“Many times did The Lord deliver them; but they provoked Him with their counsel, and were brought low by their iniquity.” Psalms 106:43

I don’t know about you, but my heart is grieved over the present affairs of our Nation. As I view our Nation thru the Spiritual Lens of Gods Word, I see our Nation in what God is calling “A Cesspool of Iniquity.” There is much blame to go around for this pit that has been created. I believe a lot of the blame falls on The Church. I only say this because as I study the Word of God, I see the present day Church vastly different from the one in the Book of Acts. In Acts 3:32-37, 4:1-11 we read about The Way (Church) strong in its representation of Christ. The Church was full of The Holy Spirit, it lacked nothing. It was strong in Love, Unity, Humility, Strength and Power. It also shared with those in need. It was so influential that it produced fear in those who considered compromise. Fast forward to present day, I see some Pastor’s controlled by a spirit of competitiveness (whoever fills the pews is God’s Anointed?). When Pastors are controlled by this spirit they become critical towards one another and become envious, jealous and slanderous. Instead of waring against one another we should be anointed (carriers of God’s Glory) in love, followers of Christ. Our mandate is to preach the Gospel with signs and wonders manifesting! Mark 16:15-18

 
The Lord has anointed His Church to be a terror to demonic forces (Ephesians 3:10). The Body of Christ destiny is to release wisdom to destroy any plans the enemy might have to destroy. But some church leaders are blindsided by the enemy who uses psychological warfare. They have become confused and disoriented by schemes and strategies from Satan. These attacks are strategic to stop the Church from becoming influential. The scriptures tell us we are not to be ignorant (*lack understanding) and we are to be sober. 2 Corinthians 2:11 says, “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” These tactics of the enemy renders the majority of the Church apathetic (*not having are showing much interest or emotion). The only way we can arise from apathy is, for us to manifest intimacy with The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. When we are intimate with God, He will share His Heart with us, so we can become like Him on the Earth. Read what 1 John 4:17 says about our love for Him; “And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.” In representing Jesus here in this world, we become influential. We are influential because of a strong prayer life. Again, there is an indictment against us because of the present state of affairs reveals we have become complacent. The Church should be a Watchmen (*Intercessors) for the Lord and for our Nation. We have not posted watchmen to pray. We have failed in asking the Lord of the Angel Armies to send warriors to confuse and destroy evil (Read 2Kings 6:17). Instead some have allowed the Church to be serenaded and put to sleep by a demonic lullaby (complacency, apathy, compromise). Remember Sampson falling to sleep in the lap of Delilah (Judges 16:19)? I believe also like Sampson we have had our strength compromised in loving the things of the world. We have allowed the devil to silence us from being a Prophetic Voice and a Deliverer. Because of Apathy we have lost our influence in Education, Media, Entertainment and the Political Arena. These are areas where we should have had strong Christian influence. Instead the majority of the Church has become silent and it is if the world has pushed the mute button and refuse to hear what the Church has to say.

 
God has ordained the Church as a barometer to gauge the spiritual climate of our Nation. If the Church is vibrant, strong and victorious, then the Nation will have spiritual vitality and live in prosperity and have much joy. Proverbs 29:2 says, “when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” What would that look like? Righteous Leaders (*Presidents, Senators, Congress & Governors) will Fear the Lord and manifest Wisdom (Psalms 111: 10). These Government Leaders understand it is a privilege to represent Christ, to serve the people not to lord over them. When a Leader is filled with the Holy Spirit he or she will be militant and aggressive against sin.

 
I love The USA! The only way for our Nation to survive is for the Church to be vibrant, awake and militant in our prayer life against the devil. I want to encourage everyone to seek the heart of God in prayer and fasting for our Nation. There are many references and parables in the Bible identifying The Church as Stewards and Watchmen. We must be responsible for what has been given to us. Join with us here at Shiloh Ministries as we watch, fast and pray for our Nation. "Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming--in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning lest, coming suddenly, He find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!" (Mark 13:35-37)