Battle of This Generation

There is A Battle Going On

War in Israel, BLM, the MAGA GOP, culture wars about education, immigrants, women’s rights, and LGBTQ issues. What do they all have in common? They all deal with how individuals and groups of people identify. Xenophobia is an identity issue. Racism is an identity issue, Political beliefs and affiliations are also identity issues. Of course, it follows that LGBTQ issues are tied to identity. The media floods the airwaves with “hot button” topics and content because it is more likely to grab our attention because it invokes an emotional, and impulsive response from us. I was listening to a gospel song titled, “I know who I am,” and it dawned on me that the root of most of the major struggles that people are facing today, is tied with some type of identity issue. Even if the struggle is something like poverty, classism, credit ratings, how a person is able to present themselves in the world, and even having access to needs and desired information or relationships can all be affected and inadvertently affect that person’s self worth, and how the community surrounding that person perceives them.

This blog is not going to get into validating positions and pointing out something as greater or higher than another, we have the Word of God for that. This blog is really to inspire prayer points for those that pray and intercede for the nations, and to cut through the Tomfoolery that is keeping people in confusion, in deception to reality, and distracted from the truth. If you have read any of the other blog posts that I have written, there is one theme that continues to pop up. This theme is God’s disdain for calling good evil and evil good. This is essentially one of the most straightforward, direct, easy to understand definitions of the word: Perversion. For those who are not convinced, here is the very 1st definition that was at the top of my Google search:

per·ver·sion

/pərˈvərZH(ə)n/

noun

1.the alteration of something from its original course, meaning, or state to a distortion or corruption of what was first intended.

“a scandalous perversion of the law”

So when a person or group starts to agree that an action or deed that usually is perceived as good is anything other than good, this could be considered as perversion. A real life example is when a person that everyone likes does something despicable, instead of holding that person to account, the people who like this person applaud, encourage, justify, celebrate, and imitate the despicable act as if it is somehow not actually despicable. The opposite is also true, if a person who is not well liked is being punished, treated harshly, and put on “blast” for something that many people have done and are not being punished for, ultimately signally that such acts are generally accepted, the ill-treatment towards that person is considered perverted as well. So now the question is: Why do human beings turn a “blind eye” and ignore what is true, and real, and infallible? I think that most of modern societies, especially in Western Culture, have bought into the idea that truth is relative to how we feel about it. An example regarding current events (in 2023) is the recent war that started between Israel and Hamas. While the temptation to waterdown what I am about to express is real, there is no way to sugarcoat this. If you are a Christian in Modern Western culture we are taught/programmed to accept and adopt Zionist agenda. Now this is not necessarily a bad thing. I grew a lot in my relationship with God, when I started learning about the Hebrew roots of many of the Christian values and beliefs that I hold dear. However, after visiting Israel (of which I am very grateful for the opportunity to have done so) the ugly and uncomfortable truth reared its face and there is no way that I can ignore what I learned and experienced while there. There I was, as a tourist no less, having complete access to anywhere I wanted to visit within Israel, while the majority of Palestinians who live in proximity to Jerusalem, in Bethlehem and other nearby cities were restricted to where they could go. I could visit the Wailing Wall, various churches, and even Mosques if I wanted to and the people who live less than an hour away cannot. There were other things that stuck out to me, but this post is not to criticize Israel and put the country and the people there down, because I also had good experiences and learned other positive things there as well, however I am not going to act like how the Palestinians are treated is ok. When we accept Christ, we are accepting that anyone who has the potential to accept Him as Lord and Savior can and hopefully will become part of our family in Christ. So ignoring poor treatment of a WHOLE NATION of people is very perverted in my opinion. I know we are taught that Israel and all of the people that reunited there are the “chosen” people of God and that we should honor them. However, honor is given where honor is due and while I can honor the rich cultural and religious cites, many of the cultural celebrations and practices that are validated in the Bible, I am not going to be chill about Xenophobia, genocide and to some degree Racism being practiced by or against anyone. Even Jesus warned us to be “either hot or cold’ because those that are “lukewarm” will get destroyed (Revelation 3:15-16). As an African American Woman, I do not like seeing other groups, whether they are of African descent or not, be marginalized and oppressed. So if to accept the evil actions of others on any level is perverted, and since Xenophobia and Racism at the core is evil, how many perverts are waving their “Christian Flag” high right now?

