The world judges a coach’s success by the number of games he has won. An executive’s success is determined by how much profit he or she makes. The famous are evaluated by how wealthy or how well-known there are. The world teaches that the only way to get both is to be successful, regardless of the methods used to reach that goal. In other words, the end justifies the means. Many who want to be somebody don’t care if they achieve that by immoral methods or not. In many people’s minds, this may require you to be different or to be better than anyone else at what they do. If they can find a shortcut in reaching their goal, so much the better.

Those who are willing to do about anything to become successful often believe they will receive admiration from others by being better than the norm or making others envious of them. Some crave love and attention to such a degree that they have neither limits nor boundaries in getting what they desire.

I have witnessed leaders and managers who were so focused on production and profits that it became a point of obsession. The world might view this as healthy, but in some respects it is just the opposite. You may know of those who are so fixed on success that they are willing to put that over workers, society, the environment or anything else that may stand in their way. Aggressive people are sometimes reviled, yet at the same time they are often admired, respected and lavishly rewarded.

Las Vegas has seen the making of a number of multi-millionaires. Some of the wealthiest people in the nation live here. Some may have made their fortunes by questionable means. In spite of the stunning achievements of these overly aggressive people, does the end justify the means truly the best way to reach for success? Or more to the point, should Christians adopt the world’s way of doing business? Paul writes in Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” And 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. “

Too many Christians believe that unless they live and work as the world does, they will be at a disadvantage. Some claim that instead of using Biblical principles and standards; they have no choice but to be aggressive and to do whatever it takes to survive in this day and age.

Let me interject a distinction between aggressiveness and assertiveness. Aggressiveness employs a combative attitude. It means are severe and intense. The goal is the all in all. The aggressive person mows down anyone or anything that gets in the way of reaching the goal. Assertiveness, however, is boldness or confidence. The way one reaches the goal is as important as reaching the goal, but not at the expense of hurting others or utilizing questionable tactics.

It is important to point out that Christians are learning that they can live their lives and do their jobs without being aggressive and still be successful. No matter what we do we must use Biblical principles. I have found these principles can allow us to out-perform those who do not use them. If we place a high priority on serving and taking care of those with whom we deal with, we are much more likely to be prosperous and successful.

As a Christian I have never felt a need to separate my business life from my spiritual life. In fact, I don’t think it can be done. I continue to try and live according to the principles Christ taught at home, at work and interacting with others.

The most powerful reason for a Christian to reject ruthless and aggressive behavior is not so much about how it affects others but by how it will affect you. Questionable behavior is the result of allowing one’s worldly nature to reign unchecked. The more we give into it, the more dominate it becomes in our life. In time, our spiritual nature weakens to the point the Holy Spirit stops guiding us because we have stopped asking and listening. Colossians 3:5a – “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature.” It is sad when Christians want to succeed so badly they ignore the voice of the Holy Spirit and yield to their self-centered, carnal natures. So I ask the question: “How important is success to you?” You must first define what success really means to you. Is it living and working to please God or to please others? What is more important: accumulating a lot of stuff or seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness? Is wealth and stuff your goal or the byproduct of serving God and putting Him first? Christ was the most powerful person to ever live. What was most important to Him? Was it His mission to gain fame and notoriety or to set an example that others could follow? He is our example! We were placed on this earth to live by that example and to lead in changing the hearts of others that they too might be Christian examples.

II Thessalonians 1:8 – 10a – “He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed.”

How often do we think that a family member, a neighbor or a co-worker who do not know God or do not obey the gospel will be punished when Christ returns? God alone will do the punishing to all unbelievers. (Deuteronomy 32:35 – “It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.”)

Their punishment will be eternal and they will be separated from God forever. When Christ returns there will be only two groups: those who are believers and those who are unbelievers. Christians will enter into God’s kingdom and non-Christians will face everlasting destruction and will be absence God’s power. Revelation chapter 20 states they will be thrown into the “Lake of Fire”. They will be given no second chance, no appeal and no hope. This will be the final judgment shut out from the presence of the Lord.

