“…God’s way of sadness is designed to produce a repentance which leads to salvation.”  The Apostle Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth, 7:10

One day after the Fourth of July, America’s day of Independence from arbitrary laws and rules we learn that FBI Director James Comey, after laying out the extensive criminals acts of one Hillary Clinton involving “classified emails”, decided to NOT recommend prosecution for such acts. Director Comey stated that no “reasonable prosecutor” would bring such a case because there was no bad intent on Hillary Clinton’s part (only reams of black and white evidence!)

Then we learned of a police (self-defense?) shooting in Louisiana and Minnesota.  Those who do not watch “The First 48” remain clueless or in denial about black violence and criminality.  Some will even pander to #BlackLivesMatter activists, e.g., Minnesota’s Governor Mark Dayton, who can also read minds and intents like FBI Director James Comey.

I live in Chicago surrounded by a liberal Democrat elite who believe that the intentions of the criminal element, the black criminal element are good, just misdirected. “If only we had more jobs and more education and less of the white “man’s” justice, is the cri de Progressivism coming out of the coalition of unicorns and rainbows spread across the “Welcoming” Welfare city of Chicago.”

As I reflected and grieved over the events of this past week – the breakdown of the rule of law and the anarchy and lawlessness becoming acute in America, several words came to me over and over: “fundamental transformation”, repentance and fasting.

We are reaping, on the streets and in the homes of out of work America, the almost eight years of the “fundamental transformation of America,” the agenda sown by our Muslim President Barack Obama, a disciple of “Rev.” Jeremiah Wright, and by Obama’s rubber stamp justice department led by AG Eric Holder and AG Loretta Lynch.  Under these locusts, blind justice has come to mean look the other way unless, of course, you are singled out as a “bitter clinger” of your Bible, guns and science. Then your intentions are considered no good.  Enough about the Iman Obama and his Progressive caliphate.

If you have studied Scripture and the historical Gospel account of Jesus Christ and the beginnings of his Kingdom on earth, then you have come across the word “repentance.” It is throughout the New Testament. It is an imperative directed at the will of an individual. “You” must decide which way to go.

Of course, there is a way that seems right to a man and to a protestor and to a populace of men. But…

“Go in by the narrow gate.  The gate that leads to destruction, you see, is nice and wide, and the road going there has plenty of room. Lot of people go that way.  But the gate leads to life is narrow, and the road going there is a tight squeeze.  Not many people will find their way through.” Jesus, Sermon on the Mount.

Recalling my study of Koine Greek from my days studying at Moody Bible institute, the word “repentance” is the Greek work μετάνοια (transliteration:  metanoia) defined as “repentance, a change of mind, change in the inner man.”

One could easily recall the word “repentance” being used in the book of Acts by the apostles when evangelizing.  Yet consider that Jesus taught a fundamental change of mind.  In the Sermon of the Mount Jesus started several teachings with “You heard that it was said to the ancient people…but I tell you…

…that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgement…”

…everyone who gazes at a woman in order to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

…don’t use violence to resist evil! Instead, when someone hits you on the right cheek, turn the other one towards him.”

…love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!  That way you will be children of your father in heaven.”

Here Jesus is speaking of the change required in one’s thinking to be a part of His Kingdom. Status quo “tit for tat” thinking was out.

Lastly, the word “fasting” permeated my thoughts this past week. And, yes, it is a personal call for me to fast.

Briefly, fasting is me throttling me getting my way.  I suppose it could be considered a self-inflicted “sadness” that leads to more repentance in my life.

Fasting is a change of the inner me which leads to a metanoia I won’t regret. The nation should try it.

And, BTW: only God can read the thoughts and intentions of hearts and minds. This thought alone should lead one to fasting.