His Delight!

Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp. He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes the grass grow on the hills, He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. His pleasure is not in the strength of horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him,, who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 147:7-11 NIV

When we have "reverential" fear of The Lord--having a desire to please and trust in Him alone, He delights in us.

The "fear" referenced in this passage is not about being scared or afraid--but in acknowledging that without Him, we can do nothing and our hope and trust is in Him--not what we can do. This fear--is about pleasing Him and not causing Him to be ashamed of anything we do. And make no mistake about it--we can cause Him to be ashamed of us and He will turn His back on us when we willfully live in opposition to His Word.

Consider the parents of those who kill and maim others for no other reason than their boredom. The parents still love them, but they are ashamed of their children's poor decision-making and behavior. How many parents have had to turn in their child for doing stupid or illegal things? Some parents will and some won't.

We have recently seen a situation in which a young man was hiding out in his mother's home and a child was killed by police when they were searching for him. To allow someone to hide out in our house when we know they have committed a crime is not good parenting--they need to pay for their crimes, otherwise, we invite more stupidity to arrive on our doorsteps--which is what happened to this child who was killed. If the father had never been in the home after committing a crime, the child would still be alive. When we do stupid, there is no need to look for fault in anyone other than ourselves.

God takes no delight in our foolishness, but He does delight in our willingness to obey and please Him. We demonstrate our willingness to obey and please Him by honoring His Word on a daily basis and not just on Sunday. For the Lord knows those who are His and though we may attempt to fool others or ourselves about a right relationship with Him, He is never fooled.

Instead of plotting to deceive Him or others, we should utilize the time in praising Him for His goodness and mercy. It is because of His love that we are yet able to do all the things we do. But we must remember that it is because of what He has poured into us that we are able to do anything, well.

Realizing His greatness and the place He has in our hearts and the role He plays in our lives--is cause to sing a new song of praise unto Him. When we know that everything we have or are capable of doing--the gifts He has given--deserve our praise to Him.

Some people think that blessings are only material possessions, but I declare the blessings of the Lord are His mercy, grace and love, and wisdom from above. I know I'm blessed because of His love and I will praise Him with every breath I take! For in my praise, He takes great delight!

Which Path Are We Travelling?

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flow from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left, keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:18,19; 24-27 NIV

Many of us are travelling different paths to get to the same destination. As long as we are mindful of where we are and where we're going, the destination should not change, even if we run into detours along the way.

As a Believer--our final destination is heaven, but our destiny is designed and planned by God and we will fulfill it as long as we stay on the path He has established for us--on this side of heaven. Though the road gets weary and the obstacles keep coming--we must face forward, knowing what is ahead of us and forgetting those things behind us for we cannot turn back the hand of time and restart or do over.

However, when we realize we have taken a wrong turn--the turn that takes us off the path where God would have us, we must immediately, seek His path again. We seek His path on a continuous basis by staying in His Word, focusing on doing things the way He would have us do them, not the way we would do them.

Our hearts--the spiritual inner person--must always be attuned to Holy Spirit so we do the right thing at all times. This is why we are warned to guard our hearts--we must not allow evil thoughts or thoughts of opposing God to enter into our hearts, for when we do, we place ourselves on the path of the wicked and the darkness in our hearts is visible for all to see.

Let us continue to travel the path on this journey in life that God has set before us--so that all may see our good works and glorify God--as the light from the Son, shines brightly in our hearts and we become beacons in the middle of darkness, for those searching for the right path--the path of righteous--so they, too will reach the destination God desires for us all at the appointed time. Our destiny is the fulfillment of all God has poured in us to do here on earth, but our destination--is to live with Him--forevermore.

Praying For Others!

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 NIV

And all the people of God will stand firm on His Word, mindful of the results of the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous, praying  at all times for those who are walking in the Spirit and for those who are not that they, too will come into the knowledge of Christ, submit their hearts to Him, and live to please Him, until all is fulfilled according to The Word and Jesus returns!

And this is how we pray for others that we may all live in peace, praising Him and glorifying Him with every word and deed.If we are walking in faith, ready to receive all of His many benefits, I declare by the power working in me and the authority given me that all who are willing to receive healing in their body, mind, and spirit--are healed. I further declare that poverty is stricken from the minds and lives of all who are willing to live by faith and work to accomplish all that God has put into their hearts to do and all will live in the fullness of His great riches  to His glory. I stand on God's Word that His Love--will flow out of all those who know Him onto those who don't and that love, will become greater as it is demonstrated as He is.

And all who agreed with this prayer--so that the unity of the spirit will work mightily in all to accomplish the word--the power of two or three in agreement--said Amen and it is done.

Be Still and Rest!

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity. Psalm 37:7-11 NIV

At some point in our lives, we sometimes think we have to be busiest when challenges arise. We get upset, angry, defiant, rebellious and simply want to bulldoze everyone and everything--we think gets in our way. That's the carnal mind that influences those types of thoughts.

The spiritual person--the one who allows Holy Spirit to speak to them and they listen--can rest in the middle of the storms of life. They know the battle is not theirs, but the Lords. They also know that no matter what happens, if they just stay focused on the One who has already made us victorious, right versus might will win every time. The Word tells us to "be still and know that He is God."

It's time to rest--physically, naturally, and spiritually--time to stop trying to determine where the enemy will attack us next. It doesn't matter--the enemy is already defeated and we simply have to bide our time, patiently waiting to see how God works things out in our lives. God doesn't need our help--we need Him.

So, if we need Him, why do we wear ourselves out trying to figure out--what happens next? God knows and when we truly belong to Him--totally submitted to His guidance, we have no need to worry, fret or get angry--we simply rest in Him, knowing that the battle--whether in the natural or spiritual, is already won.

Rest in Him today--physically and spiritually and keep your heart open to Him and watch what He does. I'm smiling already, knowing that He has me glad and it is the joy of The Lord that is my strength. I can rest--totally at peace--knowing that He holds all things in His hands and since I am belong to Him--no weapon--not jealousy, envy, poverty, sickness--nothing formed and fashioned to harm me, will succeed.

It's hallelujah time! Praising Him while I get still and rest in Him!

Give Thanks!

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night,
On an instrument of ten strings,
On the lute,
And on the harp,
With harmonious sound.
For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work;
I will triumph in the works of Your hands.
O LORD, how great are Your works!
Your thoughts are very deep. Psalm 92:1-5 NKJV

"O Give Thanks" appears 19 times in the King James Version and a reminder to us of thanksgiving--giving thanks 28 times.

If we are yet alive, breathing and able to see, hear, and move; have family that love us and friends who care, we have something we can give thanks to God for and if we have received His Son--the work on the cross--our means of salvation, then we can truly shout--Thank You, Lord!

Every day should be a day of giving thanks for if it had not been for The Lord on our side, where would we be?

I start each day, thanking God for life, health, strength, ability to move, see and talk. I thank Him for the wisdom He is constantly pouring into me and for loving me enough to use me to promote Him. It is His mercy and grace that have kept me thus far and it will be His mercy and grace that keeps me until He desires me to be with Him, for all eternity.

Thank You, Lord! If I had 10,000 tongues, I couldn't praise You enough and there are no words to express my gratitude for all You've done for me. But when we all get together, seated at Your feet, my love for You will radiate through the heavens, just as my love for You is now demonstrated in my desire to please You and You alone. For You and You alone are worthy of all praise!

Those are my thoughts about giving thanks! I pray that everyone who reads this today or whenever, will have just as much or more to be thankful for. He deserves our praise and thanks giving just because of who He is!

