Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Election 2016: The Christian's Dilemma ~ A Message from Dutch Sheets About the Election and America's Future



Mr. Sheets has asked that this message be shared if we agree with it. I agree. Please take time to read this. I know it's long. But it is IMPORTANT.


Election 2016: The Christian's Dilemma

Dear Fellow Believers,
As you can tell from my greeting, I am writing primarily to you, the American church. I am doing so personally, not representing Dutch Sheets Ministries. Though this is longer than the blogs I normally send, please read it as an urgent, heartfelt appeal. The sense of urgency I feel is hard to put in words. I have prayed and wept much over the condition of our nation, and continue to be deeply burdened. We are so close to the precipice of a complete self-destruction—a devastation of such magnitude that it would take decades to recover. Some believe a complete recovery would never be possible. The America we have known and loved is being systematically dismantled and reshaped.

Voting is a precious right and a serious responsibility; I realize it is also a very personal and private one. We do it by secret ballot in America for a reason. I don't want to be another voice of manipulation—there are so many in presidential election campaigns—therefore, it is with the utmost caution and conviction that I do this.

I also want to state upfront that I am neither a registered Republican nor Democrat. Years ago, I concluded that if my "calls to prayer" were to be trusted by believers across the board, I would have to issue them as an independent voter. With this in mind, I relinquished my party affiliation, along with the rights to vote in primaries, help shape party platforms, possibly become a delegate, etc. and became an Independent. Since then, like many of you I have become fed-up with both parties—disillusioned with the Republicans, offended and appalled by the Democrats. I say this to assure you that I am not making this appeal in order to stump for "my party's candidate."

Finally, I want to also preface my appeal by saying I have not been a huge Trump fan. Had I been allowed to vote in the primaries, he would not have been my first choice. His seeming arrogance, insults, history of philandering, personal ambition, etc. were very disconcerting to me. I kept an open mind, however, knowing God uses imperfect people and that He is very merciful—I don’t condone sin, but neither do I cast the first stone—and knowing that people do, indeed, change. I was also challenged to remain open-minded about Trump by the fact that several spiritual leaders I trusted were convinced God wanted to use him to overthrow an ineffective and corrupt system. Over time, I came to agree with them. However, for me, this election is not nearly as much about who I am for, as it is who and what I am against; and frankly, even with my initial concerns, the decision has never been easier.

One of the most devastating occurrences in America in our lifetimes, ranking up with The Supreme Court's decisions of Roe vs. Wade and Engel vs. Vitale (the removal of prayer from schools), was the election of Barack Obama. I gave a strong warning about what would happen to our nation if he was elected. Sadly, it has all come to pass: a continued liberalization and empowerment of the judicial system in America; a weakened economy (our national debt has doubled in 7 years to $19 TRILLION!)[1]; further moral deterioration, along with a rebellion to and mockery of God (does anyone remember the White House lit up in the colors of the LGBT movement after marriage was re-defined by the Supreme Court? If that wasn't an "in your face" to God and those of us who "cling to their God, guns and religion" by the man who mockingly said it, I don't know what could ever be!); increased violence; a weakened position in the world, along with a weakened military; the advance of radical Islamist terrorism; a setback in race relations; and more. I rejoice that our nation has been able to elect our first black president. I am deeply saddened, however, that it was Barack Obama.

The damage has been so great that America is now one president away from a complete transformation to secularism, a loss of our Judeo-Christian foundation, the loss of our position as the stabilizing force for good in the earth, and the leading voice of the gospel to all the world. If elected, Hillary Clinton will be the president who finishes the job. She stands almost entirely against everything we, the church, are for, and for everything we are against. Hillary is pro-abortion, including partial-birth abortion, the most insidious evil of the last century; will raise taxes while continuing out-of-control spending; will further weaken our military; is for completely open borders[2]; is pro-gay marriage; supports Obamacare; has no respect for our Judeo-Christian heritage; sells influence; and is a proven liar. Do not be fooled—she will completely finish what Obama started.

