Stand Together…or Fall Apart

The Bible declares, “In the last days perilous times will come. There will be wars and rumors of wars – the love of many will wax cold, but those who stand and endure will be saved.” As Jesus looked down at Jerusalem before His crucifixion, fully aware of the prophesied desolation and destruction of the city, He offered the most awesome invitation to come to the shelter of His wings and the shadow of the Almighty as He expressed the longing of His heart in the following way, “As the hen offers security and safety beneath her wings, so our God lovingly offers us the necessary protection and provision no power of Pharaoh, flesh, governments, or mere promises of man can possibly provide.”

As a nation we presently face the potential catastrophic consequences of a steady departure from God, His truth, His promises, and the principles that have proven to be as solid as granite rock. They are never actually broken; they are defied by mankind and the consequences always, ultimately break those who rebel. Referencing once again what President Lincoln said, “If destruction be our lot, we ourselves will be its author and finisher.” God’s Word frequently asks, “Have you not done this to yourselves”…by defying God and disregarding His will?

Jesus’ prayer that His disciples and all who believe in Him would become one with the Father and with each other has never been more critically important. He stated that the “world would know we are His disciples because we love one another and those who love Him” will seek with all their hearts to “keep His commandments.” 

Today many only “honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him.” Much of our population, including some professing religious people, have moved away from principles based on biblical truth and true believers have refused to become one. Many have allowed a disagreement to lead to divorce not only in marriages, but within the family of God rather than allowing iron to sharpen iron and become a keener, more meaningful cutting edge. People of faith have bludgeoned one another and hit head on, dulling the effectiveness of the cutting edge of truth. Our nation is discussing, defending and trying to impose practices that show no regard for life, liberty, truth and realistic possibilities of pursuing true happiness.

Can you believe that as I have called for prayer regarding a spiritual awakening, a return to God and the restoration of freedom’s foundation, I have been called a racist, a political activist, a fool, homophobic, and against individual rights. Nothing could be further from the truth! I want all who are poor and who suffer to find not only help, but hope. I openly oppose selfishness and greed and the indifference that has not only left people unnecessarily struggling, but allowed the promises of men to be substituted for the truth of God. Any hope for meaningful help from God has been replaced by an out-of-control, all-consuming federal government. The blame is not to be laid at the feet of any one party or politician. This drift away from God, godliness and the principles of our founders has been increasing for many decades.

Those of you who know anything of our ministry know that the last thing in the world I am is racist. In the early 1960’s I was openly fighting for desegregation, civil rights and exalting the importance of granting equal opportunity and respect to all – regardless of race or social standing. I was openly taking a stand in stadiums and coliseums in behalf of civil rights in harmony with Martin Luther King, Jr. and other ministry leaders, including Billy Graham.

We have spent over 20 years saving the lives of the beautiful, precious children and their families on the continent of Africa. We have continually assisted and encouraged all people to share their blessings with others. We have provided food for the hungry and clean water for the thirsty in many impoverished areas of the world. We have diligently sought to help the helpless and those who suffer in over 50 nations.

Betty and I, along with caring ministers and missionaries, have inspired people from all races, denominations, classes, economic levels and political parties to join us recognizing the importance of proving that “love never fails.” We share love daily around the world through television encouraging those who struggle and are defeated, continually offering them hope and spiritual help. Our prayer center is taking calls from people with broken hearts and in need of spiritual encouragement 24 hours a day.

I have boldly pointed out that all political parties have failed to properly address issues they were chosen to wisely deal with. Far too often those elected disregard not only those they represent, but the principles of our founders and the Constitution itself. Just this week in California a judge struck down the law defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman, misinterpreting the Constitution with a clenched fist in the face of a holy God while denying biblical and moral truth. I believe according to God and biblical truth that marriage is a union between a man and a woman. California, as well as the people in every state when gay marriage is on the ballot, has voted against it.

In love, our ministry has and always will offer hope to any homosexual or heterosexual who has failed. We have all missed the mark. Our failure, however, does not negate, nullify or lessen the importance of moral standards. There is an all-out assault on marriage and the family. This is in fact an attack on religious beliefs and moral absolutes. The negative effect is clearly demonstrated in the fact that 50 years ago illegitimacy was five percent, now it is over 40 percent.

There is an attack on the Judeo-Christian faith, basic morality and freedom itself. May God help us to learn the importance of standing together in love on the foundation of truth and refusing to compromise by bowing to the godless trends being thrust upon the American people and the world. If we do not resist the influence of the powers and principalities of darkness, putting on the whole armor of God and stand together, we will in fact fall apart. Jesus clearly understood the importance of prayer and the liberating power of unadulterated truth.

It’s amazing to hear how some have reacted to my call for an awakening and repentance saying they will no longer help us help others – spiritually or by meeting their needs. They have slapped a label on me obviously misunderstanding what God has taught me through many months of prayer and over 60 years observing the consequence of men’s actions which are very disturbing. I deeply love all who misunderstand my concern and misrepresent it. Please hear not only my heart, but the heart of God.

I desire to offer meaningful help and real hope to everyone. This hope can only be found in God and those who express His heart while standing firmly on His word. It is in this way that Jesus will be lifted up and draw others to Himself. I long for everyone to see Jesus clearly. Each one of us needs to be refreshed by the presence of the Lord through personal repentance and His abounding grace.

How can true believers not presently stand together unwavering in defense of the unborn – the most innocent, helpless of all God’s creation? Had the present prevailing laws been in place in 1943, I would never have been born to a desperate 41-year-old woman who had been forced into a sexual relationship. I would have been aborted! Our two daughters and seven of our grandchildren would have never been born had the practices today been in place at my conception.

This is not even referencing the more than 20 million people who have made public professions of faith in Christ as I have proclaimed the gospel in stadiums, coliseums and churches. What about the millions of people whose lives have been saved through the mission and relief outreaches of LIFE around the world? Millions of precious little lives along with their family members have been rescued by the love of God we have been privileged to share with the help of caring Christians and compassionate people.

When you stop and think about America alone, we have not only witnessed, but have allowed the practice to continue with over 50 million unborn children aborted in what should be the safest place on the planet: a mother’s womb. To even mention that these things should be prayerfully considered and a legitimate concern brings vicious anger, wrath, protests and accusations as well as name calling from those who disagree.

If there has ever been a time when we need your prayers and for you to stand with us maintaining the wonderful outreaches God has called us to, it is at this time. Please, please pray for us that God will inspire believers to stand together and that those who care will join uscontinuing to share the life and love of God along with relief and help to those who suffer. If you believe in what God has called us to do, please prayerfully support the outreaches of LIFE.

Together we find indescribable joy demonstrating the truth illustrated in the story of the Good Samaritan.