How Satan Keeps Christians Discouraged

July 4th is approaching. And I want to July 4th is approaching. And I want to make a suggestion. Make a good news make a suggestion. Make a good news make a suggestion. Make a good news list. I mean, do it purposely like list. I mean, do it purposely like list. I mean, do it purposely like physically sit down with a sheet of physically sit down with a sheet of physically sit down with a sheet of paper and make a list of the good things paper and make a list of the good things paper and make a list of the good things that you see around you. Some of it will that you see around you. Some of it will that you see around you. Some of it will be about people. Some of it will be be about people. Some of it will be be about people. Some of it will be about things. It'll be about the about things. It'll be about the about things. It'll be about the blessings of God. I hope it includes blessings of God. I hope it includes blessings of God. I hope it includes access to Christian content and churches access to Christian content and churches access to Christian content and churches and Bibles. But start to make that list and Bibles. But start to make that list and Bibles. But start to make that list and then review it. Take a few minutes and then review it. Take a few minutes and then review it. Take a few minutes every day, beginning a day, end day, every day, beginning a day, end day, every day, beginning a day, end day, whatever works best with your schedule. whatever works best with your schedule. whatever works best with your schedule. Folks, it's too easy. I I get caught in Folks, it's too easy. I I get caught in Folks, it's too easy. I I get caught in this sometimes. You know, I I do enough this sometimes. You know, I I do enough this sometimes. You know, I I do enough work in the media and talk enough about work in the media and talk enough about work in the media and talk enough about current events and try to frame those current events and try to frame those current events and try to frame those things in light of the biblical things in light of the biblical things in light of the biblical worldview worldview worldview that if I don't guard my heart, I'll get that if I don't guard my heart, I'll get that if I don't guard my heart, I'll get caught up in the the overwhelming caught up in the the overwhelming caught up in the the overwhelming expressions of some things that are expressions of some things that are expressions of some things that are pretty destructive. And I have found it pretty destructive. And I have found it pretty destructive. And I have found it to be enormously helpful if I will build to be enormously helpful if I will build to be enormously helpful if I will build this good news list. You don't have to this good news list. You don't have to this good news list. You don't have to share it. You don't have to post it. share it. You don't have to post it. share it. You don't have to post it. Don't put it in social media. This is Don't put it in social media. This is Don't put it in social media. This is between you and your heart and the between you and your heart and the between you and your heart and the renewing of your mind and God. Now, if renewing of your mind and God. Now, if renewing of your mind and God. Now, if you want to share with a friend or a you want to share with a friend or a you want to share with a friend or a family member, I I guess that's okay.

family member, I I guess that's okay. family member, I I guess that's okay. But I'm not asking you to build But I'm not asking you to build But I'm not asking you to build something for general consumption. I'm something for general consumption. I'm something for general consumption. I'm just asking you to pause and take a few just asking you to pause and take a few just asking you to pause and take a few minutes to be thankful. It will break minutes to be thankful. It will break minutes to be thankful. It will break you out of the doom loop of negative you out of the doom loop of negative you out of the doom loop of negative stuff. None of our lives are perfect. stuff. None of our lives are perfect. stuff. None of our lives are perfect. None of us make it through without real None of us make it through without real None of us make it through without real challenges. is that if you're in a challenges. is that if you're in a challenges. is that if you're in a season with no challenges, God bless you season with no challenges, God bless you season with no challenges, God bless you and hallelujah. Enjoy the season because and hallelujah. Enjoy the season because and hallelujah. Enjoy the season because all of our lives, even if our lives are all of our lives, even if our lives are all of our lives, even if our lives are perfect, we have an adversary, Satan, perfect, we have an adversary, Satan, perfect, we have an adversary, Satan, who is an accuser of the brethren. Some who is an accuser of the brethren. Some who is an accuser of the brethren. Some of you will remember in the Gospels of you will remember in the Gospels of you will remember in the Gospels after Jesus baptism, it says that he was after Jesus baptism, it says that he was after Jesus baptism, it says that he was led by the Holy Spirit into the led by the Holy Spirit into the led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness. It's a triumphal time for wilderness. It's a triumphal time for wilderness. It's a triumphal time for Jesus. He's begun his public ministry. Jesus. He's begun his public ministry. Jesus. He's begun his public ministry. He's presented himself at the Jordan He's presented himself at the Jordan He's presented himself at the Jordan River to be baptized by John. When he River to be baptized by John. When he River to be baptized by John. When he emerges from the water, the heavens open emerges from the water, the heavens open emerges from the water, the heavens open up. The Holy Spirit descends on Jesus. up. The Holy Spirit descends on Jesus. up. The Holy Spirit descends on Jesus. There's a voice from heaven and God There's a voice from heaven and God There's a voice from heaven and God says, "This is my son with whom I'm well says, "This is my son with whom I'm well says, "This is my son with whom I'm well pleased." I mean, that's like drop the pleased." I mean, that's like drop the pleased." I mean, that's like drop the mic, folks. Imagine at any public mic, folks. Imagine at any public mic, folks. Imagine at any public gathering where you are, when the gathering where you are, when the gathering where you are, when the heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends and God says, "This is my child." That's and God says, "This is my child." That's and God says, "This is my child." That's a pretty good day. And then the Holy a pretty good day. And then the Holy a pretty good day. And then the Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness.

Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness. Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness. He's not driven there by the devil. The He's not driven there by the devil. The He's not driven there by the devil. The Holy Spirit leads him into the Holy Spirit leads him into the Holy Spirit leads him into the wilderness and Satan rolls up to tempt wilderness and Satan rolls up to tempt wilderness and Satan rolls up to tempt him and he challenges him. He says, "If him and he challenges him. He says, "If him and he challenges him. He says, "If you are the son of God," he knew very you are the son of God," he knew very you are the son of God," he knew very well he was the son of God. Well, if well he was the son of God. Well, if well he was the son of God. Well, if Satan will accuse Jesus and try to Satan will accuse Jesus and try to Satan will accuse Jesus and try to diminish Jesus joy and try to distract diminish Jesus joy and try to distract diminish Jesus joy and try to distract him from the blessings of God and what him from the blessings of God and what him from the blessings of God and what is unfolding before him and the great is unfolding before him and the great is unfolding before him and the great honor he has now of presenting the honor he has now of presenting the honor he has now of presenting the kingdom of God to his generation, kingdom of God to his generation, kingdom of God to his generation, if Satan will challenge him and try to if Satan will challenge him and try to if Satan will challenge him and try to to diminish his sense of well-being and to diminish his sense of well-being and to diminish his sense of well-being and his sense of worth to keep him from his his sense of worth to keep him from his his sense of worth to keep him from his assignment, I promise you he will do assignment, I promise you he will do assignment, I promise you he will do that to you and me. I I'm quite that to you and me. I I'm quite that to you and me. I I'm quite confident we're not quite as stable and confident we're not quite as stable and confident we're not quite as stable and steadfast as Jesus would have been and steadfast as Jesus would have been and steadfast as Jesus would have been and that the enemy of the purposes of God in that the enemy of the purposes of God in that the enemy of the purposes of God in the earth will do everything in his the earth will do everything in his the earth will do everything in his power to try to distract us to draw our power to try to distract us to draw our power to try to distract us to draw our attention to what's negative around us. attention to what's negative around us. attention to what's negative around us. Let's not take the bait. Let's build a Let's not take the bait. Let's build a Let's not take the bait. Let's build a good news list and begin to celebrate good news list and begin to celebrate good news list and begin to celebrate what God is doing. And as we approach what God is doing. And as we approach what God is doing. And as we approach the 4th of July, let's join all of our the 4th of July, let's join all of our the 4th of July, let's join all of our World Cup guests in celebrating the World Cup guests in celebrating the World Cup guests in celebrating the blessings in our nation because we are a blessings in our nation because we are a blessings in our nation because we are a blessed blessed people. I have had the blessed blessed people. I have had the blessed blessed people. I have had the privilege of traveling a bit. I've lived privilege of traveling a bit. I've lived privilege of traveling a bit. I've lived in other nations and no matter where I in other nations and no matter where I in other nations and no matter where I go or what opportunities I have, go or what opportunities I have, go or what opportunities I have, whenever I return home, there's just no whenever I return home, there's just no whenever I return home, there's just no place like it. for all the things we are place like it. for all the things we are place like it. for all the things we are not. We have more freedoms, more

not. We have more freedoms, more not. We have more freedoms, more liberties, more abundance. liberties, more abundance. liberties, more abundance. It's just a remarkable blessing from It's just a remarkable blessing from It's just a remarkable blessing from God. And let's not let July the 4th come God. And let's not let July the 4th come God. And let's not let July the 4th come and go. It's our 250th anniversary. and go. It's our 250th anniversary. and go. It's our 250th anniversary. You're going to hear that over and over You're going to hear that over and over You're going to hear that over and over again, far beyond this podcast. I know again, far beyond this podcast. I know again, far beyond this podcast. I know you probably grow weary with it. But you probably grow weary with it. But you probably grow weary with it. But let's not grow weary with saying thank let's not grow weary with saying thank let's not grow weary with saying thank you. you. you. In fact, I want to take a minute. I sat In fact, I want to take a minute. I sat In fact, I want to take a minute. I sat down and made a list of some of the down and made a list of some of the down and made a list of some of the things that our current administration things that our current administration things that our current administration has done that I think are are good for has done that I think are are good for has done that I think are are good for us. us. us. You know, um I am accused by people who You know, um I am accused by people who You know, um I am accused by people who are unhappy sometimes with my are unhappy sometimes with my are unhappy sometimes with my perspectives that I'm being political. I perspectives that I'm being political. I perspectives that I'm being political. I have no interest in being political. I'm have no interest in being political. I'm have no interest in being political. I'm grateful for politicians who will honor grateful for politicians who will honor grateful for politicians who will honor God and honor a biblical worldview. I'm