Another hot button issue from the culture wars of the USA is regarding the treatment and opposition of people in the LGBTQ community. Before I proceed, I will admit that in the past I have committed some of the faux pas that I am calling out now. In the past, I openly made statements like: “Anyone practicing Homosexuality is going straight to hell.” or “The Bible says homosexuality is an abomination.” I said those things believing that because it was taught to me from a Biblical perspective, that I was right, and whoever didn’t like it could “kick rocks”. What I have learned, from interacting with people from the LGBTQ community, and people mistreating me, because they were confused about my gender identity and my sex life (which is actually non existent by the way), I have seen how people are targeted for harassment, stalking, disadvantage, disrespect, etc. just because of what others perceive that person’s gender identity to be. I just saw a video on Youtube.com where a woman was brutally attacked because someone assumed, and therefore was accusing her, of being Transgender. Whatever that woman’s gender identification is, is her business – so why would someone attack her over something that has absolutely NOTHING to do with them? This is the same with any person that is considered too flamboyant or “butch”. While it is perfectly OK, in my opinion, to not want to “condone” LGBTQ issues and activities, however we have to consider that maybe we are around people from the LGBTQ community to show the love of Christ to them, since they are not likely to ever step foot into a church. Once again, anyone from the LGBTQ community could have an experience where God is drawing them and they could be close to surrendering their lives, but a bad encounter with a self righteous Christian “Holy Roller” will turn them off every time. What is truly wicked about this is that, if truth be told, there are plenty of people that profess to be “Followers of Christ” who do not want anyone from the LGBTQ community to get saved and partake in the same grace and salvation in Christ that they do. They would rather send someone to hell than seek the Lord on whether or not He wants to draw that person. Also, let’s please stop acting like talking to, being around, or having any association with anyone from the LGBTQ community is somehow contagious; like just being in their presence they will turn us “gay” or compromise our own gender identity. This is foolish and immature to accuse people of being any other gender identity than what they actually are just by associating with people in the LGBTQ community. Whatever happened to the “Golden Rule” to treat people the way that we want to be treated (Love your neighbor as yourself)? Once again, I have not always walked this out perfectly, but I have learned from my mistakes and now strive to approach things from a wiser perspective. When my flesh is not in agreement, I need to pray and ask God for assistance with this. So if you need to repent, and make the commitment to treat people the way that you would like to be treated regardless of racial, cultural, and gender differences which not only blesses everyone that you come into contact with, it also gives glory to God.

Moses 

I find it very interesting that when young Moses came to the realization that the people from the tribe of people that He came from were being oppressed and abused, how he acted (sinfully) to attempt to correct the issue. Moses got angry. Well actually, he was ENRAGED at how disrespectful and vile his brethren were being treated, to the point of committing murder. Obviously, from the rest of the story, we know that becoming enraged to the point of murder is NOT what God is calling us to do when we begin to embrace our true identity in Him. However Moses’ life should still be a great case study on how to embrace your God ordained identity. Although, the sin of murder would cost him time in exile and away from the people that He felt a sense of duty to avenge, when he accepted the call from God and the mission to save his people, he fully took on the new identity of Leader and Trail Blazer, Prophet, and Spiritual Father.

