Those of you who have hung around me and this ministry for any length of time know that one of the "life" messages we proclaim (and hopefully demonstrate consistently) is the one called Spiritual Authority. Perhaps those who have had the greatest rebellion and motive issues are most qualified to teach on this subject. It takes great revelation to really embrace the Lord's view of authority. That's why we spend 10 weeks on the subject in School of Ministry. A person needs to "soak" in the revelation and not just get a quick 30 minute message. It is one of the reasons why God is not working in and through His Church because we really have no conception of how God works in our lives through Romans 13:1-7.

I mention this because I have been recently smitten and quickened by the Holy Spirit about why we (and me in particular) seem to have little authority when it comes to speaking to the world concerning the issues we are facing in our nation. The church and it's pastors are almost treated like an aged grandparent. The world smiles at us and acknowledges a superficial respect, but pays no attention and does not heed the things we are saying. I know Jesus Christ is not only THE answer but has solutions through His Word to everything we are facing. So, why won't they listen?

I suspect some of it is due to their own spiritual blindness and hardened hearts. I can certainly write some of it off to pride and arrogance. I suspect the god of this world (devil) has also veiled and confused their minds. All of these things contribute to our being overlooked by those whom we wish to make our opinions known. However, I believe another reason and perhaps the most important reason currently is because we do not know how to interact and respond to authority. Let me get practical.

I am a conservative person; both theologically and politically. I tend to vote that direction and I know I handle the Scriptures that way as well. I confess, I was not thrilled when Barak Obama won the presidency, but I can state emphatically and genuinely that I hoped this would heal our racial divide and I sincerely prayed that he would succeed and in turn this nation would be blessed. I tried to keep my perspective clean and "give the guy a chance". Believe me when I say, I have no glee to see our nation collapse for any reason. I turned off my favorite talk radio "heads" to keep my spirit right and I can stand before God with clean hands and a pure heart and say, "I prayed for those in authority" (I Timothy 2:2).

Having said that, I have some deep concerns with where this President, Congress, and  Supreme Court is leading us. No matter what your political stripe may be, the final umpire in my life is the Word of God. I will hold it before a republican or a democrat and I have been equally concerned over both political parties and their overall character deficiencies and lack of moral direction. Many Christians are just like me. They too have great concerns. The issues of federally approved abortion providers, cancellation of prayer observances, capitulation to Muslim pressures, the alienating of Israel, the stifling of religious speech and the list could go on. These things lead me to believe that my freedoms as a Christian are slowly eroding away. I know there are Representatives in Congress who are very concerned with things that are going on behind the scenes in these regards. We have reason to lift our voices.

Our problem is that when we lift our voice, the sound is dishonorable and disrespectful. Don't misunderstand  what I am saying, the government is obviously out of touch with reality in both realms. I understand why we feel like we need to holler, yell, criticize, sneer, and some even cuss. But I want to remind you that God's Will still has to be implemented God's way. The end does not justify the means even if the end looks to be a more godly outcome. That is why Paul told us to "give honor to whom honor is due" (Romans 13:7) and Peter said, "Honor the King" (I Peter 2:17). Remember, these environments the apostles were living in were much more hostile than ours is now. And I felt like the Holy Spirit told me that if I would learn to honor (not necessarily agree with policies) that I would earn the right to speak before kings and rulers.

I am reminded of the story of Daniel when confronted with Darius' decree to pray to the false gods of Persia that he quietly resisted and kept obeying the one true God (Yahweh). This was a hostile envornment to a Jewish believer. When discovered, Daniel was thrown into the lion's den where he experienced a mighty miracle of God's protection as the Lord closed the mouths of the lions. When the King came to check on Daniel's state in the morning and looked in the den, Daniel was able to still say, "Long live the King!' Can you believe that??? Daniel was thrown to the lions by this King and he still honored him by speaking "life" over him. That gave Daniel authority, unprecedented authority, in the Persian realm. And you may know the rest of the story, Daniel was given a significant position and he was vindicated before his accusers; but it started because he knew the concepts of authority.

I too believe that God's Spirit needs to blow across our land. I too believe that our leaders in many ways are corrupt and far from God. I believe that something needs to change or something is going to fall. However, can I just suggest that as we challenge our nations leaders instead of taking on the spirit of talk radio and professional "criticizers", that we instead take on the Spirit of God and be sure as we call for reformation and revival that we are pleasing God and doing it HIS WAY! If we obey His Word and endeavor to honor God as we challenge the forces of darkness, I believe we will be granted an authority in our culture that can bring about lasting change.

I believe Revival is on God's mind...let it be on our mind as well!

Pastor