II Thessalonians 2:1 – 3 – “Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for (that day will not come) until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.”

Not everyone agrees but this is how I interpret the above. Our “being gathered to him”: when the Lord Jesus Christ returns we will meet Him in the clouds and many called it the “rapture” of believers. Before Christ returns the “man of lawlessness” is revealed and many call him the Antichrist.

Matthew 24:10 – 14 – “At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

The Books of Daniel and Revelation tell us the Antichrist will be a dynamic leader. He will be defiant and deceitful. He will be so convincing that many will turn away from the faith and will betray each other. We are told that he will be admired and loved by the world. He will be demanding and those not worshipping him or taking the “mark of the beast” will die from starvation or beheaded. He will display all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders and every sort of evil that deceives those who will perish. They will perish because they refused to love the truth and be saved.

II Thessalonians 2:6 – 8 – “And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.”

The work of the Antichrist, the secret power of the lawlessness one is already at work and He will not be revealed until God chooses. What we believe is holding it back is governmental law and order, the church or the Holy Spirit. We have yet to see the real terror that will be released onto the world. We believe that when the rapture occurs the Holy Spirit will be withdrawn at the same time Christ returns. The Holy Spirit will no longer be in the hearts of those left behind.

I now ask the question. What if we do not spread the gospel to those close to us? Are we willing to see them live under the Antichrist and be cast into the “Lake of Fire”? What about foreign missions? The Jews were told by God to spread His Word to the Gentiles and they refused. He then chose the church. What if we, the church, also refuse? What is our personal responsibility?

If you have watched TV news these past few days you have to be aware of the 33 men who were buried for 69 days. Those men who were mining in the San Jose Mine have become national heroes. Their tenaciousness, stamina, unity and their rescue inspired an entire nation. Can we not call it a miracle, “A God Thing”? What we are hearing now is how it will change their lives. Riches may come to some through books, motivational speaking or a TV reality show, etc. Family and friends of the miners are planning celebrations and other events.

The first miner rescued on Wednesday was Florencio Avalos. The second was Mario Sepulveda, who talked about how the experience tested his faith. MARIO SEPULVEDA (TRANSLATED): “I was with God and I was with the devil, they fought me, but God won. He took me by my best hand, the hand of God.”

The last miner out was Luis Alberto Urzua, 54, the shift foreman credited with helping the trapped miners endure 17 days in isolation before Chileans discovered the men had survived the mine collapse. “We have done what the entire world was waiting for,” he told Chilean President Sebastian Pinera immediately after his rescue. “The 70 days that we fought so hard were not in vain. We had strength, we had spirit, we wanted to fight, we wanted to fight for our families, and that was the greatest thing.” He was the one who restricted the rationing of food and supplies and helped them stay alive until help came. Said Manuel Gonzales, “I think he was a fundamental pillar that enabled them to keep discipline.”

No 24 was Jose Henriquez who had asked for 33 small Bibles to be sent to the miners so he could lead a prayer group. So far the miners have been reluctant to discuss the worst part of their ordeal. They said it was difficult to tell something to someone and expect them to understand if they had never confronted death.

Mario Gomez, at 63 was the oldest of the miners, hugged his wife and then dropped to his knees to pray with his yellow hard hat still perched on his head. It wasn’t an accident that these men survived. It required leadership, self-control, preparation and organization. This is an example that can teach each of us a lesson in what it takes to survive under unusual circumstances and the importance of leadership.

Leadership requires a mixture of natural talent, acquired skills, practice and hard work. Jesus is the perfect example for Christ leaders to follow. He selected His team, worked closely with them, teaching and training them and then they were ready.

Christians do not receive special breaks from the laws of nature or the rough and tumble arena of life. They will be hit with typical problems as well as extreme crisis. What they do have is a spiritual advantage that overcomes anything life or business can throw at them. Those who have made an all-out commitment to serve Christ have the Holy Spirit as their personal partner. Those who trust in God and His power gain greater endurance, self-control, peace and the ability to stay calm under crisis and even come out a winner. Jesus said, “Everything is possible for him who believes.” (Mark 9:23) The miners had to have that kind of faith.

