Nevertheless, amidst the great atrocities of evil and the oppressive power of darkness, there are signs of reformation within our land.

During the month of June, our family had the joy of attending a day conference hosted by the Scott Brown of the NCFIC.

He came bearing a message of hope and a challenge to the Biblical family. It is time for families to live Biblically. As Thomas Manton once put it, ‘family is the seminary of church and state.’ Lawful worldly amusements must be exchanged for intense family worship. Our time is an indicator of where our priorities lie. Lukewarm Christian families are unsavory to our Lord. But amidst these challenging words, the hope comes from focusing not upon our failure but upon repentance and following our Savior. The steps will be little at first but through perseverance it shall yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

Pastor Brown exhorts that, “When the focus of our churches or our families is anything other than the glory of God we should expect them to be cursed rather than blessed.

If we change the focus of our families for our own sakes and because we want a better family, we have missed the mark…….

….Has God changed your heart so that it desires to glorify God? Do you believe He is your only hope? Is it He the one you truly admire? This is the heart of all true reformation.”

Pastor Brown and his team have purposed to travel across and around our nation to exhort, challenge, and edify the local body of believers. Our family left the day conference encouraged and with an even greater desire to reform through conforming our lives unto the image of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Without God there is no virtue because there is no prompting of the conscience….without God there is a coarsening of the society; without God democracy will not and cannot long endure….If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a Nation gone under.”  – Ronald Reagan

“Religion and virtue are the only foundations, not only of republicanism and of all free government, but of social felicity under all governments and in all the combinations of human society.” – John Adams

“The laws of nature are the laws of God, whose authority can be superseded by no power on earth.” – George Mason

“And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.”

These words from Ezra 9:8 offer a bulwark of hope amidst the carnality of a nation forgetting that they are under God. For though the “heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing….” and though, “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed (Ps.2:1-2),” yet have we a king who sits upon the holy hill (Ps. 2:6). He is Sovereign in the affairs of men, putting down one and setting up another (Ps. 75:7).

Through the Divine Providence of Almighty God, Virginia received the blessing of righteous leaders this past November: Governor Bob McDonnel, Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

Having now held office for just over 30 days, we rejoice to report that they are holding high the principles of morality. They are making the difficult choices and preserving the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

Wednesday night of this week, we had the distinct honor of attending a meeting hosted by the Family Foundation in Richmond, VA. The purpose of the meeting was to report on  the work of the Family Foundation and on how the Lord has been at work in our state’s capitol. Three of the night’s featured guest speakers were Gov. Bob McDonnel, Speak of the House Bill Howell, and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

Chairman of the Board, Dave Barrett, shared with the audience that each of these men could be introduced as a man of prayer, a man who believes the Bible, a man who  believes life begins at conception, a man who is committed to the sanctity of marriage, and man who is seeking to protect the family.

Mr. Barrett, challenged us that with the election of these Godly men to positions of influence, we have a Divine opportunity. For to whom much is given, much shall be required (Luke 12:48). It is not a time to sit idly by. There is much work to be done.

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli reminded us that the principles upon which our nation was founded transcend time and cultural change. These principles, said Cuccinelli, originate in our Creator God. Government has a first and foremost responsibility to uphold righteous law before the will of the majority.

A candle shines brightest within the darkest corner. We praise the Lord for these lights God has raised up to shine. They are standing as bulwarks of freedom and preservers of liberty’s light.

Reading the article sparked hope within me first of all for my state but then also for  the United States. The essence of it was the checks and balances for Government provided by the constitution. Cuccinelli spoke of horizontal checks and balances- Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. He also mentioned the oft forgotten vertical – federal and states. The impetus for the article is summed up best in the writer’s own words,

“Virginia is moving towards passing legislation that would make it unlawful to implement federal legislation to compel Virginia residents to buy health insurance, a/k/a, Obamacare.  On Monday, February 1st, the Democratic-controlled state senate of Virginia passed a bill that would block the implementation of the individual mandate of Obamacare.”

Simply put, Virginia is in the process of passing legislation to make it illegal, according to state law, to implement an unconstitutional federal legislation. Cuccinelli states that this is pure application of vertical checks and balances. America’s Founding fathers would also of called this interposition – lesser powers standing between the misguided greater power and the people.

It’s easy to think of the federal government as an untouchable and unwieldy giant that only can be influenced through our national elections. However, if the states begin practicing interposition, we the people can deepen our influence on the federal giant through our votes in state elections and our communication with the not so sophisticated state offices.

