Searching for Truth in a World Full of Lies

In the process of seeking purpose in life and attempting to get a hold on Truth, I’ve looked to and trusted in many things.  As Father has walked me through various stages of understanding, He has shown me that although most of us place high stakes in such worldly things, there is no hope in any of them.  While I’m sure the journey and lessons are not finished, I’ve come to recognize that unadulterated purpose and Truth can not be found in this world, even within the religious systems.  The lyrics below express the journey which often leads to that understanding.

                                                                                          

Searching for Truth in a World Full of Lies

                                                                                    By Bonnie Jaeckle, April 2013

CHORUS:

Searching for truth in a world full of lies.

Don’t look to the altar; don’t look to the skies.

We won’t find answers; it’s all a disguise,

If we’re searching for truth in a world full of lies.

Climb that ladder toward riches and fame.

Fend for Myself to gain a great name.

Seek more education.  Don’t stop for a rest

‘Til finally I question, “What IS success?”

Sit back and enjoy!  Get out for some fun!

It’s all about ME.  I am the one!

Games and parties, retirement and wine,

‘Til I’m old and lonely with only a short time.

CHORUS:

Searching for truth in a world full of lies.

Don’t look to the altar; don’t look to the skies.

We won’t find answers; it’s all a disguise,

If we’re searching for truth in a world full of lies.

One more study.  They’re finding a way

To keep me young and healthy always.

My faith is in science and the next helpful pill

‘Til my body starts screaming, “They’re designed to kill!”

“Religion’s the answer,” the self-righteous will say,

“Going to church is the only way!

I’ve got the answers!  My preacher’s got it right!”

‘Til my eyes are opened, I’ve been blinded by pride!

CHORUS:

Searching for truth in a world full of lies.

Don’t look to the altar; don’t look to the skies.

We won’t find answers; it’s all a disguise,

If we’re searching for truth in a world full of lies.

My nation’s the greatest…My country’s the best!

I must fight for my freedom…Take it all from the rest!

My trust is in warfare and I’ll stand ‘til the end!

‘Til the truth is exposed that the nations are friends!

There’s Something bigger, more powerful, you see,

Than the systems of religion or Global policies.

When the facts sink in and hard reality hits

We’ll all come to see that this world isn’t it!

Searching for truth in a world full of lies.

Don’t look to the altar; don’t look to the skies.

We won’t find answers; it’s all a disguise,

If we’re searching for truth in a world full of lies.

Whole-Heartedly,

Bonnie

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:

             Bonnie Jaeckle

             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life

             Diagonal Progress

             505 Jefferson St.

             Diagonal, IA 50845

NATIONALISM - COLUMBUS: A Leader in “America’s Christian Heritage”?

Most of us made paper ships and colored pages depicting Columbus’ trip to “prove that the world” was round and “discovery of America”. A little research, however, reveals that amazing civilizations with millions of indigenous people had been built long before Columbus arrived in the Caribbean and scientists had known for centuries before that the world was round!

More importantly,
many are taught that Columbus’ voyages
played a major role in the
“Christian heritage of America”.

Is this erroneous teaching, as well?

Let’s allow the personal letters and journals of
Columbus and his crewmen
to speak for them:

Q: Admiral Columbus, what was the purpose for your voyages?
A: I shall remain till I collect as much [gold and spices] as possible, and for this purpose I am proceeding solely in quest of them.

Q: What kind of people was native to the land?
A: They are artless and generous with what they have. …and show as much lovingness as though they would give their hearts. They should be good servants and intelligent. They neither carry nor know anything of arms.

Q: What was your intention regarding them?
A: …with fifty men they can all be subjugated and made to do what is required of them. ….they were a people who could be more easily freed and converted to our holy faith by love than by force….

Q: How did you go about demonstrating “love” to them?
A: So that they might be well-disposed towards us, I gave to some red caps and to others glass beads, which they hung around their neck, and many other things of little value.

Q: After acquiring their favor, how did Columbus’ crew go about converting them, nobleman Cuneo?
A: We gathered …one thousand six hundred male and female…, and these we embarked in our caravels.

Q: What did you do with them, Admiral Columbus?
A: It is possible, with the name of the Holy Trinity, to sell all the slaves which it is possible to sell.

Q: How did you demonstrate “love” to the women?
A: A hundred castellanoes are as easily obtained for a woman as for a farm …there are plenty of dealers who go about looking for girls; those from nine to ten (years old) are now in demand.

