There is a great spiritual battle raging for the soul of the West.

These are dangerous days for the USA and for Britain. Both are seeing an unprecedented level of social and political unrest. Both have had national referendums, democratically conducted. But both are now seeing these democratic resolutions challenged.

In the US, Donald Trump is said to be the most unpopular choice of President in living memory and street protests against his election have been taking place in cities across the country. More than 4 million people have signed petitions calling upon the Electoral College to reverse the decision of the people and appoint Hillary Clinton as President-elect.

Technically this could happen. Donald Trump is not yet President-elect: he has been nominated by vote of the people, but it is the Electoral College that actually makes the appointment of President-elect. They meet on 19 December 2016, when the representatives from the states who are committed to vote for Donald Trump could, in theory, change their minds and vote for Hillary Clinton on the grounds that she won the popular vote.¹ These rebel delegates would incur a personal fine if they did this, although there will be plenty of Democrats only too willing to pay their fine. But it is highly unlikely that this will happen, despite the petition and despite the vehemence of the street protests.

In a similar way, the Lib Dems in Britain, backed by Tony Blair, are campaigning for a second referendum to overturn the decision taken on 23 June this year, which they do not like. They want to remain in the European Union regardless of its restrictions upon national sovereignty. It is strange that a Party that has always championed democracy is now seeking to undermine democracy and to defy the will of the people.

UK and US Similarities

There are many similarities between the situation in the USA and that in Britain. This was perceived by Donald Trump during his campaign when he said that the outcome of the vote would be "Brexit plus plus plus". No doubt this is the reason why, as part of his celebrations, he invited Nigel Farage as the first British politician to meet him. There are strong similarities between the US presidential election and Brexit. In both cases, evangelical Christians played a large part in the outcome. I cannot prove this statistically, although one report from the States estimates that as many as 80% of white evangelical voters chose Trump.²

Both the USA and Britain are experiencing unprecedented levels of social and political unrest.

Christians in the US are happy that the Vice President-elect, Mike Pence, is a committed Christian and they are praying that Donald Trump will also commit his life to the Lord. They voted for him, not because they thought he was a good man, but because they believed that in some way God was going to use him to break the dominance of the secular humanist liberal elite that has been driving America for decades. And this is very similar to the motives of British Christians who voted for Brexit in order to get Britain out of the increasingly evil influences of the EU.

Battle for the Soul of the West

Many Christians on both sides of the Atlantic have a sense that a great spiritual battle is raging over our nations that is essentially a battle for the soul of the West, which has been witnessing its centuries of biblical heritage rapidly draining away under the impact of a toxic mixture of Marxism, secularism, humanism and Satanism. What is becoming abundantly clear is that this is not a battle against flesh and blood but against what Paul aptly described as "the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph 6:12).

There is a desperate need today for committed Christians who understand the times in which we are living and who are able to engage in prayer that is directed by a clear understanding of the nature of the battle; and who are also willing to be witnesses to the truth in their sphere of influence, so that the word of God is directed into the life of the nations both at a grassroots level and into the arteries of power.

In order to gain the level of understanding required for the incredible times in which we are living, we need Godly revelation. This was something of which Moses had foresight. At a critical point in his life, with half a million people to feed in the desert, he cried out to God that he just couldn't carry on. God appointed 70 elders to share the burden of leadership and the Spirit of God came upon them so that they prophesied (Num 11:24-25). God had already given Moses a definition of prophecy as declaring the word of God [being his mouthpiece] (Ex 4:5-16).

Moses then expressed a wish that has prophetic significance for our day. He said "I wish that all the Lord's people were prophets" (Num 11:29). That is what we greatly need today – all God's people knowing the word of God and having the ability to declare it openly among their friends and neighbours, and more widely when they have the opportunity.

Christians on both sides of the Atlantic have a sense that a great spiritual battle is raging over our nations - a battle for the soul of the West.

Need for Divine Strength

There are many stories in the Bible showing how, when those with leadership responsibilities got to the end of their strength and cried out to God, miracles happened. It happened with Moses several times. It also happened with King Jehoshaphat, who realised that the tiny army of Judah could not face the vast army coming against him. He led the whole nation in prayer that ended with a cry for help "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you" (2 Chron 20:12).

The response from God was "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours but God's." It is when we admit our powerlessness to deal with the situation that God is able to take over and exercise supernatural power. St Paul found this many times in his own life when God said to him "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor 12:9). Paul's own testimony was "When I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor 12:10).

For Those in Power...