God and honor a biblical worldview. I'm God and honor a biblical worldview. I'm of the opinion that the most impactful of the opinion that the most impactful of the opinion that the most impactful thing I can do is lift up the kingdom of thing I can do is lift up the kingdom of thing I can do is lift up the kingdom of God in the name of Jesus and invite God in the name of Jesus and invite God in the name of Jesus and invite people into that. That that will bring people into that. That that will bring people into that. That that will bring the greatest possible transformation to the greatest possible transformation to the greatest possible transformation to a human life. If I thought politics held a human life. If I thought politics held a human life. If I thought politics held greater potential, I'd be a politician. greater potential, I'd be a politician. greater potential, I'd be a politician. So, I'm grateful for godly politicians, So, I'm grateful for godly politicians, So, I'm grateful for godly politicians, but I'm not trying to encroach on their but I'm not trying to encroach on their but I'm not trying to encroach on their world. But this administration has been world. But this administration has been world. But this administration has been doing some things collectively that I doing some things collectively that I doing some things collectively that I think are bringing some wonderfully good think are bringing some wonderfully good think are bringing some wonderfully good things to us. I got to do an interview things to us. I got to do an interview things to us. I got to do an interview last week with um a last week with um a last week with um a member of the armed services, the army, member of the armed services, the army, member of the armed services, the army, a colonel in the army who has been a colonel in the army who has been a colonel in the army who has been assigned the the task of helping to assigned the the task of helping to assigned the the task of helping to reather all those people in our armed reather all those people in our armed reather all those people in our armed services that were dismissed because services that were dismissed because services that were dismissed because they wouldn't take the COVID vaccine.

they wouldn't take the COVID vaccine. they wouldn't take the COVID vaccine. President Trump on inauguration day President Trump on inauguration day President Trump on inauguration day signed an executive order to bring back signed an executive order to bring back signed an executive order to bring back all of those people that were dismissed all of those people that were dismissed all of those people that were dismissed because they wouldn't take the COVID because they wouldn't take the COVID because they wouldn't take the COVID shot. And this man's had that shot. And this man's had that shot. And this man's had that assignment. It hadn't been easy, but I assignment. It hadn't been easy, but I assignment. It hadn't been easy, but I think that's a wonderful thing. We got think that's a wonderful thing. We got think that's a wonderful thing. We got the science wrong on that. We've had the the science wrong on that. We've had the the science wrong on that. We've had the courage to admit it and to welcome back courage to admit it and to welcome back courage to admit it and to welcome back those men and women who have served our those men and women who have served our those men and women who have served our country. I think that's worthwhile. country. I think that's worthwhile. country. I think that's worthwhile. Doge, remember when Elon Musk rolled in Doge, remember when Elon Musk rolled in Doge, remember when Elon Musk rolled in with his crazy team of data crunchers with his crazy team of data crunchers with his crazy team of data crunchers and began to expose the fraud in our and began to expose the fraud in our and began to expose the fraud in our nation? They didn't by any means finish nation? They didn't by any means finish nation? They didn't by any means finish the task. They just kind of opened the the task. They just kind of opened the the task. They just kind of opened the doors on the cupboard of the stealing doors on the cupboard of the stealing doors on the cupboard of the stealing and the looting and the fraud that was and the looting and the fraud that was and the looting and the fraud that was taking place in America, taking place in America, taking place in America, but to the tunes of billions and but to the tunes of billions and but to the tunes of billions and billions and billions of dollars. It's billions and billions of dollars. It's billions and billions of dollars. It's continuing until today. And I think continuing until today. And I think continuing until today. And I think that's a wonderful gift. We We'll have that's a wonderful gift. We We'll have that's a wonderful gift. We We'll have to see if we have the courage to stop to see if we have the courage to stop to see if we have the courage to stop being thieves and stop protecting being thieves and stop protecting being thieves and stop protecting thieves. But it was refreshing to see thieves. But it was refreshing to see thieves. But it was refreshing to see that um somebody was willing to tell the that um somebody was willing to tell the that um somebody was willing to tell the truth about the way our dollars, our truth about the way our dollars, our truth about the way our dollars, our government doesn't have money. Our government doesn't have money. Our government doesn't have money. Our government doesn't earn money. Our government doesn't earn money. Our government doesn't earn money. Our government prints money. But when they government prints money. But when they government prints money. But when they print money, they devalue. They lessen print money, they devalue. They lessen print money, they devalue. They lessen the value of the money that you and I the value of the money that you and I the value of the money that you and I have. The only way the government gets have. The only way the government gets have. The only way the government gets money is to take it from its people.

