I am shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here.
Your winnings, sir.
Oh, thank you very much.

The ironically humorous exchange with Rick and Captain Renault in the movie Casablanca came to mind as I witnessed the events of today.

I am shocked, shocked…

Truthfully, the modicum of shock I do have is that there’s any shock at all. 

Shocked? Really? At what? Why?

What we are witnessing lies at the very root of the foundation of this and every country that has ever existed. No exceptions.

In the 6th and 7th chapters of the Book of Joshua is the account of God giving clear and specific direction to the behavior of His people. Fast-forward, one person (just one person) didn’t adhere and the ramifications for his misdeed impacted the entire cult.

What was God’s response? I can’t continue with you if you don’t rid yourselves of the cursed things.

I am shocked, shocked…

I believe transformation is possible only when a nadir is reached. I also believe there is no transformation without first acknowledgement and confession. There’s much to acknowledge and confess. Much! And, unless there is a willingness to see the need for change, change will simply be a verbal aspiration, not a transformational reality. In fact, future similar events are inevitable.

Across social media are numerous calls for prayer. That’s a good idea. Still, our God’s directive was very clear, You won’t be able to face your enemies until you have gotten rid of these cursed things.

Categories: Christian Christianity Community Prayer Sedition Washington

Pastor Mark

A p-k (preacher’s kid), Mark is the eighth of nine children born to Reuben and Henrietta Meeks, prolific planters of nearly 30 churches throughout the Central Valley of California. After four decades of teaching, discipling, and ministering, including to the hospitalized and imprisoned, Mark responded to God’s call to pastoral ministry. In addition to degrees in civil engineering and public administration, Mark received his Masters in Theology from Fuller Seminary.