Where is the GOP's Courage?

If you haven't heard about the meeting between Donald Trump, J.D. Vance and the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy, then you must not have been on the planet Earth on February 28, 2025. The shock waves are still being felt after what many observers of the meeting call an ambush and berating of Zelenskyy by Trump and Vance.

News outlets report the sudden blowup between the presidents was the most heated public exchange of words between world leaders in the Oval Office in memory and the encounter left the future of the U.S.-Ukraine relationship, and Kyiv’s ability to defend itself in the brutal conflict with Russia, in mortal jeopardy. Social media was a-twitter with comments of being embarrassed by the exchange to utter shock and disgust. Oh, Yeah, there was also SUPPORT for Trump reaming President Zelenskyy and asking him to leave the White House.

I happen to be of the view that the meeting has destroyed America's standing with other nations. If the president will treat a dignitary from another country in such a humiliating way, he will possibly treat other dignitaries the same. No matter what the meeting was about, how a president treats a person matters. The WORLD is watching and there are others who believe they are just a BIG of a to-do as Trump believes he is and WON'T be bullied by him or talked down to.

America is holding their breath waiting for the GOP to speak out against Trump's behavior. Are you blue in the face yet? You will be waiting for the Right to speak out against Trump because he will do to them what he did to Zelenskyy. Your wait will be a long one because the GOP lacks ONE certain thing to be able to speak up about Trump's destructive antics. What they lack is COURAGE.

The definition of courage is the ability to do something that frightens one. A simple definition and not the words I would have guessed. But it sums up why not everyone has it. You have to DO something even when you are shaking with fear. Republicans have one part of this two-part solution. They are frightened. Now they need to be able to do SOMETHING. Not just ANYTHING but the RIGHT thing and stop supporting President Trump and his alignment with Putin, gutting federal jobs, turning against allies, and IGNORING the outcry of the public. Courage is the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Valor is courage or bravery, especially in battle.

Most philosophers and psychologists agree that courage involves persistence in danger or hardship. However, some argue that courage is synonymous with fearlessness, while others suggest that the presence or the absence of fear has nothing to do with courage. Trump's few days in office, under 100, have proven to be a persistent danger or hardship for a majority of Americans. Republicans face a barrage of frustration and anger from constituents questioning Mr. Trump's agenda and his tactics at town hall meetings. Their answer to the outrage is Democrats use plants to disrupt the meetings. They dismiss what their voters are saying and refuse to acknowledge dissatisfaction with Trump exists. Why? Because it would take COURAGE for them to take the message of dissatisfaction with Trump back to Trump. They LACK that courage.

Republicans have been known to wear their Christianity like a badge of honor and go as far to say Democrats are anti-God. Their religion and God have something to say about courage. In the Bible, God commands people to "fear not", "be of good cheer", and to "have courage." Having courage is part of the long history of Christianity. Jesus demonstrated courage in the face of death his ENTIRE life. He taught what was unpopular such as not to want material wealth, do not mistreat the poor, widow, or orphan, treat your neighbor as yourself, love everyone including your enemy, don't treat people differently based on status, and to beware of religious HYPOCRITS. There are seven woes or stark warnings and repercussions for hypocrites in the Bible found in Matthew 23.

The GOP feigns that Trump is doing everything correctly. They stand firmly one hundred percent behind his actions and decisions. Even if that was true, (there are rumors of their discontent behind closed doors) it is not what the majority of Americans are voicing right now. They are supposed to work for the PEOPLE and not for Trump.

After watching the encounter between President Trump and President Zelenskyy, it seems it would be difficult for anyone to say that is how Americans want to be represented. But the Right believed President Trump showed strength and power. When you have strength and power you don't have to display it. They turned an ally seeking help for his country at war into a beggar for assistance. Even if Americans don't want to support Ukraine's war financially, no one should want to humiliate someone asking for help. Kindness and dignity towards others on the world stage is what America has been known for regardless of what we are doing. Our reputation has been shattered.

America has been known as a superpower for decades. Trump is not MAKING us into a superpower all of a sudden as his followers believe. Nations have revered and feared us for the longest time. Now they fear us but for a different reason. They fear us because we can no longer be TRUSTED. Heck, we don't trust ourselves. We don't trust ourselves because a large swatch of us don't have the COURAGE to do what is right when needed anymore. Americans once had the courage to do what was right even when the rest of the world was doing wrong like we did with Hitler. Remember him and his rise to power? Many believe we are headed that way with our OWN Hitler. Just saying.

