Mightier Than The Sword (Excerpt)

“You better come up with something, soon. Word got out yesterday that we’re investigating police officers and if we don’t do something soon, all Hip Hop is going to break loose around here. You got that!” he yelled.

Tyson was holding the phone away from his ear while the chief yelled and when he finished, he moved it closer to his ear.

“Yeah, Chief, I got that!”

“Well do something, quick. Samson and Melandro are off the beat until they’re cleared. Not much they can get into sitting in the squad room, but this doesn’t look good and the other officers are beginning to smell a rat. I don’t like rats stinking up my police station, so call me back with something concrete,” he barked and hung up.

Wearily, Tyson put his phone back in his pocket. “Well, I guess you know the chief is not happy. We’ve got to do something soon.”

“Okay, okay, we cannot do any more until we get those reports. Let’s use our time wisely here. We must be able to put together a case—with a motive—which we have not determined as yet, before we can turn this over to the district attorney,” Battle said.

Mightier Than The Sword--available on http://www.amazon.com/Mary-M-Hall-Rayford/e/B00BAW31CQ/

Better Than Life Love!

"Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you." (Psalm 63:3 NIV)

People may have a number of different opinions about David and I've heard many of them. He was a hero, he was murderer, he was adulterer, he was callous, he was... and the remarkable thing about David is that he was probably all the things many say about him, but he was also quick to repent when he was wrong and he had no problem remembering who God is and praising Him, even in the midst of trials.

In this Psalm, David is in the desert and begins it my talking about how his thirst is quenched by God even when there is no water in the land. Jesus reminds us that when we hunger and thirst for righteous we will be satisfied.  But when we are lacking in the natural substances--food and water, are we praising God simply because His love is better than life?

We are so quick to complain about current circumstances rather than praising God for His love that we sometimes lose our focus and become bitter and angry and our faith wanes. David is our example of how we should treat those moments (and we all have them) when things are going exactly the way we want them to go. Instead of complaining, let's sing a song of praise, even if we have to create one--just for our moment. When we sing praises to God, it lifts our heart and the weight of circumstances become lighter. If we would just remember that every trial is only for a season and we can determine--in that season--how we respond to it.

I've often said out loud when trials come that appear to want to take me out, "Devil, I will come through this and even if I don't, I get to go home sooner so I still win!"

If we exercise our lips to lift our hearts, we will experience the love of God that truly is better than life--just surviving it-- and know that God's love will help us get through anything.

Exercise for the lips to lift the heart:

You, O God, always know what I need when I need it,
You, O God, are the creator of my life, know my every thought and deed,
And You, O God, love me enough to life me from the bottom of the pits in which I fall,
In the face of all those who would scorn me and You shower me with favor so they understand,
Just how much You love me and that Your love is better than life,
Because it is You, who makes life worth living!
And I praise You, lifting Your name higher than any trial that comes my way,
You, O God, have already established victory as the end result! We Win in the end!

On Whom I Will!

"And the LORD said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." (Exodus 33:19 NIV)

I love the fact that I am not God! And what's even greater--you are not God! God says, He will cause of His goodness to pass in front of us, He will have mercy on whom He will, and compassion upon whom He will--not as we decide out of our own superiority complexes and arrogance. There, I said it--we don't get to decide what God wants for others--He does!

What's great about God's mercy and compassion--shown to whoever He chooses--is His non-discriminatory practice for all who are obedient to Him. God doesn't care what our ethnicity is, our skin color, our religious practices, our economic status, our educational level or to whom we're related--unlike some of us. We tend to think that because we belong to a specific denomination or practice a specific form of religion that we're the only ones who have a right to access heaven. Wrong!

The only way anyone gets to God into heaven is through acceptance of Jesus Christ and the work on the cross. That's it! "No man comes to the father except through the son." There are no other qualifiers to get into heaven than this.

So, when we--us, mere mortals--attempt to be play God and try to beat people over the head with our beliefs--we're wasting our time. If we're not saying what God says, we do err.

Going to church doesn't get a person into heaven--but it's okay to go.
Tithing doesn't get a person into heaven--but it's a good thing to do.
Being baptized doesn't get a person into heaven--but it's okay.
Speaking in tongues doesn't get a person into heaven--but it's gift from God to use as we will.

We don't even have the right to "call people" into ministry, but some try and make messes of the person's life and those they attempt to minister to.

God is God--and He can choose whom He will, to do whatever it is He wants them to do--and He doesn't need our permission or approval. So, we with our limited knowledge of anything need to stop saying who God will use based on our limited understanding of who God is. He's God--He knows more than any of us will ever know and He knows the outcome of what He wants before anything is ever started!

Okay, now aren't you glad I'm not God? I am! If I was God, the world would be in a bigger mess than it is, because quite frankly, I rid the world of all who hate and create evil and chaos without any consideration of mercy and compassion. And if the truth was told, you would do the same thing. Thank goodness He's God and we're not. At least now, we all have a chance to get things right before Him.

---

While We Were!

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8 NIV)

Who is the "us" Paul references? In this letter to the church at Rome, Paul is speaking to the Jewish converts, now called Christians, followers of Christ--reminding them of God's love for us--who are followers of Christ. While we--before we became Christians and lived any way we wanted to live--He died for us--that's God's love for us.

