Which Part of The Body Are You?

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. I Corinthians 12:27, 28 NIV
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV

When we realize that the gifts--spiritual gifts and natural gifts are given to us to help build the Kingdom and act like it--we'll see a difference in the world and how people relate to those of us who Believe. Until then, we have a problem.

The problem with those who don't believe God is those of us who say we do--don't act any differently from those who don't. How confusing is that?

If we are the Body of Christ--we have responsibility to act the way He directs us to act. If not, the Body of Christ is looked upon with derision and most see us as hypocrites and from recent observations, I'd guess many of them would be right.

I recently accepted "Friend Requests" from a husband and wife who are leaders in a church. At least he calls himself a pastor, but now I'm wondering what he's teaching his congregation. Between the two of them, they have posted some of the most vulgar pictures and phrases--shared from other sites, but still distasteful and left me shaking my head. I finally posted that it was shame for them to share such posts and that I would not tolerate that type of thing on my page.

In response--they did not respond--someone else told me that they had cautioned them about the nature of their posts and received no reply. I thought they had been hacked, but I was assured that was not the case. What they posted, came from them.

Now, I ask again, how can we convince the world of anything good about being a Believer when the church leaders are doing everything the world is doing? Is it because we do not know which part of the body we are? Do we understand that when we proclaim the name of Jesus--accepting Him as our Lord and Savior that we misrepresent who He is when we don't know how to act as church leaders?

When the people--the congregation of a church--looks upon its leadership with disdain, how can we build the kingdom of God? Satan is surely sitting in the pulpit laughing his behind off with the antics he sees and this is how people are never victorious--Satan is leading them down a merry path of destruction.

I urge every Believer to take some time and seriously meditate upon the role in the church they have and glean understanding from God as to what part of the Body of Christ they are.

Are We Willing To Listen To God!

Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us. Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, LORD, and grant us your salvation. I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly. Psalm 85:4-8 NIV

How many times must we ask God to restore us, revive us, renew us, and when He does, we turn away from hearing Him and do what we want to do--time after time?

Every time people repented--turned away from living in opposition to God--they called upon God and He responded to their cries. And every time He granted them restoration, revival and renewal of their spirits, they soon forgot and turned away from Him again, refusing to listen to Him.

Most people recognize the syndrome recorded in the Old Testament and even in the letters penned by those God called to preach the Good News. More than 2000 years ago, He proved how much He loved us and is yet responding to our pleas, but are we listening to Him in order to stop back-peddling, falling into the same traps from which we were delivered?

From what I've observed in others and in myself, we're falling short of acting in wisdom in all things. If we seek His wisdom before we do anything we would not have to keep requesting the same thing--restore us, revive us, renew us--over and over again. We complain about what's going on in the world, but have we paid attention to what's going on within each of us? If we're not willing to pay attention to what we do, how can we expect the world to change? If we're not listening to God--seeking solutions for all the problems we see--why should people listen to us--those who say we Believe?

Until Believers--no matter the denominational banner upheld--begin to seek God and hear Him when He speaks and obey, we're going to remain in this quagmire of sin--stinking up the heavens without disobedience--and we'll have no one to blame, but us.

It's past time, Saints for us to listen to what God is saying to us and obey. He sees, He hears, He knows and He is yet speaking to our hearts, but are we willing to listen?

The Church That Nauseates God!

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.Revelation 3:14-16 NIV

Whenever I read this passage of scripture, I think about where the Church is today. Every year, it seems, we get further away from living the way God intended us to live. And every year, we come up with more and more excuses to turn away from the tried and true--loving God and loving one another--living in obedience to His Word.

The reason the world is in the shape it's in is because we no longer know how to love--God or one another. If we loved God, we would not support, promote or encourage sin--living in opposition to His Word. If we loved one another, there would be no violence--no killing of children, people or suicide bombers. There would be no theft, no backbiting, no name-calling and hurling insults at others simply because we lack appropriate communication skills.

Yes, "what the world needs now--is love sweet love--it's the only thing there's just too little of."

But because we know not how to love--we have become complacent--apathetic--void of any feelings one way or the other. We are neither hot or cold, but lukewarm and God says, being lukewarm, makes Him sick enough to throw up. I can only imagine how nauseated He really is watching us flounder betwixt and between pacifying the world and man's dictates and trying to muster enough energy to give Him halfhearted worship. Our obedience to His Word is not evident in most of what we see on the news and in our communities--and in the buildings where everything is supposed be done according to God's Word--not man's traditions.

Oh yes, we're making God nauseous and if we're honest with ourselves--most of what we do should make us sick enough to return to Him, but apparently, we have not arrived at that place--yet.

