Politics – Dobra Family Ministry

Household Prayer: 2026 Midterm Elections

“Obtain for yourselves men who are wise, discerning, and informed from your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads.’” Deuteronomy 1:13 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/deu.1.13.NASB2020

Brothers, midterm elections are coming up. Meditating on Deut. 1:13 and praying for wisdom and discernment. Praying we engage and take dominion for the good of our families, churches, and neighbors and all glory be to God! Duty is ours, results are God’s

I use the Illinois Family Institute (IFI) voters guide along side my Bible and my local sample ballot to decide who to cast my vote for, then have a family meeting with prayer and devotional to review the ballot and why I made the choices I did.

IFI voter guide https://illinoisfamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IFI-VG-General-2026-16-pages-web-C.pdf

IFI local guides https://illinoisfamily.org/politics/2026-general-election-local-voter-guides/

2026 Peoria County sample ballot https://www.peoriaelections.gov/201/Sample-Ballots#docaccess-408ca6ce2c0354f318c6f77d2fad9075

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.33.12.NASB2020

Why application of God’s word in all areas of life for dominion taking and disciple making? Because Jesus’ “brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” Luke 8:21 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/luk.8.21.NASB2020

And “… blessed are those who hear the word of God and follow it.”” Luke 11:28 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/luk.11.28.NASB2020

THE GOOD NEWS

There is a God that created the heavens and the earth. We humans are created in His image.

We are sinners, we have rebelled against Him, our Creator. Our rebellion has brought “all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice… envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness” to the world. Romans 1:29-31 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.1.29-31.ESV

Therefore we justly deserve our due punishment of death and damnation, “as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.’” Romans 3:10-12 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.3.10-12.ESV

But good news! God is merciful and loving. Jesus is God the only begotten Son and He took our punishment upon Himself in our place. Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death and securing the hope of our salvation.

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1co.15.3-8.ESV

““Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”” Acts 2:36-38 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/act.2.36-38.ESV

We need only repent and believe it. Repent: turn away from our sins, proclaim Jesus is lord and savior, and we will be forgiven our sins and have life ever after! “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”” Romans 10:9-11 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.10.9-11.ESV

There is hope. Believe in Jesus! ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.3.16.ESV

It doesn’t matter who you’ve been or what you’ve done, God stands with arms wide open, ready to forgive you. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.1.9.ESV

Household Prayer: Constitution Day and Civil Dominion

“Unless the LORD builds a house, They who build it labor in vain; Unless the LORD guards a city, The watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.127.1.NASB2020

Brothers, America’s Founders signed the Constitution on September 17, 1787. Deliberations were saved from failing by a motion given on June 28, 1787 by Benjamin Franklin in which he quoted Psalm 127:1, “Unless the LORD builds a house, They who build it labor in vain”, and requested that “henceforth prayers, imploring the assistance of heaven, and it’s blessings on our deliberations, be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business; and that one or more of the clergy of the city be requested to officiate in that service.” This historical scene is depicted in the movie “A Great Awakening”. (1)

I pray for our civil leaders today, as Rev. William Rogers did a few days later, July 4, 1787, before the gathered assembly, “… will it please Thee, O Thou Eternal I AM, to favor them from day to day with Thy immediate presence; be Thou their wisdom and their strength! Enable them to devise such measures as may prove happily instrumental for healing all divisions and promoting the good of the great whole… that the United States of America may furnish the world with one example of a free and permanent government…” (2) I pray for your favor as we take dominion over our civil affairs for justice and the love of our neighbors, children, and grand children, and I pray we do it all to your glory Lord! In Jesus Christ’s name I pray – Amen.