What I do know is that Christianity and courage go hand-in-hand. If Republicans wear Christianity with pride, they should also have the courage that comes along with it. I'm not saying all Republicans are bad or wrong. What I am saying is they are ignoring the concerns of the voters during the mass firings adding to unemployment, and the possibly newly created need for financial federal assistance of those fired, while there are cutting federal assistance. Calling people lazy for needing help then firing them so they need help makes no sense. The Trump administration seems to have a problem with PEOPLE IN NEED and the GOP remains silent. The poor or those in need have never been so publicly SCORNED before.

As always, I will leave you with what the Bible says about courage. It is what Christians should strive for in their daily lives. To be able to stand for what's right even when it's unpopular or can lead to less than desired outcomes. Doing what is right takes courage. I hope the GOP will be like the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz and realize his courage was always there and once he knew that - he was confident to USE it.

Examples of spiritual courage: 

Standing up for what you believe, even if it means being rejected or facing harm

Making sacrifices

Being "dangerously unselfish"

Doing what's necessary despite difficulty or danger.

Bible verses about courage

• Joshua 1:9: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you"
• Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" 
• Isaiah 41:10: "Fear not, for I am with you" 
• 1 Corinthians 16:13: "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" 
• 1 Chronicles 28:20: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong" 

Seven Woes

Donald Trump Our Savior?

After watching a portion of an ID crime series, The Curious Case of the Doomsday Cult, I began to wonder how people can become deceived by false interpretation of the Bible or leaders. How can people who are seeking God's word, knowledge, and truth, get the Bible twisted in so many crazy and even evil ways? I mean, shouldn't there be some kind of built in protection ensuring true understanding of God's word for those trying to learn about and worship God? 

It is a scary thought knowing there is a possibility someone dedicated to God and Scripture can become a danger to others through a false understanding or interpretation of the Bible. In the series I was watching, preacher Sheryl Ruthven, a self-proclaimed prophet, beguiles her followers into subservience and uses them to settle personal scores. As her beliefs grow increasingly bizarre, she demands her congregation adopt cats, believing the animals’ souls will save them in the impending apocalypse. Her manipulation drives followers into intense isolation, financial ruin, and bizarre rituals, tearing families apart and exploiting loyalty – all under the promise of salvation. Three of the most infamous American cult leaders of the twentieth century were Charles Manson, Jim Jones, and David Koresh. They used the Bible in a perverted way.

In the same vein, I wonder how Christians can view Donald Trump as some kind of SAVIOR? They use the Bible and prominent characters from the Bible who did great things for the Lord and who were also FLAWED like Donald Trump to uphold Trump's questionable behavior and character. This uplifting of a man who to many, is the opposite of how a Christian is to behave, leave many onlookers scratching their heads at the Christian embrace and support of Donald Trump. They wonder is the Christian community reading and understanding their Bible?

Last year, on the Christian show FlashPoint, TV evangelist Hank Kunneman described “a battle between good and evil”, adding: “There's something on President Trump that the enemy fears: it's called the anointing.” Reverend Franklin Graham is one of America’s best-known evangelists and the son of Billy Graham, arguably its most famous preacher. He is one of the Trump believers, convinced there is no doubt that the president-elect was chosen for this mission by God. I ask what mission? Can I see the mission statement? Does the God given mission of Trump include Elon Musk firing federal employees? 

According to the PRRI’s survey (Public Religion Research Institute), of 5,027 adults, white evangelical Protestant voters were the strongest backers of Trump over Harris by 72% to 13%. White Catholic voters also backed Trump, with 55% supporting him and 34% aligned with Harris. White “mainline” non-evangelical Protestants showed a similar split. The results from Michigan showed a clear lurch towards the Republican Party by Muslim voters in the state. Analysis also shows that more Latino Catholics voted for Trump than expected, when previously they have tended to lean Democrat. Will there be rending of clothes and gnashing of teeth of Christians due to their choice?

How can there be one sector of Bible readers believing one thing when it comes to political leanings and another section believing something different even though they both claim to be Christian and use biblical scripture to support their beliefs? Believe it or not, both are truly people seeking to be good Christians faithful in prayer, worship and studying of the Scriptures. How could any of them go off the rails?

During my study of the book of Romans in the Bible I stumbled upon the answer and it is the law of sin. Have you heard of such a law before? It is explained in depth in Romans 7.

Paul, the author of Romans, is saying the Law given to Moses by God that all believers of God had to follow, made the person aware of sin. The Law outlined everything that was bad or evil in God's eyesight and should not be done. Now a person could IDENTIFY sin clearly. It was a SIN because it was NAMED a sin. 

