Your "Open Eyes" piece is very timely and packed with thought provoking insight. I recently came across a message given three years ago by Max Lucado which "OPENED" my "EYES" concerning prayer. I have listen to this message 3 times now and I have learned something different each time. Erick, I pray for you and your efforts in following the will of Christ in your life. I also pray 🙏 for complete healing of all the medical issues that you and your wife both are dealing with.
This is a much needed piece. Thanks, Eric. However, the lengthy comment below starting with Romans 12:18 has a valid point too.
Angels and Providence have protected me all my life. Providence kept me from being drafted after I dropped out of Brown University in 1970 at the age of 19. Angels and Providence keep me safe on the road as I drive. The Book of Daniel indicates that angels were involved in the struggles between empires prior to the time of Jesus Christ. We can assume they are so involved now. God is a God of judgment. He begins with His own people (I Peter 4: 16-19) but judges all in His creation as well.
This is a much needed piece. I'm so glad to read it and the comments are equally encouraging.
I think we've all been wondering - from our myriad perspectives - what is happening to our country/world. Anger, rage... showing up to protests with weapons when there is no threat?
One very simple thing that I have done that has made a world of difference in how I experience my day is this: I turned my TV off and stayed away from media that even 'whiffs' of antagonism.
Hating, being angry and frustrated all the time is just too much work - or maybe I just have a too-short attention span, in which case, I'm very grateful.
Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." The question is how to deal with people who are unwilling to live at peace with you. As a Trump supporter, my opinion is that about half of our country has no desire at all to live in peace with Trump, or any of his supporters. Even if Trump hung himself for the good of the country (in their view), the twitter world would likely be aflame with "rot in hell" and "Hitler comparisons." If Trump got infected with Corona virus and died, there would probably be celebrations similar to parts of the Islamic world celebrating the 911 attacks. If the Democrats won the 2020 election, they might even try to declare Trump’s hanging a national holiday just like the English did with Guy Fawkes (who failed to blow up parliament).
Trump has actually made peace with a lot of his former political enemies, which is why his support is in the mid-90’s in the Republican party. Trump gets along well with both Senator Graham and Senator Paul, who in terms of supporting foreign wars are polar opposites. Trump’s fierce primary battle with Senator Cruz is a thing of the past. Trump is working well with Senator McConnell and the vast majority of Republican Senators to confirm his judicial picks. Many former anti-Trump conservatives are no longer anti-Trump, including Rick Lowry (NR) and columnists at Red State and Town Hall. Erick took a lot of grief for ending his war with Trump and anybody who followed his posts on the Resurgent website could see the anti-Trump trolls had no desire to live at peace with him or to intelligently discuss any of his views.
The bottom line is that there will be always be a fierce battle in this world between good and evil and both forces will fight for political control. In Matthew 23, Jesus had quite a few negative words to say about the Pharisees and teachers of the law, who except for a few exceptions like Nicodemus were at perpetual war with Jesus and the truth of God that he taught. Trump is in no way Jesus, but in terms of political truth, his policies align with conservative values as much or more than any Republican President. Trump’s political opponents (both Democrats and the remaining Never-Trump contingent) have zero intention to ever make peace with Trump because they detest his political policies. So even though Trump can get along with Mexican President Obrador, shake hands with North Korea’s Kim, and negotiate a trade deal with China’s President Xi, I believe it is virtually impossible for Trump to ever have peace with the Democratic-media, or for the roughly half of our country who would probably cheer loudly if he dropped dead.
I know Erick. I was referring to when the Resurgent comment section was active. It is a tragedy that many people are unable to engage in friendly debate over policy differences and they only seem to be able to call names. As a political conservative and a conservative Christian, it is particularly sad for me to see many people on the right being very disrespectful of Dr Fauci and Dr Birx, distorting what they have recommended to try and stop a dangerous virus from killing a multitude and Americans.
Please, please take this in the way it is intended. Please. I agree completely with this article. Yet, it has seemed to me lately that you have been so angry with the people who do not agree with you about the virus. You have called us names, villified us, because we have a different take, based on the same data. I love this article and I think it also calls me to ask God to open my eyes to my own stubbornness. Oh yes! I have had my neck hair on end for weeks now!