It is this divine strength that is needed by our leaders in these testing days, but it is not easy for politicians to express weakness. This is where they need the prayer support of Christians who understand the times. We should be giving special prayer covering to the meeting of the Electoral College in America on 19 December and the inauguration of the new President on 20 January 2017.

We should also be praying for Prime Minister Theresa May in Britain and all the politicians and civil servants who are engaged in the negotiations to get Britain out of the European Union. This is already a giant spiritual battle in the heavenlies and on the ground in Brussels and other European capitals. But if the battle is God's, it is more than possible that he will do something spectacular in Europe before the completion of the Brexit negotiations! Right now, the greatest need is to mobilise prayer among Christians.

There is a desperate need today for Christians of understanding and wisdom, who are able to pray strategically and witness to the truth in their sphere of influence.

References

1 Forster, K. Hillary Clinton voters call on Electoral College members to stop Donald Trump. The Independent, 17 November 2016.

2 Bailey, SP. White evangelicals voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump, exit polls show. Washington Post, 9 November 2016.

As BLM protests take place across the UK today, Linda Louis-vanReed offers an analysis of the growing movement from an American perspective.

According to its website, the 'Black Lives Matter' movement was originally formed in response to the incident involving young Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri on 9 August 2014, the aftermath of which catalysed a new conversation between the African-American community and law enforcement across our nation.

We in the US began hearing the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement being compared with the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. Young people began to respond to what they considered the need for a new Civil Rights dialogue in this era.

However, BLM has a scattered leadership and is loosely organised. Because each 'chapter' is led by whoever would step forward, regardless of his/her personal background or ideology, the protests have often morphed into a platform for organisations like the New Black Panther Party, the Nation of Islam and the Communist Party. The majority of protesters have been paid, and many have been from out-of-state.

As the organisation, now almost 18 months old, has gained traction, it has become known widely that many of these protesters have been being paid through organisations owned by business magnate and political activist George Soros, who has funded political revolutions in Egypt, Serbia and Georgia, and was instrumental in getting Mr Obama into the White House.

BLM has a scattered leadership and is loosely organised, with local chapters easily becoming a platform for militant organisations.

Do Black Lives Really Matter to 'Black Lives Matter'?

The BLM movement could be an incredible, positive force for change throughout the African-American community, which has suffered the legacy of its enslaved forefathers in this nation for at least three generations.

If, in addition to relations with law enforcement, it was simultaneously addressing the issues of 'black-on-black' crime in urban areas, education and job preparation, health and health resources, substance abuse, family wholeness and programmes to bring hope and help to mothers and grandmothers who are raising young children alone, BLM would, indeed, be following in the footsteps of Martin Luther King and his mission of peace, prosperity and unity.

However, it has been my experience (and that of those clergy, city officials and police around me) that BLM is not interested in hearing the whole truth as it pertains to the circumstances of the unrest.

It does not matter that Michael Brown, Alton Sterling and Philandro Castile each had his own criminal record and each was being stopped by the police with reason of suspicion. It does not matter that black-on-black crime is the number one issue within the African-American community. It does not matter that more African-American babies are aborted every year than any other ethnic group in America. It does not matter that, far from being 'excluded', the African-American community (13% of our population) is gaining wealth and education faster than any other group.¹

What appears to matter to BLM in the United States is represented by what it has become: an outlet for rage, hate and anti-white racism to such an extent as to possibly exacerbate a full-scale race war in the United States.

The BLM movement could be an incredible, positive force for change, but instead it has become an outlet for rage, hate and anti-white racism.

The Fallout

In the 1960s, Martin Luther King was adamant about finding peaceful, unifying solutions to the then-palpable issue of race in America. His solutions were contingent upon prayer, obeying the law, relating to the facts concerning situations as they occurred, and moving forward so that one day, there would be no 'color line'. I have a very dear friend who was there, in Louisville - one of two white men in attendance that day - who can attest to the spirit of love and co-operation that was present when Dr King took the platform.

The American Civil Rights Movement, under leaders like King and icons like Rosa Parks, was used by God to change the hearts and minds of men for generations. Great strides have been made toward eradicating white racism toward blacks. Opportunities on every level have opened toward the African-American community, which were not even being considered in 1950.

Although things are far from perfect for any of us, regardless of colour, it has been my experience that out of the hundreds of white persons I have met over the course of my lifetime, I can name only about seven who are actually racist toward blacks. As for me, the majority of my friends, colleagues and associates are African-American – by God's design, as all things should be.

However, since the advent of BLM the attitude in my 71% African-American community is changing. In the past months I have found myself subject to many more anti-white remarks and even physical threats. People who used to smile and speak now look at me with suspicion. I have had African-Americans literally pull their children away from me and scold them for 'talking to that white woman'.

