PARKS BROWN

Last week there was a full ‘Worm Moon’ reflecting the sun’s brilliance. Native Americans named this March moon because soil temperatures start to increase and earthworms come to the surface. Rising soil temperatures are a reflection of the sun crossing the equator and heating up the northern hemisphere. EVERYTHING is in full reflection right now so look and listen closely.

By definition a reflection is ‘the production of an image as if by a mirror’. In particular, the return of light and sound waves from a surface reflect an image to be seen and heard. Therefore, what we SAY and DO is a reflection of who and what we are. The past year it’s common to hear the question, ‘What’s going on in Georgia?’ The answer is, Georgia is casting a reflection of it’s people and our nation…and the world is watching!

When the full moon appears brighter, it is because there are less shadows cast by objects on the moon and we see a more pure reflection of the sun. To get the best reflection of a thing there needs to be a direct, full view with no shadows. Native Americans looked into the water to see their reflection and learn what they looked like. The writer of Proverbs said, ‘As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.’ Proverbs 27:19. So much attention is being put on the color of our skin, but we can more easily see the reflection of our hearts.

The State of Georgia’s legislators recently passed a bill reflecting it’s people and their desires regarding election laws and the representation of the people. Like the Worm Moon, if you didn’t actually look at it to see for yourself, you had to trust what someone else said. If you read the bill, like looking at the Moon, you can make up your own mind. If you listen to what others say, you may hear a reflection of their HEARTS and not the truth.

Georgia is also in full reflection because of sports. One of the greatest things I USED to enjoy about sports was they afforded me the opportunity to disengage with the distractions and issues in the world and escape into the sport. I loved watching athletes compete in a game and forgetting about the troubles, disagreements and problems between other people. Major League Baseball (MLB) has ruined that and decided to reflect politics not the sport. MLB is OK with games and practices in Cuba, but requiring a picture ID to vote in Georgia gets the All-Star game taken away? Sorry guys…Bye-bye baseball…and my Braves.

A full moon reflects the sun so brightly because it is closer to the sun and the entire lunar surface is reflecting. There is also a phenomena known as an ‘opposition surge’ that gives it such brightness. Opposition surge (sounds like Democrat and Republican political theater in November) is when an object with many rough surfaces is illuminated from directly behind a viewer and gives greater clarity because of a lack of shadows. People are similar to celestial objects with rough surfaces. Both of us have been impacted by things that mark us with scars and pains. Georgia and the world is currently experiencing a prolonged opposition surge. If you have the eyes to look and see (and read) for yourself, you will get an accurate reflection. If you only listen to the talking heads, you will get a poor reflection.

A poor reflection results in poor knowledge and understanding. The Bible teaches us that while on earth there is an enemy of God that can keep us from seeing and knowing Him and TRUTH clearly. ‘For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.’ 1 Corinthians 13:12. To see a clear reflection of what’s going on these days we need God’s wisdom and discernment. We need the Holy Spirit and the WORD of God, not talking heads.

So, why and how does God help us see and know everything more clearly? Shadows distort a reflection and therefore our understanding and knowledge of a thing. The more shade is thrown on an object the more shadows and the more difficult it is to see and hear. The more shadows, the greater chance that truth shifts and changes and becomes ‘my’ truth and ‘your’ truth. Whereas God has no shadow…’Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.’ James 1:17. The Bible is absolute truth.

A lot of what we are seeing and hearing is a prelude for ‘woke’ culture to take on God. We are rapidly heading towards a time when people will consider God’s view (The Bible) on a subject to be a far-right religious viewpoint and not the objective truth that it is. Traditional marriage and traditional sexes are the current low hanging fruit. Biblical views will be targeted as exclusive, not inclusive…intolerant not tolerant. We may only be in the first few innings of this game so it’s incumbent for Christians to stand up and stand proud. ‘Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil.’ Romans 14:16.

So, what does this practically mean for Christ followers? We need to fully reflect Him like the full moon reflects the sun. You might think a half moon is half as bright as a full moon but that is far from the truth. A full moon is 6 TIMES brighter than a half moon! If we reflect half of what we believe the world will see a poor reflection of the love, mercy and grace of God. They will also be unprepared to see the full reflection of His power and wrath. Believers and the Church need to reflect the entirety of Christ.

