Sometimes, Thinking Hurts!

Writing, as a process, is thinking.
Thinking, random thoughts or focused ones,
Sometimes leads to deeper thoughts.
When I think, I write.
When I write, I think.
Some days, my thoughts are clear.
Some days, my thoughts are cloudy.
I can look at the sky and think about God.
I can look at a newborn and think about God.
I can look at flowers and small creatures and think about God.
I can look at an ocean and think about God.
I can look at a mountain and think about God.
Then, I look at what our society is and think,
How did we ever get so far, from thinking about God?
Does God want us to kill and rob?
Does God want us to hate for no reason?
Does God want us to abuse children and the elderly?
Does God want us to sit back and do nothing--
Never speak of the evils of this world and who's behind them?
When we speak, do we speak Truth as God sees Truth?
Or do we speak, a politically correct truth that has nothing to do with Godliness?
When we lie, do we not understand that lying is the influence from Satan?
When we kill and destroy people or property, do we not see Satan's influence?
When we hate people--for no other reason than they are different,
Can we not see Satan's influence?
If our relationship with God is right, we'll think as He instructed,
And seek to help those in need and take care of families.
If our relationship with Satan is maintained,
We shall soon cease to exist, since his goal is to destroy mankind.
With all that is going on in the world,
With all the thoughts that bombard my mind,
Sometimes, thinking hurts.
But then, I write, and write, and write.

God help us to align our thinking with Yours that we might do what You would do in any situation, guided by love.

Know Who You Serve!

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism" (Colossians 3:23-25).

There are times in this life that we forget who it is we really are called to serve.  Notwithstanding that when we work at a job, or for a career, we usually work to pacify "man" or the corporation for whom we work.  Even in that capacity, our approach to doing a job for pay should be done as "unto The Lord" so we can expect a reward and not just a paycheck.

Think about it!  How many times have people gone to work with a poor attitude and did their work halfheartedly?  How many times have people gone to work late and then get an attitude when they are admonished about their attendance?  How many people take far too much time for breaks and lunches and then get frustrated when they don't complete their tasks for the day?  How many people "steal" from their employees and then attempt to justify the theft? How many people think they deserve a promotion and more pay when they have not been diligent or as productive as they need to be in the position they have and then get angry with a manager or supervisor because they are always overlooked?

Some people think they deserve positions and pay simply because they suffer from the delusion of entitlement.  Some think they deserve positions because they know somebody who knows somebody.  And some think they deserve positions because of family connections, even when they are not qualified to do a job.

On our jobs, within our families, in our communities and wherever else we may be; we must remember that whatever we do, we should do it as unto The Lord and do it to the very best of our ability.  Our rewards, ultimately--come from The Lord.  It is He who touches the heart of those supervising us. It is He who gives us favor with people we don't even know.  And it is He who also sees everything we do and will allow the consequences of our actions to fall upon us--good or bad.
In order to make sure we always receive God's best, we should always do our best in serving Him and others.  "Be not deceived!  God is not mocked.  He sees and knows all and when we think no one else is watching, He is!"  Serve The Lord with joy--smile, seek means to do extra to help someone else and watch Him work on your behalf. 

Father, help us to understand what true service is to You so we can be better at serving You through all we do.  In Jesus' Name, I pray, Amen!

Battlerama--Super Tweens To The Rescue

 http://www.amazon.com/Mary-M.-Hall-Rayford/e/B00BAW31CQ

It's all good!  At least that's what people are saying!  What do you say?  Haven't read it yet?  Download your copy, read and enjoy!

He Will Do It!

"God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:19 NIV)

I'm beginning to think that the reason many people do not believe God or in His existence is because they tend to think of Him in "human" terms.  They try to bring God down to man's level of thinking, giving Him some of man's attributes, and then thinking God will respond to situations like man will. They do not understand that God is Spirit and therefore not subject to the limitations of man--physically, emotionally, or mentally. Hallelujah!  I'm so glad He is not like us!  We are so fickle-minded, we change what we do and think in a heartbeat.  We lie to one another, seldom keep promises; especially to children and then we wonder why our lives are such a mess.