The LAW OF SIN says SIN seizes the opportunity of you becoming aware of what is defined as a sin to produce in the person a DESIRE to do the sin (Romans 7:8). Knowledge of SOMETHING makes you want to do THAT something. Christians have been using this rationale to keep sex education out of schools. If children learn about it, then they will want to do it.  Even knowing all of Trump's lawsuits and felonies, people still voted for him excusing his crimes. One might say, they want to do the same things. They want to be LIKE Trump. UNLEASHED and UNTOUCHABLE. Bulldozing those who dare to make a negative comment. Trump exhibits a long list of vices, sins if you will, defined. Do people desire the same (misogyny, racism, sexual abuse, bullying, lawlessness, compulsive lying, greed, vengeance, calls to violence, threats, boastfulness). All of these adjectives, nouns, and verbs have been attributed to Donald Trump and people still say, "He's, our man."

Romans 7:11 goes on to say that sin DECEIVES the person aware of sin. Paul said then you find the law of sin at work, "When I want to do good, evil is right there with me (Romans 7:21)." It is through Jesus who cleanses a person from their SIN nature that they no longer operate in the law of sin, "when they want to do good, they do evil (Romans 7:24-25)." Accepting Jesus into your life releases the believer from being a slave to sin and allows for the believer to be a slave of God. So, a person can be free from the deceit of sin. But you must be all in for God. Why do I say this? Read on.

The Bible warns that out flesh will always want things that are not good for us. The Bible verse 1 Corinthians 15:31 says, "I die daily". The phrase "die to the flesh" appears in other Bible passages, such as Romans 8:13, Colossians 3:5, and Galatians 5:16. The phrase "die to the flesh" means to deny the selfish desires of the flesh and instead follow the leading of the Spirit. In my opinion, it is to daily self-check, constant monitoring of the desires the flesh can have that keeps misinterpretation of Scripture at bay because the Christian is to want no more or no less than what God wants.

Most misinterpretation of Scripture just comes from lack of studying. Misuse of Scripture happens when people are trying to live as Christians under the Law of Moses (Old Testament) and the New Covenant of Christ (New Testament) at the SAME time. But most often, people misinterpret, misuse, and abuse the Bible due to personal agendas that have more to do with fleshly desires. Religion has always been used as a shield to for evil.

Right now, it seems people are just wanting to be the one who WINS. The Right want to beat the Left and vice versa. MAGA want to beat the Liberals. It is like my grandma used to say, "You're cutting your nose off to spite your face." This RIGHT-FIGHTING is causing all kind of self-harm. First of all, the Christians are one body. Division harms the whole. The Right and Left are all Americans. Division harms the whole. This is the FLESH or SIN becoming the driver, making an opening for DECEPTION on a massive and grand scale.

With most religious leaders gone wrong, there is a GREIVANCE. A primary grievance of religious cult leaders is often the perception of unfair scrutiny and persecution from society, including law enforcement and the media, which they feel unfairly targets their beliefs and practices, often leading to restrictions on their ability to freely exercise their religion, even when not engaging in illegal activities.

I'm not saying people who support Donald Trump are part of a cult. But they have been likened to a cult. If at any time I am involved in something, and the word cult comes up in any way around it - I'm probably going to ease back off it. Because people in a cult NEVER BELIEVE they are in a cult!!!

Individuals define themselves in part by the beliefs they hold and the faiths they share with others and sometimes people CREATE that body of same believers. The power of the Trump Cult (media and others have labeled) should not be underestimated. It is supported by moment by moment contact with other like-minded people. It is fed by these people keeping their faith alive through the wonders of the internet. Social media (Especially X now) have been called an ‘echo chamber’ playing back what any person involved has expressed themselves. But it goes a step further because those repeating the beliefs are regarded as being ‘just like me.’ That reciprocity is one of the key features that makes persuasions authoritative.  An aspect well understood by scammers.

I have been writing that I believe Evangelicals are getting it wrong by supporting Donald Trump. From their pulpits on Sunday mornings, they continue to bring up a Bible verse supporting why they support him as a rescuer from the evils of Democrats/Liberals. Pastors say it is a battle for the family, children, country which we all care deeply about. All I can say is time will tell. But one thing is for sure, a person can be seeking the Lord and striving to do their best to serve Him and still get the Scriptures twisted and lead others astray.

MAD MAGA

 

MAGA needs anger management!

    It seems MAGA are mad about Taylor Swift and her influence in the political arena, immigrants flooding the border, Trump being investigated for several crimes, and the list goes on and on. MAGA gets angry daily by something. All one has to do is tune into FOX news to know the latest topic MAGA is encouraged to rise up against and be angry. 

    People are afraid this angry group of people may put action to their negative, and at times, hostile speech. The majority of those belonging to the MAGA faction claim to be Christians, but how can that be when their religion speaks about not being angry.

