There are two types of fear: positive fear and negative fear. We certainly would not stand in the middle of a busy freeway and say: “Bring it on you’re not going to hit me”. Therefore, we are going to cover negative fear that keeps many from reaching their full-potential.

Negative fear may be defined as visualizing a negative outcome. If every time you became fearful you visualized the outcome as being positive wouldn’t fear dissipate? Is that possible?

Fear is real and it can debilitate. Though fear is real, we need not give in to it or allow it to misdirect our decisions. Fear can inhibit us from not only using our talents and abilities, but also from reaching our full-potential. And worse, we will be robbed of our peace and joy. Once we identify fear in our lives, we can relegate it to its proper place: under the control of the Holy Spirit. God does not want us to fear: rather, He wants us to trust Him for everything we need. Then we are free to pursue and fulfill our God-ordained purpose in life.

Let me share an experience that I was able to witness. First, Scripture taught me that we can overcome fear and worry by listening to the Holy Spirit with spiritual ears, keeping everything in perspective and doing my best to remain coolheaded in the midst of madness. It takes time. It takes determination. It takes practice. But it works.

Several years ago a client came to me for financial help. He was not a Christian and he made a normal income. His financial picture was so-so. He was worried about his finances. It was important to him to increase his annual income and fatten his net worth.

Through a series of events, he accepted the Lord. His life completely changed. His financial picture, a high priority before salvation, became of less concern. When he put God and his customers first, a new attitude emerged. He changed from being focused on finances but to live for God. Before his salvation, this man’s greatest concern was about making a living and having enough money to live on and retire financially independent. After salvation he understood the time spent worrying about his financial affairs would better be spent living his life and working his business in a Christ-like way. Because of his change of heart a “funny” thing happened: He focused on serving God rather than his bottom line and his financial situation increased exponentially. I have continually worked with him over the years. Unless the world falls apart, he will have adequate resources when he retires.

Through the years I have learned that some Christians suffering from fear and negative thinking just cannot be talked out of it. It seems to be a matter of head knowledge having little or no effect on heart knowledge. We must realize that we have two natures. We have our sin nature and our spiritual nature. Many Christians allow their sin-nature to control their thoughts and actions. Christians controlled by their sin-nature are in the high-risk group for fear and negative thinking. This is not to imply that everyone controlled by their sin-nature is fearful. Fear is only one of many weaknesses to which people are susceptible. You can always find a few who are able to talk or reason themselves out of being afraid. But the only sure cure is to: “Put to death whatever belongs to your worldly nature” and yield your life to the Holy Spirit.

When the Holy Spirit fills your heart and guides your life, you will have little room or need for fear of any kind according to Romans 8:15 – “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.” We may understand that we have no reason to fear and accept liberation from it, but we may not instantly be “cured” of fearing. God, in His love and wisdom, may allow all sorts of problems to enter our lives. But we’re not left on our own to deal with them; He helps us through our struggles and disasters. He continually stretches our trust so we can break through the “wall of fear” and rely on Him, trusting Him more and more. Unless we see God bailing us out of tough or even terrifying trials, we may find it difficult to lean on Him and trust Him to be with us during our times of need.

Many Christians seldom realize that God allows failure to lead them in a different direction. A number of lessons can be learned from failure. For one thing, it strengthens us spiritually. For another, failure not only teaches us to be dependent upon the Holy Spirit, but also it opens up unlimited possibilities. Every circumstance in life, including failure, can become an eventual blessing according to Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” So how do we overcome fear? We place absolute trust in God.

Disclaimer: I am a conservative Christian who believes God is in complete control. I believe the Bible to be 100% inspired by God and I take it literally. I do not believe the Holy Spirit gives me any more information than other Christians. What I write may be more from having studied than the Holy Spirit talking to me directly as He does to some people. However, I feel inspired and led to write and give God the credit for everything. The fact is, I do not know where this blog is coming from but I sensed a need to share my opinion. I doubt that we shall see a tsunami!

Had I not studied and taught prophecy I may not be as concerned about what is happening in our world today. Never in my life-time have I seen so many negative things happening. As I have said before: either we are in the end times or God is giving us a preview of what will happen as we get closer to the Day of Judgment.

