thestream--2020-05-01--Governor Newsom, Allow Orange County to Open Their Beaches!

California governor Gavin Newsom reacted in dismay to images of crowds flocking to Southern California beaches last weekend .
My family and I live an hour away from this beautiful coastline .
I ’ ll admit , after 6 weeks of sheltering in place , the pictures were a bit jarring .
Turns out the photos were deceptive , which I ’ ll get to in a minute .
I get that the governor wants to protect hospitals from being overwhelmed .
He wants to slow the spread of the virus as our capacity for testing and contact tracing ramp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for medical personnel to get more protective personal equipment ( PPE ) .
Newsom was the first governor to issue a state-wide shelter in place order ( March 19 ) .
By many measures , California has been more successful than other states in slowing the spread .
This Wednesday a memo from the governor ’ s office was leaked .
It was a notice to all police chiefs , giving them a heads-up that the governor would be closing all California beaches on May 1st .
While some residents approved , others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who lived nearest to the coast .
Orange County residents were sending e-mails to their leadership that were almost 2:1 in favor of keeping their beaches open .
So Orange County leadership pushed back hard against the promised order .
They pointed out that if people kept practicing social distancing , they should be fine .
In fact , the fresh air , sunlight , and chance to run and swim would yield physical and mental health benefits .
Then , surprisingly , just before his Thursday press conference , Newsom changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orange County beaches .
“ We ’ re gon na do a hard close in that part of the state , just in the O.C .
area , ” Newsom said .
He insisted he never intended to close all the beaches , despite the clear wording in the leaked memo to the police .
The governor prides himself on making decisions based on facts and science .
But to those who were there , the photos from last weekend that made headlines seemed sensationalized .
Camera angles and telephoto lenses made it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of each other .
Orange County officials countered with pictures of their own , showing family groups clearly spread out , honoring common-sense social distancing .
Police officers and lifeguards said that most beach goers were already following social distancing guidelines .
Those who weren ’ t complied with instructions to do so .
The Huntington Beach Police Department commended residents for their good behavior .
That wasn ’ t the only fact Newsom played fast and loose with .
The governor made the point on Wednesday that Orange County has the 4th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What he didn ’ t mention is that , as supervisor Don Wagner pointed out , Orange County has the 3rd highest population .
Support The Stream : Serving the Body During This Crisis With Facts .
Faith .
And No Fear .
The governor would do well to make decisions based on data .
The coronavirus spreads person-to-person by droplets through the air .
The risk is high when people are close , within 2 meters of each other .
But the beach goers were maintaining proper distance .
They were receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relaxation .
These are crucial to personal health , especially in times of high stress .
Mindful of these realities , counties throughout southern California have recently been reopening parks , tennis courts , golf courses and hiking trails .
Why should the beach be any different ?
Why is the governor responding to a few misleading photos over boots-on-the-ground testimony and real-time , local , aerially documented reality ?
Why is he arbitrarily singling out Orange County for punishment ?
Why did the governor not talk to the Orange County leadership to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before charging ahead ?
Are the condescending scoldings and the targeted beach closures a response to data , rooted in good science ?
Or a response to what Governor Newsom feared were bad optics ?
Maybe the sensationalized crowd photos embarrassed the governor , a rising star and future presidential hopeful .
At least in his own eyes .
Newsom said the beaches need to be closed for the “ same reason we are not reopening arenas with tens of thousands of people — we don ’ t want to have beaches with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But are sports arenas and beaches really comparable ?
At a live concert or baseball game , I sit with people immediately next to , in front of , and behind me .
I ’ ll likely have 10 people within a six-foot radius .
I can ’ t get away from them .
But at a beach , I ’ m only sitting near the folks I came with .
People use blankets and chairs to mark out their personal space .
Even on the busiest days , our family has always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from others .
Yes , social distancing is a common-sense and necessary precaution at this time .
But can ’ t we keep beaches open and still maintain social distance ?
Beaches are much more diffuse than a concert venue or sports arena .
In Orange County , the people have shown they can be trusted to exercise freedom responsibly .
It ’ s their county .
It should be their choice .
I also don ’ t see how it ’ s in the governor ’ s self-interest to go after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s concerned with the welfare of all Californians , right ?
From a moral authority and public trust perspective , it looks capricious to overrule local authority in just one county .
As I write , the beaches in neighboring San Diego County remain open .
How fair is that ?
This pettiness is beneath the dignity of the governor ’ s office .
The governor should walk back his order immediately .
Marni Chediak is a graduate of Stanford University .
Before becoming a mom , she worked in various management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mills .
She has been homeschooling her three children in Southern California for the past nine years .
She is currently a Challenge director in her local Classical Conversations community .

California governor Gavin Newsom reacted in dismay to images of crowds flocking to Southern California beaches last weekend. My family and I live an hour away from this beautiful coastline. I’ll admit, after 6 weeks of sheltering in place, the pictures were a bit jarring.
Turns out the photos were deceptive, which I’ll get to in a minute.
I get that the governor wants to protect hospitals from being overwhelmed. He wants to slow the spread of the virus as our capacity for testing and contact tracing ramp up. He wants to buy time for medical personnel to get more protective personal equipment (PPE). Newsom was the first governor to issue a state-wide shelter in place order (March 19). By many measures, California has been more successful than other states in slowing the spread.
A Statewide Beach Ban … Or Just Orange County?
This Wednesday a memo from the governor’s office was leaked. It was a notice to all police chiefs, giving them a heads-up that the governor would be closing all California beaches on May 1st. While some residents approved, others reacted with anger and shock — particularly those who lived nearest to the coast. Orange County residents were sending e-mails to their leadership that were almost 2:1 in favor of keeping their beaches open.
So Orange County leadership pushed back hard against the promised order. They pointed out that if people kept practicing social distancing, they should be fine. In fact, the fresh air, sunlight, and chance to run and swim would yield physical and mental health benefits.
Camera angles and telephoto lenses made it look like families were stacked on top of each other.
Then, surprisingly, just before his Thursday press conference, Newsom changed course and decided to only shut down Orange County beaches. “We’re gonna do a hard close in that part of the state, just in the O.C. area,” Newsom said. He insisted he never intended to close all the beaches, despite the clear wording in the leaked memo to the police.
Beach Facts
The governor prides himself on making decisions based on facts and science. But to those who were there, the photos from last weekend that made headlines seemed sensationalized. Camera angles and telephoto lenses made it look like families were stacked on top of each other. Orange County officials countered with pictures of their own, showing family groups clearly spread out, honoring common-sense social distancing. Police officers and lifeguards said that most beach goers were already following social distancing guidelines. Those who weren’t complied with instructions to do so. The Huntington Beach Police Department commended residents for their good behavior.
That wasn’t the only fact Newsom played fast and loose with. The governor made the point on Wednesday that Orange County has the 4th highest hospitalization rate in the state. What he didn’t mention is that, as supervisor Don Wagner pointed out, Orange County has the 3rd highest population.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The governor would do well to make decisions based on data. The coronavirus spreads person-to-person by droplets through the air. The risk is high when people are close, within 2 meters of each other. But the beach goers were maintaining proper distance. They were receiving the benefits of sunshine, exercise and relaxation. These are crucial to personal health, especially in times of high stress. Mindful of these realities, counties throughout southern California have recently been reopening parks, tennis courts, golf courses and hiking trails. Why should the beach be any different?
Beachy Thinking
Why is the governor responding to a few misleading photos over boots-on-the-ground testimony and real-time, local, aerially documented reality? Why is he arbitrarily singling out Orange County for punishment? Why did the governor not talk to the Orange County leadership to get a better sense of what happened before charging ahead?
Are the condescending scoldings and the targeted beach closures a response to data, rooted in good science? Or a response to what Governor Newsom feared were bad optics?
Are the condescending scoldings and the targeted beach closures a response to data, rooted in good science? Or a response to what Governor Newsom feared were bad optics? Maybe the sensationalized crowd photos embarrassed the governor, a rising star and future presidential hopeful. At least in his own eyes.
A Better Way
Newsom said the beaches need to be closed for the “same reason we are not reopening arenas with tens of thousands of people — we don’t want to have beaches with tens of thousands of people either.”
But are sports arenas and beaches really comparable? At a live concert or baseball game, I sit with people immediately next to, in front of, and behind me. I’ll likely have 10 people within a six-foot radius. I can’t get away from them. But at a beach, I’m only sitting near the folks I came with. People use blankets and chairs to mark out their personal space. Even on the busiest days, our family has always been at least six to 10 feet away from others.
Yes, social distancing is a common-sense and necessary precaution at this time. But can’t we keep beaches open and still maintain social distance? Beaches are much more diffuse than a concert venue or sports arena. In Orange County, the people have shown they can be trusted to exercise freedom responsibly. It’s their county. It should be their choice.
From a moral authority and public trust perspective, it looks capricious to overrule local authority in just one county.
I also don’t see how it’s in the governor’s self-interest to go after just one county. Presumably, he’s concerned with the welfare of all Californians, right? From a moral authority and public trust perspective, it looks capricious to overrule local authority in just one county. As I write, the beaches in neighboring San Diego County remain open. How fair is that?
This pettiness is beneath the dignity of the governor’s office. The governor should walk back his order immediately.
Marni Chediak is a graduate of Stanford University. Before becoming a mom, she worked in various management positions for AT&T and General Mills. She has been homeschooling her three children in Southern California for the past nine years. She is currently a Challenge director in her local Classical Conversations community.