God won't lie to us because truth and integrity are part of His attributes.  He won't change His mind because He has no need to do so.  He can see far beyond what we can even think and He has already determined how things should be and the consequences of our actions. What He does, is for our good.  Every good parent wants only the best for their children and they plan for their children's future. God is my "Daddy" and I know that His plans for me are designed to prosper me and not to harm me that I have a future with hope and a promise fulfilled (Jeremiah 29:11 paraphrased).  What He says, He means--He will not change His mind about what He speaks.  What He promises, He will make sure it happens.  When we receive His promises is entirely up to us--when we obey!

God is love!  Love has no desire to harm or disappoint or discourage.  Love comforts, chastises, encourages, motivates, inspires, and holds onto us even when we don't deserve it.  That's love!
Hold onto His promises, obey His Word, and watch how He works.  Whatever He has promised, He will bring it pass.  He will do it!  Hallelujah! 

Why We Have Laws!

"We know that the law is good if one uses it properly" (I Timothy 1:8 NIV-Read through v. 16).

In this letter (passage of scripture), Paul is mentoring Timothy to help him in his ministry. Apparently, Timothy has run into some people who want to hold him accountable to the letter of the law given before by Moses, but Paul has taught Timothy about grace--God's unmerited, impossible to earn--favor.

Think back for a moment.  How many laws govern this land?  Why were the laws written?  It is important to note, that the laws governing most countries are written because of the things that people have done or could do that infringes about the rights of others. Remember the "wild, wild west" in the US?  Everyone had a gun and did exactly as they wanted to do.  Why did townspeople create positions for Marshalls, Sheriffs, Deputies?  Positions/roles of authority were created to control "the lawless" (those without morals or values or understanding or compassion). Are we regressing to the days of the wild, wild west? Lawlessness, where everyone thinks they have a right to do what they want to do, when they want to do it.  Are we yet without morals and values?  Are we yet without compassion and understanding?   

As Paul reminds Timothy, laws or rules are good when they are used appropriately.  When laws are twisted to pacify every whim of whatever a person wants to do--creating mass confusion, allowing and promoting immorality, and totally ignoring values that were taught and promoted to maintain a civilized society--lawlessness prevails.  How do we return to a state of being where we can "love", exercising the greatest commandment or law given so that there is no confusion?

Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to recognize our role on an individual basis as a keeper of the law of love and corporately so we have no need to keep writing laws that get twisted and changed at the whim of man's fickleness.  Help us to seek You so we might know how to live in this world, recognizing each and every person's rights to live in harmony, without chaos, or fear of what someone might do.  Help us to see the need for love so we might live a peaceable life, having values and promoting morality for all to eradicate the immorality that abides in the hearts of many. Help us to understand and walk in Your favor! Help us to understand and to be grateful for Your mercy! Help us to understand that Your mercy and grace are not to be used as an excuse to be immoral or commit acts against mankind that are not of You! Amen!

Battlerama Sales Surge

"Battlerama--Super Tweens To The Rescue" has surged in sales over night!  I love watching God work! Hallelujah!  http://www.amazon.com/Mary-M.-Hall-Rayford/e/B00BAW31CQ

Can We Talk?

When I think about all that is going on in our society (the violence, disrespect of people and disregard for life, fall of educations, parental apathy, general apathy, dispassionate natures of people, etc.) and how things are just not the way they used to be, my heart gets a little heavy. So, can we talk--honestly?

I know that there is no progress (forward movement) without change, but I am wise enough to know that all change does not lead to progress.  When I think about how the term "progressive" is used today in the political arena, I sometimes cringe.  I've always considered myself to be a Democrat because of the stance that had been taken to right wrongs and the fight for justice for all people.  But I tend to see myself on the side of some Republicans (not all--especially not those affiliated with the Tea Party and their lack of compassion for people who are not rich) regarding "some" of their Christian views (not the extremists). I cannot say that I am a true "progressive" because I can not support all the issues they promote. 

I guess that is truly the problem--there are far too many issues that affect far too many people for me to see myself strictly on one side or another of the political chaos. Now, that I'm writing this, I can see that is the problem--the political chaos.  I know that God is not the author of confusion, so that only leaves one spirit that is.