Q: Cuneo, what about you?
A: I captured a very beautiful Carib woman…with whom I wanted to put my pleasure into execution but she did not want it…. …I took a rope and thrashed her well…. Finally we came to an agreement.

Q: Father Las Casas, what did you observe Columbus’ crew doing “in the Name of Jesus”?
A: They hanged 13 natives at a time in honor of Christ Our Saviour and the 12 Apostles. Straw was wrapped around their torn bodies and they were burned alive. They took babies from their mothers’ breasts, grabbing them by their feet and smashing them against rocks. They would cut an Indian’s hands and leave them dangling by a shred of skin and threw others to the dogs and thus were torn to pieces.
(Las Casa copied Columbus’ personal journal - http://www.lascasas.org/lascasaswritings.htm)

Q: After the Pope granted absolute power of the “New World” to Spain, how did they demonstrate Jesus to the natives, Admiral Columbus?
A: They were told to accept "the Church as the Ruler and Superior of the whole world" or:
We shall take you and your wives and your children, and shall make slaves of them, and as such shall sell and dispose of them as their Highnesses may command; and we shall take away your goods, and shall do all the harm and damage that we can.

Q: After acquiring much wealth, how would you advise others about riches?
A: …he who has it [gold] does all he wants in the world, and can even lift souls up to Paradise.

Q: How would you encourage others to share the “Love of Jesus”, as you so boldly did?
A: No one should fear to undertake any task in the name of our Saviour, if it is just and if the intention is purely for His holy service.

Q: Mr. Columbus, as you near the end of your life, how would you describe yourself?
A: I ought to be judged as a captain who for such a long time up to this day has borne arms without laying them aside for an hour.

Q: Chief Hatuey, before you were burned alive,
“a Franciscan friar urged [you] to take Jesus to [your] heart so that
[your] soul might go to heaven, rather than descend into hell.”
How did you respond to this “Christian Heritage” introduced by Columbus?
A: If heaven is where the Christians go, I would rather go to hell.


Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

DISCLAIMER:
The author of this article does not endorse everything represented on/in suggested links, books, etc. Each of us is accountable to God to weigh everything according to His Word.

NATIONALISM - PUT YOUR SWORD BACK IN IT'S PLACE!

I have obviously “stirred up a hornets nest” with my last article regarding America’s national anthem. I would like to share some responses that I have offered to others which may or may not be helpful for you in understanding my heart.

It seems that the most stimulating point in my previous article was the suggestion that, as followers of Jesus, we are never to respond with violence. Please know that I do not approach this subject with an insensitive heart. I have three older brothers who fought in Viet Nam. As a little girl, they were my heroes! My only child will be leaving for Afghanistan in a few days. If I were going to kill others to protect anyone, my mothering heart would likely be more tempted to murder in order to protect my son than anyone on this earth! Yet, I have to keep coming back to, not what my sinful nature wants to do, but what would a follower of Jesus do?

I can’t rationalize this in my mind or I will always come back to, “Surely God would want me to protect my son!” I must come back to, “What does God’s Word say?”

Yes, God commanded OT Israel to go into battle. They were God’s chosen people and God held them accountable to keep true religion alive and pure. All other countries were and are not God’s chosen people. Citizens of God’s New Testament Nation are scattered all over the world and they have been given no command to wage war of any kind against anyone. In fact, Jesus has given His people a new command, “Love your enemies” (Matt 5:43). “Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21

I don’t think we can get around this!

It isn’t that we sit back and do nothing as members of Jesus’ nation. I’m not suggesting pacifism. Yes, Jesus warns of coming battles, but His Word tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil in the spiritual realm. The weapons used by Jesus’ followers are not to be weapons of this world. Instead, we are called to stand firm in the full armor of God:

• belt of truth
• breastplate of righteousness
• sandals of peace
• shield of faith
• helmet of salvation
• SWORD of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
• And prayer.
(Ephesians 6:10-18)

It is our sinful nature which desires to talk around and attempt to rationalize all of this. I do it too! Yet, if we are truly seeking to be followers of Jesus, we must remember,

“My thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,
declares the Lord.”

Therefore, we must
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and
lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him
and
He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5

One of Jesus’ disciples, in “self-defense”, cut off the ear of one who came to arrest Jesus. We must listen carefully to Jesus’ response to his actions, "Put your sword back in its place! For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matt 26:52 – 53).

As followers of Jesus, we also have legions of angels at our disposal if we would only call upon Our Father. Instead, we often lack trust and/or desire to be the god of our own lives and the "savior" for others.

Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

**Note: If any of my readers are interested in studying this further, in addition to God’s Word, I strongly recommend “God & Country” or Christ’s Kingdom? by Jon Zens and Cliff Bjork - http://www.searchingtogether.org and “The Myth of a Christian Nation” by Greg Boyd.

NATIONALISM - AN ANTHEM OF TRUST IN GOD?

America is once again gearing-up for celebrating its independence. I’ve recently received several notes regarding a retired Marine who spontaneously stood at a “Tea Party” to proudly sing the fourth stanza of the Star Spangled Banner. It is often pointed out that after hearing this emotion-driven verse, one can hardly refute that early America was a nation which placed its trust in God.

While I’m certainly not “anti-American,” I do want to discourage drawing uninformed conclusions regarding the implications of this song. To do so, all the lyrics must be considered.

The Star Spangled Banner
By Francis Scott Key 1814

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

• Verse one - Rockets and bombs are strongly picturesque of weapons used in the bloody warfare of this world and are hardly like that which God calls His children to use, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.” Instead, we are to depend upon “divine power” (2 Cor. 10:4).
• Verse two - Unlike the “Foe’s haughty host,” which America so proudly warred against, the enemies that God’s children confront are “not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12).
• Verse three – We can assume that these “foul footsteps” were washed away by blood which included countless brothers in Christ! God declares that He will contend with those who shed the blood of His people (Is. 49:25-26, Rev. 16:1-7). God is not a “Power” that seeks to slaughter hirelings and slaves. He is the fortress, stronghold, deliverer and shield for those who take refuge in Him. (Ps. 144:2). For them, the grave has no power!
• Verse four – God would never concur with the idolatrous pride and ruthless greed involved in worldly warfare as being a “just cause”! He would never receive praise for nor accept arrogant rejoicing over the spilled blood of His family members! God scoffs at such declarations of “trust” in Him (Ps. 2:4, 59:8)!

Can we rightly contend that this anthem honors the One who gave us a new command to love our brothers and our enemies? Can American Christians justify murdering “foreign” siblings so that they can enjoy “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”? (John. 15:12, Luke. 6:27)

Singing praises to God for "victory and peace" obtained through merciless bloodshed is blasphemous of Jesus and what He accomplished! Jesus redeemed brothers and sisters out of every nation (Rev. 5:9). The idea that one nation is of God and another evil is idolatrous! “…all nations ... are regarded by him as worthless” (Is. 40:17)!

Since the Church is God’s only preserved nation, Christians must recognize the tremendous confusion created by mingling (and virtually equating) civil freedom and gospel freedom. Such intermingling too often results in justifying lethal force in order to accomplish a religious end.
In 1 Peter 2:21-23, we are told that Jesus left an example which we are “called” to follow, “When they abused him, he did not retaliate, when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”

Mentioning God in a national anthem is certainly no evidence of a Christian foundation. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father…” (Matt. 7:21) which is demonstrated by our willingness to “lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 John. 3:16).

To be honest, in light of God’s Word, I have a real hard time joining in the singing of this militaristic piece.

Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

NATIONALISM - ARMED FORCES DAY and POWER for PEACE

The theme for this year’s U.S. celebration of Armed Forces Day is “United in Strength.” We have the:

• second largest military in the world (1,454,515 active and 848,000 reserve soldiers).
• largest annual budget in the world ($692 billion), 42 percent of world military expenditures.

"The support of an informed American people is increasingly important to the Armed Forces …. I, therefore, encourage members of the DoD to observe Armed Forces Day by informing the American people of our 'Power for Peace' and by confirming their faith that in our strength we will remain free." - former Secretary of Defense, Robert S. McNamara.

However, according to this unnamed military sergeant, most soldiers aren’t able to accurately inform Americans,

"My thoughts and beliefs are somewhat confused these days. But, I want to express some feelings I've kept inside for some time. I'm a Sergeant in the U.S. Many soldiers feel something is wrong with some of our missions and some of the things we are being commanded to do, so few actually know what is going on in the military and the world today.

"As did most, I entered the military to serve and protect the freedoms and property of the people of my own nation against communism…. Several of us, including the Lieutenant, understand that we are once again being used to undermine the present government of this non-communist dictatorship and prepare it to become another asset of the United Nations. Understanding this, puts us in a shameful and stressful situation. It's difficult to change one's job description from one of guarantor of freedom to one of facilitator of world slavery.

