There's a phrase that echoes through both American history and the human soul: "the better angels of our nature." Jon Meacham revisits it in The Soul of America, drawing from Abraham Lincoln's appeal during one of the nation's most divided moments. Meacham's point is not naïve optimism. It's a sober recognition that we are always capable of our worst instincts: fear, division, self-preservation, but we are also capable of something higher. The "better angels" are not automatic.
Throughout Scripture, God is revealed as one who is forever on the move. From Genesis to Revelation, the Lord is consistently portrayed as advancing toward a divine and Glorious destination—the conclusion of His transcendent Plan. His triumph, already secured at the Cross, is approaching its fullness. Psalm 68 makes a notable and remarkable statement: "They have seen Your procession, O God, the procession of my God, my King, into the sanctuary."
Across history, societies drift when truth is compromised and leaders pursue power over righteousness. The biblical warnings found in Micah, Nahum, and the legacy of Omri reveal a pattern of generational compromise that can shape cultures and nations. Yet Scripture also points to another path of spiritual and moral awakening. In a time when America stands at a crossroads, the call remains the same: return to God, renew the heart of the Church, and awaken compassion in our communities.
In a dream the other night, I was watching a gathering where a woman was beginning to lead worship. She was describing her situation which was bleak and dry. I saw a rock sticking out of the ground as she described a hardness of soil and things not going well. And yet in spite of this, she began to speak of her faith in God and her unwavering hope in His promise to come through. She was standing alone, and yet her faith was resolute in a God that would not let her down. She began to weep and I woke up feeling the depth of her cry in the midst of a seemingly hopeless situation.
Ever walked into a room and felt the atmosphere change or feel a charged atmosphere? This sensation often stems from subtle cues like body language, tone of voice, or even unspoken emotions in the room. Such moments highlight how humans are attuned to nonverbal signals, shaping our perception of social dynamics and interpersonal interactions. In the Bible, this is also referred to as discernment.
One of the most frequent questions I hear from believers is, "How do I know if I'm really hearing from God?" It's a question that reflects both hunger and hesitation, the desire to hear Father's voice coupled with uncertainty about discerning it clearly. The good news is that clarity about what Father is saying comes through a practical discernment process that transforms how we hear and how we walk out Kingdom purpose on earth.
There is a dimension of Malachi 3 that is consistently overlooked. While we focus on the tithe and the promise of overflow, there is a broader context—one that reaches beyond personal blessing to the world's experience. God's people were never meant to survive like other nations. They were intended to be a model nation. A demonstration of life under God's rule, echoing God's declaration to Abraham that all the nations of the earth would be blessed through him. And their life would reveal God Himself. In Malachi, God wasn't only correcting giving habits. He was intent on restoring their global witness, making them a clear testament to His faithfulness once more.
Real prophets are not required to make life better for you! They are made to respond to God about us. You don't play with them or the other 4-fold ministry gifts that are called to help His Body. They each one have to work at what they each are called to do, be it local or beyond, to make a difference. They are people with a ministry and when each one does their calling, THE BODY WILL FUNCTION AND PROSPER!!! God places them across the lands, and they often are drawn to like kind.
Are there difficult circumstances in your life that you are facing? Financial, medical, family, or even legal issues that seem like a mountain looming before you? Fear and anxiety will only add to the mountain. And, if you speak those words of fear, it will make things worse. I assure you; I have done it myself before I learned to STOP speaking words contrary to God's will. What I do, when I see that mountain, is to turn my eyes to the Word of God. God's will is for us to live in victory over every financial, medical, or relationship mountain. So I look to Jesus and His Word and turn my eyes away from that mountain!
With so much exposure going on, when should we answer or critics (especially in response to the gifts of the Spirit)? While I understand that preachers and pastors cannot always give people an answer—I myself don't have time to read nor answer all the comments on my media feeds—there are times when we should explain our actions. It may not change the minds of those who are hell-bent on critiquing us, but it may clear up confusion for those in the middle.
Follow Up
