I Prayed have prayed
Father, we thank You for the results of the 2024 election. We ask You to continue to stir up Your church. Let us not waste this opportunity!
Reading Time: 7 minutes

The November 2020 election results rightly left countless millions distraught and filled with dread for the future of our country.  Out of that concern and lament, a national prayer movement launched, which possibly would not have formed otherwise. Four long years of faithful, fervent, and travailing prayer brought us these miraculous election results of 2024. When the Lord hears the prayers of a nation, it is fitting to thank Him with the same zeal we beseeched Him with.

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He answered their prayers because they trusted Him.
~ I Chronicles 5:20

To those who knelt low on their kneelers and those who were seated high atop the watchman’s wall, give thanks to the Lord with a grateful heart!  To those who were hungry for the meat of brave preachers and those who were thirsty for the words of the prophets, give thanks to the Lord with a grateful heart! To those who spoke the truth in the face of lies and those who employed the gift of distinguishing between spirits, give thanks to the Lord with a grateful heart!

To those who resisted the leaven of Herod and those who released the leaven of the Kingdom, give thanks to the Lord with a grateful heart!  To those who prayed without food and those who worshiped without ceasing, give thanks to the Lord with a grateful heart!  To those who suffered loss for their beliefs and those who were reviled, and persecuted, and had all kinds of evil uttered against them: Rejoice! For great is your reward in heaven.

I never set out to be a political commentator, and in the familiar sense of the term, I am still not one.  I am a brother of Christ who is deeply disturbed to see both believers and churches succumb to the deceptions of wokeness, leftism, and globalism.  The antichrist spirit has enthroned itself on this rotted, three-legged stool, the same stool from which winsome preachers muse on the nuance of abortion, the horrors of whiteness, and the unforgivable sins of America’s founding.

These are often the very same leaders who scold Christians not to be political.

The word politics is immediately construed as the corrupt and conniving tactics of crooked, public self-servants.  But in its etymological sense, politics, from polus, is simply the spiritual or secular governance of a citizenry and its behavior. This is precisely why the New Testament church in the First Century was not called a synagogue or a temple but the Ecclesia.  In Roman times, the Ecclesia was an authoritative gathering or council of the polus and was actively embedded in the center of the public square.

Witnessing how many preachers remained silent about the recent election has been both dismaying and disheartening.  While I have written much on our presidency this year, I wrote one final plea last week charging pastors to equip their sheep before they stepped into the shearing booth.  Tragically, even on the Sunday before the election, many pastors chose to remain silent.

It is a poor sermon that gives no offense; that neither makes the hearer displeased with himself nor with the preacher.
~ George Whitefield

What Kind of Blue Did He Say?

A recently published national map exhibits the ten most post-Christian cities in America.  Two of these cities are on the West Coast, and the remaining eight are here in the Northeast.  You don’t have to be painter Bob Ross to quickly see this glaringly obvious portrait — The Northeast paints its political palette not with Van Dyke Brown, Titanium White, or even Bright Red. No, the once sacred cradle of two Great Awakenings prefers its politics in deep Phthalo Blue.

This happy-little axiomatic equation is obvious: Deep blue politics yields post-Christian culture, and post-Christian culture breeds deep blue politics. So, to all the church leaders and pulpiteers intent on “bringing the gospel” to New England, you must break through the fourth wall and understand that you are more than gatherers, evangelists, and encouragers—you are thought-shapers.

The apostle Paul teaches that those who have received the Holy Spirit can know the thoughts of God.  Conversely, unspiritual believers can not understand God’s thoughts and even deem them to be foolish. (I Corinthians 2) Imagine, there are myriads of saints marching through the pearly gates right now who unfortunately missed out on how the mind of Christ operates within the Kingdom of God here on earth.

A believer may possess a biblical worldview, but if they lack a Kingdom way of thinking, they may not robustly release the salt, light, and leaven of the Kingdom into the public square. By choosing to remain silent throughout the election season and thereby not helping the saints grow in Kingdom thinking, our pastors became political in the worst sense of the word.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn.
~ Romans 12:15

Because some pastors carefully calculated their pre-election silence, they have relegated themselves to extending their self-imposed muzzling into the post-election season. The church leaders who viewed their campuses as potential war zones and refused to risk diminishing the size of their ranks are now unable to provide the lambs with the pastoral care they require.

Using broad estimation, imagine that half of your congregation was fervently praying, fasting, and interceding on behalf of our nation these past four years.  These warriors experienced an ongoing threat of peril right up until Pennsylvania was called, at which point these spirit-filled patriots began rejoicing with gratefulness and jubilee.

These faithful and grateful rejoicers walked into church the Sunday after the election with a deepened desire to worship the Lord and celebrate His favor and goodness. It was a victory for them, and they knew that a great evil had been thwarted in the unseen realms.  It was time for the church to rejoice!

