Divine Protection and the Call for National Revival
Summary
### Summary
In a time of great turmoil and uncertainty, we witnessed a miraculous event that could have changed the course of American history. President Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. This event, which could have plunged the nation into chaos, instead became a moment to reflect on the providence and protection of God. The would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was neutralized by Secret Service agents, but not before tragically taking the life of Corey Comparatoria, a local fire chief, and wounding two others. This incident has left many Americans questioning the state of the nation and the role of divine intervention in our lives.
As Christians, we are called to respond to this event with prayer and reflection. This could be a pivotal moment for America, a chance for revival and a collective turning back to God. President Trump himself has acknowledged the hand of God in saving his life, which could lead to a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Lord. This is a time for us to pull back from divisive rhetoric and focus on unity and healing. The spiritual warfare we are witnessing is intense, and it is crucial for believers to stand firm in their faith and shine light in the darkness.
Pastors Greg Laurie, Sammy Rodriguez, and Jensen Franklin have all emphasized the importance of prayer and spiritual vigilance in these times. They have called on the body of Christ to pray for the victims and their families, for President Trump, and for the nation as a whole. This is a moment to reassess our priorities, to seek God's guidance, and to work towards a future filled with His glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. Divine Intervention and Protection: The near-assassination of President Trump serves as a powerful reminder of God's protective hand over our lives. This miraculous event calls us to recognize and give thanks for divine intervention in moments of crisis. It is a testament to the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's protection in our daily lives. [02:04]
2. A Call for National Revival: This incident could be a catalyst for a national revival, prompting Americans to turn back to God. In times of great turmoil, we are reminded of our need for divine guidance and the importance of collective prayer. This is an opportunity for the nation to seek spiritual renewal and to realign our values with God's will. [05:24]
3. The Power of Unity and Prayer: The event underscores the need for unity and the power of collective prayer. As believers, we are called to come together in prayer for our leaders, our nation, and each other. This unity in prayer can bring about healing and transformation, even in the most challenging times. [09:49]
4. Spiritual Warfare and Vigilance: The intense spiritual warfare we are witnessing requires us to be vigilant and steadfast in our faith. We must recognize the spiritual battles being fought and equip ourselves with prayer, scripture, and the support of our faith community. Standing firm in our faith allows us to shine light in the darkness and overcome evil with good. [14:50]
5. Reassessing Priorities and Seeking God's Guidance: This moment calls for a reassessment of our priorities and a renewed focus on seeking God's guidance. It is a time to reflect on what truly matters and to align our actions with God's purpose for our lives. By doing so, we can contribute to a future filled with hope, peace, and the glory of God. [18:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:04] - Divine Intervention and Protection
[05:24] - A Call for National Revival
[09:49] - The Power of Unity and Prayer
[14:50] - Spiritual Warfare and Vigilance
[18:48] - Reassessing Priorities and Seeking God's Guidance
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV): "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"
2. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV): "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
3. Ephesians 6:12 (NIV): "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
#### Observation Questions
1. What miraculous event occurred at President Trump's campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and how did it impact the nation? [02:04]
2. How did President Trump respond to the assassination attempt, and what did he acknowledge about the event? [05:24]
3. What role did the Secret Service play during the incident, and what were the outcomes for the victims involved? [02:04]
4. What have Pastors Greg Laurie, Sammy Rodriguez, and Jensen Franklin emphasized as crucial actions for Christians in response to this event? [09:49]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Psalm 91:1-2 relate to the idea of divine intervention and protection as seen in the near-assassination of President Trump? [02:04]
2. In what ways can 2 Chronicles 7:14 be seen as a call for national revival in the context of the recent events? [05:24]
3. How does Ephesians 6:12 help us understand the concept of spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance in our faith? [14:50]
4. What might be the significance of President Trump acknowledging the hand of God in saving his life, and how could this influence his relationship with the Lord? [05:24]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Psalm 91:1-2, how can you personally seek God's protection and trust in His refuge during times of crisis?
2. Considering 2 Chronicles 7:14, what steps can you take to humble yourself, pray, and seek God's face for the healing of our nation?
3. In light of Ephesians 6:12, what practical actions can you take to equip yourself for spiritual warfare and stand firm in your faith?
4. How can you contribute to fostering unity and collective prayer within your community, especially in times of national turmoil? [09:49]
5. What are some ways you can reassess your priorities and seek God's guidance in your daily life, as encouraged by the recent events? [18:48]
6. How can you support and pray for the victims and their families affected by the assassination attempt, as well as for President Trump and the nation as a whole? [09:49]
7. Reflect on a time when you experienced a moment of divine intervention or protection. How did it impact your faith, and how can you share this testimony to encourage others?