“Unless the LORD builds a house, They who build it labor in vain; Unless the LORD guards a city, The watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.127.1.NASB2020

The Constitutional Convention, June 28, 1787, Benjamin Franklin told the others:

In this situation of this assembly, groping, as it were, in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the contest with Britain when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for the Divine Protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. . . And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance? I have lived, sir, a long time; and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, sir, in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel . . . and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a byword down to future ages. I therefore beg leave to move, that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business. (3)

References:

1 A Great Awakening https://www.agreatawakening.com

2 100 Bible Verses that Made America: Defining moments that shaped our enduring foundation of faith, by Robert J. Morgan

3 https://wallbuilders.com/resource/on-this-day-in-history-june-28-1787/

Household Prayer: Graduating Class of 2026

And because you are God’s workmanship, His own possession, you can know you were created with purpose for such a time as this, “so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” (1 Peter 2:9, Esther 4:14)

Classical Conversations homeschool community at Bethany class of 2026 Graduation

1 Your Commencement

Welcome friends and family and welcome Classical Conversations class of 2026…

This is your commencement.

The year of our Lord 2,026 is the 250th anniversary of America.

In 1776 what we know as the United States of America 🇺🇸 was born with the Declaration of Independence.

But where did such an idea come from?

Preceding the events of 1776 were the reformation and the great awakening.

The reformation put God’s word into the hands of every thirsty soul.

The church leadership had forgotten that no man had the authority to be gatekeepers of God’s word.

Paul says in 1st Timothy “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus,” (1 Timothy 2:5)

And in 2nd Timothy “the word of God has not been chained.” (2 Timothy 2:9 LSB)

Many reformers were martyred for printing bibles in the common man’s language.

As access to God’s word was opened, Spiritual awakenings and liberation broke out across Europe and drove the Pilgrims with God’s word to the new world.

The First Great Awakening started in New Jersey in the early 1700s… and in 1740 George Whitfield preached 175 sermons to tens of thousands of people during a 45 day itinerant preaching tour.

It was out of this spiritually fertile ground that the founders began to answer the questions such as
“In what sense are “all men . . . created equal”?
“What is human liberty?”
“What is prosperity, and how is wealth created?”

In 1776 these questions were addressed and became the theological foundation of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

A little side note, Site and Sound films made a movie called A GREAT AWAKENING that tells the true story of the friendship between George Whitfield and Benjamin Franklin that resulted in one of the most defining moments in American history. It’s still in theaters and I highly recommend it. https://www.agreatawakening.com

And, Isn’t it interesting how church history and the birth of our nation intertwine?

Why is this history lesson important to you six graduates on your commencement?

History, or His story, helps us understand our identity and our purpose and how our thoughts and actions can shape the future.

2 Your Identity

As you commence on this next season of the pilgrimage of life, remember your eternal identity.

God tells us in Ephesians 2 that He, God, “… being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ …”

God makes you eternally alive with Christ.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:4-10)

You are God’s creation, His tapestry.

Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)

And that is Good news!

And Because of the reality of Jesus’ resurrection we can know that sin and death have no hold over us.

And because you are God’s workmanship, His own possession, you can know you were created with purpose for such a time as this, “so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”(1 Peter 2:9, Esther 4:14)

Or, as you’ve heard in CC, To know God and make Him known.

3 Your Purpose

As you commence this season, knowing you have a purposeful identity, you should be seeking your specific calling or mission.

Your purpose is simple but not easy.

In simple terms we have a mandate as God’s image bearers to take dominion, and a commission to make disciples of all nations (Gen. 1:26-28, 2:15; Matt. 28:18-20).

Simple but not easy.

So whatever course you take, keep in mind your mandate and commission and “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people,” (Colossians 3:23)

4 Your Charge

There are dangers to be aware of on your journey.

The word muse comes from the latin musus, which is thinking, to think deeply. “… to think about something carefully and thoroughly”

To amuse, the root of amusement, is the opposite, it is unthinking. “to divert the attention… [and in some cases] to deceive”

Once you commence there will be many unthinking distractions to amuse you away from your purpose.

Be full of joy and full of fellowship, but resist the temptation to be amused into complacency.

A pastor I know, recently said:
“Passion starts things.
“Faithfulness sustains them.
“The Kingdom isn’t built by people who start strong.
“It’s built by people who endure when it gets hard.
“Don’t quit in the season God is using to shape you.”
So I want to encourage you to persevere. (Romans 5:3-4)

And By faith (Heb. 11:1-3,4,5…), get to work subduing and ruling, working and keeping, being fruitful and multiplying (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15), and making disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18-20)

Do what builds up and produces, not what tears down and consumes.