Most of us can quote John 3:16, but I often wonder if we really know what it means. I have learned from experience that being able to quote a scripture doesn't mean a person comprehends the magnitude of the words they quote.

"For God so loved the world, He gave His one and only Son that whoever believed in Hm would not perish, but have everlasting life."

There is a distinct difference between what John tells us and what Paul says. John tells us that "whoever" (I am a whoever) believed Jesus is the Son of God would not perish but live for all eternity. The whoever applies to anybody and everybody who chooses to believe. Paul says, to those who have already believed and proclaim to be Christians--"remember, we were also sinners at one time," and His love saved us--and His love continues to save others.

Now, there is so much debate about the term sinner that for simplicity's sake, I'll explain it this way. A sinner deliberately chooses to live in opposition to God's Word. Since I am not a sinner (though I was and His grace saved me), and do not deliberately do things in opposition to God's Word, I will not say, "I am a sinner." I am not perfect and when I inadvertently mess up, I am quick to repent and seek His forgiveness. I know many won't agree with me and that's okay. When we get to heaven, we can seek clarity from the One who said it. We need to understand the "tenses" of the verbs--the distinction between "present and past" tenses--am (still doing), were (no longer)!

The important thing to take from this passage of scripture is for us to remember, we once were sinners, living in opposition to God's Word, until we received understanding and chose to live according to God's Word. And while we were living in sin, He loved us so much that He chose to die for us so we might have access to heaven. Now that we know, we cannot condemn those who are "yet in their sin" but pray for them, teach them and bring them into the Light of God's love.
That's why we're saved--to bring others into the marvelous light of Jesus Christ and His love.

Remember, while we were doing our own thing, He still loved us and now we must demonstrate that love towards so they too, can walk in the light as we are in the light.

Brace For The Trial!

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12 NIV)

One of the reasons many cave is because they have not learned to brace themselves to withstand the pressures of life. The end result for caving to pressure is suicide, depression, hopelessness, and frustration with everything and everyone.

I remember a number of years ago when I was visiting a church, a preacher called me out for prayer. He didn't know me and made some erroneous assumptions about my character simply because I was wearing a red suit. I know this because of what he was praying--for my salvation and at the time, I was not only assured of my salvation, but I was also ministering the Gospel as an ordained Elder. He didn't know that. While he was praying, he had the audacity to lay hands on me attempting to force me to fall "under the spirit" so he could get the glory. He also didn't know I knew a phony when I heard one. So, while he was trying to push me down, I repositioned my feet to brace myself and I didn't budge and he was left stunned. When I finally looked up at him, I smiled and walked away. Needless to say, I had no respect for that man or the leadership in the church.

About five months later, he found out who I was and was annoying in his attempts to show me how much he respected me. I don't seek to impress people and I'm not usually impressed with others--especially those who are attempting to impress with foolishness. I'm impressed with a demonstration of their relationship with God, not who they are.

My point to this little anecdote is to remind people that when the pressures of life assault us, we have to know how to "reposition ourselves" to brace against the pressure, so the trials of life won't cause us to fall, defeated.

In order to brace for the trials, we must be determined, using stubborn character constructively, refusing to give in or give up, no matter what happens. When we feel the strain of the pressure, we need to flex our spiritual muscles and reposition our thinking, finding balance to push back against those things that attempt to bring us down.

While we're pushing back, we need to have enough Word in us, to help us to withstand the attack of the enemy and when we are armored up and know that God is going before us, enabling us to "stand" we can expect to receive the prize for the win on earth and in heaven. Brace for the trials of life and never cave, being blessed and receiving our crowns!

Watching and Waiting With Hope!

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." (Micah 7:7 NIV)

Watching the news is depressing with all of the negative reporting. Human beings slaughtering other human beings because of difference of opinion. Kids killing kids. Teens assaulting teachers. Teachers involved in illicit sexual activity with students, Husbands killing wives. Wives assaulting people on the road. Extreme weather conditions causing people despair. Foolish people venturing out in extreme weather conditions causing others to be precarious positions trying to rescue them. Judges ruling on the side of evil incarnate and in opposition to God. Where will it all end?

It will end--all of it-when Jesus returns and for those who have chosen to live without His guidance, they will be left behind to deal with the consequences of their choices.

While I wait in the hope of His glorious return, I watch and pray and pray and watch. I pray and watch. I cry out to the Lord and I know He hears my cries, but He will not override a person's will. So, I pray for those who are living in opposition to seek Him while He may be found. I pray for those who are the cause of evil to reach the end of themselves. I pray for parents to become Godly parents, understanding right from wrong and teaching their children the same and how to respect others.

I pray for teachers to be adults with integrity to teach their students and not become physically involved with them. I pray for the students to be wiser and more interested in amassing an educating than in seducing or enticing or being enticed by their teachers.

I pray for preachers to be men and women of integrity, exercising wisdom given from on high, inspired to teach God's Word, based upon God's Word and His intent for all mankind. I pray for those attending churches--that they will read the bible for themselves and seek God for understanding, not allowing mere mortals to entice them away from God's intent.

