"Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the LORD; Let us lift our hearts and hands To God in heaven." (Lamentations 3:40,41 NKJV)
When
are we going to see the error of our ways? Why must we have to be
threatened by anyone regarding anything to own up to the things we do?
Are we so blinded with our self-importance that we cannot see how what
we say or do--creates chaos and confusion, sometimes leading to hatred
and certainly makes our bigotry--crystal clear?
Before we do or say anything--we
must examine our motives and seek His wisdom--and then we would have no
need to "retract" what we've said or apologize for our inability to
consider the consequences of our actions.
This
nation--as a whole--including all the people in it--must reach a
decision and examine themselves--dare to put themselves under a
microscope to see who they really are. When a person dares to
"see self" as they really are, then and only then will there be any
lasting change in people that helps to move everyone forward, without
attempting to crush them.
After we have examined ourselves, we need to "turn back to allowing God to influence" what we do, rather than allowing emotions and personal bigotry to guide us--especially when we know--the enemy is the influence--determining to kill, steal, and destroy others through vicious attacks--by whatever venue we use.
Lord
Jesus, help us to see ourselves and then create in us a desire to
please You and not be seduced by public opinion to berate others. We are
mindful of the state of this nation and the world, and we submit to
Your guidance in all things so we will not make a mockery of who You are
by the things we do. Thank You for hearing and responding to this
prayer, Amen!
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Human Effort!
"The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort
accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit
and life." (John 6:63 NLT)
For those who do all they can to make life bearable for themselves and others, I commend you. For those who do nothing but seek self-comfort--I wonder about you. For those who walk not after the flesh, but allow Holy Spirit to guide all you do, I thank God for you. If what we do is not by the leading of Holy Spirit--our efforts will amount to nothing, short of temporary solution.
The old adage that is better to "teach a man to fish than to give him one" is still relevant today.
Now, I know there are some who do not believe God or that He exists and they think that what they do is more important than what most Believers do. If acknowledgment from man is all a person wants, then--it is enough. However, if one wants to please God, then one must things the way God wants them done--this ensures eternal life, beyond the temporary life here on earth.
Does that mean people should stop giving and assisting others? No! What this means is that before we do anything, we should seek Him for direction and then do what He says.
We know from all the documented sources about "giving people a helping hand" and then watch those same people end up in the same condition in which we found them, If we're going to really help people, we must begin with "wisdom and knowledge" so they will be able to do for themselves.
In Michigan, there are thousands of jobs available, but people do not have the skills to get the jobs. Why? Too many people, here, do not have the literacy skills or technology skills needed for the jobs.
As an educator, I am appalled at the attitude of those who think education is a waste of their time and yet, we still have the highest unemployment rates in the country. And now, many who are receiving benefits from the state are crying foul because their cash assistance will not be available for long. Their protests are pointless since the state has been saying for over five years that people had "five years" to get an education or job skills and most--didn't believe it and just sat around on their hind parts, waiting for the handout.
If they had been forced to demonstrate sufficient literacy skills in order to get the assistance, they would be in a much better place than they are in right now. The assistance received, should have been based upon their ability to get an education or job skills training as a condition of receiving the benefits. Sometimes, as seen in Michigan, waiting for the mailman becomes a career that requires little effort. Well, the mailman's job just got a little lighter (figuratively speaking) and many will find themselves wishing they had paid attention to "the last letter" they received.
I'm sure the conditions mentioned about Michigan may be true of other states as well, and what we must do--is to educate people about how to do things--especially in giving. We must remember that it is not by human effort that we accomplish anything, but by the direction of Holy Spirit that we can accomplish all things.
For those who do all they can to make life bearable for themselves and others, I commend you. For those who do nothing but seek self-comfort--I wonder about you. For those who walk not after the flesh, but allow Holy Spirit to guide all you do, I thank God for you. If what we do is not by the leading of Holy Spirit--our efforts will amount to nothing, short of temporary solution.
The old adage that is better to "teach a man to fish than to give him one" is still relevant today.
Now, I know there are some who do not believe God or that He exists and they think that what they do is more important than what most Believers do. If acknowledgment from man is all a person wants, then--it is enough. However, if one wants to please God, then one must things the way God wants them done--this ensures eternal life, beyond the temporary life here on earth.
Does that mean people should stop giving and assisting others? No! What this means is that before we do anything, we should seek Him for direction and then do what He says.
We know from all the documented sources about "giving people a helping hand" and then watch those same people end up in the same condition in which we found them, If we're going to really help people, we must begin with "wisdom and knowledge" so they will be able to do for themselves.
In Michigan, there are thousands of jobs available, but people do not have the skills to get the jobs. Why? Too many people, here, do not have the literacy skills or technology skills needed for the jobs.
As an educator, I am appalled at the attitude of those who think education is a waste of their time and yet, we still have the highest unemployment rates in the country. And now, many who are receiving benefits from the state are crying foul because their cash assistance will not be available for long. Their protests are pointless since the state has been saying for over five years that people had "five years" to get an education or job skills and most--didn't believe it and just sat around on their hind parts, waiting for the handout.
If they had been forced to demonstrate sufficient literacy skills in order to get the assistance, they would be in a much better place than they are in right now. The assistance received, should have been based upon their ability to get an education or job skills training as a condition of receiving the benefits. Sometimes, as seen in Michigan, waiting for the mailman becomes a career that requires little effort. Well, the mailman's job just got a little lighter (figuratively speaking) and many will find themselves wishing they had paid attention to "the last letter" they received.
I'm sure the conditions mentioned about Michigan may be true of other states as well, and what we must do--is to educate people about how to do things--especially in giving. We must remember that it is not by human effort that we accomplish anything, but by the direction of Holy Spirit that we can accomplish all things.
Friday, November 28, 2014
Defeated Enemy!
"For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you. If any nation comes to fight you, it is not because I sent them. Whoever attacks you will go down in defeat." (Isaiah 54:10,15 NLT)
The promises of God are "Yes" and "Amen" and we can see them throughout The Word!
When storms arise and violence erupts and there is nothing we can do about the chaos swirling around us, we can go to The Word and know the outcome--His love and protection will remain even if the mountains and hills disappear. He will never stop blessing those who live according to His Word and whose desire is to please Him in all things.
Perhaps, just perhaps, the reason many people only look for the blessings--and disappointed when they don't get them--is because they never understood their part of the covenant--Love God and Obey Him!
And since we can be assured of His continued blessings, we can rest on the knowledge that if the enemy (any nation) "comes" to fight us, they will go down in defeat. Now, that's something to shout about right there! But now, notice--if we go seek a fight, we are not covered under the blessing--we are only covered if the enemy comes to fight us--not if we go to fight them.
When the enemy comes (in whatever shape or form), stand firm on the knowledge of God's Word and know they are already defeated--all we need to do is obey God and do whatever He says to do.
When others come to tempt us to do evil--rebuke them in the name of Jesus and start sharing The Glorious Gospel!
When emotions rise and we are tempted to be depressed or influenced by them to harm self or others--stand firm in the faith that God has plans for us and that nothing in His plans are designed to harm us.
When it seems like nothing we do ever turns out right--we must remember that in Christ--we can do all things and do them well. We have the mind of Christ and we will not allow the enemy to steal our joy or kill our faith! We will stand up and face him with The Sword, always prepared to keep him in his place.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
My NaNo Novel 2014!
I had actually decided not to write for the NaNoWriMo challenge this
year, but after a "friend" bugged me to do it, I did. I already had a
story in mind, but had not determined what I wanted to do with it. So, a
couple of weeks before the first of November, I developed
my characters, my story map, and my fictional city--complete with a grid
of the streets and location of all major buildings. I completed my
research and typed up my notes, and on November 1, 2014, at 4:30 a.m. I
started writing. By November 9, 2014 at approximately,
2:00 p.m. I had finished the first 50K! Now, near the near, I am
revising (2nd round) and my word count is over 72K. Since i plan to
publish the "finished" work (after 3 more rounds of revising and
editing), it will be available on Amazon as an eBook, hopefully before
the end of January.