Since the advent of BLM the attitude in my 71% African-American community is changing; recently I have found myself subject to many more anti-white remarks and even physical threats.

One of my closest friends, a young African-American woman, has a beautiful 11-year old daughter who attends a Christian school. She doesn't understand why, all of a sudden, the colour of someone's skin matters. She thinks it is 'stupid'. This young girl embodies the fulfilment of Dr King's dream. But now, in these last days, when morality is being legislated, God is considered a myth, and conformity to the principles and values of humanism, globalism and pluralism are being demanded of young and old alike, I fear for the tender heart of my young friend.

Prayer for August and Beyond

A few days ago I attended a meeting among the clergy of the Ferguson community concerning the upcoming plans for the commemoration of the death of Michael Brown. We have it on strong authority that BLM will be active in the first week of August, and perhaps beyond.

The call is to prayer. We will prayer-walk streets and businesses. We will pray at home, over the phone and collectively. We will stand among the activists, praying with them as they express their anger and desire for change. We will stand in the precinct with the police, praying for them as they exercise their sworn duties. We will be there, dispensing water, umbrellas, food and shelter if necessary, and the Truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the love that Christ displayed to us.

Behind the mask of every activist, behind every uniform of every policeman, behind every label, there is a person who God created, whom he loves. It is our job, our mandate from Christ, to be responsive to that person.

Until all of us, black, white, yellow and brown, embrace who we are as children of the living God and embrace God's definitions of 'love', 'justice', 'unity', 'freedom' and 'peace', human beings will continue to war against, manipulate, and destroy one another.

For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power...never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Tim 3:2-7, NASV - paraphrased)

Behind the mask of every activist, behind every uniform of every policeman, there is a person who God created, whom he loves.

Time of Decision

Now, as in no other time in the lives of each and every one of us, both in America and the United Kingdom, we face a time of decision. Will we continue to look at the histories of our individual cultures, and the sometimes terrible ways in which those cultures came into conflict with one another, and choose to find a use for that hatred, to allow it to continue, or will we look into the face of Jesus and hear him calling us to reason together?

We who are believers in Jesus Christ have heard his message, which declares that no man will triumph over the Kingdom of God.

On this day, we in the US and the UK must ask God that his will be accomplished. We must lay down our own wills and opinions to champion his cause. Only then will we feel free to love our neighbour. Only then will we gain the understanding we need to stand in the gap in this hour, in our respective nations. Only then can both of our nations hope to remain free.

References

1 Tisdale, S. Blacks in the U.S. Gaining Wealth and Education Faster Than Other Groups. Black Enterprise Magazine, 18 February 2016.

Linda Louis-vanReed reports.

As most of you in the UK may by now be aware, the 'Day of Rage' supposedly planned by the group Anonymous in conjunction with Black Lives Matter did not materialise.

During the week beginning 11 July, 37 cities across the United States were put on alert in response to rumours that protests were to occur on Friday 15 July. Although 'Black Lives Matter' events can be peaceful, it has not been uncommon for people to attempt to use them as opportunities to create an atmosphere of physical violence and chaos.

As we remember all too well from the early days of Ferguson, these attempts often succeed, with disastrous results.

Peace Reigned

By the morning of Saturday 16 July, however, news reports all across the country confirmed that there had been little to no notable activity.

In Washington DC, a few protesters turned up outside the White House, peacefully holding signs, enjoying the lovely weather. In New York City, close to 30 LGBT activists rallied outside The Stonewall Inn (the first national monument dedicated to LGBT rights), then marched to the LGBT community centre on 13th Street.

In Dallas, where just days before five policemen had been killed in a sniper attack, no activity took place. In New Orleans, rumours that protests were to take place at famed Lafayette Square caused businesses to shut down early. Officers were instructed to respond only if there was trouble. But the evening came and went peacefully.

In St Louis police monitored specific high-traffic areas for activity, but only a scant few protesters showed up outside St Louis City Hall. In Ferguson, peace and quiet reigned.

The only activists who claimed to respond directly to the call for a 'Day of Rage' gathered in Oakland, California. As a group of 10 activists swelled to between 100 and 150, they impeded traffic at several downtown intersections. Attempts to obstruct on- and off-ramps along Interstate 880 were thwarted by the California Highway Patrol. No citations were given out during the protests.

In San Francisco a group of protesters gathered near the Mission Police Station, several of whom assaulted a news crew. Three people were arrested on suspicion of battery and resisting arrest. Garbage was thrown into the street and lit on fire, but police quickly extinguished the flames.

