Grace of Courage

 The Lord calls His people to be strong and courageous in Him. St. Paul commands, "Keep on watching, standing fast in the faith, conducting yourselves in a courageous way, and being strong. Let all your things be done with love" (1 Cor. 16:13). This command is dynamic and active. Keep on doing these things. The implication is that we could grow tired and fearful. It is written elsewhere, "And let us not be losing heart while doing that which is good; for in due time we shall reap, if we faint not" (Gal. 6:9). 

 We are in much need of the grace of courage. The enemy seeks to wear out the saints of God. The Prophet Daniel saw that godless authority would "Speak extremely arrogant words and wear down the saints of the Most High. He will devise a way to change times and law, and he shall be given authority for a time, times, and half a time" (Daniel 7:25). Indeed, more than in the past, an aggressive attempt is being made to "change" times and law. John teaches, "And the dragon was wroth against the Woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her seed, those keeping the commandments of God and having the testimony of Jesus" (Rev. 12:17). The spirit of the Antichrist will declare war against those accepted by Christ in the world. It says he will begin the war so that, just as when dust thickens the smoothness of oil, finding them vulnerable in life's occupation, he will put them to flight. But many among them will conquer him because they have genuinely loved Christ. 

 Our Lord warns us, "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drinking, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly" (Lk. 21:34). The Christian believer is commanded, "Let us not sleep as the others do, but let us watch and be sober" (1 Thess. 5:6), for "The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be sober-minded and watchful in prayers" (1 Pet. 4:7). 

 Watchfulness, taking heed, and standing in the Faith cultivate a courageous heart. At the same time, the compromise of the Faith breeds spinelessness. Without the grace of courage, we will crumble before the onslaught of the times. Sadly, many a one who calls himself by the name of "Christian" has dramatically compromised with the demands of the fallen world in a cowardly manner. Some ministers are more concerned about fluffing the pillows of their flock and keeping them comfortable than they are about pursuing truth. Truth can be extremely uncomfortable. Some folks are more than content to have the comfort of sleepy religion. Some churches might as well hang a "do not disturb" sign on their door handles. Some are actively and willfully striving to reconstruct Christianity according to the image of this fallen age. We may be sure that "Evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of" (2 Tim. 3:13-14). 

The spirit of the Antichrist has always been to take away that which God holds most dear. Popular churches can lull us into a false sense of security. If we attend, support, believe and have a good life we are assured of our salvation. Such a system is very tidy and reassuring. If we read about early Christianity in the New Testament, it does not seem to be like this. (Acts 2:42-47) We are not to run around looking for excitement and achievement. But we are each called into a close personal relationship with God. If we do this, God will begin to work in His quiet, way. Knowing God personally is the litmus test of our experience. It may not be all that evident to those around us. But our relationship with God will be the whole reason for our life – at church and through our personal lives. Would we be remiss in saying this is what brings joy to God? It is good to be reminded of the words of the great saint and Prophet of our times; one man said, "A search for compromise will be the characteristic disposition of men. The straightforwardness of salvation will vanish. Men will cleverly justify their fall, and an endearing evil will support a general spirit within the Church. Men will grow accustomed to apostasy from the truth and the ease of compromise and sin. 

 Before this, St. John soberly reminds us that this spirit of compromise will even be found among those who claim to be born again even among the clergy, "There will be a mass falling away from the faith; even many leaders will betray the faith, justifying themselves by pointing to the splendid position of the Church." The spirit of compromise is related to the essential teaching and doctrine of Life in Christ. In saying that there will be a mass falling away, St. John is speaking of those who call themselves Christian. This does not necessarily mean that physical leaving will take place. Many will remain and claim to be saved while proclaiming a neo-orthodoxy, which is simply apostasy (may we guard our hearts!). They will then claim that those who do not desire the "new improved" doctrine are "dissenters." For such ones, apostasy will be (and already is) the new standard of salvation. 

 This spirit of compromise is evident even now to those who strive to stand fast in the Faith. Indeed, through the eyes of the faithful, one may visibly behold this sad state being preached and promoted in a better way. Compromise is also not a new manifestation, it has always been a temptation and a pitfall, yet it has become a dominating feature of our times. We have been deceived by the secular and ignored the spiritual. We have placed our trust in evil people above God. We have forgotten the promise that the LORD will take care of our needs if we keep his commandments. 

 The new martyrs of the Synagogue of Satan, who suffer worldwide, are vital examples to us today of how to stand courageously in the Faith. They were confronted not simply with raw persecution but also with the subtle spirit of compromise that manifested itself under the guise of democracy. It may also be called adaptations – to be a more significant threat to the life of the Church than persecution. Those who should be disciples compromise Christ Jesus to acquire an everyday life without suffering. People, the days of normal are over and your trust better be in the LORD. 