Let us look at some problems facing our nation. We have a lack of jobs, our housing industry is suffering (300,000) annualized new home sales through May is lowest in decades. The economy is slowing, potential problems from hurricanes and possible evacuation of millions from our southern states due to the oil. We are told rising taxes are coming, state and federal deficits are out of control, added regulations on banks and financial institutions, energy costs could be escalating if congress has its way. Freddie and Fannie Mae mortgages are out of control and costing billions to taxpayers. Government’s unfunded pension plans may never be paid as promised. The actions of our congress have caused much of our population to lose confidence in government. Take away hope, which the administration has done and you block the willingness of entrepreneurs to take risks. Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, Afghanistan, North Korea, Russia and some Muslim nations are threats to world peace. War could breakout any day!

I now read the following: “It’s not just the crude that is causing problems in the gulf oil spill: Another petroleum byproduct, natural gas, is reported to be leaking in much greater concentrations than previously thought. And not only could the gas be suffocating sea life, but a new analysis warns that a giant, 1,000-year-old methane bubble could soon explode, taking out miles and miles of the ocean floor and causing a violent oil spill tsunami that would threaten the entire gulf coastline.” (End of quote) Very scary information!

Apparently, methane gas initially and supposedly caused the explosion on the rig that collapsed allowing the spill. According to the Associated Press 100,000 barrels per days are escaping and 40% of the spill is methane gas. There is a 1,000 year old bubble and if it were to explode a tsunami could engulf the entire Gulf coastline of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

That this would happen is not a sure thing. Revelations 8:8 & 9 – “The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.” Revelation 16:3 – “The second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it turned into blood like that of a dead man, and every living thing in the sea died.”

Numerous times I have read prophecy and wondered how any of these enormous travesties could happen. What could cause fish to die and ships to be destroyed? All we need do is read the headlines in the newspaper and it explains how all of this could happen in the Gulf of Mexico. A huge eruption, a gigantic tsunami and the coastal states could see severe damage, ships could be destroyed and fish could die.

Again, we have a God that is in complete control. He may not need to cause anything to happen but He can allow anything to happen. We are warned so many times in Scripture that we are to be ready as our lives could be taken any minute. Yet, there are so many who have said: “I will accept Christ some time but not today.” Who would have thought fifty years ago all of these things could be happening at one time? Are we getting closer to the end? Are we spiritually where we should be? Are we ready and prepared for eternity?

Revelation 22:12 – 14 – “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life.” NLT – Deeds can be defined as services to others. Our rewards will be based on our attitude, one’s heart, our love for God and others. Those who live a purified life and do not live a sinful life will be those who are blessed.

I have read so many times where the Israelites would get themselves into serious situations by disobeying God and it took united prayer and repentance, individually and collectively, for God to heal their nation. Are we not there? Must we go through what the Israelites have had to endure in past history? Are we satisfied with the spiritual condition of America? Is it not time for Christian leaders to speak up and promote our nation to go to our knees and pray? At least we should be praying for our country as well as our unsaved family and friends.

I have read at least ten books on prophecy and taught the Book of Revelation four times. The following is an accumulation of the beliefs of different authors. I would say the odds of this being 100% correct would be 70%. However, as the war of Armageddon arrives you would have to be demon possessed not to believe there is a God and even the demons know there is a God.

If we want to know what is in the future just pick up the Bible and you will see how it all ends. The Bible has always intrigued me because I love to read prophecy. Maybe it is a part of human nature because multimillions are spent on fortune tellers, horoscopes and séances’. Most everyone would like to know the future. If we could tell the future we could put the casinos out of business and sports would no longer be as interesting.

As I have written previously God has used Israel to prove that He is God. The Old Testament written some 3000 years ago predicts the final days and the Day of Judgment.

(I Thessalonians 5:2 – 4 – “for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.”)

The battles that the Jews have gone through starting in 1948 through 1973 are minor compared to what is to come. There are three wars to come according to a number who believe Scripture teaches. Others believe two wars will be combined into one. It tells who will be involved in each of these wars and how each one ends. People will see that God intervenes to the point that at the end there will be little doubt that there is a God and the Jews are His covenant people. If not people will lose faith in the infallibility of Scripture.

