Let's address the elephant in the room. Is the church being asked to be silent by closing their doors?

Would that be considered a part of voter suppression? Is there is a significant double standard in the United States?

Preaching, singing and going to church are said to be significant causes of COVID-19.

Yet, every day, there are protests in our streets that include mass gatherings and riots that include violence, screaming and spitting. No one seems to want to deal with the fact that these events (peaceful or otherwise) are inevitably spreading COVID-19.

Please hear me: I have not forgotten the horrendous death of George Floyd.

My heart breaks every time I hear his name, and my heart breaks more knowing that injustices are experienced every day by Black Americans.

Racism in America is a reality, and we must continuously do everything in our power to break this lie of division that comes out of the pit of hell. I recently had a conversation with my friend, Stephen Kuert, who pointed out that the entire book of Ephesians is about the power of reconciliation.

God is a God of justice, and we must use our voices to fight injustice.

Nonetheless, there is a double standard.

Mighty men and women of God cannot gather peacefully. If they do congregate, they are told to leave politics at the door. They are advised not to speak out because someone might get offended by what they have to say.

The news media continually uses slander to instill fear in our nation and manipulate the masses. Hypocrisy has filled headlines and stories over the last several weeks and months.

As we move forward, I have one primary recommendation: Do not be swayed by the mere names of the presidential candidates. Instead, please read about the platform of the party they represent.

Many do not believe that evangelical Pentecostal Christians know how to read. Prove them wrong. Take the time to learn about both the Democratic and Republican platforms.

Amidst so much political hype and dividing agendas, the only way to know the truth is to seek it out for yourself. Take time to understand and discover what each party stands for and the agendas they are pushing. Then, ask yourself this question:

As a believer, how should I use my voice, my influence, to vote?

When the devil tempted Jesus in Luke 4, Jesus responded, "It is written..."

Why?

What is written establishes what is in our hearts and influences the words of our mouths.

I encourage you as a follower of Jesus, now is not the time to shrink back and become uninvolved, for there is an unseen battle happening in our nation between the forces of light and the forces of darkness.

You have a voice in this nation. Take the time to educate yourself, pray and use your voice wisely.

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice" (Prov. 31:8-9, NLT).

"Yes, if you call out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God" (Prov. 2:3–5, ESV).

You're beautiful. I see Jesus in you.

Have a great week!

Mikel French has challenged spiritual awakening all across America, where many celebrations extended into multiple weeks, and has conducted celebrations in France, Sweden, Russia, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Germany, South Africa, Malawi, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Haiti, Japan, Singapore, India and Thailand. He conducted an outreach celebration in Manila, Philippines, reaching 200,000 teenagers with the Book of Hope. Through the generous support of partners, he has presented the message of Jesus Christ to millions of people in the nation of Russia through televised citywide soul-winning celebrations. Mikel considers it an honor to assist in conducting the annual pastor's conference, where thousands of pastors from Russia's 11 time zones come for training, teaching and equipping. Mikel and his wife, Marsha, reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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