come in with such expectation. Such hope. I saw backs healed. Vision restored. Surgeries having to be rescheduled as there was no longer a need. I took part in praying for a little 1-year old girl with a shunt in her brain because of hydrocephalus. When she went to her next Dr appointment the shunt had disappeared. Although overjoyed, I was not incredulous. This is the One I pray to. But the last couple decades have seemed to produce so very little of what we should expect. We see the “Church” go after that which will bring them a seat at the table of power but stupidly surrendering a seat at His table. There is a story of St. Thomas Aquinas that is shared in Dallas Willard’s book, The Spirit of the Disciplines.” It says, “While walking amid the splendors of Rome, a friend said to St. Thomas, “We Christians no longer have to say to the world, silver and gold have we none.” To which St. Thomas replied, “But neither can we say to the lame man, ‘In the name of Jesus of Nazareth rise up and walk.'” We see a church today that has become wed to all Jesus told us to walk away from. We watch as the poor and marginalized are swept out of sight. Not a thought as to how measures in a “big, beautiful bill” will take away health care and food. But we see glee and pointing to heaven after this bill was passed. Giving God the glory for an evil He has no part in. And not one tear shed for those they starve, arrest and kill. How delusional must one be to cast off all the Word says regarding how we treat others?

Jesus was clear when he replied to the Pharisees in Matthew 22 saying, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” He said this is the first and great commandment. But the second is like the first; You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus was saying this to those who proclaimed to know and be part of Him who sent Jesus. But they did not. They looked for their own power. So much like what we see in our Christian nationalism today. Much organization and many words but every step brings them further from Christ. For He is with those who are being left behind. He has no part in the lies masquerading as gospel. No part in a church that seeks to align with an oppressive, authoritarian government that looks to steal from those that are in need in order to enrich the top 10% of our citizens. They discard His word in Proverbs 21:13 saying, “Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard.” Do they not think they will answer for what they do to the least of them?

We are no different than Israel in the bible casting off His commands and getting rid of His prophets and discarding what God required as it interfered with their own lifestyle. Frederick Buechner wrote,” When God’s demands seemed too exorbitant, God’s promises too remote, Israel took up with all the other gods who still get our votes and our money and our nine-to-five energies, because these are gods who could not care less whether we are holy or not and promise absolutely everything we really want and absolutely nothing we really need.” We must come out from among those following a path contrary to His path. Have no part in them. They serve a god who limps. Blessings.

I watched with a mixture of sadness and incredulity as Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska stated the obvious evil being perpetrated on the American people by Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” only to kowtow to this wickedness and vote as Trump demanded. Something has gone horribly awry. We watch as if evil is mainlined into those given power to legislate, which is no different than one shooting heroin. And now this evil will go the House where it will find more purveyors of darkness.

In chapter 6 of the Gospel of John, we see the followers of Jesus having trouble understanding what He required. Many fell away. And then Jesus tells those that remain that He has chosen them and one of them has a devil. But no one asks who. Why not? Who is this Man that walks on water and feeds the multitudes? They are being given insight they cannot understand at this time. It is later in John 13 at the Last Supper that Jesus again speaks of one of them having a devil. This time Peter motions to John to ask Jesus who this person is. And Jesus tells him it is Judas. Yet Jesus still broke bread with Judas after He had washed his feet. Jesus tells Judas to do what he is about to do quickly. Do not tarry. This was a divine plan, but when we look at what we see going on in our country, I see nothing divine in it. This is the end result of casting off the restraints of what Jesus told us to do in the Sermon on the Mount and in all His words as they only serve to constrain those who look to enrich themselves. And somehow what is being perpetuated is wrapped in a bow to make it appear as if it’s from followers of Christ. These maga Christians have managed to present a gospel that appeals to the flesh rather than crucifies it. This spirit that betrayed Jesus is the same spirit we see in operation now that has come to rob, kill and destroy. It’s an anti-Christ spirit. And it’s gaining power every day. And the church is providing fuel to speed it up.

We are warned in 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.” And so many have departed from what Jesus taught and the faith we are to walk in and have given heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. Why have so many fallen in line with a doctrine of lies and evil? Proverbs 24:1 tells us, “Do not be envious of evil men. Nor desire to be with them. For their heart devises violence and their lips talk of troublemaking.” Much of what we see before our eyes right now should cause great consternation. Instead, we see so many that were elected to serve become so inured to the evil being perpetuated that their consciences are no longer able to be seared. Yet they continue to build their own castles and surround them with a moat of laws and money they think will protect them. And the American people willingly serve them believing the tidbits being offered from their table will keep them alive and safe. But as it says in Jeremiah 49:16, “You think you’re so great – strutting across the stage of history. Living high in the impregnable rocks, acting like the king of the mountain. You think you’re above it all, don’t you, like an eagle in its aerie? Well, you’re headed for a fall. I’ll bring you crashing to the ground.” (Message Bible) I pray all come to a realization of the penalty for this path taken of ignoring evil. I pray all come to a knowledge of His truth and be separate from those walking in this evil.  Blessings.

A few days ago, I was watching T.V. and saw the arrest of Narcisco Barranco by ICE agents in Orange County, Ca. He was a landscaper and had a weed whacker in his hands when accosted by ICE agents who said he swung the weed whacker at them. He did not. This was a small man being tackled by three large agents who pepper sprayed him and proceeded to hurt his shoulder and punch him multiple times in the face with no care that they were being filmed. Mr. Barranco was jailed and went without medical attention or food and water for 24 hours. I found myself tearing up at the display of these fascist wannabe thugs. And then I find out that this man’s three sons all serve in the U.S. Marines. Does anyone care enough to even check on people before their hate for anyone not like them is demonstrated? And the evil we’re seeing is just beginning.