Each of the wars will become progressively bigger ending in the war known as Armageddon. The destruction will become so catastrophic that some nations will become uninhabitable. War number one will be with those nations next to Israel. They will be somewhat annihilated. The second war with be with Russia, Iran and other Muslim countries. The third will be with Asian nations having armies around 200 million. This will be the war that brings Christ to earth with millions and millions of saints coming from heaven.

(Zechariah 14:1 – 2a – “A day of the LORD is coming when your plunder will be divided among you. I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it;”)

There are a number of opinions as to where the United States fits into all of this. Up to this time Israel’s protection has come from America and NATO. Twice Russia has wanted to invade Israel and they were politically stopped. It was in 1880 that Russia was persecuting the Jews. They have always had a problem with the Jewish people. It was in 1881 that the Jewish people began fleeing Russia gradually returning to Israel. But in the three wars to come no one comes to their protection and some believe that America is either reduced to being a minor nation incapable of fielding an army or they just refused to give further protection. I believe it is because of our refusal to help Israel as we have done since 1948.

According to IBD 7/17/10 and confirmed on radio, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit said that President Obama told him in confidence that He was a Muslim. His father and stepfather were Muslims and he studied Islam as a child in Indonesia. He sat under Rev. Wright for 20 years who sang the praises of Hamas. It is believed that President Obama thinks that America’s foreign policy, in the past supporting Israel, is what has caused many of the terrorists’ actions against us.

A major war in the Middle East could cause a worldwide financial meltdown. You stop the flow of oil and it would cause a world crisis. Presently we are being asked to turn from gas and coal to renewable energy. It appears we would be putting ourselves into a position of shutting down our transportation system. This could affect our food supply, electrical output and a means of communicating. We could become a nation helpless to protect ourselves or anyone else. We would no longer be a super power from a military standpoint.

(Obadiah 1:15 & 18 – 19 – “The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head. The house of Jacob will be a fire and the house of Joseph a flame; the house of Esau will be stubble, and they will set it on fire and consume it.
There will be no survivors from the house of Esau. The LORD has spoken. People from the Negev will occupy the mountains of Esau, and people from the foothills will possess the land of the Philistines. They will occupy the fields of Ephraim and Samaria, and Benjamin will possess Gilead.”)

The house of Esau is the Palestinians. This war results with the Palestinians being driven off of covenant land. The Hamas’ constitution does not allow negotiations with Israel. They must continually fight until Israel no longer exists. In the future, expect a war to erupt and bringing on other nations. We should also be expecting Syria to be defeated assisting the Palestinians.

(Isaiah 17:1 – “An oracle concerning Damascus: See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins.”)

It is believed this first war, started by Hamas, will draw in Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. Muslims hatred for Israel is so strong that they will risk annihilation in an attempt to destroy Israel. It is possible that nuclear weapons will be used.

As Scripture says, we will not be in the darkness because we will know the signs. However, you would think our presidents and their administrations over the past 25 years would have understood Biblical prophecy and would have been more than just an ally to Israel. However, as prophecy unfolds we could be witnesses and actually see God’s intervention. More to follow!

I have been blessed in so many ways. God has allowed me to be in management over 35 years. I had as many as 450 employees at a time. If I knew, many years ago, what I know now I could have done so much better. As a result, Doug, president and co-owner of a public-held company and I helped write a book advising Christians how the advantages that the Holy Spirit gives to us can help us be much more successful and affective in whatever we do. In some capacity in life we all will have the opportunity to be a leader. It may be as a parent, a Sunday school teacher, the leader of a small group or in your chosen career.

Dr. Stanley in a sermon reminded me of something that I have known for a long time that I feel will help me share what I have learned over the years. Within us God created needs that we must feel we “belong”, that we feel “worthy” and that we have a feeling of being “competent”. If we cannot fulfill each of these three needs we will not become a complete person. If we are not a complete person it is difficult to become a quality leader. A dysfunctional background and personal hang ups can create problems in dealing with people. Many parents, managers and teachers come with so many emotional problems that they have no idea how to develop and motivate people or raise their children. Some of my experiences have been working for some bosses who were really obnoxious.