America has many examples of leaders. One was George Washington who was a true leader. He didn’t order his men to fight the British or to cross the Delaware. He led them into battle and across the freezing river. Columbus didn’t raise venture capital and then send three ships to discover a way to the East. He led the crews and ships at his own peril and discovered a New World. How many streets, cities or monuments have been named after them in honor of their great leadership? Dare I ask how many streets, cities or monuments have we named after Stalin and Hitler?

Every one of us have certain leadership abilities. We may not realize what they are until we become parents. And we may not use them and become more bossy than a leader; telling someone what to do and requiring that they do it, rather than leading and encouraging which can make a big difference.

I believe we will learn more about the miner’s faith and their relationship with God in the future. We know for sure, the experience they witnessed will change their lives forever. Those of us who watched, were given a new perspective on life and saw what can happen in seconds. There is no guarantee for a long-life! Be spiritually prepared at all times!

If you have been reading my blogs since I began writing you know that I have been a high school coach, a supervisor for Birds Eye’s Frozen Foods, a Montgomery Ward store manager and an investment advisor. What God has done in my life can be done in most anyone’s life with much greater achievements. I believe in self-fulfilling prophecy. We can become what we want to be, very successful or even failing, depending on how we think of ourselves. When we think positive we can become highly motivated and more productive. If we think negative thoughts about ourselves we become less enthusiastic and block our full potential. In the work place, what people think of us and the impression we leave can affect others around us. If we are negative it can be difficult for others to work with us. In fact it can decrease their productivity. When we are positive most people want to be around us and be a part of our team.

Attitudes are not something we can teach they must be something we get from something or somebody. One’s attitude is a personal thing. It is how we see ourselves. Anytime you meet me my attitude is showing. Most of you may want to be around me if I am positive but if I am always negative you may have a tendency to skip seeing me.

How I look at life pretty much says who I am and what kind of an attitude I have. Do I always look at what’s wrong or do I see what’s right? Life has its negatives and its positives. If you have lived very long you realize that nothing is perfect. So from a realistic standpoint what is it that we dwell upon?

Our attitudes can change from time to time toward many things. There are some things we like and others we do not. I like banana nut muffins and my wife likes apple fritters. That doesn’t change our outlook on life.

I have written about the importance of feeling loved and accepted; feeling worthy and feeling we can be an achiever is important to having a positive attitude. I suppose my attitude was developed at an early age being very active in all sports. It made me acceptable to my peers, I felt others wanted me on their team and I was capable of helping my team. These are three things that God put in us as a basic need for a peaceful and joyful life. It’s a life that wants added responsibility and accountability and a belief that one could achieve.

However, the real change that took place in my life was when I accepted Christ as my personal Savior. It didn’t take me long to learn that God does not create failures. God had a plan for me and He wanted me to be successful. That didn’t mean I would have no failures in life because failing sometimes gives the experiences necessary to go on to greater things. I have read of many Christian businessmen who have failed, went into bankruptcy and came out as some of our countries most successful citizens. But they have what it seems so few have and that is a positive mind-set and a can do attitude. The reason so many are unwilling to accept more responsibilities is the fear that comes from the devil. Adam and Eve had no fear until the devil deceived them. The devil continues to deceive most of us.

You may have heard we physically become what we eat. How we think determines our health. Or, we become what we think about. We were created in God’s image. That tells me we have within us something that is powerful and normally untapped. When we accept Christ and receive the Holy Spirit and realize who created us that gives us tremendous potential. On top of that God promises to give us gifts. Then why can’t we think of ourselves in a positive way, yet with humility? Are we saying that God created us to fail? No! Failing can be a part of life for those who take risks. But making wrong decisions does not make us failures. Failure is only when we give up and we no longer keep trying.

We are all made differently. Some were created with certain abilities, some handicapped and most of us average. Each was given a purpose and a mission. God didn’t say let’s create another human today and watch them fail. He had the knowledge and ability to put the universe together; and He knew everyone of us prior to our birth. Then can’t He give each one of us a plan for our lives with the abilities to be successful?