money is to take it from its people. money is to take it from its people. So when the government is spending money So when the government is spending money So when the government is spending money recklessly, they're taking your money recklessly, they're taking your money recklessly, they're taking your money and my money and spending it recklessly. and my money and spending it recklessly. and my money and spending it recklessly. and I'm not a fan of that. So, I'm and I'm not a fan of that. So, I'm and I'm not a fan of that. So, I'm grateful for Doge and those efforts. I grateful for Doge and those efforts. I grateful for Doge and those efforts. I was in DC not long ago and I got to hear was in DC not long ago and I got to hear was in DC not long ago and I got to hear a briefing by the the current leader of a briefing by the the current leader of a briefing by the the current leader of Doge and and the progress they're still Doge and and the progress they're still Doge and and the progress they're still making. It's amazing. Another thing making. It's amazing. Another thing making. It's amazing. Another thing they've done is secure our borders. For they've done is secure our borders. For they've done is secure our borders. For the first time in a long while, our the first time in a long while, our the first time in a long while, our borders are secure, which means there's borders are secure, which means there's borders are secure, which means there's not enormous amounts of illegal drugs not enormous amounts of illegal drugs not enormous amounts of illegal drugs pouring across our borders. There aren't pouring across our borders. There aren't pouring across our borders. There aren't millions of people illegally coming into millions of people illegally coming into millions of people illegally coming into our country. We have a legal system for our country. We have a legal system for our country. We have a legal system for immigration that welcomes enormous immigration that welcomes enormous immigration that welcomes enormous numbers of people on a regular basis. numbers of people on a regular basis. numbers of people on a regular basis. But the illegal immigrants have been But the illegal immigrants have been But the illegal immigrants have been greatly diminished. Uh one specific greatly diminished. Uh one specific greatly diminished. Uh one specific upside of that is there were hundreds of upside of that is there were hundreds of upside of that is there were hundreds of thousands of children being trafficked thousands of children being trafficked thousands of children being trafficked at our border. at our border. at our border. More children being sold into slavery at More children being sold into slavery at More children being sold into slavery at our border than any selling of people in our border than any selling of people in our border than any selling of people in the history of our nation. And we were the history of our nation. And we were the history of our nation. And we were just yawning our way through it. So, I'm just yawning our way through it. So, I'm just yawning our way through it. So, I'm imminently grateful that the border has imminently grateful that the border has imminently grateful that the border has been secured and the children are not been secured and the children are not been secured and the children are not being subjected to that gross abuse. Our being subjected to that gross abuse. Our being subjected to that gross abuse. Our energy production, we are exporting energy production, we are exporting energy production, we are exporting energy to the world.

energy to the world. energy to the world. That's good for us whether we feel the That's good for us whether we feel the That's good for us whether we feel the freedom of that fully in the immediate freedom of that fully in the immediate freedom of that fully in the immediate moment or not. From a security moment or not. From a security moment or not. From a security standpoint, it's good. From an economic standpoint, it's good. From an economic standpoint, it's good. From an economic standpoint, it's good for the people who standpoint, it's good for the people who standpoint, it's good for the people who work in those industries. It's work in those industries. It's work in those industries. It's wonderful. It's a wonderful step wonderful. It's a wonderful step wonderful. It's a wonderful step forward. The current administration has forward. The current administration has forward. The current administration has limited the expressions of DEI, limited the expressions of DEI, limited the expressions of DEI, diversity, equity, and inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is an updated version of racism which is an updated version of racism which is an updated version of racism and oppression that has taken deep root and oppression that has taken deep root and oppression that has taken deep root in our nation in the corporate world, in in our nation in the corporate world, in in our nation in the corporate world, in the academic world. And this the academic world. And this the academic world. And this administration has begun to push back on administration has begun to push back on administration has begun to push back on that and to diminish that and its that and to diminish that and its that and to diminish that and its expressions. Much of it's gone expressions. Much of it's gone expressions. Much of it's gone underground. Much of it's just been underground. Much of it's just been underground. Much of it's just been relabeled, but it stopped being relabeled, but it stopped being relabeled, but it stopped being encouraged and fueled by our federal encouraged and fueled by our federal encouraged and fueled by our federal government. Thank God this government. Thank God this government. Thank God this administration has had the courage to administration has had the courage to administration has had the courage to say marriage should be recognized say marriage should be recognized say marriage should be recognized between a man and a woman. What a between a man and a woman. What a between a man and a woman. What a radical notion this administration has radical notion this administration has radical notion this administration has been willing to stop federal funding for been willing to stop federal funding for been willing to stop federal funding for abortion. That's good news. Abortion abortion. That's good news. Abortion abortion. That's good news. Abortion rates haven't plummeted. The Supreme rates haven't plummeted. The Supreme rates haven't plummeted. The Supreme Court's ruling did not mean abortion in Court's ruling did not mean abortion in Court's ruling did not mean abortion in our nation evaporated. Unfortunately, our nation evaporated. Unfortunately, our nation evaporated. Unfortunately, but at least the federal government is but at least the federal government is but at least the federal government is not praying for those abortions. Now you not praying for those abortions. Now you not praying for those abortions. Now you and I have to use our voices and our and I have to use our voices and our and I have to use our voices and our influence, make our own choices to honor influence, make our own choices to honor influence, make our own choices to honor God.