As Christians, Scripture tells us how each of the three needs can be met. Romans 8:14 – 16 – “because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” We belong because we have been adopted into God’s family. It is our job as leaders to make sure everyone has an awareness of belonging. Children must believe they belong, big-time to the family. Many non-believers have problems feeling that they belong and possibly never have. They may do whatever they believe is necessary to become accepted, liked or loved, even if it takes being immoral. Character is very important in being truly loved. Feeling loved and accepted can build one’s character!

Romans 5:6 – 8 – “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God wanted us to know, ungodly or not, believer or doubter, each one of us was worthy in His eyes. He sent Christ to die for us because He wants to develop a relationship with us through Christ and give us His love. Knowing Christ loves us should make us experience a sense of worthiness. Do we realize how important it is that we, as a person, see ourselves as being valuable? How many times have you felt inept? If we continually think negative things about ourselves we can become a negative person. Think positive things and people will be more inclined to be around us. How we see ourselves can be projected to others and that is how they will see us also. Have you ever worked for or had a parent who couldn’t make simple decisions? They just never wanted to make a mistake.

Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” God has given to us His Spirit so that we might achieve anything He would ever ask us to do. God expects us to be competent achievers and we can.

If you have never felt either that your were accepted, were worthy or had the ability to achieve God can change you. The Bibles says the problems we bring into the family as parents can be carried on to the fourth generation—unless we allow God to change us.

Probably the major thing I received from college was that most everyone was average. Occasionally there were some who were exceptionally brilliant but too often they didn’t have common sense. The realization that I could achieve was vital in my development because I understood there was not as much competition as I had expected.

We must feel loved, accepted and secure. We will then have the foundation to become a better parent or leader. It is then we can instill in others the three basic needs God created that must be fulfilled. Imagine working for a leader who makes you feel how important you are to the organization, how essential you have been in getting the job done right and how you have made this a better place to work. Or, the boss or parent that is continually critical and ignores your contributions. Who motivates you the most?

These three needs are not something you would tell your child or an employee every day. Otherwise, we would seem insincere. We can show it through our body language. We know they are pleased when we receive a smile or a pat on the back. I worked many years for a company that only knew one way to get a job done and that was through fear. No matter how good of a job you did you could always have done better. They were not leaders. They were bosses.

I could have been a better parent. Cs & Ds on report cards were just not acceptable. I believed you didn’t have to be smart to get good grades. You just had to apply yourself. Sometimes children have difficulty in knowing how to study and retain what they learn. I never became an “A” student until my junior year in college. Prior to that I was always a “C+” student. All I needed to stay involved in sports was a “C” and that was good enough. I should have been more encouraging to my children.

As we wrote our book we realized all of the things we could have done better, especially to have relied more on guidance from the Holy Spirit who was put into us to help fulfill our needs and guide and direct us in everything we do. Therefore, we hoped that we could share some things that would make Christians realize they have tremendous advantages and should be more positive.

Haven’t we all said: “If I was only able to do it all over again”? You may start by rating yourself on whether you feel you are loved and accepted, that you are worthy and do you feel competent and able to be an achiever? We must be secure in all three. If not we need to continually be working on our weaknesses. Who we think we are and how we see ourselves can tremendously affect others. If we don’t see ourselves as a complete person how can we help others to become complete? In all things Christ would teach us to be humble in spirit and have a servant’s heart.

Why hasn’t President Obama taken Iran more seriously? If I can do the research and find what Iran’s goals are why can’t our government? Are we going to let them develop nuclear weapons of mass destruction?

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad President of Iran is a Shiite Islam and believes the twelfth Imam, Mahdi (rightly guided one) will return as a military commander who will lead the Islamic armies and conquer the world. The world will then end up as believers in Islam and anyone who doesn’t must die. The Mahdi is a direct descendant of Mohammed.

President Ahmadinejad has no fear of attacking Israel or the United States. A war with Israel could reveal his Mahdi and start the conquest of the world. It is evident that Iran is building nuclear weapons and long range missiles with the intent to hit Israel and later, possibly by ship, the U.S. Ahmadinejad calls the U.S. the Great Satan and Israel Little Satan and they are major obstacles. He believes Iran is destined to begin the war that allows the Mahdi to finish by controlling the world.

