This past summer an incredibly bold resolution was introduced by legislators in Tennessee, calling for "31 days of prayer and fasting" across the state from July 1st to the 31st. This resolution implored the state’s citizens to "seek God’s hand of mercy and healing on Tennessee". The state’s lawmakers overwhelmingly approved this resolution in a bipartisan vote with only a handful opposing the bill. [emphasis mine]

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​Sadly this is not the kind of news that we typically hear of through mainstream media. But thankfully it was reported by Vision Christian Media, and the Lord was kind enough to bring it to Linda's attention. Below you'll find a link to the full article which has more edifying details! It's well worth reading.

We consider such an event a modern day prophetic act. Consider that this resolution was brought forth by elected officials (not pastors) appealing to the State's entire population to seek God and respond to His word and His grace. This courageous act should not only encourage us personally - to believe that God can influence and guide even politicians - but also inspire us to seek the Lord as to how we too are to respond to such a timely grace.

Another aspect of this news struck us forcibly. On July 1st, when the citizens of Tennessee were beginning their month of repentance, we in Canada were celebrating the Dominion of Canada! And although Linda and I had yet to hear of this prophetic act, we too were exhorting our entire fellowship to do the same on a personal level; to "humble ourselves, and pray, and seek the face of God, and turn from our wicked ways." (2 Chronicles 7:14). We issued that invitation because we believe that there is a grace available to all of God's people to respond to this ancient call.

 

As we all know, Canada's Fathers of Confederation chose as our Moto, A Mari Usque ad Mare; "From Sea to Sea", based on Psalm 72:8. They did this to deliberately place our nation under the dominion of Jesus Christ. That momentous decision means that we have an incredibly precious spiritual heritage. A heritage worth fighting for! God forbid that we should ever have to take up arms literally here in Canada. But we can and must do so spiritually! Our prayer, fasting, and intercession makes a concrete contribution in keeping, or perhaps better said, reestablishing the dominion and rule of Jesus Christ over the Dominion of Canada.

As we know, from the first moment that the "deceiver of the whole world" was cast out of heaven Satan has been "making war" (Rev 12:9 & 17) on all of humanity. Over the course of history, as civilizations have progressed in areas such as industry, technology, and science, etc., the warfare has become more and more sophisticated, subtle and nefarious. In the more recent decades it has also become much more aggressive. There is no question of Satan relenting in this battle. The attack is escalating at an alarming, dare we say even apocalyptic rate! The evil one has one aim; to destroy all of humanity. Nothing else will satisfy his envy and malicious rage. This is a battle to the death!

 

Since the fundamental problem facing all of humanity is a spiritual one, the solution must be rooted in the supernatural realm. Of course it will be worked out, at east in part, in the natural realm through legislators, educators, judges, etc. as well as pastors, disciples and simple people of good will - but "the battle is the Lord's" (1 Sam 17:47 & 2 Chron. 20:15-17) and we are called to collaborate with Him in this war! We must do so however, not with fear and trembling, but with great faith and confidence.

 

Beloved friends, we have been baptized into Jesus Christ, we are in Him, therefore our victory over the evil one is unmistakably ours and irrevocably assured! We are by grace, true citizens of the Kingdom of God, not of the world! We are sons and daughters of the Most High. We are heirs with Jesus Christ the risen King of glory! The ultimate victory has already been won through the cross and resurrection. And by faith we can stand in that truth, in the reality of His victory, which is why we can confidently repent and pray and seek the face of God as well as intercede (i.e. wage war) for our families, communities, and nations!

The Fall was precipitated by a personal decision not to trust God and His word. The battle to restore all things to Christ and establish His Kingdom fully throughout all of creation (see Mk 16:15 & Rom 8:18-23) must also begin with us personally. That being said, a corporate act of repentance, prayer and fasting is a very powerful and concrete way for Christians to collaborate with the grace of God in pushing back the darkness that is now enveloping the world. That kind of corporate warfare greatly helps to establish and strengthen God's Kingdom more fully on earth!

 

For that reason, Linda and I humbly ask for your prayers. We are seeking the Lord to know how we and our apostolate might facilitate a response to this call locally; i.e. gather the faithful to humbly pray, praise, and intercede. As clarity is given to us we'll communicate our plans to you all. We thank you sincerely for your prayers for us as we discern this privileged opportunity to exercise one of the many facets of our ministry.

The solution to defeat the plans of the enemy is a simple one. By no means easy, but simple. Personal repentance and conversion, beginning with us, is a perfect response to the ancient wisdom revealed to Solomon by God Himself:

2 Chronicles 7:14

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves,
and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land!"

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May we who are called by His Name, boldly take a stand on the front lines of this spiritual battle through our humble repentance, prayer, and seeking of the Lord's face, not only on our own behalf but also on behalf of our beloved nation!​