I would encourage everyone reading today, to search deep within their hearts and to seek the mind of God to help us to determine which direction we should take.  I am concerned that the current trends to "change what God has said to pacify people" is going to have major implications in our society and not just on a political platform.  If we take a close look at the history of man, we will discover that whenever man has openly, rebelliously opposed God, that society or culture ceases to exist. Is this where we're headed? 

In light of all that I see and am bombarded with on a daily basis, I stand on my former premise that I would rather be Godly righteous, than politically correct.  After all, the politicians and the political arena only have confusion to offer and that is not of God.

May God continue to bless us with wisdom and knowledge and direction to avoid the pitfalls of trends and political correctness.

Joyful, Patient, and Faithful!

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:12).

In Paul's letter to the church in Rome, he reminds them about their past and cautions them to care about their present and encourages them about their future. In verses 6-8, he discusses the different gifts that everyone has and encourages them to function in their gift. In this verse, he tells them to have hope with joy and to be faithful in praying for self and others and to be patient when we are afflicted.  Can we be happy while we wait with patience for the hope of our future; especially when we are afflicted by pain or betrayal?  Can we faithfully pray--on a consistent basis--be mindful of the needs of others and not just our own?

I am joyfully waiting with great expectation in the hope and confidence of seeing a prayer answered.  And I boast in the confidence I have in God, daily. Whenever I get a request for prayer from anyone, I immediately pray.  If it is someone on the phone, I pray right then.  If it is someone online, I type a prayer for them and let them know what I have prayed by sending it to them.  When my legs and ankles try to impede my walking, I remind them that they do determine what I do, I determine what they do.  And sometimes, I walk in pain, but I don't let it stop me.  I know of some people who are in constant pain who refuse to give up on living or their faith in God.  Hallelujah!  I'm praying for them daily.

When we think about it, seriously, we can do all things that are required of us because He has equipped us to do all things well. Are we going to do it?

Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for all who have yet come to terms with a decision for You.  I pray that in the light of hope, they will see a need to accept all You have to offer with joy in their hearts and will make a decision to live for you, no matter what.  I pray physical comfort for all those suffering in pain, but yet live for You.  Relieve the pain from nerve conditions, joint conditions, skin conditions, muscle aches and whatever else might assail those who love You. I declare it done for all who will receive the gift of healing right now.  Amen!

Battlerama is Live!

Battlerama--Super Tweens To The Rescue is now live on http://www.amazon.com/Mary-M.-Hall-Rayford/e/B00BAW31CQ

Become The Magnifier!

"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together" (Psalm 34:3).

Most of us (those over 60 years old) have had an opportunity to use a magnifying glass at one time or another.  In fact, if we were bifocals or use reading glasses, their job is to magnify (help us see clearly) what we see when we read print that is too small for our "unaided" eyes to see.  Magnifying works!  We can see small print and continue to enjoy reading!

If magnifying the print works well for us to read, how much more would magnifying God help others to "see" Him for who He is?  Didn't Paul say, "we are epistles read of men?" So, what are they reading when they see us? Are we magnifying the One we say we love or are we magnifying the one who hates God? Time to think!

When you finish thinking, "magnify The Lord with me" and let us together help others see, just how good God is, just how great a provider He is, just how awesome He is, just how merciful He is, just how wonderful a healer He is, just how forgiving He is, just how loving He is!  Magnify Him wherever you go, whenever you get a chance--let your lifestyle magnify The Lord on a consistent basis.

Believe When You Ask!

"But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord" (James 1:6,7 NIV).

One of the reasons that many people do not get a chance to see their prayers answered is because when they ask God for something, they really don't have the faith to receive. How do we know that we lack faith to receive?  When we doubt, "if it be possible Lord..."  With God, all things are possible so why would we hinder God by not believing His Word?  When we keep asking for the same thing over and over again, we demonstrate that either we don't believe He heard us or He might forget.  God hears and answers prayer.  The answer may not be what we expected, but He does not ignore us. "A delayed response is not a denial" to our request.  Sometimes, we are not ready to receive the abundance He has to give us and so He waits until we are.

