Power Behind the Thrones

The mess we (America and the rest of the world) are in is not because of what so many of us may think. 

It's not because of politics being Red or Blue or people being black or white. Where we are is where we've always been headed - toward the conclusion of a war that's been raging ever since Lucifer fell.

For a long time - since 2008 when Obama was elected to 2024 when Trump won a second election - I believed in the Red/Blue, black/white reasons. First, I was elated at having a first black man in the White House - a building constructed in large part by black slaves. Then I was deflated as I realized that Obama was just another politician and not a "magical Negro" who was going to be America's hero. Then I was resigned to the fact that politics is a game and all the players in power are a gang. They may not all be friends, but they are a gang that protects its members.

When Christian nationalism surged here in the U.S., I began to come to my senses. I remembered that I am a Christian and our Lord's kingdom is not here on this earth. America is nothing but one in a long line of national powers beguiled by its own current standing. 

How many other powerful "empires" came before and are no more? Rome is the most memorable to Americans, but there were others. The Persians and Germans, and - here's the biggie - Babylon. I've forgotten much of the history I was taught in school, so I had to refresh my memory of the largest powerhouses of politics and royalty.  

I am ashamed to admit that it took me too long to really come to my full senses and see what is so clear: America is no better than her people and leaders. And we are currently a hot mess. But, as a Christian, that should never have been a surprise to me.

Understand that when I say I am a "Christian", I'm not speaking of a denomination or political alliance. I am saying that I believe Jesus died for me. I am saying that I believe what the Holy Bible teaches. I am saying the I am a Christian - a follower of Christ, the Son of God. 

SOURCE

What is happening now - in America and the rest of the world - is not new. It is shocking to those of us living through a time when our government is in turmoil. I am only just now becoming jaded to having a sitting president behave as ours does.

I believe what the Bible teaches about "power behind the throne". Every person operates under the influence of something. Christians should operate under the influence of the Holy Spirit and live as Jesus instructs us. Everyone believes something and their beliefs dictate their doings.

Anyone after earthly power, wealth, fame, and glory (and willing to do anything for that) is operating under an influence. That influence is the power behind their "throne". There is a present ruler of this world - and it's not Christ - and there are people who serve him, whether or not they realize it yet.

The other night I heard part of a "Christian" podcast. The speaker was saying which political leader he supports and explained the reason. He said he wanted to support a "man of God" who supports Israel and good, moral causes. Let's break that down...

As Christians, we don't put out faith in men (see how the Apostle Peter shows this), we worship God only. Men are fallible - some are so fallible that they should come with flashing warning lights! 

As Christians, we are to support Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We are even told that we will be blessed or cursed based on how we treat Israel. 

However... If you check the linked resources above, you will see that it speaks on separating people from politics and discusses issues of right and wrong. So, we are not to blindly support people, principles or politics. And that is where some modern Christians get things twisted.

I will say that it's a good idea (in my opinion) to do pay more attention to what the Bible has to say and less about what our politicians post and speak on. Instead of being frustrated with those who have different political beliefs, we should focus on praying for people to find Christ. We should pray for Christ's return.

There's that advice "Don't watch what they say, watch what they do". When I say "they", I mean your fellow Christians. Are they doing Christ-like things? Are they praying? Are they trying to spread the gospel? 

As for the people in power, try to guess the power behind their "thrones". How are they using their power? Who are they helping with that power? 

We have to be so careful not to be so impressed (or repulsed, angered, surprised, etc.) by anything that we take our eyes off of God.

Peace

--Free

P.S.: I am planning to check out the source for the Cultural/Bible image. It looks very interesting. 

 

All This "Maxxing"

As a Boomer, I am late to hearing about this trend called "looksmaxxing" (the process of maximizing one’s own physical attractiveness). After seeing a few videos (like this one about this guy) of some of the faces of this trend, I have not been able to get over the idea. I keep thinking how empty people must feel in their hearts to look for such ways to find joy and meaning.

 That people are trying to find ways to max out their physical looks is not new; it just feels so extreme to me. I want to think that people like this are ridiculous, but I feel so bad for them though I'm not sure why.

There is nothing new under the sun but, these days, it seems that everything is being taken to new levels. For some people, it's not enough to be healthy, they have to be uber healthy. There are folks like the one rich guy who has gone to new extremes with anti-aging measures. And the guy (recently in the news for other things) who built a career on the idea of achieving longevity.

Look the best, live the longest, make more money, have more, bigger and better things. The secular world is out here life-maxxing like mad. Meanwhile, I have to remind myself to spend more time with the Bible every day. I struggle sometimes to be more kind and caring to others. Sometimes, my first instinct is to laugh at the people I've mentioned - until I realize I should be praying for them. 

I have been thinking that if Christians put an nth of the effort into Bible study, prayer, witnessing, being caring and charitable, etc. as the "life-maxxing" folks do... Wow. Imagine the effect. 

So, I am going to be thinking about this whole maxxing thing. I'm going to be applying that to some of the areas of my life. And I'm going be to hoping that the people out there so desperate to feel whole, find Jesus.

Peace

--Free

Revelation 1:3 and Me

Somehow, the other week, Revelation 1:3 got on my radar. 

I had never focused on the part about reading the prophecy aloud seemed new to me. Some long time ago, I first heard that it's good to read the Bible aloud and that it helps retention and understanding.

Anyway, I decided to read Revelation. Out loud. It has been beneficial. For one thing, while reading aloud, I am more focused on checking commentaries as I go through the verses. Thankfully, I have several Bible translations and a variety of commentaries because of the amazing eSword. 

BTW eSword is right up there in my favorite resources along with Got Questions, Blue Letter Bible, and BibleRef. And ALL of them are FREE...

It has been a blessing to read Revelation out loud. I am now intending to do the same whenever I read or study any part of the Bible. 

Here's a weird thing I have noticed. There is such a cloud of noise and other distractions around us that it's hard to think clearly. I feel sometimes as if I am wading through a tunnel of "news and information", social media posts, chattering neighbors, and so much other stimuli that I don't get a chance to think clearly and deeply about anything real. Deep breath!

There is so much unorganized noise around us that it's hard (at least for me) to have an organized train of thought.

Reading the Bible aloud made me realize this. When I read the words aloud, I am focused on those words. I am focused on what they mean and how they apply to life.  Most of the other "noise" in my life - social media, entertainment media, etc. - is all like a diet of drugs and dessert, filling my up without fulfilling me.

I won't go on a rant about how I - like a lot of people - spend too much time dealing with my phone and consuming the "junk food" of media. I will say reading Revelation aloud truly has been a blessing to me. I'm going to try to focus on having a healthier diet of what I let into my mind and heart.

Peace

--Free