What The Wise Get!

Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you. If you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. Proverbs 9:8-12 NIV

The wise person will always seek one is wiser than they are to instruct and guide them--not only in spiritual matters, but in everyday matters. For it would be foolishness to seek understanding from one who has not demonstrated understanding of how God works and His plan for all.

In every area of business--no matter how big or small--the successful person or business does not gain success simply because of who they are or what they know on their own, but because of wise guidance--by those who have traveled the path before and know the way.

If we do not know where we're going, we cannot lead others anywhere. This is true in business and in the church. If there is no plan to succeed, failure is the only option.

A business plan includes anticipatory results--a budget and a timeline to implement all activities. A good business plan will also include the possibility of not meeting goals and will always provide a contingency plan.

Wouldn't life be so much easier for many if we just had a contingency plan? That is not to say we should anticipate failure, but that we should consider other options to ensure success. In order to get from one destination to another--we have to be prepared for the detours so we don't get stuck in one place.

Knowing there will be detours in our lives--the unexpected challenge or obstacle--we should always have a back-up plan and a back-up plan for our back-up. This is what we need to do to move forward in the natural.

On the spiritual level--we need Holy Spirit to direct us at all times. If we truly relied upon Him, He would warn us of those obstacles and we would know that a plan of escape has already been planted in our spirits, so we will not fail--but succeed.

Now, the measure of success is a matter of perception and perspective. I learned a long time ago to see my success as having accomplished all that I set out to do. And all of my success--is because of who He is, not who I am. Going back to school as an older adult and getting on the Dean's list--was all because of Him. Even when I was tired and couldn't see straight--studying--He gave me strength and courage to keep going. As a result, not only did I complete a BA, but continued to an MA and now, have completed all coursework for a Ph.D--considered by academia--an ABD.

It is because of Him--that new dreams are becoming a reality and He is paving the way for things I had not even considered--because I am always seeking Him for direction; I know all will be well.
The same God--the only wise God--is ready to pour out His wisdom upon all who seek Him. The wise indeed get wiser when they are willing to learn. When we learn of Him and from Him, we know true success in all areas of our lives.

It Is Written!

"It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' "
"It is also written:'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' "
"Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' "
Matthew 4:4, 7, 10 NIV

Three times, Jesus told Satan who was trying to entice Him by engaging Him in nonsensical conversation and behavior. Tempting him to be a magician--"turn these stones into bread." Tempting Him to destroy himself to prove himself--"throw yourself down" from the highest point of the temple. Tempting Him by offering what was not his to give--"All this I will give you if you bow down and worship me." Satan was offering Jesus that which was already His.

And because Jesus knew who He was--confident in His role determined by the Father, He didn't argue with Satan; He simply said, "it is written."

Now, there was an assumption here on the part of Jesus and that was--Satan's ability to read with understanding. Most educators know that not everyone who claims to know how to read, actually read with understanding. Some people are simply word-callers--they recognize and can sound out the words, but they do not understand the relationship between words in order to comprehend the context of what is being said.

The most tragic part of assessing a person's ability to understand what is written is to determine that though many adults claim to read, they lack comprehension skills. And this is why--many are combative, angry, and irritable--they lack understanding and if we lack understanding, our confidence level sinks.

In order to know how to effectively avoid engagement with those who would attempt to deter us from destined path, we need to know what God says about us and the only we can know that is to get into His Word and seek Him for understanding. Then, when the enemy comes to tempt us, we can say, "It is written" for we have read what was written and understand it.

Having read instructions, directions, and even for entertainment, we can build our confidence in the knowledge that we comprehend and this strategy is useful in all walks of life. This is why having a paper trail--written communication--in business engagement is crucial. People forget, but if they attempt to say they were not informed and it was written, they have no argument.

So, let us endeavor to negate argumentative situations--no matter who instigates them by countering with, "It is written" and leaving it alone.

Do We Care?

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:37-40 NIV

Most of us are familiar with this passage of scripture and it has been the subject of many sermons and the inspiration behind a wonderful song, "Peace Be Still."

We marvel at the disciples faith wavering under the stormy conditions when He who created all things was in their midst, but they didn't really understand that--even when he calmed the winds and the water before them. Their greatest concern was the fact that while the storm was raging, He was asleep and they dared to ask Him, if He cared about them. In their carnal minds, they could not understand how He could care about the circumstances and sleep through it.

When we know who we are and the power we have through Holy Spirit, we can be at peace when circumstances or situations attempt to destroy us. We don't get upset, panicky or frantic because we don't care about the situation, but we can remain calm because our faith will sustain us.

This is the attitude we must develop in order to rise above all those things, we "think" we have to control, when in actuality, we have little control over anything, but we know who controls it all, when we allow Him to do His job. It is because He cares that we can exercise our faith to care about others and to encourage and support them to "stay calm" when things happen that are out of their control.

Do we care enough to share our faith to encourage and support those in need? We can offer material things and many of us do, but sometimes the "things" are not what is needed; it is our peace and assurance that God will take care of us. We cannot demonstrate that assurance we have in Him if everything in life--derails us and we lost sight of the fact that He cares.

When we care enough to demonstrate our faith--comforting, supporting, encouraging, and simply being kind, others know we care about them and will be there to ride out the storms with them.

People of faith--don't get bent out of shape easily, they don't panic, and they don't jump before the starting gun is fired, they are calm and focused because they know, He cares. They take the time to rationally consider alternatives before making decisions or taking any action and then their faith in God, always includes communication with Him, seeking direction from Him for all circumstances. 

We say we care about people, but do we care about them only when things are going well or can they see us as a port in the storm--sheltering us from our fears--because we are unwavering in our faith?

Lord, help us to care enough about others to always consider their needs and to demonstrate our faith when theirs may waver under the pressure placed upon them. Give us a heart that desires to serve, rather than be served, and a willingness to obey You in all things. Grant us the ability to rise above circumstances we do not control, and strengthen our faith so we can maintain our course--at peace, knowing You care!

Blessed Quietness!

The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. Ecclesiastes 9:17,18 NIV

We are told in other places in scripture that it is the fool or the foolish who think for their much speaking someone will be deceived into thinking they are wise. Actually, what we hear in the quietness is more precious than the noise of one who simply loves the hear the sound of their voice.

In the quiet, we can hear Holy Spirit speak and when He speaks to us, we know it is wisdom from on high. This does not mean that we cannot hear Him in the midst of a storm of foolishness, but within our spirits, we can obtain the quietness of His assurance and what a blessing that is!

Often in the midst of debating or disagreement with others, we have to allow our spirits to quiet down and hear what Holy Spirit is saying so we won't dishonor God with our actions or words. I am so glad He loves me enough to cause me to listen and hear and then obey.

For it is not enough to just hear--we hear noise all the time, some we recognize and others we may not. But if we listen--focusing on the voice who is speaking to us from within, we hear and once we hear, we should obey. The blessing that comes with obedience is priceless, but the consequence of ignoring Him, is paid with a price that many cannot pay.  There is an adage that many are familiar with in certain circles and it goes like this: "Don't let your mouth write a check your behind can't cash." In other words, we should exercise caution in speaking about things we cannot back up or handle if they fall apart.

Unfortunately, there are many people--Believers and non-believers--who tend to think that if they talk louder and are more abrasive than those to whom they are speaking, they are making an impression of their greatness. They are making an impression--but it's not of greatness, but foolishness. Any time a person feels the need to raise the decibel level of their voice above normal speaking tones in talking to either one person or a small group of people, they are making a fool of themselves. Getting loud and obnoxious is not a virtue, it is an attribute of insecurity and the more agitated they get, they louder they get and everyone can see them for who they really are.