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing God's Protective Hand
Description: The near-assassination of President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, serves as a powerful reminder of God's protective hand over our lives. This miraculous event, where the would-be assassin was neutralized by Secret Service agents, highlights the importance of recognizing and giving thanks for divine intervention in moments of crisis. The tragic loss of Corey Comparatoria and the wounding of two others also remind us of the fragility of life and the need for constant prayer and vigilance. As believers, we are called to seek God's protection daily and to trust in His providence, especially in times of turmoil and uncertainty. [02:04]
Psalm 91:11-12 (ESV): "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt protected or guided by God. How can you express your gratitude for His protection today?
Day 2: Turning Back to God for National Revival
Description: The assassination attempt on President Trump could be a catalyst for a national revival, prompting Americans to turn back to God. In times of great turmoil, we are reminded of our need for divine guidance and the importance of collective prayer. This incident offers an opportunity for the nation to seek spiritual renewal and to realign our values with God's will. As Christians, we are called to respond with prayer and reflection, seeking God's guidance for our leaders and our nation. This is a pivotal moment for America to experience a revival and a collective turning back to God. [05:24]
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to contribute to a spiritual revival in your community? How can you encourage others to seek God's guidance and turn back to Him?
Day 3: The Power of Unity and Collective Prayer
Description: The event underscores the need for unity and the power of collective prayer. As believers, we are called to come together in prayer for our leaders, our nation, and each other. This unity in prayer can bring about healing and transformation, even in the most challenging times. Pastors Greg Laurie, Sammy Rodriguez, and Jensen Franklin have emphasized the importance of prayer and spiritual vigilance, urging the body of Christ to pray for the victims, their families, and the nation as a whole. By uniting in prayer, we can experience God's healing and transformative power. [09:49]
Matthew 18:19-20 (ESV): "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Reflection: Who can you join in prayer with today to seek God's guidance and healing for your community? How can you foster a spirit of unity and collective prayer in your church or small group?
Day 4: Standing Firm in Spiritual Warfare
Description: The intense spiritual warfare we are witnessing requires us to be vigilant and steadfast in our faith. We must recognize the spiritual battles being fought and equip ourselves with prayer, scripture, and the support of our faith community. Standing firm in our faith allows us to shine light in the darkness and overcome evil with good. This is a time for believers to be spiritually vigilant, recognizing the importance of prayer and the power of God's Word in overcoming the challenges we face. By staying rooted in our faith, we can navigate the spiritual warfare around us and emerge victorious. [14:50]
Ephesians 6:12-13 (ESV): "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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
Reflection: What specific spiritual battles are you facing today? How can you equip yourself with prayer, scripture, and the support of your faith community to stand firm in your faith?
Day 5: Reassessing Priorities and Seeking God's Guidance
Description: This moment calls for a reassessment of our priorities and a renewed focus on seeking God's guidance. It is a time to reflect on what truly matters and to align our actions with God's purpose for our lives. By doing so, we can contribute to a future filled with hope, peace, and the glory of God. This incident serves as a reminder to seek God's guidance in all aspects of our lives, to prioritize our relationship with Him, and to live in a way that reflects His love and purpose. By reassessing our priorities, we can ensure that our lives are aligned with God's will and contribute to a brighter future. [18:48]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What areas of your life need realignment with God's purpose? How can you seek His guidance today to ensure that your actions reflect His will and contribute to a future filled with His glory?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "Could this event be a turning point for America that sparks revival, the collective turning back to God that we so desperately need? And what does it mean for Donald Trump for his walk with the Lord? Folks, we stared into the abyss on Saturday. As a nation, we were at the brink, and then God showed up in a miraculous way." [02:04] (22 seconds)
2. "A former president was almost assassinated. We could have been on the brink of civil war. Do you think this is a time as well for some folks to pull back from the rhetoric? We've had people compare President Trump to Hitler and say he's an existential threat to democracy. It would seem that this is a good time to kind of tamp down and tame that the president's life." [05:24] (86 seconds)
3. "This event could trigger a great awakening, Pastor Sam. I don't think it's an understatement to say that. And by the way, have you ever seen, I mean, it's a political campaign rally, but this is a spiritual battle as you just laid out. Have you ever seen the spiritual warfare in your time this intense as it is right now in the United States? And how can we as believers stand against that and shine light in the darkness?" [14:50] (71 seconds)
### Quotes for members
1. "Hey, we have about four months in this very chaotic election season. Just got more chaotic, of course, yesterday. Vote, of course, as you've encouraged us to do in this interview. But anything else that we, as the body of Christ, as followers of Jesus, should be doing over the next few months as we head into uncharted waters here in the United States?" [09:49] (64 seconds)
2. "I think a lot of Americans right now are reassessing things right now. I think a lot of Americans right now are reassessing things right now. I think a lot of Americans right now are in the wake of what we saw yesterday, not only the assassination attempt, but the way President and the generations to come." [18:48] (79 seconds)
3. "Yesterday was a kind of history-changing, but on a personal level, life-changing for President Trump kind of incident. What's his heart when it comes to the Lord and your experience with him, his openness? And secondly, yesterday again, this could be a new season in his life after God literally, God's hand of protection, spared his life." [21:30] (23 seconds)