thestream--2020-05-03--Ex-Muslim Once Chanted ‘Death to America!’ Now, He’s Saving Iranians

Dr. Hormoz Shariat is on a mission to help bring Iranians to the Christian faith — an effort that was birthed from his family ’ s personal pain and suffering .
Shariat , founder of Iran Alive Ministries , has spent years creatively spreading the gospel in Iran .
Through satellite broadcasts , ministry training and other innovative means , the evangelist is ingeniously delivering the gospel to the Muslim-majority nation .
One of the most remarkable parts of Shariat ’ s story are the roots from which his ministry emerged .
A native of Iran and an ex-Muslim , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in the streets .
But Shariat ’ s entire life changed when he left Iran during the Islamic Revolution and arrived in America to study .
In addition to newfound academics , he also discovered true faith .
“ I got saved in America , ” he said , noting that his heart and mind profoundly changed .
“ I love America.
” Shariat said his ministry took root after his 16-year-old brother was arrested and held for two years by Iranian leaders .
Rather than release the teen , the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day they executed him , ” Shariat said .
“ [ They said ] , ‘ Come and get his body .
We shot him and by the way you have to pay us for killing him . '
” Tragically , Iranian officials demanded that his parents even pay for the bullets .
When asked how Shariat managed not to be overcome with hate , he noted that he was a new Christian at the time .
“ It wasn ’ t easy .
It was a struggle … I grieved , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to initially take revenge , but he remembered the gospel message .
“ During those two to three days of mourning … I felt I heard the voice of God in my heart that those who killed my brother are not my enemies .
There is one enemy , that is Satan .
They are captives in the hands of my enemy.
” So , rather than revenge , Shariat chose mercy and love .
And while he already had a passion for evangelism , his brother ’ s death gave him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with one million Muslims .
Years later , he has now shared the Bible with millions .
Shariat has been spreading the gospel through Iran Alive Ministries , noting that his ministry reaches throughout the Middle East , but is particularly pertinent to Farsi speakers .
A resident of the U.S. , Shariat said he often receives death threats because of his ministry — but he ’ s not backing down .
“ Jesus changes lives , ” he said .
“ He transforms our lives … our society.
” Billy Hallowell has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than a decade .
He is the director of communications and content for PureFlix.com , the former senior editor at Faithwire.com and the former faith and culture editor at TheBlaze .
This article was originally published on Pure Flix Insider .
Visit Pure Flix for access to thousands of faith and family-friendly movies and TV shows .
You can get a free trial here .

Dr. Hormoz Shariat is on a mission to help bring Iranians to the Christian faith — an effort that was birthed from his family’s personal pain and suffering.
Shariat, founder of Iran Alive Ministries, has spent years creatively spreading the gospel in Iran. Through satellite broadcasts, ministry training and other innovative means, the evangelist is ingeniously delivering the gospel to the Muslim-majority nation.
One of the most remarkable parts of Shariat’s story are the roots from which his ministry emerged. A native of Iran and an ex-Muslim, he once chanted “death to America” in the streets.
But Shariat’s entire life changed when he left Iran during the Islamic Revolution and arrived in America to study. In addition to newfound academics, he also discovered true faith.
“I got saved in America,” he said, noting that his heart and mind profoundly changed. “I love America.”
Shariat said his ministry took root after his 16-year-old brother was arrested and held for two years by Iranian leaders. Rather than release the teen, the government put him to death.
Listen to Shariat’s harrowing story:
“One day they executed him,” Shariat said. “[They said], ‘Come and get his body. We shot him and by the way you have to pay us for killing him.'”
Tragically, Iranian officials demanded that his parents even pay for the bullets. When asked how Shariat managed not to be overcome with hate, he noted that he was a new Christian at the time.
“It wasn’t easy. It was a struggle … I grieved,” he said, noting that he wanted to initially take revenge, but he remembered the gospel message. “During those two to three days of mourning … I felt I heard the voice of God in my heart that those who killed my brother are not my enemies. There is one enemy, that is Satan. They are captives in the hands of my enemy.”
So, rather than revenge, Shariat chose mercy and love. And while he already had a passion for evangelism, his brother’s death gave him a true mission to share the gospel with one million Muslims. Years later, he has now shared the Bible with millions.
Shariat has been spreading the gospel through Iran Alive Ministries, noting that his ministry reaches throughout the Middle East, but is particularly pertinent to Farsi speakers.
A resident of the U.S., Shariat said he often receives death threats because of his ministry — but he’s not backing down.
“Jesus changes lives,” he said. “He transforms our lives … our society.”
Billy Hallowell has worked as a journalist and commentator for more than a decade. He is the director of communications and content for PureFlix.com, the former senior editor at Faithwire.com and the former faith and culture editor at TheBlaze.
This article was originally published on Pure Flix Insider. Visit Pure Flix for access to thousands of faith and family-friendly movies and TV shows. You can get a free trial here.


thestream--2020-05-03--5 Keys to Understanding the Tangled Michael Flynn Case

The twists and turns in the prosecution of intelligence expert Michael Flynn have revealed a string of actions by known bad actors in the FBI and prompted President Donald Trump to float the idea of bringing his short-lived national security adviser back into the administration .
Here are five keys to understanding the Flynn case and what ’ s next .
1 .
What Is Flynn ’ s Current Status in Court ?
In late 2017 , Flynn , a retired Army lieutenant general who specialized in intelligence operations , pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian ambassador to the United States .
Flynn , who served just over three weeks as Trump ’ s first national security adviser , had the opportunity to change his plea in December 2018 , but stuck to it while represented by the prestigious law firm of Covington & Burling .
Flynn , 61 , currently is represented by Texas lawyer and former federal prosecutor Sidney Powell , who raised significant questions about the FBI ’ s tactics .
The former national security adviser has filed a motion to withdraw his guilty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case .
Flynn said the FBI pressured him to make the guilty plea on the threat of potentially charging him and his son with failing to register under the Foreigh Agents Registration Act for work they did in Turkey .
His lawyers at Covington & Burling had advised Flynn that he would not need to register under that law , thus a potential conflict existed with his earlier legal representation , John Malcolm , senior legal fellow with The Heritage Foundation , told The Daily Signal .
“ The government and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over exculpatory evidence , ” Malcolm said of Flynn .
Malcolm said he would not be surprised if U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan granted Flynn ’ s motion to withdraw the guilty plea .
If so , he added , it ’ s possible that the Justice Department would drop the case without Sullivan dismissing it .
2 .
What Do the Released Documents Show ?
Flynn resigned Feb. 13 , 2017 , on his 23rd day as national security adviser , saying that he had inadvertently misled Vice President Mike Pence and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump took office .
A batch of documents unsealed Wednesday show that three FBI officials at the time – Director James Comey , Deputy Director Andrew McCabe , and counterintelligence chief Bill Priestap – pondered “ goals ” for interviewing Flynn at the White House beyond obtaining the truth .
Handwritten notes of their conversation bearing Priestep ’ s initials indicate FBI officials hoped to get Flynn “ to admit to breaking the Logan Act ” in talking with Kislyak during the transition period between the presidential election Nov. 8 , 2016 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1917 .
The Logan Act is a 1799 law , never used in a prosecution , intended to prevent individuals from falsely claiming to represent the federal government when interacting with foreign officials .
One of Priestep ’ s notes reads : “ What is our goal ?
Truth/Admission or to get him to lie , so we can prosecute him or get him fired ?
” Support The Stream : Serving the Body During This Crisis With Facts .
Faith .
And No Fear .
Another note says of Flynn and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s parent agency : “ If we get him to admit to breaking the Logan Act , give facts to DOJ + have them decide.
” The notes show some indecision , but seem to concede that prompting someone to lie could be “ playing games.
” “ Protect our institution by not playing games ” and “ If we ’ re seen playing games , WH will be furious , ” the notes say , with WH referring to the White House .
More documents released Thursday show that on Jan. 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Field Office determined in a memo it was closing the investigation on Flynn because a review “ did not yield any information ” to justify continuing to probe whether Flynn was working with the Russian government .
However , then-FBI agent Peter Strzok texted an FBI colleague to say : “ Hey if you haven ’ t closed RAZOR don ’ t do so yet.
” The FBI ’ s codename for the Flynn case was Crossfire Razor .
Americans learned Strzok ’ s name in 2018 when text messages surfaced in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate in 2016 while investigating Hillary Clinton ’ s use of a private email server to conduct official business as secretary of state .
Such conversations are not typical for law enforcement , said Malcolm , who was a career federal prosecutor in Georgia from 1990 to 1997 and served as deputy assistant attorney general for the Justice Department ’ s criminal division from 2001 to 2004 .
“ The notes are very troubling , ” Malcolm said , adding , “ As a federal prosecutor , I was never involved in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials , Flynn ’ s lawyers wrote this week to Sullivan , the judge in the case : “ These documents show in their own handwriting and emails that they intended either to create an offense they could prosecute or at least get him fired.
” In February 2018 , Sullivan ordered the Justice Department to turn over any exculpatory evidence .
Last year , based on the evidence he had at the time , Sullivan dismissed accusations that the FBI tried to entrap Flynn .
Other evidence that tends to clear Flynn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Covington & Burling said in a court filing in April that it discovered more documents that it didn ’ t share with Flynn ’ s new lawyers .
Also this week , Sullivan ordered Covington & Burling to “ re-execute a search of every document and communication pertaining to the firm ’ s representation of Mr. Flynn.
” The notes of FBI officials ’ conversations leading up to two agents ’ interview of Flynn add more context to already questionable issues that Comey has boasted about .
Strzok was one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to conduct the interview .
Comey , the former FBI director , said in at least one television interview that he took advantage of the fledgling Trump White House to send the agents over to interview Flynn , skipping normal protocols .
“ I probably wouldn ’ t have done or maybe gotten away with in a more organized investigation–a more organized administration , ” Comey said , correcting himself in an interview with MSNBC pundit Nicole Wallace in late 2018 .
“ In the George W. Bush administration , for example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy FBI director at the time , reportedly made the initial contact with Flynn about sending over two agents to speak with him .
McCabe served for a time as acting director after Trump fired Comey .
“ This is no ordinary criminal case .
One of the agents who interviewed Lt. Gen. Flynn , Peter Strzok , was later removed from the Russia investigation after his texts demonstrating animus and bias toward the president were discovered , ” Sen. Chuck Grassley , R-Iowa , says in an April 27 letter to Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Grassley writes , “ former Director McCabe was fired for lack of candor regarding a leak to the Wall Street Journal , and Lt. Gen. Flynn was an adverse witness in a pending sexual discrimination case against Mr. McCabe at the time Mr. McCabe was supervising an inquiry targeting Lt. Gen. Flynn.
” The Justice Department is conducting an internal review and the Republican-led Senate is seeking more information .
Barr named Jeffrey B. Jensen , the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri , to conduct a review of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occurred .
In the April 27 letter , Grassley asked Barr to produce more information about the Flynn case .
“ Simply stated , after years of rampant speculation and publicly reported inconsistencies regarding how the FBI handled the case , it ’ s time for the public to know the full set of facts relating to Lt. Gen. Flynn , including any and all government misconduct , ” Grassley writes , requesting the Justice Department to unseal the records .
Grassley , now chairman of the Senate Finance Committee , was chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he first requested information from the Justice Department about the Flynn case .
On March 15 , 2017 , Comey had a briefing as FBI director with Grassley and Judiciary ’ s top Democrat , Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California .
Comey told the senators that he saw no evidence Flynn had lied to investigators , according to Grassley .
Comey repeated that assertion to the House Intelligence Committee while still serving as FBI director .
Trump fired him on May 9 , 2017 .
In August 2017 , Grassley asked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for two years during the Obama administration , to declassify information about the Flynn case .
At several points in 2018 , Grassley noted in the letter also asked the Justice Department to produce the transcript of Flynn ’ s phone call with the Russian ambassador .
The Iowa Republican also asked for documents covering the FBI ’ s interview with Flynn , conducted by Strzok and another agent , on Jan. 24 , 2017 at the White House , Flynn did not have a lawyer present .
Grassley cited press reports that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief of staff that the FBI twice told him he wouldn ’ t be charged , “ which is consistent with what Director Comey told me and my staff.
” Trump has floated the idea of a “ full pardon ” for Flynn .
During a Thursday press conference , however , Trump said he likely wouldn ’ t even need to use the pardon power .
“ It looks to me like Michael Flynn would be exonerated , based on everything that I ’ ve seen , ” Trump said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I have a different kind of power .
But I don ’ t know if anybody would have to use that power.
” “ I ’ ve never seen anything like it .
What they did , what they wrote … it ’ s just disgraceful , ” the president said .
Fred Lucas is the White House correspondent for The Daily Signal and co-host of “ The Right Side of History ” podcast .
Lucas is also the author of Tainted by Suspicion : The Secret Deals and Electoral Chaos of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Fred .