The News No-one Reported

The one story that the US press did not hear was that of the thousands of committed, involved Christians who, every day leading up to protest day, petitioned our Father that hearts and minds might be changed, that these plans might be confounded and come to nothing, that his hand would be on our nation and its people.

God heard us, friends, and God heard all of you in the UK who were also moved to respond in prayer for the United States. The eventual peace was, in no small part, a Divine response to our collective intercession. Thank you.

Interracial tensions continue to mount as protests are planned across the nation.

After the recent outbreaks of racial violence, today (Friday 15 July) a 'Day of Rage' is being called across America. Protests appear to be being planned in at least 37 different cities and military personnel have been warned to stay away.¹

Following the high-profile police shootings of two black men, Alton Sterling (5 July, Louisiana) and Philando Castile (6 July, Minnesota), and the retaliatory killing of five police officers in Dallas, Texas (7 July) during a Black Lives Matter protest, racial tensions in America seem to have reached their worst point in decades.

Graphic Shootings

The first two shootings, which appeared to involve unwarranted use of force by police, were caught graphically on camera and later televised/posted on social media, provoking a surge of anger across the nation and elsewhere (over here there have been protests in Manchester, Bradford, Leeds, Nottingham – with a march in London scheduled for Monday²). The divide between the establishment and the people, it seems, has never been wider – causing concern about a more general breakdown in the social order.

Lawsuits have been launched against police, who have complained of feeling threatened and vulnerable on a daily basis. Obama, who has been criticised for not doing enough during his presidency to change the clear inequalities in American policing, has cut short his visit to Europe and returned home to meet with police chiefs, activists and politicians to try to find ways to keep the peace and restore trust in the law enforcement system.

Today, protests are being called in at least 37 different cities – needless to say, the potential for these to boil over or be exploited for more violent purposes is considerable.

Highly Volatile Situation

There is some dispute as to the reliability of these protest calls, which are being attributed widely to activist group Anonymous, as similar calls in 2014 after the killing of teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri were exposed later as fake.³ However, their potential to inspire and spark protests remains potent, even if they remain 'unofficial' calls.

This is a highly complex and volatile situation with a long and difficult history. For Americans, it touches several nerves at once – not least gun control, racism, socio-economic inequality and the role of the police to 'protect' people.

Our American correspondent, Linda Louis-vanReed, has made a special request for prayer following two nights of protests very close to her. She has also requested prayer for the Ferguson Chief of Police, who is a committed Christian.

We ask that you join us in prayer today for the towns and cities across America:

• Pray that God would raise up his people at this time to be a voice of peace and reconciliation to a divided, hurting nation.
• Pray for America's leaders as they navigate the explosive situation. Pray for the Lord to raise up new Martin Luther King Jrs who will rally those hungry for justice together under the banner of peace-loving leadership.
• Pray that the situation would not be given over to further violence, but that the Lord would have his hand on it and somehow turn it for his glory.

References

1 Halper, D and Schram, J. Defense Department workers warned to avoid 'day of rage' protests. New York Post, 14 July 2016.

2 Farrow, A. Black Lives Matter protests continue in Britain - here's how you can get involved. Socialist Worker, 13 July 2016.

3 LaCapria, K. Anonymous 'Day of Rage' Protests. Snopes, 11 July 2016.

Is the latest American Civil War a threat to Britain? Dr Hill tackles a controversial subject.

What started as a minor dispute in North Carolina has become a battle raging across the whole of the United States. It has the potential of threatening the social stability of the nation and is likely to spread to Britain.

A national debate has been in progress for some time in the USA on 'transgender rights'. President Barack Obama's administration issued a statement on 13 May declaring that all public schools must allow transgender students to use the bathroom (toilets, locker rooms and showers) of their choice. The statement was accompanied by a threat to withdraw federal funding to schools, colleges and universities that did not comply with this regulation.

States Sue the President

North Carolina accused the President of carrying out "a massive social experiment". They objected on the grounds that this was putting children at risk and the Obama Government threatened to withhold $1.4 billion in federal funds from the University of North Carolina. This triggered a lawsuit against the Federal Government from eleven US States, led by Texas. They were joined by Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Arizona and Maine.

A lawsuit has been triggered against the Federal Government from eleven US States.

The lawsuit said that the Obama administration had "conspired to turn workplace and educational settings across the country into laboratories for a massive social experiment, flouting the democratic process, and running roughshod over commonsense policies protecting children and basic privacy rights." The Attorney General of Texas, Ken Paxton, said "We are willing to fight this all the way to the Supreme Court if we have to".