We will get there--to that place when we realize we're tired of living in our own puke--trailing it wherever we go, stinking up every place we go, watching people cover their noses so they won't inhale the stench. Hopefully, we'll get there before Jesus returns but if we don't, we'll have no one but ourselves to blame since His directions are written in His Word and since we have Holy Spirit to guide us--we must listen and obey. When we don't, we spread the stench of disobedience.

Is Our Living For The Lord Evident?

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.  I Thessalonians 1:3-6 NIV

Some have "given" up stuff for Lent, some have repented for a moment of the lifestyles lived to honor a "holy week" and for some--a life-changing event has taken place.

We've paid attention to the last week that Jesus lived with various events and tributes and programs and praise for Jesus loving us enough to come down and make the ultimate sacrifice for us--so we may have eternal life with Him.

Now, that the celebration is over, how will our lives or rather how we live reflect our gratitude for what Jesus did?

Do we really love Him? Do we really understand what He did? If what He has done has touched our hearts and made us realize that our lives are nothing without Him, does the life we live before others provide evidence of who we say we are?

Most of us can talk a good game--we've learned how to be the best hypocrites in the world, but when it comes to evangelizing the world by how we live--not what we say--would we be found "guilty" of living a Christ-Centered life?

It is so much easier to "preach" to people than it is to "live" The Word that we forget--not only is God watching, but those around us are watching us, too. What do they see? Do they see us living what we say or do we just become more hot air in the society that is known for "talking loud and saying nothing?"

Are we seen helping those in need without looking for recognition and accolades?

Are we seen exercising wisdom in all decision making that affects others?

Are we known by the love we have for others--whether we approve of their lifestyles or not?

Are we known for praying for others at all times?

Are we known for showing kindness and self-control in any given situation?

Do others see evidence of self-discipline in our lives?

While we espouse having access to power through Holy Spirit--are we allowing Him to guide us in all we say and do?

What are people going to see us doing in the next forty days that's going to be different from what they saw in the previous forty days? Will they see Holy Spirit powered dedication to living a life that is evidence of our love and gratitude for Jesus?

Well, will they?

While we ponder our actions and how we'll become proficient at living the life we say we love in Jesus, let's pray--and then allow Holy Spirit free reign in our hearts so at some point, in the very near future, all will see the message we live.

Do We Remember His Words?

In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words. Luke 24:5-8
Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30,31 NIV

This is the day that many will celebrate The Resurrection of Jesus Christ--but will the same people remember His Words?

In so many situations, Jesus reminded His disciples of God's Word, told them who He was, warned them of things to come, performed miracles in their presence and yet they still did not fully believe or understand that the man--Jesus--was also God in the flesh.

After He arose and appeared before them, their physical eyes did not recognize Him and He again reminded them what was said through Moses and the prophets regarding His coming and all that He must suffer. It wasn't until after He broke bread with them--using the same words as He had during their last meal--that their spiritual eyes were opened and He disappeared. They finally understood.

Those of us living today for the last two thousand years or more--have had access to the Written Word--of The Law and The Fulfilled Promise under Grace. We have the history of Jesus' time on earth as He taught and healed, was betrayed, arrested, beaten, crucified, died, buried and rose again--but do we yet remember His Words?

Do we remember that He said, He had come to fulfill the law?

Do we remember that He said, We are to love God with all our hearts, soul, and mind, and to love one another was we love self?

Do we remember that He said, No man can come to the Father without coming through Him?

Do we remember that He said, "Go out into all the world and preach The Gospel?"

Do we remember the prayer HE prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, "I'm praying just for these with me, but for all who will believe on me through them?"

Do we remember that He came because of Love and hung on that cross when we He could have come down, but Love kept Him on course--to finish the task and it is He who said, "It is finished?"

If we remember His Words and remember that He spoke as The Father spoke to Him and through Him, why do we live as though we are still waiting for a Savior to appear?

We have a Savior and His name is Jesus Christ! There is no other name by which any can be saved other than His. If we lived our lives--with the evidence of our remembering His Words--there would not be so much violence and hatred and peace would rule all over the world.

Now--Do we remember His Words? If not, let's get busy--studying The Word and living The Word so all will know--we remember!

In The Interim--Burial and Resurrection!

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. Matthew 28:1-3 NIV

More imagination at work. We have a record of what to Jesus after He was crucified and buried--but nothing until the angel announced His resurrection (more on Sunday as we celebrate). What happened in the interim?