Find ways to produce, contribute, and serve your household, church, and community.

If you know God’s word, you know His will for you; to love God and love your neighbor.

Remember the reformers, the pilgrims, and the founders and how by faith, in everyday faithful living, the word of God and His salvation went forth.

In all you do proclaim the excellencies of God. Share His truth and the good news of His salvation to all creation in word and deed through everything you do (1 Peter 2:9; Mark 16:15; Romans 10:14-15).

5 benediction

And “Now may the God of peace…
equip you in every good thing to do His will through Jesus Christ,
to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”(Hebrews 13:20-21)

Household Prayer: Graduation and Commencement 2024 https://ministry.family.blog/2024/05/12/household-prayer-graduation-and-commencement/

Household Prayer: false philosophies

“When they say to you, “Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter,” should a people not consult their God? Should they consult the dead in behalf of the living? To the Law and to the testimony! If they do not speak in accordance with this word, it is because they have no dawn.” Isaiah 8:19-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/isa.8.19-20.NASB2020

Brothers, a lot of public and national attention is being given to false Christians. From Is. 8:19, wizards, mediums and the spiritists, charlatans, those claiming to be Christians but leading people astray into foolish philosophies of the world (Col. 2:8-10). From political candidates claiming abortion is biblical and using the Virgin Mary as an example – in a church! – 🤷‍♂️. Or “influencers” claiming Christian’s have to be socialists (guess we don’t need the last 5 commandments) 🤷‍♂️. All the devils work to discredit the true faith. “For false christs and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.” Matt. 24:24

“To the Law and to the testimony! If they do not speak in accordance with this word, it is because they have no dawn.” Isaiah 8:20. I pray for God to enchant our eyes, minds, and hearts with His word and give us feet swift to go and share the truth! (Eph. 6:15) I pray we lead our families in the truth, to know the one true God, “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.” (1 Tim. 2:1-6)

Sola Fide: by faith alone.
Sola Scriptura: by Scripture alone.
Solus Christus: through Christ alone. Sola Gratia: by grace alone.
Soli Deo Gloria: glory be to God alone!

“When they say to you, “Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter,” should a people not consult their God? Should they consult the dead in behalf of the living? To the Law and to the testimony! If they do not speak in accordance with this word, it is because they have no dawn.” Isaiah 8:19-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/isa.8.19-20.NASB2020

“See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over every ruler and authority;” Colossians 2:8-10 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/col.2.8-10.NASB2020

““You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male slave, or his female slave, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”” Exodus 20:13-17 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/exo.20.13-17.NASB2020

“For false christs and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:24 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.24.24.NASB2020

“and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace;” Ephesians 6:15 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/eph.6.15.NASB2020

“First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:1-6 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/1ti.2.1-6.NASB2020

Household Prayer: shine before people

““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.5.14-16.NASB2020

Brothers, meditating on Matt. 5:14-16; Acts 13:47; Eph. 5:8; Rom. 13:12-14; 1 Peter 2:9 and considering how simple, life long acts of holiness (being set apart for God) and obedience can shine the light of the gospel and give us opportunity to do our part for the creation mandate and great commission (Gen. 1:26-28, 2:15; Matt. 28:18-20). Recently a local civil magistrate reached out to Jessica as the representative of 7 Classical Conversations homeschool communities and has presented her and the students of those communities an opportunity to influence, ie. disciple, some future civil magistrates. I don’t want to over state it, details are yet to come, but praise God that…

Setting ourselves apart for Christ (the definition of holiness) in obedience to Christ in the education of our children as a means “to build a culture that expands outside the home and church under the Lordship of Christ” as “a particular, local, and shared great commission and creation mandate vision to disciple the nations and take dominion and fill the earth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ” … is shining a light that could make an impact. Praise and glory to God Most High! My prayer is that we continue to walk by faith.