There is another passage of scripture that says, "even a fool--when he is quiet--is esteemed wise." Abraham Lincoln put that same intent--more bluntly. "It's better to be quiet and thought a fool, than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt." The blessing of quietness!

We have probably all known at least one person (maybe many) who has to be the center of attention--no matter what the discussion is--because they love the sound of their voice. And in their deluded minds, they feel they are wiser than any other and will not concede when they are wrong, but will continue to make a fool of themselves with their much talking. 

Jesus warns us about those when praying--who think because of their much talking--the long-winded prayers, they will be heard. Those who pray in this manner have never read--with understanding--that it is not how long we pray or how loud we pray that gets results, but it is --our faith to receive--what we ask for that moves God.

So a word to the wise and to the foolish--there is nothing in the noise but chaos and confusion, but in the quiet--there is a great blessing--the opportunity to hear Holy Spirit and obey.

Wisdom Continues To Speak!

Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it. Ecclesiastes 7:11,12 NIV

If any lacks wisdom, let them ask of God who gives it liberally and will not find fault with those who ask. (James 1:5 paraphrased). If God will give us wisdom when we ask for it, why don't we ask Him, instead of trying to impress others with wisdom, we don't have.

Wisdom thinks before acting.

Wisdom is calm and rational.

Wisdom seeks increase in understanding.

Wisdom pays no attention to rumors and will not encourage negative responses to anything.

Wisdom contemplates every matter before making a decision.

Wisdom rises above the fray of adversity in the hands of the foolish.

Wisdom obeys authority and as a result is an authority of all who seek her.

Wisdom speaks truth at all times, even when truth hurts.

Wisdom admires wisdom in others who know God, stays far from the foolish who think they know more than God.

Wisdom resolves problems and does not cause them.

If wisdom is an inheritance, then we must resolve to gain more wisdom and the only true wisdom comes from God. For if we leave an inheritance of wisdom in our children, they will the capability of making wise decisions, after gathering all the information they need in order to make the decision. If we leave wisdom as an inheritance for our children, they will be empowered to keep wisdom flowing from generation to generation.

But if we have not wisdom to exercise in all things, what are leaving as an inheritance for those we leave behind? Money, by itself is not the answer for we know fools and their money are soon parted--they spend it as fast as they get it. Money can be taken or lost and the Word tells us that "the love" of money--the desire to obtain it by any means--is the root of all evil.

But wisdom--once obtained--belongs to the one who has obtained it and it can never be taken or lost. For true wisdom is the ability to seek knowledge and understanding of what the knowledge is.

I am a consummate researcher. Anything I desire to know, I research and then I research more to gain a better understanding of what it is I have researched. This is a constant cycle for we--none of us--will ever know all there is to know. We just keep learning (as wisdom dictates) and I look forward to learning something new--every day.

If we scorn wisdom and getting understanding of knowledge, we defeat ourselves and the enemy wins. "Wisdom is the principle thing and with all of our getting, we must get understanding."

If we are willing to hear and obey, wisdom will continue to speak to our hearts.

Forewarned Accountability!

"Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked person, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, 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 and they do not turn from their wickedness or from their evil ways, they will die for their sin; but you will have saved yourself." Ezekiel 3:17-19 NIV

The role of watchman--to warn people to change before they are consumed by their own acts--is the same today as it was then. God is yet speaking to people, warning them to tell others to "change course" and seek Him and when we do not speak as God speaks, He will hold us accountable for what happens to others. When we do speak what He speaks and people ignore us, they are responsible and held accountable for their actions, not us for forewarning them.

When loving parents instruct, guide, and set boundaries for their children, it is to keep them safe from harm. But if the children ignore the instructions and do what they want to do, they are responsible for the consequences of their actions. However, if children come to harm and parents have never provided them with any guidance, it is the parents who are responsible and should be held accountable for their negligence.

For it is negligent--on the part of anyone--to see a dangerous situation and not warn others. It is negligent to know that ignoring instruction and rules could lead to other problems. It is negligent to know truth and allow people to believe a lie, without warning them of the consequences of their actions.

We live in a society where many are afraid to speak truth--about any situation--because they do not want to offend others or get on their wrong side. That's amazing to me. People are more concerned about offending mere mortals than they are about offending God. When we do wrong, no matter what the wrong is--we must be willing to accept the consequences for our actions.
Whether it is the president of the United States or the president of another entity; whether it is the justices of the Supreme Court or the judges in the lower courts; whether it is the pastor of the church or the congregants of the church--wrong is wrong--and God makes no distinctions between sin or those who commit the sin.

Lying is sin. Circumventing authority is sin. Being a pot-stirrer--always trying to stir up emotions in people in a negative way is sin. Having respect of persons is sin. We tend to pay more attention to sexual sin than other sin, but sin is sin and there are consequences for it all.

If we only concerned with pleasing God, the likelihood of our being held accountable for what others do significantly decreases, but their accountability remains the same. We are accountable for what we do and don't do--especially when we are forewarned and refuse to speak what God tells us to say.

Reading some of my fellow-bloggers lets me know that they understand the role of accountability and I count it a joy to be found in that number--a watchman not afraid to speak God's Truth as He reveals it to me. I pray more people will realize the importance of speaking God's Truth instead of trying to promote our own as it pertains the end results for all. I certainly don't want the blood of anyone else on my hands.

A Changing World--Live With the Rayfords!

Awesome episode--God alive in the message! Glory! 

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/maryandtyrone/2015/11/19/a-changing-world-live-with-the-rayfords

Because of His Love!

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:22-26 NIV

"The steadfast love of The Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning, new every morning, great is thy faithfulness O Lord, Great is thy faithfulness." The lyrics to this song--based on Jeremiah's insight--are just as true today as they were when Jeremiah first thought them.

It is because of God's love for us that we are not consumed by the fires: of envy, jealousy, hatred, disdain, rebelliousness, defiance, disrespect of others, and unruliness. It is because of His love that He places those whose hope is in Him in situations to warn, correct, guide and rebuke, others.

It is because of His love for us that we are still here, maintaining our hope in Him for peace in the land, joy in the hearts of all who proclaim His as Lord, and desire to live right before Him.

It is because of His love towards all who love Him that we are able to love the unlovable--those who refuse to heed instruction, are rebellious and defiant against authority, and are only concerned with what self wants. Yes, we love all, as we are commanded to love--doing what love does, but we do not have to like people who deliberately oppose themselves to God's ways.

We are admonished to obey authority when we recognize the authority is of God. We are admonished to do all things, decently and in order. We are reminded that God is not the author of confusion, and that means that Satan is. Where there is no order or structure--there is chaos and rebellion.

I have determined to live my life pleasing God--obeying His Word and I know that He will honor my desire because He always speaks to me--keeping me from making a fool of myself, and I hear and obey. That's Love!

I look forward to each and every day, waiting to see what The Lord has in store for me. With each challenge He allows to come my way, He has prepared me to respond in a manner that does not dishonor Him. That's Love!

When I am wrong, He doesn't hesitate to correct me and I receive the correction because I know that's what Love does.

It is because of His great Love for me, that I have not allowed the issues of the world to overcome me and land me in the pits of destruction. He has given me strength and insight, courage and boldness to stand firm on His Word, rising above the drama that Satan attempts to use to ensnare and my response to Him--is obedience--I spread my wings and rise above the foolishness of this world and soar with the Eagles. That's what Love does!