Looking at what we do know--that Judas' eyes were opened after the betrayal and even his greed took a backseat to his guilt. After returning the money to the high priests--who refused to acknowledge what he had to say, picked up the money Judas had thrown on the floor and later purchased a burial field for the poor--Judas hung himself.

Now, in order for Jesus to rise--early one morning on the third day--with all power in His hands--something had to happen--that made even the devil regret the role he played in deceiving people. For when Jesus--the man died--the Spirit Jesus--unencumbered by flesh and bones--was free to wreak havoc on the devil's territory and He did.

For any who were listening closely they would have heard the rumble underneath the surface and heard the screams of utter terror as Jesus cleaned house in the abode of the enemy. All who had once succumbed to the wiles of the enemy and who had no possible access to heaven, attempted to act as barriers--to protect the devil--but they discovered rather quickly, they were no match for the One who had created all things and without Him, nothing was ever created.

Jesus tossed them aside as though they were feathers and blew them into oblivion to await their final resting place in the lake of fire--prepared for the devil and all who followed him.

Now, with no further obstacles in His way, Satan--that beady-eyed mongrel--the master of deception and father of liars, the one whose only goal was to steal, kill and destroy, stood quaking--fearful of the only outcome possible--his defeat and though he knew he was defeated refused to give up the fight. Attempting to use his charisma--deceptive ploys--his poisonous smile, totally disingenuous, he began to explain what happened with Judas and the high priests and all who played a role in the arrest.

Jesus patiently waited for him to finish telling his tall tales and after hour upon hour of the lies, Jesus silenced Satan with one look and the devil knew all his lies had  been for nothing. Backed into a corner, whimpering like the sniveling snake he once portrayed, he fell upon his knees begging for another chance. Jesus reminded him of the chances he'd been given--before he attempted to overthrow heaven, in the garden, and all the people he had influenced-the kings who denied God and caused people to live in opposition to His law, and the people who fell for the lies. It didn't take long because with every Word Jesus spoke, evidence piled up against Satan grew higher than a mountain. Knowing he was about to be blown into oblivion as well, he tried one more time to appeal to God's nature of love.

After listening for a few moments, Jesus silenced Satan and told him, "When I leave here, I leave with all power and the keys to hell in my hands and I will give that power to whoever shall call upon my name. And when I return and I will return, all who hold those keys shall enter into heaven and stand as a testimony against you."

"You're giving me another chance?" Satan asked, surprised.

Jesus looked around at the pitiful abode the devil called his home and looked at him, pitying him.

"I'm not giving you another chance. I've giving mankind another chance to see you for who you really are and to choose between you and me."

Emboldened by his lack of understanding, Satan stood up grinning. "And you think they'll choose you over me when I can teach them all manner of evil to overcome being a goody-two-shoes like you?"

With a wave of His hand, all the chains and shackles that held those in bondage under Satan's influence fell apart and they were free and all the holy ones revived. They stood waiting for direction from Jesus, while Satan choked on the fear rising in him.

"You may convince a few, but there are so many more who will choose me when they discover you never cared about them and used them to annoy me. But your day is coming--soon. And you know with the Father, one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as a day, but I will return and then the final judgment will be made for all. Only those who refuse to repent and call upon me will share your fate for all eternity."

And with those final words, Satan became mute, unable to speak, and could only watch as the earth opened and Jesus rose with those saints who had died before Him, and all the power Satan thought he had--was ripped from him so Jesus could give it to all who chose to follow Him.

Imagination is grand and though this is my own creative thought--I'm sure that something along these lines occurred and now--we all have a decision to make--to follow Christ or allow the devil's influence to guide us.

What Can Be Accomplished in Three Hours!

Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. Matthew 27:45 NKJV
From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. Matthew 27:45 NIV

Whenever we think of darkness--we presume the event to be ominous. Storm clouds which darken the sky during daylight hours are ominous. Darkness looming over a person's countenance is ominous and most--who are observant--become fearful of the person. But what happened during that three hour period of ominous darkness on that day?

Having an active imagination has its advantages some days and today, I'm going to take advantage of my imagination.

From noon to three--in the midst of the darkness and in the midst of all the insults hurled at Jesus from those who had witnessed the miracles He performed, those who hated that He spoke with more authority and authenticity than they had, and those who mocked Him out of ignorance--God was working in the mind of His Son--cheering Him on and reminding Him of what the world would be like once this task was finished.

While some stood fearful--mindful of the darkness and not able to see around them--God appears and holds His Son, embracing Him with all the Love He could to empower Him to stay the course. He whispered to Him to keep Him focused on all the sin that would no longer be laid at the feet of men who would choose to accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord. He showed Him all the illnesses that would be covered under the blood that He willingly shed so we would not have to suffer. He caressed Him with a soothing voice saying, "Not much longer now and it will be finished, just remember, all of mankind will be saved because of You."