"... Soldiers and 'the folks back home' are told that we're helping the poor and oppressed people in other countries. I could live with that, but it's not true. It's like we are mercenaries for the highest bidder, not American soldiers…

"...We have been instructed that any U.S. individuals or groups that espouse …'patriotic activism', 'constitutional violations' or government conspiracies are subversives and it will do our careers severe damage to express interest... That speaks volumes, since some in the military are members of anti-American movements. …Having a leftist world view is somewhat beneficial at promotion time. …it does seem the day may come when we will all have to decide whom and what we will serve.

"…Many …are misled to believe that a one-world system is going to be our answer to total equality and freedom. ...Under the United Nations' world government plan… rich Marxists in America and around the world are no respecters of persons. …All non-wealthy …peoples of the world, will be enslaved …to serve the masters of a 'world plantation'."

If we would only remove our distorted lenses, we would see the evidence supporting this soldier’s concerns. Subjection to a despotic government is not freedom! My guts wrench and my heart aches considering such deception and manipulation! How can we help the precious men and women who, in “good conscience” committed their lives to “serving the people of their nation?”

Many suggest that the only answer is to “reclaim our American roots.” I wonder if these soldiers consider such “solutions” or… do they recognize the roots as having set the stage for the culmination of that which was determined all along?

In spite of 1, 194,198+ American military fatalities, according to economist and historian Robert Higgs, “the U.S. government’s economic and military interventions have reduced the civil and economic liberties, prosperity, and genuine security of Americans. Although …on the winning side of World War I, World War II, and the Cold War, Americans ended up with fewer liberties than they had before the wars. Every year, orators declare that our leaders have gone to war to preserve our freedoms and have done so with glorious success, but the truth is just the opposite. War—the quintessential government activity—has been the mother’s milk for the nourishment of a growing tyranny in this country, and it remains so today.”

"I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." -James Madison

Are we truly honoring “those who serve” by ignoring the deceptive claims made by national leaders? Are we willing to help them see that it has never been nor will it ever be an earthly military with “'Power for Peace' and in who’s strength we will remain free?" Are we willing to stand by them as they face the shame and struggle to decide whom and what they will serve?

The only genuine comfort to offer them is the assurance that Jesus is the true source of power, peace and freedom! Confirming our faith in any other will always lead to deception! “No one can serve two masters.”

Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

NATIONALISM - LABOR DAY

The word “holiday” is derived from the Holy Days appointed by God. These chosen times were set apart for the purpose of teaching His people about Himself and His relationship to them. They were to be a blessing not only to His people, but also to God.

However, the focus of a typical American “holiday” is not God, but man and is everything but holy. Labor Day is a good illustration.

Conceived by the labor movement and celebrated since the 1880s, the form for Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the “holiday”; “a street parade to exhibit to the public ‘the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations,’ followed by a festival for the workers and their families.”

“The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.” – United States Department of Labor

According to the foundational and ongoing celebrations of Labor Day,
it seems that America is looking to its citizens
rather than to God
for prosperity, strength and freedom.

When did America, a nation considered to have been established upon Christian principles, begin on this path? Or… was it so from the beginning?

• Beginning in Genesis, God is portrayed as constantly working. As the Master of the world, He delegates His work to His people for the purpose of glorifying Himself.

• Work was a creation ordinance which man found rewarding and enjoyable because it was done for the purpose of glorifying His Lord. [Gen 2:15].

• Because man fell into pride, God pronounced a curse on the ground causing man to labor against the hostile environment [Gen. 3:17-19] after that which offers no satisfaction [Eccles 2:18-23; 6:7].

• Jesus portrays Himself as a worker who was sent to finish the work of His Father along with His coworkers [John 4:34; 9:4; 5:17] for the purpose of glorifying His Father.

• The Holy Spirit empowers God’s coworkers to glorify their Master through their work [Acts 1:8, Eph 3:20-21].

Although it seems that America, in its pride,
hasn’t moved beyond the curse,
it is possible, through the power of the Holy Spirit,
for work to be redeemed in this fallen world.


According to Isaiah, God’s prophet, man would once again enjoy the work of their hands and not labor in vain [Is 65:21]. Not only can we anticipate this after Jesus returns, work is redeemed when:

1. we understand that God is the one who has called us to our role in life.
2. we realize that our Master has entrusted us with His possessions and we are honored regardless of how “common” our position is because we recognizes that we are serving Him rather than man [Eph 6:5-7; Col. 3:23].
3. we are aware that God not only assigns the tasks, He makes things happen. [1 Cor 3:7, 9].
4. its rewards are not only enjoyed, but accepted as gifts from God [Eccles 2:24; 5:18-19].