Do People Know We Have Integrity?

Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. They came to him and said,"Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Mark 12:13,14 b NIV

Isn't it amazing that even when people do underhanded things, trying to undermine or sabotage a person's reputation, by their words they actually confirm truth about the person they are attacking, and reveal truth about themselves?

In a recent event, I was attacked when by an individual who provoked a commentary about their work ethic in a volunteer organization. They had deluded themselves into believing they were actually, "doing the best they could," and when I refuted that statement, they wanted to know--specifically--what I thought they should be doing. My response was--show up at meetings and do their job--reading the information already provided so they would know their job. Their response--"This is a volunteer group--nobody is paying me." And later, "That's your standard and since everyone has their own standard, no one has to work to yours." That's very true.

Though they did not realize it when they said it, that was truly a high compliment. I do have high standards--being paid or not--a standard of excellence and "doing my best" means I know what I'm supposed to be doing because I actually read the instructions and attend scheduled meetings. After being associated with non-profit ventures for over 20 years, not being paid for 15 years, I have a clue about how things should be done. And the first thing that anyone should understand about a non-profit is its purpose and intent and the organizational structure. For without order, there is chaos and constant misunderstandings and instead of moving forward, people are left in a rut.

Those who came to see Jesus didn't really want an answer to their question, but they recognized His integrity--not being swayed by others who did not know truth. They were simply trying to trick him into committing treason against Caesar.

In so many other situations in life, we may discover that people have been sent to us, to commit treason against truth. But how wonderful it is when truth--is stated in the mouths of those who seek to defame and destroy--for all to hear.

Now, I can imagine that if they had known the truth and what Jesus was going to say, they never would have approached Him, in a public forum. Sometimes, if we're not sure of the end results, we might want to say certain things to people, privately. For when the truth is known about a person and it is understood--in a public forum--the person doing the attacking--also reveals truth about themselves. In the case of the meeting I referenced earlier, the person attacking me revealed, they don't plan to do any of the work because they are not getting paid and a volunteer position is not worth their time and commitment.

I wanted to ask why they were there since they felt that way, but Holy Spirit told me to be quiet. Now, I wonder why anyone would accept a position as an officer of a non-profit--knowing in advance there was no monetary payment (just personal gratification in knowing we make a difference) and simply become a space filler (just holding a position, not honoring it).

So, when I read this passage of scripture this morning, I was reminded of that conversation and hence the question arose, "Do people know we have integrity?" According to the scriptures, they will know when they see us not being swayed by others who do not operate in truth or integrity themselves.

We, who believe God, know Truth--and we understand that all things must be done, decently and in order. When we think we can undermine those who operate in truth, the truth about ourselves is revealed and now--everyone knows the truth--about all.

Lord, help us to be people of integrity, honoring You and positions we hold--living up to the expectation and requirements to get the job done, without being persuaded by others to do anything else, but to do all things that please You.

Identifying A Fool!

We often discount what fools (the foolish) say and do because we recognize they are void of understanding. But do we know how to recognize a fool and save ourselves some time when we encounter them? There is much to be said about the attitude and behavior of a fool. We would be wise to know who it is we're dealing with--before we become like them.

In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride,
But the lips of the wise will preserve them. Proverbs 14:3 NKJV

Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips. Proverbs 14:7 NIV

The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure. Proverbs 14:16 NIV

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. Proverbs 15:5 NIV

The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. Proverbs 15:15 NIV

A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool. Proverbs 17:10 NIV

It is to one's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. Proverbs 20:3 NIV

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Proverbs 26:4 NIV

It is not the person who speaks loud or long that is wise, but the one who offers hope, exercising wisdom in all they say.

Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them. Proverbs 26:12 NIV

Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. Proverbs 29:20

What do we do when we know we're having an encounter with a fool?

Go from the presence of a foolish man,
When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge. Proverbs 14:7 NKJV

What we do with knowledge determines how wise we are. Wise people always seek those who are wiser than they are for knowledge and instruction.

One who does not know how to lead others will get nowhere and those who follow leaders who don't know where they're going, will never reach a destination.

Can We Afford To Forget After Forgivness?

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15 NIV)

There is a common fallacy promoted among Christians that lead to the destruction of the foundation of our faith in The Word. We are told to forgive, not to forget, "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."(Deuteronomy 4:9 NIV).

What we mistake is God's tossing our sins into the sea of forgetfulness and Him saying, He'll remember our sins no more. We are not God and since we have no eternity for anyone, we cannot presume we are.

When we are told to forgive--we should forgive those who cause us harm, but if we forget--we put ourselves into the same position to be harmed all over again. That is not wisdom, and we are told repeatedly to exercise wisdom, once we have obtained it from on high.

One of the reasons the world is in the shape it is--our forgetfulness--we forget what God has said and has done for us and to those who have chosen to rebel against Him. And with each generation who forgets--tragedy falls upon the people. We see this with the reign of the kings who ruled over the Children of Israel--those who remembered what God has said and done for them--prospered; those who forgot caused calamity after calamity to fall upon the people. If we forget history events and learn nothing from them, we open the door for it to repeat itself. And it is usually the negative events that repeat themselves.

We are not to hold grudges against people when we forgive--that does not mean we forget. Jesus tells us to forgive--seventy times seven--He never says to forget. The seventy times seven does not mean we keep forgiving a person for doing the exact same thing. That is not wisdom and if we are to grow--become mature in The Word--we need to know how to rightly interpret what is said and understand the intent and purpose.

We can forgive a debt owed to us, but that doesn't mean we should allow a person to become indebted to us again--knowing their history for ignoring their obligations. We can forgive someone who has abused us, but that doesn't mean we stay in their presence--giving them opportunity to keep abusing us. We can and should forgive people--but we should never forget. "Wisdom is the principle thing" and without exercising wisdom, we never move forward and wonder why we are stuck in a rut.

I'm thankful that God is God and that He forgives us our sins, but His forgiveness does not negate the consequences, nor does it mean we should keep sinning. When we repent of our sins, turning away from those things we have done--not to do again, He forgives and forgets. If we keep doing the same thing over and over again, we have not repented, and He is not obligated to forgive or forget.

We must forgive the acts by people who don't know any better--but we don't hold any grudges against anyone--it only creates difficulty for us. However, we should never forget--so we don't give them opportunity to repeat themselves.

Just Be Still and Trust Him!

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:7-10 NIV).

No matter what happens in the world--in any corner of the globe--when we know Him--we can rest assured that in the end, He will avenge all whose faith is planted, deeply embedded in Him.

The one thing we all have to realize about people is that God will not control their thoughts or their behavior. It's not that He can't--He simply won't. He has always given "mankind" choice--the freedom to choose our direction in life and the freedom to deal with the consequences, whatever they are. If God had wanted us cloned--all thinking and acting alike--He could have arranged that, but what would that have accomplished? He wants us to choose Him as the influencer in our lives rather than Satan. And if we live long enough, we will experience the benefits of choosing Him or the penalties of choosing Satan. Those are the only two choices--so now--we must choose today--who we will serve.

It is easy, in the face of adversity and emotional turmoil, to choose actions that later come back to bite us in the butt. That's why in the midst of chaos and emotional upheaval, we must stop and be still--thinking carefully about the choices we have in front of us and then choose wisely. For every action there is an equal reaction or consequence. The consequences of our actions will either be positive or negative, based upon our choices.