Don't complain and become bitter when prayers are not answered instantly.  Wait! The answer is coming.  Don't doubt!  The Word says that when we doubt we are "double-minded" and we can expect to receive "absolutely nothing" from Him.

When we ask, we must believe that He hears and He will respond--not necessarily when we  want Him to respond, but He is always on time (His timing). When we ask, we must keep thanking Him for what we have asked until we see it come to pass.  Our thanks to Him before we see the answer demonstrates our faith, not our doubt.

Don't let the enemy deceive you into thinking God doesn't care about you.  He does and when you ask, in Jesus' name, He is obligated to respond to any prayer that aligns with His Word.  "God is not a man that He should lie."  Believe when you ask and watch how God works!

I am so confident that I will see 1 million copies of my books sold on http://www.amazon.com/Mary-M.-Hall-Rayford/e/B00BAW31CQ that I keep praising Him, daily for His goodness, mercy, and favor in touching the hearts of 1 million plus readers.  Hallelujah!  He is just that Good!

Our Mansion Is Ready!

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also" (John 14:2,3).

This passage of scripture has always been a comfort to me--my hope of a fulfilled promise--for eternity.  The promise--to be with Jesus!

Before He was crucified, He told His disciples that He was going to His Father's house to prepare a place for them (and us). "If" I go to get it ready, I will come back to get you so you be with me." 

Did He go?  Yes, He did.  Has our place with Him been prepared?  Yes, it has.  Has He come back to get us?  No, not yet, but soon and very soon (whenever The Father determines the time). And when He returns, will we be ready?  Those who died before He returns shall rise first and the rest of us caught up to be with Him! I can't speak for anyone, but myself, but I am ready for His return so I can get settled in my mansion. Glory to God--living in a mansion with Jesus! Awesome!

Are you ready?  Our mansion is ready and waiting for us!

Live With The Rayfords!

We are live at 5:00 p.m. EST http://tobtr.com/s/5180751  If you miss it, you can always listen to the archives. Call in number is 619-638-8499. 

Teach All Nations!

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28: 19,20 NIV).

What a great parting gift from Jesus to His disciples just before He ascended and returned to The Father--giving us the authority to do just what He said.

To go--means to move from one place to another.  We cannot remain stagnant or pulled into ruts that keep us from going--moving forward; not backwards to share the Gospel.

Make--means to create/mold something into something else.  In this case, we are to mold people into disciples of Jesus Christ, after going into all nations--by whatever means possible.

For those who choose to accept the call to discipleship--they are to be baptized--totally submerged under water, (just like Jesus was) as a symbolic representation that our old sinful nature has been buried with Him and we arise a new creation, ready to serve Him.

Teaching--the most important thing we can do--by example, how we should conduct ourselves with each other--learning to love and forgive and how we should love God.  This is the commandment in total--to love, for if we love we cannot hate or commit crimes against one another.  If we love God, we do not want to sin against Him.


From the looks of the condition our society today, we have much work to do.  Let's go and get it done so The Father will be pleased with what we do and bless us to be a blessing to others. Moving Out!  Forward, March! Doing all things to His glory!

Help us O God to exercise the authority You have given us with wisdom moving before us, in all things!

Why We Praise Him!

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).

Do you remember playing games in school or in your neighborhood that meant you on a team?  We decided who would be the team captains and they "chose" who they wanted on their teams and many of us, stood waiting, almost breathlessly, hoping to be chosen to play on the team that was going to win. Remember that feeling?  When it got down to the last few to be chosen, the person choosing was resigned to accept the fact they would have a few people on their team that were not the best players.  The people being chosen last, usually did not feel good about themselves.  They knew they were on certain teams by default--not real choice.