May I suggest that you allow the Holy Spirit to direct your thinking toward positive thoughts and use the potential that God gave you. Normally, success does not come by luck but by preparation and believing. This is why faith in God and confidence in ourselves is so very important. We should all want what God created us to be.

In Sunday morning’s newspaper was a question: “How do you imagine God?” It then tells us that how we see God tells us about our world views, whom we love, how we vote, our response to a crisis and more. It indicates how we see evil, morality, politics, war and more. My wife and I discussed how we see God. How would you describe God?

I see a God that allowed each of us to be created in His own image. Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Scripture tells me:

We are how God wanted us to look, we have the abilities He chose for us and He gave us a purpose for life. He is a God who called me out of darkness into light. His Word told me how to live in order to be what He created me to be.

He is a God that I base my values on. He has taken away many of my insecurities, fear and replaced them with confidence in Him. My self-worth comes from being a child of God. He made we secure and gave to me hope; not only for now but into the future.

He has taught me how to live with others. Matthew 6:14 – 15 – “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Over 30 years ago I loaned a Christian friend $15,000 for his business. I had an attorney friend draw up an agreement. To this day I have had no indication that I will ever be paid anything. He gave my daughter a poodle pup. Since—I have accepted the fact that the dog cost $15,000. I do not want God not forgiving my sins.

God taught me how to forgive, not try to get even or become angry. He freed me from guilt, hate and gave me a changed attitude. He knew exactly what I needed to live a stress-free life. Ephesians 4:30 – “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

We, like so many others, have had our ups and downs. There have been situations when we have struggled financially and times we have not had to worry. There have been times when we have had physical issues and not expected to live. All of it was part of God’s plan. Romans 5:3b – 4 – “we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” From all of it we have learned many of life’s precious lessons.

How do I imagine God? He is a God who loves us, cares about us and wants what is best for us. He is a God I want to live to please. Someday I will be with Him forever and then I will be able to describe Him better.

I recently received in an e-mail: There is an old story about a little girl drawing a picture. “What are you drawing?” her mother asked. The reply was, “I’m drawing a picture of God.” “You can’t do that”, the mother protested, “Nobody knows what God looks like.” “When I get through with this picture they will,” her daughter replied.

You must believe what the Bible says; God is in control. The devil can do only what God allows him to do. As a Christian, God’s Spirit is in you. God loves you and knows everything you are planning to do. He also has a plan for your life and wants what is best for you. If you believe this the following is for you.

Some of the following material is from my prior blog. There will probably be many who have done a search that will not have read what was written previously. However, I want to emphasize the importance of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life and God’s Will.

From the moment we were born God had a plan for each one of us. We can accept or reject! We all know that our body’s carnal and self-centered nature will reject God and His plan at least for a time. It is up to our soul and spirit if we want to accept God and what He has planned. If we receive Christ as our Savior this requires a commitment and obedience to His will. Once we believe, we must prepare for temptations and trials that will come. Probably the stronger our will and the more self-control we have our testing will be greater. We must know God’s general Will for those who have become Christians before we get to His plan.

I Thessalonians 5:16 – 19 – “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire;”

These are important verses for people, especially if they find themselves in troubling times being tested and going through life’s trials. We are to have an attitude of prayer at all times. How else are we to develop a relationship with God? As Evil tempts, the bad decisions we make or problems coming from others never come from God. However, God allows what happens in our lives. But no matter the circumstance we find ourselves in, as believers, the Holy Spirit is with us to encourage and guide us through it. We are to give thanks that God’s Spirit is there with us. His Spirit can give us peace and joy. And God’s Will can be fulfilled by each of us. We must learn to trust God completely and in all things. We must believe He is in charge of everything in our lives?

Each day we are told to “pray continually”. That doesn’t mean on our knees throughout the day. It requires an attitude of prayer as we go about living our lives. We are to give thanks to God and live filled with “joy always”. Throughout the day we must not ignore the Holy Spirit who is there to help us do God’s Will and fulfill His plan.