God. God. They have stopped gender modification They have stopped gender modification They have stopped gender modification for minors, which is a wonder. The for minors, which is a wonder. The for minors, which is a wonder. The mutilation of our children was being mutilation of our children was being mutilation of our children was being encouraged and supported by our federal encouraged and supported by our federal encouraged and supported by our federal government. That is an abomination government. That is an abomination government. That is an abomination and that has been stopped. They have and that has been stopped. They have and that has been stopped. They have ended men's competing in women's sports. ended men's competing in women's sports. ended men's competing in women's sports. another that that's it seems patently another that that's it seems patently another that that's it seems patently absurd, but we seemed completely adult absurd, but we seemed completely adult absurd, but we seemed completely adult when we were confronted with that. We when we were confronted with that. We when we were confronted with that. We have wandered so far away from biblical have wandered so far away from biblical have wandered so far away from biblical patterns. We've been so determined to patterns. We've been so determined to patterns. We've been so determined to say that men and women are exactly the say that men and women are exactly the say that men and women are exactly the same. We're not the same. We're not same. We're not the same. We're not same. We're not the same. We're not lesser or greater. God created us male lesser or greater. God created us male lesser or greater. God created us male and female. I'm a great advocate for the and female. I'm a great advocate for the and female. I'm a great advocate for the difference. But we had rejected God at difference. But we had rejected God at difference. But we had rejected God at such a fundamental level that we begun such a fundamental level that we begun such a fundamental level that we begun to live in the the realm of the absurd to live in the the realm of the absurd to live in the the realm of the absurd and saying there was no difference to and saying there was no difference to and saying there was no difference to the point that men were competing in the point that men were competing in the point that men were competing in women's sports. I'm grateful that that's women's sports. I'm grateful that that's women's sports. I'm grateful that that's been turned back. I wonder where the been turned back. I wonder where the been turned back. I wonder where the godly men were when that foolishness was godly men were when that foolishness was godly men were when that foolishness was happening. You know, I saw the videos happening. You know, I saw the videos happening. You know, I saw the videos of some of the schoolboard meetings when of some of the schoolboard meetings when of some of the schoolboard meetings when the the mama bears, the moms showed up the the mama bears, the moms showed up the the mama bears, the moms showed up at the schoolboard meetings because they at the schoolboard meetings because they at the schoolboard meetings because they had wicked books in the libraries with had wicked books in the libraries with had wicked books in the libraries with small children.

small children. small children. Books that were exposing them to Books that were exposing them to Books that were exposing them to sexually explicit thoughts and ideas sexually explicit thoughts and ideas sexually explicit thoughts and ideas that would have a tremendous impact on that would have a tremendous impact on that would have a tremendous impact on their lives. When I watched those their lives. When I watched those their lives. When I watched those schoolboard meetings, my question was, schoolboard meetings, my question was, schoolboard meetings, my question was, where were the men? Where were the godly where were the men? Where were the godly where were the men? Where were the godly men? men? men? What has happened to us? Imagine if you What has happened to us? Imagine if you What has happened to us? Imagine if you found out next week that they were found out next week that they were found out next week that they were selling cigarettes and alcohol to seven selling cigarettes and alcohol to seven selling cigarettes and alcohol to seven and eight year olds in the schools. and eight year olds in the schools. and eight year olds in the schools. I hope that you would be insensed enough I hope that you would be insensed enough I hope that you would be insensed enough to see that behavior stop in the schools to see that behavior stop in the schools to see that behavior stop in the schools where you have access to them. where you have access to them. where you have access to them. Well, what they were you we all Well, what they were you we all Well, what they were you we all understand that would have do physical understand that would have do physical understand that would have do physical harm to the children that they don't harm to the children that they don't harm to the children that they don't have the emotional maturity to process have the emotional maturity to process have the emotional maturity to process what's happening and you'd be bringing what's happening and you'd be bringing what's happening and you'd be bringing physical destruction to them before they physical destruction to them before they physical destruction to them before they had the capability of making informed had the capability of making informed had the capability of making informed choices. Well, we're doing something far choices. Well, we're doing something far choices. Well, we're doing something far more destructive when we introduce our more destructive when we introduce our more destructive when we introduce our children to sexually explicit material children to sexually explicit material children to sexually explicit material before they have the emotional maturity before they have the emotional maturity before they have the emotional maturity to process that. And certainly to do it to process that. And certainly to do it to process that. And certainly to do it outside the parameters of their home is outside the parameters of their home is outside the parameters of their home is unacceptable.

