Shane Idleman

"For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones'" (Is. 57:15-16).

In this amazing passage, it's clear that if we prepare the sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart, God will bring the fires of revival. It's a great reminder that His Word always comes to pass. As the lyrics in a popular contemporary worship song attest, "When all hope is gone, and Your Word is all I've got, I have to believe You still bring water from the rock" (Spirit Lead Me).

How involved Christians should be in politics has been long debated. While many believe it is essential to particpate politics and to fulfill our civic duty, others think the church and Christians have no place in the political arena. Here are five reasons I believe Christians will stay out of politics this year:

Whether it's violence in our streets or perversion in our schools, something needs to change. You know it's true when shock rocker Ozzy Osbourne wants to leave "crazy" America!

One thing is crystal clear in America: If we truly want change, we must re-spark biblical boldness and flame the fires of biblical action. If we won't fight, then spiritually speaking, we will fade away.

Woke America hates the true God and hates this incredible nation that God established. This is why they're trying to shame us into silence by labeling us or by defining us according to skin color. We may be "woke," but we are worse off.

Remove pride and judgmentalism by humbling yourself (Matt. 7:5). Pride says, "The faults in others I can easily see, but praise God there's none in me." Ask, "Is this really something I need to address, or am I mad because my pride has been hurt?" Next, take your thoughts captive and err on the side of grace as you apply wisdom to the situation. Although not every conflict will be resolved, these biblical principles will tilt the odds in your favor. Be encouraged: God sees your heart and will reward you based on your actions, not the actions of the other person. You can't change them, but you can change yourself.

There is a saying that ships are safest in the harbor, but they are not made for the harbor. Remember, you were designed to weather storms successfully. When life becomes difficult and challenging, set your sights on the goal, not on the challenge. You were not created to fail; you were created to succeed—make sure that you remember the true meaning of success.

A desire to truly experience God runs deep within our veins. However, for most Christians, experiencing God is either elusive and frightening or impossible and improbable. But to the thirsty pilgrim, God’s presence is a wellspring of life. Do we fight for it, or let it fade away? Do we contend for a deeper walk with God, or complain about our life? Do we pursue God like never before, or postpone intimacy?

Pastors (and Christian leaders alike) must take responsibility for the spiritual health of today’s church and the nation. We don’t need more political correctness; we need men and women filled with the Spirit of God. Leaders, we are not just cheerleaders; we are game-changers. We are called to stir and to convict so that change takes place. Granted, there are many wonderful pastors and churches, but, as a whole, the church has drifted off course. They have lost the compass of truth and the boldness of the Spirit.

A recent article by Mitt Romney titled America is in Denial caught my eye because while I wholeheartedly agree that we are a nation in denial, the conclusions Romney drew concern me. In the article, he bashes Trump while completely glossing over the election shenanigans. He then says that "President Joe Biden is a genuinely good man." Confused? So was I.