To see and hear the reflection of God on a daily basis, watch the weather (previous blog, Change In The Weather). He is also reflected through other Christ followers, not necessarily the talking heads on TV. His Holy Spirit is available to everyone and “‘he will guide you into all truth…and he will tell you what is yet to come.'” John 16:13. Learn to discern by reading the Bible.

On the other hand, Charles Barkley nailed it during the Final 4 over the weekend. If we follow our politicians, they seem to only be reflecting selfish desires and leading us to anger, hatred and disunity. I try to forget the reflections of politics and politicians and focus on the full reflection of God wherever I see it. I hope and pray others see HIM reflected in my words and actions and not only the scars of my life. There are too many days I’m more like a crescent moon and not a full moon for Him. Forgive me when I don’t reflect Him more.

Do I, do we, fully reflect what is in our hearts or have the scars of the past year(s) left us with too many shadows? Can we muster an opposition surge to reflect Him every day like the moon does every 29 days?!! I want to shine brilliantly every day so my friends and the world KNOW whats going on in Georgia…and in my heart. Join me in the daily challenge of making sure we are in full reflection of our hearts and nothing else.

This is THE great full reflective challenge…’Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.’ Philippians 2:3-4.

From the time you start reading this blog until you finish the last sentence the world will have changed…and possibly drastically. These are historical times and the speed with which change is happening is off the charts. Of all the voices to recognize and quantify how quickly change is occurring, nothing makes the case better than money.

Economics is the study of the language of money. In 2020, due to Covid and the ensuing governmental actions in our country, we experienced a unique economic downturn. This downturn was five times worse than the ‘average’ recession we’ve experienced since World War II yet it occurred in 25% of the time of previous recessions. Eleven million more people were unemployed during this ‘economic downturn’ yet, we had the largest increase in personal income in 20 years. Confusing fast talk.

Due to the Cares Act, in three months during 2020 the deficit increased more than the previous 5 recessions combined. In economic terms, money’s native tongue, there was 25% more liquidity added into the American economy over the last two years. Economists use terms like velocity of money, but in simple terms, there is more money talking faster than ever before.

Money may be a fast talker but you can see what it says in slow motion. The result is evident when you go to Home Depot for a DIY project. Lumber is through the roof. Check out the price of copper…corn…cotton…oil, you name it. This is not an economics lesson on supply and demand, but the Central Banks of the world have bastardized the most important price in the world, the price of money. The result is higher prices for everything, lack of available materials and products…and a tight supply of people who work with these products. Money is screaming to tell you something, but it can be hard to understand until the conversation is over.

In the Bible, Jesus conversed more about money than heaven and hell combined. Christ talked about money more than love. Almost a third of the parables He used were about money and finances. The only subject Jesus spent more time on than money, was the Kingdom of Heaven. Christ reminded anyone listening that ‘ “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” ‘ Matthew 6:21. If your treasure is measured in dollars and cents, listen closely.

We were warned that money is possibly the loudest god of THIS world. Jesus followed up his speech about treasures by saying money was a master, not a Central Bank liquidity tool for political and economic policy. He said there was a competing dichotomy between money and God and ‘ “Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” ‘ Matthew 6:24.

We need to listen more to God than the dollar, but don’t miss what money is currently saying. Money spoke about the pandemic before it was a pandemic. Read my blog, Shakin The Bush Boss, from March 15, 2020. The W.H.O. had hundreds of millions at stake as an incentive to declare a pandemic. Testing and reimbursement for Covid positive patients impacts finances and the bottom line for hospitals and nursing homes. The CEO of pharmaceutical giant JNJ has let it be known the company stands to make billions because there will be a need for multiple vaccines for years to come. Money talks about the motives and ambitions of health care.

If you paid any attention to the last Senate race in Georgia, you saw the ads slamming Kelly Loeffler about profiting from her knowledge of the virus. Last March four Senators, Democrats and Republicans, were accused of using inside information to profit from the pandemic before others knew about it. A few months later the charges were dropped. Those candidates never defended their market actions because insider trading is NOT illegal for Congressmen and Senators. Advertisements say these politicians were crooked and cared for themselves more than the voters. Money speaks to the state of politics AND the politicians.