unacceptable. unacceptable. Jesus said to us not to be afraid of Jesus said to us not to be afraid of Jesus said to us not to be afraid of people who can damage our physical body. people who can damage our physical body. people who can damage our physical body. So you don't have to be afraid of that. So you don't have to be afraid of that. So you don't have to be afraid of that. He said, "But you should be afraid of He said, "But you should be afraid of He said, "But you should be afraid of those who have the ability to bring those who have the ability to bring those who have the ability to bring spiritual destruction to us." We've been spiritual destruction to us." We've been spiritual destruction to us." We've been silent while they've introduced silent while they've introduced silent while they've introduced spiritual destruction into the lives of spiritual destruction into the lives of spiritual destruction into the lives of our smallest children in public and our smallest children in public and our smallest children in public and school libraries. school libraries. school libraries. So again, I'm grateful for the moms that So again, I'm grateful for the moms that So again, I'm grateful for the moms that wouldn't stood up, and I'm grateful for wouldn't stood up, and I'm grateful for wouldn't stood up, and I'm grateful for the men that are beginning to find the the men that are beginning to find the the men that are beginning to find the courage to do so. And I'm grateful for courage to do so. And I'm grateful for courage to do so. And I'm grateful for an administration an administration an administration that said, "No, men shouldn't be that said, "No, men shouldn't be that said, "No, men shouldn't be competing in women's sports. I'm competing in women's sports. I'm competing in women's sports. I'm grateful for the economy that's turned grateful for the economy that's turned grateful for the economy that's turned the corner that's getting better, for the corner that's getting better, for the corner that's getting better, for the investment in in American businesses the investment in in American businesses the investment in in American businesses again. I'm grateful for so much of the again. I'm grateful for so much of the again. I'm grateful for so much of the foreign policy, the freedom that's come foreign policy, the freedom that's come foreign policy, the freedom that's come to Venezuela. I'm grateful for the the to Venezuela. I'm grateful for the the to Venezuela. I'm grateful for the the what's been happening in Iran. It's not what's been happening in Iran. It's not what's been happening in Iran. It's not finished yet. There's still work to be finished yet. There's still work to be finished yet. There's still work to be done, but Hamas has been tremendously done, but Hamas has been tremendously done, but Hamas has been tremendously diminished. Hisbala in the north of diminished. Hisbala in the north of diminished. Hisbala in the north of Israel, in Lebanon, has been greatly Israel, in Lebanon, has been greatly Israel, in Lebanon, has been greatly diminished. They're still there. They're diminished. They're still there. They're diminished. They're still there. They're still expressing hatred and violence, still expressing hatred and violence, still expressing hatred and violence, but they've been tremendously diminished but they've been tremendously diminished but they've been tremendously diminished because Iran has been tremendously because Iran has been tremendously because Iran has been tremendously diminished. Iran's economy has been so diminished. Iran's economy has been so diminished. Iran's economy has been so disrupted that they don't have the funds disrupted that they don't have the funds disrupted that they don't have the funds that they need for Hamas and Hezbala.