We are told to give thanks in all things. That does not mean to give thanks for all things but “in” all things. When evil or something occurs that we have little control over our thanks is that God’s Spirit is with us to see us through any situation. It is very difficult for each believer not to assume they can handle anything on their own. But God allows some situations in order to build our faith so that we learn to trust Him completely. Without trusting God and asking for the Holy Spirit’s help some times our body gives into temptations. When that happens it is quite hard to feel a sense of joy.

Joy comes from a continuous relationship with Christ and an awareness that the Holy Spirit is within us to meet our need. “Don’t put out the Holy Spirit’s fire.” We must keep in contact throughout the day.

It would be very unusual for a believer not to face times of spiritual, emotional, physical or financial suffering. Romans 5:3 – 4 – “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

In God’s eyes, suffering can be a positive and to us it is a negative. Suffering can test our patience. But usually God will not allow things to get out of control. He normally doesn’t give us more than we can handle. The Bible tells us we are under God’s protection. But if God were to protect us from all temptations and trials how would we develop perseverance, character and hope?

If we have the mind-set that no matter what happens in our lives it is in God’s plan and He is allowing it for a particular purpose; could we then handle temptations and trials more positive? As we approach life realizing that God has it planned out for us then be aware that He also wants us to succeed with the help of His Spirit within us, to take us through each situation knowing that we will be better off once we have defeated the trial and completed the test.

Think of all the testing Paul went through. II Corinthians 11:25 – 27 – “Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.” Yet, he was filled with hope, peace, joy and love. Why? Because of His relationship with Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit that was in him. He had absolute trust in God. We must have the same. He knew that God was allowing everything that happened and God had planned out his life. Paul’s goal was not to be safe, prosperous and famous. He was preparing for the next step, living God’s plan and doing God’s Will while on earth.

Let me end with this illustration. You have an opportunity to make millions of dollars. However, there are people doing everything to stop you from doing so. God has a plan and is in control of your life! Is He teaching you to be tenacious that all things do not come easy or is He telling you He does not want you to have that opportunity? It may not be the best thing for you. Do you become angry with those stopping you or do you try to find out why God is not allowing this to happen in your life? If it is the last then shouldn’t we give thanks in all circumstances and not blame the other people or get angry? We must continue striving to make it happen with the idea: is it God or people blocking that opportunity? If it’s God, better look for something else. If it is other people God will help you find a way around the problem.

One thing that keeps us from accepting God’s plan is fear. We will cover this later.

I am not a physic, a seer, a fortune teller nor do I read tea leaves. I read Bible prophecy and many do not interpret the same way I do. So judge for yourself how much of the following is possible.

Revelation 12:12 – “Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you, who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.”

Revelation 12:17 – “And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus.” (NLT)

Many interpret as follows: the dragon is Satan; the woman is Israel and the rest of her children are Christians. The apostle John had to be careful in his use of words. Had he written so that every one of us could understand exactly what he knew, he probably would have been beheaded and those reading it killed also. He chose his words very carefully and the Jews probably had a better understanding of the Book of Revelation then than we do today.

Satan’s number one goal has been to destroy the Jews because of their link to God. This would prove the Bible to be inaccurate and would break that link. However, God protects Israel and then Satan seeks to destroy Christians is how I have interpreted the above Scripture.

Revelation 13:7 – “He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.” (NIV)

I do search on my computer and I read newspapers and many magazines. I watch the news on TV and going back and forth to work I listen to the radio. Here is what I believe is happening. A mini-war has broken out in Mexico and it is approaching our southern states. A number people living close to the border could become very involved and possibly lose their lives. I believe Iran is more concerned about invading Iraq than Israel at this time. I believe Iraq will become a part of the end-times war against Israel described in Revelation. China or a 100 million army from the east will approach the Middle East. They are in the process of preparing from all indications as I see it. North Korea is another country that has been stirring the pot. I do not read anything in Scripture concerning this nation; unless it becomes a part of that 100-million army that’s headed to the Middle East for war.