I pray for all of mankind to receive God's love so they'll be able to love others and stop the killing. I pray for all of us to hear God when He speaks and that we will obey Him, in promoting the Gospel and loving one another.

I'm watching and waiting with hope in my heart to see change in hearts of people--that we'll do better and be ready when He returns. And while I'm waiting, I'm writing--trying to motivate others to live for The Lord in all things, seeing Him as the example as how we do it.

A Friend's Love!

"Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." (I Peter 2:11,12 NIV)

When Peter writes this letter to Believers--especially to those who are new to the faith--his greeting lets people how he views them--friends.

When we write a letter to a friend (I know--strange concept huh), how do we greet them? Dear______! What's more important is how we treat them. Do we love them enough to tell them the truth or do we simply keep quiet and let them fall by the wayside of life?

Peter urges all to abstain--don't give into--from sinful desires which engage our spirits with our fleshly drives. We can do it. We have Holy Spirit to give us strength to fight off the urges of the flesh which desires those things that are not good for us. Sometimes, in order to fight that fight--we have to remove ourselves from certain environments or people to make sure we are not enticed or led astray. Those who deliberately lead another astray--away from doing what is right--are not friends, they are fiends--tools of the devil.

We are to live the good life that God has planned for us--doing what is right no matter what others think or say. In fact, we are told to do to keep doing what is right or saying what is right to the extent that those who find fault with us, will soon acknowledge that we are indeed messengers of God and live according to His Divine Plan for us. When they see us not caving to gain favor of others, but living to please God, they will be convinced and some will change their ways because of what they see in us--the love of God shed abroad in our hearts--filled to overflowing onto others! Hallelujah!

Are you a friend that loves enough to tell your friends the truth? Do you love your friends enough to live God's Best Life for you in front of them? Do you love your friends enough to be a living letter of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Dear Friends,

I love you enough to always pray for you--that you'll understand why I do what I do and say what I say--in agreement with God's Word--so that I will spend eternity with you in heaven and together, we will glorify God at the foot of His throne. I love you enough to back you up in all the good you do and to admonish you when I see you going astray. I love you enough to always tell you the truth, even though the truth may sting for a moment. I love you enough to be there when you need me, always ready to listen and to encourage you to do things God's way!

Love, your friend in Jesus!

We Exalt You!

"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth." (Psalm 57:5 NIV)

We lift You up O God,
As far as our arms and thoughts can reach,
We lift You up O God
As we read Your Word, inspiring us to teach.

We lift You up O God
As The Creator, Author and Finisher of our faith,
We lift You up O God
No matter what any other has to saith.

We lift You up O God
As a standard by which we stand
We lift You up O God,
Desiring Your will in our lives, according to Your plan.

We lift You up O God,
At all times especially in this hour,
We lift You up O God
Praising You for Holy Ghost power.

We lift You up O God,
There's none like You in all the earth,
None who planned our lives before our birth,
None who loved us enough to die for us,
None who forgives us and forgets our sins,
None who deliberately planned our success,
None who is always there, in spite of our mess.

There is nobody like You, O Lord,
No one who should receive our praises
No one who should stand in a place of reverence
No one who could raise us like You raise,
No one who would ever earn our deference,
Like You Do, O God, Our Redeemer, Our Salvation,
Our Refuge, Our Strong Tower, Our Deliverer,
Our Healer, Our Counselor, Our Provider,
Our Standard of living for all times,
It is to You O God we give the glory,
It is to You O God we give the praise,
For You have done so much for us,
And we will bless Your Holy Name!

Hallelujah to Our Risen Savior!

Alive When Dead!

"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4,5 NIV)

People have written books about the walking dead, made movies about the walking dead, the zombies who were dead brought back to life, the vampires who were immortalized though dead, and yet all these created terror in the hearts of those who knew they were dead.

When we were the walking dead because of our sins due to lack of knowledge, God's love for us was so great, that He came and took upon Himself our spiritually dead lives and quickened us to become alive--not as a terror to people, but as a testimony of His grace and mercy. What a difference!

Most Believers should be able to make a distinction in their lives between what their lives were like Before Christ and what their lives are like After Christ. I call this my--BC time and my AC time. In my BC time, I thought I was living--doing what I wanted to do, without much regard or consideration to others--especially those who attempted to tell me anything about The Word. However, when I reached the bottom of the pit (my Damascus Road), and could no longer enjoy the simple things I loved to do--buying new books, I had no other book in my house but the Bible and my love of reading motivated me to read it, not a great desire to understand it was God's Word.

I read on the bus going to work, during my breaks, on the way home and at home during my leisure time. The more I read, the more I felt something changing in my life. The more I felt the change, the more I wanted to change, until eventually, I reached the stage of my life where God could speak to my heart and I heard and understood and obeyed. Hallelujah! I had no idea that I had been the walking dead until I understood the life that God wanted me to live!

While I understand the reticence that some may have in accepting The Bible as God's Word, I encourage all to re-think where their lives are and know that if there is even the slightest possibility that "you are the walking dead" because of a life lived in opposition to God, get into His Word and enjoy the newness of life that He has planned.

There is nothing like knowing "the better life" that God has for us. Know that provision has been made for us to be "alive when dead" with Christ Jesus because of God's mercy and grace and now is the time for us to receive it and be glad!

