Dear Family-

"Do you understand the times.do you know what to do?"  Those of you who were privileged to attend Summit know that this is their slogan and their mission; to arm young people with the wisdom of the scriptures so that they may know how to navigate the uncertain waters of their futures unafraid by placing their confidence in a God who is deeply in love with them and is truly sovereign over all the affairs of men.

The charge comes from 1 Chronicles 12:32 where we read, "From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take."

I hope you know that this country may be on the brink of major changes.  Our debt of over 15 trillion means that it now exceeds our Gross National Product or output.  Which one of you could continue to spend more than you take in week after week, month after month and instead run your households on credit cards without eventually facing major consequences for your actions?  I dare say none of you, however such is the reality of this nation as the clash of two visions for this country slows the progress of either.  But regardless of vision, with neither side backing down and being the first to proclaim "While we differ on vision, we can't keep spending the way we are and survive" then we find ourselves most certainly sunning ourselves on a deck chair of the Titanic.  We need a leader who has the follow through to make the deep sacrifices necessary to balance our national books regardless of vision. I don't see that happening anytime soon or soon enough to stop the bleeding before national bankruptcy and whatever that will bring us.

You know my political beliefs but this is not about those.  The truth is that it has been many years since I have put my faith in those beliefs as the cure all, end all,  panacea for our future.  The truth is that because of the human condition I.e. the corruption of our fallen nature both parties are guilty of lying, overspending, and overpromising to persuade voters to put their confidence more in what they say than what they do, if only to get elected.

Their words are full of empty rhetoric falling far short of what is needed in America at this time.  I remain convinced that nothing short of a revival will change this country.  Nothing.  If you have set your sights on the American Dream as your parents and grandparents have known it, I pray that you will set your sights fully upon a Dream instead that is truly "out of this world!" and one that you can count on no matter what changes are coming. Jesus had no faith in the political systems of his day, and we shouldn't either. Now would be the time to follow his lead as never before regarding your devotion to his certain Kingdom! One with no broken promises or empty rhetoric. How refreshing!!

I want to warn you to awaken from your spiritual slumber if indeed you have been sleeping.  And if you've been vigilant, that you remain so that in the day of the Lord, you will not be like a foolish virgin who didn't have enough oil in her lamp to welcome the bridegroom.  Matthew 25: 1-13

Mom and I pray for each of you every night.  May you each be like the tribe of Issachar, understanding the signs of the times and knowing the best course for you to take.

Remaining vigilant with you!

Love,

Dad and Mom