The notion peddled by some "Never Trump" Republicans that they can keep Hillary from accomplishing what she wants for 4 years, then replace her with someone they prefer, is laughable. The fact that they should know this, and don't, is truly scary. Even more frightening is...perhaps they do. The Republican Congress has done nothing to stop Obama; why should we believe they will do so with Hillary? When they threaten to curb Obama with "the power of the purse," he simply calls their bluff and either bullies them into giving him what he wants, or simply does as he pleases through unconstitutional executive orders. A Republican controlled Congress has done nothing to defund Obamacare, slow down the TRILLIONS of dollars of debt he has accrued, prevent his treasonous acts with Iran, defund Planned Parenthood and their selling of babies' body parts (can you even believe such a thing even exists, and that the Obama’s and Hillary condone it?!), or stop any number of other inappropriate actions and wasteful expenditures. Much of Washington, DC is an out-of-control cancer that must be cut out.

To be sure, there are Republican leaders who desperately want to change things but the entrenched, lobbyist-owned, career politicians–many of them liberals in conservative clothing–have neither the will, backbone, and perhaps not the intellect needed to change it. Radical surgery is necessary. Again, it is laughable to think that the leadership of this weak and diluted Republican Congress would be able or willing to stop the agenda of the libs once they enjoy an even greater momentum from another White House win. Someone please tell me why we should believe that. If the Republican Party has not sold us out, why did they spend $18.2 million on Bush's election in 2004, $53.5 million for McCain in 2008, $42.4 million for Romney in 2012, and $0 on ads to elect Trump?![3] They have sold us out.

It is also ridiculous, and perhaps insincere, for the "Never Trump" Republican leaders to suggest "we would only need to reverse 4-8 years of damage if Hillary is elected, which in the long run isn't much." Again, these leaders are either lying or horribly deceived. The damage presently occurring to our nation is—in the sense of time—exponential. Every year of damage means closer to 10 years in it's longevity.

How long will it take America to reverse another $4-8 trillion of increased debt? Decades!

How long will it take us to recover from the decimating of our military? Decades!

How long will it take to defeat a now entrenched Obama/Clinton-enabled ISIS? Decades! (And honest military and intelligence leaders admit that we now have many radical Islamist terrorists here in the US, not just abroad.)

How long will it take to undo the loss of appropriate fear, which our enemies, and the enemies of freedom around the world, once had toward us? Decades! (Our enemies now laugh at us, while attacking us with our own weapons, or weapons purchased with millions in ransom money we paid them. While Putin rebuilds the Soviet empire and China makes plans to rule the world, we are disarming. We can’t even identify our enemies. Obama and those around him are foolish and spineless, and our military leaders know it. We are the laughingstock of our enemies. Hillary helped to set this debacle of foreign policy, and she will continue it.)
How long will it take to recover from 2–5 Clinton lifetime appointees to the Supreme Court? Decades! If she appoints five, which is feasible, she will have single-handedly appointed over half of the Supreme Court, and will have given the liberal, non-constitutionalists a 30-40 year, 7–2 majority advantage! (There is one vacancy now, and of the other 8 Justices, the three oldest are 77, 79 and 83; two more are in their late 60’s.) Then there are the several hundred lifetime Federal Judges she would appoint. Obama has already appointed nearly half of our Federal Judges—all liberals—and Hillary would appoint the other half. This entire scenario is unthinkable! If all this occurs, these overreaching, legislating ideologues will finish the job of decimating everything you and I stand for. America as we have known it may then be gone forever. We have less than three weeks to stop this.

Do not listen to the "only four years" crowd!
I also want to make an appeal to those who say their conscience won't allow them to vote for either Trump or Clinton, so they simply won't vote at all. I sincerely respect your convictions, but in this election, that argument fails the logic test (as does voting for someone who cannot possibly win). Trump’s potential negative developments do not come close to the magnitude of those Hillary would produce. We simply cannot—regardless of our concerns regarding Trump—allow all the above-mentioned consequences to happen. I respectfully appeal to you to turn your "conscience" and "principles" toward the unborn, your children, grandchildren, and the destiny of this nation. Please! We have already been down this “not voting” path once before when millions of evangelicals refused to vote for Romney because he was a Mormon. As disgusted as I am with Romney’s current choice of Hillary over Trump, how much better off would we have been with him, rather than 4 more years of Obama?