Alas, because their pastor chose to refrain from equipping these intercessors, he disqualified himself from rejoicing with them. As far as anyone could tell as they entered the Sabbath biosphere, nothing of import transpired that week, so it was Sunday business as usual.

Rejoice with those who are rejoicing.

Likewise, consider that the other half of your congregation was deeply conditioned by the media, news outlets, and the current administration and genuinely believed this election would place our nation under despotic, authoritarian control.  For them, a great wave of dread was released when Pennsylvania was called, at which point these believers began weeping with fear and great anger.

These shaken and unsettled mourners walked into church the Sunday after the election with an admixture of woe and fear, wondering how God could allow this.  For them, it was a cataclysmic defeat and they believed a great force of good was vanquished by evil.  It was time for the church to mourn.

Alas, because their pastor chose to refrain from properly preparing this group of people, he disqualified himself from addressing their mourning. As far as anyone could tell as they entered the Sabbath biosphere, nothing of import transpired that week, so it was Sunday business as usual.

Mourn with those who are mourning.

The impact of our preaching is not intended solely for the sound systems within the biosphere and the hidden chambers of people’s hearts.  The effects of robust preaching shape thought, invoke action, and should be visible in the public square.

America’s Next Chance to Please The Lord

The thunderous preachers of the Great Awakening, like Whitefield and Edwards, not only shaped the thoughts and ideas upon which our nation was founded but they were also kicked out of their pious biospheres. Jonathan Edwards was fired from his church in North Hampton, MA, over the issue of Communion, and George Whitefield was booted for boldly speaking against the establishment churches.

What their opponents meant for evil, God used for good.  These ousted orators became far more effective as open-air preachers, no longer sprinkling the saturated in the pews but feeding the famished in the fields of New England.

The preaching of Whitefield profoundly forged Benjamin Franklin’s thinking, and he often remarked on the fruit evident in the streets.  Franklin wrote of Whitefield’s preaching in his autobiography:

It was wonderful to see the change soon made in the manners of our inhabitants.  From being thoughtless or indifferent about religion, it seems as if all the world were growing religious, so that one could not walk thro’ the town in an evening without hearing psalms sung in different families of every street.
~ The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, p. 146

For me, election night was profoundly humbling.  I have listened, discerned, and thought carefully about politics, culture, and the Kingdom these past few years and have paid a personal price for doing so. But when Pennsylvania was called, I was overcome by a weighty sense of history.  While there will potentially be tens or hundreds or thousands of future elections, the election of 2024 may turn out to be the most consequential of my lifetime and I am humbled to know that my analysis, thoughts, and convictions are digitally stored for lifetimes to come.

Early on, I deflected attention from the man and urged readers to focus on policy.  But then we watched this man, Donald Trump, endure an unending onslaught of false accusations, the Steele Dossier, the Russia Collusion, two impeachments, punitive lawsuits designed to bankrupt and imprison him, and the entire regime machinery run 24/7 smear campaigns, forced every American to lean in and look closer.

But when that bullet ripped through his ear just millimeters from taking his head off, it was no longer about policy.  When he rose off the platform, clenched his fist, and yelled, “Fight! Fight! Fight! it was all about the man.

Yes, it is a time of rejoicing.  And, I bear enough insight to understand why so many are mourning.  But right now, this is very humbling.  The Lord has given America another chance we may not have deserved, and I pray we can live up to the immensity of His grace extended to us.

“Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from His fierce anger so that we will not perish.”
When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, He relented and did not bring on them the destruction He had threatened.
~ The King of Nineveh in the Book of Jonah 3:8-10

Share your prayers of thanksgiving in the comments below.

This article was originally published at The Wine Patch. Used with permission. Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America – Donald Trump, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66881730.

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Joyce Swingle
November 19, 2024

Keith, this is indeed one of the most thoughtful and stirring reflections on what the Lord has done through this election. May it go far and wide to bring the correction to the pulpits where necessary and the gratitude to the hearts that it must.

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Larry
November 18, 2024

For decades I have been criticized by family and friends for talking politics at any gathering of relatives or people. At times I felt outcast and would try not to say anything but I would fail and open my mouth. With the 2020 election stolen and the DOJ just ignoring all irregularities the last 4 years I refused to remain quiet. When people close to me ask me not to talk politics I replied that the faithful to God have been quiet and look where that got us, satan’s evils were being forced on us. In my discussions I pointed out that I felt that the pope was more a left leaning politician than shepherd. To me he listened to the liberal point of view and ignored the other side. I have said that our priest and ministers should be pointing out that voting for anti biblical politicians goes against God’s word. I am happy that I have 2 priest in my area that point out the God’s expectation is for us to vote for godly people. I have said many times that if people get mad and threaten to take their money and leave the church because the priest or minister preaches God’s word on all topics then good ridden. That church will be stronger without them for God will take care of everything that church needs. It is time we bring the ant biblical people back to God by speaking and standing by God’s word for God will take care of all who believe and trust in Him. Be safe be kind and trust in God.
🙏😇🙏❤️

