“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”(Rev. 21:8, NLT)
Does this verse rock anyone else beside me? In other versions it calls cowards those who are fearful. Seriously! The second death, the lake of fire is their portion. Lumped with murderers, unbelievers, practitioners of witchcraft, etc.
I remember my pastor relating stories of persecuted pastors who were betrayed by their own fellow leaders or parishioners. He said they were the cowards (fearful ones). My mind had trouble wrapping around this because I was hearing this sitting in a nice comfortable pew in my church far from the persecution or violence I often encounter on the continent of my second home.
Yet this past month and week this concept became alarming real to me personally. I found that in trauma or catastrophic events such as hurricanes, fires, or terrorist attacks the hidden things of a person are revealed in a glaring spotlight. None has stunned me more than watching the church responses to our presidential election. The glaring spotlight that is invading the recesses of our soul is exposing unredeemed parts of our mind, heart, and emotions that have not been redeemed by the blood of the LAMB.
Mercifully, this is not for condemnation, but to call us to repentance and redemption. This election, however critical, is not as critical as our responses as the church. GOD always looks at the response of the church. You would think our hope is in the election and who will sit in the White House.
Debates are not for the church, but for politicians. Debates are not for seeking truth and walking in it. Debates are to try to convince me you are right and I need to be informed and corrected. As a part of the church I need to let HIS love always make the way and see each person as my valued brother.
I am appalled how we even begin to pit prophet against prophet throwing out things like “He is a false prophet” simply because he does not agree with my view. Pastor is pitted against pastor and on and on ad nauseam. Do we not see the enemy seeking to divide and destroy? The hostility I see lends frightening credence to “cowards” (fearful) betraying their own brethren for the sake of being right and making sure the preferred candidate gets to the office of the President of the United States.
We forgot our LORD’s admonition and commandment to loving HIM with everything in us and secondly to love our neighbor as ourselves. We also forgot we are to pray for our enemies or those we perceive as our enemies. Our behavior and speech is releasing hell into our lives and churches.
Absolutely we need to vote. Without a doubt, we need to study our choices through the truth of HIS WORD and be informed. While we are humbling ourselves and seeking HIS face, we have no time while on our knees and in our secret place with HIM to castrate our brethren. YES I used a strong word because, my beloved church, we are in a dangerous place allowing our souls to dictate our actions and to hurl horrible words of death to each other. Do not bring glee to the destroyer of your soul.
This week, we were in Yom Kippur. Let us truly examine our hearts, humbly bow our knees, and repent. Ask HIM to rescue us from every trap. November is coming. Once the decision is done, January and a new year will be on this nation. What will you do with those you vilified? Will you gloat or slink away in disgust or anger? I implore us as the church to now, while we still have time, to run into this fray with HIS love and bring true peace to hearts.
The Cup of Iniquity
1/15/2021 10:52:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
The Father's Heart
1/6/2021 12:45:00 PM by: Zachary J. Hunter
Joshua and Caleb
12/31/2020 9:55:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
Elijah
12/18/2020 11:05:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
How Important is Worship
12/11/2020 9:45:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
Believe
12/2/2020 12:00:00 PM by: Zachary J. Hunter
Our Focus
11/24/2020 8:25:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
Taking a Beating
11/11/2020 9:15:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
2020: American Presidential Election and Aftermath
11/4/2020 8:15:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
Daniel 10
10/28/2020 9:25:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
Daniel 9 and What it Means.
10/22/2020 8:30:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
Respect for God's Authority
10/15/2020 10:05:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
What It is to be a Seeker?
10/8/2020 2:20:00 PM by: Zach J Hunter
Non-Debate
9/30/2020 3:45:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Odyssey Observations
9/11/2020 9:55:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Miracles in Motion
8/27/2020 1:15:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Unplug and Reset
8/20/2020 6:10:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Set Apart Not Aside
8/12/2020 12:30:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Did I Really Say That?
8/6/2020 12:50:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Silence, Stillness, Solitude, the Secret Place, and the Supernatural
7/30/2020 9:55:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Supernatural Season
7/21/2020 1:15:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
tachycardia
7/16/2020 3:35:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Peaceful Protest
7/6/2020 9:55:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Piercings
7/2/2020 11:40:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Unshareable Glory
6/24/2020 1:20:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Ancient Roots
6/16/2020 4:25:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Perfect Love
6/9/2020 5:00:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Mountains Tossed into the Sea
6/1/2020 1:00:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Genesis of Nations
5/26/2020 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Torchbearers
5/18/2020 10:55:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Trilling and Aflutter
5/12/2020 12:00:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Mchungaji
5/5/2020 3:40:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Mountain Top to Mountain Top in Lockdown
4/29/2020 1:00:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Observations from the Shadows
4/21/2020 2:00:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
He Called It! His Fast!
4/13/2020 2:30:00 PM by: Hannah S.Hunter
When Being Passed Over is Good
4/7/2020 12:30:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Alternate New Normal
4/2/2020 9:00:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Nor'easter Wheels Within Wheels
3/24/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Stillness- the posture of Reshaping and Remolding
3/17/2020 5:00:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Dwelling in the Everlasting Flow
3/10/2020 5:30:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Godly Reprimand, Removal of Shame, and Redemptive Restoration
3/3/2020 4:00:00 AM by: hannah hunter
Essential Oil is Love
2/25/2020 5:00:00 AM by: hannah hunter
Going Into the Deeper....
