Truth for our times: God’s sovereignty, man’s responsibility, and N.C.’s future | Eastern NC Now

By Rev. Mark Creech
Return America

 Every generation faces its own moral, spiritual, and civic tests. In moments of crisis, we learn not only what we believe but who we truly are as a people. This week’s edition of Truth for Our Times reflects on three areas where those tests take shape - in our homes, hearts, and halls of government.

1. Help Yourself: A Forgotten American Creed
In this first article, I revisit a story from the late Robert J. Hastings’ How to Help Yourself, a reminder of the rugged individualism and personal responsibility that once defined our nation’s character. From the self-sufficiency of farm families during the Great Depression to the neighbors of western North Carolina who recently rebuilt their communities after Hurricane Helene, “help yourself” was never about pride - it was about partnership with Providence. This piece explores why rediscovering that spirit of work, faith, and initiative is essential to America’s renewal.

2. The Thunder Still Belongs to God
In a world that often worships science while forgetting the Creator, this article calls us to recover a holy reverence for God’s majesty. Drawing on Psalm 29 and the wisdom of Charles Spurgeon, it reflects on the meaning behind the thunder - not merely as a force of nature but as a voice from heaven reminding us that all creation belongs to Him. When our culture trades reverence for self-worship, we lose not only wonder but truth itself. This piece urges us to be still, to listen again, and to remember that “the Lord still reigns.”

3. Final Week in Raleigh: No Veto Overrides, Congressional Map, Medicaid Bill, and Budget Deadlock
In this week’s legislative update from Return America, I summarize the final voting days of the General Assembly before adjournment. Lawmakers approved a new congressional map, passed a bill to end state Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood, and left several key measures pending as budget negotiations remain at a stalemate. While legislators enter recess, God’s people must not - our call to prayer and public faithfulness continues.

As the year draws to a close, let us be reminded that true change - in hearts or in government begins with being born again and walking faithfully before the Lord Jesus Christ. May we listen for God’s voice in the thunder, take responsibility for the opportunities before us, and continue to stand for truth in our times.

With gratitude and resolve,

Rev. Mark H. Creech
Director of Government Relations, Return America
RevMarkCreech.org