We don't have to worry about that now!  Hallelujah!  We are chosen by the Creator and He has no favorites, no respect of persons, and on His team, we are all guaranteed winners!  Knowing this, "that He who began a good work in us is faithful to complete it"! Glory to God! We are special to God and because of who He is, we are royalty, and we have a right to praise Him--all day and all night!  Whenever we want to declare His goodness and mercy, we can and we should!  It is He who called us out of darkness (our habits of sin) and into His wonderful light (knowing Truth and The Light)!  Praise Him!  He loves us enough to keep us focused on Him and in drawing others into The Light.  Hallelujah!  What an awesome God! 

Is there anybody else like Him?  No, not one!  No one else who could forward into history and plan our destiny to be a praise unto Him.  No one else who could forget about all we did--that was not like Him, and forgive us and use us to His glory!  Nobody like Him who refuses to give up on us when we falter, but instead gives us strength to keep going!  Nobody like Him!  No, not one! Nobody else who gives us new mercies, every single morning!  Nobody else who can give us favor with others when they don't even understand why they support our efforts!  Nobody else!  There is none like Him in all the earth!  He alone is worthy of all our praise!  Hallelujah!

Thank You God for choosing us to be on Your Team, Your Special team of people who do declare unto the nations Your praise!

He Can Handle It!

"Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken" (Psalms 55:22 NIV). 

The cares of this world and our own personal lives can sometimes weigh us down to the point that we are bent over or beat down--trying to carry a weight beyond our means to endure. What would happen to us if we were bench-pressing--attempting to lift weights far beyond our ability to hold up the weights?  We could be seriously injured for the rest of our lives.

If physical weight could cause us injury, wouldn't the same be true for emotional or spiritual weights--worry, frustration, anger, depression,and  unforgiveness ?  Many of us are beaten down by the weight of our worries about employment, family, finances or loneliness.  This worry can lead to anger, depression, and frustration.  But perhaps the biggest weight--the greatest danger--is an inability to forgive--either self (and carry the guilt of our actions) or others. 

In most cases--the cause of our worry--there is nothing we can do about it and if we can do something about it, we need not worry.  If you're going to pray, don't worry.  If you're going to worry, don't waste your time praying. Sounds crass, but it's true.  We can and should hand over all of our concerns to The Lord--He can handle it, when we cannot. 

In the case of unforgiveness--this weight--has caused people to see an early grave.  Forgive and let it go.  Release that burden to The Lord--He can handle it.  When we forgive--we think differently, our bodies react differently, and we can see God working on our behalf.  When we don't forgive--that heaviness creates a darkness in our spirits that makes seeing light difficult, if not impossible.  Give it to God!  He can handle it!

Lord, help us to release every care, every concern we might be holding onto and especially the weight of unforgiveness.  We thank You for making our burdens lighter as we take on Your nature so might be used by You to draw others to You.  In Jesus' name we pray and thank You, Amen!

Created To Do Good!

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared for us in advance to do" (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

Before we were formed in the wombs of our mothers, God had a plan for us and He prepared that plan specifically for each of us--in advance--of our acceptance of the work on the cross, inviting Christ into our hearts and in making Jesus Lord of our lives. 

We are created in the image of God who can only do good works and therefore, if we love Him, we can do the works He created us to do.  God cares and so should we--about the plight of the poor, the vulnerable, the sick, and peace in the nations.  Since we were created to do good works, what's stopping us?  Are too busy or too blind to see?  Are we too hard-hearted to care? Are we too insensitive to feel?  Are we limited by our own sense of insecurities and shortcomings?  If we take our focus off of us and what we want--we can see the needs of others, and know that we can do all things well through the strength we are given and can operate in by the Holy Spirit.

Lord, help us to see the needs of others and to do something about them when we see them.  Keep our focus on doing what You would do--loving all and helping where and when we can.  Help us to be the beacon of light that draws others to You so we can eradicate darkness and dark works that keep people in bondage.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

Lord, I Receive!

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24 NIV).

This response from Jesus to Peter was regarding the withering of the fig tree and Peter's amazement of it.  Jesus said to him, "have faith in God," and then He continues about telling the mountain to move into the sea, having faith without doubting.  Does this principle of faith apply to us today?

If we believe that The Word of God applies to all for all eternity--the answer is yes.  If we don't, then the answer is no.  Personally, I believe that what Jesus said to His "followers" then is applicable for His followers today.