We are currently hearing one of the loudest speeches money has made in a while. Pretty soon, everyone will hear what is being said but I’m not sure who will care; initially. Money is the canary in the coal mine to watch on the world stage.

Cryptocurrencies have been cocktail party conversation for years but…Elon Musk recently revealed Tesla had used a sizable portion of their cash reserves to buy Bitcoin. Apple was said to be the next in line to convert their cash into the digital coin. You might think this is much ado about nothing but I believe it’s worth watching. Money reveals where it is treated best and where it can hide.

Christ preached that money reveals the heart. Judas was a lesson in spades about an underlying heart condition and his real ambitions. The ambitions of world players are now front and center with their plans for money.

China has talked about a digital yuan for years but a few weeks ago they were given the seal of approval from the gatekeeper of global payments to initiate a NEW payment system for moving money around the world. The old system supports paper currencies and is dollar centric. The new digital system will allow money to continue talking, but the conversation will become digital…and more restrictive. Like the people who carry it around, freedom of speech is at risk. The freedom money has enjoyed is at risk in the near future.

If I haven’t lost you yet, this part should start to make sense and get your attention. The changes ahead may look slow but their effects will be immediate. Anything is possible in this era of rapid change. Consider the possibilities and the current climate.

The implementation of digital central bank currencies will hasten the removal of cash from the world stage. China has moved from a cash based system to almost completely cash-less in 10 years. Cash is anonymous but digital leaves a trail of records. With Central Bank Digital Currencies, governments will have full insight and oversight of money flows. Transactions can be monitored and this opens the door to a more Soviet model of banking with full state control. The rapid increase in cryptocurrencies is a reflection of the battle that is coming and will facilitate a more rapid change over to digital currencies.

Many will say this is good. Less black-market illegal transactions for criminals. In turn, there will be more potential oversight on how and where YOU spend every nickel as well. Less freedom on moving YOUR money around to earn the best rate of return. More possibilities for someone else to direct where your money is needed. Maybe a ‘favored’ corporate bond instead of your choice of a money market fund. Instead of an advisor you get a manager that directs where you can invest your money. If someone thinks your net worth is too much, you’re charged a negative interest rate until you agree and reallocate to those less fortunate. A ‘known racist’ or ‘suspected anarchist’ charged with posting hate speech on social media has their account deducted by an appropriate amount. When cash disappears and digital is all that’s left, the freedom you thought your money gave you goes bye-bye.

In my last blog I tried to make the point that when we start to lose freedoms, it can be like a wildfire that consumes more than speech or gun ownership. Ambitions can be lost. The control of your money could be the next freedom to go.

The writer of Proverbs warned long ago, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and shun evil.’ Proverbs 3:5-7. There is nowhere we use more of our OWN wisdom and understanding than with money. Yet, every financial decision and investment is a spiritual issue. I hope we don’t learn that the hard way.

We think our money gives us freedom but it may be an endangered freedom. Proceed and pray accordingly.

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America has always been a bold ambition. A united group of disparate peoples into organized states that believe in and strive towards a common good, IS a bold ambition. This ambition became reality in 1776 and has been a driving force in shaping a better world. This bold initiative is still alive and evolving today, but the ambitions that formed our nation are rapidly changing before our eyes. ‘We the people’ and our ambition are being tested and challenged.

There is an effort to rewrite the ambitions of the people, timing and foundations of American democracy. America was founded by people with ambitions that originated from God given freedoms. The freedom from oppression of taxation without representation…and the freedom to worship the God that gives those freedoms. Ambitions are derived from freedom. More freedom, more ambition. Less freedom, less ambition.

Ambitions are often referred to as ‘burning’ desires. They reflect healthy self-esteem and an ability to visualize and see things as they can be, not as they are. America has proven that ambition is contagious. Like attracts like and people from all nations continue to chase their ambitions by coming to America. But, not all ambitions are as worthy and altruistic as The United States of America. When ambition takes away personal freedoms by force through greed and selfish desire, it is destined for failure….and even God’s wrath.