I am so thankful for the BC time because it gives me greater appreciation for my AC time--living life with Christ in the midst is so much better than living without Him.

Too Many To Count!

"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands." (Revelation 7:9 NIV)

Contrary to the belief of some, those who believe that only 144,000 will make it into heaven, we see in this verse--based upon John's vision--a great multitude--too many to count--from every nation, tribe, people, and language--standing before the throne of God and the Lamb. How awesome is that? The "remnant" is so many we can't be counted!

What's more important to understand about this particular verse is--those standing before the throne of God--were not there because of their religious affiliation to any specific denomination. They were not there because of their race, ethnic origin, geographic location, or economic status or educational background. No--they made it to the place of their desire because of their obedience to God and acceptance of His Son and the work on the cross. How simple is that?

So basically what this means is there should be no division between people earth on earth because there will be no segregation of those standing before God in heaven. All Believers--followers of Jesus Christ--should be able to come together in fellowship and not see anything other than the glory of God surrounding us. If we ever get the "in-fighting" stopped, thinking that one religious group is superior to another, then we'll be able to do what God has asked us to do, and when we stand before Him, we won't notice anything about anyone else other than--they made it!

What are we waiting for? His Hand to reach down and pull us together or spank us for disobedience? If we believe The Word of God, have an intimate Relationship with Him, then we should be able to do what He told us to do--go into all the world, preaching the Gospel and accepting all into the fold. If we can't accept all into the fold of Believers, then there really is no need for us to go into all the world because in the world--there are all types of people!

There are people of mixed ethnicity, different shades of black, red, brown, white; there are different cultures with different traditions and different celebrations and different ideas and thoughts, but if all the differences are set aside to believe in the Creator God, God the Son, and Holy Spirit---what then is the problem?

Since we create biases based upon racial differences, we need to stop thinking about ethnicity and think the human race. That is the only race that concerns God and it should be the only race of people concerning us. If we cannot treat all human beings well, we will never see the end result in heaven, but even so--there will be so many of us there--too many to count--and it is not His desire that any should be left out of that number.

And The Beat Goes On! 021915

We invite you to join us every Thursday at 5:00 p.m EST or if you can't tune in, you always listen to our archives. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/maryandtyrone/2015/02/19/and-the-beat-goes-on

Celebrating Black History!

Let's celebrate by promoting character over color and be proud of who we are!

Never Failing Water!

"The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." (Isaiah 58:11 NIV)

The essence of life for human beings is found in having access to water--clean, refreshing water--to nourish our bodies and the land. Without water, very simply--we dry up and die. Trying to live without God's guidance is like living without water--eventually, people dry up from bitterness and frustration and die spiritually, which is the first step in the physical death. Where the spirit of the Lord is absent--there can be no life--because there is nothing to nourish the soul.

However, when we do things the way He tells us to do them--fasting, living, sharing, teaching, and loving--He will always guide us, satisfy our needs, strengthen us and we--like a well-watered garden--will blossom and grow, providing all the nourishment needed and then like a spring, we'll be able to provide for others and the provisions will never end.

But if we're going to be like a spring whose water never fails--because of its source of water--usually unseen, we must be careful in the distribution of our resources so they will be a constant supply. Water is both life-giving and life-taking. Too much at any given time when the ground won't absorb results in floods and often the loss of life. Even in our giving and sharing with others, sometimes we can do too much for others without allowing them the opportunity to learn to do for self and we create a society of people who are constant drains on resources and when they are used up, they are gone and the people die. When "all" are contributing to the wellspring of provisions, the provisions will last and be a constant source to satisfy needs.

We must remember, when we do for others as God leads us to do, we become a resource, the conduit by which we are able to help others--not the source because God is the source --our supplier, and since He is the source--the never-ending, constant in our lives, we can always tap into the source--seeking wisdom--in becoming a resource for others.

Lord Jesus, help us to understand how You want us to be a spring whose waters never fail in demonstrating to others Your love. Provide us with wisdom from on high so we will do all things to Your glory in teaching others to follow You and seek You in times of need. Thank You for allowing us be resources to Your glory so we can convince others of the need to see You as the source of all we will ever need.

Saved From Enemies!

“I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies." (2 Samuel 22:4 NIV)

When people have been saved from disasters and they know The Lord, they understand God's saving grace in situations beyond their control. David knew The Lord and knew that it was The Lord who had saved him from Saul's relentless pursuit to kill him.

Let's step back for a second review the relationship between David and Saul. It was David who struck Goliath with a stone from his slingshot. It was David who was able to soothe Saul with his music ability. It was David who was loyal to Saul beyond measure and refused to kill him, even though he had a chance when Saul sought to kill David out of jealousy. The real issue here with Saul was his jealousy, which reigned over logic in his head and led to his destruction. Jealousy--the monstrous emotion resulting from insecurities that blinds people from seeing reality and is a tool of the enemy--Satan.

When Samuel anointed David as the next king over Israel--predictively--David was put on the road to notoriety and acclaim. He was a hero to the people, but a pain to Saul because the people exalted David--because of his military success over Saul, who was king.