When we pray, we must ask--believing that God will do and we have already received it--until the prayer manifests itself in the natural.  First the answer is manifested in the spiritual realm, then in the natural.  If we go back and look at verse 23, we have to see that it is what "we say" that will determine when we receive. 

Therefore, I will continue to say, "Thank You Lord for the 1 million copies sold of my books and for the 1 million + readers" until it manifests itself.  I have already received it in my spirit which is why I can say, "Thank You!" Many will doubt and never receive the answer to their requests, but I choose to believe and will stand on that belief that everything I have asked for is already done; I'm just waiting to see it in the natural.

What about you?  Are you asking in faith or in doubt?  When we ask in doubt we keep asking for the same thing.  When we ask in faith, we ask once and keep thanking Him for the expected result until we see it happen.  I've experienced seeing the results of answered pray--with this principle-- for myself and I know it works. I survived a number of illnesses that doctors could not explain. I have journeyed into places that could have been hazardous.  I went back to school to finish college past the age of 40 and excelled, I have fought legal battles and won when everyone else said, it wouldn't be possible. I have accomplished most of my dreams and much that I did not even request of God.  My faith is Him and I trust Him to keep all of His promises, based on His Word.  Remember, we can not receive if we doubt for if we doubt, there is no faith.  If there is no faith in God, He is not obligated to respond since He responds to faith.

Hallelujah!  Lord, I receive everything I've asked for and everything You desire for me to have in abundance so I may be a blessing to others. I declare it done in Jesus' name.

Run Me Over!

"And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you obey The Lord, your God" (Deuteronomy 28:2). 

Whenever I think of this passage of scripture, I think about an 18-wheeler, running me down and overtaking me on the highway and being left standing, more blessed than I could handle.  You may not have the imagination I have when you read this, but just think about it for a minute.  If we just obey God, His blessings will come upon us and overtake us! Wow!

Now, what are the blessings?  All those listed throughout the next 11 verses, are our blessings to expect when we are obedient.  His promises to us:  we'll be blessed no matter where we live, our children will be blessed and anything we produce will be blessed, whatever we put our hands to (constructively) will be blessed, we'll be blessed going into places and coming out of places, our enemies will be defeated in front of us, people will know we belong to the Lord by our actions and welcome us into their presence, we will be blessed with abundant prosperity, we'll be the head and not the tail (start businesses and not just be the last hired)--if we pay attention to what The Lord has said and are not deterred by what men say, God will bless everything we do when we are obedient to Him.

When we don't obey or just ignore His commands and become more concerned about what man has said, we open ourselves to the curses--a much longer list in the same passage of scripture.  Beat down by curses or run over with blessings? It is our choice.

I don't know about you, but I want God's blessings to run me over and never stop!  Now, I have something to do. 

Lord, keep me focused on what You have said and help me to obey and to remind others of Your goodness, daily.  In Jesus' name, I pray and thank You, Amen!

He Does Exist!

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength" (1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV).

Be encouraged in your walk today--no matter what others may say--rest assured in your faith that God is and will be the victor in all circumstances--whether given the credit for His good deeds or not.

There are so many people denying the existence of God and ridiculing those who not only believe God, but know God because of the things He has accomplished in them or for them.  To argue God's existence is indeed foolishness; especially for those who use " limited human intellect" to attempt to refute His existence.  Apparently, they have forgotten that before we were, He was and still is and will be long after we cease to exist. 

Why try to define, explain, or expound on the existence of God without knowledge of God?  Those who refute His existence do not have a relationship with Him or Spiritual insight and are simply relying upon the "wisdom of men" who came before them and said, "there is no God."  Yet, these same men, admit they cannot prove their theory and deny that all of creation is because of God and they (those men and women) are either in their graves or on their way. 

I'm sure it does not matter to God one way or another whether we believe or not in as much as our beliefs do not change reality--not as we know it--but as He has declared it.  But the benefits of our belief in God, surpasses anything a non-believer could ever realize.

Don't allow the doubts and mumblings of naysayers to influence your faith.  Trust God and know that before we arrived, He was there clearing a pathway for us to travel the journey called life.  He does exist!