The twists and turns in the prosecution of intelligence expert Michael Flynn have revealed a string of actions by known bad actors in the FBI and prompted President Donald Trump to float the idea of bringing his short-lived national security adviser back into the administration.
Here are five keys to understanding the Flynn case and what’s next.
1. What Is Flynn’s Current Status in Court?
In late 2017, Flynn, a retired Army lieutenant general who specialized in intelligence operations, pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI about his conversations with Sergey Kislyak, then the Russian ambassador to the United States.
Flynn, who served just over three weeks as Trump’s first national security adviser, had the opportunity to change his plea in December 2018, but stuck to it while represented by the prestigious law firm of Covington & Burling.
Flynn, 61, currently is represented by Texas lawyer and former federal prosecutor Sidney Powell, who raised significant questions about the FBI’s tactics.
The former national security adviser has filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea and for the court to dismiss the case.
Flynn said the FBI pressured him to make the guilty plea on the threat of potentially charging him and his son with failing to register under the Foreigh Agents Registration Act for work they did in Turkey.
His lawyers at Covington & Burling had advised Flynn that he would not need to register under that law, thus a potential conflict existed with his earlier legal representation, John Malcolm, senior legal fellow with The Heritage Foundation, told The Daily Signal.
“The government and his own former legal team were not turning over exculpatory evidence,” Malcolm said of Flynn.
Malcolm said he would not be surprised if U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan granted Flynn’s motion to withdraw the guilty plea.
If so, he added, it’s possible that the Justice Department would drop the case without Sullivan dismissing it.
2. What Do the Released Documents Show?
Flynn resigned Feb. 13, 2017, on his 23rd day as national security adviser, saying that he had inadvertently misled Vice President Mike Pence and others about his talks with Kislyak before Trump took office.
A batch of documents unsealed Wednesday show that three FBI officials at the time – Director James Comey, Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, and counterintelligence chief Bill Priestap – pondered “goals” for interviewing Flynn at the White House beyond obtaining the truth.
Handwritten notes of their conversation bearing Priestep’s initials indicate FBI officials hoped to get Flynn “to admit to breaking the Logan Act” in talking with Kislyak during the transition period between the presidential election Nov. 8, 2016 and Trump’s inauguration Jan. 20, 1917.
The Logan Act is a 1799 law, never used in a prosecution, intended to prevent individuals from falsely claiming to represent the federal government when interacting with foreign officials.
One of Priestep’s notes reads: “What is our goal? Truth/Admission or to get him to lie, so we can prosecute him or get him fired?”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Another note says of Flynn and the Department of Justice, the FBI’s parent agency: “If we get him to admit to breaking the Logan Act, give facts to DOJ + have them decide.”
The notes show some indecision, but seem to concede that prompting someone to lie could be “playing games.”
“Protect our institution by not playing games” and “If we’re seen playing games, WH will be furious,” the notes say, with WH referring to the White House.
More documents released Thursday show that on Jan. 4, 2017, the FBI’s Washington Field Office determined in a memo it was closing the investigation on Flynn because a review “did not yield any information” to justify continuing to probe whether Flynn was working with the Russian government.
However, then-FBI agent Peter Strzok texted an FBI colleague to say: “Hey if you haven’t closed RAZOR don’t do so yet.”
The FBI’s codename for the Flynn case was Crossfire Razor. Americans learned Strzok’s name in 2018 when text messages surfaced in which he disparaged Trump as a presidential candidate in 2016 while investigating Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server to conduct official business as secretary of state.
Such conversations are not typical for law enforcement, said Malcolm, who was a career federal prosecutor in Georgia from 1990 to 1997 and served as deputy assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s criminal division from 2001 to 2004.
“The notes are very troubling,” Malcolm said, adding, “As a federal prosecutor, I was never involved in a conversation like that.”
Referring to FBI officials, Flynn’s lawyers wrote this week to Sullivan, the judge in the case: “These documents show in their own handwriting and emails that they intended either to create an offense they could prosecute or at least get him fired.”
In February 2018, Sullivan ordered the Justice Department to turn over any exculpatory evidence.
Last year, based on the evidence he had at the time, Sullivan dismissed accusations that the FBI tried to entrap Flynn.
Other evidence that tends to clear Flynn may exist. His former legal team at Covington & Burling said in a court filing in April that it discovered more documents that it didn’t share with Flynn’s new lawyers.
Also this week, Sullivan ordered Covington & Burling to “re-execute a search of every document and communication pertaining to the firm’s representation of Mr. Flynn.”
3. FBI’s Interview of Flynn
The notes of FBI officials’ conversations leading up to two agents’ interview of Flynn add more context to already questionable issues that Comey has boasted about.
Strzok was one of the agents who went to the White House to conduct the interview.
Comey, the former FBI director, said in at least one television interview that he took advantage of the fledgling Trump White House to send the agents over to interview Flynn, skipping normal protocols.
“I probably wouldn’t have done or maybe gotten away with in a more organized investigation–a more organized administration,” Comey said, correcting himself in an interview with MSNBC pundit Nicole Wallace in late 2018. “In the George W. Bush administration, for example, or the Obama administration.”
Comey continued:
And in both those administrations there was a process. And so if the FBI wanted to send agents into the White House itself to interview a senior official, you would work through the White House counsel and there’d be discussions and approvals and it would be there. And I thought, it’s early enough, let’s just send a couple of guys over. And so we placed a call to Flynn, said, ‘Hey, we’re sending a couple of guys over. Hope you’ll talk to them.’ He said, ‘Sure.’ Nobody else was there. They interviewed him in a conference room in the Situation Room, and he lied to them. And that’s what he’s now pled guilty to.
McCabe, deputy FBI director at the time, reportedly made the initial contact with Flynn about sending over two agents to speak with him. McCabe served for a time as acting director after Trump fired Comey.
“This is no ordinary criminal case. One of the agents who interviewed Lt. Gen. Flynn, Peter Strzok, was later removed from the Russia investigation after his texts demonstrating animus and bias toward the president were discovered,” Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, says in an April 27 letter to Attorney General William Barr.
“Additionally,” Grassley writes, “former Director McCabe was fired for lack of candor regarding a leak to the Wall Street Journal, and Lt. Gen. Flynn was an adverse witness in a pending sexual discrimination case against Mr. McCabe at the time Mr. McCabe was supervising an inquiry targeting Lt. Gen. Flynn.”
4. What Related Investigations Are Underway?
The Justice Department is conducting an internal review and the Republican-led Senate is seeking more information.
Barr named Jeffrey B. Jensen, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, to conduct a review of the Flynn case and determine whether any improprieties occurred.
In the April 27 letter, Grassley asked Barr to produce more information about the Flynn case.
New DOJ/Flynn docs are stamped w SCO as in Special Counsels Office Did Mueller have these docs? Why did his team sit on them? What else is Mueller team that cost taxpayers $30+ million hiding? The ppl deserve answers 2restore faith in federal law enforcement agencies — ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) April 30, 2020
AttGen Barr: it’s so obvious the unconstitutional punishment that GenFlynn has had for four long years u need to intervene and #FREE FLYNN — ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) April 30, 2020
“Simply stated, after years of rampant speculation and publicly reported inconsistencies regarding how the FBI handled the case, it’s time for the public to know the full set of facts relating to Lt. Gen. Flynn, including any and all government misconduct,” Grassley writes, requesting the Justice Department to unseal the records.
Grassley, now chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, was chairman of the Judiciary Committee in February 2017 when he first requested information from the Justice Department about the Flynn case.
On March 15, 2017, Comey had a briefing as FBI director with Grassley and Judiciary’s top Democrat, Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California.
Comey told the senators that he saw no evidence Flynn had lied to investigators, according to Grassley.
Comey repeated that assertion to the House Intelligence Committee while still serving as FBI director. Trump fired him on May 9, 2017.
In August 2017, Grassley asked the Defense Intelligence Agency, which Flynn directed for two years during the Obama administration, to declassify information about the Flynn case.
At several points in 2018, Grassley noted in the letter also asked the Justice Department to produce the transcript of Flynn’s phone call with the Russian ambassador.
The Iowa Republican also asked for documents covering the FBI’s interview with Flynn, conducted by Strzok and another agent, on Jan. 24, 2017 at the White House, Flynn did not have a lawyer present.
The Justice Department rejected Grassley’s requests.
Grassley cited press reports that Flynn told the White House counsel and chief of staff that the FBI twice told him he wouldn’t be charged, “which is consistent with what Director Comey told me and my staff.”
5. Presidential Pardon for Flynn?
Trump has floated the idea of a “full pardon” for Flynn.
During a Thursday press conference, however, Trump said he likely wouldn’t even need to use the pardon power.
“It looks to me like Michael Flynn would be exonerated, based on everything that I’ve seen,” Trump said. “I’m not the judge, but I have a different kind of power. But I don’t know if anybody would have to use that power.”
“I’ve never seen anything like it. What they did, what they wrote … it’s just disgraceful,” the president said.
Fred Lucas is the White House correspondent for The Daily Signal and co-host of “The Right Side of History” podcast. Lucas is also the author of Tainted by Suspicion: The Secret Deals and Electoral Chaos of Disputed Presidential Elections. Send an email to Fred.