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John Adams
November 17, 2024

Profoundly deep article! I love how you admonished pastors to speak out because if they don’t, they leave their sheep in bewilderment. So true! Here in MN this is why we stay blue is because of a good number of pastors who are passive and don’t want to tick off the IRS. We have actually had a major, nationally known pastor here who have encouraged people in 2020 to vote for Biden instead of Trump because Trumps “arrogance” was more of an offense to Almighty God than Bidens shedding of innocent blood. The trumpet did not declare a clear sound! This article is fantastic!

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Melanie O'Keefe
November 17, 2024

I really needed my church leaders to guide me through the last four years. The American church has never, generally speaking, dealt with the evil that is plaguing our nation. Not a word. Nothing. I went to an assistant pastor and an elder. They would not talk about it. I brought it up in small group and everyone looked at me dumbfounded. I’ve made an appointment with my pastor. I pray for the right words.

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Darlene J Forshey
November 15, 2024

I will never forget this Election. But one thing I have realized, President Trump is just a man, only God can help us. We found out the election before that God can make you Leader and He can take you out. God can do mighty things through this man and that is the key, God Can. The last time He was President we were looking to the human but now we know, hopefully, that we need to trust in our God and not the man. Without God, the man can do nothing. We need to continue to pray to the One who can do All Things.

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Donna liput
November 15, 2024

Stunned that believers would so quickly turn from the gospel to the world. Praying for revival!

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Brian
November 14, 2024

“In Roman times, the Ecclesia was an authoritative gathering or council of the polus and was actively embedded in the center of the public square.”

Don’t you just love how Jesus took the Greco-Roman construct of the Ekklesia, elevating it to the reality of his Kingdom?

I hear Jesus saying, “You have your Ekklesia. I will build My Ekklesia!” Jesus, we receive your Ekklesia as preface and a precursor to the heavenly city coming to the earth.

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Michelle
November 14, 2024

First, how can you know what was said in every church on Sunday? Sunday is NOT the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week-that being in the Julian calendar is Saturday-named after Saturn the god. Maybe churches are not as full as you think. Sadly, most Christians do not keep God’s Biblical calendar because it was changed 1700 years ago. With the encouragement of church leaders, they are more worried about following their denomination and men’s traditions than God’s. I will also mention Christ was born the end of May on the Hebrew calendar-yes it’s in the Gospel. And John the Baptist was born end Nov/begin Dec. We need to use Hebrew calendar or we will be off on end time events and observing Feasts of the Lord. (Due to us being human we may be a little off anyway). Blessings and Shalom

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Mary Beth S
November 14, 2024

“The Lord has given America another chance we may not have deserved, and I pray we can live up to the immensity of His grace extended to us.”
Keith, your article was an excellent commentary on several issues swirling around in the current “political atmosphere”. Your summary above is the important take-away, I think – especially moving forward.

Just a thought regarding those in spiritual leadership. You stated, “The impact of our preaching is not intended solely for the sound systems within the biosphere and the hidden chambers of people’s hearts. The effects of robust preaching shape thought, invoke action, and should be visible in the public square.” I agree, but is robust preaching what truly produces mature believers who walk out their faith? I contend that many believers simply take on the mind of another human being, without question. That may produce a lot of denominations, by maturity? What another human being speaks into our lives should always be questioned by seeking God and studying His Word. That is what produces mature believers, who are not ‘tossed to and fro by various doctrines of men’. We are to have “the mind of Christ”, not the mind or thoughts of other people. Those in spiritual leadership are responsible before God for what they teach and preach. They will be held accountable, and that is serious. But on judgment day no believer can blame them for a lack of maturity, or their own disobedience. We are to test everything!

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    Mary Beth S
    November 14, 2024

    That may produce a lot of denominations, by maturity?
    Sorry, I meant to say – That may produce a lot of denominations, but does it produce maturity?

Kathryn Dahlstrom
November 14, 2024

So well written! Wowie and hallelujah! This compliment is coming from a published author, screenwriter, and fi producer who is also extremely humbled and filled with praise at the victory the Lord gave us on Tuesday, November 5th (Wednesday, early morning, if you want to get technical). My husband and I visited a little church the following Sunday that openly rejoiced over the victory. We’re very inclined to go there again.

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    Kathryn Dahlstrom
    November 14, 2024

    ….Film producer. Finger missed the last two letters of the word.