Excerpt 10 "Battlerama--Super Tweens To The Rescue"

Once they reached the beach, on the far side of an island in Hawaii, they played, swam and had a good time practicing their gifts.  They were having so much fun, that Maria almost missed a scream for help.  She thought she heard it, but wasn’t sure, so she sat still and listened closely.  There it was!  The anguished scream came from a mother whose child had been hit by a car.  She quickly told the others.  On one accord, they ran to The Bubble and found the coordinates as Maria advised them and found the mother and child.  Once they were able to secure The Bubble, they ran to help, but the child was not breathing.  The little boy’s body temperature was already dropping, but Anthony was convinced that he could regulate the child’s body temperature.  When nothing happened, Anthony placed his hand over the child’s heart and focused on making his heart resume a normal beating pattern.  After a few minutes, the boy’s heart was beating and soon his breathing was normal and body temperature rose.  Once the boy was sitting up on his own, The Seven left the scene—after Anthony smiled and whispered something in the boy’s ear.  The mother of the boy had been so upset over the child’s being hit, she did not notice what had happened, but was tearfully overjoyed when she saw her son sitting up as if nothing had happened. 

The Seven boarded The Bubble thinking they had not been seen, but they were observed—by The Wisteria and minions of Loftus.  The Wisteria were elated, but the minions Loftus had placed there were baffled and reported to Loftus what they had observed.  Loftus sat contemplating what could be happening and told his minions to be more watchful and if they observed anything of this nature again to notify him immediately.  The Wisteria knew that time was not on their side when they discovered that Loftus knew about The Seven.  Plans had to be changed and accommodations made to protect The Seven until they could complete their mission.

This is the last posted excerpt.  The battle is just heating up and you can find out what happens in just a few weeks!  Available on Amazon. com--Battlerama--Super Tweens To The Rescue!

Be a Light!

"...Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven" (Matthew 5:16 NIV). 

If we look at the this entire passage of conversation in which Jesus is telling us how our roles should be seen, we get the picture of being a person who is absolutely necessary in bringing others into the knowledge of God.  In verse 13--we are salt--we have the ability to preserve and stop the bloodshed.  In verse 14--we are light--the light that must shine brightly in a dark world so others can see their way back to Christ.  If they see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven, they are more likely going to accept God's way of doing things. 

So, are the problems we face in the world the fault of the people who don't know God and deny His existence or is it that we have not fulfilled our role?  Are we being the preservative of others' souls we're instructed to be (instructing, advising, being an example)?  Are others seeing our good deeds so we can win them, not by what we say, but by what they see?

This is not an accusation, but it is intended to ignite reflection about how we--who say we believe--do things.  If we are just talking the talk and not walking it, we're wasting our time and the time of those we are attempting to convince.  In the minds of some--we are hypocrites. In the minds of some--we are crazy.  I'd rather be thought crazy--because of my public proclamations of God's goodness than a hypocrite because I'm talking too much or too loud and saying and doing nothing. I'd rather be the light than a partaker of the darkness.

Lord, help me to become a beacon of light in the dark places of souls of all those around me so they will glorify You.

Excerpt 9 "Battlerama--Super Tweens To The Rescue!"

“How are we to defeat the evil one when we live in different places?”

Noissa answered them.  “You have more ability than you know.  Tell me one thing that you think will benefit you the most?”

Maria did not hesitate to answer.  “Whatever we need, even if it is each other, we can focus our thoughts on what or who is needed and it will be done.”

Noissa smiled.  “You are right Maria. You have learned wisdom from all the ancients and even some of the contemporary philosophers of wisdom. You have learned integrity and it will serve you well.  Most of all, you have demonstrated a natural compassion and care for others.  When you need one or the other or all, all you need to do is “think on things above and not below”. Focus your thoughts and your thoughts will become reality.  You have learned much and will continue to learn as you train others.  You are never alone.  Someone is always a thought away.  Remember that and remember that your gifts will work collectively to thwart anything that the followers of Loftus can throw your way.  Proceed with wisdom—think everything through—and move forward with courage and conviction, never doubting and certainly, never fearful of anything or anyone.  The moment you fear—Loftus will feed on your feed and you may experience such hatred that you will forget who you are and what you are capable of doing.  Don’t forget—never be fearful!”