“Christian education and Community in the church are the means to build a culture that expands outside the home and church under the Lordship of Christ. A particular, local, and shared great commission and creation mandate vision to disciple the nations, take dominion and fill the earth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Household Prayer: Why education and community – Dobra Family Ministry

“The homeschool faithful came out in force to evangelize, disciple, and teach (Matt. 28:18-20) the state legislature of Illinois and by God’s mercy it was defeated! I pray we keep being bold for the great commission this year. I pray that in Christ we will do our part, for the “government will rest on His shoulders… There will be no end to the increase of His government …” Isaiah 9:6-7 Duty is ours, results are God’s!” Household Prayer: new year, same mission: Take dominion, Make disciples – Dobra Family Ministry

““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.5.14-16.NASB2020

“For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have appointed You as a light to the Gentiles, That You may bring salvation to the end of the earth.’ ”” Acts 13:47 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/act.13.47.NASB2020

“for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light” Ephesians 5:8 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/eph.5.8.NASB2020

“The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let’s rid ourselves of the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let’s behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and debauchery, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” Romans 13:12-14 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.13.12-14.NASB2020

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” 1 Peter 2:9 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/1pe.2.9.NASB2020

Household Prayer: new year, same mission: Take dominion, Make disciples

“For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/isa.9.6-7.NASB2020

Brothers, still meditating on Christmas advent and thinking about the past year, and what a year it was! Last year started with a homeschool bill that would have placed the state in authority over children in place of their parents. All glory to God! The homeschool faithful came out in force to evangelize, disciple, and teach (Matt. 28:18-20) the state legislature of Illinois and by God’s mercy it was defeated! I pray we keep being bold for the great commission this year. I pray that in Christ we will do our part, for the “government will rest on His shoulders… There will be no end to the increase of His government …” Isaiah 9:6-7 Duty is ours, results are God’s!

Save the date: ICHE Cherry Pie Day 2026 – March 11th

Take dominion. Make disciples. By faith (Heb. 11:1-3,4,5…), get to work subduing and ruling, working and keeping, being fruitful and multiplying (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15), and making disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18-20) for “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10)

Rule yourself well, rule your household well, and bring God’s truth and grace into every sphere of life that you enter into until every nation proclaims “Jesus is Lord!” – Amen

“There is an obvious way to take dominion of the earth, then, and it is simply through obeying God… One simple act of obedience, which Knox fulfilled, is marriage and child-rearing… Those who are committed to raising and nurturing godly families are doing some of the greatest kingdom work imaginable… When you raise godly children, they eventually raise godly children of their own, who raise godly children of their own, and on it goes… God commands us to take dominion of the earth by ruling over it for His glory. He reveals that the best way to take dominion is through the fulfillment of the Great Commission… As we do this, entire nations will eventually be Christianized for Christ… You need to study the Scriptures to learn doctrines. Then, by applying the doctrines, we take dominion. The movement is always from doctrine to dominion.” Resist Tyrants, Obey God: lessons learned from the life and times of John Knox https://press.founders.org/shop/resist-tyrants-obey-god/

Government “was instituted by God Himself. We are not free to do government however we like. We’re bound to do it the way God designed it to be done… It is the duty of all of God’s image-bearers to labor for the wellbeing of others. [Matt. 7:12]… we should seek for every layer of our country to become as Christian as possible… If that’s the duty of all individuals, how much more so for government leaders? They are the ones God has specifically instituted to promote the public good… They’d be like the wicked servant who buried his master’s talents and made no attempt to return a profit. Instead, government officials must seek to increase the prevalence of Christianity in their country, laboring to return a profit. That’s what it means to promote the public good… ‘Kings shall be thy nursing fathers’ [Isaiah] (49:23)… the Lord has bestowed on them authority and power to defend the church and promote the glory of God.” King of Kings: a reformed guide to Christian government by James Baird https://press.founders.org/shop/king-of-kings/

Our families, wives and children, involved in our faith and ministry.