that they need for Hamas and Hezbala. that they need for Hamas and Hezbala. The leadership in Iran that has been The leadership in Iran that has been The leadership in Iran that has been promoting global terrorism for decades promoting global terrorism for decades promoting global terrorism for decades has been greatly diminished. There's has been greatly diminished. There's has been greatly diminished. There's work to be done. I'm grateful for what work to be done. I'm grateful for what work to be done. I'm grateful for what they've done in Nigeria. They were they've done in Nigeria. They were they've done in Nigeria. They were hunting Christians and our government hunting Christians and our government hunting Christians and our government stepped in and said, "If you keep stepped in and said, "If you keep stepped in and said, "If you keep hunting Christians, you'll become hunting Christians, you'll become hunting Christians, you'll become hunted." hunted." hunted." It's not completely resolved yet, but It's not completely resolved yet, but It's not completely resolved yet, but it's better. God is moving in the earth. it's better. God is moving in the earth. it's better. God is moving in the earth. I mean, that's a short list. Some of you I mean, that's a short list. Some of you I mean, that's a short list. Some of you don't like the current administration, don't like the current administration, don't like the current administration, so you'll reject all the principles. You so you'll reject all the principles. You so you'll reject all the principles. You take the principles that are biblical, take the principles that are biblical, take the principles that are biblical, that are established from a biblical that are established from a biblical that are established from a biblical worldview. Marriage is not a political worldview. Marriage is not a political worldview. Marriage is not a political issue. It's a biblical issue. The issue. It's a biblical issue. The issue. It's a biblical issue. The protection of our children is not a protection of our children is not a protection of our children is not a political issue. It's a biblical issue. political issue. It's a biblical issue. political issue. It's a biblical issue. Obeying our laws is not a political Obeying our laws is not a political Obeying our laws is not a political issue. It's a biblical issue. I mean, issue. It's a biblical issue. I mean, issue. It's a biblical issue. I mean, the list goes on and on. Don't allow the list goes on and on. Don't allow the list goes on and on. Don't allow your your political alignment to rob you your your political alignment to rob you your your political alignment to rob you of standing for a biblical worldview. of standing for a biblical worldview. of standing for a biblical worldview. And if you don't embrace the Bible as And if you don't embrace the Bible as And if you don't embrace the Bible as the authority of scripture, if you don't the authority of scripture, if you don't the authority of scripture, if you don't believe the Bible is our rule of faith believe the Bible is our rule of faith believe the Bible is our rule of faith and practice, if you don't believe in and practice, if you don't believe in and practice, if you don't believe in the uniqueness of Jesus, if you don't the uniqueness of Jesus, if you don't the uniqueness of Jesus, if you don't believe in the redemptive work of Jesus, believe in the redemptive work of Jesus, believe in the redemptive work of Jesus, the necessity of the redemptive work of the necessity of the redemptive work of the necessity of the redemptive work of Jesus, then it isn't Christianity.

Jesus, then it isn't Christianity. Jesus, then it isn't Christianity. Irrespective of the building where you Irrespective of the building where you Irrespective of the building where you hear the conversations, hear the conversations, hear the conversations, irrespective of the labels you may irrespective of the labels you may irrespective of the labels you may prefer, orthodox historical Christianity prefer, orthodox historical Christianity prefer, orthodox historical Christianity is not a designer faith or we can choose is not a designer faith or we can choose is not a designer faith or we can choose commandments 1, three, and five. We will commandments 1, three, and five. We will commandments 1, three, and five. We will either submit to the lordship of Jesus either submit to the lordship of Jesus either submit to the lordship of Jesus or we reject it. One of the things we or we reject it. One of the things we or we reject it. One of the things we always try to do on this podcast is is always try to do on this podcast is is always try to do on this podcast is is keep coming back to this question of keep coming back to this question of keep coming back to this question of what can we do? And I'd like to give you what can we do? And I'd like to give you what can we do? And I'd like to give you one point on this theme. It's not enough one point on this theme. It's not enough one point on this theme. It's not enough to celebrate with our European friends to celebrate with our European friends to celebrate with our European friends who are amazed at Walmart and Costco. I who are amazed at Walmart and Costco. I who are amazed at Walmart and Costco. I think you and I have to have the courage think you and I have to have the courage think you and I have to have the courage to use our voices and our influence to use our voices and our influence to use our voices and our influence to affirm the good things that we see to affirm the good things that we see to affirm the good things that we see happening. happening. happening. Uh you don't even I'm not even Uh you don't even I'm not even Uh you don't even I'm not even suggesting you have to affirm the suggesting you have to affirm the suggesting you have to affirm the politicians, but you can celebrate the politicians, but you can celebrate the politicians, but you can celebrate the fact that biblical definitions of fact that biblical definitions of fact that biblical definitions of marriage are being exalted again. That marriage are being exalted again. That marriage are being exalted again. That abortions aren't being paid for with our abortions aren't being paid for with our abortions aren't being paid for with our tax dollars. That makes us culpable. tax dollars. That makes us culpable. tax dollars. That makes us culpable. that we are trying to stop the wasteful that we are trying to stop the wasteful that we are trying to stop the wasteful spending, the fraud, the stealing that's spending, the fraud, the stealing that's spending, the fraud, the stealing that's been taking place at just unbelievable been taking place at just unbelievable been taking place at just unbelievable levels, that our borders are secured, levels, that our borders are secured, levels, that our borders are secured, that we're no longer encouraging tens of that we're no longer encouraging tens of that we're no longer encouraging tens of millions of people to behave in an millions of people to behave in an millions of people to behave in an illegal way, that we're not fostering illegal way, that we're not fostering illegal way, that we're not fostering illicit drugs coming across our border illicit drugs coming across our border illicit drugs coming across our border or the trafficking of children. Those or the trafficking of children. Those or the trafficking of children. Those are all good things, but we've got to are all good things, but we've got to are all good things, but we've got to use our voice. This is why I think it's use our voice. This is why I think it's use our voice. This is why I think it's important administrations change. We're important administrations change. We're important administrations change. We're we're in an election year.