 When the Church is being betrayed, and the faithful led astray, it is no time for compliments and polite 'dialogues' nor for placing 'sympathy' above truth. For courageous souls, knowing that every word may bring prison or death only increases their boldness in speaking the truth without embellishments. And so, it has always been in the Church of Christ; those who desire compromise will do their utmost to alter the teaching and Faith of true Christianity to appease the world. Many times, they become emphatic about it. 

 It is time to become a warrior for the Cross and not give the Church as a sacrifice to the mercy of the betrayers and corrupt politicians and agents of the Synagogue of Satan and destruction. During the Iraq war there was an expression used that is needed within the church-shock and awe. We have avoided offending those who are indifferent to the message of salvation and truth. We need to start speaking in power against the compromise taking place among those called Christian. We are in the position of weakness because we have compromised our faith. We have allowed the secular to influence our spiritual. Putting the secular above God is evident when we compromise our spiritual life. People, we are at war and to many Christians have joined the other side. 

 I am asking you to put on armor for battle and fortify your powers to become a defender of the Faith. Make your Faith in Jesus Christ heard by a loud and decisive cry against every agreement, against hypocritical and lying compromise, and the betrayal of our Faith to the interests of godless satanism and bitter warfare against Christ and His Church. You cannot defend faith when we show sympathy to the enemy. There was a time when a Christian would never have allowed activities or secular events keep them from worship of God on Sunday.  

 We are faced today with the spirit of the Antichrist, that is deceit. Many within the Church cannot see the deception because their mind and heart are turned toward earthly things, for the sake of which people become accustomed to renouncing the Lord. There is great danger in desiring to maintain earthly existence and things. If the focus of those in Christianity is to keep some worldly prestige, they are already on the path of compromise. The actual reputation of the Church is not preserved through anything of this earth. It is quite the opposite. As Ignatius of Antioch says, "Christianity is greatest when it is hated by the world" (The Apostolic Fathers, Letter to the Romans, Section 3). 

 As always in the Church, we remember with great honor those who courageously stood for the Faith, whereas those who sought the broad way of compromise are forgotten or rightly scorned. They may find momentary triumph, but their ultimate downfall is inevitable. 

The tribulations of our days will become more intense. The temptations to compromise will become more pronounced. Apostasy has become standardized. In these times, which are a continuation of what was sown in the 1950s, we must acquire spiritual courage for ourselves. We need to ask the Lord to cultivate this grace in our hearts. Indeed, as Scripture commands us, may we watch, stand fast, courageously conduct ourselves, and be strong in the Lord. May the Lord help us and have mercy on us. 

Believe A Lie

 I have often said I am not a prophet or the son of a prophet, and I do not know what will happen in the next weeks. The world has gone crazy. Our neighbors to the north placed penalties on the truckers that were entirely against democracy. My concern was our government was going to do the same thing. 

 As all my friends know, I refused to bow to the mandates. It was no more than a means whereby the government-controlled masses would give up their freedom and liberty. Many have lost their income, health, and some--their lives by following the lies told by the MSM, the government, the medical profession, and even the church. 

 When Russia moved to protect its borders, the mandates disappeared. It was like Russia stopped the pandemic when they crossed the border into Ukraine. We could now take off the mask and start to act normal again. Even the biggest die-hards seemed done with the pandemic. Worldwide, it looks like most countries are done. Even Germany and Austria were considering some harsh mandates and announced that they would be ending most restrictions before April. It was a miracle, and the pandemic was over. But what happened next took many people by surprise.

 

Overnight we were to start hating Russia again. My father was a strong anti-communist. I attended many anti-communist rallies and meetings in the 1960s and 1970s with him. Communism was our biggest enemy and needed to be stopped. That was not the stuff of conspiracy theories – it was a soberly accepted fact. Then in 1989, the world changed, and the Soviet Union was no more. The Russians were not that bad, and we could all live together happily in the new global economy.  

 Older Americans were skeptical of a new Russia. My generation was the first to see socialism and communism taught in universities and now in high schools. Today, the very sophisticated progressives pushing a socialist and communist agenda like the old Soviet Union want us to hate the Russians. Hating the Russians was silly ten years ago. If we do not hate the Russians, we are Russian agents. 

 Over the past three years, people have been stressed to the breaking point. People are looking for someone to blame, and the authorities are more than happy to give us someone to blame. President Biden told the American people that inflation, high gas prices, and food shortage are all blamed on Putin. We are to hate Russia for what is happening in the world today. To stop, Russia will require war. There is nothing like war for those who love big governments and to gain approval we must have an enemy to hate. 

 I do not particularly appreciate being told to hate certain groups. For twenty years, Americans were told that the terrorist groups in Afghanistan posed such a threat to the United States that it warranted sending off our family members to die, keeping insurgents busy. Then we just walked away, leaving Americans in harm's way. Our president left Americans, but he also left billions of dollars' worth of military equipment for our enemies to use. Can America trust President Biden to do the right thing in Ukraine? 

