In politics, you can’t trust anyone. Survey the political landscape as 2022 fades into the past and who do you see that stands out as a beacon of truth, light, and trustworthiness? Who is a true leader? President Trump? President Bolsonaro? Zionist Netanyahu? Tsar Putin? Emperor Xi? Befuddled Biden? Governor DeSantis? Senator Rand Paul? 

There’s not a single man in politics in any nation whom I trust implicitly. There’s no George Washington, John Adams, or Thomas Jefferson to lead from the front with honor; no man that everyone looks up to and can trust. The dearth of real leaders, manly men, and steeled patriots is deafening and is one of the chief reasons we are plunging into the abyss of corruption and chaos. 

Look at President Trump. As the nation burned in 2020, he did nothing to stop the rampaging rioters and Marxist thugs who murdered over 30 people and racked up billions of dollars in property damages. He called Antifa a terrorist organization, but he didn’t crush them. He caved to Establishment cronies and allowed the national economy to be shut down. He was duped into promoting Operation Warp Speed and rushing a genocidal vaccine/bio-weapon into production which is now killing or maiming 7,500 Americans every day. 

When the 2020 election was obviously stolen, President Trump did nothing but talk about resisting; he didn’t call up troops or request the militia’s assistance. When well over a million of his supporters turned out in Washington, D.C. to support him on January 6, 2021, he asked them to disperse at the first sign of trouble (trouble caused by infiltrators in the crowd). In the end, he gave up with hardly a fight. It is my prediction that he will never be permitted to regain the presidency by the demonic world Marxist Establishment. 

In Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro, nicknamed the “Trump of the Tropics,” endured a similar rigged election. In an even more brazen manner, communists stole the election from Bolsonaro and gave it to a convicted criminal and open Marxist named Lula. 

For nearly 60 days, Brazilians in their millions protested this brazen election theft. They held up signs saying “S.O.S. Armed Forces.” They demanded the military intervene to save them from the incoming communist regime. They chanted “Act Bolsonaro.” January 1 is the inauguration, yet, yesterday, December 30, Bolsonaro gave an impromptu video speech about how he couldn’t get enough support from other institutions in the government to act against Lula. He therefore got on a plane and retreated to Florida. Some believe this is part of a grand design and that the military will yet intervene, as it is constitutionally allowed to under the 1988 constitution, to save Brazil from being captured by communists. We’ll see. From where I sit, the “Trump of the Tropics” is following his namesake into cowardly exile. 

Where are the real leaders? Putin certainly doesn’t qualify! A real man doesn’t invade hapless neighbors on spurious claims “justified” by false cries of “genocide.” Russia has been perhaps the world’s leading aggressor for a full century. What about Zelensky of Ukraine? Nope! Apart from being a somewhat foppish actor in the past, he’s corrupt and wants to drag everyone into the war he’s unfortunately in. 

What about Xi Jinping? The murderous communist who enslaves his people and released a bioweapon on the world? No. Israel’s Netanyahu? He’s also corrupt and a trained manipulator who has helped weasel America into senseless wars in the Middle East. He is, however, willing to do hard things unapologetically to further his ideals, which is commendable. The so-called “Royal Family” of England disqualifies itself simply from world respect by claiming to be royalty in the modern world. The Marxist-Jesuit pope who cries about social justice, promotes the climate change hoax, and spouts socialist talking points? No. Are the heads of state who sign onto UN, WHO, and WEF mandates, who lock down their nations, who mandate deadly vaccines, and who bow to international governing bodies true leaders? Of course not. 

There’s not one political leader in any nation that I would feel totally comfortable following. There are a few religious leaders I do feel comfortable following, though even they have shown nearsightedness occasionally on political issues. At the end of the day, the peoples of the earth are waking up to the fact that they can’t trust anyone but themselves. If revolutions are to happen to overthrow tyrants, if communist shackles are to be burst, if Satan is to be pushed back, it will be because the good people in every nation will it so, become better, and trust more in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Repentance is our only remedy. Repentance, and a willingness to risk it all for our God-given rights. Remember, John Adams observed that the true American Revolution was not the war with Britain. Said he: 

“But what do We mean by the American Revolution? Do We mean the American War? The Revolution was effected before the War commenced. The Revolution was in the Minds and Hearts of the People. A Change in their Religious Sentiments of their Duties and Obligations. . . .  

“This radical Change in the Principles, Opinions Sentiments and Affection of the People, was the real American Revolution” (John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, February 13, 1818). 

