Welcome back Friends and “Frienamies,”
The past year included so many stunning events, coupled with my personal agenda that I got overwhelmed. The result was another time lapse in sharing my thoughts and concerns. I don’t know if I’ll catch up with all that is now history for the year 2023, because I expect more of the same for 2024. Plus, dare I say, an escalation in civil unrest. However, I believe that there are steps each of us can take to help aid in slowing the escalation and preparing ourselves for more possible violence. It all starts with fasting and praying, brothers and sisters.
I hope the new year proves to be a blessing for God’s children in the middle of the world’s turmoil and that nonbelievers will be converted to Christianity by their witnessing of His glory seen in us. I sense a revival brewing, as well. Let it be, Lord!
I said “frienamies” in my greeting, a created term which combines two words: friends with enemies, meaning back-stabbers, I presume. I think I first heard it used by the New Radicals band, in the lyrics for their hit song, titled, “You Get What You Give.” By the way, I love that song. Although the message is a bit edgy, I’ve seldom been one to shy away from the edge when it comes to thought experiments.
I used this slang phrase, not because I know first hand that I have “frienamies,” they can sometimes be hard to detect. Let’s face it though, haven’t you had at least one “friend” for which you can utter the axiom, “With friends like that, who needs enemies?” They usually have a redeeming attribute that keeps them in your circle. If you’re like me, that circle has shrunk through the years. It’s okay though—I have one awesome friend who I’ll never find outside of my circle, or I should say that I’ll never be found outside of His circle. It’s not a surprise to anyone who knows me—his name is Jesus Christ.
With the growing division in spiritual, social and political persuasions, you may find yourself feeling quite alone and marginalized, if you don’t already, particularly because you are among the new world order resisters. Generally speaking, if you are perceived as a Jew, Christian, or a political Conservative, you will be ostracized, at a minimum, by the woke mob. The racism displayed toward these groups is mounting and is now painfully obvious to its targets. It could rise to its peak and spill over into dangerous confrontations.
Dear young gens, I’ve only had compassion and the best of intentions for you, by speaking truth and reflecting light in this dark world. I am, and others are making an attempt to help you navigate through the maze of fake news and the rogue agents and agendas pelting you daily. I’m sorry that you have had to deal with it all, instead of enjoying your childhood, high school and young adult years, the way my generation was fortunately allowed to do. A time when outrageous behaviors, innocence stealing and radical indoctrination were the exception, if existent at all, in most of our nation's neighborhoods. You can make a difference, because you are loved by God and are His children. He has all of the power and you have access to it. You’re worthy to speak out and be heard.
Try not to let your heart be troubled. The persecution must happen, according to biblical prophecy. If you are saved, It’s also an opportunity for us to shine and prepare ourselves and others for Jesus’ second coming in all His glory. If you haven’t received Jesus into your heart as your personal savior and Lord, would you do it right now? Just believe in Him, in your heart. Ask Him to save you from sin and death. Then He will reveal himself to you through the Holy Spirit and count you as His own.
There are many, like myself, who are reaching out to you. Please, accept our offer of help. Jesus will come again, only this time in the name of justice and judgement and set things right. He already has come once to pay for our sins, conquering death, He became victorious in the war against Satan. He will rescue His people and take them out of this corrupt world into His glorious and everlasting kingdom. Hallelujah!
I’ll be preparing to express more of my concerns for the serious state we find ourselves in as Christians, as a nation and as citizens in an amoral society and lawless governing forces.
Please add your thoughts in the chat forum and return soon. I’ll be trying to publish a new article at least once every month this year, along with some new single song releases, as I work on my debut album. Let me tell you, I can use some prayers for that undertaking.
Until then, may your “frienemies” be fewer in the new year!
PS: As I was about to tap the publish button, the following verse popped up in my Bible app and I know God wanted me to share it with you. I included verse 11, as well:
‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Behold. All those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored; …’ Isaiah 41; 10-11
Peace be with you!
CONGRATULATIONS University of Michigan WOLVERINES 2024 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
A perfect season record for a stellar football team.