At any rate, here's what the cover looks like--right now.
There's an excerpt on the NaNoWriMo site and I'll probably post it
again, soon! Some ideas are worth pursuing! This one certainly was!
At any rate, here's what the cover looks like--right now.
There's an excerpt on the NaNoWriMo site and I'll probably post it
again, soon! Some ideas are worth pursuing! This one certainly was!
O Give Thanks!
"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 136:1 NKJV)
On this day, one which we traditionally set aside in America to celebrate Thanksgiving, our celebration should be about more than a day off work, watching sports, shopping and eating.
In spite of all the things that have gone wrong or are not what we expected, we can still give thanks to The Lord!
Many people complain daily about what is happening in America--and no matter what our President does--he is never right. But instead of complaining, we should be grateful we don't live in a country where if we dared to raise our voices in dissension or opposition to anything the leader did, we could be arrested and executed.
We complain our economy that acts more like a roller coaster out of control, but there are people in other countries who are starving, penniless, and would sell their souls to the devil for a scrap of bread. We know they sell their children and we know they know, how those same children are abused and misused for the satisfaction of the perverted--influenced by the enemy. We should be grateful that most of us--have never been in such a predicament and will probably never know the anguish a parent might feel who had to resort to selling a child.
We complain about those who worship God and those who don't. We hate instead of loving one another. We do not understand that disagreement with someone is not a strategy to hate.
Whether we choose to believe in God or not, it is our choice and for the most part, in this country--we won't be executed or forced to believe anything we choose not to believe. That is not true is some other countries where people are forced to believe whatever that leader wants to believe and if they don't, they are arrested or executed.
We complain about the senseless violence in this country, when we should be grateful that we are not living in war torn countries, living with the prospect of bombs dropping on our roofs at any moment. Violence is never the answer, but when people do not God or how to think before acting, there is and always will be--senseless violence.
On this Thanksgiving Day, my family will enjoy a good meal, watch TV, or play video games (we will not shop), but before we do anything, we will offer thanksgiving to God--for all He has done, is doing, and will do in our lives that we may be living letters, read by others, encouraging them to seek Him and enjoy the benefits of His love. I pra,y that you, too,will take time to give thanks.
Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for keeping us safe, healthy, and ready to praise You for all things. For we know, that without You in our lives, our lives could be so much different than it is. We could be slaughtered and left to die of illnesses without appropriate care. We could starve in the land of plenty. But thanks to You, O God, we have all we need and we truly grateful for Your many blessings that we might bless others. Amen!
On this day, one which we traditionally set aside in America to celebrate Thanksgiving, our celebration should be about more than a day off work, watching sports, shopping and eating.
In spite of all the things that have gone wrong or are not what we expected, we can still give thanks to The Lord!
Many people complain daily about what is happening in America--and no matter what our President does--he is never right. But instead of complaining, we should be grateful we don't live in a country where if we dared to raise our voices in dissension or opposition to anything the leader did, we could be arrested and executed.
We complain our economy that acts more like a roller coaster out of control, but there are people in other countries who are starving, penniless, and would sell their souls to the devil for a scrap of bread. We know they sell their children and we know they know, how those same children are abused and misused for the satisfaction of the perverted--influenced by the enemy. We should be grateful that most of us--have never been in such a predicament and will probably never know the anguish a parent might feel who had to resort to selling a child.
We complain about those who worship God and those who don't. We hate instead of loving one another. We do not understand that disagreement with someone is not a strategy to hate.
Whether we choose to believe in God or not, it is our choice and for the most part, in this country--we won't be executed or forced to believe anything we choose not to believe. That is not true is some other countries where people are forced to believe whatever that leader wants to believe and if they don't, they are arrested or executed.
We complain about the senseless violence in this country, when we should be grateful that we are not living in war torn countries, living with the prospect of bombs dropping on our roofs at any moment. Violence is never the answer, but when people do not God or how to think before acting, there is and always will be--senseless violence.
On this Thanksgiving Day, my family will enjoy a good meal, watch TV, or play video games (we will not shop), but before we do anything, we will offer thanksgiving to God--for all He has done, is doing, and will do in our lives that we may be living letters, read by others, encouraging them to seek Him and enjoy the benefits of His love. I pra,y that you, too,will take time to give thanks.
Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for keeping us safe, healthy, and ready to praise You for all things. For we know, that without You in our lives, our lives could be so much different than it is. We could be slaughtered and left to die of illnesses without appropriate care. We could starve in the land of plenty. But thanks to You, O God, we have all we need and we truly grateful for Your many blessings that we might bless others. Amen!
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
He Is Love!
"He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." (I John 4:8 NKJV)
How do we know--He is Love?
Who else would have left their throne in heaven,
Wrapped themselves in flesh and came through a birth canal
When they didn't have to do it?
Who else would endure the insults and persecutions
Of the religious sects, yet heal, and raise the dead?
Who else would care enough to accept the lunch of a child
And by blessing the little, fed the multitudes, because He cared?
Who else would love us so much that He spent precious last moments,
Before His arrest, praying for us who would choose to believe and follow Him?
Who else would endure the flaying of His skin, being nailed to a cross,
For our sins when He had committed none of them?
Who else would endure the tauntings of those who did not understand,
He hung on that cross for all who dared to believe and would rise again?
Who else would enter into hell and defeat Satan on his own turf
And rise with all power in His Hands and then transfer that power to us?
Who else would love us in spite of us and give us chance after chance
To get living for Him right?
Who else--would you--would I--endure it all because of Love?
No! God alone loves us enough to have done it all and would do it again,
Just because He is Love and can do nothing else, but Love!
Thank You, Lord for Your Love, Mercy, Grace, And Kindness
Shown towards me even when I didn't deserve it.
Now, help me to have a mindset to always live to please You,
In all that I say and do,
So others will know about Your Great Love,
For all of mankind!
If we say--we are His Children, then we must Love
Like He loves--unconditionally--with no hate abiding within.
How do we know--He is Love?
Who else would have left their throne in heaven,
Wrapped themselves in flesh and came through a birth canal
When they didn't have to do it?
Who else would endure the insults and persecutions
Of the religious sects, yet heal, and raise the dead?
Who else would care enough to accept the lunch of a child
And by blessing the little, fed the multitudes, because He cared?
Who else would love us so much that He spent precious last moments,
Before His arrest, praying for us who would choose to believe and follow Him?
Who else would endure the flaying of His skin, being nailed to a cross,
For our sins when He had committed none of them?
Who else would endure the tauntings of those who did not understand,
He hung on that cross for all who dared to believe and would rise again?
Who else would enter into hell and defeat Satan on his own turf
And rise with all power in His Hands and then transfer that power to us?
Who else would love us in spite of us and give us chance after chance
To get living for Him right?
Who else--would you--would I--endure it all because of Love?
No! God alone loves us enough to have done it all and would do it again,
Just because He is Love and can do nothing else, but Love!
Thank You, Lord for Your Love, Mercy, Grace, And Kindness
Shown towards me even when I didn't deserve it.
Now, help me to have a mindset to always live to please You,
In all that I say and do,
So others will know about Your Great Love,
For all of mankind!
If we say--we are His Children, then we must Love
Like He loves--unconditionally--with no hate abiding within.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
The Lord, Our Security!
"You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap." (Proverbs 3:25,26 NLT)
If Believers actually believe The Word (and not selectively, but comprehensively), we would never fear--anything. We know that when it rains, it rains on the just as well as the unjust. So, when disasters approach, our response should be to communicate with the One who can keep us safe, not running through the streets--or blowing up the Internet with doomsday prophecies. The Lord is our security--He will keep us from being caught in a trap--when our faith is in Him and Him alone!