Protection

Transgender rights advocates argued that it is transgender people who need protection, particularly transgender women who are disproportionately the victims of assaults, and would be forced to use men's toilets if states succeed in forcing people to use toilets matching their sex at birth.

Opponents say that if the Obama administration succeeds in enforcing this regulation nationwide it would mean that children who are dissatisfied with their gender could use any school facilities of their choice: a boy wishing to be a girl could use the girl's toilets, locker rooms and showers.

Child Abuse

Adults ought to look at this issue from the point of view of a child. It is a perfectly natural thing for some girls to say they wish they were a boy or vice versa. My own daughter went through a phase of joining in the boys games and inviting all the naughty boys to her parties but today she is a fashion-conscious young lady and would doubtless be embarrassed to be reminded of what she was like at age 10! To allow boys or girls to choose the toilets of their choice would certainly be disastrous and would lead to endless accusations of assault.

It is a perfectly natural thing for some girls to say they wish they were a boy or vice versa.

The whole of this battle is going under the heading of 'anti-discrimination' and linked with race and community relations legislation such as the banning of hate speech. As such it represents a fundamental threat to the stability of society and needs to be seen, not just in its social context, but in terms of the moral and spiritual implications for the whole of Western civilisation.

'Bathroom Battle'Inclusive Rest Room

This 'bathroom battle', as it's known in the USA, is the latest stage in a philosophical/spiritual war that has been raging for more than 30 years. Back in 1971, the Gay Liberation Front (as the political action arm lobbying for homosexual people) published a manifesto in which they stated their long-term goal as:

To rid society of the gender role system which is at the root of our oppression. This can only be achieved by the abolition of the family as the unit in which children are brought up. We intend to work for the replacement of the family unit, with its rigid gender role pattern. Children must be liberated from the present condition of having their role in life defined by biological accident: the commune will ultimately provide a variety of gender free models. [emphases added]

Replacing family and marriage

Their objective was, and still is, to replace family and marriage with a Communist-style 'commune' that is entirely gender-free and free of all rules and regulations regarding sexual activity. This would make even paedophilia a normal activity. The strategy for achieving this objective is based upon the Marxist philosophy of breaking down social norms to promote moral anarchy and to reach a point of breakdown of the social order which would enable the establishment of a new social order to take place.

The gay lobby's strategy for achieving their objectives is based upon Marxist philosophy.

There is a strong religious motive underlying this – a hatred of the biblical account of Creation, in which is rooted the distinction between male and female, that is perpetuated through the establishment of a marriage covenant as the means of procreation, which is tightly bound by promises of faithfulness and prohibition of adultery. The biblical regulations also state that homosexual practices are "detestable" to God (Lev 18.22).

Hatred of God

Underlying the desire to destroy family and marriage is a hatred of the God of Creation portrayed in the Bible, and this has become a driving force in the whole secular humanist movement that has been growing within Western civilisation since the 1960s. The latest attack on gender is portrayed as a measure to 'eliminate sex-discrimination', but it is an attack upon the whole biblical basis of Creation. Unless this is recognised it will lead to accelerating family breakdown and child abuse, and it will undermine the foundations of our Judeo-Christian civilisation.

The secular humanist movement has been growing within Western civilisation since the 1960s.

Church's Record

Sadly, the church's record of leadership in this area has not been good. Back in 1998, the Church of England published a report on family and marriage entitled Something To Celebrate. It made the astonishing statement that "the church should abandon the phrase 'living in sin' and respond with understanding and discernment to the widespread practice of cohabitation" (p117). The same report commented "A great many gay and lesbian people grow steadily in fidelity and in mutual caring, understanding and support, whose partnerships are a blessing to the world around."

At the time of publication I said in the magazine Prophecy Today, "With teaching like this it is small wonder that the nation is confused and we live in a moral maze driven by the forces of evil and with no spiritual anchor to hold the nation steady when storm-force winds of change are blowing". Of course we should love and care for ALL people but that does not mean abandoning biblical values.

Perhaps the greatest need today is to pray for eyes to be opened and for Christians to build up a wall of prayer around the word of God, as the Jews in captivity in Babylon built up a wall of prayer around the Torah that enabled them to hold fast to their faith. Pray also that the word of God is faithfully and lovingly presented to the nation, "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty" (Zech 4:6).

Today's Christians need to build up a wall of prayer around God's word, just as the Jews in Babylonian captivity built up a wall of prayer around the Torah that helped them remain faithful.

One American's perspective.

I was walking through a supermarket here, in St Louis, Missouri, the other day and enjoyed a brief but lively conversation with a young British woman hailing from the south of England. After the appropriate pleasantries and remarks of introduction had been exchanged, we began to touch on the cultural and political differences between the US and the UK. Her first direct question to me was, "What I want to know is, how could anyone vote for Donald Trump?"