Echoing the same idea, Founding Father Dr. Benjamin Rush explained: 

“There is nothing more common, than to confound the terms of American Revolution with those of the late American war. The American war is over: but this is far from being the case with the American revolution. On the contrary, nothing but the first act of the great drama is closed. It remains yet to establish and perfect our new forms of government; and to prepare the principles, morals, and manners of our citizens, for these forms of government, after they are established and brought to perfection” (Benjamin Rush, Address to the People of the United States, 1787, in Hezekiah Niles, ed., Principles and Acts of the Revolution, 234). 

According to these esteemed men, the only revolution that really matters is the revolution in a People’s manners, morals, and principles. The shot heard ‘round the world didn’t happen because some people in Lexington were disgruntled; it happened because those same patriots were devout Christians who had turned themselves over to God and had the integrity to fight for their God-given rights against all enemies. 

Thomas Jefferson didn’t write the Declaration of Independence simply because he read political theory from John Locke or Montesquieu. Rather, Jefferson turned his life over to God and swore to defend Liberty which he knew was a gift of Heaven: “I have sworn upon the altar of god eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man” (Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Rush, September 23, 1800). 

George Washington didn’t step forward to lead the Continental Army, fund them at his own expense, make himself public enemy number one, and go through all the hardships of war and politics for the remainder of his life, because of something trivial. He did it because of his firm religious convictions that he was engaged in a divine work. 

On the eve of battle in 1776, the General told his fighting men: 

“The Enemy have now landed on Long Island, and the hour is fast approaching, on which the Honor and Success of this army, and the safety of our bleeding Country depend. Remember officers and Soldiers, that you are Freemen, fighting for the blessings of Liberty—that slavery will be your portion, and that of your posterity, if you do not acquit yourselves like men: Remember how your Courage and Spirit have been dispised, and traduced by your cruel invaders; though they have found by dear experience at Boston, Charlestown and other places, what a few brave men contending in their own land, and in the best of causes can do, against base hirelings and mercenaries—Be cool, but determined; do not fire at a distance, but wait for orders from your officers—It is the General’s express orders that if any man attempt to skulk, lay down, or retreat without Orders he be instantly shot down as an example, he hopes no such Scoundrel will be found in this army; but on the contrary, every one for himself resolving to conquer, or die, and trusting to the smiles of heaven upon so just a cause, will behave with Bravery and Resolution: Those who are distinguished for their Gallantry, and good Conduct, may depend upon being honorably noticed, and suitably rewarded: And if this Army will but emulate, and imitate their brave Countrymen, in other parts of America, he has no doubt they will, by a glorious Victory, save their Country, and acquire to themselves immortal Honor” (George Washington General Orders, August 23, 1776). 

If we do our part in fighting for the “blessings of Liberty,” we receive the “smiles of heaven.” This is the most just cause in the world. It is the battle between Liberty and slavery, good and evil, God and Satan. Faith, Family, Freedom should be our eternal slogan. There is nothing more important for which to fight. 

Our manly efforts to liberate our country from serfdom don’t depend on anyone else. True leaders don’t wait for others to act; they lead the way. They don’t say, “No one else is supporting me”; they say, “I will do what’s right and Heaven will shine on me.” True leaders understand the justice of their cause and act with gallantry, cool determination, bravery, courage, and honor. They don’t run when things get hard; they stand their ground. They don’t fight when it is politically or socially expedient; they resolve to “conquer, or die,” relying on the “smiles of heaven.” 

Our forefathers were real men. They were true leaders. There is nothing today to compare to them on the political stage. Statesman J. Reuben Clark, Jr. once remarked: 

“These were the horse and buggy days as they have been called in derision; these were the men who traveled in the horsedrawn buggies and on horseback; but these were the men who carried under their hats, as they rode in the buggies and on their horses, a political wisdom garnered from the ages. As giants to pygmies are they when placed alongside our political emigres and their fellow travelers of today, who now traduce them with slighting word and contemptuous phrase” (J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Stand Fast by Our Constitution, 137). 

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people gush that President Trump was the greatest president ever. Ever? Better than George Washington? Better than John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison? Better than Andrew Jackson? None of those great men retreated from danger or fled when things got rough. They risked their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to literally fight the enemy and rebel against tyranny. Not Trump, Bolsonaro, or anyone else I’ve seen on the national level has the conviction, inner fire, and integrity to do say, “Give me liberty or give me death!” and really mean it. At least, they haven’t proven their words by deeds. 