We have so much Word that supports our ability to see disasters and yet not be afraid. The phrase, "Fear not" occurs 144 times in the Kings James Version, "Be not afraid" 4 times, and then my favorite--"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind." We are reminded by Jesus that, "In this world we shall have trials and tribulations, but He has overcome them all." Do we believe The Word?
Then if we believe what God says--we need to stop allowing media sensationalism to sway us in our thinking or behavior. We have the mind of Christ (if we are truly Born-Again) and I cannot imagine Christ being afraid of anything nor would He promote rumors or uphold the lack of journalistic integrity we are bombarded with on a daily basis.
We need to look to Him--the author and finisher of our faith-and not be overly anxious about anything, but exercise Godly wisdom in everything.
When we learn to completely depend upon Him--without leaning to our own understanding--then we can trust Him to do exactly what He said He would and we have no need to fear the outcome! Hallelujah!
If Believers actually believe The Word (and not selectively, but comprehensively), we would never fear--anything. We know that when it rains, it rains on the just as well as the unjust. So, when disasters approach, our response should be to communicate with the One who can keep us safe, not running through the streets--or blowing up the Internet with doomsday prophecies. The Lord is our security--He will keep us from being caught in a trap--when our faith is in Him and Him alone!
We have so much Word that supports our ability to see disasters and yet not be afraid. The phrase, "Fear not" occurs 144 times in the Kings James Version, "Be not afraid" 4 times, and then my favorite--"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind." We are reminded by Jesus that, "In this world we shall have trials and tribulations, but He has overcome them all." Do we believe The Word?
Then if we believe what God says--we need to stop allowing media sensationalism to sway us in our thinking or behavior. We have the mind of Christ (if we are truly Born-Again) and I cannot imagine Christ being afraid of anything nor would He promote rumors or uphold the lack of journalistic integrity we are bombarded with on a daily basis.
We need to look to Him--the author and finisher of our faith-and not be overly anxious about anything, but exercise Godly wisdom in everything.
When we learn to completely depend upon Him--without leaning to our own understanding--then we can trust Him to do exactly what He said He would and we have no need to fear the outcome! Hallelujah!
Monday, November 24, 2014
The Penalty For Lying!
"A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape." (Proverbs 9:5 NKJV)
I'm praying for any and everyone who lives to lie and cause harm to others--simply to gain monetary benefit or center stage with all lights on them.
The problem for liars is that God has already addressed their final outcome--they will thrown into the lake of fire--no escape route possible. There--with hell and Satan and all the other demonic forces-they shall be for all eternity.
I remember some years ago when I was teaching Bible Study at my home and a little boy asked me about hell. I asked him if he had ever burned himself on something hot and he had. So, I told him to imagine that hell--is 1000 x 1000 x 1000 x 1000 x 1000 x hotter than anything he had experienced. His eyes bucked and he made a decision right then--he did not want to go to hell.
Many people don't believe hell is real because they don't believe God is real and they certainly won't pay any attention to anything in the Bible. That is so sad. If they understood the love God has for us and He does not desire to see anyone He loves thrown in the lake of fire, they would do better. That's His desire--but we all make choices--to do what is right or to do what is wrong.
Remember this--Satan is the father of liars and his job is to kill, steal, and destroy--he has no problem influencing others to do his bidding so he can sit back at laugh at their folly.
Liars--all of them whether pathological or convenient or systematic--always create problems for the innocent. They gather to themselves false witnesses and those who proclaim to know a matter when they don't, are also destined to be thrown in the lake of fire because they too--are lying.
If we only spent our time doing what is right, we'd never have to worry about doing what is wrong--for us or anyone else.
"The Truth shall make us free" from the penalty of being in the lake of fire, so let's determine to always tell the truth, no matter how much it may hurt us, or cause us to lose that temporary monetary gain or fame. Integrity is still a valued virtue and I'd rather maintain my integrity in all things that lose it for money or fame. I belong to Jesus and I will proclaim truth as He reveals it and I will not become part of gangland mentality in destroying the lives of others. Satan is not my father and I will not give him that place of honor--by lying.
Everything we do has a consequence--we will either be rewarded or penalized--what is your choice today?
I'm praying for any and everyone who lives to lie and cause harm to others--simply to gain monetary benefit or center stage with all lights on them.
The problem for liars is that God has already addressed their final outcome--they will thrown into the lake of fire--no escape route possible. There--with hell and Satan and all the other demonic forces-they shall be for all eternity.
I remember some years ago when I was teaching Bible Study at my home and a little boy asked me about hell. I asked him if he had ever burned himself on something hot and he had. So, I told him to imagine that hell--is 1000 x 1000 x 1000 x 1000 x 1000 x hotter than anything he had experienced. His eyes bucked and he made a decision right then--he did not want to go to hell.
Many people don't believe hell is real because they don't believe God is real and they certainly won't pay any attention to anything in the Bible. That is so sad. If they understood the love God has for us and He does not desire to see anyone He loves thrown in the lake of fire, they would do better. That's His desire--but we all make choices--to do what is right or to do what is wrong.
Remember this--Satan is the father of liars and his job is to kill, steal, and destroy--he has no problem influencing others to do his bidding so he can sit back at laugh at their folly.
Liars--all of them whether pathological or convenient or systematic--always create problems for the innocent. They gather to themselves false witnesses and those who proclaim to know a matter when they don't, are also destined to be thrown in the lake of fire because they too--are lying.
If we only spent our time doing what is right, we'd never have to worry about doing what is wrong--for us or anyone else.
"The Truth shall make us free" from the penalty of being in the lake of fire, so let's determine to always tell the truth, no matter how much it may hurt us, or cause us to lose that temporary monetary gain or fame. Integrity is still a valued virtue and I'd rather maintain my integrity in all things that lose it for money or fame. I belong to Jesus and I will proclaim truth as He reveals it and I will not become part of gangland mentality in destroying the lives of others. Satan is not my father and I will not give him that place of honor--by lying.
Everything we do has a consequence--we will either be rewarded or penalized--what is your choice today?
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Think On These Things!
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8 NKJV)
When I look at the reactions of people to hearing "negative reports" about situations and people, I am reminded that the end is truly near. We pulverize people with our negative comments and innuendo without having all the facts about anything. That is truly amazing to me that we--take one sound bite--one tiny misrepresented piece of information--and then blow it all out proportion, condemning people who have not been tried or found guilty of anything other than being foolish. We take sides and give no thought to the lives being ruined and reputations being tarnished--all to appease an apparently innate desire to speak or write without thinking--of the consequences of what we do or say.
Are we so insecure and unhappy that we live to destroy others as a means to entertain ourselves?
Is there nothing else in the world we could think about--solving some problems--rather than creating them?
Without proof of anything other than what we have heard--we loudly proclaim our ignorance when we expect people to defend themselves and provide more fuel for the idiots to consume and spew into cyberspace--becoming obnoxious by the second and still not knowing truth.
Even Paul wrote this centuries ago, there is applicable truth to what he says. Instead of meditating, thinking, and spouting the negatives about people, we need to change our mindset and think--really use our brains and common sense (if such a thing still exists) to logically approach a matter before we become part of the rumor mill spreading lies.
When we don't know the whole story about anything, our response should be to pray--for all concerned and then wait--until the whole truth is known before we take sides and condemn others for things they may not have done.
Think on the positives, the praiseworthy, the noble, the virtues, the good reports--not those things that become part of character assassination without having full knowledge of a situation.
What we must remember is this--the same judgment we show towards others will come back upon us. Never judge a matter without having all the facts unless we want someone judging us in the same manner.
The truth will set us all free--from lying lips and tongues and character attacks meant to destroy. Remember this--it is Satan's job to steal, kill and destroy and he uses everyone who is willing to be used as a tool by him.