Seven months out from one of the most pivotal presidential elections ever presented before the American people, along with phrases like 'border control', 'race war' and 'immigration', the name 'Donald Trump' elicits a response from almost everyone -- from the savviest of political insiders to the trend-obsessed 18-year old deciding whether or not to vote for the first time.

Everyone believes they have a position but, feet held to the fire, very few of us would boast that our position has been thought through with objectivity and seasoned personal conviction, and is based on facts.

Pushing Beneath the Surface

Let me be clear right out of hand. I am not necessarily a supporter of Mr Trump. As a matter of 'fact', I am not yet sure who I wish to support in this election. For me it will take time, study and prayer for God's leadership in order to decide who is to become the next President of the United States of America.

The name 'Donald Trump' elicits a response from almost everyone - but who of us would boast that our position has been properly thought through?

At first blush there are many things about Mr Trump, in particular, which are startling to the American (let alone the British!) sensibility – his arrogance, his appearance, his personal convictions (it is he who declared he has never had to ask God's forgiveness for anything he has done), his boorish demeanor, the seeming unending litany of bullying actions and impolitic comments that are (and always have been, where Trump is concerned) the source of unending fuel that fires the media.

However, after taking the time to push beyond the surface I believe I can pinpoint a few of the reasons why so many Americans are seriously backing Donald Trump.

Hope for the American Dream

Trump remembers when our people moved forward as a nation, each generation in the hope of a free, independent and productive future. And he declares that we can be that way again.

His grandfather was a European immigrant who was a successful businessman. His father was a man whose hard work and tenacity earned him audience with America's elite and enabled him to establish a name in the development of real estate and construction. Since birth, Donald Trump has been trained to operate at the pinnacle of American society.

For many, Trump personifies the American Dream.

Now, as the country that enabled his father to amass a personal fortune exceeding one quarter of a billion dollars by the time of his death reels from the impact of Obama's change without hope, Donald Trump decides to submit his credentials as an outside candidate to fill the highest post in the land.

Almost every citizen over the age of 40 in this country has equated the 'American Dream' (the idea that the hard-working, self-made man who, on the strength of his own tenacity, elbow-grease and determination to succeed, can supersede class and station despite all odds to create whatever legacy he chooses for himself and his family) to the pinnacle of personal freedom. Many of us have spent our lives trying to achieve this dream, passing its well-proven formula down to our children and grandchildren. However, most of us have found it to be harder than we thought, and have fallen short of our goals.

However, Mr Trump, to all intents and purposes, has lived the elusive 'American Dream'. Because of that, many US citizens find his person and his success enviable. Even if they don't agree with Trump's personal philosophies, they cannot deny his prowess in every field of endeavour. As a private businessman and public figure, Trump personally has enough clout - both fiscally and dynastically - to make it difficult for even the most seasoned power brokers to erase him from the canvas of public opinion.

Trump, to all intents and purposes, has lived the elusive 'American Dream'. Many US citizens find his person and his success enviable.

Sensationalism and Status

Trump's carefully crafted celebrity status both stimulates and threatens his ability to be taken seriously as a contender for the presidency. No matter how expensive the suit, his 'reality television' persona does not scream 'statesman'.

However, Mr Trump has brokered difficult business transactions, worked alongside lobbyists and politicians, pledged and followed through with open support for candidates from whichever side best championed his interests. He has hired and fired thousands of people, both Americans and immigrants. He has manipulated his public image to the point that, for twenty years, his personality has been as recognisable as that of the most highly paid celebrity or influential cultural icon in the world.

I believe it safe to say that Trump is not now, nor has he ever been, a stupid man.

It is easy, therefore, to believe in and support any man with his track record who says that, if he is elected, he will do all within his power to resurrect our national security, regain the confidence of our allies, empower our military and honour our veterans, improve and individualise the education our children receive, allow us to continue to protect ourselves, bring a return of free speech, support our elderly and sideline religious persecution.

Not an Establishment Man

Unlike every other candidate I, in my lifetime, have seen ascend to the point of being a contender for nomination by their representative party, Donald Trump is not the progeny of that small circle of mostly inter-connected American political elite. He has bought and paid for his own campaign with his own dollars. For better or worse, he is not concerned with pleasantries and platitudes.