Those who have deliberately chosen to be part of a massacre of human beings either will or have received the swift consequence of their actions. There is no need for anyone to react--on a personal level--trying to seek vengeance for the wrongs committed, but there is a need for everyone--to be still and in the stillness--seek God and trust Him for the outcome.

Relationships have been ruined, businesses destroyed, families broken, and nations decimated when people react based upon emotions rather than trusting God. When we are angered, we need to stop and think before doing anything. Unless our lives are in immediate danger, we have time to reflect, analyze and decide--our course of action. Whatever that course of action is--we should make sure that the outcome totally resolves the issue rather than making it worse.

Picking up a gun to get back at someone we think has wronged us--will lead to consequences for more than the two parties involved. Lives are changed in an instant for families and friends and usually leave a web of anger and financial woes and grief. It's not worth it. We must learn to control our emotions and think about the consequences, before we do things that cannot be turned back.

There are no do-overs in  life as in the games people play. We can start a video game over, or we can re-start a board game, or any other type of game in which we can manipulate the outcome. Life--consideration of human life--is not a game and we cannot re-start anything once we put certain actions in motion. We cannot take angry, harsh words back once they enter into the atmosphere. We cannot recall a bullet from a gun drawn in anger, we cannot hit a refresh button to revive a child who has been suffocated or beaten to death. And we most certainly cannot turn back time once we have committed atrocious acts against humanity.

We can and we will learn to trust God--and the sooner we realize that we cannot manipulate the outcome of human behavior, the sooner we can be still and know--God's got this.

Looking To The Word!

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:14-23 NIV)

In times like these, when we look at senseless violence and hatred, we cannot turn to man or woman or even military might; we must look to The Word--for comfort, direction, instruction, and peace--gaining confidence in Him and boldness to proclaim our faith in Him.

No logical mind can explain or receive illogical behavior and we cannot justify it by simply praying or being fearful. We must understand the enemy's attack (all destruction is influenced by Satan), and stand firmly on God's Word, seeking what He would have us to do, before responding--illogically.
This is a spiritual war against humanity and we must resolve it in the Spirit--with faith enough in God so He will move on behalf of all those who proclaim to love Him. Now is not the time to cower and retreat, now is the time for Believers all over the world, to step up their prayer-life, knowing that we have the power to transform lives by our faith and confidence in Jesus Christ.

For The Word tells us when we pray--BELIEVE--WITHOUT DOUBTING and we shall have what we say when we ask in the name of Jesus.

Father,

I cannot imagine the heartache that exists right now in Paris and in other places due to destructive cowardice of a few led astray by Your arch enemy--the hater of mankind. My heart is heavy, but my spirit soars in the knowledge that You will avenge the cowardly acts and restore faith, and peace in all nations when they turn to You.

I pray that all who are hurting will put their hurt into Your hands and watch You give them peace and joy that no enemy--in no form--can ever take from them. I pray this act of senseless violence will result in greater faith and confidence and boldness for all who know You to persist in promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We know that without You going before us, we can accomplish nothing, but with You--we can accomplish all things and know that victory is ours.

Speak to the hearts of leaders everywhere, providing them wisdom from You--giving them direction and resolutions that will lead to peace on earth.

Loose the shackles that bind minds and cause the scales of blind ignorance to fall from the eyes of those who willingly perpetrate crimes against all humanity for a cause that cannot won on this side of heaven.

Let the tears that have already fallen form a pool of determination and as deep as the pool is--so shall our joy in You be, knowing we can count on You and our love for others--gets stronger, nullifying hate.

This I ask and thank You for in the name of Jesus, and declare it done. Victory is ours!

SPEAK THE WORD OVER ALL SITUATIONS AND SEEK GOD'S WILL!

Don't Sweat The Small Stuff!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 NIV)

There are so many things that can throw us a curve and if we allow every little thing that happens to defeat us, we will never know the peace of God. Being anxious about things we do not control, keeps us from rejoicing in the Lord, changes our personalities, and results in the enemy rolling in the floor, laughing at us.

We are so consumed with being politically correct and not offending people that we have forgotten how to enjoy life, be silly, and laugh at ourselves. The Word tells us that laughter is like a medicine and if we learned to laugh more, releasing anxieties and the stress that accompanies it, we would discover a much more enjoyable life, no matter what our circumstances are.

How foolish is it for people to make a big deal over the design or color of a coffee cup? Really! Are we so needy for attention that we think we can tell a company how their cups should look? Or is it the media--so lost for real news that they waste their time and resources reporting on nonsense? What's more important--the cup or the contents? And if it makes someone that upset--get your coffee somewhere else or learn to brew it at home!

And then we want to censor creativity with acronyms. Let's face it--around this time of year, creative artists and marketing teams do all sorts of crazy things to garner attention and the expendable income they know could come their way. It's their job! They cannot entice people to buy things without first getting their attention. Once again, if an item offends--don't buy it! But just because it offends one person or one group of people, don't interfere with others enjoying a sense of humor.

I don't necessarily appreciate all the nonsense in commercials and advertising I see, but I'm not going to lose any sleep over it and I'm certainly not reporting it to the media. My solution--I simply don't buy the product or patronize the business. Ta-dah! It's just that simple. There is no need to create a lot of hoopla about something, directing more attention to it, and then buying it anyway. And that is what some will do.

I've known people to complain about the contents of a book--outraged by something they don't have to buy or read. If it's going to offend, don't participate. It is the height of foolishness to declare something or someone offensive and yet engage in the promotion of a product through negativity, or to continually berate someone--keeping them the focus of attention.

So, in looking back at what I just wrote--I guess those who protest against God and the Bible are not as offended as they claim. If they were, their focus would be on Him and His Word and not all the other foolishness that won't help anyone enter into to eternal life. Imagine that!

Now, as Believers--we know we have no need to sweat the small stuff for our faith is in Him and our confidence is in His ability to change the hearts of men and women and to transform lives so that our focus will be--rejoicing in Him, stress-free!

Why Are We Weeping?

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” (John 11:33-36 NIV)

There are number of reasons why people cry--creating pools of sorrow or joy--when we weep, but sometimes, we could avoid the sodden cheeks and salty trails if we would just obey. There is a reason for everything that occurs in our lives--some things we can control--others we can't. Even though Jesus wept when He realized Lazarus had died, His tears were not just out of sadness, but out of realization that some things must happen, in order for others to get right with God.

The moment the criticizing, waffling Jewish leaders saw Him weep, they were amazed at how much He must have loved Lazarus, but then they started bickering, "If He is so great, why didn't He save Him," they started murmuring. They didn't understand what was about to happen, but Jesus knew, Lazarus' death was for such a time as it occurred, so God would be glorified.

There are many people weeping today. They are weeping over the loss of children who are dead before they had a chance to explore life and live. They are weeping over the senseless acts of violence that destroy lives--the victim's and the perpetrator's--and all the families involved. They are weeping over the mistreatment and abuse of others at the hands of zealots who don't know God, but claim their actions are directed by God. And they are right--the god of this world--Satan directs the destruction of lives, hoping to see humanity cease to exist. People are weeping over negligent governments who because of their greed and corrupt spirits are destroying the lives of people on all levels, but especially the aged and vulnerable.

Some weep with bitterness and regret over lost opportunities or poor choices that leave them with no hope, frustrated and angry. And these are those whose lives are ruined, set out to destroy the lives of others, not understanding their choices are what put them where they are.