 I fear most Christians fail to realize the speed at which Satan has moved to bring about the final confrontation with the LORD. The Great Reset is his plan, and it moves at the speed of light. The pandemic started the process of bringing people to fear and submission. The next act will be destroying the world economy by war and starvation. There is no doubt that a war is coming with Russia and China.  

 If you have not noticed, a line is being drawn in the sand: you either stand with Ukraine and unquestioningly parrot the establishment narrative or you are an agent of the Kremlin. The war propaganda is visible, and we have not seen anything like this since the immediate aftermath of 9/11. 

 People are demanding you take it a side. There is no question that NATO policy over the last eight years has pushed Vladimir Putin into a corner, creating a direct threat to the national security of Russia. Russia has every right to feel threatened, betrayed, and angry. How would Americans feel if Russia had missiles on the Mexico and Canadian border? It is essential to point out that those standing with Ukraine are primarily responsible for the war in the region. As we listen to political voices talk about standing up for "freedom and democracy" in Ukraine, their words ring hollow to those paying attention since 2014. 

 For starters, Ukraine is not a democracy as democracies do not take down three TV stations for being critical of the president. Democracies do not kidnap and cage their political opposition, who happened to come in second in the election process. And democracies do not bomb innocent civilians within their own countries for not being loyal to the party. 

 Undoubtedly, the people of Ukraine desire freedom and democracy — but their leaders have made it clear that this is not their end game. 

 Those claiming to stand for freedom and democracy here in America are not who they claim to be either. These same people have been carrying out incredible acts of tyranny against the American people for two years. How can we believe a president who speaks lies daily? He says, "America stands up to bullies. We stand up for freedom. This is who we are." Yet, thousands of people lost their jobs, their homes, some of their lives because of the unlawful mandates of this president--he did not stand for freedom for these people. Again, these words ring hollow given that he said this; he was removing people's freedom — forcing them to take a vaccine or face financial ruin.  

 Instead of calling out the establishment for these unconstitutional and illegal mandates, ABC, CBS, NBC, WaPo, AP, MSNBC, CNN, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube chose to support the unilateral decision to force Americans to undergo a medical procedure against their will and vehemently defended it — claiming those that opposed it were the problem. 

 It is no surprise that these are the same media who have been marching us into a conflict with Russia over Ukraine — only this time, instead of stupid lies about horse-paste, their disinformation has potentially catastrophic consequences. We cannot have such short memories. The same folks who lied to us for two years over covid are again manipulating us into a devastating conflict with Russia because they stand to reap massive profits from war. These manipulators fail to see that their Master Satan leads them to destruction. This is a conflict that Satan will not win, and those who follow him will end in the Lake of Fire.  

 It was so easy for governments worldwide to get people to accept a vaccine that has destroyed lives, taken lives, and divided friends and families. How easy will it be for these minions of Satan to convince people to make a mark that will allow them to buy and sell? The people of God need the spirit of discernment. Why have so many been deceived and manipulated by the lies of those who are out to destroy the true believers of the LORD? 

 Be prepared but not fearful. Do not let hateful feelings take hold of you. Fear, anger, and frustration lead to stupid mistakes. Learn what you need to know to protect your family. Do whatever you can to maintain inner peace. Be content knowing that you have done all you can and remain faithful to the LORD. 

Preparing For Battle

 The Lord calls His people to be strong and courageous in Him. St. Paul commands, "Keep on watching, standing fast in the faith, conducting yourselves in a courageous way, and being strong. Let all your things be done with love" (1 Cor. 16:13). This command is dynamic and active. Keep on doing these things. The implication is that we could grow tired and fearful. Therefore, it is written elsewhere, "And let us not be losing heart while doing that which is good; for in due time we shall reap, if we faint not" (Gal. 6:9). 

 We are in much need of the grace of courage. The enemy seeks to wear out the saints of God. The Prophet Daniel saw that godless authority would "Speak extremely arrogant words and wear down the saints of the Most High. He will devise a way to change times and law, and he shall be given authority for a time, times, and half a time" (Daniel 7:25). Indeed, more than in the past, an aggressive attempt is being made to "change" times and law. John teaches, "And the dragon was wroth against the Woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her seed, those keeping the commandments of God and having the testimony of Jesus" (Rev. 12:17). The spirit of the Antichrist will declare war against those accepted by Christ in the world. It says he will begin the war so that, just as when dust thickens the smoothness of oil, finding them vulnerable in life's occupation, he will put them to flight. But many among them will conquer him because they have genuinely loved Christ. 