“When our days there were ended, we left and started on our journey, while they all, with wives and children, escorted us until we were out of the city. After kneeling down on the beach and praying, we said farewell to one another.” Acts 21:5 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/act.21.5.NASB2020

Household Prayer: 10/7 Praying for Justice part 2

“but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15 LSB https://bible.com/bible/3345/1ti.3.15.LSB

Brothers, A Follow-up and an application example to my previous prayer for justice. Why? Because it is a gospel issue and we are commanded to make disciples of all the nations and teach them to follow all that Jesus commanded (Matt. 28:18-20, 1 Tim. 3:15). This is also a “pick up the torch” from Charlie Kirk type of opportunity. This is a longer devotional, so in the blog post I give a long example. My prayer is, as it relates to our duty as husbands and fathers, that we learn good doctrine, how to apply it in our lives, and that we teach and pass it on to our children.

Doctrine and application of Justice

Good doctrine (orthodoxy) leads to good application (orthopraxy).

A Follow-up and an application to post Household Prayer: 10/7 Praying for Justice https://cybermick.com/2025/10/07/household-prayer-10-7-praying-for-justice/

For instance, DC Judge Kendra Briggs continuously allows violent criminals free to terrorize the community, “stating her job is to “rehabilitate,” not punish.”

Is it true (doctrine) that a judge’s job is to rehabilitate, and not punish? No. (Rom. 13:4, Deut. 16:19-20, Lev. 19:15, Prov. 17:15, 18:5, 21:15, 24:24; Gen. 9:6, Ex. 20:13, Num. 35)

How do we churchmen respond (application)? We be the prophetic voice to disciple and teach her all God has commanded (Matt. 28:18-20)! Declaring that she is denying the God ordained purpose for her role (Rom. 13:4), and that she will face the wrath of God if she does not repent (Acts 2:38-39). For her role is to be “… a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” (Rom. 13:4). Instead, she has determined that she is a law and savior unto herself. She needs to hear the good news that Jesus Christ is God and Lord of all and that salvation is found in no other (John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Rom. 7:7)!

If she were our local justice and does not respond and correct (repent), then we would use all legal means to remove her from her role in civil authority for she is unfit to be “a servant of God” (Rom. 13:4).

“The prescriptive interpretation [of verses 3-4 in Romans 13] holds that Paul is teaching what duties a government must fulfill, being tasked by God. If they fail to carry out what God prescribes for them, then there are systems created by God within the institution of human government itself, mainly in the further delegation of power to the lesser magistrate. This would also be used to explain when resistance is required on the part of a citizen.” “A Revolutionary Reading of Romans 13: A Biblical Case for Lawful Subjection to the Civil Magistrate and Dutiful Resistance to Tyrants” Timothy L. Decker, Founders Press 2023. https://press.founders.org/shop/a-revolutionary-reading-of-romans-13/

“Our [American] forefathers who founded this nation stood on the foundation of Christian thinking and Christian living… Those foundations have been intentionally destroyed by purveyors of wickedness. And the people of God have stood idly by as it happened.” https://founders.org/2022/11/18/a-requiem-for-my-nation/

“As the pillar and buttress of truth (1 Tim. 3:15), the local church is to have a prophetic voice in various spheres of society, promoting biblical truth… how else can magistrates be held accountable to that message except from the prophetic voice of the church? In this way, Christians, especially ministers ordained to gospel ministry, ought to engage in this governmental sphere prophetically… John the Baptist serves as a prophetic example… Mark 6:17-18.” “A Revolutionary Reading of Romans 13: A Biblical Case for Lawful Subjection to the Civil Magistrate and Dutiful Resistance to Tyrants” Timothy L. Decker, Founders Press 2023. https://press.founders.org/shop/a-revolutionary-reading-of-romans-13/

“DC Judge Kendra Briggs has allowed the two “teens” who jumped Edward … Coristine to avoid jail and sentenced them to simple probation, stating her job is to “rehabilitate,” not punish.” https://x.com/rightanglenews/status/1978478505231868087?s=46&t=Ag2lESY3ntUopWo1gN17hw

Jesus is Lord of all!