Then there are those who weep with joy with the birth of new family member, a promotion of a job, a hard-earned accomplishment, a bride's beauty, the beauty of a moment, or seeing a soul saved and lives transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

When we weep at funerals or home-goings of those we cherish, sometimes it is for us, in our self-pity, and sometimes it is genuine feeling of loss for those we won't have a chance to serve again. There is a belief among some that we should rejoice when people die and cry when they are born. For those who understand the trials and challenges of living--this is true. For those who don't--they haven't lived long enough to understand it.

When God looks upon us--is He smiling or weeping? I can imagine with the condition of the world today, He's probably saddened by the corruption, greed and waywardness of those who deliberately choose to live in opposition to His Word. But for the remnant--the few who will do everything they can to please Him, He's smiling--rejoicing in His children's obedience to Him.

Now--look inwardly, not at others and determine if God is smiling over what we do or if He is crying and why.

Watch For The Stumbling Blocks!

"If anyone causes one of these little ones--those who believe in me--to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!" (Matthew 18:6-7 NIV)

Jesus spoke these words to those who were listening to Him, while He walked the earth. He is yet speaking to those who are listening and obeying, warning us to watch out for those who would be stumbling blocks in our path, deliberately setting us up for a fall.

There are many things in this life that may cause people to stumble in their walk with Christ--temptations set before us to strengthen us and reveal our true characters. Are we people of integrity and honor? Do we value the wrong things in life? Are we so high-minded that we are only concerned with self? Are we wafflers--taking the side of anyone we listen to for more than five minutes? When the temptations come--and they will--are we able to withstand the urge to give into the temptation?

Sometimes, we get the wrong ideas about what can tempt us by thinking only about the obvious sin--living in opposition to God's Word--when we are warned that it is the "little foxes that spoil the vine." It is the little things that we allow to creep into our spirits when we think--they are little--that become stumbling blocks.

Let's see how much these little things become stumbling blocks in our lives. We see the last piece of _________ left over from dinner and we decide--no big deal, I'll eat it rather than see it go to waste. And before long, we're eating that last of everything, justifying doing so within ourselves. But then the time comes when we have to see the doctor because our bodies are not functioning the way they should, and we discover we're a hundred pounds overweight, our heart is failing, and we're always out of breath. It was a little thing that snowballed into a big thing.

Some parents allow their children's girlfriends and boyfriends to spend the night when they could easily go home. It's not a big thing--they simply stayed up too late watching a movie or doing homework. When the parents went to bed, the kids were knocked out, but soon someone is knocked up and everyone is blown up with anger and resentment. But it was a little thing that blew up to a big thing.

When Christians say--same sex couples have a right to love and marry who they want--it's a little thing to them because they claim it is an affair of the heart, when really it's all about lust of the flesh. It was a little thing that has now exploded in a big thing as lawmakers attempt to determine when rights are violated and whose rights have priority over another. It is fight over whether the rights of those who believe and adhere to God's Word transcend the rights of those who deliberately oppose God's Word. It is now a matter of good versus evil in every sense of the word, but it was a little thing--ignored and underestimated that has now become a stumbling block for many.

Drugs, alcohol, theft, lying, profanity--might have been little things in the lives of many, but become bigger than life when ignored. Children lying and using profanity is not cute; it's negligence on the part of the parent and so is stealing and allowing kids to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Addictions of any kind may have started as a little thing, but became bigger when ignored. They became stumbling blocks in the lives of people who did not recognize how to steer clear and find another path.

For those who deliberately put stumbling blocks in the path of those who are trying to live righteous lives, the penalty is severe. I cannot imagine the weight of a millstone (2 feet round and half a foot thick) hanging around my neck, holding me under the water until I succumbed to it. Nor do I want to be responsible for encouraging anyone to live in opposition to God's Word.

Therefore, to make sure I am not a stumbling block--interfering with God's plans in a person's life, I simply promote the Gospel, focusing on Him, trying to steer clear of the drama that some see as a little thing, but if ignored, blows up into theatrical performance, worthy of awards for stupidity and a lack of integrity. There is no honor in creating stumbling blocks for others. When we know Him, we should be represent all that He is in everything we do--peacemakers in all things--and not peacebreakers. Watch out for the stumbling blocks that keep success out of reach!

Joy With The Lord!

I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:8-11 NIV)

 Though the mountains shake and the earth opens and water covers the land, I will fear no evil for the joy of The Lord is my strength. And with Him, my joy is complete--no devil in hell or demonic spirits on earth, can move from being with my Lord, Jesus Christ or obeying His Word!

This is my confession today and shall be embedded in my heart for the rest of my life. And if by chance I should happen to forget it, I'm creating a poster--declaring the same for I will not allow the fickleness of people to persuade me to do anything that God has not already shown me.

David was singing His declaration in the segment of the Psalms noted and throughout all he wrote; he knew that in order to keep negative thoughts at bay, he had to keep the joy of the Lord before Him. All of the Psalms are a message in themselves, messages we can apply to our daily lives and when the naysayers, doubters and unbelievers attempt to discourage us--we have a song to sing and declaration to make--Our God is more than enough--to see us through whatever comes our way.

Though some of us may not be able to carry a tune or sound much better than a croaking frog, we can all sing His praises and make our own declarations--expressing our love and trust in Him--for all the world to know. When we learn to become as bold as the enemy, we will discover the power within us--driven by Holy Spirit--can change the very atmosphere in which we exist--from the lowest to the highest--level or station in life, every Believer must know that within us--we can change the World--if we simply keep our eyes on Jesus and never allow the trials and challenges of the world to burden us so that we forget, who we are and who we have in Him.

Now--it's time to open our hearts to Him--allowing Him to give us a song--inspiring us to greatness by doing great things, trusting Him to provide all our needs, while we take care of others. Hallelujah! Speak Lord, for Your servants are listening, ready to obey!

What Prize Are We Seeking?

What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. (I Corinthians 9:18,19;24,25 NKJV)

Sometimes people find themselves competing for something when they don't understand what the prize is. There are people seeking greatness and recognition, but not wiling to do great things. There are people seeking the starring role (in everything they do), yet they have no clue as what the role encompasses. And many others seek positions of authority when they have no respect for authority and then wonder why, they are not respected as an authority in any aspect.

Before anyone seeks the end reward, they should know what prize they are seeking--how much they will have to give of themselves in order to be considered--prizeworthy.

Paul understood this dilemma well. He knew his conversion from religion to relationship was worth the prize--a crown given by God at the end of his journey. He also knew the journey would not easy. In fact, while he was in religion, he was a person who had been given authority to persecute Christians--as an authority for the Pharisees. He was free to travel and do all the evil he wanted to do--in the name of religion. Now, as a convert--in relationship with God--he found himself a servant of the Most High, willing to sacrifice himself by preaching the Gospel so that all might have an opportunity to know Truth, knowing the risks involved. He understood what the prize was and how he would obtain and he was determined to accomplish his goal.

Are we as determined to accomplish our goals? Do we even understand what the prize is when we find ourselves competing (sometimes against ourselves)? Do we understand the rules of the competition before we begin or are we just concerned about winning recognition from others?

In the church and outside of the church, we have people who want to be in the spotlight, the star of the show, but they have no clue what it means to "earn" the position. People (men and women) claim God has called them into ministry and they want everyone to know--they have a word from The Lord, but when they open their mouths, those who know The Word, recognize the person speaking has not read The Word with understanding. And when these same people finish making a fool of themselves, expecting a standing ovation for their performance, they are disappointed when people sit on them and think there must be something wrong with the people.

