“…satan is the god of this world” 2 Cor. 4:4
“…the whole world is under the power of the evil one.” 1 John 5:19
Regardless of the government in power or economic structure, God allows it. He sets up governments and brings them down. He moves the hearts of kings and gives them power and authority. If it’s hard for us to accept, remember that we are not the Ones who created the world and everything in it. We humans are not in control. We are like sheep—easily led astray.
I am intrigued by how leaders use their free will to govern. Some choose to promote specific issues that appeal to the masses—most times, they pick an agenda that appeals to human fleshly desires. How often have you seen “holiness unto God” as a key campaign promise? God’s kingdom is not of this world. He is the Potter, and His followers are clay. Daniel’s vision of the statue with feet of iron and clay shows that the clay kingdom cannot adhere to this evil iron empire.
In 2019, Pew Research.org found that about 63% of Americans identify as Christians. However, when they drilled down, only 3% believed the fundamental truths about God as revealed in the Scriptures. I was not surprised. The state of the world is my evidence. Plus, we were told the way to Life is narrow, and only a few will find it.
“Human rights,” “eradication of poverty,” and “environmental sustainability”—from a human perspective, these are all good, but are they ultimate goals for humanity? We are thrown bones that appeal to the human conscience, but the devil has no love or affinity for the human race. Satan is working hard to set up his kingdom on earth and to prepare to fight against Christ when He returns. The agenda of the “god of this world” is “anti-human,” and he does so while deceiving us to believe otherwise.
The battle on earth has been waging since Genesis 3:15, and we are seeing the fallout of this cosmic war. If we look only through our eyes and bank accounts, we will be torn between meeting our physical versus our spiritual needs.
USAID
Take, for instance, the impact of the current US administration when they recently paused funding many government programmes. USAID, which is said to have an annual budget of $50 billion, was affected. Vulnerable people on the ground are adversely impacted. This is a sticky situation. For years now, Christians in Jamaica have been praying and protesting against various ungodly policies that are being pursued or implemented on the island.
I’ve heard of Professor Brendan Bain’s sacking by The University of the West Indies, Mona, in 2014, and how the church and scores of unsaved persons rallied around him, citing their disagreement with that decision and viewing it as an attempt to muzzle free speech against the homosexual agenda.
Still, the source of these ungodly policies might not have originated from Jamaicans; it is an open secret that governments will accept aid funds in exchange for implementing agendas of foreign entities (for example, USAID). Few Americans are aware of this tactic, even though USAID provides assistance under the motto, “From the American people.”
Too many in mainstream USA are unaware of what’s happening outside of the US under their name.
Many Americans, though generous, are disappointed and believe that a lot of money is unaccounted for, and they want to stop the leakage of their tax dollars. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has the job of investigating and plugging any leaks. To fix the pipeline, they temporarily turn off the spigot. Everyone is affected: legitimate recipients, as well as anyone else who may be illegitimately benefiting from the receipt of such funds.
For too long, independent government agencies like USAID and other NGOs have ballooned in power and authority outside of government controls. Next, I am looking forward to a shake-up in the immigration process, not only for the humane movement of people but also to end the scam-like process that bleeds millions of dollars from persons seeking to visit/live in the US.
HOW SHOULD WE PRAY?
Pray for everyone in government. Pray that this USAID investigation proceeds quickly and thoroughly, with a transparent system put in place. We pray that funds will start flowing soon to the right people on the ground. We also pray that in the future, funding is provided without asking the receiving country to give up its sovereignty.
When money is allocated, the full amount should reach the intended recipients and not line the pockets of others. Government officials should administer the funds as a part of their administrative duties. They should be compensated under their regular salaries. We have technology to track the flow of funds—we don’t need an army of people to distribute funds. The illegal or immoral should be prosecuted or dismissed quickly and decisively.
Does this mean the administration that achieves these goals is “good”? No. No one is good. Remember that we still have “Satan [who] is the god of this world” appearing as an “angel of light.” 2 Cor. 11:14-15.
Therefore, governments and residents, be on the alert; do not be deceived by those who come bearing gifts.
RESIDENT OF WHICH KINGDOM?
In these days, there will be many false messiahs, and many will fall for the deception that is about to be unleashed on the world with lying signs and wonders.
Most people are of the world and have a deep love for money. Some have no sense of how much is too much and cannot envision living without a massive amount. We cannot serve God and the world. The latter has grown obsessed with self, pride, and creature comforts—things that money can buy, tangible or intangible.
I foresee a world of humans who will give up their free will and souls to live easily.
Only “the 3%” will object. They are the ones who will not trade their souls for the things of this world—safety, security, desires of the eyes, and pride in life. 1 John 2:15-17 They are the ones who are prepared to be persecuted or even be killed, like their Master—Jesus. This resilience won’t be because they are physically prepared or have stronger wills but because they are empowered by the Holy Spirit—God’s seal.
DO YOU HAVE GOD’S SEAL?
The tests have already begun. God’s people are being awakened—but not in a pleasant way. For some, it feels bothersome, irritating, and distressing. Regardless, they must stay awake, be on the alert, spread the Good News, trim their lamps, and refill their oil. (Matt. 25:1-13)
“Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom. 12:21)
Our bridegroom is coming real soon. Come, Lord Jesus, Come.
Jennifer Starns is a Jamaican software specialist, who coaches and mentors software consultants. In the mix of family, church, and work, she has managed to write her first book, The Two Kingdoms.