thestream--2020-05-03--Americans Are Slowly But Surely Ending Lockdowns Over Officials’ Objections, Location Data Shows

Americans are venturing out more to fast food restaurants , gas stations and public places even as health experts and government officials demand extending economic lockdowns , location data show .
People are back to visiting gas stations and fast food restaurants at pre-COVID-19 levels , according to location data collected by Foursquare , a local search-and-discovery app that helps users discover places near them to visit and eat .
Foursquare noted the changes in how people are moving in a blog post Thursday showing that people are apparently feeling free to travel about .
Americans are changing their behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country continue extending stay-at-home orders to prevent an uptick in coronavirus deaths .
Democratic Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , for one , extended her state ’ s lockdown until May 28 and increased her executive powers as protesters stormed Michigan ’ s state capitol amid a flurry of demonstrations .
Michigan has seen more than 4,000 people die from coronavirus , or COVID-19 , which originated in Wuhan , China before going global , killing more than 160,000 people worldwide .
Meanwhile , people are getting used to the new situation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show .
Gas stations are down only 6 % nationally as of April 24 , compared to 8-11 % weeks prior , Foursquare noted .
Such visits to fuel stations have returned to normal in the Midwest and in rural areas , which have seen slower spread and fewer COVID-19-related deaths than coastal cities .
Support The Stream : Serving the Body During This Crisis With Facts .
Faith .
And No Fear .
The uptick in gas station visits could be a good sign for the oil industry given that much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle travel , which both bottomed out over the past several weeks , forcing crude prices into the cellar .
The airline and oil industry have seen their sales drop substantially as a result .
Americans are still avoiding restaurants and bars .
Casual visits to eateries cratered around March 28-31 , Foursquare noted in the blog before adding that traffic to larger restaurant chains has picked up recently .
Traffic to such restaurants increased slightly since mid-April , down 70 % nationally as of April 24 , compared to being down 73 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , location data show .
Many Americans are still worried ending lockdowns could result in catastrophe .
An NBC News poll published in April found that Roughly 60 % of voters say they are more concerned that nixing lockdowns would lead to more deaths than they are that the restrictions will hurt the U.S. economy .
Despite the polling , some U.S. states are gradually reopening their economies .
Georgia , Texas and Tennessee , for instance , are preparing to ease stay-at-home orders and bucking health officials who argue continued lockdowns must @ @

Americans are venturing out more to fast food restaurants, gas stations and public places even as health experts and government officials demand extending economic lockdowns, location data show.
People are back to visiting gas stations and fast food restaurants at pre-COVID-19 levels, according to location data collected by Foursquare, a local search-and-discovery app that helps users discover places near them to visit and eat. Foursquare noted the changes in how people are moving in a blog post Thursday showing that people are apparently feeling free to travel about.
Americans are changing their behavior even as governors and mayors across the country continue extending stay-at-home orders to prevent an uptick in coronavirus deaths.
Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, for one, extended her state’s lockdown until May 28 and increased her executive powers as protesters stormed Michigan’s state capitol amid a flurry of demonstrations.
Michigan has seen more than 4,000 people die from coronavirus, or COVID-19, which originated in Wuhan, China before going global, killing more than 160,000 people worldwide.
Meanwhile, people are getting used to the new situation and even bucking some guidelines, location data show. Gas stations are down only 6% nationally as of April 24, compared to 8-11% weeks prior, Foursquare noted.
Such visits to fuel stations have returned to normal in the Midwest and in rural areas, which have seen slower spread and fewer COVID-19-related deaths than coastal cities.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The uptick in gas station visits could be a good sign for the oil industry given that much of oil consumption is routed through air and vehicle travel, which both bottomed out over the past several weeks, forcing crude prices into the cellar. The airline and oil industry have seen their sales drop substantially as a result.
Americans are still avoiding restaurants and bars. Casual visits to eateries cratered around March 28-31, Foursquare noted in the blog before adding that traffic to larger restaurant chains has picked up recently.
Traffic to such restaurants increased slightly since mid-April, down 70% nationally as of April 24, compared to being down 73% in the weeks before that date, location data show.
Many Americans are still worried ending lockdowns could result in catastrophe. An NBC News poll published in April found that Roughly 60% of voters say they are more concerned that nixing lockdowns would lead to more deaths than they are that the restrictions will hurt the U.S. economy.
Despite the polling, some U.S. states are gradually reopening their economies. Georgia, Texas and Tennessee, for instance, are preparing to ease stay-at-home orders and bucking health officials who argue continued lockdowns must continue.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-05-03--An Open Letter to Our Leaders — Churches Must Not Be Handcuffed