How can someone who claims to love a person become their enemy? When a person is influenced by demonic influence, love won't stand a chance if the person who is influenced would rather express their desire to hold onto negativity.

Instead of taking the opportunities to kill Saul and become King as prophesied, David ran, formed his own armies, still fighting on the side of Saul's reign, but keeping far away from him. Throughout Saul's pursuit of David, David's faith in God did not fail and he knew he would be saved. When Saul was killed, David sang praises unto The Lord. In fact, during the pursuit, David wrote and sang many songs and we have access to some of them in the Psalms.

Now, the bigger question for us today is, when we are pursued by an enemy, do we sing praises unto our God or do we cringe in fear and hopelessness? Do we sing when we know we have been delivered and saved by that enemy that influences our fear and makes us feel abandoned?

I've learned to sing God's praises, no matter what is happening in my life. I may take a moment to be sad, but I straighten my back, hold up my head, and bellow the songs that are deeply embedded in my spirit--knowing that God has the last word over the things that happen in my life and I know--through Him, I will be victorious in the end. Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus for victory in every situation in my life--no matter how dark the night may be, morning is coming and with it--Sonshine (The Son will shine brightly and dissolve any despair in all types of weather) and new mercies! Glory to God! I am saved from my enemies!

Revelation and Rest!

“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:27,28 NIV)

Prior to the resurrection, Jesus told those listening to Him that no one "knows" the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son "chooses" to reveal Him. Having heard about someone or recognizing their name or picture is far different than actually "knowing" them.

To know someone is to have an intimate knowledge of them. This is one of the reasons that the term "know" was used to explain the act of having sex. There are a number of people who claim to know a lot of people, but do they really know them? We have often heard that even for those who marry those they think they know, they don't really get to know them until they have lived with them.
One of the reasons there are so many divorces is because people don't really know who it is they're marrying. They may be Prince Charming or Princess Wonderful during the dating process, but then--everyone is putting their best foot forward and hiding all the stuff that is revealed once a marriage takes place. Then, they become Prince Godzilla or Princess Witch. If time had been taken to get to know them, a great deal of heartache and expense could have been avoided.

Being in a right relationship with someone--where no secrets are hidden--and everything is revealed--creates an environment of knowledge that can be used to make a decision about the continuing relationship. Relationship with God is far more important than religious observances. When we are in that intimate relationship with Him, we hear Him when He speaks and He guides us in all things.  Notice what Jesus is saying, only to those He chooses is the Father revealed before He arose. Now, Holy Spirit has been given and it is our choice to receive Him and accept all He has done for us, by getting to know Him through The Word.

Now, after we get to know Him, we can go to Him when we are tired and weary--not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Sometimes, our bodies are tired, because we are emotionally and spiritually spent. Being in this condition leads to depression and hopelessness. But we can go to Him and lay our burdens at His feet, leave them there and walk away refreshed and renewed--physically, emotionally, and spiritually--when we know Him and know He only wants the very best for us.

He has revealed The Father through all He has done as the Son, and if we choose to know Him on a very personal level, we can rest in His peace, never bothered by what is going on in the world because we know--we win in the end.

Never Forgotten!

On Sunday, February 15, 2015, the area in which I live, experienced a major service outage for those who have AT&T UVerse. We had no television, no phone, and no wireless access. Fortunately, our cell phones were working and we were able to maintain communication with the "outside" world.

With no Internet or television to distract me, I was able to complete tasks much faster and sooner than I might have normally completed them. I had time to read, to talk with my grandson and husband, time to think and time to pray. At first, I was irritated that I could not post my daily blog, but while I sat, thinking, I remembered how I could use the time. I thought about all those who "follow" my blogs and my inability to remind them I was thinking about them and praying for them and then I prayed.

Father, in the name of Jesus,

Look upon all who love You and respond to every need.

For those who need healing in their bodies, heal them from the crowns of their heads to the souls of their feet and every bone, organ, muscle, tissue, cartilage, and joint in between.

For those who need a financial blessing, pour out wisdom from on high to obtain and maintain financial security.

For those who are lonely, speak to their hearts and remind them they are never alone because You are always there.

For those who feel unloved, encourage them to turn to Your Word and see Love in every page and be filled with the love You pour onto us.

For those who are confused and living in doubt, break the shackles of uncertainty and confusion from their minds so they can think clearly, with the mind of Christ.

For those who are haughty and high-minded, thinking they do not need You, bring them to the end of themselves so they will acknowledge Your greatness.

For those who feel weak in their own strength, strengthen them by the power of Your love and infilling of Holy Spirit.

For those who have been out in severe weather, protect them and  keep them all harm, keeping them safe until they can reach shelter from the winds and elements that could kill.

For those who are determined to minister to Your people by any means necessary, keep them diligent and focused, and safe, blessing all they put their hands to in honor of You!

Whatever the need is, Lord, You can respond to it like no one else and we give You all the praise and glory because You are the only one worthy of it.

All of this we ask and thank You for doing in Jesus' name. In this moment, we declare it done! Amen!

Though I may not be able to communicate my love for you, know that I am always thinking and praying for God's best in the lives of all who love Him and are willing to obey His Word. You are never forgotten by me!

Refuge!