One remarkable thing about Moses is that the people that he was leading did not always agree with him or comply with his directives, yet he didn’t quit. Even before leaving Egypt, he had to prove that his intentions were pure and that he was trustworthy to the people. God was patient with Moses, but still chastened him when he did not honor God’s directives. Moses faced an identity crisis in his youth, being raised as an Egyptian but actually looking like and biologically being an Israelite. It is possible that his identity trauma from youth could have been a contributing factor to the anger that he felt. Identity trauma could also be affecting the emotional issues that many people face, which in many cases can serve as an entry way for sin, torment, and anger; amongst other emotional conditions. If Moses were alive in modern times, would he be able to successfully lead God’s people out of captivity? Of course with God empowering him, Moses would be able to do it, but I wonder which group would be considered more resistant and stubborn: the Israelites straight out of Egypt or modern believers straight out of Modern New Babylon (symbolically speaking)?

Nehemiah/David – Contending Against Mockers

What does Nehemiah and David all have in common? They each encountered opposition that mocked them. How does mocking relate to the identity War? Well, if a person is not secure in their identity, mocking will have that person unsettled in who they are, which may cause them to go down the wrong path or be stagnated in growth and development of their personality. For a person who has a healthy sense of self, being mocked could distract them from their purpose and destiny, have them focusing on weaknesses and flaws instead of their strengths and abilities, and it could evoke a weak response from an otherwise strong person. Most people do not like being mocked. Even the most playful people or people that love to mock others do not like being mocked. Mocking is used in the spiritual realm along with manipulation, coercion, evil influence, gang/mob mentality etc. Mocking also is used to push people into exercising poor judgment, negligence and encourages reckless behavior. How many children, teens, and young adults perish each year because they were “dared” to do something, or were mocked and acted recklessly in retaliation? How many people have ended up in jail because they were “punked” into doing something illegal, or did something in poor judgment to avoid being mocked by their peers? Clearly, how a person responds to being mocked is important, and can determine not only the content of their character and moral compass, but will also magnify a person’s identity virtues or flaws. 

It can be easy to say things like: “There is no right or wrong way to respond,” or “you might do the same if it happened to you.” The truth is, there are right and wrong ways to respond to mocking, we have clear examples from the bible on how to respond when faced with mocking. 

• Nehemiah – was mocked by Sanballat and Tobiah in an attempt to get him and those that were working with him to stop rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. The mocking and taunting escalated to fraud – presenting false correspondence from the king, to accusing Nehemiah of having an evil agenda for rebuilding his hometown. Nehemiah responded to the mocking, accusations, and distraction by prioritizing his God ordained mission to rebuild and revitalize his community rather than focus on the antics of the naysayers. Mocking, accusation, and distraction attacks can be an indicator that a person is fulfilling destiny and effectively Kingdom building.
• David – was mocked by his elder brother while Goliath the Philistine was mocking the Israelite army. Isn’t it something how someone can be mocked and bullied, then turn around and treat someone else the same way? It happens a lot, however that is not how believers are supposed to respond. David pretty much ignored the snide remarks from his brother and tuned in to the mocking that was disheartening the entire Israelite army (of which his brother was a soldier in) from Goliath the Philistine. Imagine if David had gotten into it with his brother and did not notice the mocking from Goliath? He would have missed out on a life altering moment, and who knows how the Israelites would have defeated the Philistines. As believers we have to “pick our battles” and not get consumed by every snide remark or “jab” thrown at us. We have to see the bigger picture and be led by God regarding when to engage the enemy or when we let their mockings and accusations roll off of us like water off a duck’s back!
• Psalms – There are so many psalms that deal with being mocked, accused, being misrepresented, and many other identity traumas. The book of Psalms acknowledges the range of emotions a person can feel. Some people may be angered, while others may be so hurt that they would rather die than endure the shame of being mocked. A great psalm to address/ counteract those thoughts and feelings is Psalm 118:17- I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. Once again, God ordained purpose is what shields a person from Identity derailment when attacked. P.S. – If you feel like you do not know what your purpose in life is – ASK GOD! Pray about it, seek to know how to live your life while you are young or with whatever amount of time that you have left on this earth. In this, knowing your “lane” and coworking with God will add fulfillment and substance to your life that cannot be gained any other way.