There are some who believe Israel will be involved in three wars now and in the future. The first and continuing is with Iran, backing Hezbollah and Hamas. Those of us who believe the Bible is 100% accurate tell us that another war with Persia (Iran) and Russia and a huge land army will invade Israel. It tells us that Israel will survive because God will intervene.

Before I go further it is so very important that we believe the Bible. We read in Ezekiel 36:24 & 28 the following: “For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land.” “You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God.” This prophecy was executed in 1948 when Israel became a nation. This is a contradiction to the Koran that believes God gave the covenant land to the Palestinians.

For those who have been following the ships from Turkey that tried to break the blockade of Gaza this could be the beginning of hostilities between Israel and Hamas (Palestine). Ezekiel 29:9 – 12 tells that Egypt attacks Israel. Joel 3:19 – “But Egypt will be desolate, Edom a desert waste, because of violence done to the people of Judah, in whose land they shed innocent blood.” Ezekiel says Egypt will become a land of utter waste and desolate. This is a prophecy that has yet to be fulfilled.

The more I study Israel and prophecy I can understand why American presidents have tried to obtain a peace treaty with Israel and its neighbors. When Israel is attacked nations will be destroyed and the Middle-east will become a nightmare. The results will affect the whole world. Our president’s biggest mistake was to require Israel to give up covenant land that God had given to them. However, the Palestinians would never have accepted Israel without land they believed was theirs. It is a no-win situation. The best thing for America was to have let prophecy play itself out. When we got involved and made stipulations on Israel we paid the price as I have previously written. Some of our best times were when President Reagan and congress supported Israel 100% and made no requirements. President Carter was not supportive and we had some very difficult times as a nation. Inflation in 1980 had reached 13.5%.

Read Isaiah and Ezekiel and you will see what is to come in the very near future. I have read them at least 25 times. We would have to be naïve not to realize how this will affect the United States. Our stock market and the economy could tank. But the good news is we know who wins, many will know the Bible is accurate and there appears to be a last chance for salvation before it gets worse. Pray that God continues to delay because of the hearts of people are softening and accepting Christ as their Savior. I believe the length of time before this happens could depend on Christians and our prayers. II Peter 3:9b – “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Friday evening 6/11/10, I was watching a film on CNBC leading up to the failure of Lehman Brothers. They had accumulated a debt of $613 billion dollars. During that film it became apparent that the world was on the edge of a financial collapse. Had the incorrect decisions been made it could eventually have caused the world’s finances to become frozen. I am aware that there are millions who disagree that we were ever on the edge.

Having worked as a financial advisor since 1987 I have followed the market very closely. When I see most of the world having financial problems and the U.S. $13 trillion dollars in debt and rapidly climbing I am led to believe we could have had a financial collapse and it’s still possible. Presently, if we have any more really bad news than we have already had, I fear the market could take a real nose-dive. Otherwise, it could slowly continue upward as there are some positive signs of a recovery.

I hope our politicians are not creating crises in order to promote their agendas. I believe there is absolutely no excuse to have the uncertainty that now exists. Of course, I realize that my economic philosophies differ from the administration and congress. However, when I was taking a minor in economics in college I would have believed what they are now doing would work. President Reagan’s financial policies convinced me differently.

We are living in a world filled with greed, immorality and evil. The results of how the world lives affect every one of us. Isaiah 57:20 – 21 – “But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud. ‘There is no peace,’ says my God, ‘for the wicked.’” If you do not believe the wicked have been in control for a long time you are naïve. Is there any way we could get rid of the wicked and select leaders in business and politics who would become obedient to God? My contention is that we, as a nation, have fallen too far to make that happen.

We must consider that there is a very active group of people who believe our living standards are too high and we should be sharing with nations who are led by dictators and live in poverty. They believe it is American’s duty to bring their standard of living to meet ours. In order for this to happen they believe we need to become a one-world government. This morning on CNBC they were discussing about having a one-world bank that would replace our Federal Reserve. That way there would be one currency used in every nation. Then currency could not be manipulated or used for one nation’s advantage. This talk would be disregarded except the bible says one day this will happen. We don’t think this is going to happen next week. However, all of this talk must be taken seriously.

Revelation 6:1 – 2 – “I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.”