Think On These Things available on http://www.amazon.com/Mary-M-Hall-Rayford/e/B00BAW31CQ/
When I look at the reactions of people to hearing "negative reports" about situations and people, I am reminded that the end is truly near. We pulverize people with our negative comments and innuendo without having all the facts about anything. That is truly amazing to me that we--take one sound bite--one tiny misrepresented piece of information--and then blow it all out proportion, condemning people who have not been tried or found guilty of anything other than being foolish. We take sides and give no thought to the lives being ruined and reputations being tarnished--all to appease an apparently innate desire to speak or write without thinking--of the consequences of what we do or say.
Are we so insecure and unhappy that we live to destroy others as a means to entertain ourselves?
Is there nothing else in the world we could think about--solving some problems--rather than creating them?
Without proof of anything other than what we have heard--we loudly proclaim our ignorance when we expect people to defend themselves and provide more fuel for the idiots to consume and spew into cyberspace--becoming obnoxious by the second and still not knowing truth.
Even Paul wrote this centuries ago, there is applicable truth to what he says. Instead of meditating, thinking, and spouting the negatives about people, we need to change our mindset and think--really use our brains and common sense (if such a thing still exists) to logically approach a matter before we become part of the rumor mill spreading lies.
When we don't know the whole story about anything, our response should be to pray--for all concerned and then wait--until the whole truth is known before we take sides and condemn others for things they may not have done.
Think on the positives, the praiseworthy, the noble, the virtues, the good reports--not those things that become part of character assassination without having full knowledge of a situation.
What we must remember is this--the same judgment we show towards others will come back upon us. Never judge a matter without having all the facts unless we want someone judging us in the same manner.
The truth will set us all free--from lying lips and tongues and character attacks meant to destroy. Remember this--it is Satan's job to steal, kill and destroy and he uses everyone who is willing to be used as a tool by him.
Think On These Things available on http://www.amazon.com/Mary-M-Hall-Rayford/e/B00BAW31CQ/
Saturday, November 22, 2014
We Know His Name!
"And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You." (Psalm 9:10 NKJV)
One of the reasons many people don't know God is because of all the negatives that some have attributed to Him. When people believe the worst of anyone--what they think they know--is a different perspective from one who actually knows.
Our God, The Lord Jesus Christ--is love and therefore, He can only love as a loving Father.
Our God, The Lord Jesus Christ--is the Son of the Father (God in the flesh) and He can only do what He has seen the Father do and say what the Father says.
Our God, The Lord Jesus Christ--is Holy Spirit--the spirit of God living in us--and He will only tell us what He hears the Father say.
How can we put our trust in someone we don't know? Most people cannot and since they cannot trust Him, they choose to refute who He is.
Now, here is the real challenge--why is it that those who claim to know Him and His name, have difficulty fully trusting in all He is and His Word?
If, we as Believers--fully understand and know who He is--we should not have a problem trusting Him--in all things--and never worry about the outcome of anything. Do we worry? Do we have doubts and are overanxious about things over which we cannot control?
I have learned and still learning that when I trust Him--totally trust Him--I can navigate life without concern about what "may" happen next. I know from experience that whatever happens--I will get through it if I just praise Him and trust Him to do what He said He would do--never forsake me, never abandon me, never leave me alone, always guiding me, loving me, setting me in position for victory. I am more than a conqueror through Him because of His love. I can do all things through Him and therefore there is nothing, I cannot do and do well to His glory!
I not only know who He is--His name--I know His attributes and His character and I know beyond a shadow of doubt, that He will never withdraw His love from me.
Thank You, Lord Jesus for love, mercy, and favor--even though I may not be worthy because I sometimes miss the mark, yet Your abiding love keeps me from being perpetually lost to the temptations of this world. It is because I desire to please You above all things that I know I cannot bring shame to Your name, by my actions or attitudes. Thank You for always curbing my tongue and comforting my heart, giving me peace and understanding in how to do those things I must.
One of the reasons many people don't know God is because of all the negatives that some have attributed to Him. When people believe the worst of anyone--what they think they know--is a different perspective from one who actually knows.
Our God, The Lord Jesus Christ--is love and therefore, He can only love as a loving Father.
Our God, The Lord Jesus Christ--is the Son of the Father (God in the flesh) and He can only do what He has seen the Father do and say what the Father says.
Our God, The Lord Jesus Christ--is Holy Spirit--the spirit of God living in us--and He will only tell us what He hears the Father say.
How can we put our trust in someone we don't know? Most people cannot and since they cannot trust Him, they choose to refute who He is.
Now, here is the real challenge--why is it that those who claim to know Him and His name, have difficulty fully trusting in all He is and His Word?
If, we as Believers--fully understand and know who He is--we should not have a problem trusting Him--in all things--and never worry about the outcome of anything. Do we worry? Do we have doubts and are overanxious about things over which we cannot control?
I have learned and still learning that when I trust Him--totally trust Him--I can navigate life without concern about what "may" happen next. I know from experience that whatever happens--I will get through it if I just praise Him and trust Him to do what He said He would do--never forsake me, never abandon me, never leave me alone, always guiding me, loving me, setting me in position for victory. I am more than a conqueror through Him because of His love. I can do all things through Him and therefore there is nothing, I cannot do and do well to His glory!
I not only know who He is--His name--I know His attributes and His character and I know beyond a shadow of doubt, that He will never withdraw His love from me.
Thank You, Lord Jesus for love, mercy, and favor--even though I may not be worthy because I sometimes miss the mark, yet Your abiding love keeps me from being perpetually lost to the temptations of this world. It is because I desire to please You above all things that I know I cannot bring shame to Your name, by my actions or attitudes. Thank You for always curbing my tongue and comforting my heart, giving me peace and understanding in how to do those things I must.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Simple Version-I Agree With God!
“Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover
everything about the Almighty? Such knowledge is higher than the
heavens—and who are you? It is deeper than the underworld—what do you know?" (Job 11:7,8 NLT)
Age-old questions that man is still trying to answer and because there are some things that no one can explain--many have said, "There is no God!"
Why does God allow this happen? Why does God allow that to happen? Why are there starving people in the world? Why are there wars? Why do children suffer? Where was God when all the negative things in the world happened?
Instead of trying to waste brain power and time in explaining the "whys or why nots" of God's allowance of things, I've determined there is one simple answer--I agree with God!
No, I don't know everything and I'm in good company--neither does anyone else! But this one thing I do know--God knows and the last time I checked, He doesn't owe anyone an explanation for anything since He created all things--on His own--without consulting us.
What He has done--for our benefit--is to speak to those who were willing to listen and record what He said. Even though some think The Word is a book of fiction, they have yet not been able to deny the authenticity of actual segments of history. For this reason, scientists are always trying to disprove something in the bible only to discover they were wrong and God is right.
Pride truly is a terrible thing when we allow it get in the way of receiving God's blessings. Only those with so much pride in their own limited knowledge of what they have discovered--will never see what God has truly planned for them. If we stop wasting our time in trying to determine the whys and just accept what He has done and is doing for all those who love Him, our time would be better served in accomplishing all that He wants us to do!
So, I don't have any more answers about why God does or allows things than anyone else, but I have decided--rather than question Him--I'll simply agree with Him and enjoy life and His many blessings!
Age-old questions that man is still trying to answer and because there are some things that no one can explain--many have said, "There is no God!"
Why does God allow this happen? Why does God allow that to happen? Why are there starving people in the world? Why are there wars? Why do children suffer? Where was God when all the negative things in the world happened?
Instead of trying to waste brain power and time in explaining the "whys or why nots" of God's allowance of things, I've determined there is one simple answer--I agree with God!
No, I don't know everything and I'm in good company--neither does anyone else! But this one thing I do know--God knows and the last time I checked, He doesn't owe anyone an explanation for anything since He created all things--on His own--without consulting us.