As I said in a recent sermon , Americans need to realize that although we are in the same storm , we are in different boats .
We need a lot more grace , understanding , and wisdom rather than fueling fear and anxiety .
Some are unemployed , while others are doing fine financially .
Some are enjoying a much-needed break , and others need to get going again ( especially those with kids ) .
Some are stressed to the max , especially those in the medical field , as they deal with the realities of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( and there is a lot of that ) .
The elderly and those with compromised immune systems or pre-existing conditions view this differently than young adults who feel cooped up in their homes .
Large food chains remain open while churches stay closed .
Although some states are taking tentative steps to open , there seems no true end in sight .
It ’ s very evident that fear is affecting many people .
I will briefly touch on three important topics below : I ’ m not dismissing COVID-19 , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be far more deadly and destructive than the virus itself .
My first point is that we all need a lot more grace , love and understanding .
We need to be slow to speak and quick to listen so that when we do move forward , we respond in wisdom rather than react in frustration .
Second , we need a reality check .
For example , in early April , Dr. Deborah Birx , the Coronavirus Response Coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force , said they are counting victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while testing positive for the virus , even if something else caused their death .
The CDC has confirmed this as well .
This is an incredible and significant statement that raises suspicions of ulterior motives .
Why “ artificially ” raise the death count ?
To instill more fear ?
To pressure more compliance and extend the shut-down for political purposes ?
To put more money in the pockets of hospitals ?
( Perhaps there ’ s a legitimate reason for the CDC ’ s action , but when once-trusted government agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust , suspicion is easy to come by . )
Add this to the fact that countless Americans have already been exposed and now have the antibodies ( just how God designed us , by the way ) , and we soon realize that we have now reached the “ overreaction ” stage of the pandemic .
We must reopen America while at the same time honoring certain protocols .
A recent article noted that “ Sweden has left its schools , gyms , cafes , bars and restaurants open throughout the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has urged citizens to act responsibly and follow social distancing guidelines.
” Our heart is for peace and compliance and having a good reputation ( Proverbs 22:1 ) .
We are called to be as gentle as doves but also as wise as serpents ( Matthew 10:16 ) .
Many are starting to feel that these policies are actually damaging our health and the health of our children , as illustrated in the powerful video from two ER physicians in California .
( A video removed by Facebook because it countered what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even as the WHO itself has proven unreliable and protective of China . )
Support The Stream : Serving the Body During This Crisis With Facts .
Faith .
And No Fear .
Another reality check is needed in the media .
I ’ ve tuned out many in the mainstream media .
No matter what our president says , they will twist it .
No matter what he does , they will condemn it .
No matter how he acts , they will mock it .
Can you imagine a segment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter what you say or do ?
During a pandemic ?
It ’ s unbelievable .
This is an unprecedented time in our nation ’ s history .
The left has an agenda the virus won ’ t stop .
In fact , the virus will be used .
Hillary Clinton championed this last week when she repeated the line about never letting a crisis go to waste .
How much longer do we allow their agenda to influence us ?
As I ’ ve noted before , the Titanic has been struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit on the deck ?
The stimulus package is just that — a short-term stimulant .
If people are not allowed to go back to work , it will only prolong the inevitable .
Yes , we may need to isolate a few hot spots , but the vast majority of America needs to get back to work , and our churches need to be the voice of truth pointing people back to God .
As one person said , “ If gyms can be open with monitoring , then churches should also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and emotional well being is just as , if not more important , than our physical well being.
” How can we justify allowing hundreds of people to shop in big box stores but still keep churches closed ?
There are three primary reasons : 3 ) This is clearly a spiritual battle : “ For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood , but against the rulers , against the authorities , against the cosmic powers over this present darkness , against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m all for being careful .
We will take reasonable precautions , but there is a huge difference between wisdom and fear .
Fear keeps us bound to worry and anxiety , whereas wisdom allows us to experience the joy of the Lord and live our lives .
Many people don ’ t know God and they fear death .
Therefore , decisions are based on self-preservation .
It ’ s evident that panic is controlling most of our elected officials as well as our citizens .
One thing is absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who and what we trust in .
We must repent of our sin and turn to God .
For those interested , this message speaks volumes to our national need for repentance .
Listen to the advice of godly counsel as much as to citizens , to spiritual leaders as much as to business leaders .
We can not , and should not , remain silent and passive forever .
I have seen vacuum repair stores and donut shops open while churches remain closed , as if a clean house and a full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soul .
This can ’ t continue .
I know that some in our own congregation have gone back to destructive addictions and marriages are on the verge of divorce , and I don ’ t believe our church is the only one seeing this trend .
Streaming services , video conferences , and social media are not going to solve those issues .
We need to be together .
God ’ s house needs to be a place of wholeness and restoration .
Churches must not be handcuffed for much longer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ final thought , who can stop God almighty ?
No one !
Not Washington D.C. , not Democrats , not Republicans .
You can close churches , shut-down the Internet , and pass laws , but you can ’ t silence the voice of God .
I didn ’ t think the Safer-at-Home policy was a First Amendment issue , at least not initially , because the order appeared to be short-term and very specific .
But as time goes on , it ’ s becoming increasingly clear that churches are purposely on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just Christian churches .
Look at how New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio threatened the Jewish community . )
We should submit to authority — but at what point does submission become opposition to God ’ s commands to pray for the sick , come together in united worship , read His Word , and help others ?
Most churches have been very compliant and eager to submit to the governing authorities .
But we can not remain hand-cuffed .
When the disciples had their hands tied and were commanded to refrain from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they said , “ We must obey God rather than any human authority ” ( Acts 5:29 NLT ) .
We are not there yet , but please don ’ t force our hand .
Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the creator of the WCF Radio Network .
His program , Regaining Lost Ground , points us back to God and reminds us that although times change , truth does not .
His books , blogs , and sermons can all @ @ @ @ @

As I said in a recent sermon, Americans need to realize that although we are in the same storm, we are in different boats. We need a lot more grace, understanding, and wisdom rather than fueling fear and anxiety. Some are unemployed, while others are doing fine financially. Some are enjoying a much-needed break, and others need to get going again (especially those with kids). Some are stressed to the max, especially those in the medical field, as they deal with the realities of the pandemic, while others feel misled by misinformation (and there is a lot of that).
The elderly and those with compromised immune systems or pre-existing conditions view this differently than young adults who feel cooped up in their homes. Large food chains remain open while churches stay closed. Although some states are taking tentative steps to open, there seems no true end in sight. It’s very evident that fear is affecting many people. I will briefly touch on three important topics below:
A Reality Check
I’m not dismissing COVID-19, but our response to it could prove to be far more deadly and destructive than the virus itself. My first point is that we all need a lot more grace, love and understanding. We need to be slow to speak and quick to listen so that when we do move forward, we respond in wisdom rather than react in frustration.
Second, we need a reality check. For example, in early April, Dr. Deborah Birx, the Coronavirus Response Coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force, said they are counting victims of the pandemic as anyone who dies while testing positive for the virus, even if something else caused their death. The CDC has confirmed this as well. This is an incredible and significant statement that raises suspicions of ulterior motives. Why “artificially” raise the death count? To instill more fear? To pressure more compliance and extend the shut-down for political purposes? To put more money in the pockets of hospitals? (Perhaps there’s a legitimate reason for the CDC’s action, but when once-trusted government agencies — like the FBI — violate our trust, suspicion is easy to come by.)
Add this to the fact that countless Americans have already been exposed and now have the antibodies (just how God designed us, by the way), and we soon realize that we have now reached the “overreaction” stage of the pandemic. We must reopen America while at the same time honoring certain protocols. A recent article noted that “Sweden has left its schools, gyms, cafes, bars and restaurants open throughout the spread of the pandemic. Instead, the government has urged citizens to act responsibly and follow social distancing guidelines.”
Our heart is for peace and compliance and having a good reputation (Proverbs 22:1). We are called to be as gentle as doves but also as wise as serpents (Matthew 10:16). Many are starting to feel that these policies are actually damaging our health and the health of our children, as illustrated in the powerful video from two ER physicians in California. (A video removed by Facebook because it countered what the World Health Organization was saying, even as the WHO itself has proven unreliable and protective of China.)
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Another reality check is needed in the media. I’ve tuned out many in the mainstream media. No matter what our president says, they will twist it. No matter what he does, they will condemn it. No matter how he acts, they will mock it. Can you imagine a segment of the nation that is against you no matter what you say or do? During a pandemic? It’s unbelievable. This is an unprecedented time in our nation’s history. The left has an agenda the virus won’t stop. In fact, the virus will be used. Hillary Clinton championed this last week when she repeated the line about never letting a crisis go to waste. How much longer do we allow their agenda to influence us?
Keeping Churches Closed
As I’ve noted before, the Titanic has been struck. Do we lower the rafts or sit on the deck? The stimulus package is just that — a short-term stimulant. If people are not allowed to go back to work, it will only prolong the inevitable. Yes, we may need to isolate a few hot spots, but the vast majority of America needs to get back to work, and our churches need to be the voice of truth pointing people back to God. As one person said, “If gyms can be open with monitoring, then churches should also be opened with guidelines. Our spiritual and emotional well being is just as, if not more important, than our physical well being.”
How can we justify allowing hundreds of people to shop in big box stores but still keep churches closed? There are three primary reasons:
1) Churches are viewed as non-essential.
2) Fear is controlling decisions.
3) This is clearly a spiritual battle: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12 ESV).
One thing is absolutely certain: This pandemic is thoroughly revealing who and what we trust in. We must repent of our sin and turn to God.
I’m all for being careful. We will take reasonable precautions, but there is a huge difference between wisdom and fear. Fear keeps us bound to worry and anxiety, whereas wisdom allows us to experience the joy of the Lord and live our lives.
Many people don’t know God and they fear death. Therefore, decisions are based on self-preservation. It’s evident that panic is controlling most of our elected officials as well as our citizens. One thing is absolutely certain: This pandemic is thoroughly revealing who and what we trust in. We must repent of our sin and turn to God. For those interested, this message speaks volumes to our national need for repentance.
Listen to the advice of godly counsel as much as to citizens, to spiritual leaders as much as to business leaders. We cannot, and should not, remain silent and passive forever. I have seen vacuum repair stores and donut shops open while churches remain closed, as if a clean house and a full belly are more essential than a human soul. This can’t continue. I know that some in our own congregation have gone back to destructive addictions and marriages are on the verge of divorce, and I don’t believe our church is the only one seeing this trend. Streaming services, video conferences, and social media are not going to solve those issues. We need to be together.
God’s house needs to be a place of wholeness and restoration. Churches must not be handcuffed for much longer.
God Has the Final Say
As a final thought, who can stop God almighty? No one! Not Washington D.C., not Democrats, not Republicans. You can close churches, shut-down the Internet, and pass laws, but you can’t silence the voice of God.
I didn’t think the Safer-at-Home policy was a First Amendment issue, at least not initially, because the order appeared to be short-term and very specific. But as time goes on, it’s becoming increasingly clear that churches are purposely on the back burner. (And not just Christian churches. Look at how New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio threatened the Jewish community.)
We should submit to authority — but at what point does submission become opposition to God’s commands to pray for the sick, come together in united worship, read His Word, and help others? Most churches have been very compliant and eager to submit to the governing authorities. But we cannot remain hand-cuffed. When the disciples had their hands tied and were commanded to refrain from doing what God called them to do, they said, “We must obey God rather than any human authority” (Acts 5:29 NLT). We are not there yet, but please don’t force our hand.
Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the creator of the WCF Radio Network. His program, Regaining Lost Ground, points us back to God and reminds us that although times change, truth does not. His books, blogs, and sermons can all be found at ShaneIdleman.com.
CALL TO ACTION: COVID-19 is causing massive disruptions in life. The Stream’s parent organization, LIFE Outreach International, is helping send a first wave of help. LIFE’s local mission partners are already distributing thousands of surgical masks, gloves and other sanitary supplies to first responders, hospitals and nursing homes. In addition, other partners have focused on distributing as many meals as possible to help those who need food. You can help with these efforts. Click here to donate.