Modsi then told them that they would have an opportunity to get to know each other better with the use of their gifts tomorrow when they finalized their training. Still in awe of everything before, they talked almost at the same time and reluctantly knew they had to return to their normal lives.  But not for long.  Nothing after their training ended would ever be normal again.

Greater!

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them (the spirit of the anti-Christ), because the One who is in you (Holy Spirit) is greater than the one who is in the world" (I John 4:4 NIV paraphrased)

John, the one person who was closer to Jesus than any other and always provides us with an intimate perspective of the character of Jesus, encourages us.  John is the one to whom Jesus reveals the promise of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit.  John is also the one who provides us with insight with "His names"--The Light, Truth, Way, Great Shepherd.  It is through John that we know how much God loves us--not only do we have a mansion waiting for us (in eternity), but Jesus loved us enough to pray for us when He was facing imminent death on the cross.  O what a love for us! 

And now, John reminds us that if we have been born again (not of water, but of the Spirit) and have been filled with The Holy Spirit, we are children of God and are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ.  Because we have the greater Spirit in us, we know we have the power to defeat the spirit of evil in the world.  Hallelujah!  Greater Spirit in us--reign forever more! 

How do we know when we are operating with the gift of the Holy Spirit guiding us?  We know when we can demonstrate God's love towards others in the face of adversity.  We know when we can remind ourselves of what God has said, what He has already done and we have confidence in what He will do. We know that we can do "greater works than He did" because we are filled with His Spirit and we are many.  We know when we can align our thoughts with His word and respond to crises and not react to them.  We know when we look around us and can appreciate everything that God has provided for us to enjoy that He truly loves us.  "Nobody greater than You!

Father, I pray for all who have not received Your precious gift of the Holy Spirit.  Touch their hearts and speak so they will receive and be able to live according to Your Word, doing only what You would do, and loving everyone--even the unlovable--to bring them into knowledge of who You are and how You want us to live. I thank You in advance for all who receive this day, bless them abundantly, beyond anything they could ever imagine.  In Jesus' name I pray and thank You, Amen!

Excerpt 8 "Battlerama-Super Tweens To The Rescue"

On the outskirts of a small rural area in China a young girl was crying.  She had just been sold by her parents to work in rice fields far from home.  The parents did not want to sell their daughter, but they needed the money to make sure they could survive.  Jiao was a good daughter.  Her parents knew she would work hard to make her family proud of her.  What Jiao’s parents didn’t know was the person to whom they had just sold their daughter never intended for her to go into the rice fields.  Li Wei had a reputation for being charming, but it was a front.  He was actually a very greedy man and only hoped to find young, beautiful girls to do his bidding.  Noissa was furious!  She immediately wanted to banish this ugly man into the sea, but Ytirge stopped her. He reminded Noissa they had a job to do and that Li Wei would be dealt with later. 

Li Wei motioned for the girl to follow him and even though she was weeping, she followed him out of her parent’s home.  When he opened the door for her, she saw another female sitting in the backseat who did not look pleased to see her.

"你为什么买这个娃娃吗?"她问。"她将成为我很好，"李巍回应。"帮助她了解她的新角色，并让她准备好的任务，"他继续这种丑陋的冷笑娇害怕成为和开始颤抖，哭。"别哭哭啼啼想再听，你卑微的女孩。你的生活会更好现在，是否你这样做你说的是，"女性轻蔑说。("Why did you buy the doll?" She asked. "She's going to be fine," Li Wei responded. "Help her understand her new role and make her ready for the task," he continues that ugly sneer Jiao scared and began to shake, cry. "Don't want to hear you cry, you humble girl. Your life will be better now, if you do this,” the female said contemptuously.)

The Wisteria had found their seventh trainee.  They went back to Mount Everest to prepare for the training that would take place for the next forty days.  They could not allow the trainees to know what was being done so they had to wait until they were asleep.