It’s up to us to lead ourselves and keep the Revolution going, not to wait for a mortal savior. No white knight on his noble steed is coming to rescue us. There is no George Washington this time; he already showed us the way to go. Our self-appointed “heroes” have failed us. We must each take up the mantle of leadership and do our part. We must make the same covenant that our forefathers made; namely, to “mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor” with a “firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence.” 

In a word, we must each contribute to this fight by repenting and becoming better. By doing better and being better, we change the world. We may not be on billboards or prime time TV. We may not win elections or host massive rallies. However, our influence will have a ripple effect for good now and in the eternities. 

Who did more, Jesus who had no home and only one pair of clothes to His holy name and no earthly Kingdom, or Donald Trump with his billions of dollars and legions of followers? The average person who lives right and who follows in the footsteps of the Master, or even in the footsteps of our noble forebears, will have a more lasting impact than the most renowned politicians of the age. 

Repent or die. “[E]xcept ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish,” is the word of our Master (Luke 13:3). Do we believe Him? He has also promised: 

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). 

Do we believe Him? Do we trust His words? Are we convinced of His power to fulfill His promises? 

A third time, He has told us: 

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 

“f ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land. . . . 

“I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin: 

“And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city. 

“Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness. (Isaiah 1:18-19, 25-27). 

I ask again, do we believe the Lord? If we do, we must repent. If we don’t repent, we will perish, both as individuals and as a nation. America is a special and a chosen land. God will have a righteous people here. If we are not righteous, we have no guarantee of safety. If we repent and reform our lives, if we have a revolution in our manners, morals, and principles, He will forgive us our sins, heal our land, bless us with righteous leaders, and pour down the smiles of Heaven upon us in many forms, including the blessings of Liberty. What more could a nation ask for? 

As a new year dawns, a new year that portends more misery and suffering and chaos, we must take stock of our individual lives and our collective path. What can we do better? How can we improve? In what ways can we be more faithful, humble, helpful, merciful, loving, kind, and decent? Can we help our neighbors more? Can we bury the hatchet and be peacemakers? Can we educate others and raise the level of enlightenment in the world? Can we pull down the power of Heaven on our behalf and on the behalf of our beloved Republic? 

We need Heaven’s favor. We need greater light. We need Jesus Christ, the Light and Life of the world. But are we willing to sacrifice and fight for it? Are we willing to repent? If not, we are not willing to be saved – and we won’t be. Repentance is the only remedy left to us. Without it, blood will flow in the streets. God’s wrath will continue to be poured out in the form of famines, mobs, economic crashes, plagues, and wars. I promise you, all this will come and more and you will rue the day you procrastinated your repentance. 

America, repent! Today is a new day, a new year, a new opportunity. The Lord is merciful. He loves us. He preached the superlative doctrine of 70×7. Regarding Israel, He once lamented: 

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate” (Matthew 23:37-38). 

Might He not have been talking to modern America? Have we not, as a nation, cast Him out, rejected those He sent to us, and refused to be healed? Is not our blessed land becoming desolate and overrun by thieves, criminals, and degenerates? Luckily, the Lord’s mercy is available to all of us. 

The Redeemer has said: “[A]s often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me” (Mosiah 26:30). And again He has shown His eternal love for us in these words: 

“Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15-16). 

And a third pleading promise: 

“[W]ill ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you? 

“Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me” (3 Nephi 9:13-14). 

If we repent and rise up in righteous indignation like the freemen and Christian soldiers we’re meant to be, the Lord will deliver us out of bondage. If we will become God’s Israel – His warriors – He will bless us beyond comprehension. The Lord’s path is not harsh, though it is hard. It is not cruel, though it is calculated to stretch us. The Lord’s path is the “way of holiness” and we are told that “the unclean shall not pass over it” (Isaiah 35:8). What is left to do, then, but to become clean? Let this year, this day, this moment, be the time we decide to follow the Lord. I love you, America. Choose the Lord and live!

I began by saying you can’t trust anyone. That is true; mortals are generally fickle and untrustworthy. Politicians let you down. Our idols and heroes fall by the wayside. Cowards flee from danger. But the Lord Jesus Christ is the Lion of Judah. He has already conquered. His crown and throne are secure. His Kingdom is coming, and quite soon, unless I am terribly mistaken. We can trust Him. 

The Apostle Paul exhorted us: “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)” (Hebrews 10:23). Do you believe him? Do you believe Him? I do. I know He fulfills His words and that He watches over the faithful. 

“[C]hoose you this day whom ye will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). 

Zack Strong, 
January 1, 2023