thestream--2020-05-03--National Archives Debunks Biden Claim: Says Senate Docs on Tara Reade Would Be Elsewhere

• 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden said Friday morning that the National Archives would hold his personnel records and that these records would not be housed in the collection of his senate records at the University of Delaware .
• But Biden ’ s comments on the location of these records are incorrect , the National Archives said .
• “ Any records of Senate personnel complaints from 1993 would have remained under the control of the Senate , ” the National Archives said in a statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation .
2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold his personnel records , but the National Archives have denied this .
Biden discussed Reade ’ s allegations of sexual assault against him for the first time Friday morning on MSNBC .
The former vice president released a statement shortly before this appearance in which he again denied the allegations , noting that the papers he donated to the University of Delaware from his time as a Delaware senator do not contain his personnel files .
He argued on MNSBC that his UDelaware files should not be opened up to the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There is only one place a complaint of this kind could be — the National Archives , ” the former vice president said in his Friday morning Medium post .
“ The National Archives is where the records are kept at what was then called the Office of Fair Employment Practices.
” “ I am requesting that the Secretary of the Senate ask the Archives to identify any record of the complaint she alleges she filed and make available to the press any such document , ” he added .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the record will be there.
” But Biden ’ s comments on the location of these records are incorrect , according to the National Archives .
“ Any records of Senate personnel complaints from 1993 would have remained under the control of the Senate , ” the National Archives Public and Media Communications staff said in a statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation .
A National Archives spokesman also told Business Insider that the archives do not hold Office of Fair Employment Practices records .
Center for Legislative Archives spokeswoman Dorothy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access regarding House and Senate records held within the Center for Legislative Archives — rules that prohibit opening House records for 30 years and Senate records for 20 years .
For both the House and the Senate , records that contain personal information closed by statue are closed for 50 years .
It remains unclear where Office of Fair Employment Practices records that involve Reade may have gone .
Biden has not responded to a request for comment on the matter from the DCNF .
Reade worked as a Senate staffer for Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of kissing her , touching her and penetrating her with his fingers without her consent .
After the alleged assault , Reade told the DCNF , she complained about sexual harassment to three Biden staffers : Marianne Baker , Biden ’ s executive assistant , and Dennis Toner and Ted Kaufman , who were both top Biden aides at the time .
But Kaufman , Baker and Toner would not take action when Reade complained to them about sexual harassment , Reade said , so she filed a written complaint with an office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Complaints of this kind were handled by the Senate Office of Fair Employment Practices in 1993 , which was replaced by the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights ( OCWR ) following the passage of the Congressional Accountability Act in 1995 .
The Office of Senate Fair Employment Practices received 28 formal complaints between June 1992 and September 1994 , according to a Senate report on the office published in the 1990s .
However , OCWR would not say whether it maintains records relating to the complaints received by its progenitor .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the OCWR does not comment on whether specific claims may or may not have been filed with the office , ” OCWR Communications Director Nancy Baldino told the DCNF .
She did not respond to further requests for comment .
Reade says she filled out an intake form and handed it to whoever was behind the desk at the office .
She was told that someone would call her in for a full discussion and meeting – but “ that never happened , ” she told the DCNF .
She says she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempted to track the complaint down in 2019 .
She said she was told that “ it would have gone back to Joe Biden ’ s office , to the Chief of Staff.
” She is unsure who told her this , but believes it may have been OWCR .
If this complaint were located , she says , it would show that Biden ’ s staff members lied on the record when they said they did not have meetings with her , noting that she had more than five meetings total — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members .
It would also show the approximate dates of when some of the events she has mentioned happened , she told the DCNF .
Reade has also told Business Insider that Kaufman took notes when she spoke with him .
“ He ’ s now denying that we ever had the meeting , and I watched him take notes , ” she said .
“ Those notes would be in my personnel file , along with sick days or any kind of extra notes that I turned in.
” Reade believes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Senate records , which are housed by the University of Delaware Library and cover a wide swath of Biden ’ s political career but are being kept secret until he “ retires from public life , ” spokeswoman Andrea Boyle Tippett told The Washington Post in July 2019 .
Tippett told the DCNF on Tuesday that the University of Delaware would not share the terms of the agreement between the university and Biden detailing why the Senate records may not be released .
“ The gift agreement signed when the papers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Tippett told the DCNF .
The collection of these documents fills 1,875 boxes and includes 415 gigabytes of electronic records , containing committee reports , drafts of legislation and correspondence , according to the Post .
Reade called on the former vice president to release these Senate documents in an exclusive interview with the DCNF Tuesday .
“ Joe Biden , I want you to release all the personnel records from 1973 to 2009 and be transparent about your office practices , ” Reade told the DCNF .
“ I would like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to me , to how your staff protected you and enabled you , bullied me multiple times into silence .
”

2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden said Friday morning that the National Archives would hold his personnel records and that these records would not be housed in the collection of his senate records at the University of Delaware.
But Biden’s comments on the location of these records are incorrect, the National Archives said.
“Any records of Senate personnel complaints from 1993 would have remained under the control of the Senate,” the National Archives said in a statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation.
2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden said Friday morning that the National Archives would hold his personnel records, but the National Archives have denied this.
Biden discussed Reade’s allegations of sexual assault against him for the first time Friday morning on MSNBC. The former vice president released a statement shortly before this appearance in which he again denied the allegations, noting that the papers he donated to the University of Delaware from his time as a Delaware senator do not contain his personnel files.
He argued on MNSBC that his UDelaware files should not be opened up to the public as they could impact his political career.
“There is only one place a complaint of this kind could be — the National Archives,” the former vice president said in his Friday morning Medium post. “The National Archives is where the records are kept at what was then called the Office of Fair Employment Practices.”
“I am requesting that the Secretary of the Senate ask the Archives to identify any record of the complaint she alleges she filed and make available to the press any such document,” he added. “If there was ever any such complaint, the record will be there.”
Not So, Joe
But Biden’s comments on the location of these records are incorrect, according to the National Archives.
“Any records of Senate personnel complaints from 1993 would have remained under the control of the Senate,” the National Archives Public and Media Communications staff said in a statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation.
A National Archives spokesman also told Business Insider that the archives do not hold Office of Fair Employment Practices records.
Center for Legislative Archives spokeswoman Dorothy Alexander pointed the DCNF towards rules of access regarding House and Senate records held within the Center for Legislative Archives — rules that prohibit opening House records for 30 years and Senate records for 20 years. For both the House and the Senate, records that contain personal information closed by statue are closed for 50 years.
It remains unclear where Office of Fair Employment Practices records that involve Reade may have gone. Biden has not responded to a request for comment on the matter from the DCNF.
Reade worked as a Senate staffer for Biden in 1993 and has accused the then-senator of kissing her, touching her and penetrating her with his fingers without her consent. After the alleged assault, Reade told the DCNF, she complained about sexual harassment to three Biden staffers: Marianne Baker, Biden’s executive assistant, and Dennis Toner and Ted Kaufman, who were both top Biden aides at the time.
But Kaufman, Baker and Toner would not take action when Reade complained to them about sexual harassment, Reade said, so she filed a written complaint with an office she called the “Senate Personnel Office.”
Complaints of this kind were handled by the Senate Office of Fair Employment Practices in 1993, which was replaced by the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) following the passage of the Congressional Accountability Act in 1995.
The Office of Senate Fair Employment Practices received 28 formal complaints between June 1992 and September 1994, according to a Senate report on the office published in the 1990s. However, OCWR would not say whether it maintains records relating to the complaints received by its progenitor.
“To protect the confidentiality of all claimants, the OCWR does not comment on whether specific claims may or may not have been filed with the office,” OCWR Communications Director Nancy Baldino told the DCNF. She did not respond to further requests for comment.
Reade says she filled out an intake form and handed it to whoever was behind the desk at the office. She was told that someone would call her in for a full discussion and meeting – but “that never happened,” she told the DCNF. She says she does not have the form.
Reade attempted to track the complaint down in 2019. She said she was told that “it would have gone back to Joe Biden’s office, to the Chief of Staff.” She is unsure who told her this, but believes it may have been OWCR.
If this complaint were located, she says, it would show that Biden’s staff members lied on the record when they said they did not have meetings with her, noting that she had more than five meetings total — informal and formal — with these staff members. It would also show the approximate dates of when some of the events she has mentioned happened, she told the DCNF.
Reade has also told Business Insider that Kaufman took notes when she spoke with him.
“He’s now denying that we ever had the meeting, and I watched him take notes,” she said. “Those notes would be in my personnel file, along with sick days or any kind of extra notes that I turned in.”
Reade believes that her complaint is included in Biden’s Senate records, which are housed by the University of Delaware Library and cover a wide swath of Biden’s political career but are being kept secret until he “retires from public life,” spokeswoman Andrea Boyle Tippett told The Washington Post in July 2019.
Tippett told the DCNF on Tuesday that the University of Delaware would not share the terms of the agreement between the university and Biden detailing why the Senate records may not be released.
“The gift agreement signed when the papers were donated is not a public document,” Tippett told the DCNF.
The collection of these documents fills 1,875 boxes and includes 415 gigabytes of electronic records, containing committee reports, drafts of legislation and correspondence, according to the Post.
Reade called on the former vice president to release these Senate documents in an exclusive interview with the DCNF Tuesday.
“Joe Biden, I want you to release all the personnel records from 1973 to 2009 and be transparent about your office practices,” Reade told the DCNF. “I would like to hold you accountable for what happened to me, to how your staff protected you and enabled you, bullied me multiple times into silence.”
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
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thestream--2020-05-03--Locked Down Still? Feeling Shut Out? ‘They Also Serve Who Only Stand and Wait’