What He has done--for our benefit--is to speak to those who were willing to listen and record what He said. Even though some think The Word is a book of fiction, they have yet not been able to deny the authenticity of actual segments of history. For this reason, scientists are always trying to disprove something in the bible only to discover they were wrong and God is right.
Pride truly is a terrible thing when we allow it get in the way of receiving God's blessings. Only those with so much pride in their own limited knowledge of what they have discovered--will never see what God has truly planned for them. If we stop wasting our time in trying to determine the whys and just accept what He has done and is doing for all those who love Him, our time would be better served in accomplishing all that He wants us to do!
So, I don't have any more answers about why God does or allows things than anyone else, but I have decided--rather than question Him--I'll simply agree with Him and enjoy life and His many blessings!
Thursday, November 20, 2014
He'll Work It Out!
"The LORD will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever.Don’t abandon me, for you made me." (Psalm 138:8 NLT)
Have you ever planned something--dinner, party, travel--and no matter how carefully you planned, there was still a glitch to upset your plans?
I've learned from experience that even though I plan with a checklist--there are some things we simply cannot anticipate--and that is why it is important to consult God about every aspect of our lives. When the glitches occur--He has the answer--when we listen.
But His plans for our lives--no matter how many glitches enter into the picture--will be fulfilled! The glitches that occur with His plans are us--when we choose to take another direction other than what He has planned. How do I know? I simply look back at my life and consider where I was headed and where I am now. Where I am now was part of His plans for my life from the beginning, I was just too obstinate to know it. So, when I think (and have actually asked Him), why I didn't reach this place sooner, He reminds me of the choices I made that had nothing to do with Him.
He is such a gentleman! He never forces us to choose His path, and He will honor our choices--allowing us go against the grain for as long as we desire. When we finally reach the end of ourselves and understand that our plans--without Him--mean nothing, He's right there--waiting to set us upon the path He wanted us on and if we listen carefully, we will see the results of His plans--that are far better than ours.
I know many people resist knowledge and belief in our Awesome God and go their own way and that's okay. God sees and knows when we'll turn back to Him and even when we won't. I encourage all to look at their lives, think about whether or not their plans have worked well and then seek God and allow Him to have full control of the direction of their lives and reap His many benefits.
I have learned from experience that His plans are always better than mine and I love seeing His plans fulfilled in my life. He is so awesome and because of Him, so is my life--no matter what others may think--I have an awesome life because He is an Awesome God! He will work it out!
Have you ever planned something--dinner, party, travel--and no matter how carefully you planned, there was still a glitch to upset your plans?
I've learned from experience that even though I plan with a checklist--there are some things we simply cannot anticipate--and that is why it is important to consult God about every aspect of our lives. When the glitches occur--He has the answer--when we listen.
But His plans for our lives--no matter how many glitches enter into the picture--will be fulfilled! The glitches that occur with His plans are us--when we choose to take another direction other than what He has planned. How do I know? I simply look back at my life and consider where I was headed and where I am now. Where I am now was part of His plans for my life from the beginning, I was just too obstinate to know it. So, when I think (and have actually asked Him), why I didn't reach this place sooner, He reminds me of the choices I made that had nothing to do with Him.
He is such a gentleman! He never forces us to choose His path, and He will honor our choices--allowing us go against the grain for as long as we desire. When we finally reach the end of ourselves and understand that our plans--without Him--mean nothing, He's right there--waiting to set us upon the path He wanted us on and if we listen carefully, we will see the results of His plans--that are far better than ours.
I know many people resist knowledge and belief in our Awesome God and go their own way and that's okay. God sees and knows when we'll turn back to Him and even when we won't. I encourage all to look at their lives, think about whether or not their plans have worked well and then seek God and allow Him to have full control of the direction of their lives and reap His many benefits.
I have learned from experience that His plans are always better than mine and I love seeing His plans fulfilled in my life. He is so awesome and because of Him, so is my life--no matter what others may think--I have an awesome life because He is an Awesome God! He will work it out!
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Church Goers!
Why
are we really going to church? Is it because we have nothing better to do or is
it a social event? Do we think our attendance will reserve our place in heaven
or is it just a status thing?
If
we’re going to a building, just because it’s Sunday or to Mid-week services,
and we’re simply going because it’s the thing to do, we’re wasting our time and
taking up space better used for another purpose.
The
body of believers of Jesus Christ—all of us—comprises The Church. For many, we
assemble in one location to fellowship with other believers and to encourage one another to stay in the faith.
If
we think that we have to go to church to worship God—we really don’t know Him.
If
we think that we have to go to church to hear The Word—we really don’t know
Him.
If
we think that we have to go to church to praise Him—we really don’t know Him.
And at
about this point—some might comment—Paul tells us “not to forsake the assembling
of ourselves together” and he does. But does he say when, or what time? Does he
tell us which building to go to when we assemble ourselves together? No, he
doesn’t and it doesn’t really matter which building we enter.
What
matters the most is this—having a relationship with God, knowing and
understanding His purposes for our lives, knowing and understanding His Word so
we can increase our faith, every time we hear it. Knowing and understanding His
Word is not just for the preachers or the deacons but for every born-again
believer—who dares to get to know Him and stay in fellowship with Him.
I
am absolutely amazed at the number of people who are involved in “church work”
but have no relationship with God. They think only the pastors or church
leaders need to know The Word and sit in service after service, getting nothing
out of the event other than a time to meet up with folks and to brag about much
they do in and for the church. This attitude then—is the result of religious affiliation, rather than being in
relationship with God. Of course, before we can claim to have a
relationship with God, we must understand and accept the work on the cross, by
which we are made joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. And Jesus has said, “No man
gets to the Father, but by Him.” He did not say “mother” or “it.” He was clear
about God being our Father, but we cannot make this claim until we know Him.
How
can we acknowledge someone having a love relationship with us, if we don’t know
them? This love relationship is two-fold—God loving us and us loving Him. He
said in His Word, that “if we love Him, we’ll keep His commandments.”Now, how can
we say we love Him when we do not know what He has said or why he said it? David
said it best, “Your Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against
You!”
I
defy anyone who has ever read His Word--with understanding--to claim they can
support anyone living in opposition to God’s Word or that they have a
relationship with God, but refuse to believe His Word! And
for those who want to debate the issue—do this first—read the Gospel of John
and Romans—in their entirety, asking God while reading to reveal Himself. Then
and only then can a rational discussion be held about being in relationship
with God.
If
our heart is open to hearing Him when He speaks, we won’t just go to church to
be going, but we’ll be anxious to hear more of what has been spoken to the
messenger in the building, and not just because he or she is there.
Relationship with God, means we hear Him when He speaks and we know when others
are not saying what He says.
So,
we can go to our buildings whenever we go, but we need to allow Holy Spirit to
establish us as part of—The Church—the Body of Believers who need no building
before we go. And remember this—our service to God is not in going to the
building, but in living the life we proclaim to have with Him and in serving
one another as He leads us to do it.
Can
I get an Amen? How about an “ouch?”
Once
Truth is spoken, whether we believe it or not, accept it or not, God knows all
and we will be held accountable for responding to Truth or not as He
determines.
He's Doing Amazing Things!
"Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy!" (Psalm 126:3 NLT)
Singing a song of praise for all The Lord has done is as natural to some people as breathing is--when we acknowledge Him.
Throughout the Psalms, we see prayers, songs of contrition, repentance, and praise for all the amazing things He has done for the people He loves.
What I'm reminded of in reading this entire Psalm is that the captivity or bondage of people is a result of willful disobedience on the part of those who are held captive. When we continually ignore God when He speaks through those He has chosen to be a vessel of communication, we reap the consequences of our actions. God has never planned for His people to be held captive, but He allows it when we refuse to turn away from ungodliness and turn back to Him.
And when we turn back to Him, we can reflect upon the time of captivity and understand that even in the state of bondage, He never leaves us, but patiently waits for us to get our act together.