we're in an election year. we're in an election year. Influence in Washington DC and in state Influence in Washington DC and in state Influence in Washington DC and in state levels, it changes on a regular basis. levels, it changes on a regular basis. levels, it changes on a regular basis. It's a part of the beauty of the system It's a part of the beauty of the system It's a part of the beauty of the system that we live in. Well, every time that that we live in. Well, every time that that we live in. Well, every time that the the those administrations change, the the those administrations change, the the those administrations change, there's a change of policies. Well, there's a change of policies. Well, there's a change of policies. Well, politicians want to vote. Charlie politicians want to vote. Charlie politicians want to vote. Charlie Charlie Daniels wrote a song years ago Charlie Daniels wrote a song years ago Charlie Daniels wrote a song years ago and he said, "A drunkard wants another and he said, "A drunkard wants another and he said, "A drunkard wants another drink of wine and a politician wants a drink of wine and a politician wants a drink of wine and a politician wants a vote." And politicians are a reflection vote." And politicians are a reflection vote." And politicians are a reflection of the spiritual condition of our of the spiritual condition of our of the spiritual condition of our nation. And so if we're going to nation. And so if we're going to nation. And so if we're going to maintain the grounds towards biblical maintain the grounds towards biblical maintain the grounds towards biblical worldview that are being expressed in worldview that are being expressed in worldview that are being expressed in the public square, it will necessitate the public square, it will necessitate the public square, it will necessitate you and me using our voices in our you and me using our voices in our you and me using our voices in our family systems, in our friend systems, family systems, in our friend systems, family systems, in our friend systems, in the places where we go to work or in the places where we go to work or in the places where we go to work or where we go to school to give where we go to school to give where we go to school to give affirmation and encouragement to those affirmation and encouragement to those affirmation and encouragement to those biblical values. If we will all use our biblical values. If we will all use our biblical values. If we will all use our voices, I believe then we'll have a voices, I believe then we'll have a voices, I believe then we'll have a whole new generation of leaders that whole new generation of leaders that whole new generation of leaders that will affirm them because they want the will affirm them because they want the will affirm them because they want the votes. If we stay silent because we votes. If we stay silent because we votes. If we stay silent because we reject the language of this reject the language of this reject the language of this administration or there's one of them administration or there's one of them administration or there's one of them that we don't like or there's some that we don't like or there's some that we don't like or there's some policy point and therefore we step away policy point and therefore we step away policy point and therefore we step away from the biblical worldview issues.

from the biblical worldview issues. from the biblical worldview issues. I believe that the ungodliness and the I believe that the ungodliness and the I believe that the ungodliness and the wickedness and the things that we have wickedness and the things that we have wickedness and the things that we have seen previously will come back with a seen previously will come back with a seen previously will come back with a greater vengeance than we've ever seen greater vengeance than we've ever seen greater vengeance than we've ever seen them. It's our assignment to be salt and them. It's our assignment to be salt and them. It's our assignment to be salt and light. It's not the politician's light. It's not the politician's light. It's not the politician's assignment. It's ours. So, let's step assignment. It's ours. So, let's step assignment. It's ours. So, let's step into the gains that have been made, to into the gains that have been made, to into the gains that have been made, to the good news that has been put in the good news that has been put in the good news that has been put in place, and let's make it a part of our place, and let's make it a part of our place, and let's make it a part of our story. Put it on your good news list. story. Put it on your good news list. story. Put it on your good news list. We're celebrating a 250th anniversary. We're celebrating a 250th anniversary. We're celebrating a 250th anniversary. If we're going to celebrate 275, If we're going to celebrate 275, If we're going to celebrate 275, it will be more because of what the it will be more because of what the it will be more because of what the Christians do than what the Chinese do Christians do than what the Chinese do Christians do than what the Chinese do or the Iranians do or the Russians do or or the Iranians do or the Russians do or or the Iranians do or the Russians do or the party that you doesn't you don't the party that you doesn't you don't the party that you doesn't you don't like does. It'll be because God's people like does. It'll be because God's people like does. It'll be because God's people choose to humble themselves.