"The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him." (Psalm 37:40 NIV)

Who does the Lord help and deliver? The righteous--those in right-standing with God can count on The Lord helping them and delivering them from all that attempts to hold them bound by the temptations influenced by evil. He delivers them from the wicked and saves (those in right-standing with Him) because they seek refuge in Him.

Every community should be a "safe haven" for those who live in it, but we know that does not always happen. Evil lurks, seeking whom it will attack and devour in our times, just as it did with the walled cities of old. The difference then is the cities had the watchmen walking the walls, looking for the attempts by others that meant danger to those who lived inside. When danger was seen, the alarm sounded and everyone knew what they had to do.

In addition to the walled cities for the majority of the occupants in a region, there were also cities built as a place of refuge for those who had been estranged from their place of origin or for those seeking shelter from the harm of others because they had accidentally killed someone (Numbers, Joshua).

I remember that in one neighborhood where I used to live, my home became the apparent refuge for children seeking shelter from harm by those living there who were certainly not law-abiding. There was drama unfolding on one particular evening and I looked out the door to see my porch full of children who were trying to get out of harm's way. Most of these children participated in my "porch" bible study during the summer and I was glad they felt my house was a safe haven--a refuge from harm.

In the midst of stormy weather, we are told to seek refuge in low-lying areas and for those of us who have basements--to run to the basement for shelter. In the Midwestern regions--open ranges, they have storm cellars in which they seek shelter from the storms.

In the storms of life, filled with uncertainty and confusion, Our God is our refuge--a place where we can go and no one can harm us. When we are in right-standing with Him, there is nothing we cannot expect from Him--safety from those who would harm us, deliverance from things that would distract us, provision when we are unable to provide for ourselves, wisdom when we lack it and ask for it, mercy and grace we cannot earn, and love overflowing--when we are emptied out and need replenishing.

If ever there was a time we needed to know where we can find refuge, that time is now. Dangers are all around us--bone-chilling weather, icy road conditions, mindsets in opposition to God's Word--all dangers that should cause us to run to The Lord, seeking refuge in Him to avoid the consequences of staying on the path of the wicked.

Don't linger in the face of danger--RUN to the Lord and seek shelter in Him!

Love Letter!

" Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (I Corinthians 13:4-6NIV)

Yesterday, I mentioned the difference between love and lust and how God's love for us does not equate to the lust some feel for another. Today, I dedicate this poem to all who know love as God knows love and the love we have for another.

The perfect description (not definition)
Of love found in this scriptural rendition,
That many have over the years used
As their foundation, their muse
To write poems, letters and songs,
To remedy hurts and rectify wrongs.
If I've said it once, I'll say once more,
To understand God's grace, Those He adores,
There is no limit or boundary that will keep
Us from knowing or keep us from reaping
His best in our lives when we know
This letter, is not just for show.

God said it first and He said it best
Describing what Love is and all of the rest
Have just copied and mimicked The Word
In all the songs, poems, and rhymes,
This letter from Paul to the church at Corinth
Is never outdated, and good for all times,
For all seasons, weddings and such to be sent
To The Masses to show, love is who God is
To all who will receive and accept Love
That flows endlessly from heaven above
Giving us strength and power to withstand
The enemy's attack every hour on every man.
But we can take a little bit of time,
Celebrating love with our Valentines.

Enjoy this day of celebration of love--regardless of the origination, what some may think or not, it's always good to celebrate God's love and the overflow of love we have for one another.

Unfailing Love!

"the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love." (Psalm 147:11 NIV)

As we approach the day many celebrate as a demonstration of their love for another (Valentine's Day), we see that God's unfailing love is not like our "temporary interest" love.

Of course His love for us is not "Eros" but "Agape" and God's love cannot be measured in time or by our standards. His love towards us--is infinite, immeasurable, enduring, no matter what. He did not "fall in love" with us, so there's no falling out of love with us--as we do with others. He simply--loves us!

The Lord delights in those who have a "reverential" fear (hold Him in reverence as an authority in their lives) and know that His love--will never fail. Do we dare have that kind of love for any other human being? I think not! Human beings do not have the capacity that God has to love us--no matter what we do.

The problem with our society and its understanding of love is that it has confused the word "love" with "lust" and this is why "romantic" relationships--sometimes flounder. We are attracted to other people because of one attribute or another, but it is primarily based upon our reaction to people that is stirred below the waist, not a heart-response. That is the lust in us for another.

The "romantic" relationship that begins with the heart (and no other body part involved) is the one that is more like God's love towards us and it means we love the person simply because we are to love them--whether we like what they do or not. Let's face it--none of us are perfect and we all have our shortcomings and habits that may annoy someone. But are the habits and shortcomings enough for us to "stop loving" the other? When we understand God's love towards us and allow His love to fill us to overflowing, that love should be overflowing onto everyone we come into contact and when the heart connects to another heart of like-minded interests, the love should stand the test of time and strengthen the relationship.

So, while planning the perfect celebration for your love interest, make sure your love is based upon The Word of God, you have received His unfailing love, and you are in a position to hear Holy Spirit to have the very best celebration that demonstrates your unfailing love. When we do things God's way, He delights in us and gives us the desires of our hearts--even to overflowing, unfailing love, coming our way!