Virginia until recently was considered a purple state. Obama easily swiped her electoral votes during the 2008 elections. Yet now she is acting very conservative. both through the recent governor race and the opposition of the liberal agenda of Obama. This dynamic and miraculous shift should send thrills of hope to all conservatives across America. If Virginia is making stands any other states can do the same. What happened in Massachusetts just a few weeks ago – the home state of Kennedy and a fortress of liberalism? Republican Scott Brown won a strong victory. New Jersey another Blue state recently voted in a republican Governor.  I pray these steps are not just a change of parties but rather are results of a changing worldview and perspective; a beginning of a reformation. If so and even if not so, let us who are the children of light pray to the Giver Of Light to illuminated the minds and heart of Americans all across these 50 states.

Conservative Government holds no eternal significance for the sake of it’s conservative qualities or even for it’s benefits to economics and business. The reason our founding Father created the Republic of the United States was so that it’s citizens could enjoy and keep the liberties that they were endowed with from God Himself. Those liberties properly applied bear eternal significance. The liberal agendas of the Federal government are taking away the protections of the liberties. The American people’s defense against these agendas is first prayer and second interposition.

I’m burdened with the need to pray for state and local leaders. Being the lesser power, their responsibilities increases when the greater power begins operating unconstitutionally. Attorney General Cuccinelli, with many others are beginning to fulfill this incredible responsibility. Let us pray that they won’t compromise and that their energy for fulfilling this responsibility stems (if not now, will be) from Him who is the Alpha and Omega, He who was at the Beginning and will meet us at the End (Rev.21:6).

In order to be one of His you must hear His voice. Jesus said in John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. Therefore in order to be one of His you must hear His voice and follow Him. Those who do not hear his voice cannot follow Him and are not one of His. Let’s look at the fuller context of this passage in John 10 by going to verse 24-30

24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand30 I and my Father are one.

Jesus makes it very clear, to those that are questioning who He is, that they are not one of His. They have not heard His voice. In verse 25 Jesus says I told you who I was but you believed not because you are not one of mine. My sheep hear me and follow me. Jesus goes on to say that He gives eternal life to His sheep and they shall never perish.

How then do we know if we have heard His voice and follow Him thereby never perishing? We must know and can know. How?  

When we receive the Word of God as the truth and agree with it.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 ¶ For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

After we receive His Word it begins its work in us verifying that we are His.

Not agreeing with what the Word of God says means you are not one of His which means you have not been given eternal life which means you will perish for eternity.

God says it is so.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

What does the Word say we must agree with in order to know we are His children?

Stay tuned for Part 4 – We must agree with God that…..?????

Part 2 –Can you know for sure you are one of His?

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

There are three conditions that must be true in order for someone to be His. First He tells us that His people will hear His voice then He states that He knows them and finally they follow Him. In Matthew 7 Jesus tells a group of people who have believed on Him and done wonderful works to depart from because He knew them not. You must be known by Him and if you are, then you will hear His voice and follow Him. Therefore there are two sure ways we can know if we are His! By hearing His voice and following Him. He knows those that are His and He has never lost one of them.

How will we know that we have heard His voice and become followers of Him? Stay tune for part 3.

Part 3 Have you heard His voice?

Part 1- Does God keep His promises?

The promises of God are always fulfilled by Him. He has never failed to keep them. In the Old Testament, God gave many promises about the coming of Jesus Christ. One of those promises is found in Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

This passage, talking about Jesus, was written by the prophet Isaiah hundreds of years before the birth of Christ. He said that she “shall call his name Immanuel”, Immanuel means God with us. So God stated hundreds of years before Christ’s birth that He would send Immanuel or God to be with us. How? As a baby born to a virgin. Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby born to a virgin. God keeps His promises.

In the Bible in the book of Matthew it tells how Joseph, the fiancé of Mary, the mother of Jesus, dealt with the promises of God.

Matthew 1: 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Joseph believed God and responded by doing what he was told to do. The promise in the Old Testament having been fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ set the stage for a fuller understanding of all the promises of God. In passage above the angel tells Joseph …… thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Jesus  will save His people from their sins. This is a great promise. God will keep it. The question is not, Will God keep His promise? but How do you know if you are one of His? Stay tuned for part 2.

Part 2 – Are you one of His?