To see how Trump would actually lead, I would challenge you to look at those with whom he has surrounded himself: Pence; Carson; Huckabee; Giuliani; Christie; Gingrich; Palin; trusted generals; law enforcement officials; border patrol officials; evangelical leaders of all races; and otherwise, ethical, conservative leaders. What does this tell us? It is probably the greatest indicator of who Trump now is, clearly making the case that he has changed his moral ways over the past 10 years, as he claims. I personally believe he has changed. I also believe God has gripped his heart for the nation, and is in the process of further transforming Mr. Trump. God has certainly allowed him to be humbled. Of course, the statements made by Trump on the video released from 2005 were despicable. However, if we reject him because of the sins of his past, we would also have to reject Abraham, King David, Rahab, “the woman at the well”, Mary Magdeline—all adulterers in their unrighteous past. And don’t forget murderers like the Apostle Paul. A lot of formerly despicable people will be in heaven! And a lot of them, by the way, became great leaders and champions for God. Some changed the world.

These associations also tell us that Trump’s stated conservative bent is genuine, and they state that he is wise enough to know what he doesn't know! I believe Trump is showing us that he will function, if elected president, as any wise businessperson does: find qualified people who know how to get the job done, as in the above examples, and empower them to do it. I like those whom he is signaling to us would be those leaders. They are proven, trustworthy and honorable. If you cannot vote for Trump, vote for them.

Hillary, on the other hand, would give us 4–8 more years of polytheists, liberal progressives, media elites, police-haters, global statists, financially irresponsible leaders and a weak military.

Perhaps a better way for the disenchanted to approach this election is to vote AGAINST someone. I would suggest to you that voting against a candidate is a good reason to vote! "Neutrality" is not a valid option at this critical crossroads in history. The times demand that we make a stand! If not for, make your stand against:

Vote against the foolish, selfish, shortsighted, establishment Republicans fighting to maintain their power.

Vote against an immoral, ungodly Democratic Party. (To those who take issue with this characterization, don't forget that they booed God at their convention in 2012.)[4]

Vote against an unelected, unaccountable, overreaching, out of control Judiciary that believes it has the right to reshape America.

Vote against the unethical, biased, lying and untrustworthy media. (We will never reclaim America until we reject their influence. They may be the single greatest obstacle to America's recovery.)

Vote against a weakened military.

Vote against a loss of national sovereignty and a one-world government.

Vote against open borders.

Vote against policies that enable radical Islamist terrorism.

Vote against the removing of our 2nd Amendment rights.

Vote against higher taxes.

Vote against Obamacare.

Vote against the redefining of marriage. (It is not too late to reverse this.)

Vote against abortion-on-demand, partial-birth abortion, and Planned Parenthood with its selling of babies' body parts.

Vote against liberalism and progressivism.

Vote against the silencing of the church. (Only the totally naïve do not see this coming quickly.)

Vote against revising our history and the loss of our Judeo-Christian heritage.

Vote against the politicization and exploitation of racism, and the polarizing of America.

Vote against the slandering and weakening of law-enforcement.

Vote against the politicization of the Justice Department, the FBI and other important departments of government. (Both departments are now undeniably and shamelessly used for political purposes and to oppose Christians and conservatives.)

Pastors, if you've ever made a stand, make one now—it may be your last chance. Tell your people the truth…clearly. Pray and fast! Turn your services into prayer meetings.

To all believers, if you agree with what I have written, forward it to all of your friends and family members. Most of them hear only from a hypocritical, lying media, which is now the propaganda arm of the liberal agenda. Speak up. Appeal to them to read this and think about it.

And vote!

Vote for a future, one that includes what you love and believe in. Trump has flaws, but Hillary will be fatal.