 Our Lord warns us, "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drinking, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly" (Lk. 21:34). The Christian believer is commanded, "Let us not sleep as the others do, but let us watch and be sober" (1 Thess. 5:6), for "The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be sober-minded and watchful in prayers" (1 Pet. 4:7). 

 Watchfulness, taking heed, and standing in the Faith cultivate a courageous heart. At the same time, the compromise of the Faith breeds spinelessness. Without the grace of courage, we will crumble before the onslaught of the times. Sadly, many a one who calls himself by the name of "Christian" has dramatically compromised with the demands of the fallen world in a cowardly manner. Some ministers are more concerned about fluffing the pillows of their flock and keeping them comfortable than they are about pursuing truth. Truth can be extremely uncomfortable. Some folks are more than content to have the comfort of sleepy religion. Some churches might as well hang a "do not disturb" sign on their door handles. Some are actively and willfully striving to reconstruct Christianity according to the image of this fallen age. We may be sure that "Evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of" (2 Tim. 3:13-14). 

 It is good to be reminded of the words of the great saint and Prophet of our times; one man said, "A search for compromise will be the characteristic disposition of men. The straightforwardness of salvation will vanish. Men will cleverly justify their fall, and an endearing evil will support a general spirit within the Church. Men will grow accustomed to apostasy from the truth and the sweetness of compromise and sin. What was once condemned is now tolerate. What was tolerated is now condoned. What was condoned is now practiced.

 Before this, St. John soberly reminds us that this spirit of compromise will even be found among those who claim to be born again even among the clergy, "There will be a mass falling away from the faith; even many leaders will betray the faith, justifying themselves by pointing to the splendid position of the Church." The spirit of compromise is related to the essential teaching and doctrine of Life in Christ. In saying that there will be a mass falling away, St. John is speaking of those who call themselves Christian. This does not necessarily mean that physical leaving will take place. Many will remain and claim to be saved while proclaiming a false doctrine, which is simply apostasy. We must guard our hearts! They will then claim that those who do not desire the "new improved" doctrine are "dissenters." For such ones, apostasy will be (and already is) the new standard of salvation. 

 This spirit of compromise is evident even now to those who strive to stand fast in the Faith. Indeed, through the eyes of the faithful, one may visibly behold this sad state being preached and promoted in a better way. Compromise is also not a new manifestation, it has always been a temptation and a pitfall, yet it has become a dominating feature of our times. 

 The new martyrs of the Synagogue of Satan, who suffer worldwide, are vital examples to us today of how to stand courageously in the Faith. They were confronted not simply with raw persecution but also with the subtle spirit of compromise that manifested itself under the guise of democracy. It may also be called adaptations – to be a more significant threat to the life of the Church than persecution. Those who should be disciples compromise Christ Jesus to acquire an everyday life without suffering. The past three years has shown how easy it is to just go with the flow without questioning what is happening.

 When the Church is being betrayed, and the faithful led astray, it is no time for compliments and polite 'dialogues' nor for placing 'sympathy' above truth. For courageous souls, knowing that every word may bring prison or death only increases their boldness in speaking the truth without embellishments. And thus, it has always been in the Church of Christ; those who desire compromise will do their utmost to alter the teaching and Faith of true Christianity to appease the world. Many times, they become emphatic about it. 

 It is time to become a warrior for the Cross and not give our faith as a sacrifice to the mercy of the betrayers and corrupt politicians and agents of the Synagogue of Satan and destruction. I am asking you to put on armor for battle and fortify your powers to become a defender of the Faith. Make your Faith in Jesus Christ heard by a loud and decisive cry against every agreement, against hypocritical and lying compromise, and the betrayal of our Faith to the interests of godless satanism and bitter warfare against Christ and His Church. 

 We are faced today with the spirit of the Antichrist, that is, that of deceit. Many within the Church cannot see the deception because their mind and heart are turned toward earthly things, for the sake of which people become accustomed to renouncing the Lord. There is great danger in desiring to maintain earthly existence and things. If the focus of those in Christianity is to keep some worldly prestige, they are already on the path of compromise. The actual reputation of the Church is not preserved through anything of this earth. It is quite the opposite. As Ignatius of Antioch says, "Christianity is greatest when it is hated by the world" (The Apostolic Fathers, Letter to the Romans, Section 3). 

 As always in the Church, we remember with great honor those who courageously stood for the Faith, whereas those who sought the broad way of compromise are forgotten or rightly scorned. They may find momentary triumph, but their ultimate downfall is inevitable. 

The tribulations of our days will become more intense. The temptations to compromise will become more pronounced. Apostasy will become standardized. In these times, which are a continuation of what was sown in the 1950s, we must acquire spiritual courage for ourselves. We need to ask the Lord to cultivate this grace in our hearts. Indeed, as Scripture commands us, may we watch, stand fast, courageously conduct ourselves, and be strong in the Lord. May the Lord help us and have mercy on us.