Some believe this represents the antichrist in his quest to conquer the world. Others believe it is symbolizing Jesus spreading the gospel or a last revival. I can’t see Jesus carrying a bow. However, since Revelation was written they have had every one on that horse but Elmer Fudd looking for rabbits. Others believe the horsemen do not represent people but ideas, concepts or symbols. For example, the rider on the white horse will spread a radical ideology or theology that can change the world when all restraints are removed and fanatics spread their teaching on mankind, given permission by God. A worldwide anti-God movement will exist. When it looks like the world is headed for the start of a World War III there will be a man who comes as a man of peace who will take control of a one-world government and a one-world religion. I do not believe this is something about to happen in the next few months. It could take years. I have always believed the length of time before the end is to a large degree dependent upon Christian’s relationship to God.

But we continue to see signs of what is to happen as the end becomes nearer. Isaiah 13:1, 4 – 5 – “An oracle concerning Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz saw: Listen, a noise on the mountains, like that of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations massing together! The LORD Almighty is mustering an army for war. They come from faraway lands, from the ends of the heavens— 
the LORD and the weapons of his wrath—to destroy the whole country.”

Babylon is believed to be Iraq. “They come from faraway lands, from the ends of the heavens” is believed to refer to America. So far we have not destroyed the whole country. (I do not think this could happen under President Obama.) Next we wrote about the War described by Ezekiel in Chapters 38 & 39 that Russian, Iran and others would attack Israel. Then Asia will head toward Israel with an army of two million. At this time the one-world government will be in place. All of this must take place before the Day of the Lord or the day Christ return.

On April 8, 2010 I wrote that December 21, 2012 could not be the end of the world according to the Bible. All of the above must happen prior to the Day of Judgment. So we still have time to delay the events that must happen prior to the end. But it will take prayer and God’s intervention. Can we count on you?

If President Obama asked the American people to pray at a specific day and time that God would intervene and either show us a way to stop the leak or through a miracle have it stopped. Do you believe God would answer our prayer? Is there any political leader who has the courage to have our country call on God?

If the governor of Louisiana were to make the suggestion what would America’s reaction be? Would it be political suicide for any politician to make that suggestion? Wouldn’t you think that a Christian nation would have already had a national day of prayer? Let’s assume that our politicians are more concerned about staying in power than putting America first. Where is America’s clergy? Why have they not been recommending prayer on a national basis? It may take more than one preacher asking his congregation to pray. I would suppose churches on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico would be praying. I have not read or heard of this happening. I suppose our liberal media would not believe it news worthy to report if churches were praying.

As a nation do we not believe that God is in control? Isn’t it possible that God allowed this disaster for a reason? Where is America’s faith in God? Isn’t this telling us an awful lot about the spiritual condition of America?

May I suggest that if our nation went to our knees and asked God to intervene in the oil spill He probably would give us a way to stop it. I doubt that He would use a miracle to plug it the minute we prayed. God wants people to accept Him on faith. An instant miracle would take away all doubt in many people’s minds that there is a God. But surely God knows how this can be stopped. So why aren’t we as a nation asking Him?

How many Christians when faced with a unique disaster tries to solve it and never even thinks of praying? I believe there could be a lesson in all of this. If God were interested in a spiritual revival He could use the stopping of the leak as a real motivator. However, it must start with us and through prayer. It seems to me that it has to be done on a national basis either through our political leaders or through a combination of Christian leaders. I have the faith to believe God would answer our prayer. But we must not delay! We must not sit on our hands and do nothing expecting a miracle.

Next, may I suggest that President Obama select two executives from six major companies that are now drilling in the Gulf to meet in the White House. They would develop solutions to capping the leak. We must provide a way for God to answer our prayers. I believe God would give this task force an answer to the problem. This is how He normally answers. Then the President could make sure the recommendations were carried out.

Second, I would suggest President Obama secretly call Prime Minister Netanyahu and tell Him we are going to start supporting Israel and mean it. (See my blog – “God must protect Israel”) At this point, Christians should continue to pray. Otherwise, this oil problem can affect our entire planet—meaning economy, jobs and everyone’s standard of living.