Those who were held in exile rejoiced in returning to their homeland. We, who have been held captive to our fleshly dictates--whatever they are and they are different for different people--can rejoice and sing praises to Him who does all things well for our benefit.
Many are those who were held captive to all sorts of addictions--who lost homes, jobs, family trust--and yet were brought back to a state of total redemption and trust in The Lord for what He allowed them to go through, yet brought them out to His glory.
Many are those who were held captive to their own ideologies when they thought they were based upon sound doctrine, but discovered their faith was in religious affiliation and when they discovered Truth, were turned around and turned to Truth in relationship with God--who loves us so much, He is not willing to see any of us lost or held captive by erroneous beliefs.
Some are held captive to beliefs that their bodies are their own--thinking they can treat them any way they want and still know victory in long life. In spite of illnesses that could have been terminal, God has shown them a different path and now they praise Him with a renewed, energetic outlook of preserving their bodies to His glory.
Yes, our God is truly Amazing--look at how He loves us when we did not love Him. Look at the mercy He bestows upon us when we did not deserve mercy. Look at the favor He has given us with all--even though we did not earn it. He is truly amazing and we praise Him for being our awesome God, doing amazing things for our benefit, when we turn our lives back to living for Him!
Singing a song of praise for all The Lord has done is as natural to some people as breathing is--when we acknowledge Him.
Throughout the Psalms, we see prayers, songs of contrition, repentance, and praise for all the amazing things He has done for the people He loves.
What I'm reminded of in reading this entire Psalm is that the captivity or bondage of people is a result of willful disobedience on the part of those who are held captive. When we continually ignore God when He speaks through those He has chosen to be a vessel of communication, we reap the consequences of our actions. God has never planned for His people to be held captive, but He allows it when we refuse to turn away from ungodliness and turn back to Him.
And when we turn back to Him, we can reflect upon the time of captivity and understand that even in the state of bondage, He never leaves us, but patiently waits for us to get our act together.
Those who were held in exile rejoiced in returning to their homeland. We, who have been held captive to our fleshly dictates--whatever they are and they are different for different people--can rejoice and sing praises to Him who does all things well for our benefit.
Many are those who were held captive to all sorts of addictions--who lost homes, jobs, family trust--and yet were brought back to a state of total redemption and trust in The Lord for what He allowed them to go through, yet brought them out to His glory.
Many are those who were held captive to their own ideologies when they thought they were based upon sound doctrine, but discovered their faith was in religious affiliation and when they discovered Truth, were turned around and turned to Truth in relationship with God--who loves us so much, He is not willing to see any of us lost or held captive by erroneous beliefs.
Some are held captive to beliefs that their bodies are their own--thinking they can treat them any way they want and still know victory in long life. In spite of illnesses that could have been terminal, God has shown them a different path and now they praise Him with a renewed, energetic outlook of preserving their bodies to His glory.
Yes, our God is truly Amazing--look at how He loves us when we did not love Him. Look at the mercy He bestows upon us when we did not deserve mercy. Look at the favor He has given us with all--even though we did not earn it. He is truly amazing and we praise Him for being our awesome God, doing amazing things for our benefit, when we turn our lives back to living for Him!
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Help in Every Situation!
"My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!" (Psalm 121:2 NLT)
I know a number of people who are always looking for someone to come to their rescue, when they need help. Some people are gifted to help others--whether with a kind word, encouragement, or comfort--whether with financial contributions, or other tangibles--the gifting comes from The Lord.
When we are in Relationship with God, Holy Spirit speaks and we hear and obey and do what The Lord tells us. It is The Lord speaking to people to "help" others that keeps us going, no matter how dire the situation might be.
Some people think--"God helps those who help themselves" is scriptural when it is not. God never designed us to live independent of Him--He wants us dependent on Him and through Him, He speaks and we obtain the help we need.
When I see suffering in other countries because the leadership in those countries are too greedy to help their own people, I pray that God will give the leaders a heart of compassion. After all, if they are too blinded by their own greed that people starve and die needlessly, the suffering of the people shall be on their heads.
While I admire those in this country who have hearts as large as the universe and who are always giving, I often wonder just how much of what is given is actually reaching those in need. When corrupt leadership smacks its lips and rubs its grubby hands at the mere thought of obtaining more riches through the auspices of the kindhearted, are the needs of the people really served?
I am not against helping those in need and have--with The Lord's guidance--given far beyond my means to help others, but it is only when I hear The Lord speaks--not the commercials--designed to tug on hearts. I have--with careful observation and through prayer for truth--detected deception in much of the public service announcements. One only needs a discerning spirit to notice.
We have to remember--that it is The Lord--who is our provider and He will also provide for others through us, when He speaks to our hearts. It is He who is our help in every situation and since He is not a respecter of persons, will He not help others who are open to hearing Him?
Lord, in every country, region, state, city, and village all over this world, speak to the hearts of leaders and create in them a heart of compassion to see to the needs of their people. Let every decision in every situation be a result of direct counsel from You and not dependence by deceptive means. Only You, Lord can change the landscape of every heart and see that no one who loves You, shall be hungry or thirsty or in need of shelter, ever again. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!
I know a number of people who are always looking for someone to come to their rescue, when they need help. Some people are gifted to help others--whether with a kind word, encouragement, or comfort--whether with financial contributions, or other tangibles--the gifting comes from The Lord.
When we are in Relationship with God, Holy Spirit speaks and we hear and obey and do what The Lord tells us. It is The Lord speaking to people to "help" others that keeps us going, no matter how dire the situation might be.
Some people think--"God helps those who help themselves" is scriptural when it is not. God never designed us to live independent of Him--He wants us dependent on Him and through Him, He speaks and we obtain the help we need.
When I see suffering in other countries because the leadership in those countries are too greedy to help their own people, I pray that God will give the leaders a heart of compassion. After all, if they are too blinded by their own greed that people starve and die needlessly, the suffering of the people shall be on their heads.
While I admire those in this country who have hearts as large as the universe and who are always giving, I often wonder just how much of what is given is actually reaching those in need. When corrupt leadership smacks its lips and rubs its grubby hands at the mere thought of obtaining more riches through the auspices of the kindhearted, are the needs of the people really served?
I am not against helping those in need and have--with The Lord's guidance--given far beyond my means to help others, but it is only when I hear The Lord speaks--not the commercials--designed to tug on hearts. I have--with careful observation and through prayer for truth--detected deception in much of the public service announcements. One only needs a discerning spirit to notice.
We have to remember--that it is The Lord--who is our provider and He will also provide for others through us, when He speaks to our hearts. It is He who is our help in every situation and since He is not a respecter of persons, will He not help others who are open to hearing Him?
Lord, in every country, region, state, city, and village all over this world, speak to the hearts of leaders and create in them a heart of compassion to see to the needs of their people. Let every decision in every situation be a result of direct counsel from You and not dependence by deceptive means. Only You, Lord can change the landscape of every heart and see that no one who loves You, shall be hungry or thirsty or in need of shelter, ever again. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!
Monday, November 17, 2014
How People Read Us!
"Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result
of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and
ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets
of stone, but on human hearts." (2 Corinthians 3:3 NLT)
If we are a letter from Christ for others to read, what is the letter saying?
Does the letter inform others of our desire to please God and to do--always--those things that are pleasing in His sight?
Can people read our compassion for others in what they see us do?
Do they see the commitment we have to stand firm on The Word and not be swayed by man's corrupt thinking?
Is the letter they are reading so full of light, hope and faith that our lives ignite hope in them?
Do they see someone on fire for The Lord or do they see complacency?
Exactly, what do we want people to read of us--since we supposed to be the living epistles (letters) read by men?