Haman

Do you believe that you are more special, favored, and superior to other people that are different than you? Have you ever had a bad experience with someone who is from another culture, religion, neighborhood etc. and decided that because of that experience that anyone like the person you encountered must be bad/evil/unpleasant etc.? These types of mindsets are similar to the one Haman from the book of Esther had towards Mordecai (Esther’s Uncle and Guardian) and all Israelites. Haman felt disrespected because Mordecai would not bow to him. Mordecai would not bow, because he was a devout Israelite who vowed only to worship God, therefore it was against his religion to bow or show any worshipful reverence to anyone other than God. This lack of acknowledgement from Mordecai infuriated Haman. From this anger and offense Haman devised a plan to get the king to approve a genocide against the Israelites. The king trusted Haman as a close advisor and signed Haman’s proposal into law, not knowing that he was effectively sealing his new wife Esther’s fate. For those of us who have read and studied the book of Esther, we know how the story ends. What is profound is Esther’s appeal to the King in order to reveal the insidiousness of Haman’s scheme. For some reason, the king had no idea that Esther was an Israelite. He had not detected it the whole time he was observing her and deciding whether or not she should be his wife and effectively queen. Ethnicity wasn’t important to him, and only entertained Haman’s request because he trusted Haman’s judgment. Isn’t something like that happening today with influential leaders and the media? It seemed like a few years ago, not very many people were all that concerned about the “hot button topics” and “Culture war” talking points that are being communicated over the airwaves. One negative work from Haman almost wiped out a whole people group from that kingdom. However, divine intervention via Esther’s appeal to the King in a private dinner exposed the sinister plan and thwarted it. So what does all of this have to do with us, in modern times, facing 21st century issues? This story shows us the simple but potent root of xenophobia, racism, anti-semitism, white supremacy, genocide and oppression. Another great example of this is the history of the Exodus – the whole reason Moses was sent to liberate the Israelites from Egypt is because of the harsh treatment and oppression they faced because they were not culturally or biologically Egyptian. So when people exhibit attitudes and mindsets of Haman, know that you are witnessing bigotry that has ancient roots and you should not agree with him. Even if elements of truth are incorporated into a bigoted statement, one or two elements of truth cannot make a false and/or perverted statement or stance true. Because we have free will, we have the right to like or not like or want to associate with anyone. However, remember that God hears our thoughts, He knows what’s in our hearts, and whether or not we speak or act on any of it we will be judged accordingly. 

John the Baptist / Peculiar people

He lived out in the wilderness and sustained himself on “locusts and honey”. He was Jesus’ cousin and the person who “baptized” him. John the Baptist had a distinct way of life and discipline that made him stand out from others. It wasn’t because his father was a priest, or because his mother prophesied over him while he was in the womb. All of those things were probably contributing factors, however it was his dedication and commitment to fulfill the call of God for his life that made the difference. Regardless of the physical, social, and other differences that John the baptist had, he was secure in his identity. He didn’t live like everyone else, he didn’t conform to the culture of his time and region, he wasn’t afraid to be different, because he was aware that the differences were necessary for him to fulfill his purpose in life. Isn’t it ironic that although the Bible says that we are to be “peculiar people and a Holy nation” the Modern Westernized church seems to be more influenced by the world and secularisms than the Bible and examples from Jesus’ life? If John the Baptist was alive today and attempted to live like that in our generation he’d have people questioning him on every side; wondering why he’s “unhoused” living in the wilderness. Maybe someone would report him to law enforcement for “dunking” people in water. A bunch of Karens would be outraged at his diet of choice and post tik-tok videos about it to start some new conspiracy theory. Of course since he is clearly different from everyone else, a group of nosy people will have to follow him around and take pictures of him to warn the masses of this weirdo in the wilderness. This of course is just an exaggerated example of how being an individual in modern western society is viewed and treated with contempt. A person who is not a part of any group, is almost always attacked, scapegoated, or villainized in some way. Could it be that there is an agenda from the Prince of the power of the air to influence people to root their identities in the groups that they belong to, to make it more difficult for them to live as a “called out” one whose identity is firmly planted in the call of the Living God? The identity war is not just about what a person identifies as individually. It confronts each person with the question, “Who you with?” And in attempting to answer this question people are easily manipulated into agreeing with foolishness, corruption, evil agendas, and supporting what they know to be wrong. It’s so easy to do harm, and be reckless when “everybody else is doing it.” Insurrection at the US Capitol Building on January 6th 2021 is a perfect example of this. How people were emboldened to desecrate the US Capitol Building and threaten the lives of Lawmakers, Law Enforcement, and anyone else who got in their way is appalling. It is clear who those people were “with’ and what they wanted to accomplish. The most telling thing is that even after the attack and people were beginning to face jail time for their actions, that people who had been participants in the attack still had pictures and posts of themselves breaking the law by breaching a protected government building on their social media feeds. Their identities were so wrapped up in being a part of a political group/community that they did not even exercise discretion regarding the pictures and other media that they posted about their participation. 