    For those belonging to MAGA, who say they are Christian, their Bible gives them guidelines about anger management. Ephesians 4:26-27 "In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." Being made in the image of God we must assume correctly that we all have the emotion of anger just like our creator. In the New Testament we are told not to become so angry to the point of sinning and once angered, do our best to reconcile it and not carry it over into another day. 

    How does the Christian respond to this guideline of controlling their anger? How is MAGA suppose to react to things they believe must be addressed because in their eyes it is wrong or even sinful and against God?

    During my Christian academic studies, many male Christians have made the point of saying the Bible has become feminized. They are advocating for a 'masculine' look at the truth of Scriptures that God and Jesus became angry at times. They say Jesus wasn't all flowery and sweet. They back their claim of Jesus being 'masculine' by pointing to Bible passages such as Matthew 21:12-13: "Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 'It is written,' he said to them, 'My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers." 

    In this passage Jesus was upset because many people had come to the temples to make sacrifices which was the standard for the Jews to do at that time. Those making their sacrifice were being ripped off, having their sacrifices devalued in the monetary exchange of goods by the men in the temple set on making a crooked handed profit from the devout people of faith. This angered Jesus and he overturned the table to show his displeasure.

    Even in marriage relationships, counselors advise not to focus on the 'anger' but the issue or root of the anger. In the same manner we should not focus on Jesus' anger, but the reasoning behind His anger. Jesus, as well as God, was always upset about the way the poor and the widow were treated.

    There are more examples in the Bible of people getting angry and how they handled their anger.          In the Bible the Apostle Paul was a straight shooter and did not care about public response when it came to his ministry for God. In Galatians, Paul addresses the issue of circumcision and that it was a step backwards for the Galatians in their faith in Jesus. Circumcision was instituted under the Law of Moses in the Old Testament. After Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection, the Law of Moses was no longer to be adhered to. As Paul gave point after point as to why circumcision no longer factored into the following of the teachings of Jesus, he said those that were teaching them such were wrong for doing so and their belief and the following of such instructions were inexcusable. 

    One thing that struck me as I read the entire chapter in Galatians was when Paul was coming to the end of his letter to the Galatians. It says in Galatians 5:7-12: "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth...As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!" Oh, my goodness!!! Paul said for those advising you to just cut off the foreskin of your penis in circumcision, I wish they would just go ahead and cut off their entire PENIS. I believe Paul was a little hot under the collar at those continuing to preach circumcision. 

    This example shows even a great man of God can become frustrated in his ministry at those doing wrong. Paul had a problem with aggressive actions before God called him on Damascus Road to be a servant of God and to spread the Gospel. His aggressive zeal continued after he became a follower of Christ.

    Pretending we do not have issues with anger does not make us more holy. It is how we deal with our anger that makes us more Christ like. Paul had a powerful ministry. He was a strong personality and may not have been as effective if he did not possess all of the characteristics that made him in the image of God, which included having a temper at times. God gives us guidance in all areas of our lives, including the area of anger. 

    I have said jokingly, more than once, the holier many women present themselves to be, the more soft, and angelic their voices tend to be. To be holy does not mean being an angel. The Bible has not become feminized, or 'soft' and on that same note its masculinity does not have to be protected. Anger is a natural course of living, but its management is a part of Christian living. 

    As 2024 has dawned, I find myself calmer, not easily rattled by things that use to push my buttons. I have always tried not to pitch a tent in the neighborhood of anger once angered. I purposefully try to find ways of diffusing my anger, not trying to win the argument or change the offender. My anger is about me in the end. Dr. Martin Luther King is a prime example of a Christian being angry and advocating for change. He demonstrated his anger at the government and society at large, peacefully and with love for his fellow man. Hate and violence were not a part of his dissatisfaction with unjust laws and actions of people. MAGA needs to take notes.

    I have a right to be angry, but I do not have a right to allow my anger to cause me to sin. MAGA, if Christian, does not have the right to to be angered to destructive behavior. As Christians, they do not have the right to use hostile and abusive language on social media attacking people or threatening people. Ephesians 4:29-32 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

     It is my prayer that MAGA become released from the bondage of anger. Many people will declare almost with pride that they have a 'short fuse.' We all are different. We all are capable of anger. But we must strive to be the MASTER of ANGER and not mastered by it. Let's face it; if you choose to, you can be mad 24-7. There is just that much in this world to keep you involved in anger. MAGA can continue to be angry, but it is not Christ-like. Psalm 37:8 "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil." 

    MAGA, in demonstrating their anger, by using hate speech and threats, is leading them to do and be evil. FOX news encourages such behavior. Hopefully, with constant prayer, my fellow Christians will be reminded what the Bible says to them, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Don't forget to order my book The Politics of Prayer, available on amazon.com amd follow me, like, comment, share.

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."