And about three o'clock, God returned to His throne, leaving His Son alone for those final moments, unable to bear seeing Him being so burdened with the sins and diseases of the world. When Jesus realized--in the midst of His agony--that the Spirit of God had left Him, He cried out--asking why He had been left alone.

Those hearing Him, thought He was calling up Elijah, but the moment had come, when victory would be ours. Jesus' spirit returned to The Father and the earth opened in shame and regret--shaking the foundation of all those who were entrenched in the teachings of the those who dishonored God and the building were they dishonored worshipping Him there. The bodies of all the holy people who had died rose from the dead and walked among the people, amazed at what they saw--how far the people had fallen from worshipping the One True God. Those who witnessed all that happened in that moment--were finally convinced that Jesus was indeed the Son of God.

God the Father encouraged His Son within those three hours to stay the course and know victory and no one saw God minister to His Son because of the darkness. What can God for us in three hours--when no one is looking and cannot see how He speaks to us? Will they see--in the final moments--before the light is shone upon us what God was doing because of the determination we show to finish our course? Or will they see us defeated, discouraged, and done?

There are times in our lives that we should pray for darkness (a time no one can see what God is doing for us) and then when the light comes--we proudly proclaim all He has said and done for all to see--the victory He's given and the determination to keep moving forward to accomplish all He has put in our hearts to do.

What can you accomplish in three hours that will cause others to see victory in your lives--on your own? If we're honest with ourselves, we can do absolutely nothing without Him.
 
"Here I am Lord! Cloak me with darkness and embrace me love, empowering me with determination to keep going--accomplishing all You have given me to do in the light of day."

Who's Kissing You?

Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Matthew 26:45-49 NIV

Most Believers know the story and why anyone found betraying another is called a "Judas" because of their behavior. We still have people in our midst--sometimes in our inner circle--who will be betray us in a heartbeat. And those same people, at any given moment, will greet us with a "kiss" marking us as target.

Think about it! Most of the gangster movies in which someone from the inside is going to betray the mob or even the good guys always marks the target with a friendly greeting--with the mobsters once portrayed in movies--with a kiss (cultural preferences). Funny how most movies portrayed the mafia as only one ethnic group when there are so many other groups of "gangstas."

But people who betray others are not always part of the mafia or any other gangsters--they masquerade as friends, sucking the life of people, encouraging people to do the opposite of what they should do and then leave them hanging when they can't have their way. When the foolishness is exposed, they have marked a target and then are long gone. We don't always know people the way we think we know them and when we allow them into our inner circle, we should be careful about what we let them know about us.

Let's face it--for most of us--three and half years is not long enough to determine whether those we meet are real or not. But that's us. Jesus knew all along who would betray Him and He didn't try to stop Judas because the will of God needed to be fulfilled. And it was--right after prayer--the kiss of death, targeting Jesus.

So again I ask, who's kissing you and are they really a friend or foe?

It is sad to think that within the inner circle of Believers that we have those among us who will target us--mark us for the enemy's attack. Why would they do that? The enemy's influence is ignited by jealousy, bitterness, envy, covetous, and disobedience to God. There are people out there who hate those who obey God and will do everything in their power to create a situation where they can see Believers fail--sin as they sin.

Every smiling face is not a friendly face and we must know the signs--the little indicators that signal who is really facing us. Do we see the darkness in the eyes of those whose smiles are not genuine? Are we able to detect the depth of hate when looking into soul-less eyes--especially when the smile only reaches the corners of their mouths?

And once again I ask, who's kissing you?

Little Is Much With God!

When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.” Psalm 105:12-15 NIV

Sometimes, when we're trying to figure out how to accomplish what God has put on our hearts, we tend to stall our efforts, waiting to find the right number of people to help get it done. We think--we need more, but when we have a few--dedicated, committed people, we can accomplish much.

For further proof of this we need but to look at Gideon and how God reduced his army so they would not take credit for the victory because of their might, but they would be able to see the victory that God arranged with the few.

Think about all the accomplishments made in organizations by a few. The Navy Seals are a few elite trained force. The Secret Service are fewer in number than most police districts and are more effective. Committed public servants--few in number--can accomplish great deeds. We should not allow "numbers" to interfere with our progress in any situation.

Though we have little money, when we exercise wisdom given by God, we accomplish much. Though we have small congregations, when the leadership is committed to hearing God, much is accomplished. And if we're honest about who's running this country, we need look no further than the 1% who hold and control the wealth--and this is not saying that God is with them.