“for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” Romans 13:4 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.13.4.NASB2020

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” Matthew 28:18-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.28.19.NASB2020

“Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”” Acts 2:38-39 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/act.2.38-39.NASB2020

“Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/jhn.14.6.NASB2020

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.”” Acts 4:12 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/act.4.12.NASB2020

“What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? Far from it! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet.”” Romans 7:7 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.7.7.NASB2020

A Follow-up and an application to post Household Prayer: 10/7 Praying for Justice https://cybermick.com/2025/10/07/household-prayer-10-7-praying-for-justice/

Household Prayer: 10/7 Praying for Justice

““Whoever sheds human blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made mankind.” Genesis 9:6 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/gen.9.6.NASB2020

Justice

Brothers, on this 2nd anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel my heart is heavy for that event and all of the unjust lawlessness in our communities today. Meditating on Gen. 9:6, Ex. 20:13, and Num. 35. I am crying out to God for justice! I’m praying we stand bold for the atoning justice to heal our land even while praying for the salvation of those that need to be facing the death penalty. “…no atonement can be made for the land for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of the one who shed it.” Numbers 35:33

Maybe soft on crime injustice is sending the wrong message? “young people in Peoria…involved in violent crimes…six juveniles are currently facing …(RICO) charges for at least three murders and 12 shootings” https://x.com/mickdobra/status/1953935668242968892?s=46&t=Ag2lESY3ntUopWo1gN17hwi

“Peoria Police responded to calls about gunshots at a house on North Sheridan Road… Teen, man killed 15-year-old, hid him in carpet” Prosecutors: Teen, man killed 15-year-old, hid him in carpet

“The city of Peoria has seen an increase in shootings, specifically targeted attacks, according to Chief of Police Eric Echevarria.” Peoria experiencing increase in targeted shootings, Police Chief says | CIProud.com

“Father of 22-year-old woman who was brutally killed by a career criminal, absolutely unleashes during a House hearing against soft-on-crime policies. “[He] dragged her out of bed naked, forced on her knees with her hands over her head … BANG! Dead. Gone.” “Why? Because Alexander Davante Dickey, who was arrested 39 godd*mn times, 25 felonies, was on the street…” https://x.com/collinrugg/status/1972716966831120601?s=46&t=Ag2lESY3ntUopWo1gN17hw

“A grieving grandmother calls out D.C.’s unjust sentencing policies.” “He shot my grandson in cold blood SEVEN TIMES. And they didn’t consider that as first-degree murder? “The bottom line is that murder in D.C. is treated as a joke when it comes time to justice.” https://x.com/senjudiciarygop/status/1973029612319035852?s=46&t=Ag2lESY3ntUopWo1gN17hw

“A man who broke into a house and stabbed a child to death is now walking free. One of the most heinous miscarriages of justice in American history” https://x.com/mattwalshblog/status/1974176800960893033?s=46&t=Ag2lESY3ntUopWo1gN17hw

“The lesson to be learned here is that the state will inevitably fall into unlawful and ungodly rulings if the voice of God’s people is kept silent.” A Revolutionary Reading of Romans 13 https://press.founders.org/shop/a-revolutionary-reading-of-romans-13/

““You shall not murder.” Exodus 20:13 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/exo.20.13.NASB2020

““Whoever sheds human blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made mankind.” Genesis 9:6 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/gen.9.6.NASB2020

“‘… the murderer must be put to death.” Numbers 35:16 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/num.35.16.NASB2020

“…no atonement can be made for the land for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of the one who shed it.” Numbers 35:33 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/num.35.33.NASB2020

“for [the civil authority] is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” Romans 13:4 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.13.4.NASB2020

“He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.” Proverbs 17:15 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.17.15.ESV

“It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.” Proverbs 18:5 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.18.5.ESV

“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:3 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.21.3.ESV

“When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” Proverbs 21:15 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.21.15.ESV

“You shall not distort justice, you shall not show partiality; and you shall not accept a bribe, because a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and distorts the words of the righteous. Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, so that you may live and possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 16:19-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/deu.16.19-20.NASB2020 

“Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,” will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations, but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.” Proverbs 24:24-25 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.24.24-25.ESV

“Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.” Proverbs 25:26 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.25.26.ESV

“Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely. When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves. Proverbs 28:5, 12, 18 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.28.5-18.ESV

“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” Proverbs 29:2 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.29.2.ESV

“A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.” Proverbs 29:7 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.29.7.ESV

“When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall.” Proverbs 29:16 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.29.16.ESV

“‘You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you shall judge your neighbor in righteousness.” Leviticus 19:15 LSB https://bible.com/bible/3345/lev.19.15.LSB

“The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, And His soul hates one who loves violence. He will rain coals of fire upon the wicked, And brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup. For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; The upright will see His face.” Psalm 11:5-7 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.11.5-7.NASB2020

Peoria Area Activism Hub a Turning Point USA Chapter Prayer Vigil 9/22/2025: Pray for America

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)..” Ephesians 2:4-10 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/eph.2.4-10.NASB2020

Devotional for Peoria Area Activism Hub a Turning Point USA Chapter Prayer Vigil

Charlie Kirk, I believe, is one of the great evangelists of my generation, much like the Apostle Paul, and now a Christian martyr.

Paul in Athens

How was he like the great Apostle Paul?

Let’s look at Paul in Athens and his sermon on Mars Hill. Acts 17:16-34 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/act.17.16-34.NASB2020

Charlie understood the times in America like Paul observed the idols of Athens in his day.

And like Paul, Charlie found our marketplaces of idol worship and philosophy and went right into the center of them and reasoned for gospel truth.

And he brought thousands to the faith.

The ultimate soul saving message!

Darrell B. Harrison said, “Movements are transient and impermanent. But, when all has been said and done, what Charlie was engaged in, fundamentally, was apologetics—contending for and defending the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is a message not a movement, one that changes not only minds but hearts—which should be our ultimate goal. We must remember this as we work to honor his legacy.” https://x.com/d_b_harrison/status/1966875128102375884?s=46&t=Ag2lESY3ntUopWo1gN17hw

So what is the message?

The message is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Gospel means good news, but to understand the good news you must first understand the bad news.

There is a God that created the heavens and the earth. We humans are created in His image.

We are sinners, we have rebelled against Him, our Creator. Our rebellion has brought “all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice… envy, murder, strife, deceit, [and] maliciousness” to the world. Romans 1:29-31 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.1.29-31.ESV

Therefore we justly deserve our due punishment of death and damnation, “as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.’” Romans 3:10-12 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.3.10-12.ESV

When we die and stand before our creator we will be judged and given our just and righteous condemnation of hell.

That is bad news!

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/eph.2.4-10.NASB2020

““Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent [turn away from sin] and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”” Acts 2:36-38 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/act.2.36-38.ESV

Praise God for the good news that we can receive the gift of forgiveness and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is the only begotten son of God.

He became a man with no sin, and in accordance with the Scriptures He “died for our sins … he was buried…” and He was rose from death on the third day. Jesus is alive! 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1co.15.3-8.ESV

Jesus has taken all of the sins of those who believe in Him upon Himself so that we might be saved!

All praise and glory to God!

The mission

That’s the message, and all who believe and have been made new have a mission.

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” The great commission, Matthew 28:18-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.28.19.NASB2020

Truth

The Declaration Of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Let these truths be our message and the foundation of all we think and do.

Prayer Meeting: Prophetic Voice of Truth HB2827

Sing Psalm 144

https://youtu.be/XmCOpPFg1OY?si=9ttNsQ8P56MYF_Z7

being the prophetic voice against HB2827 (1 Tim. 3:15, Mark 6:17-18)

“As the pillar and buttress of truth (1 Tim. 3:15), the local church is to have a prophetic voice in various spheres of society, promoting biblical truth… how else can magistrates be held accountable to that message except from the prophetic voice of the church? In this way, Christians, especially ministers ordained to gospel ministry, ought to engage in this governmental sphere prophetically… John the Baptist serves as a prophetic example… Mark 6:17-18.” From “A Revolutionary Reading of Romans 13: A Biblical Case for Lawful Subjection to the Civil Magistrate and Dutiful Resistance to Tyrants” Timothy L. Decker, Founders Press 2023. https://press.founders.org/shop/a-revolutionary-reading-of-romans-13/

Has the Church even spoken out prophetically?