Mind you, regardless of the appeal (or not) of his manner, Trump is not a 'clean' man. Although he says he is a Christian, from the 'fruits of his labours' I believe it to be a safe assumption that he, like most people, is perhaps speaking in reference more to his family tradition than to an active, living and breathing faith in Jesus Christ as his Saviour. It is a matter of public record that he vacillates in this regard. No doubt, Trump, like most people, will say whatever he needs to say, do whatever he thinks he must do, to protect and/or further his own best interests.

In my lifetime I have been unexpectedly blessed to spend a great deal of time in and around those who wield substantial influence in our nation – its business, politics and entertainment. It has been my observation that business and politics walk hand in hand in every nation on earth. There are players and there are watchers. Each country has its own system for getting things done, and those who learn how to manipulate that system receive the benefits thereof. No system devised by man is clean. The only difference I see between the outright misdeeds of Donald Trump and those of any other seasoned, career politician is that the career politician does things more quietly.

This is not said to justify his past and/or present behaviours. It is said to invite balance against the meteoric sensationalism that surrounds this man in contrast with his political opponents.

The only difference between the outright misdeeds of Donald Trump and those of any other seasoned, career politician is that the career politician does things more quietly.

The Quality of His Enemies

Ever since Trump began to tell the American people that the values, traditions and freedoms by which they have lived for generations may yet be restored he has gained a wide range of increasingly powerful enemies, from grassroots organisations to international politics and business. To make any attempt to list his detractors would do precious little for anyone's digestion or be a profitable use of time, so I will attempt to hit only the most recent highlights of adversarial activity.

• The turning of the Republican (conservative) party, the very party he seeks to represent, against him within recent weeks is unprecedented in the annals of American politics.
• The media increasingly twists many of his statements past the point of reason, creating confusion around every aspect of his person and his campaign, ignoring any attempt at journalistic integrity.
• Grassroots opponents, many of whom are paid protesters, endeavour to spark physical altercations at his rallies, block access to the buildings where he is campaigning, and threaten his supporters with physical harm for simply coming to hear him speak.

Who is being accused - Trump, or the 'silent majority' he purportedly represents?

The media would have us believe that, from the outside looking in, Trump's candidacy would inspire chaos, hatred, and despair as Trump, the new Hitler, would make America his footstool.

War on Who?

But it appears that the more dissension and disaffection is aimed at Donald Trump, the more support he seems to gain from the people. Why? Could it be that the war being waged against Trump and all he says he stands for is not, in reality, against the man, himself, but against those who support him?

Is it possible that, at its root, this is a war against the people?

We, The People (of God)

We who are followers of Christ understand that God positions leaders into the nations as he wills, so for the United States, at this juncture, Donald Trump may or may not be the man for the hour.

Either he is who he says he is and believes what he declares he believes, and God may choose to use him in the fight to return some level of balance and stability to our nation for a few years more – or Trump is following the money, having brokered a 'deal' with those who would collapse this, the last great unique government in the world – a deal which, in return for playing ball, would ensure him a seat on the board of the world corporation.

The election of any national leader is critical not only to their native peoples, but to governments across the globe; and we, as sons and daughters of the living God, are obligated - by the mandate of Christ - to be involved with one another on such level that the glory of God may be revealed to and through our nations. If we are allowed the privilege of a vote, we really should use it.

However, it is often disheartening to come away from a voting booth feeling as though we have simply chosen the candidate who we think will do the least damage during his/her tenure. We long for Godly men and women to step up, but seldom does either the US or the UK see that happen.

As sons and daughters of the living God, we are mandated to live such that the glory of God may be revealed to and through our nations. We must broaden our perspective.

Both the US and the UK represent great hinge points of leadership in the world. As citizens, we each represent a microcosm of our respective nations. I believe each one of us must broaden our perspective. As God's people, we must begin to see past the screen on the television, past the cultural borders of our nations, and unite in a more collective mindset. We must pray for one another's candidates, leaders and nations, if we are to become vessels for the wisdom and courage to stand for Jesus Christ.

Linda Louis-vanReed is Prophecy Today's American correspondent. She lives in Ferguson, Missouri with her husband, Bruce.

An exciting update from Ferguson, Missouri.

At the end of August, we shared some encouraging news from Ferguson, Missouri, where racial tensions erupted in 2014 over the fatal shooting of a black teenager by a white police officer. Linda Louis-VanReed and Bruce VanReed shared with us about how Christians were using the threatening environment to proclaim the good news about Jesus, and how God was using the prayers of the saints to intervene in the situation.

We now have a new and exciting update to share with you about events in Ferguson on November 24^th, the anniversary of the court decision in favour of the police officer: first a brief note from Linda, then a response from Ferguson's Interim Chief of Police.