At the same time, we have others who seek leadership roles without understanding and when they fall on their faces at every turn, refusing to seek guidance or scorn it when offered, they get angry because others are recognized for "doing good works" and not just talking about doing things.
If we do not have a servant's heart--a heart to please others--the prize we seek will always be just out of reach. In the pulpit--the prize should be a soul won or encouraged if all are saved.
Outside the church, the prize should be to make a difference in the lives of others, not in seeking greatness. God knows our heart and He knows who has a servant's heart and who is simply seeking recognition of people, rather than in pleasing Him.

Pleasing God means doing all things decently and in order--according to His Word. Of course, if we don't know His Word, it would be difficult to do things His way and achieve His results. With His results, we earn His prize--eternal life. In the world, if our goal is to stand in the spotlight--for all the world to see--we get the world's prize--temporary acknowledgement and when the spotlight falls upon others, we are soon forgotten.

Now think about it--will the prize sought be permanent or temporary? Eternal or temporal? From God or from people? I'm seeking the prize that only God holds--the crown of life and my goal--to promote the Gospel so as many who hear or read what I say, will be saved.

Being In Order!

Or did the Word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? If anyone things they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. (I Corinthians 14:36-40 NIV)

Instructions pertaining to conducting an orderly worship service, transcend how things should be done in church into orderly function of any entity. To avoid chaos and confusion, order must be established in the function of one's home, businesses, and personal life. For without order--chaos reigns.

If more people would apply The Word to daily living, we could avoid some of the trials and challenges that occur in our lives. Even though many might say, "I don't believe in God or the Bible," the intent behind or contained within The Word--is still applicable to anyone who chooses to apply it to their lives.

What's amazing to me is the number of people who think all of "positive thinkers" and motivational speakers are so great, but they cannot receive the Word of God. In listening to some of the well-known motivational speakers, I've detected their use of The Word as a basis for just about everything they say--much coming from Proverbs and the parables Jesus used to teach others about life. Of course, when people don't know The Word, they have no clue where the speakers got much of their insight and they are left thinking mere mortals are greater than God.

Consider what Jesus said about "counting the cost" before building a house. His reference is to a person being wise and knowing how much the house is going to cost before going ahead and starting building. In life, there are many things we plan to do, but it is only those plans we have carefully considered, that actually work.

And all of the positive thinkers--they get their foundational exhortation from, "As a man thinks, so is he," and "life and death are in the power of the tongue" all from The Word. There's much more, but this limited venue precludes me from going further.

So, in the passage where Paul is encouraging people to conduct a worship service decently and in order, the same is true for other aspects of living. When there is no established order in a home--there is filth and confusion. When there is no established order in a person's personal life--not much is accomplished. And when established order in business is ignored, the end results could be disastrous. There is a rhyme and reason for establishing and adhering to order in all areas of our lives. God plans for us to be prosperous as our soul prospers, but He has provided an order for us in His Word so we can be successful in accomplishing His plans.

Whenever things are not done decently and in order--confusion arises, chaos ensues, feelings get hurt or valuable resources put at risk. Whenever any one person thinks they can change the established order of anything (other than their own lives), they risk an eruption and disruption of everything. In all things, we must consider the costs of our actions.

In order to maintain reputations of honor and integrity and wisdom in all we do, in who we are, and what we stand for, we must act with integrity in all matters and do all things--decently and in order--considering the cost before we do anything.

He Reigns!

The Lord reigns forever; he has established His throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, la stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, Lord have never forsaken those who seek You. (Psalm 9:7-10 NIV)

With God on our side, He is more than the world against us! Why? Since Satan is the god of the world, and he has already been defeated, and under our feet, we can shout the Victory and allow the Victor to reign in our hearts, guiding us all things, to His glory; He is the reason we are more than conquerors!

We know nothing and no one will ever dethrone Him--His throne is established forever.

We know He judges all matters rightly--with His standards as a benchmark--all are judged the same.

We know He is a refuge--a place of safety and shelter for all who are oppressed because they receive and function with the mind of Christ.

We know He is a stronghold for all who seek Him in times of trouble--He always has room for more and nothing--no weapon the enemy launches our way--shall ever defeat us.

We know all who know His name--His name is Jesus Christ Our Lord--can trust in Him and Him alone for He has never forsaken those who seek Him at all times.

We know in our weakness--on this journey called life--it is His strength that keeps us moving forward; He is always there--holding us up, clearing the way over all obstacles and challenges.

We know our plans for our lives mean absolutely nothing if they are not His plans. For He knows the plans He has for us--plans to prosper us (financially, physically, and emotionally) and not to harm us.

We know if submit to God, turn from the evil influenced by Satan, the devil will flee from us--we don't have to chase him down to get him out of our lives; he'll flee--trying to get far from us--when we say what God says and do what God wants us to do.

We know there is none like Him--no power in the earth, no spirit in the earth, nothing that can do the things God does--loving all He created, equally, even when we don't demonstrate our love for Him, in how we treat others.

We know it is because of His mercy (not giving us what we deserved in our sinful state) and His grace (His unmerited favor we could not earn) that we are yet here and can praise Him all day long.

We know, we know, we know--those who have a relationship with God and understand His Word, we know who reigns in our lives because we have opened our hearts to Him and made room for Him to live there--giving Him free reign in our lives.

For those who do not know--have never experienced the love of God in their lives--while you have breath in your body, you can know His love for yourself. If today was to be your last day on earth, make your last day worth having Him reign in your heart. Receive His love now, by accepting His Son and the work on the cross, and repenting (turning away) from sin.

I know what He can for others because He did it for me and He has no favorites, even though I like to think I'm one of His favorites. God's love is so immeasurable--that none can determine the depth or height or width of its magnitude so come quickly--and be sheltered and filled with His love!

Praying For a Damascus Road Experience!

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. "not get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." (Acts 9:3-6 NIV)

 Many know the story of Saul's conversion and all the great things he accomplished as Paul. But what sticks out to me the most is the fact that as Saul, he was a religious man--full of knowledge and zeal, without relationship with God. After his Damascus road experience, he was yet full of knowledge and zeal, in relationship with God, without being religious. And that's the place we all need to be--in relationship with God, not being religious. For it is in relationship with God that we hear God when he speaks. Being religious limits our ability since we are too busy trying to please men/women and doing what they say God is saying to them. These are the modern day Pharisees and Sadducees--the religious leaders who in their zeal to control others, have missed hearing God and pleasing Him.

Father, in the name of Jesus,

I pray for the unbelieving, the doubters, the atheists, the agnostics, and all who by any other label, deny your existence and the Deity of Your Son.

Create for them, O God, an experience in which the light of truth will guide their paths to You so they'll have a testimony of their own Damascus Road revelation. Provide them with knowledgeable people in their lives who can and will teach them Your truths and not the religious ideology that permeates the earth, yet is ineffective against the enemy who wages war within and without.

Bring all to a place where they realize they need You as their provider, comforter, healer, and counselor.

Cause the scales of unbelief and doubt to fall from their eyes so they can see You in all Your glory and begin to magnify and praise You, O God.

And before this day is over, Lord, let the number of souls won to You be increased a thousand times more than there right now and even greater numbers come to You before the end of this month.

I stand in the gap--desiring only to please You and see souls saved so we can live in peace, knowing how to love one another as we love You.

Your Word says that whatever we ask in Jesus' name will be given to us when we believe and not doubt. I believe souls are won as this prayer is shared and I declare it done--to the glory of the Most High. Amen!

Time To Clean House!