2/17/2020 12:00:00 PM by: hannah hunter
Feet of Your Soul
2/11/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Activating Our Children
2/3/2020 11:00:00 AM by: hannah hunter
Vigilant Observations
1/28/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Commander in Chief
1/21/2020 6:00:00 AM by: hannah hunter
Heights of Hope
1/16/2020 7:35:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Shepherds Shielding in Storms
12/12/2019 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Shepherds Shielding in Storms
12/12/2019 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
How did Jesus Celebrate His Birthday on Earth?
11/27/2019 4:00:00 PM by: Hannah Hunter
Paul and Pauline in this Season
11/19/2019 6:30:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
A Day in the life of an Expat in Kenya
11/11/2019 2:00:00 PM by: Hannah Hunter
Conquerors in the Nest
10/30/2019 3:00:00 PM by: Hannah Hunter
A Look at Fear
2/22/2019 10:37:00 PM by: Zach Hunter
The Beauty of the Cross
2/15/2019 11:45:00 PM by: Zach Hunter
Turning Disgust into Grace
2/8/2019 11:10:00 PM by: Zach Hunter
Take My Faith
1/12/2019 5:17:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Love is really REALLY hard (but totally worth it)
1/5/2019 8:05:00 PM by: Zach Hunter
Is He Lost or Am I?
12/29/2018 6:30:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Pointing Fingers
12/22/2018 6:00:00 AM by: Zach Hunter
Sold Out Slaves
12/15/2018 6:30:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Stirring Deep Wells
12/1/2018 12:20:00 PM by: Tyler Robertson
Seasonal Suffering
11/24/2018 6:30:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
God's Play Room
11/17/2018 6:55:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Voting Day
11/10/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Homework
11/3/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
The Way
10/21/2018 6:50:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Battle Fronts
10/6/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
True Love
9/22/2018 6:45:00 PM by: Tyler Robertson
Mapacha "The Twins"
9/15/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Venomous Snakes Thwarted
9/10/2018 2:30:00 PM by: Hannah Hunter
In His Arms
9/1/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Follow Love’s Thread
8/25/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Remanded Rest
8/18/2018 8:40:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Clueless Obedience
8/11/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Same Old Days
8/4/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
A Child of Mine
7/29/2018 1:00:00 PM by: Tyler Robertson
He is I Am
7/24/2018 11:40:00 PM by: Tyler Robertson
Joy's Calm
7/7/2018 8:55:00 PM by: Tyler Robertson
The Dire Hour
6/30/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Joyful Warriors for the Kingdom
6/23/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Daughters of the Mountain
6/16/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Daniel and Malicious Intent
6/9/2018 12:35:00 PM by: Hannah Hunter
Forge Me
6/2/2018 10:30:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Grieving Grace
5/26/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
His Revelation
5/19/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Micaiah - I Stand With Him!
5/12/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
The Sense of God
5/5/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Removing Junk from your Treasure Chest.
4/28/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
To know the pain.
4/21/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Meeting my Maker
4/14/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Stop! In the name of Love!
4/7/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
For Such a Time
3/31/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Rejoice in the Fear!
3/24/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
In the Blood
3/17/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Can't Fight the Need
3/10/2018 12:15:00 PM by: Tyler Robertson
In Everything
3/3/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Let Freedom Ring
2/24/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
IT'S Coming.
2/17/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Nailed It!
2/10/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Complacency Kills
2/3/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Measure of Faith
1/27/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Darkest of Nights
1/20/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Destination: Church Unknown
1/13/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Peace 2018
1/6/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Blessed Are the Servant Healers
12/30/2017 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Honoring HIS Wishes
12/23/2017 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
How is Your Shine?
12/16/2017 7:00:00 AM by: Lori Meed
Beatrice-Bringer of Joy
12/9/2017 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Smooth Stones
11/18/2017 10:42:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Littered Valley
11/11/2017 10:40:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
What Happened to the Church?
11/4/2017 10:34:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Antithesis of Rage
10/28/2017 10:29:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Truth Prevails
10/21/2017 10:18:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
False Pretenses
10/11/2017 12:43:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Eye of the Needle
10/11/2017 12:24:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Wells Every Where
9/11/2017 1:01:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Underestimated Army
9/11/2017 12:59:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Third World Eyes
9/11/2017 12:57:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Songs of Joy in Drudgery
9/11/2017 12:53:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Spirit of Sanballat
8/11/2017 12:55:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Guardian in the Night
8/11/2017 12:45:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Sacredness from Kenya’s Wilderness
7/11/2017 12:49:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Pause
11/7/2016 1:33:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Perception, Prayers and Purpose
11/7/2016 1:32:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Tribes
11/7/2016 1:29:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Take Courage!
10/21/2016 1:34:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Kenya Elections 2017
10/12/2016 12:48:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Define Rest and Refuge
10/11/2016 2:47:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Soaring or Sailing
10/11/2016 2:46:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Life Threatening Worms
10/11/2016 2:45:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Mapacha, The Twins, and Micronutrients
10/11/2016 2:45:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Angel Awareness
10/10/2016 2:48:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
When Seasons Come Too Early
8/6/2016 2:49:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
RVP (Restoration Village Project) Kilgoris, Kenya
6/15/2016 2:50:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Kinsman Redeemer
1/23/2016 2:53:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Free Flow, Clarity, and Airlift
1/16/2016 2:53:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Synergy
1/9/2016 2:54:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Wilderness Base Camp
1/2/2016 2:55:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
The General’s Tent – 2015 Posts
12/29/2015 2:56:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Control Held by None
12/25/2015 2:58:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Qualifications for Vessels of Honor
12/19/2015 2:59:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