We ’ re in a season of waiting , waiting , waiting .
Maybe it ’ s nearing its end , but we ’ ve got a long way to go before things open up fully for all .
Many of us remain stuck waiting .
In that context I was talking with some friends this week about this sonnet John Milton ( 1608-1674 ) wrote about his blindness .
My friends found it helpful .
I suggest you read it first , then check the explanatory comments and read it again .
It ’ ll make sense to you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s poetry , it was meant for that !
When I consider how my light is spent , Ere half my days , in this dark world and wide And that one Talent which is death to hide Lodged with me useless , though my Soul more bent To serve therewith my Maker , and present My true account , lest he returning chide ; “ Doth God exact day-labour , light denied ?
” I fondly ask .
But patience , to prevent That murmur , soon replies , “ God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work or his own gifts ; who best Bear his mild yoke , they serve him best .
His state Is Kingly .
Thousands at his bidding speed And post o ’ er Land and Ocean without rest : They also serve who only stand and wait.
” “ My light is spent ” refers to a tragedy : The great poet had gone blind .
He was out of a job , so to speak ; but for an artist of his caliber it was much more than that .
His light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” refers to Jesus ’ parable of the Talents ( Matt .
25:14-30 ) , where hiding the talent resulted in receiving the Master ’ s punishing criticism , when accounts were given .
This is also the source of the line , “ lest he returning chide.
” The Master had “ exacted ” ( required ) day-labor ; what if we deny it lightly ?
“ My Soul more bent ” — more inclined , more desiring This Is For Us , Today Milton thought his Talent — his writing — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ otherwise , of course , as it is very nearly his most famous and influential , after the epic “ Paradise Lost ” and ( arguably ) “ Paradise Regained.
” Yet still he worried whether he could be a good servant of God , when the gift with which he had previously served him was no longer so well within reach .
Does that sound at all familiar — being cut off from what you were meant to do ?
He opened the poem talking about himself , and that self-focus was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was born of untruth ; he needed to remind himself again of God ’ s sovereignty and God ’ s true call upon his life .
It does no good to fear God ’ s punishment without knowing what God wants of us to start with .
God doesn ’ t need our hard work on his behalf , Milton says , and he certainly doesn ’ t need us posting “ o ’ er Land and Ocean ” all on our own .
We go as he sends , not on our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is people bent toward doing what he wills .
This is the “ mild yoke ” ( Matthew 11:28-30 ) he wishes us to bear .
Sometimes To Stand and Wait The final line calls to mind the King on his throne , with his soldiers standing by .
This , too , is service : To stand and wait .
But don ’ t read it the way I just wrote it .
It ’ s ( literally ) prosaic .
Read the sonnet again .
Let that final line reach you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wield .
I hesitate to add this final thought , since Milton said it so much better , but I ’ ll go ahead anyway .
If God has called you during this season to stand and wait — though your soul is “ more bent ” to serve him — remember that this , too is service .
Stand tall , bear it well , and listen for your King ’ s next call into action .
Originally published at Thinking Christian .
Used by permission .
Tom Gilson ( @ TomGilsonAuthor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stream , and the author of A Christian Mind : Thoughts on Life and Truth in Jesus Christ and Critical Conversations : A Christian Parent ’ s Guide to Discussing Homosexuality with Teens , and the lead editor of True Reason : Confronting the Irrationality of the New Atheism .

Quarantined. Locked down.
We’re in a season of waiting, waiting, waiting. Maybe it’s nearing its end, but we’ve got a long way to go before things open up fully for all. Many of us remain stuck waiting.
In that context I was talking with some friends this week about this sonnet John Milton (1608-1674) wrote about his blindness. My friends found it helpful. I suggest you read it first, then check the explanatory comments and read it again. It’ll make sense to you then. Read it aloud; it’s poetry, it was meant for that!
When I consider how my light is spent,
Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide
And that one Talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my Soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest he returning chide;
“Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”
I fondly ask. But patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need
Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed
And post o’er Land and Ocean without rest:
They also serve who only stand and wait.”
A Few Explanatory Comments
“My light is spent” refers to a tragedy: The great poet had gone blind. He was out of a job, so to speak; but for an artist of his caliber it was much more than that. His light was spent.
“That one Talent” refers to Jesus’ parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:14-30), where hiding the talent resulted in receiving the Master’s punishing criticism, when accounts were given. This is also the source of the line, “lest he returning chide.” The Master had “exacted” (required) day-labor; what if we deny it lightly?
“My Soul more bent” — more inclined, more desiring
“fondly” — foolishly
This Is For Us, Today
Milton thought his Talent — his writing — had gone dark. This sonnet reveals otherwise, of course, as it is very nearly his most famous and influential, after the epic “Paradise Lost” and (arguably) “Paradise Regained.” Yet still he worried whether he could be a good servant of God, when the gift with which he had previously served him was no longer so well within reach.
Does that sound at all familiar — being cut off from what you were meant to do?
He opened the poem talking about himself, and that self-focus was turning him toward despair. But it was born of untruth; he needed to remind himself again of God’s sovereignty and God’s true call upon his life. It does no good to fear God’s punishment without knowing what God wants of us to start with.
God doesn’t need our hard work on his behalf, Milton says, and he certainly doesn’t need us posting “o’er Land and Ocean” all on our own. We go as he sends, not on our own initiative. What God does want is people bent toward doing what he wills. This is the “mild yoke” (Matthew 11:28-30) he wishes us to bear.
Sometimes To Stand and Wait
The final line calls to mind the King on his throne, with his soldiers standing by. This, too, is service: To stand and wait. But don’t read it the way I just wrote it. It’s (literally) prosaic. Read the sonnet again. Let that final line reach you with the force only great poetry can wield.
I hesitate to add this final thought, since Milton said it so much better, but I’ll go ahead anyway. If God has called you during this season to stand and wait — though your soul is “more bent” to serve him — remember that this, too is service. Stand tall, bear it well, and listen for your King’s next call into action.
Originally published at Thinking Christian. Used by permission.
Tom Gilson (@TomGilsonAuthor) is a senior editor with The Stream, and the author of A Christian Mind: Thoughts on Life and Truth in Jesus Christ and Critical Conversations: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Discussing Homosexuality with Teens, and the lead editor of True Reason: Confronting the Irrationality of the New Atheism.


thestream--2020-05-04--Don’t Swallow the Fiery Dart of Division!