Scripture tells us to be aware of unusual natural disasters. Watch for storms off the East Coast. A rumor is that terrorists will use arson to start forest fires and the likes to terrify Americans. In my lifetime, I have never seen the amount of fear that exists because of job losses and a slowly performing economy. I don’t believe there was this much fear among Americans even during World War II and the following wars as we now see. It is possible that it will be another 18 months before the economy gets back to more normal and fear subsides. Indications are the stock market and real estate could be very good investments.

May I suggest we do as Paul tells us in I Thessalonians in 5:18 & 19 – “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.”

We are to be thankful in all circumstances. Not everything comes from God because some of our circumstances come from the devil and others are self made. Even if evil strikes we must be aware that God allowed it to happen for a reason. No matter how painful or even if anything makes sense we must be thankful that the Holy Spirit is there to take us through each situation. We must learn to trust God completely. Accept that there is a reason for all things and that God is in charge of ultimately everything that happens to each one of us as believers.

We are not to ignore the Holy Spirit. His Spirit will give us guidance. If we have never made the Holy Spirit a part of our daily life it may be difficult to know where the Spirit is guiding us. This is why Paul tells us to pray without ceasing or live with an attitude of prayer. Always look for the things that occur in our lives that seem to be a coincident to some. Most likely, it is a result of the Holy Spirit. I am amazed at the number of Christians who never think of the Holy Spirit being at work in their lives. It is no wonder many lack peace and joy. Pay attention to the Holy Spirit and see if your stress doesn’t dissipate.

As I stated at the very beginning, I have no idea what’s about to happen or when and how angry the devil is because he knows his time is limited. However, I know what to do no matter what situation I find myself. I am thankful for God’s promises that whatever hand I am dealt, I’m aware that He knows and His Spirit is there to take me through the circumstance. All things work to the good for those who love God. And death to a Christian is a reward and promotion to the ultimate level of our lives. It’s our greatest hope to be forever with Christ!

As we study ancient history we learn that every nation had many pagan gods. There was a god for most everything. The Greeks had 22 gods. For example, there was the god of love and beauty, god of music, god of war, god protector of women and others.

God chose Abraham and the nation of Israel to tell the world that there was only one God. Psalm 83:18 “That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, are the most high over all the earth.” (KJV) There are many religions today that still have different gods than the Judeo/Christian God.

History tells us pagan religions had temple prostitutes and rules and regulations that allowed individuals to live most anyway they would like under the control of the governing body. The Judeo/Christian God was man’s creator and had authority over man and woman. As man’s authority He set standards and laws for man to live by. We have a number of people who reject God’s authority and want the government to have authority over man. This would allow man to live without guilt and opposition. There would be no problem with abortions, same sex marriages and anything they wanted to do the judicial system would approve it.

They do not want to hear what the Bible teaches because it restricts their carnal nature, lusts and desires. In order for government to take control they have to do away with the Bible and God’s authority. The early church’s accepting the gospel understood that Jewish and Roman leader’s belief that they, the ruling government, had ultimate control over everyone was wrong. Christ taught that God gave to each person individual rights and freedom. In an ancient world with one-third of the population slaves, Christian teaching and moral restrictions did not go over well. Christians were persecuted to the point of death because of their belief.

For those who wish to make the government control everyone and everything, they must do away with Jews and Christians who stand in their way. This group wants a one-world government with them in control. So how do they eliminate the Christians and Jewish opposition? They do as they did in the early church, they persecute them. Matthew 13:21 – “But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.” It won’t take much persecution for many Christians to fall away. Remember what the apostle Paul did before He met Christ. He was going from house to house putting Christians in jail and some were being killed.

You have a group of world leaders who are just as zealous as Paul when it comes to rejecting the authority of God and His Word. Read chapter 16 of Revelation. In the end times, God created all kinds of natural disasters. It states that the people cursed God because of the disasters and refused to repent and honor God. We will have leaders with hearts as hard as the Egyptian Pharaoh when he was dealing with Moses and the Israelites. Evil will control the world with little opposition.

The Bible tells us there have always been times when Christians are persecuted. My question is: will you be one who will easily fall away or are you mature enough to accept any consequence even if it means death? It probably depends on your faith, your trust in God and His promises. Don’t wait too long to prepare!