The address hit many of the major issues confronting our country. From Health Care, creating job bills, energy alternatives, forgiving student loans to help with education, holding up certain minority groups rights to enter the Military, the recent supreme court decision regarding funding of political campaigns, and the need to rebuild American’s trust in the US government. The president shared how the debt he created in his first year was necessary because of the mess he entered upon when first walking through the doors of the White house. He communicated how he was going to cut deficit spending and truly begin an honest and accountable budgeting of the US Gov. finances. Speaking both to Democrats and Republicans he spoke of the need for greater accountability, broader coverage of congress’s dealings, and the need for bipartisanship in bringing effective reform to America’s failing economy. He said he has hope even amidst the looming problems because of the American enduring spirit. He clearly let it be known that the Federal government will do what it needs to do to bring the necessary reform.

The Republican’s response, was solidly conservative.     McDonnell spoke of the importance of God-given liberties, the right to property, the importance of creating opportunity, and for innovation and enterprise in the private sector. He believes this is where true growth can occur. He agreed at times with the president in regards to education, to energy alternatives and other things. When speaking of the Outreach to Haiti, he mentioned the scripture verse, ” To whom much given, much is required”.  Speaking for the republican party, he had hope and optimism in the American people not the Government.

The basic difference between these two speeches was centered around the debate of Big Government vs. Limited Government. The President, kept connecting solutions to the need for Government expansion. On the other hand, McDonnell, believes the solution lies in freeing the private sector as much as possible. Which solution would be most effective? History clearly gives an answer.

Government expansion for the last 20 years has led to further and further debt, bondage, and future problems while limited Government (Coolidge and Reagan’s Administrations being examples) practiced could help bring down debt or at least stop the accumulation, allow greater money volumes for the private sector and encourage the much needed economic growth.

Of course, those who our faithful students of the Scripture, the written word of God, know that true lasting reform must first begin in the hearts of individual American. The Biblical principles, of Loving your Neighbor, of life, and of liberty, of not serving mammon, and so many others, are such basic building blocks for the proper establishment and longevity of any society. Yet how can these be in a society if they are not applied by the citizens of that society. Taking this thought one step further, how can these principles be applied without faith in the death, resurrection, and person of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 11:6). For it is through Christ’s faith, which strengthens us to obey the word and principles of the bible.

External reformation was clearly communicated in both the State of the Union address and the Republican Response. I believe we should continue working for this external reformation (if done correctly), while also prayerfully and actively pursuing the internal reformation; the turning of hearts to Biblical principles and bringing the lasting change made possible by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I’ve been studying the scriptural basis for patriotism for the last couple of months. I came across a fascinating example of true patriotism solidly built upon faith and love for God. It’s from the Old Testament. May it inspire you as it did for me:

Years upon years had passed. The gloomy scenes seemed steadfast and everlasting. They suffered, some captivity in a strange land, others meagerly living in their homeland; and all under the judgments of God for their past wickedness. Their homeland was torn by war, devastated through greed and avarice, and ruled by selfish men. The walls of their cities were broken down and their temple in ruins. To make it all worse, of all the nations and people, this happened to them, the Israelites, the one nation chosen by God.

How were these dismal scenes to be handled and perceived? Was there any qualified substance worthy to hope in? Answers to these questions are found in the life of Nehemiah. He being the former cupbearer to the King whose nation conquered the Israelites.

Some of the first words we hear from Nehemiah come in the form of a prayer. He heard of the gloomy scenes and it led him to this profitable discipline:

“I beseech thee, O Lord God of heaven.let thine ear be now attentive. both I and my father’s house have sinned.Remember I beseech thee the word.if ye turn unto me and keep my commandment and do them.I will gather them from thence and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there. Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. Let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant and to the prayer of thy servants.”

Here we see Nehemiah hoping in a truly worthy substance, no, much greater then any substance. He had his hope in the Almighty God. He manifests this hope not only through prayer but also in determined action. Boldly he approaches the king with the situation of his country people, boldly he asks for help in rebuilding it. With permission granted, he wisely plans out his future steps for rebuilding the capitol of his beloved country. Off he then travels to his country. Already, enemies are forming at his homeland. They catch a whiff of someone seeking the welfare of Israel and become determined in halting the effort. Soon after arriving, Nehemiah secretly surveys the broken walls and gates of the city of Jerusalem. With a developed plan for rebuilding the walls and gates he then declares to his fellow country men his reason for coming; that God’s hand “was good upon me” and asking them for their assistance. His enemies hear. They laugh and scorn. Nehemiah boldly withstands them. His fellow Country men rally around him. They accept him as their leader and quickly begin rebuilding. The enemy plans to attack the builders yet Nehemiah hears of their plans and foils them. Before reaching the 53^rd day, the whole wall with all the gates were rebuilt. The enemy was astonished and depressed. God had done a marvelous work through Nehemiah.