Because of His Mercy!

"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, " (Titus 3:4-6 NIV)

When Paul wrote this letter to Titus, he reminded him (in earlier verses) that we were all once foolish, hated and hating others, doing whatever we wanted to do, serving our flesh. And now--since the appearance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, there should be a difference between us who are saved and those who are not--because of His mercy!

We who understand the work on the cross and the resurrection are saved through the rebirth (born again experience) and becoming a new creation in Christ by Holy Spirit who is available to everyone who believes, because of His mercy!

There are some who think we can never do any wrong and use our role as followers of Jesus Christ to become superior to everyone else. That is not our role. Because of His mercy shown towards us, we should also be merciful towards others. We should not hold what people have done against them--especially when they have decided to accept Jesus Christ as their Personal Savior. If God held everything we had ever done against us--before coming into knowledge of His saving grace, where would we be?

Now that we are saved through grace because of His mercy, we should want to do good out of gratitude to Him who saved us and to honor what He has done by doing for others. We have not reached perfection and therefore we are just as capable of doing wrong as the next person. The difference is--when we mess up (not intentionally), we know we can go to God, repent and receive forgiveness and since He knows when we are sincere or not, He responds accordingly. Seeking forgiveness with a sincere heart ends with our sins being tossed into the sea of forgetfulness by God. Can we do any less for those who have wronged us when they seek forgiveness from us with a sincere heart?

I know some people believe that we should forgive and forget what others have done to us. I believe we should forgive and not hold grudges, but we should always remember what has happened in the past to avoid a repeat of history. Therein lies the difference between forgetting--not remembering and not holding grudges against a person. Forgive and be wise, considering the mercy that has been shown to you!

With that in mind, we should move forward--seeking to do good works for those in need--exemplifying the mercy God has shown towards us and not do anything grudgingly, but with enthusiasm and excitement, knowing what we do, pleases Him who shows us new mercies--every morning.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases and His mercy never comes to an end; they are new every morning! We don't have to depend on the mercy we had yesterday or worry about tomorrow's mercy--new every morning and with the direction provided to us, by Holy Spirit, we can do all things well, through Him who loves us and because of His mercy!

God's Awesomeness!

Man cannot even come close to creating beauty the way God does! It's just awesome!

On That Highway!

"And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it." (Isaiah 35:8 NIV)

When we picture or think about the word, "highway" we have a different perception of highway than Isaiah did when he was speaking to the Children of Israel--encouraging them to live for The Lord in obedience to Him.

Artists have written songs about the highway to heaven and what is going to be found there--probably based upon this scripture--if the entire chapter is read.

"No more crying, no more hunger, no more blind, no more deaf, no more lame, there will be peace--since no more wars will be possible."

Highways--as we see them now--are links or connections to faraway places or at least a short-cut to get across the city (our freeways). What we see on those highways are speeding vehicles on infinite slabs of concrete with bridges overhead and cities underneath them and occasionally emergency vehicles summoned to handle an accident which leaves debris and becomes hazardous for other drivers. Sometimes--our highways are the paths to destruction and they are certainly a cesspool of inconsiderate drivers who think they own the freeway.

However, going back to those times of old, Isaiah painted a vivid picture of a highway--not connecting us to another place here on earth, but the path to heaven and all we could expect there. In addition to telling us what would not be there and what would, he tells us that the wicked fools won't be there, nor will those who are not saved--the unclean.

How do we know for sure? The only way we get into heaven is through the blood of Jesus Christ. "What can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus!" We are cleansed through the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross at Calvary! He died so we might live a sin-free life and left us here so we could encourage others to seek Him, accept Him, and be cleansed and made whole! What love He has for us!

Now, we have a decision to make and we must make it quickly. Time is winding down for the enemy to maintain a hold on people for he will surely be banished to the lake of fire and he is determined to take as many people as he can with him. We--who know how he operates, must be as diligent as he is to encourage others to connect with Jesus Christ so they will be spared and can walk on that highway, reserved for those who have been cleansed.

Father, in the name of Jesus, we come to You and thank You for loving us enough to prepare a place for us for all eternity. We thank You for giving us the boldness, courage and determination needed to encourage others to want to walk The Way of Holiness rather than the way of sin. We thank You for allowing us chance after chance to get living right with You and we give You all the praise and glory for it for You are the only One worthy of our praise! Amen!

Look, Believe, Raised!

"For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”(John 6:40 NIV)

There are two ways one could interpret this verse and still be on target.  Jesus said, "It is my Father's Will" and this could be taken quite literally for those who understand the impact of a will from a legal standpoint. A will is a document that details what a person wants after they are no longer around to oversee that which belongs to them and the conditions that must be met to receive the benefit of being in the will.

Now, before you start thinking, "she's way off" bear with me for a moment. The document that details the Father's Will is The Word, and we know from the first chapter in John that--"In the beginning was The Word and The Word was God, and The Word was with God" so in those terms--Jesus was not only talking about the Father, but Himself. He knew He would not be around to look out for those who believed in Him so He had to purposely leave behind His written document (which He could rightfully claim) as His Will.