Sincerely,
Dutch Sheets


[1] Treasury Direct. “Historical Debt Outstanding – Annual 2000-2015.” Last updated June 8, 2016. https://www.treasurydirect.gov/…/histde…/histdebt_histo5.htm
[2] Wolfgang, Ben. “Clinton admitted she’s for ‘open borders’ in paid, private speech: WikiLeaks.” The Washington Times. October 8, 2016.http://www.washingtontimes.com/…/hillary-clinton-dreams-op…/
[3] Vogel, Kenneth P. and Isenstadt, Alex. “RNC TV ad spending for Trump: $0.” Politico. October 13, 2016. http://www.politico.com/…/rnc-donald-trump-ad-spending-2297…
[4] Murashko, Alex. “DNC: Christian leaders comment on night ‘Dems booed God.” The Christian Post. September 7, 2012.http://www.christianpost.com/…/dnc-christian-leaders-comme…/

* Find the original post here. 

**Picture Credit Ludovic Gauthier, Unsplash







19 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing this letter Laura! I have made a copy to share with others. We are continuing to pray as we reach this election.

    May you have a blessed day!

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    1. Thank you, Sarah. I'll be over for a visit in a few minutes.
      Laura

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  2. Oh, dear Lord! My family and I JUST got up from having earnest, tear-filled, anguished prayer for the very things in this letter! We already went and voted and feel very good about doing our little part at the polls, and we are surely continuing to intercede and PLEAD with GOD to turn the tide and have mercy on America one more time. Dear Lord, please! Sometimes I wonder if our prayers are enough, but I think of Moses and how he was only one man, and he begged God to not destroy Israel, and God had mercy based solely upon his prayers. Oh, dear friend! We need to fast and pray and plead more than ever before! I am so burdened, I feel like I could weep all the time...every second of the day. This man surely articulates every particle of what I am seeing right now, and I cannot thank you enough for sharing this. I will absolutely copy it and forward it on to many. Dear, precious Lord, please see fit to have mercy upon us one more time.

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    1. Fear not Cheryl! No matter what happens, you and your family are safe in God's hands. If our nation decides that they want to pursue a destructive path, they will. God has given each of us free will. We can pray that God will intervene, and I believe he will.

      We must trust God no matter what. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Still, I'm praying for a great awakening in the nation, a revival in the church, and true repentance among believers.

      You know the verse that says, "If my people, who are called by my ways.... I will heal their land." When it's quoted, it's usually without the "and turn from their wicked ways". Most Christians are too much like the world. Well, maybe all Christians are.

      We must ask Holy Spirit to show us where we need to turn from our wicked ways... even if they are wrong ways of thinking or bad habits. We must take our Christianity seriously.

      Hugs to you friend,
      Laura

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  3. Hi Laura,

    Another thank you for sharing this letter. I am returning to my blog and adding a link to this post on your site. I think it is imperative for all Bible believing Christians to sober mindedly vote in this upcoming election. I continue to pray God's mercy upon our nation and the Christian church.

    Blessings,
    Mrs.B

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  4. Thank you for sharing Laura.. oh so true..
    We must vote... I too, was not a Trump van.. But, we have to look at the two.. We have to pray, we have to let God lead us. Will share this info.. thankyou.

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    1. I am not endorsing Trump as a person, but Clinton has made her intentions clear.
      Be blessed!
      Laura

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  5. Hi - I am hoping to have a respectful conversation about this. I honestly do not understand how Christians can stand behind someone like Donald Trump. As a NYer, living in his city and watching his behavior, I feel strongly that he is not only a liar, but preaches hate, intolerance, and engages in immoral behavior regularly - the most egregious is PRETENDING to be Christian, pretending to be pro-life. Trump's God is money, make no mistake. And Sheets' saying that he surrounds himself with moral people is also bewildering to me - Chris Christie? Rudy Giuliani? Both of these men are politicians in my home - politicians who embody the sins of revenge, hatred, and judgement. Not politicians of the Jesus Christ I know. How do you feel about this?

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    1. Hello Kay,

      I am honored that you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts about Mr. Trump with me. I can certainly respect your thoughts on this. I remember my sister-in-love, who lives in the Atlantic City area, telling me she wouldn't vote for Trump because of his actions. I totally get all that.

      As far as Dutch Sheets, I am only minimally aware of his viewpoints, but I do agree with what he's written in this letter.

      Here's the thing. I don't like Trump. I don't like Clinton. BUT I LOVE MY COUNTRY. I feel a moral obligation to vote. Where does that leave me as a Christian?