The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) is a good example and analogy where man’s ambition started with a few bricks but was revealed as effort to play God. What started with a united group of people and a seemingly good idea ended in confusion, anger and disunity. The result was people were left scattered and life on the planet permanently altered. Their ambitions took others away from God, not towards. Those who built the Tower of Babel made a declaration of independence from God and created chaos and division. A mistake we should learn from.

In 2021 we see similar ideas that started with the ambition of profit and bringing people together. They, too are being revealed as denying freedoms and creating disunity. Facebook, Twitter and the United Nations appeared to be well intentioned ambitions for profit and unity, but on second glance those motives are in question. When someone or something gives MORE freedom to others, ambitions are gained. When freedoms are taken away, ambition is lost.

The Founding Fathers were not a bunch of Bible thumping anarchists bent on destroying England. They were pursuing God and the original freedoms He gave us in the Garden of Eden. Today we live in a more technocratic and godless world where those ambitions are at risk of being labeled domestic terrorism. Evil is more evident in the ambitions of those trying to take away basic freedoms.

Today, the First Amendment is under attack as freedom of speech is ridiculed, censored and restricted. Freedom of assembly is at risk in the name of protecting people from angry and dangerous mobs. House Resolution 127 is targeting the Second Amendment by limiting and prohibiting the possession of firearms and certain ammunitions. The 14th Amendment addressing citizens rights with equal protection is being perverted by fear and hatred. When freedoms are restricted it is a direct attack on those who enjoy the freedom…AND the One who gives it. Make no mistake, the assault on freedom in America is starting to resemble a jihad, a Holy war.

In turn, the ambitions of our children and future generations are at risk. The younger generation is being taught that a profit motive always turns into greed. Children are told the founding fathers ambition originated in privilege that results in racism. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Our Republic became the cradle of democracy to nurture and foster individual ambition regardless of creed, color or national origin. We wrote these freedoms down in numerous documents to clarify the ambition. We fought a civil war to give freedom to all races, we enshrined it in law and created penalties for those who did otherwise. The US of A has allowed ANYONE and EVERYONE the same freedom of choice God gave Adam and Eve. People can have evil in their hearts but the country is NOT systemically evil; quite the opposite.

Ambitious undertakings requires ambitious people and therein lies the risk. Ambitions are the results and by-product of freedom. Like Adam and Eve, people can make poor choices but they have the freedom to do so. Since the God we know is omnipotent, He KNOWS that freedom and the resulting ambitions can run amuck…and He still allows it! Our nation should as well.

When we have less freedom our ambitions shrink and become limited. Any person or government who says ‘no’ to freedom is trying to play God. God says ‘yes’ to freedom and the world tries to control by saying ‘no’. Saying ‘yes’ to individual freedoms result in giving power and choice. Saying ‘no’ results in controlling and restraining a person. The biggest negative to giving freedom is the resulting individual responsibility and consequences that go with bad choices…like the downfall of man, millions of aborted babies, yada, yada, yada.

Freedom is a big and bold ambition, an endowment from our Creator, not a gift from a government. Free will was given when mankind was created. God was magnanimous when He planted the seeds of freedom and choice with Adam and Eve in the Garden. The first couple quickly learned those freedoms can be lost forever by following the wrong person’s ambitions. Satan got the first couple to follow his ambition and the consequences were devastating to them and their culture.

Some ambitions originate with good intentions…some don’t. Satan’s ambition got him thrown out of God’s presence. ‘You said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God…I will make myself like the Most High”. Isaiah 14:13-14. Rising to the top sounds like an American ambition, but not at the expense of defying the God who gives the freedom. Not all ambitions should be encouraged or supported.

America is an ambition founded on God given rights with Christian principles. We are not a Christian nation but we were founded on Christian principles, therefore we should expect to be under attack. Jesus said ‘If you belonged to the world, it would love you as it’s own. As it is, you do not belong to the world but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.’ John 15:19. The attack is on God’s people and His principles that motivate their ambitions.