My last few postings have been in regard to proving that God has used the nation of Israel to prove that He was God and that the Bible was 100% inspired by Him. I have tried to show the difference between what the Christian Bible states that God made a covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that He would make them into a great nation and give them the land that they are now occupying. Whereas, Muslims believe the covenant was with Abraham and Ishmael, Isaac’s half-brother. As a result, Muslim’s believe that God’s land covenant is not with Israel but with them. Therefore, they must destroy Israel or the Koran or Quran and Mohammed are incorrect.

I then pointed out that God has made some promises that He must keep. We know our God is a God of justice. If He said that He would curse any nation that cursed Israel He must stand by that promise. I then wrote of severe weather conditions that have cost lives and billions of dollars. These disasters at times occurred on the same day that an American president or his administration was demanding that Israel give up some of its covenant land to the Palestinians.

Initially, President Truman was the first, of any nation, to immediately recognize Israel as a state in 1948. With the exception of President Reagan most presidents have accepted Israel as an ally and not necessarily as a nation with a covenant from God. I then pointed out that the first president to begin demanding Israel to give up their covenanted land was George H. W. Bush. Presidents Clinton and George Bush continued to require Israel to cede land to the Palestinians. It appears that President Obama may be the first truly anti-Semitic president with a bias toward the Muslims. I assume this through his actions toward Muslim countries, the Palestinians and his treatment of Israel.

I remind you of the above in order to point out that God has an obligation to curse America according to Genesis 12:3. It seems that the way God gets His point across is through natural disasters, such as: tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes and flooding. Again, I am not saying that every earthquake, volcano eruption or tornado is a result of God punishing a nation. Not every nation is anti Israel yet they have these types of natural disasters. But I have been very concerned with our present administration’s relationship with Israel. What might we do to stop the necessity of God having to curse America? My belief is: what if the U.S. had a spiritual revival and we as a nation turned to God as Israel would often do when they would go through times when God would punish them for their rebellion and immorality.

I turned to a Christian friend and asked: “How much do you rely on prayer and the Holy Spirit?” I was talking to a person who has been a Christian for many years about the world problems in general. It didn’t take long before I asked him about how the Holy Spirit was working in his life. It was kind of like: “Well I have the Holy Spirit, but what do you mean?” I replied: “Do you realize the power that is within you having God’s Spirit to direct and check you?” He answered: “I know the Holy Spirit is in me because the Bible is very clear about that. But what are you getting at?” I told him: “What do you think the Holy Spirit is in you to do? Don’t you believe that God’s Spirit wants to help you just as much as you would want to help your own children? The Bible is very clear that salvation allows us to become adopted into God’s family and a part of God comes to live within us.”

I wanted to make sure he understood God promises that if we pray to Him He will answer our prayers. I asked how do you think our prayers will be answered if the Holy Spirit doesn’t communicate to us nor doesn’t make what is needed to happen? Our whole conversation was about realizing the power of prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit that is within us.

I wonder just how many Christians realize the power of prayer. James 5:16 – “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Yet, it seems like too few people realize that prayer can really change things. Why am I pointing this out? I believe we are living in a time that our only hope for America is that we start praying that God will intercede for us. It is apparent our leaders are leading us away from God. I can’t see a whole lot of difference between the Old Testament Jews who rebelled and ignored God and the U.S. As Jews prayed and changed their lives and lived for God, they prospered. Praying Christians could also make a difference. However, it seems we have the power of the Holy Spirit within us and yet we ignore or do not realize what God wants to do through us. The power of the Holy Spirit within us is being ignored by too many Christians.

The “Tea Party” is making a difference politically. But how do we get Christians to go to their knees and pray to God that the hearts of Americans soften and allow the Holy Spirit to change their lives. If God is in control, as I believe He is, don’t you believe it would be easier to get God to change things than to try to change politicians who appear to be steadfast in their progressive beliefs?

Do you believe America would change if every believing Christian would take a few minutes each day to pray that God would soften the hearts of unbelievers and they would accept Christ as their Savior and begin living according to God’s “will”? Go back 60 years when we had a completely different America. Most people do not realize the difference between living in a truly Christian nation and in a nation with decreasing allegiance to God. There is absolutely no way we can get back to where we were through politics. The only answer is through God’s intervention and changed lives and that requires prayer. So I ask again: is the power within us being ignored?