1 Peter 2:9-10 (KJV)

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

This verse expresses what God intended our identity to be whether living as an individual or a part of a group/community. Modern Christians seem to have the same issue that ancient Israelites had, to be preoccupied with ruling and controlling things on earth through political or governing power. One of the reasons that the people who once followed Jesus turned on Him after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, is that they were seeking an earthly King in the pattern and expression of King David and wanted to fight against the Roman occupation of their land. Jesus showed up on a Donkey, without an army. He in no way insinuated that He was going to overthrow the powers that were oppressing them, and once the people realized this their support for Him was through. Then there were those accusations of Jesus referring to Himself as the Messiah. It was only after Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection that the revelation of what type of lifestyle His followers were to embrace. Take some time and study what being “called out” entails and how to embrace being part of a Peculiar People and Holy Nation. Repent if you realize that there is some compromise or misguided efforts, agreements, or mindsets in your life. Let the Holy Spirit and the Word of God get you back on track. This is something that should be done often, because it is so easy to “go along to get along,” However we need to make a resolve in our hearts, minds, and spirits that we will only Identify as God has called us.

Are You A Blasphemer?

If many of the people who profess to be Christians and uphold the Bible as the infallible source of truth were asked if there were a Blasphemer, most – if not all – would reply “No.” Blasphemy is one of the only sins in the Bible that is noted as “unforgivable” by God, because it is a direct sin against God. I suppose that anyone who knows that they have, at some point in their life, has blasphemed could always repent and hope for the best on Judgement Day, but if you haven’t ever done this egregious sin against the power, goodness, and all the other attributes of God why in the world would anyone start now? Why repeat, confess, and agree with anything that could be considered Blasphemy? This is precisely what happens when people ignore the truth and start calling what is known, confirmed, and factually denoted as good evil, and evil as good. I understand that human beings can have a difference of opinion on all sorts of topics, where one person may favor or prefer/enjoy/desire/etc. something that another person does not like or prefer and that would not be as serious or anywhere close to committing Blasphemy. But there is a difference between preference and actually assigning traits and characteristics to people, situations, places, actions, etc. that contradict and malign the true identity or nature of it. When a person or group can profess that actions that align with blatant corruption are now all of a sudden perfectly justifiable and socially acceptable, that in itself is indirect blasphemy because we regard what is “good” as from God and what is “bad/evil” from satan. So to attribute that which is from God to satan is blasphemy and vice versa. 