As time passes, it will become more apparent that the denial of freedoms will focus on heavenly issues and God’s people. This is happening because it’s all about the ‘likes’ and there is a war for your love, loyalty and very soul. Jesus said, ‘ “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself” ‘. Matthew 22:37. The ambition of Christ is to promote God and this is at the root of the attack we are seeing.

Christ taught we live IN the world but should not be OF it. Jesus warned His followers that they AND their ambitions would be targeted and persecuted. The Bible teaches ‘as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.’ 1 Peter 2:11. The Godly mindset is we are residents of the earth, but citizens of heaven.

Freedom is power. The one who gives and takes freedom wields that power. This is why men of all races, creeds and nationalities strive to broker freedom, not give it. They want to play God, but they are not Him.

The pandemic is the assault on freedoms. The real target of the pandemic is the soul of mankind.

Historically, I’ve watched the weather to see how it might effect a round of golf I had scheduled or a planned vacation trip. Occasionally, the weather would effect my weekend yard work or taking the kids to the pool. I started actively farming 3-4 years ago and my attention to the weather has changed dramatically. The weather has changed as well.

A farmer’s life centers around the land and the weather. You need good soil in which to plant a crop and you need good weather for the crop to grow. You can till, condition, water and fertilize the land but if the weather doesn’t cooperate the crop will not bear fruit; it’s all in vain. Farmers realize their success or failure is dependent on a thing that is not within their control. Therefore, it’s imperative to keep an eye on the forecast and stay on your knees. We all need to do the same.

The past few weeks have seen an interesting and dramatic change in the forecast for our nation. Although most of the population doesn’t farm and they live in urban areas, the weather still effects their daily lives. While the world is focused on Covid, elections, restrictions and social media accounts, don’t forget to watch the weather…and I’m not talking about climate change.

The climate change argument is human reasoning to explain the weather like the talking heads explaining why the stock market behaves a certain way. I spent 30 years working on Wall Street and was always amazed how the pundits tried to explain each day’s movement in stock prices. Daily, someone gives a reason to explain what is happening to share prices, interest rates, the price of oil AND the weather. The general public is placated when a voice gives an explanation for what is happening, whether it is correct or not. Meteorologists are often the brunt of jokes because of their inaccuracies in predicting the weather. That’s because the weather constantly changes and can’t be controlled. At least no one on earth controls it.

Christ followers can remember the story when Jesus’ disciples were freaking out during a storm. ‘A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion…He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.’ Mark 4:37-39. The guys with Jesus noticed the irregularity that had happened. ‘They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and waves obey him!” ‘ Mark 6:41. God can and does control the weather.

The weather in 2020 was one of the most alarming years on record. Devastating wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding and derechos (that’s a new one for most of you). These weather events caused more than $100 billion of economic damage in the United States alone. Dollar figures in the hundreds of billions don’t translate to our real lives very well so lets put some flesh on that bone.

Wildfires in the West and Pacific Northwest were the worst on record and the season lasted longer than normal…from June until December. California experienced the worst wildfire season IN HISTORY as 4.2 million acres were torched and 31 people died. For perspective, that’s an area the size of Connecticut and the damage was twice as extensive as what burned in the previous 5 seasons. Five of the six largest wildfires on record occurred in 2020. Temperatures in San Francisco were 10-15 degrees higher than normal as record winds dried out vegetation with massive rainfall deficits. The frequency of days with ‘extreme fire weather conditions’ has doubled since the 1980’s. In Death Valley this summer, temperatures reached 131 degrees and is possible the hottest temperature on record anywhere, IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD. Because of the weather(?) California has been literally left high and dry.

Trends tend to start in California and move east across the country. The weather is no exception. The 2020 hurricane season was the busiest in recorded history with 30 named storms from Texas to Maine…which is 2 1/2 times the seasonal average. Thunderstorms and tornadoes were the most expensive and prolific disasters in the lower 48 states from Iowa to Nashville. Derechos, a straight-lined long-lived wind up to 140 mph, affected more than 43% of Iowa’s corn crop and were even experienced as far east as Philadelphia and New Jersey. December ushered in one of the most prolific snowstorms in the northeast and Pennsylvania recorded an all-time record for a two day storm. In simple terms, the weather was OFF the charts from coast to coast from January through December.

