We are not even a full month into this new administration and orders are being signed at a mind-numbing pace – orders that nullify the voice of the people AND the voice of those we have elected. 42 executive actions signed in seven days.   A process has been initiated that circumvents the normalcy of how we do government in this country; a process that negates the confines of democracy.

“West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey led a six-state coalition writing that state attorneys general will be vigilant in watching for and opposing federal overreach, especially when such action puts jobs and civil liberties at risk…  ‘The President cannot cut constitutional corners or shirk statutory strictures without inevitably doing more harm to our country than good,’ Attorney General Morrisey led in writing. ‘The foundations of our republic and American life are embedded within our Constitution’s carefully crafted design. Accordingly, today by this letter we respectfully urge you when pursuing your policy priorities to honor the core constitutional tenets which should be appreciated and respected by every person entrusted with the honor and burdens of the presidency.’” (WBOY 12 News Staff, “W. Va. Attorney General led 6 states in drafting a letter to President Joe Biden”)

Things appear to be so out of sync that even the New York Times editorial staff has asked the president to consider the ramifications of his actions.

A polarized, narrowly divided Congress may offer Mr. Biden little choice but to employ executive actions or see his entire agenda held hostage. These directives, however, are a flawed substitute for legislation. They are intended to provide guidance to the government and need to work within the discretion granted the executive by existing law or the Constitution. They do not create new law — though executive orders carry the force of law — and they are not meant to serve as an end run around the will of Congress. By design, such actions are more limited in what they can achieve than legislation, and presidents who overreach invite intervention by the courts. (The Editorial Board, “Ease Up on the Executive Actions, Joe”, 1/27/21, The New York Times)

What is even more bizarre is that before the elections Joe Biden himself spoke at a town hall on October 15, 2020 with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos about those who rule by executive order. “I have this strange notion. We are a democracy. Some of my Republican friends and some of my Democratic friends even say: well if you can’t get the votes, by executive order you’re going to do something, things you can’t do by executive order unless you’re a dictator.”

Even our current president went on record condemning such behavior, and yet here we are. I am reeling from the reality of what has transpired in just over two weeks of a new administration. The extreme left-wing agenda has gone beyond threats to silence the conservative voice. This overhaul though should not result in hands-thrown-up in despair. This overhaul should provoke a fire in your spirit!

This is an assault on two First Amendment freedoms: freedom of speech (coerced artistic expression) and the free exercise of religion (the freedom to live your life consistently with your beliefs).

Additionally, the Equality Act outlaws counseling—which is clearly speech—that seeks to advise young people struggling with gender dysphoria. Counseling is legal if the counselor urges the young person to identify with a new gender, but it is illegal if the counselor wishes to help the young person work to return to comfort with their biological sex.

That is called viewpoint discrimination and is likewise a classic violation of the freedom of speech.

The ACLU also supports the Equality Act. The irony is the ACLU used to be the organization that would defend those with whom they disagreed. They used to understand that if you want freedom of speech for yourself you must defend it for others, even those with whom you vehemently disagree. (Michael Farris, “What the Biden Administration Can Expect To Meet in Court”)

We are clearly on the edge of an abyss, with a cataclysmic storm in our eyesight.

How Do We Navigate These Days?

The enemy claims victory when we lay aside the Word, when we lay aside HIS principles.

He is the first and last word!  “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Rev 1:8)

Stand firm on the Word of God. It is our anchor in this world of shifting sands. Declare His Truth as you read your Bible each day; there is LIFE in the living Word of God:

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. Col 1:21-23 (emphasis is mine)

We were once lost and have been reconciled. Do we doubt that our God can move in that same way in the leaders that presently lead our nation, our states, and our local governments? Be steadfast, grounded, and unmoved.

We need only look at Paul to realize that no one is beyond reach in the Father’s eyes.

He needs those of us will stand on the battlefield, KNOWING whose we are, knowing who we are – and knowing HE carries the victory. Will we carry the banner of praise? Will we worship Him in this storm?

Will we stand up? Will we be a voice for truth? Will we be bold in our faith and our prayers? Will we commit to never settling for this world, but settle only to be established on the chief cornerstone and His kingdom principles?

Ask God for eyes to see in this season. Ask Him to refine the way you pray – so that we might pray BIG prayers in this hour!  This is not the moment to sit on the sidelines. We cannot get stagnant, apathetic, demoralized, or despaired. We cannot fall for the lie that it really doesn’t matter what we pray; God is simply going to do what He is going to do. At the depth of our hearts, do we really believe that? Our prayers matter!  They battle in the heavenlies for strongholds to be broken, for captives to be set free, and for mountains to be thrown into the sea!  Fight. Suit up!  Our battle is NOT against flesh and blood but against the powers of darkness.

I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.  (Job 42:2)

…Be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. (Eph 6:10-13 AMP)

More than ever before, your voice matters!  Don’t be intimidated. We have the armor of God; we are empowered from on high!  We need to shout the rally cry!  Who is with us? Let’s pray this nation through this season – and pray for a greater manifestation of His Glory and presence than this world has ever seen!  Let’s pray for the next GREAT AWAKENING!