The other side of this statement is just as accurate when the word "Will" is interpreted to mean "desire." It is the Father's desire for all to Look to the Son, Believe in Him (and obey) and when He returns, they will be raised up and reign with Him for all eternity! This is God's desire and we know it to be true because He said, "He so loved the world (all the people in it) that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish (in their sins), but have everlasting life."

The desire is clear and so are the conditions. We must look to the Son and see The Father since they are One, believe that He is and ever shall be, repent of our sins and live according to The Word (His Will) and when He returns, He will raise us from the dead (physically dead) and we shall rise with a glorified body (totally healed and whole) and reign with Him!

Look at how the Son conducts Himself, Believe that He is the only way we'll get a chance to see God when we obey His Word, meeting the conditions of The Will (obedience) guarantees us eternal life when we are Raised and meet Him in the air, ready to return to the One who gives all life! Glory to God! Are we ready?

Never Silent!

"I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest," (Isaiah 62:6 NIV)

During those ancient years when a city was built with high walls surrounding it and a tower, watchmen were assigned to keep guard over the city and when they saw danger coming (an attack by the enemy), they were to warn the residents of the city so they would prepare for battle to defend it.
When they saw the enemy coming, they were to sound an alarm--usually a loud blast from a trumpet or other horn. This assignment was important since lives could be lost and entire cities captured.

Today, there are still watchmen assigned to sound the alarm when they see coming danger of an attack by the enemy. Since there are no more "cities with high walls" per se (but the walls of hearts), the alarm must be sounded through whatever venue is available in order to save lives and to keep people from being captured and held in bondage by the enemy. The problem is--not many are listening to the watchmen who have indeed sounded the alarm--warning people of the dangers of being captured by the enemy of man--Satan--and being held bondage to sin. We, who are watchmen, observing the times and aligning them with The Word, will not be held accountable for people not listening when we speak God's Truth. If they choose to ignore us, their blood will be on their hands.

"But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone's life, that person's life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved."(Ezekiel 33:6,8,9 NIV--Best understood if entire chapters are read)

This is "The Word of The Lord" and woe unto to us if we do not hear and obey!

So though there may be those who would prefer seeing a "feel-good, sugar-coated" message, I am appointed to warn and I will never stay silent about God says or how He wants us to live. I love encouraging people to seek Him, love Him, obey Him, and receive all the benefits He has for us, but when I see the destruction the enemy has planned, I must also warn people not to be deceived by those trying to changing the intent of God's Word. All Believers must study The Word for themselves and understand God's intent for inspiring men to write what He wanted us to know. There are many who are hearing God, and warning people about the impending dangers of being influenced by Satan. However, not many are heeding the warning because their flesh speaks louder.

Watchmen, Watchmen--Sound The Alarm and Let it be known--Danger approaches and lives will be lost--if the warning is not heeded--change is coming and no man will able to stem the tide of devastation we will experience, if we don't turn from our wicked ways and seek The Lord to forgive us and live as He desires!

Good Works Completed!

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."(Philippians 1:4-6 NIV)

Relevance! When we look at what all those God inspired to write--we must ask ourselves or at least be willing to see--the relevance of what was said then to our lives--now.

This letter to the "church" (Body of Believers) in Philippi was to thank them and encourage them to keep doing the good work that God had placed in their hearts, helping them to realize that whatever He purposed for them to do, would be done--in His timing--even if it meant completion when Christ returns.

There are a number of people right now--some may even be reading this post--who have been inspired by God to do something good and wonderful, but obstacles rose and knocked them off track. That's okay. The obstacles are going to rise every time we start doing what God has purposed us to do. But with prayer, the courage of our convictions and determination, and our faith in God, we will accomplish all He wants us to do!

Whether we know it or not--there are people praying for Believers everywhere. We pray that no heart becomes feint or allows doubt to deter them in whatever work God has given them. We pray them strengthened by the power of Holy Spirit. We pray hearts will hear Him when He speaks so we'll know how to overcome those obstacles. We pray for wisdom in recognizing when the enemy has attempted to erect a wall of opposition and rebellion against God and the work He has put in our hearts. We pray for all to understand and use the gifts God has given us to finance all He has given us to do. We have no need to "beg" others to finance the plans God has given us. He has equipped us to accomplish all we need to do with the gifts He has poured into us.

Not every person's gift is the same and it should not be, but all the gifts are given to complement all we are told to do. Some are gifted with musical ability to accompany those with voices who will praise and worship Him. Some are gifted with the ability to teach--explaining those things that others may not understand. Some are gifted with the ability to write--encouraging others by many venues to continue believing in God or in leading people to Jesus Christ. And the pool of gifts overflow our needs. Our abilities are limited only to the extent we have faith to move out in them.

"According to our faith, it will be unto us." Whatever we have faith to do, we will succeed in that area. Whatever good works God has given us to do, when we move out in faith, ready to tackle every obstacle with our courage and faith in Him, that good work will be completed in God's timing. Our job is to hear and obey and allow Him to be God.

Is there a good work that God has put on your heart to do? Know that we're praying for all He has given to all Believers to be accomplished, hearts strengthened, obstacles moved or torn down, and courage renewed in all you do. Stand firm in what you have been called to do and know the good works will be completed.