Thank you. I’ve always been fascinated by the story and your take on how it applies to us now is sound and a great encouragement. May I put it into practice today!
“Break bread with those with whom you disagree”—- if done in love, it will change the landscape in America. Thank you. Lord help us be filled with faith in You and love toward others
Genesis 50:20 God meant it unto good.......to save much people alive. God the father in His love for man must disciple the heart of man. Jeremiah 17:9,10. The pandemic, the virus, the bitterness, hatred of this world is a grief to the God of love. These are the days to make our peace with Him. There won’t be too many more!
Thanks for that this morning. One of my favorite passages.
I have been very frustrated of late with fellow conservatives taking stands on ground not worth fighting for. I am a local county commissioner. We have public county leaders going to war on Facebook over not wearing masks. Some of the points they are trying to make are unbelievably bad arguments.
We should be focused as leaders on how we can safely get the economy reopened, reassuring the public that they can be safe with proper precautions, and caring for those with health concerns that may limit their ability to fully engage.
What are you thinking about, in terms of helping people with health concerns? All I hear is, "Go back into lockdown." Seems like there should be other possibilities.
I'm thinking about, for example, elderly people in our church, who are afraid to get out, taking care of their grocery needs, making accomodations for them in our worship services, etc.
We have been having a weekly drive-in service with a radio transmitters. We will probably move back in the building in a few weeks, with social distancing measures, but keep the radio signal for those afraid to come in the building etc.
I'm basically talking about trying to accomodate peoples' concerns in a caring way, instead of insulting them and calling them cowards....
Drive-in service is a great idea; right now churches here are using Zoom or some Facebook thing, and not everyone has internet. Plus people like to *go* to church.
World needs more caring now. Thanks for the answer!
Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I have been in a rage over the politicians and the media and this is a great reminder to trust the unseen hand of God. Needed this. Thanks.
Your "Open Eyes" piece is very timely and packed with thought provoking insight. I recently came across a message given three years ago by Max Lucado which "OPENED" my "EYES" concerning prayer. I have listen to this message 3 times now and I have learned something different each time. Erick, I pray for you and your efforts in following the will of Christ in your life. I also pray 🙏 for complete healing of all the medical issues that you and your wife both are dealing with.
https://youtu.be/j8TCYIZ7gbo
ANYONE who listens to this message WILL be blessed.
Thank you, Erick Erickson, for speaking TRUTH and standing firm‼️❤✝️🙏
This is a much needed piece. Thanks, Eric. However, the lengthy comment below starting with Romans 12:18 has a valid point too.
Angels and Providence have protected me all my life. Providence kept me from being drafted after I dropped out of Brown University in 1970 at the age of 19. Angels and Providence keep me safe on the road as I drive. The Book of Daniel indicates that angels were involved in the struggles between empires prior to the time of Jesus Christ. We can assume they are so involved now. God is a God of judgment. He begins with His own people (I Peter 4: 16-19) but judges all in His creation as well.
This is a much needed piece. I'm so glad to read it and the comments are equally encouraging.
I think we've all been wondering - from our myriad perspectives - what is happening to our country/world. Anger, rage... showing up to protests with weapons when there is no threat?
One very simple thing that I have done that has made a world of difference in how I experience my day is this: I turned my TV off and stayed away from media that even 'whiffs' of antagonism.
Hating, being angry and frustrated all the time is just too much work - or maybe I just have a too-short attention span, in which case, I'm very grateful.
Thank you for this, Eric!
Such great scripture to remind us that our best defense is the power of prayer! Thanks
Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." The question is how to deal with people who are unwilling to live at peace with you. As a Trump supporter, my opinion is that about half of our country has no desire at all to live in peace with Trump, or any of his supporters. Even if Trump hung himself for the good of the country (in their view), the twitter world would likely be aflame with "rot in hell" and "Hitler comparisons." If Trump got infected with Corona virus and died, there would probably be celebrations similar to parts of the Islamic world celebrating the 911 attacks. If the Democrats won the 2020 election, they might even try to declare Trump’s hanging a national holiday just like the English did with Guy Fawkes (who failed to blow up parliament).