Hi, Cliff and Monica –

As always it was lovely to hear from you. Thanks to you all for your prayers and remembrance of us, here in Ferguson, during this past couple of weeks.

Yesterday, November 24, 2015, marked the one-year anniversary of the handing down of the decision in the Michael Brown incident. People have been gathering in small groups (around 5-10 individuals) since Thursday, the 19th, so we were unsure as to how far things were going to go.

But, praise God, so far no big events to report. The demonstrations have been largely peaceful. We had some activity last night, far into the early hours, we understand, in front of the Ferguson police department, but everyone maintained a focused and respectful presence. There were few media. We were driving home at 10PM last night and saw no media trucks.

It does appear as though our continued prayers and commitment to have an open dialogue with the community after last year has had an impact. God's grace and His mercy are boundless.

Hope you two have a beautiful and blessed week.

Yours in Christ,

Louie

Response from Ferguson Police Department

As you may all know, your prayers prevailed. A number of you met at the police station, spoke to protesters (citizens) in a way that allowed for some to gain a perspective about the day's event. In a way that allowed for them to express their constitutional rights. At a meeting, I asked you to pray that we have no violence, no damage, and no criminal activity. I challenged you to stand up and prove that you're the "Moral Authority." Well, it's evident you made a difference. No reported damage, over 150 protesters, no arrest, no one injured, no crimes reported due to protest, and all calls for service were handled.

Because of you, we are well on our way to ensure that your combined efforts will endure. You are very much part of a greater strategy and one that will not only ease tension, but improve our officer's response, and improve their lives. Your work has just begun in my view. And I believe you know there is much more to do. We must continue to improve race relations, improve the quality of life for those less fortunate and be the living embodiment of professional excellence. I can say without a doubt, you mean a great deal to this community. If it was not said before, I am saying it now. THANK YOU! The "Moral Authority" stepped up! I will be leaving, but I have not left you. An old adage commonly said, I'm only a stone throw away."

Andre C. Anderson
Interim Police Chief
Ferguson Police Department

As Russian planes bomb Syria and clouds continue to gather over the Middle East, Clifford Hill asks: are we one step closer to the fulfilment of Ezekiel 38?

Once again Putin has outmanoeuvred Obama. At their meeting in Washington earlier this week, Putin offered the involvement of Russian forces in the fight against the Islamic State. Obama welcomed it! He didn't spot Putin's ploy!

Just Who is Russia Attacking?

Within 48 hours of their meeting, Russian forces piled into Syria with air-to-air missiles and SA-22 anti-aircraft batteries. But the Islamic State has no air force! So whose planes would Russia be shooting down? The only planes flying over Syria are American and French. No wonder the Russians delivered a one-hour warning to the American embassy in Baghdad telling them not to fly any missions.

Russia then launched air attacks upon the area occupied by Syrian rebels trained by the USA and supplied with American weapons in their fight against Assad. So what Obama agreed to do was the slaughter of those whom America has been supporting. Russia is now free to roam the skies over Syria in support of Assad without any commitment to destroying the Islamic State.

Obama accepted Putin's offer of military action against IS – and has unwittingly given Russia control over Syrian airspace.

International Alliances

This conflict is about far more than a disagreement about Assad's ability to rule: it is about strategic control of the entire Middle East. At the same time as launching the recent airstrikes, Russia has joined an intelligence-gathering centre in Baghdad set up by Iraq, Iran and Syria which effectively establishes a Shi'ite Muslim alliance over the whole Middle East from Iran to the Mediterranean Sea. When they have settled their battle for supremacy over the Sunni Muslims they will turn to their final objective – the destruction of Israel.

Russia knows that they only have another 16 months of Obama's weak presidency so now is the time to strike and establish their power base in the region. Meanwhile, anti-Assad rebel groups have their own international backers – including Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia as well as the US, the UK and France. Syria's civil war is fast threatening to become a proxy war – and could potentially escalate even beyond this.

The Shi-ite Muslim alliance being established over the Middle East has a final goal: and it's not victory over the Sunnis. It's the destruction of Israel.

Threat to Israel

The threat to Israel grows daily and becomes increasingly like the biblical scenario which was revealed to the prophet Ezekiel in chapters 38 and 39 which speaks of an alliance between Iraq and Iran plus the North African states of Sudan and Libya, and the involvement of the Azerbaijan area of Russia (Eze 38:5-6), all gathering to attack Israel.

The big question facing us is this: is Ezekiel's prophecy inevitable? Or has it been sent by God as a warning of what could happen if we do nothing when violent men who care nothing for human life, armed with weapons of mass destruction, come together threatening the peace of the world?

We welcome your comments!