“If [a gospel minister] shall speak straight out & boldly, fearless of man, & only fearful lest he should grieve his God, he will stir the kennels of hell, & make all the hounds of Satan howl at his heels.” Charles Spurgeon

2) if it passes:

a) remaining, resisting and obeying God rather than men and facing the legal and social persecution (Acts 5:29)

“If the civil magistrate does not uphold what is prescribed to him in Romans 13:3-4 and the church’s prophetic voice has been ignored, then at that point the Christian finds it his duty to resist those who act dishonorably and out of alignment with the prescriptions of Scripture (esp. Rom. 13:3-4)…

“God’s law makes it clear that parents are to rule and raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Any man who does not take care of his family is worse than a pagan (1 Tim. 5:8)… Governments that incentivize single parenting and then take on the role of absentee father, providing income and shelter, are wicked. The moment civil government inserts itself in such ways, it has moved beyond the overlap of influence and entered into overreach…

“When governments extend themselves beyond this very narrow calling to which God has tasked them [Rom. 13:3-4]… then the church with its prophetic voice must call its own magistrate back from its desire to ever expand its influence. A good example would be the role of a ‘department of education.’ Is it the state’s responsibility to educate children and young adults? According to Romans 13, that does not seem to be included. Therefore, Christians should not be silent on such matters.” A Revolutionary Reading of Romans 13: A Biblical Case for Lawful Subjection to the Civil Magistrate and Dutiful Resistance to Tyrants” Timothy L. Decker, Founders Press 2023 https://press.founders.org/shop/a-revolutionary-reading-of-romans-13/ emphasis added

If you and your church have not been speaking out and discipling on this issue, then confess and repent!

It does not “take a village” to raise a child! It takes one man and one woman committed to each other and to God’s purpose and plan for their marriage. In other words – a natural family. God has provided and families need support communities of extended family and church groups. These support communities and civil governments, i.e. “villages,” should support the natural family’s role in raising their children, but should not subvert the parents God given rights. Unfortunately two current philosophies endorse the “village” subversion of parental rights and duties in our culture today: communism and humanism.

The communists see all lives as economic property of the state, and therefore, for example, “‘The worker-mother must learn not to differentiate between yours and mine; she must remember that there are only our children, the children of Russia’s communist workers.’” (“The Natural Family: Bulwark of Liberty” by Carlson and Mero, page 36)

Humanists (Atheistic or Secularist) see the family as a man made system that can be altered by those in power to their own needs, and therefore, “The day care center, . . . not the disintegrating home, represented the new human order. In the former, small children could be rescued from the shallow views of their parents, and reprogrammed for life in an androgynous, cooperative socialist order.” (“The Natural Family: Bulwark of Liberty” by Carlson and Mero, page 48)

b) relocation with a great commission strategy like the pilgrims to America (Jeremiah 29:5-7, Matthew 5:14-16)

3) if it fails: plan to worship and give thanks (Gen. 14:14-16, 18-20, 1 Sam. 11:11,13b, 15)

Pray

That Christ’s church would not be silent but speak a prophetic voice of God’s truth to civil authority that has rejected its God ordained responsibility and has taken for itself authority that God has not given.

We pray God would defeat IL house bill 2827.

We pray, if it is passed, that those that choose or must remain would obey God rather than men. That God would give them wisdom on when and how to refuse to submit His image bearers to Caesar in peaceful disobedience. We pray they will not fall away into apathy and compliance with the godless. We pray for perseverance in persecution.

We pray for those that flee that they go in full trust in the Lord and obedience to the creation mandate and great commission.

If the bill is defeated, we pray God’s people would gather in thanksgiving for God’s victory and worship Him.

Sing Psalm 24

https://youtu.be/990Q_yPIKeM?si=Ra_PR0IBpv16uwl-