The weather can change on a dime, just like the political climate. The polar vortex split a few weeks ago and now we are experiencing colder temperatures than what had been forecast. Europe is feeling this as well. ‘Experts’ can use ‘science’ to explain some of the changes in the weather, but this is similar to believing there is an accurate explanation for every wiggle in stock prices. History has proven that science evolves with man’s understanding. Man’s understanding is not a linear progression and is subject to change. It is important to remember that God can and does control and change the weather.

A quick refresher reminds us that GOD is the author of ‘climate change’. He changed the earth’s entire topography by creating heaven and earth with His words, ex nihilo, out of nothing (Genesis 1:1). He rained down fire and ‘condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly.’ 2 Peter 2:6. No one had ever seen water fall from the sky before God caused it to rain 40 days and nights. The resulting flood didn’t clear for 150 days (Genesis 7:24). He also divided a sea and dried the resulting ocean floor for His people to immediately walk across (Exodus 15:19). These are examples of RAPID weather and climate change.

Controlling and altering the climate and the weather is powerful stuff!! Because God has shown what HE can do, men want to imitate and mimic His actions for THEIR desired results. Bill Gates is taking another shot at climate change by funding a group of Harvard scientists to block out the sun’s rays. The idea has been around for decades but this is the first real attempt at controlling Earth’s temperature through solar engineering. The motive of lowering the global temperature may appeal to some, but it is impossible to know the resulting consequences. Only God knows the resulting complications for precipitation patterns, crop yields, the ozone, and the list goes on. God already knows the forecast for climate change and the coming changes in the weather…so what is HIS forecast??

‘But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar: the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare…That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.’ 2 Peter 3:10…….This won’t be climate change and this isn’t a conspiracy theory. This is God’s forecast for judgement and wrath when His creation turns away from Him.

The writer of the book of Revelation reminds us that God has and will control the weather. ‘I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree.’ Revelation 7:1. God always has and always will be the final arbiter of weather and climate change on the Earth. If we don’t like the weather and the changes we are seeing, there IS something we can do that guarantees a better forecast.

Weather is not a distraction and it can be the voice of God, so listen….’When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 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 7:13-14.

Our country, our land, our nation needs healing before the ultimate climate change takes place. ‘…and there came hail and fire mixed with blood and it was hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.’ Revelation 8:7. This is the forecast and it won’t be avoided by geoengineering.

Don’t be fooled into thinking the weather forecast won’t effect you because it’s far away in time and not for where you live or work. Weather patterns can and do change abruptly and violently, as we have recently seen.

A farmer knows to trust in God to protect and provide for his crop. Our nation knows that we need to return to our faith in the One who controls the weather.

We live not only our own lives, but whether we know
it or not, also the life of our time.
-Laurens Van Der Post

The times we are living in have seen the improbable happen on such a regular basis it has become commonplace. The difference between something not likely to happen (improbable) and not able to occur (impossible) may not be as wide as you think. In a place and time where the improbable happens, we need to define and look closely for the impossible as well.

In 1959 the Ohio legislature approved the state motto, “With God, All Things Are Possible”. This motto is taken from the book of Matthew (19:16-30) where Jesus is explaining to his closest followers the dichotomy of improbable and impossible during the times they lived. ” ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’ ” Matthew 19:26. The improbable can, does and will happen. The impossible only happens with God.

What IS impossible and what IS improbable? Jesus said the impossible is God’s domain so let’s look at His Word. A world and the creatures that inhabit it created out of nothing (Genesis 1 and 2). A virgin birth (Matthew 1:23). Guys walking on water in the middle of a storm (Matthew 14:29). A flood covering the entire earth (Genesis 7:6) and killing all but a chosen few. Parting a large sea and immediately walking through the divide on DRY land (Exodus 14:21). Controlling water and wind with your words (Matthew 8:26). Rising from the dead and being seen by hundreds of witnesses (1 Cor. 15:5-8). The list goes on. Fact check anyone else pulling those off with success.

Notice, things we consider impossible involve God…nature and His creations. “He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns midnight into dawn and darkens day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land- the Lord is his name.” Amos 5:8. Outside of God, it’s only the improbable that can and does happen, not the impossible.