I pray that the letter written upon my heart is confirmation and testament of my receiving God's love and sharing it with others. I pray that others read the desire I have to please God in everything I do and say. I pray that others read upon my heart a blueprint for being a Godly mother, wife, grandmother, and witness of all God's goodness. I pray that all that is written upon my heart from Christ ignites a love of Christ in others that overwhelms and spills over onto every person reading it.
I would rather people read a letter that sets them on fire--burning with desire to repent and turn to God, than one that is simply a copy or imitation of some other person's life. For which is better for societal change that turns hearts to God--a never-ending flame to please Him or a flickering light that changes with every wind of doctrine, changed by man.
Allow the love of Jesus to burn brightly within and people will see and read the letter He has written upon our hearts--to His glory, so all will know to whom we belong.
If we are a letter from Christ for others to read, what is the letter saying?
Does the letter inform others of our desire to please God and to do--always--those things that are pleasing in His sight?
Can people read our compassion for others in what they see us do?
Do they see the commitment we have to stand firm on The Word and not be swayed by man's corrupt thinking?
Is the letter they are reading so full of light, hope and faith that our lives ignite hope in them?
Do they see someone on fire for The Lord or do they see complacency?
Exactly, what do we want people to read of us--since we supposed to be the living epistles (letters) read by men?
I pray that the letter written upon my heart is confirmation and testament of my receiving God's love and sharing it with others. I pray that others read the desire I have to please God in everything I do and say. I pray that others read upon my heart a blueprint for being a Godly mother, wife, grandmother, and witness of all God's goodness. I pray that all that is written upon my heart from Christ ignites a love of Christ in others that overwhelms and spills over onto every person reading it.
I would rather people read a letter that sets them on fire--burning with desire to repent and turn to God, than one that is simply a copy or imitation of some other person's life. For which is better for societal change that turns hearts to God--a never-ending flame to please Him or a flickering light that changes with every wind of doctrine, changed by man.
Allow the love of Jesus to burn brightly within and people will see and read the letter He has written upon our hearts--to His glory, so all will know to whom we belong.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding!
"For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints." (Proverbs 2:6-8 NKJV)
Wisdom comes from God,
Not opinions of man,
But Spiritual Insight,
Understanding and Knowledge
Of God's Ways
For His Way of doing things
Is not our way, if we have not
The Mind of Christ, To Know
Know What He knows, To
See what He sees in us,
For us, To Understand
The Path He walks us to walk
Is not the path of destruction
But the path of righteousness.
The wisdom that He shares,
Man cannot comprehend, without
A sound relationship with Him,
Else they would think more highly
Of themselves than they ought,
And miss great opportunities to do
Great things in the name of Our Lord,
Rather than seeking fame for themselves.
The wisdom of God in the minds of Those
Who truly Love Him, finds the answers to
All riddles that have confused and blinded
Those who walk after the flesh, rather than
The spirit of God--seeking to please self
Rather than He who gives all wisdom,
To all who ask, in faith, understanding
How wisdom and knowledge work
To promote Godliness in all people.
Wisdom--coming from the throne of Righteousness,
Knowledge--knowing how to use what is given,
Understanding--acknowledging the insight and teaching others,
So that all might come into the unity of faith,
And God's wisdom that surpasses man's limited knowledge.
Wisdom comes from God,
Not opinions of man,
But Spiritual Insight,
Understanding and Knowledge
Of God's Ways
For His Way of doing things
Is not our way, if we have not
The Mind of Christ, To Know
Know What He knows, To
See what He sees in us,
For us, To Understand
The Path He walks us to walk
Is not the path of destruction
But the path of righteousness.
The wisdom that He shares,
Man cannot comprehend, without
A sound relationship with Him,
Else they would think more highly
Of themselves than they ought,
And miss great opportunities to do
Great things in the name of Our Lord,
Rather than seeking fame for themselves.
The wisdom of God in the minds of Those
Who truly Love Him, finds the answers to
All riddles that have confused and blinded
Those who walk after the flesh, rather than
The spirit of God--seeking to please self
Rather than He who gives all wisdom,
To all who ask, in faith, understanding
How wisdom and knowledge work
To promote Godliness in all people.
Wisdom--coming from the throne of Righteousness,
Knowledge--knowing how to use what is given,
Understanding--acknowledging the insight and teaching others,
So that all might come into the unity of faith,
And God's wisdom that surpasses man's limited knowledge.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Truth That Endures Forever!
"The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever." (Psalm 119:160 NKJV)
God's Word--all of it--from beginning to end is the truth and the truth that must be understood is that each time God spoke to people, He had a specific reason for saying what He said--to those who He was talking, during the time, He was speaking to them.
His decrees, judgments--whatever someone wants to call them--have enduring power and since they do not change, they will be the same as from the beginning until the end.
Jesus--God in the flesh--came to fulfill The Law--of sacrifice for repentance of sin. He did not come to change what God has said and He said, that He could only say what the Father said. Now, we need to see this very clearly. If we believe that God came to earth in the "likeness of sinful flesh" then we would have to understand that since He established His Word, He would not change it--simply because of a change in appearance.
How does Jesus fulfill The Law--by becoming the ultimate sacrifice for the remission of sin. There is no longer any reason for "sacrifices of animals or grain" to be made. The only thing that He expects from us is to fulfill the commandments of Love--Loving Him with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and Loving one another as we love ourselves.
When we love Him--we will obey Him. When we love others--we will not cause them harm; especially if we know how to love ourselves. The love that is referenced in the Bible is not lust and we know that lust is the reason that people sin against God; their fleshly dictates overrule any desire to please God. For The Word has said, we cannot serve two masters--God of heaven and the god of the this world. Either we function in the spirit or in the flesh. We either do what God says or allow man to manipulate what we do. It is an "either" "or" proposition--submit to God or submit to man.
I choose to submit my ways and thoughts to God so I can receive the benefits and results that God has chosen.
When we learn to make a distinction between love and lust, affiliation with religion and relationship with God, we will hopefully see the need to have a relationship with God rather than affiliation with religion and then--only then--will we see a change in the environment with weather patterns, violence, and unrest, as we return to enjoying the "peace of God" on a daily basis. His peace, surpasses all understanding--is greater than all of man's wisdom. For if we claim to have wisdom and is not the wisdom of God, we actually have nothing.
This is a Truth--based upon God's Word--that will endure forever!
God's Word--all of it--from beginning to end is the truth and the truth that must be understood is that each time God spoke to people, He had a specific reason for saying what He said--to those who He was talking, during the time, He was speaking to them.
His decrees, judgments--whatever someone wants to call them--have enduring power and since they do not change, they will be the same as from the beginning until the end.
Jesus--God in the flesh--came to fulfill The Law--of sacrifice for repentance of sin. He did not come to change what God has said and He said, that He could only say what the Father said. Now, we need to see this very clearly. If we believe that God came to earth in the "likeness of sinful flesh" then we would have to understand that since He established His Word, He would not change it--simply because of a change in appearance.
How does Jesus fulfill The Law--by becoming the ultimate sacrifice for the remission of sin. There is no longer any reason for "sacrifices of animals or grain" to be made. The only thing that He expects from us is to fulfill the commandments of Love--Loving Him with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and Loving one another as we love ourselves.
When we love Him--we will obey Him. When we love others--we will not cause them harm; especially if we know how to love ourselves. The love that is referenced in the Bible is not lust and we know that lust is the reason that people sin against God; their fleshly dictates overrule any desire to please God. For The Word has said, we cannot serve two masters--God of heaven and the god of the this world. Either we function in the spirit or in the flesh. We either do what God says or allow man to manipulate what we do. It is an "either" "or" proposition--submit to God or submit to man.
I choose to submit my ways and thoughts to God so I can receive the benefits and results that God has chosen.