And then later, as I’m in my car the song “America” by Simon and Garfunkel starts playing. I’m again emotionally touched. It starts with “Let us be lovers, we’ll marry our fortunes together.” Simon is speaking not just to his girlfriend but the hopes of those coming to this “melting pot” called America. This place which when “America” was written was a place of disillusionment. Dr King and RFK were assassinated and the war in Vietnam was killing our finest. Simon shows the doubt and distrust mounting in America with his lyrics, “The man in the gaberdine suit was a spy and be careful his bow tie is really a camera.” Like where we are today. Fear and distrust are rapidly growing. Simon writes, “I’m empty and aching and I don’t know why.” As if there is still a part holding on to the notion that this country will heal. That the good will overcome the evil. Yet today we see an unchecked reign of hate and evil trying to shackle and even kill those not “like us” to Make America Great Again. Like it is sung in West Side Story, “Life is all right in America. If you’re all white in America.”

Paul Simon ends his song “America” saying “Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike. They’ve all come to look for America.” He still displays some hope, but the promise of America is fading. I still look for that America. My grandparents came from Italy with the hope of America. They made a life through hard work and were not always accepted. My uncle was allowed to caddie on their town’s local golf course but could not golf there as he was Italian. A man who fought in the Pacific Theater in WW2 and received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. So, I understand and am deeply ashamed for how the sons of Mr. Barranco must feel. Their father is a man just trying to work in the country of his dreams and raise a good family. And he did. His sons’ service is proof of that. Yet even now this story is fading. Being mixed with the other similar stories and being too easily accepted as common place. I so pray this stops. That all people of good conscience stand firm and make their voice heard. He who treats his fellow man this way does not love God. If you display hatred toward your brother, you walk in darkness and this darkness is from the evil one. And this darkness has blinded your eyes. Treat strangers well that dwell in your land. Why are these words ignored? They still all come to look for America. I, too, am looking.

America! A song that maybe should be our National Anthem says, “God shed His grace on thee. And crown thy good with brotherhood. From sea to shining sea.” I still have hope. My hope is in Him. But my heart breaks. Blessings.

Sunday morning, I wrote what I initially was hearing from the Lord about our strike against Iran the prior day. But there is something that has been “stuck in my craw.” That saying comes from the part of a bird’s preliminary stomach where things are first digested. If a rock is ingested and gets stuck there, it causes irritation. Digestion is not possible. The same holds true with what we receive and try to assimilate from things spoken or heard. There are some people who were quite elated with Trump invoking God in his thanks. That is seen as pointing to a person’s right standing with God. To me, what is still resonating is his awkwardness in saying “I want to just thank everybody and in particular, God. I want to just say we love you God and we love our great military. Protect them.” I want all to have a walk with the Lord and especially those making decisions that affect our country. But I feel he had a problem getting those words out. They sounded quite foreign. Maybe he was uncomfortable saying that and, who knows, maybe there was some conviction. I hope so. For his sake. For our sake.

 
It says in 1 John 3:17 that “Whoever has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” We’re told not to love in our words but in our deeds and in truth. John tells us that whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God. And he who does not love his brother is also not of God. Those words are for all of us to pay strict attention to. But as I look at what is being done by Donald Trump, especially in this second term, I see nothing of the love of God in how those who are marginalized, the needy, the homeless, the sick, are being treated. God has no part in these decisions he is making or authorizing. And when one surrounds themselves with people so bereft of decency and conscience, how can that person speak His name without it sounding foreign? Proverbs 29:12 says, “If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked.” And it says in Proverbs 29:16 “When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases, But the righteous will see their fall.” I pray they all come to a knowledge of the Lord, for if they do, it will surely benefit us. But the knowledge being presented by those surrounding Trump is the antithesis of all Christ taught. They walk in darkness and continually stumble in their blindness but think it is a normal gait. And we must bear the consequences of their folly and evil. We must continue praying for His revelation for all to see because the Lord requires it of us and it will surely go better for us if they come to see the light. And hopefully this light will penetrate the walls of so many “places of worship” that venerate Trump no matter how diametrically opposed he is to the ways of Jesus.

We are reminded throughout the Word that we are to have boldness. In speaking His word and standing for what is right. Speaking His word boldly in truth. Without even the hint of a foreign sound when we say His name. It should sound like the name of one we are familiar with. One we worship. One we sit before and fellowship with. Not one whose name we use to make it sound as if we know Him but live a life foreign to His ways. 1 John 4:20-21 is to the point. “If someone says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.” What was heard from trump’s speech should have “stuck in the craw” of many. In a way it says, “that’s not the Father I know.” In fact, what came to mind after hearing Trump invoke God’s name, was what was said at the 1988 Vice-presidential debate between Senator Lloyd Bensten and Senator Dan Quayle. Quayle had just compared his own experience and qualifications to that of John F. Kennedy. Senator Bentsen replied, “I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator Quayle, you are no Jack Kennedy.” .” Similarly speaking, Trump cannot just summon up God’s name as if he has a relationship with Him. We must realize that the Son of God has come and given us an understanding that we may know Him who is true. Pray for increase in all things. Pray without ceasing. Blessings.