2020 is giving us a fireworks finish with the improbable. Our times are marked with technological advances that have made what once seemed the improbable, an everyday convenience. Science, has given us the probability of curing and understanding great mysteries in record time. In mathematics, what was thought to be statistically impossible has proven probable and elected politicians for the highest office in our country. The coming days will be more proof that the improbable is defining our time.

Current events should be an encouragement for Christ followers. We need to remember that with God, the impossible is probable for those with faith in Him. Too often, people are retreating into their shrinking lives and losing faith thinking the best days are behind us. We are told to “live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.” 1 Peter 1:17. Our best life is not here and now and I don’t want it to be. If I live for eternity, I want my best life to be then; not now.

Daniel was a guy who lived the impossible in his time because of his faith in God. Daniel came out of a lions den untouched and his brothers escaped a furnace heated seven times hotter than normal without a hair singed. That’s not improbable, that’s impossible, right? Daniel knew the God of possibilities and described Him accordingly. ” ‘He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things: he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.’ ” Daniel 2:21-22. I want more of God’s possible and less of the world’s probable.

Daniel also talks about a time when a particular leader in the world will step up and try to make the impossible happen. Notice, when men attempt the impossible, they directly reference the One for whom nothing is impossible. Of this particular world leader Daniels says, “He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws.” Daniel 7:25. When the impossible happens, God will be given the credit, no one else. For the record, the ‘end times’ are all times since Christ ascended into heaven. Rising and ascending after being 6 feet under. Another impossible thing, huh?

We are living in a time we need to know the difference between improbable and impossible, so as not to be confused and doubtful. What do you think IS improbable?….Aliens? Reference the former head of Israel’s space security program for 30 years who insists he and many others KNOW of aliens walking among us….Astrological alignments like the Star of Bethlehem? Look in the skies on December 21 to see a light the scientist say will rival the full moon and what many believe was the same alignment of stars when Jesus was born….Trump being President on January 21, 2021? Improbable? Yes.

We may be trapped by the times we live in but God made them all for His purpose. “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” Acts 17:26. WE are alive at this time in history because He wanted it this way.

Just as Esther came to her place and time in life for a designated purpose (Esther 4:14, great story), we have as well. Why? “God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts 17:27. Let the improbable point us back to our faith and God, not away from Him.

As the improbable make the headlines, seek God and His Son, Jesus to see and be a part of the impossible. Christ followers are created for bringing the impossible to our times. The letters in red are true…” ‘Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you’. ” Matthew 17:20. With God all things are possible. Christians have the Holy Spirit, which is God, so we can facilitate, see and believe in what others call impossible.

Jesus did qualify our part in seeing and bringing about the impossible on earth. He repeatedly says we must have faith in HIM. Unbelief (Matthew 17:17-20) lukewarm faith (Revelation 3:16)), timidity (2 Timothy 1:7) and doubt will only leave you with probability. “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” James 1:6-8.

That verse fits nicely into our times in December 2020. Many have lost faith and doubt…the election process, government officials and even our democratic Republic. Many have lost faith in family, friends…and God. The times are like a storm tossed sea of improbabilities that have made our nation and it’s people unstable and double minded in everything. It is the time to return to the stability of God.

During our times, the lines are being re-drawn between nations and people. It is imperative to know the difference between a friend and the people and acquaintances of our time. The writer of Proverbs defines a friend as… “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17. Adversity IS front and center in 2020. Keep your friends close.

Paul was more pointed about acquaintances during these times. “But mark this: there will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud abusive…..Have nothing to do with such people.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5. This is a time to separate the wheat from the chaff…friends from acquaintances…goats and sheep.

The times we live in can be divisive, unstable and disheartening, but they don’t have to be. Since we were created and are living during this time according to HIS design and plan, there is a key to joy, contentment and #winning. “He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” Isaiah 33:6.

Recognize God is VERY alive and active during our time. Learn His ways. Respect and submit to how He leads.

Live with the improbable and let it BUILD your faith in Him.

Look for the impossible and see God intervene in history.