When we learn to make a distinction between love and lust, affiliation with religion and relationship with God, we will hopefully see the need to have a relationship with God rather than affiliation with religion and then--only then--will we see a change in the environment with weather patterns, violence, and unrest, as we return to enjoying the "peace of God" on a daily basis. His peace, surpasses all understanding--is greater than all of man's wisdom. For if we claim to have wisdom and is not the wisdom of God, we actually have nothing.
This is a Truth--based upon God's Word--that will endure forever!
Friday, November 14, 2014
For All Who Believe!
"He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying
that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through
his name.” Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message.The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too." (Acts 10:43,45 NLT)
For all those who "think" Believers do not need to understand Jewish history, think again. I am always amazed at the foolish remarks I have often heard some people make--especially as it pertains to the Jewish faith. What many have forgotten--in their quest to speculate about the ethnic background of Jesus--is that He was raised in the Jewish faith, in the culture, and the first converts to "Christianity" were Jews! How could we forget that?
People who simply want to debate "issues" never consider the source--The Word--to either validate or inform their decisions. When we know The Word--we know Jesus--we understand His purpose in coming and the cultural environment in which He was raised. He--Jesus--is the one all the prophets testified about saying "everyone who believes in Him" will have their sins forgiven.
All the prophets would include any prophet who spoke what God said.
Everyone would include anyone who chooses to believe in Jesus, the work on the cross and accepts Him as their personal Savior.
So why are there so many people out there who want to dictate or determine who is saved or not or who can be saved or not? From any walk of life, from any cultural environment, from any denominational situation, none are denied Salvation through Jesus Christ or from being filled with Holy Spirit. Therefore, since the invitation is open to all, none can be superior to anyone else.
No matter what religion is practiced or what denomination a person practices, the only real criteria for being saved and filled with Holy Spirit is that one believes in Him. For with the belief in Jesus Christ, comes the development of a relationship with God and people will know that a relationship with God is not a religion--and no denomination or religious affiliation is superior to another.
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NLT)
So, let's stop nitpicking, thinking any one of us is superior to another. We are not! If we believe in Him who came to save us from ourselves, we are family and we should act like we are in the family of love, to His glory!
For all those who "think" Believers do not need to understand Jewish history, think again. I am always amazed at the foolish remarks I have often heard some people make--especially as it pertains to the Jewish faith. What many have forgotten--in their quest to speculate about the ethnic background of Jesus--is that He was raised in the Jewish faith, in the culture, and the first converts to "Christianity" were Jews! How could we forget that?
People who simply want to debate "issues" never consider the source--The Word--to either validate or inform their decisions. When we know The Word--we know Jesus--we understand His purpose in coming and the cultural environment in which He was raised. He--Jesus--is the one all the prophets testified about saying "everyone who believes in Him" will have their sins forgiven.
All the prophets would include any prophet who spoke what God said.
Everyone would include anyone who chooses to believe in Jesus, the work on the cross and accepts Him as their personal Savior.
So why are there so many people out there who want to dictate or determine who is saved or not or who can be saved or not? From any walk of life, from any cultural environment, from any denominational situation, none are denied Salvation through Jesus Christ or from being filled with Holy Spirit. Therefore, since the invitation is open to all, none can be superior to anyone else.
No matter what religion is practiced or what denomination a person practices, the only real criteria for being saved and filled with Holy Spirit is that one believes in Him. For with the belief in Jesus Christ, comes the development of a relationship with God and people will know that a relationship with God is not a religion--and no denomination or religious affiliation is superior to another.
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NLT)
So, let's stop nitpicking, thinking any one of us is superior to another. We are not! If we believe in Him who came to save us from ourselves, we are family and we should act like we are in the family of love, to His glory!
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Excerpt--Mightier Than The Sword--Novel-in-process
Samson wanted to
leave with Melandro, but Tiffany and Tyson quickly closed down the club and
everyone had to stay put, including Samson. Tyson called for police
reinforcements and Tiffany called in the Sheriff’s office. This was way too
much for them to deal with. Traffic was blocked from entering the parking lot
of Club Jazzy and for a three-block perimeter. Behind the club was the river so
they weren’t concerned about anyone leaving in that direction.
“Tyson, make sure
all of guests are comfortable and have the police collect every glass at every
table and bag them. Battle, call the hospital and make sure everyone is x-rayed
for needle pricks and their stomachs pumped. Swatere, check the bathrooms and
collect all the garbage cans. Whoever is responsible for this, is not getting
away again!” Tiffany thundered orders.
Pretty soon the
place was packed with uniformed officers, interviewing guests and taking notes.
All of the stemware bagged and all the eating utensils and food put aside.
Samson and the
other owners were dumbfounded. They couldn’t believe this was happening on
their opening night. Immediately, technicians were brought in to rule out food
poisoning for which the chef was eternally grateful for them saying, the food
was not tainted in any way.
When the stemware
was bagged and tagged, another agent from the FBI took them directly to the lab
where Katie was standing by.
When Tiffany
asked Samson what Melandro had been drinking, she immediately became
suspicious.
“I only saw her
drink club soda. Then after we announced our engagement, she had a sip of the
champagne. Ask the bar-tender if she had anything else.”
When Tiffany
asked the bar-tender if Melandro had anything to drink, he just shook his head.
“She came back here once, to fix what she was going to call a Jazzy special. I
don’t know what she put in it and she washed the shaker as soon as she made
it.”
“That figures,”
Tiffany muttered. “What about the glass she used for the champagne toast, has
that been cleaned as well?”
“No, in fact she
never finished the drink so it’s on the counter—right where she was sitting
before she collapsed.”
“Battle, get that
technician over here to check the contents of this glass.”
The technician
had brought specially formulated strips to test for poisons and he immediately
put it in the glass. It turned blue—indication of a toxic substance.
“Okay, get that
to the lab and I want results tonight, not tomorrow!” she barked.
Samson sat at the
bar with his head in his hand, not knowing what was going on. “Samson, do you
have a pen I could use? I don’t have one in this tiny little purse,” Tiffany
explained.
“Yeah, sure. Let
me get you one of the marketing ones from the office.”
“Franklin,” she
called to a uniformed officer, “Please escort Samson to his office and bring him
back here pronto.
Walking back to
his office with his police escort, Samson’s heart sank. This was supposed to be
a night to remember, but not because of three people being rushed to a
hospital, but because he had decided to commit to one woman. When he unlocked
the door, he sighed and went quickly to his desk and opened the drawer.
Stunned, he picked up the syringe and the vial, wondering how they got there.
Since Franklin was standing right behind him and saw the syringe and vial,
Samson plopped into the chair, not saying a word.
“Agent Harangue,”
he radioed. “You need to see this. I’m in the office near the back of the
building. Don’t make a move,” he ordered, pulling his service revolver out and
keeping it aimed at Samson.
“I’ll be right
there,” she said, motioning for Tyson to follow her.
“I don’t know
what this is or how it got here,” Samson stammered.
“Don’t say
anything else until Agent Harangue gets back here,” Franklin ordered, stepping
back from Samson, watching every move.
Tiffany and Tyson
burst through the door.
“What is it?”
Tiffany asked.
Franklin motioned
with his gun at Samson. “Get up slowly and move away from the desk.” Turning to
Tiffany, he said, “There’s a syringe and a vial in the drawer. Samson here says
he doesn’t know how they got there.”
Fortunately,
Tiffany had brought a pair of latex gloves to the back with her and an evidence
bag. She put on the gloves and gingerly picked up the syringe and vial, putting
them into the evidence bag.
“Tyson, take
these to one of the technicians and have it analyzed right away. If this is
what I think it is, we’ve finally solved these murders and hopefully, those who
are at the hospital will survive.”
“Franklin, read
Samson his rights and take him in for questioning. He’s to be held until we get
back from the hospital and no one, I mean no one is get back here. As soon as
everyone has been interviewed and we have contact information, turn them loose
and tape the place off.
Samson was read
his rights, handcuffed and led out of the club, totally mortified by what had
just happened.
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