If we were to only take into consideration the headlines that are repeatedly coming across the daily news, then we would obviously get a one sided understanding about what is going. Looking at the present situation is not the whole story. It has been said that both the worst of times AND the best of times are upon us. Any mother fully understands this paradigm. There are obvious birthing pains that are on the horizon for an expectant mother. In this understanding, there is also the overwhelming joy of new life that comes as well. Looking across the globe, it is obvious to see that birthing pains are being experienced.
It is in these difficult experiences and moments of hardship that also bring about great times of joy. This is the understanding captured in Hebrews 12:2; “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” If we are to only focus on what ISIS is doing, then we are going to miss the full story.
When God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, they came face to face with the dead end reality of the Red Sea. If that wasn’t bad enough, there was an approaching army that was seeking their destruction. Sound familiar? It was this reality that allowed a powerful demonstration of God being in control; the Red Sea parted, delivering God’s people. Terrorism is about striking up fear.
A similar situation of national security affected the life of David. When the shouts and provoking war cries of Goliath were heard, an entire nation was hiding in fear. David didn’t respond like everybody else, he confronted the threat and destroyed it. According to the reports around the many headlines, ISIS has a plan, but so did Goliath. The question is not what “plans are being spread”; the question is, “How are God’s people responding”? Be greatly encouraged as you are reminded that regardless of what men plan and conspire, God is still in control, looking for us to turn to Him, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: Eternity, Daniel, integrity, Rick Joyner, Morningstar Ministries, Jonah, David and Goliath, and perspective. Greg and Steve shared in this segment.
A look at Sharia Law in Indonesia; Is this what we want?
Recently, in the city of Banda Aceh, Indonesia, a gathering was held outside of a mosque. The reasoning is rather concerning. According to The Jakarta Post, the gathering was for the public sentencing of 6 individuals who were to receive 5 canings as just discipline for violating “Aceh’s Islamic bylaws, locally known as qanun.” The report continues, “two university students from Sieule regency, Wahyudi Saputra, 23, and Nur Elita, 20, were caned for committing khalwat (affectionate contact by an unmarried couple).” If that were not enough, the very imagery captures the crowds of people gathered around the canings, cheering. The canings were so severe that Elita had to be escorted to an awaiting ambulance.
Reportedly, Indonesia has one of the largest Muslim populations in the world. This is the application of Sharia Law. Can you imagine Americans being publicly caned? We cannot separate ourselves from this reality surmising that as long as it’s happening in Indonesia then it’s not happening in America. According to the Threat Knowledge Group, the ideas and values of ISIS are not only having a strong impact on the West, but they are also recruiting a shocking makeup of America’s culture. Within a 19-month span stretching between 2014 and 2015 there were 82 people interdicted by law enforcement. “Of the 82 people who have been apprehended by law enforcement, 52 (or 63%) are between the ages of 15 and 25 years old; the remaining 30 are between the ages of 26 and 47 years old. And 7 have been under the age of eighteen.”
What is happening to our children and young adults? There is a breakdown in family and we must recognize its existence. Is this happening to our young generation because of the idleness carried out each and every day? It is time for The Church to recognize it’s call and design in the days that we are facing. Understand a biblical perspective in the daily happenings of our world, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: Glenn Beck, The Blaze, Radical Islam, Sharia Law, family, cooking, seeds, and relationship. Greg and Steve shared in this segment.