Trump has actually made peace with a lot of his former political enemies, which is why his support is in the mid-90’s in the Republican party. Trump gets along well with both Senator Graham and Senator Paul, who in terms of supporting foreign wars are polar opposites. Trump’s fierce primary battle with Senator Cruz is a thing of the past. Trump is working well with Senator McConnell and the vast majority of Republican Senators to confirm his judicial picks. Many former anti-Trump conservatives are no longer anti-Trump, including Rick Lowry (NR) and columnists at Red State and Town Hall. Erick took a lot of grief for ending his war with Trump and anybody who followed his posts on the Resurgent website could see the anti-Trump trolls had no desire to live at peace with him or to intelligently discuss any of his views.
The bottom line is that there will be always be a fierce battle in this world between good and evil and both forces will fight for political control. In Matthew 23, Jesus had quite a few negative words to say about the Pharisees and teachers of the law, who except for a few exceptions like Nicodemus were at perpetual war with Jesus and the truth of God that he taught. Trump is in no way Jesus, but in terms of political truth, his policies align with conservative values as much or more than any Republican President. Trump’s political opponents (both Democrats and the remaining Never-Trump contingent) have zero intention to ever make peace with Trump because they detest his political policies. So even though Trump can get along with Mexican President Obrador, shake hands with North Korea’s Kim, and negotiate a trade deal with China’s President Xi, I believe it is virtually impossible for Trump to ever have peace with the Democratic-media, or for the roughly half of our country who would probably cheer loudly if he dropped dead.
I finally deleted the comments section there.
I know Erick. I was referring to when the Resurgent comment section was active. It is a tragedy that many people are unable to engage in friendly debate over policy differences and they only seem to be able to call names. As a political conservative and a conservative Christian, it is particularly sad for me to see many people on the right being very disrespectful of Dr Fauci and Dr Birx, distorting what they have recommended to try and stop a dangerous virus from killing a multitude and Americans.
Erick,
Please, please take this in the way it is intended. Please. I agree completely with this article. Yet, it has seemed to me lately that you have been so angry with the people who do not agree with you about the virus. You have called us names, villified us, because we have a different take, based on the same data. I love this article and I think it also calls me to ask God to open my eyes to my own stubbornness. Oh yes! I have had my neck hair on end for weeks now!
Peace, brother!
Excellent Erick!!
Thank you. I’ve always been fascinated by the story and your take on how it applies to us now is sound and a great encouragement. May I put it into practice today!
Excellent article and a good word for these times. Thanks for the encouragement!
This passage and your take on it moved me to get a subscription. Thank you.
“Break bread with those with whom you disagree”—- if done in love, it will change the landscape in America. Thank you. Lord help us be filled with faith in You and love toward others
Great encouraging word today - thanks!
Thank you so much for this. And thanks for making it public.
Genesis 50:20 God meant it unto good.......to save much people alive. God the father in His love for man must disciple the heart of man. Jeremiah 17:9,10. The pandemic, the virus, the bitterness, hatred of this world is a grief to the God of love. These are the days to make our peace with Him. There won’t be too many more!
Thanks for that this morning. One of my favorite passages.
I have been very frustrated of late with fellow conservatives taking stands on ground not worth fighting for. I am a local county commissioner. We have public county leaders going to war on Facebook over not wearing masks. Some of the points they are trying to make are unbelievably bad arguments.
We should be focused as leaders on how we can safely get the economy reopened, reassuring the public that they can be safe with proper precautions, and caring for those with health concerns that may limit their ability to fully engage.
What are you thinking about, in terms of helping people with health concerns? All I hear is, "Go back into lockdown." Seems like there should be other possibilities.
I'm thinking about, for example, elderly people in our church, who are afraid to get out, taking care of their grocery needs, making accomodations for them in our worship services, etc.
We have been having a weekly drive-in service with a radio transmitters. We will probably move back in the building in a few weeks, with social distancing measures, but keep the radio signal for those afraid to come in the building etc.
I'm basically talking about trying to accomodate peoples' concerns in a caring way, instead of insulting them and calling them cowards....
Drive-in service is a great idea; right now churches here are using Zoom or some Facebook thing, and not everyone has internet. Plus people like to *go* to church.
World needs more caring now. Thanks for the answer!
Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I have been in a rage over the politicians and the media and this is a great reminder to trust the unseen hand of God. Needed this. Thanks.