May God restore among us a genuine holy day in which, as His coworkers, we rejoice in the fruit of our redeemed labor while paying tribute to Him as the one who provides our securities, freedom and blessings rather than to our own achievements.

Whole-Heartedly, Bonnie

NATIONALISM - MEMORIAL DAY: FORGETTING TO REMEMBER?

Memorial Day is right around the corner. This celebration frequently stirs-up fond memories for most of us of the “beginning of summer”, family picnics, parades, visiting cemeteries, flying American flags, the first water activities of the year and the Indianapolis 500.

Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was officially appointed May 30, 1868 to commemorates U.S. men and women who have been killed in military action. However, “according to Professor David Blight of the Yale University History Department, the first memorial day was observed in 1865 by liberated slaves at the historic race track in Charleston. The site was a former Confederate prison camp as well as a mass grave for Union soldiers who died in captivity. The freed slaves re-interred the dead Union soldiers from the mass grave to individual graves, fenced in the graveyard and built an entry arch declaring it a Union graveyard. This was a daring action for them to take in the South shortly after the North's victory. On May 30, 1868, the freed slaves returned to the graveyard with flowers they had picked from the countryside and decorated the individual gravesites, thereby creating the first Decoration Day. A parade by thousands of freed blacks and Union soldiers from the area was followed by patriotic singing and a picnic.”
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day)

While I certainly have no objections to remembering the 1,194,198 military service members killed in American Wars, I wonder why we don’t have a day of rememberance for the 20-40 million Native Americans needlessly annihilated or for the 15-20 million Africans who died in the slave trade, all for the purpose of American power, prosperity and imperialism?
(http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0004615.html, http://users.erols.com/mwhite28/warstat0.htm#America, http://users.erols.com/mwhite28/warstatv.htm)

In fact, as a country which claims to be “Christian”, I wonder why America has never set aside a day to remember and honor the estimated 70 Million Christians who have died for their faith or the 171,000 Chrisitans worldwide who are martyred each year?
(http://users.erols.com/mwhite28/warstatv.htm,http://christianity.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=christianity&cdn=religion&tm=85&gps=238_1572_1259_573&f=00&tt=11&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.gordonconwell.edu/ockenga/globalchristianity/resources.php)

I wonder, is this an indication that Americans believe that dying for one’s country is more important than demonstrating love to other human beings or dying for one’s faith in Jesus?


Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

NATIONALISM - OUR FATHER'S NATION

When trying to assess problems of this world, we tend to look upon some nations as bad and others as good. However, Scripture clearly states that the “prince of this world” (Satan) is behind them all. [Jn. 14:30, 1Jn. 5:19]

While showing Him “all the kingdoms of the world,” Satan said to Jesus, ‘I will give You all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want.” [Luke 4:6-7] Jesus didn’t argue; He knew that when Adam and Eve sinned, they forfeited their authority over all the earth to Satan. Regardless of what we want to believe, the “god of this present evil age” (Satan) is determined to use every nation for opposing the Kingdom of God. [Ps. 2:1-3]

God’s prophet, Samuel tried his best to warn of the disastrous results of seeking a human king for hope and solutions to problems. In stark contrast to God who longs to give everything, a king enslaves by taking everything! [1 Sam. 8:10-18]

Samuel foresaw where it would all end,

“When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.” Vs. 18

“But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” … The LORD answered, “… give them a king.” Vs. 19-22

When God, said, “Give them a king,” He was not blessing this role. Instead, because of man’s sinful nature He ordered it! Since then, every earthly nation has had a “king” who rules them, but never The King.

Jesus has never been in the business of defending any earthly nation. Instead, He has always been in the business of demolishing them so that He can save His people and build His Kingdom which “is not of this world!” [John 18:36] Jesus came to establish a Kingdom that would stand apart from and against all the kingdoms of this world. Why? Because all the kingdoms of this world stand against Him!

“The descendents of Abraham [those who believe in Jesus] admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” [Heb 11:13-16]

Who are the people of God’s nation? They are not those of any particular geographical location. Rather, they proclaim no allegiance to any earthly kingdom; nor are they shaken when the depravity of this world is exposed. They are confident that Father, God uses all things for their good and His glory! It is those who believe and are blessed with the hope and security of their citizenship in heaven! These are His Nation!

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people He chose for His inheritance. [Ps.33:12]


Whole-Heartedly,Bonnie