“ Above all , taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one.
” Ephesians 6:16 Many years ago , I was away from home and travelling on a ministry trip when I received a distressed call from my wife , “ The head of the ministry is trying to reach you and he said it was urgent .
He did not tell me what it was about , but I can tell something is very wrong .
Call him as soon as you can.
” Her voice revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Before I made any calls , I decided to take a time of prayer and seek God to hear His heart .
As I prayed , I entered into a deep realm in the Spirit .
I was totally awake and focused on beseeching God for understanding as I sensed a storm coming .
Suddenly , I saw a vision unfolding before me .
A senior leader sat alone at a table in a hazy room under a bright light .
On the table before him was a flaming dart-like arrow , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pedestal .
As he stared at it , I could sense his thoughts and the struggle that was in him .
He was known for his prominence and godly leadership .
The dart represented a troubling decision , a posture to take , something that came from a bad source that would precipitate the unleashing of destructive consequences .
He knew somehow that embracing the fiery arrow was wrong , but he had a sense of duty , vows he had made , allegiances from the past , and he had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stared at this strange vision , mesmerized by its intensity , a shocking scene took place .
The leader grabbed the arrow with his right hand , stared at it with resolve and then opened his mouth and swallowed it .
I was aghast !
This important Christian leader did not get hit by a fiery dart of the devil … he willfully swallowed it !
The accuser of the brethren and spirit of division was let loose from the top of the house and then worked its way into every room .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the “ R ” of relationship from “ friends ” and this is what you are left with . )
I have , unfortunately , seen this same thing happen several times over the years .
Once the dart is “ swallowed , ” trust turns into distrust , evil suspicions , taking sides , secret meetings , and gossip factions go into acceleration mode .
People who were once like family and great friends are suddenly viewed and treated like enemies .
Men and women who were considered godly and essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their past and current motivations and actions are suspect as evil intentioned ( see 1 Timothy 6:4 ) .
They are caricatured as monsters .
Those who just moments-earlier were friends are now fiends .
Imperfections that we all have , which were tolerated in the past , become glaring flaws .
The new faultfinding mentality buries all the good that was ever done by the once-upon-a-time dear companion .
Emotions become raw and thinking on good things becomes almost impossible .
Prayers becomes self-serving , as in , “ Lord , open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The spirit of division begins to tear up the house ( see Matthew 12:25 ) .
The situation above goes from bad to worse , and I have seen it repeat itself many times over .
Then comes the secret gossip that no one dares verify ( see Proverbs 16:28 ; 17:9 ; 18:8 ) .
He said .
She said .
I heard .
It ’ s all about justifying the case for the side that you chose to align with .
( It ’ s really slander and unchecked character assassination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People are nibbling on the dart that someone else swallowed .
And , of course , no one blows the whistle and proclaims the sin and iniquity of what has now become the vigilante burial team .
A well-known proverb states , “ The Church is the only organization that buries its wounded.
” This ought not to be said of the Bride of Christ .
Isn ’ t the Church ’ s mission like our Savior ’ s – redemption , mercy , forgiveness , a second chance , truth and grace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Body During This Crisis With Facts .
Faith .
And No Fear .
Things get even worse when we add in denominational politics .
Along with the spirit of division seven more demons now enter : abusive control , manipulation , man pleasing , misplaced vows , intimidation , political favors , and severing communications .
What was once a family now becomes an institutional prison system .
“ Either you play by our rules or you get punished and cast out.
” The fiery dart is spreading its destroying flame .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this scripture pro ves all too relevant : “ Strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered ” ( Zechariah 13:7 ) .
The poor sheep are confused , separated and get picked off by wolves .
There are many casualties , ministries sometimes end , and the collateral damage to families , youth and children is immeasurable over the years .
The devil is laughing over how easy it was to divide and weaken the Church again .
Beloved , it is time to look at Scripture again .
Does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ See James 2:13 . )
Can we not call in objective mediators ?
Where is the attitude of humility and reconciliation ?
“ Pursue peace with all people , and holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
” And if you have bitterness , check your own heart and repent before others are defiled ( Hebrews 12:14-15 ) .
There is a place for correction , but it must come from the Father ’ s heart , not the anger of man , nor the spirit of division .
Jesus prayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 , as he and the Father are one .
Paul , Peter , and John wrote apostolic letters to encourage working towards oneness as we pursue maturity and love ( Ephesians 4:3 ) .
Social distancing does not work to heal the Church .
• Call the other person who has opposed you .
• Get godly wisdom-filled mediators .
Do every thing you can to work out a solution of victory in Christ .
• If you are dealing with a brother or sister in Christ , you can agree on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You do not want the devil ’ s involvement .
Call on God !
Declare your submission .
Then command the spirit of division and every cohort of darkness to get out ( James 4:6-7 ) !
• Remove the dart behind the armor : Renounce the Spirit of division and remove the fiery dart of division from your own soul .
Don ’ t try to put the armor of God over it and protect it with a bunch of misapplied Scriptures , pride and human traditions .
Don ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reveals a solution that heals and brings glory to the Father .
A personal note : The power of prayer is paramount .
“ praying with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit … for all the saints ” ( Ephesians 6:18 ) .
Abraham built altars , Moses interceded , Elijah called on God , Esther fasted , and Jesus prayed through the night .
Join me in praying and working towards unity in the Spirit to overcome division in His Church .
This stronghold must fall in Jesus ’ name .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the World Outreach Center , Fort Mill , SC and author of The Church in His Image : Unveiling God ’ s Secret Weapon .

“Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one.” Ephesians 6:16
Many years ago, I was away from home and travelling on a ministry trip when I received a distressed call from my wife, “The head of the ministry is trying to reach you and he said it was urgent. He did not tell me what it was about, but I can tell something is very wrong. Call him as soon as you can.”
Her voice revealed the discomfort she felt in her soul. Before I made any calls, I decided to take a time of prayer and seek God to hear His heart.
As I prayed, I entered into a deep realm in the Spirit. I was totally awake and focused on beseeching God for understanding as I sensed a storm coming. Suddenly, I saw a vision unfolding before me. A senior leader sat alone at a table in a hazy room under a bright light. On the table before him was a flaming dart-like arrow, about 18 inches long, mounted on a pedestal. As he stared at it, I could sense his thoughts and the struggle that was in him.
He was known for his prominence and godly leadership. The dart represented a troubling decision, a posture to take, something that came from a bad source that would precipitate the unleashing of destructive consequences. He knew somehow that embracing the fiery arrow was wrong, but he had a sense of duty, vows he had made, allegiances from the past, and he had to be faithful to them.
As I stared at this strange vision, mesmerized by its intensity, a shocking scene took place. The leader grabbed the arrow with his right hand, stared at it with resolve and then opened his mouth and swallowed it. I was aghast! This important Christian leader did not get hit by a fiery dart of the devil … he willfully swallowed it! The accuser of the brethren and spirit of division was let loose from the top of the house and then worked its way into every room.
From Friends to Fiends: (Take out the “R” of relationship from “friends” and this is what you are left with.)
I have, unfortunately, seen this same thing happen several times over the years. Once the dart is “swallowed,” trust turns into distrust, evil suspicions, taking sides, secret meetings, and gossip factions go into acceleration mode. People who were once like family and great friends are suddenly viewed and treated like enemies. Men and women who were considered godly and essential now need to be removed. All their past and current motivations and actions are suspect as evil intentioned (see 1 Timothy 6:4). They are caricatured as monsters. Those who just moments-earlier were friends are now fiends.
Imperfections that we all have, which were tolerated in the past, become glaring flaws. The new faultfinding mentality buries all the good that was ever done by the once-upon-a-time dear companion. Emotions become raw and thinking on good things becomes almost impossible. Prayers becomes self-serving, as in, “Lord, open the eyes of those blind troublemakers.” The spirit of division begins to tear up the house (see Matthew 12:25).
The situation above goes from bad to worse, and I have seen it repeat itself many times over.
Then comes the secret gossip that no one dares verify (see Proverbs 16:28; 17:9; 18:8). He said. She said. I heard. It’s all about justifying the case for the side that you chose to align with. (It’s really slander and unchecked character assassination.) Distorted information is everywhere. People are nibbling on the dart that someone else swallowed. And, of course, no one blows the whistle and proclaims the sin and iniquity of what has now become the vigilante burial team.
A well-known proverb states, “The Church is the only organization that buries its wounded.” This ought not to be said of the Bride of Christ. Isn’t the Church’s mission like our Savior’s – redemption, mercy, forgiveness, a second chance, truth and grace?
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Things get even worse when we add in denominational politics. Along with the spirit of division seven more demons now enter: abusive control, manipulation, man pleasing, misplaced vows, intimidation, political favors, and severing communications. What was once a family now becomes an institutional prison system. “Either you play by our rules or you get punished and cast out.” The fiery dart is spreading its destroying flame.
And when it’s shepherd against shepherd, this scripture pro ves all too relevant: “Strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered” (Zechariah 13:7). The poor sheep are confused, separated and get picked off by wolves. There are many casualties, ministries sometimes end, and the collateral damage to families, youth and children is immeasurable over the years.
The devil is laughing over how easy it was to divide and weaken the Church again.
Are You Pursuing Peace?
Beloved, it is time to look at Scripture again. Does not mercy triumph over judgment? (See James 2:13.) Can we not call in objective mediators? Where is the attitude of humility and reconciliation? “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” And if you have bitterness, check your own heart and repent before others are defiled (Hebrews 12:14-15). There is a place for correction, but it must come from the Father’s heart, not the anger of man, nor the spirit of division.
A Word of Wisdom
Jesus prayed for us to be one in John 17, as he and the Father are one. Paul, Peter, and John wrote apostolic letters to encourage working towards oneness as we pursue maturity and love (Ephesians 4:3). Social distancing does not work to heal the Church.
Call the other person who has opposed you.
Set up a series of meetings.
Get godly wisdom-filled mediators. Do every thing you can to work out a solution of victory in Christ.
If you are dealing with a brother or sister in Christ, you can agree on at least one thing for sure. You do not want the devil’s involvement. Call on God! Declare your submission. Then command the spirit of division and every cohort of darkness to get out (James 4:6-7)!
Remove the dart behind the armor: Renounce the Spirit of division and remove the fiery dart of division from your own soul. Don’t try to put the armor of God over it and protect it with a bunch of misapplied Scriptures, pride and human traditions.
Don’t be surprised if the Prince of Peace suddenly reveals a solution that heals and brings glory to the Father.
A personal note: The power of prayer is paramount. “praying with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit … for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18). Abraham built altars, Moses interceded, Elijah called on God, Esther fasted, and Jesus prayed through the night.
Join me in praying and working towards unity in the Spirit to overcome division in His Church. This stronghold must fall in Jesus’ name.
Dr. M. John Cava is director of the World Outreach Center, Fort Mill, SC and author of The Church in His Image: Unveiling God’s Secret Weapon.


thestream--2020-05-04--Military Photo of the Day: Swabbing a First Responder

A North Dakota Army National Guard soldier takes a swab sample from an asymptomatic Fargo firefighter volunteering to take a @ @ @ @ @ lot of the FargoDome on April 25 , 2020 , in North Dakota .
Thank @ @ @ @ @ protecting us during this time of crisis .
Stay healthy and safe !
Support The @ @ @ @ @ During This Crisis With Facts .
Faith .
And No Fear .

A North Dakota Army National Guard soldier takes a swab sample from an asymptomatic Fargo firefighter volunteering to take a COVID-19 test in the parking lot of the FargoDome on April 25, 2020, in North Dakota.
Thank you to these heroes for protecting us during this time of crisis. Stay healthy and safe!
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.