When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, "I will return to the house I left." When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven others spirits more wicked than itself and they to in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. (Luke 11:24-26 NIV)

The most hilarious explanation of this parable I've heard is from those who hate housework as much as I do.  I love a clean house; I just hate cleaning one. But anyway, I've actually heard people say, this is why they shouldn't clean house--for evil spirits will come in and take up residence there. That's not what Jesus was saying, and while it's good for a laugh, it's not so good for a house that's never cleaned.

When people are delivered of bad habits and wickedness, they must be careful to "replace" the bad with good. If they are empty--with voids in their lives--Satan returns and brings with him more evil and wickedness than the person knew before. Evil spirits thrive in people who are empty and don't know which way to turn. But the joy of The Lord--fills us to overflowing.

When cleaning house--the only way to keep it clean is to pay attention to every detail on a consistent basis--never allowing the dust to accumulate to the point they form shapes and move at will. The longer we allow to dust to stay, the more particles from the air it attracts and builds a covering--keeping natural beauty hidden and only the dust is seen--mocking all who see it.

Has anyone ever noticed that if we keep paper laying around, more paper accumulates? Garbage attracts more garbage and the longer it takes us to get it out of our houses, the worse the stench becomes. And sometimes, the stench becomes so strong, it permeates every piece of furniture or curtain and the stench wins if we don't do something about it.

This is the way sin wins in the lives of many people. They may stop doing one thing, but if they are not vigilant in making sure sin has no means of accumulating again, they'll attract other sinful things to do. The way we keep our spiritual houses clean is to wash ourselves with The Word on a daily basis. We should be so saturated with the Word in our hearts that sin doesn't have a chance to enter and entice us to do evil. When our faith is solidly built on our resurrected Savior and our obedience is immediate, Satan doesn't have a chance. For with The Word, we have a defense against the enemy's lies, and our with faith sustained in Jesus, we have the power to withstand any dart the enemy launches against us, but we must remain vigilant--never thinking for a moment that he won't try to get back into our lives and make a bigger mess of them than they were before.

Let's face it--we all have had a time in our lives before we met Jesus and got to know Him when we did whatever we wanted and didn't care. Satan was not concerned about us then--he had us. But when we came into knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ and accepted Him as our personal Savior, Satan had to pull out all of his tricks to get us back in line with him. The only way Satan wins in our lives is when we allow him to do so.

Let's clean house and dust-proof and stench-proof our houses (mind, body, and soul) with a constant washing with The Word of God, so the enemy will never be welcomed.

Hiding In God, Not Behind Him!

Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. (Psalm 143:8-10 NIV--emphasis mine)

There is such a great difference between hiding in something rather than hiding behind something. I was reminded of an Internet exchange with someone who accused me of hiding "my bigotry behind my religion." This was in response to an article that I, once again, stated an obvious truth, that many did not want to accept. But when asked a question about who he would allow to mentor his high school, if he had one, Joshua Jordan never responded. Instead, I was told I was hateful and hiding behind religion.

However, I don't see speaking God's Truth as hiding behind religion; especially when I'm not religious, but in relationship with Him. That's the difference that many doubters and unbelievers have not figured out yet. When we're "in" relationship with God, we don't need to hide behind anything for He speaks to our hearts and we hear and obey. In another passage of The Word David tells God, "Your Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You." If the Word is hidden within us, we have no need to hide behind anyone or anything. For when we open our mouths to speak truth, The Word should bubble up in us and spring forth like that fountain of living water we were told we would be.

I do recognize the "hater" tactic employed by any who disagree with God and promote living in opposition to His Word. They are always attempting to put us on the defensive because they cannot stand our offensive stance in The Word. Let me try putting this another way. If we are hidden in a tree and our enemies search for us, they will not see us--they will only see the tree. When children play "hide-and-seek" they usually hide behind other things and are seen, or found eventually because they are not completely hidden. In the tree, we are completely covered; Behind the tree, we can be caught. So, I'd rather be hiding in God so the only person people see is God, than hiding behind Him. Glory to His name!

Paul tells us, "Let this mind be "in" you that is also in Christ Jesus. Notice, he didn't say, "let this mind be "behind" you. We are to abide in Him--live in His Word so when people see us, they see Him and not us. Are we capable of hiding in Him, forgetting about ourselves, wanting others to see only Him and not us?

I believe we can hide in Him and we demonstrate that when we boldly, courageously, speak God's Word no matter how many times we are attacked for our boldness in Him. The haters really hate themselves for they have nothing or anyone in whom they can completely trust or hide themselves in--except what the enemy feeds them--hatred of all who disagree with them. That is so sad on so many levels that my heart hurts for them. With all of the love God has for everyone willing to receive Him and His purpose for our lives, there should be no room on earth for hate or haters of any kind. And this is why, we can rise every morning, knowing how much we're loved by God, and keep going--doing His Will.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for all those who are hurting because they have not received Your love. I ask You to fill them to overflowing, washing away hate and creating in all a desire to hide in You, trusting You completely, and not hiding behind anger, frustration, and hatred of anyone who promotes You and Your love. Cut  away the anger and bitterness that have embedded themselves through experiences with those who did not know You and heal and save them, now. Amen!

Safe!

But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord, in you I take refuge--do not give me over to death. Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers, from the snares they have laid for me. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety. (Psalm 141:8-10 NIV)

"Safe" calls the umpire as the crowd roars--some with joy and others moan in defeat--the runner is safe and the game is won.

I've actually played softball and know how those guarding the bases attempt to "trap" a runner who is trying to get home. For instance, when the runner hesitates between trying to make it between second and third base, the runner is caught between two people who are moving in for the kill, trying to keep them trapped within the boundaries to tag them out. The crafty runner--one who knows how to trick one of the players into actually throwing the ball, dodges in and out once the ball is thrown, they run to the next base and if the unfortunate player misses the ball on the return throw, the runner runs home, just in the nick of time and is deemed, "safe" from any further attempt to get them out.

When I picture the snares and traps that Satan sets for all those who are Believers, I smile. I can see the bear trap hidden under the leaves with its mighty jaws ready to spring shut, once the trap is touched. Then I see a squirrel, scurry across the trap and hear the spring snap, attempting to catch its prey, but the squirrel is long gone and the bear sniffs at the trap and moves on.

How many times has Satan spread a net of deceit, lies, and temptable goodies in front of us, hoping to snare us and force us to give up the race we are running so well? Though many of us have fallen for the goodies, many more are wise enough to see beyond the goodies to know why they're placed in front of us. We know a lie when we hear one and will not be deceived, but the foolish--ah! They are not so wise and when they see a feast that entices them--they jump at it and when the net--with its goodies is dangling from a tree, the rest of us walk by--safely, shaking our heads at the misfortune of the trapped.

On many levels, Believers are tempted to do all those things they once did, but when they know The Lord, and are willing to obey, The Lord alerts them to dangers, the snares and traps Satan sets to distract and get them off course. We're tempted to lie to save on taxes, but don't. We're tempted to take that which is not ours when opportunity presents itself, but we don't. We're tempted to cheat on spouses when tempters and temptresses come on the scene, but most of us don't. I wish I could say that none of us--who are true Believers--never fall, but that would be a lie and I will not give in to that temptation. The truth is, we fall short, but when we are honest with ourselves and God, we repent and get back up, ready to run the obstacle course once more. And until we die, we'll be running the obstacle course that Satan has devised for us, but when we call upon The Lord, He will save us and when that day, that glorious day comes when we enter into heaven, we'll hear, "You're safe!"

That's what Believers will hear, but what will the unbelieving and doubters hear when they finish their course? "You're out!" And entry into heaven is lost to them, forever.