16 Do not be misled, my beloved brothers and sisters. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow [a]cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes]. 18 It was of His own will that He gave us birth [as His children] by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits of His creatures [a prime example of what He created to be set apart to Himself—sanctified, made holy for His divine purposes]. – James 1:16-18 (AMP)

31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy [every evil, abusive, injurious speaking, or indignity against sacred things] will be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the [Holy] Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit [by attributing the miracles done by Me to Satan] will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. – Matthew 12:31-32

To summarize the scripture from James and Matthew: If we believe that all good things come from God, when we confess and agree that something that is fully known and accepted as good is evil is essentially blaspheming God. People that intentionally do this, only do it to manipulate and deceive those who would potentially agree with them. Anyone who agrees and goes along with a scheme like this cannot claim innocence when they have every opportunity to exercise discernment, do research on the claims that were made, refer to the Bible, and frankly just use common sense. There is no reason to reach for and imagine scenarios that would make the false statements and claims true when you already know that the explanation given is not matching what has already been established as true. In previous posts the example of the sports fan attempting to justify his/her favorite player cheating or doing something against the rules so that this team can win the game is used to illustrate how this dynamic works. The same sports fan would be livid if the opposing team did the same dishonest act, and would vehemently oppose it and call it out. There is an old expression that used to be in some way like a slogan or public sentiment, some years ago: “Winning Isn’t Everything.” When people are focused on winning at all costs, they can be easily corrupted, because of their desire to win. The same is with any desire that gets out of control, it becomes an idol taking the place of God in that person’s life. Then adding blasphemy to this is only digging a deeper pit for that person, because the day of accountability will come. 

How will You Overcome?

We do not have to be swept away and overcome by the Identity War that is being waged against us. Thank God that He has given us tools and weapons for us to fight with. Here are some ideas and strategies to align your identity with God and allow Him to lead and guide you instead of following and agreeing with whatever is released by the Prince of the Power of the Air, influential leaders, and Media.

1. Agree to let God define your identity, to show you what your purpose in life is and how to be effective in that calling.
2. Renounce any agreements with false narratives, deceptive agendas, and sentiments that appeal to the flesh to corrupt it.
3. Compare the attitudes, sentiments, and messaging from media and any other source to the Bible. 
4. Repent for repeating wrong words, being a follower or participant in evil agendas, and for any area of compromise in your life.
5. Commit and/or rededicate your life to Christ if you have strayed too far or have gotten off course.

Declaration:

I exist outside of my naysayers’ thoughts, actions, and words. God created me with a purpose, destiny, and favorable expected end. I know who I am because I know Whose I AM. I was made in the image and likeness of God. Even though some people may not acknowledge my true Divinely Ordained Identity, as I press towards the mark for the High Calling in Christ I am being conformed to His image more and more each day. Every challenge or difficulty I face is just another opportunity for God to be Glorified victoriously over my life. I know who I am because God knew me and called me before the foundations of time and formation of the earth. I do not answer to the degrading and disrespectful verbal assaults towards me, my character, or evil imaginations of my likeness. Jesus bought and Paid In Full for every part of me and I am Identified as a heir and co-heir with Jesus in Heavenly places. I am not confused about any part of my life because when I seek the Lord for wisdom He generously provides it. My Identity is not a clone of someone else, I am uniquely and wonderfully made and regarded as the Apple of God’s eye. My past failures, successes, potential, or perceptions of others do not define me, for my life is written by God and all of my volumes are protected in Heaven. I do not allow the prince of the Power of the Air, Celebrity or Political Influencers or the media determine my course in life, because my life is guided by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Fads, trends, and pop culture do not move me out of position, off my God Ordained course, or intimidate me in any way. I am not afraid to be different, unique, or innovative and by the grace and mercy of God will fulfill everything that He has written in my book, in the name of Jesus. My identity is not tied to any successes or failures of the past, instead it is rooted and grounded in the purpose and destiny that God has predetermined for my life before the world was formed. At every Identity challenge by the grace of God I will confidently and boldly declare that I know who I am and whose I am and my actions follow in the name of Jesus.

I am eternally identified by the Uncreated One, God almighty, His Dear Son Jesus the Christ, and the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name it is so!