Nehemiah doesn’t stop now; he continues the process of rebuilding; this time, not of stone and wood but of relationships and God’s law. Hearing of nobles extorting debts, he reprimands them and abolishes all interest payments. Knowing of the economic difficulties his fellow countrymen were in he refused to enforce taxation, willing to suffer discomfort rather then take from others. Daily the word of God was read for the people and expounded upon. Daily the people were coming to repentance and desiring to obey God’s law.

What motivated Nehemiah to do all this? Was it a desire for fame or wealth? No, it stemmed from his Hope and Faith in God, and a love for his country, He grasped the reality of God at work even in difficult times and willingly banked upon the resource of divine providence to bring restoration to his country.

One of the things that I have taught my sons is that they are responsible for what they look at and think about. It never ceases to amaze me the junk that we are bombarded with in the check out lines at grocery stores. This time was no different, the magazines and articles presented on a majority of their covers were clearly indicative of a culture that is confused with what is right and wrong and important. We are as a culture fixated with looks, sex, popularity and how we feel. We get caught up in new fads and ideas without any thought as to where they come from or whether they are right or wrong. We have lost our moral compass.

Mark took one look at the shelves and turned away guarding his eyes and his thoughts. I reached out to him, got his attention and praised him for his self control. We talked for a few minutes about the battle we are in as individuals and as a culture. It is a conversation we have had many times and will have many times again. When I talk to my children about their responsibility as moral beings I often remind them that the freedom we have been given is not the freedom to do as we please but the freedom to do what is right.

In our time of talking together I shared with Mark a portion of scripture that I have been trying to memorize and meditate on, it is in Proverbs 2

1…..if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;3 Yea… if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;4….. If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;5 ….. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

It was then that I noticed the clerk, there at the end of the line checking out the customers before me. She was hard to miss and I observed her with much curiosity. When it was our turn to go through she immediately smiled at Mark Christopher and asked him if he had found everything he needed. He said yes and they went on to have a short and fun conversation. She turned to me, said hello and began to ring up our groceries. I smiled at her and said “I have noticed something about you in the few minutes I have had in line here”. She paused and gave me an inquisitive look. I continued “You are a joyful person aren’t you?” She let out a full laugh and said rather gently “Yes I am”. I followed up, “What makes you so joyful?” She again paused, looked straight at me, lowered her voice so she would not share what she about to say with those who would not understand ”My relationship with God” was her answer.

The world we live in offers many things that it claims will bring satisfaction, joy and peace. I in much regret have tried many of them and found them to be unfulfilling at best. It has only been with Jesus Christ that I have found true peace. Yet it is not peace as the world gives but it is peace that only God can give through His Son Jesus Christ. It is a peace that passes all understanding and it is a peace that is given not earned. It is the assurance that you can be forgiven, it is the assurance of hope, it is the assurance that life has meaning, it is the assurance of eternal life, it is the assurance of unconditional love.

People, things, governments, money, houses, health, churches, denominations, political parties, careers and so on will fail us. Jesus Christ never will, in fact He loved us so much that He gave His life for us.  A bumper sticker I saw a few years ago stated Christians are not perfect just forgiven. I fit that description very well and if you don’t, ask Him to forgive you. He will. May the true peace that Jesus Christ gives to those who ask Him be yours in 2010 through out eternity. Wise men still seek Him.

Our 3 mile journey took over 45 minutes. Cars were everywhere: pouring in and out of and meandering through the school parking lots. Gratefully, we located a lone parking spot amongst the school buses . Walking through an unprecedented plethora of cars and people, we finally reached the voting line – several hundred feet long. Through  memorable and engaging conversation with fellow voters, local friends, elected officials, and the candidates themselves, we managed to stay warm during the hour long wait outside. Excitement was high amongst the voters as people were seeing a need to stand up and voice concern – voting is one powerful way!

Each of three candidates, all of whom were vying for the  republican nomination, stood on solid conservative principles: pro-life, 2nd amendment protection, the sanctity of marriage, low taxes, and more.

Evil is running rampant in America. But “…when the enemy shall come  in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him (Is. 59:19b).” The Lord is raising up a standard across our land – how are we participating? How are we impacting our communities?

Christians, like the one nominated that night, are heeding the call and making an impact – Let us join in the rebuilding of the wall (Neh. 4:6-19)!