We all know being tempted is not a sin. It is only if we yield to the temptation. We must realize that Satan’s forces are aggressive and he has a huge army whose goal is to destroy the church. Satan is continually trying to defeat us. We can only assume victory if we are knowledgeable of God’s word and His promises. Without faith and the Holy Spirit our flesh is weak and is capable of giving in. Without the supernatural power we receive from the Spirit within us it is easy to become defeated. Paul tells us in Matthew 16:18 – “Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” If we have the faith none of Satan’s powers are capable of overcoming our beliefs and conquering our will to stand with Christ.

Our church, Central Christian, on the weekend of 9/11 & 12 had over 30,800 in attendance. I wonder what the attendance will be when the beginning of persecution of Christians starts. I hope everyone will be prepared and none lost.

If you are a student of ancient history or have studied your Bible you probably know the answer to what’s wrong with America. Yet, the people who could really make a difference, our leaders, either do not know or do not really care. I would imagine it may be the second; they are too self-centered to care.

If you own your own business or have been in management you realize the tremendous amount of regulations coming from all forms of government. Not only are they time consuming but it is also costly. Our political system, in my opinion, is broken. Politicians are more concerned about who is in power and how they can get reelected. Should we have a capitalistic system or would socialism be better? Can we work together—apparently not! We as a country are too divided.

It seems the politicians are against “fat cat” business people who are greedy and take advantage of the consumer. Politicians have been promising for years entitlements that would take care of one from birth to grave. We are starting to wake up to the fact that you cannot live on promises because there is no way they can provide the benefits assured to us in a matter of time.

Our leaders have caused class warfare by re-distribution of wealth. Their policies seem to create race dissention. They play one race against the other. Our leaders of both parties do not agree with most Americans on closed borders and no amnesty for illegal immigrants. We must be careful what we say because of political correctness. We could go on and on.

Union leaders by continually raising wages, benefits and pensions have made Americans less competitive within the global economy. Taxes, plus high wages, health benefits, pensions for union employees and excessive regulations have made it more profitable to outsource to other countries, manufacturing and other businesses.

Religious people have a difficult time getting along. Should there be an Islamic mosque located at ground zero or not? The administration says yes and the majority of Americans say no. The people want one thing and the administration wants something else too often. Is Satan having a field-day in America? It seems he dictates our responses and actions more than God.

Hatred is growing throughout the world. Where does this hatred come from? Are the end-times getting closer and is the devil stirring up the pot. It is possible that shortly there will be riots in the streets as promises are being broken. How will we tame this growing hate phenomenon? Is there a leader or leaders who can bring peace, calmness and unite our people? How will we solve this hate problem?

Have you decided what your answer to this question might be? What is really wrong with America? Let me tell you what my Bible says:

Matthew 12:25 – “Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.’”
Mark 3:24 – 25 – “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
Luke 11:17 – “Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: ‘Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.’”
Is it possible that this is our problem? Are we a county that is extremely divided and maybe worse than ever before or at least before the Civil War?

I John 5:19 – “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” Have we rejected God to the point He has given us over to Satan? Do we deserve God’s intervention?

From what I am reading and hearing to obtain what President Obama called for in his January 20, 2008 speech: unity is once again “the greatest need of the hour.” Instead of a nation divided we need a nation united. We have had two nationwide revivals that changed America completely. The last one was in the 1800s. Isn’t it time for another?

What would happen if our government selected a task force of sanctified Christian leaders, similar to those who established our constitution, to make suggestions to solve our problem with racism, class warfare, entitlements, government pensions, taxes, immigration and regulations for starters? (Fat chance!) What if we joined prayer groups like Dr. Charles Stanley’s? www.intouch.org.

Are we ready to take back control from the devil? The way Satan can be attacked is through prayer. Are we committed enough and believe enough to take time daily to pray that God intervenes and changes the hearts of our political leaders and our people? We need to pray for our leaders here locally, statewide and nationally. We need to pray for non-violent action. We need God to select leaders, having humility, who can lead us out of this mess and unite our people and put first, the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and stop this dividing of our nation, which is destroying us.