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    Barbara
    November 16, 2024

    Katherine, where is that little church? On election night, our church gathered to pray after an all day fast. Biggest turnout we ever had for a prayer meeting. People fervently prayed for God’s man to be elected. Leaders were overly careful not to use any candidates names, but people prayed boldly, knowing which one would lead our nation back to sanity and freedom of religion, and which one promotes child sacrifice and mutilation, lawfare, etc.
    On Thursday the pastor received several requests for a follow up Thanksgiving prayer gathering – or even better- prayer during Sunday morning services. The lame, vague, apologetic one minute prayer from the pulpit was just as you described. Lacking any rejoicing or any teaching for those who were sorrowful. Politically correct does not equal biblical teaching, preaching or prayer regarding government. Trying to appease the 10-20 percent who are misinformed or misled is no substitute for truth.
    Would love to find that little church you speak of and leave this fluffy one in the past.

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Ron Glenn Deere
November 14, 2024

Well could the righteous rejoice! The largely innocent Trump was meant to be taken out that fateful day. Instead, the Lord has his head turn at the right millisecond so as to be saved from a bullet entering his brain. Did this cause him to avoid PA? It did not. We are thus SO VERY thankful for his successful election earlier this month.

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Q
November 14, 2024

Amen!
Don’t take what God’s Done for GRANTED!
NO MORE FENCE WALKING…
Believers…..time to ,,
“Be The Church , NOT play Church!”😎👊💪
“StayStrong ☝️”

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Nancy Krueger
November 14, 2024

I am greatly encouraged by the comments on this subject of returning to the Lord through Repentance, praying, seeking his face, turning from our own wickedness, then he will hear from heaven, forgive us, and HEAL our LAND. He is a Good Good Father!!!

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RICH
November 14, 2024

DERA LORD
THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING A MOSTLY PEACEFUL ELECTION AND THE VINDICATION OF PRSIDENT TRUMP.TEACH HIM THE SABBATH.
I ASK IN JESUS’ NAME
AMEN

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Peggy Mowrey
November 14, 2024

Great article! If we could just get the complacent pastors to read it!

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Becky
November 14, 2024

Fabulous article. 👏

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Joyce Swingle
November 14, 2024

Keith, thank you so much for your observations and the call you are making to us as the church of Christ. May many heed!

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Susan
November 14, 2024

When the Godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. Proverbs 29:2

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Zorayda
November 14, 2024

I agree with ALL you wrote. I want to publicly thank the Lord for His grace! We cannot stop praying because the fight will continue. The enemy is relentless.

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Vicki
November 14, 2024

Humility and gratefulness were the overriding feelings this week. I am so thankful for God’s mercy and great blessing on our country in response to our prayers. Thank you, Lord! Let us persevere, EVERY DAY, in prayer for the transition and governing of this new administration. Lord, let me be faithful in prayer for every selection and every leader, in your name. Give courage, strength and especially wisdom to each one. May your purposes be fulfilled and your name glorified!! In the precious name of Jesus. Amen!

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Diana Frattarelli
November 14, 2024

Never forget what the Lord has done for us.

Let’s not waste this grace period Be has given us. 💖

2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

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RICHARD DARONCO JR.
November 14, 2024

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.

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Kerry
November 14, 2024

My eyes were opened to probably change church when it was Sunday as usual the Sunday after the election. It was just like this article said- no acknowledgment. I pray that the Lord leads ue to a church that is excited about the Lord giving us another chance to turn to Him. Let us all continue our prayers for our country and government and be joyous over all that the Lord is doing. Praise His name forever!!!😘🙏.

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Vicky Payton
November 14, 2024

Lord, we are truly thankful for Trump & this huge red wave! Lord, I know that it is not that You are trusting us to do the right thing from now on — I know — that You will help us to do the right thing from now on — because unless You help us, we will wander off. Lord, help this anointing for powerful good to spread thru-out America & the world. Please draw us close so we can hear Your heart & answer Your call to co-labor w/ You to build Your Kingdom on the earth. Lord, I pray that there will be an anointing from You to truly love & obey You. That our love for you would sweetly satisfy Your heart as You build Your Kingdom family. And Lord, I pray that You will send revival among the churches for pastors to return to their first love, lead their flocks correctly, & equip them & feed them according to Your will. Lord, I pray that You will give these obstinate pastors a Damascus Road encounter w/ You because there is wrath (a curse) from You for those shepherds who feed off of & manipulate their congregations as they see fit, instead of constantly & continually seeking for how YOU want them to protect, feed & equip them. Lord, instead of these, Your people, walking out the door of the church empty & I unstirred — please set them & their pastors hearts ablaze w/ Your passion to go out & make a difference in this world. Help us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, & follow You, in Jesus’ name! Amen!

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Carol Longacre
November 14, 2024

Wow! Keith what an insightful article. Challenging, convicting yet hopeful. We MUST rejoice. and we MUST continue the battle. “Though none go with me, still I will follow”. Ekklesia arise, rejoice and legislate!

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