      In order for my vote to actually count, I must vote for one or the other.

      One, Mrs. Clinton, has clearly shown herself to be a proponent for everything that I find to be against God's laws. Her disregard for human life, for justice, for national security, and the Second Amendment among other things, are alarming. I cannot vote for her. We won't even discuss her lying and disregard for the Constitution.

      On the other hand, Mr. Trump, while not a model citizen, has pledged to support the Constitution, the Second Amendment, Pro-Life, national security, etc. I don't expect he would be a perfect president. BUT I have a deeper concern.

      The most important issue of this election, to me, is The Supreme Court. Who is going to appoint judges who will uphold the Constitution and Bill of Rights in a manner consistent with the Founders' original intent.

      I am absolutely certain that Hillary Clinton will not be that person.

      I believe that Trump will appoint conservative judges who will do their best to uphold the Constitution. That is major for our country. The Constitution is the glue that holds us all together. It's what will protect our children, our grandchildren and future generations until the Lord returns. IF WE DON'T LET THE JUDGES LEGISLATE FROM THE BENCH!

      One final issue—President Obama has made Executive Orders that bypass Congress. I believe that, following his example, Mrs. Clinton would do the same.

      I do not believe that Mr. Trump would do that—unless there were a reason that fit in with the original intent of that privilege.

      Well, Kay, that's how I see it. I want to commend you on being very kind and open about this. Whether Mr. Trump is pretending to be Christian or not will show itself in time. Thank God Christ can change us. We all must pray.

      So, all said, I do hope we can become blog friends.
      Be blessed Kay, and please vote.
      Laura

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    2. Thank you so much for your response - it's become almost impossible to have a rational conversation about dissenting beliefs these days! I respect your views and right to your opinion as well - thank you for sharing your viewpoint - we can all learn from each other, even when we disagree ;)

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    3. You're so right, Obscure. I do not watch television, so I didn't realize how upset folks are getting. I saw something on Facebook the other day that gave me just a glimpse. We need to pray for our country to be reunited after this election.
      Be blessed! Do come back and say hello again!
      Laura

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  6. Thank you for sharing this. I just had a similar discussion with my parents who's views differ from mine. I basically told them the same thing...I am voting based on the issues that matter to me most. Having a son in the military who has worked with some of the top brass in the past has given me a unique perspective on how the military men and women feel about the state of our country and those running it or who hope to run it.

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    1. Thank you for sharing that with me Debbie. May God bless your son, keep him and his comrades safe, and may he care for all your family that is at home waiting for his return. In Jesus' Name I plead the blood over you all for protection—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

      I do not watch television, so I am only recently becoming aware of just how badly this country is dividing over this election. I think we will have much praying to do after the election regardless of who wins.

      Be blessed dear lady,
      Laura Lane
      Harvest Lane Cottage

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  7. Very well stated.
    Blessings, Leigh

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    1. Thanks, Leigh. I thought Mr. Sheets explained it well.

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  8. Laura, thank you for this post and I agree on all points. I admire your ability to express your thoughts and concerns, and to reply to someone who disagrees with you.

    I join you and all others in praying for G-d to preserve this country that I love. I'm old enough to see how different life is after the last eight years of a president who has taken every Biblical value I believe in and stomped it in the ground. I'm angry, and it's a holy anger. I'm praying and putting feet to my prayers by telling everybody I know to vote for America - for Biblical values, capitalism and the American Dream. A vote for Hillary is a vote for socialism, globalism, and the New World Order, a weak military, and continuing terrorist attacks. I don't understand why people can't see that.

    Blessings to you and your writing.

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    1. Thank you for your kindness, Gail. We shall need to pray before, during, and after the election.
      God bless you and yours,
      Laura Lane
      Harvest Lane Cottage

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Thank you so much for "talking back" to me!

I read all comments and appreciate them.
Please make sure I have your email if you want me to respond or pray for you.

God bless you! This life only works with Jesus. The next life is a continuation of this one—make sure you spend it with Jesus. Jesus is the only way to God the Father!

Your blog friend,
Laura Lane
5 Year Cancer Survivor