The point being made is while we stew in our meanderings trying to figure some things out, we simply need to trust God and avail ourselves of the help from the few who are committed to accomplishing. For whatever God has put in our hearts to do, He has already arranged its success--we just need to hear and obey and not worry about how many are involved.

Sometimes, when we get too many people involved in a project, we invite conflict because the more people involved, the greater the likelihood of personality conflicts. That old adage about too many cooks in the kitchen make a poor meal is true. If everyone involved thinks they have a better way of doing something, chances are--nothing will get done effectively.

The key to accomplishing much with little is to allow each person's gift to rise to the surface and work what they know to do. Not everyone has the same gifts and that's for a purpose--that we all learn to use our gifts--collectively--to accomplish, not to control or override.

I've learned that I'd rather work with a small core group of people who are like-minded, goal-oriented, and mission-driven and can get the job done without drama--than to be involved with a group of people where everyone is vying for attention and recognition.

God has reserved a remnant--just a few--to do His Will and all He desires will be accomplished to His glory! And we have no need to fear what others might attempt to do because God has our back!

How To Solve The Problems!

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:19,20 NIV

Is there anyone in agreement about what we want God to do, really?

We talk a good game about how to solve problems--if this group of people would just do this and this group would just do that, we'd solve the problems. What problems are we solving when we can't even agree as to how to solve them?

Can we solve world hungry, bigotry, unrest, poverty by talking about it? Can we push uneducated people into getting an education without their agreement? Can families create peace and harmony without agreement (and compromise)? If agreement is needed for in-home stability and peace, why don't we understand that agreement is also needed to have peace in the land?

So, let's agree with one another (without adding any "buts") and if we have to, grab a third to see God work in solving problems:

Let's agree to stop committing acts of sin--all of them--and just obey God.

Let's agree to repent--turning away from all people and situations that would tempt us to sin.

Let's agree to seek God's wisdom in all we say and do.

Let's agree to love everyone--unconditionally--and stop paying attention to differences and spend more time in embracing the one thing we all have in common--we're human beings--in need of love and a Savior.

Let's agree to not carry gossip and stop it in its tracks when confronted with it.

Let's agree to deliberately look for the good in all we meet instead of complaining about others.

Let's agree to help others overcome poverty and illiteracy by any means we have accessible to us.

Let's agree to be the examples of the Living Word so all may know who we serve and how much He loves us.

Let's agree to be people of integrity and provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Let's agree not to harbor any ill-will against anyone.

Let's agree to disagree with others when compromise is not possible, agreeably--without anger or animosity reigning in the midst.

And finally, let's agree to allow God to reign in our hearts, our homes, and communities as we pray for the nations so there will be peace in the land.

Problems solved! Our God reigns!

Free eBook Limited Offer!

For a limited time and time is running out--I'm offering a free copy of myBook.to/Sword

If you enjoy this book, there are two others in which Tiffany and Tyson solidify their romance and keep defeating the bad guys. Please review on Amazon or Goodreads. Thanks!

How We Get Rest and Peace With Him!

“Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses. May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience to him and keep the commands, decrees and laws he gave our ancestors. And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day’s need, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other. And may your hearts be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.” I Kings 8:56-61 NIV

Solomon's prayer for the Children of Israel is just as relevant today as it was then. We need peace in the land so all can rest from the uncertainty that stems from all the hate and upheaval. "Oh that man would cease from strife over trivialities that mean nothing."

People are concerned about things that they have the power to conquer if they would just learn from the wisdom of those who have walked the earth before us. There is no savior in the person of any political candidate, modern-day hero, or any other such person. We have a Savior and His name is Jesus!

Did He not tell us to cast all our cares upon Him? Did He not tell us that He would give us rest? Did He not tell us we shall peace with Him? If we believe what He said, then why can't we just do what Solomon did?

Let's praise Him all day long, being thankful for all He has done, is doing and will do for those who love Him. If we have unrepented sin in our lives, let's repent, rejoice, and move on--to the victory promised to us in Him.

There's not much I can add to Solomon's prayer and so I wont' attempt to alter it. In fact, all I can say is, "Amen."

Thank You for rest and the peace in Jesus, Lord!

Rejoicing In The Lord!

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.Philippians 3:1 NKJV

Considering the magnitude of faults we can find within our society and the people who flaunt their ungodliness, I feel the need to do something--say something--different, today.

Today, is my birthday and normally I don't make a big deal over the day I was born, but I'm acknowledging that I am only still here--because of the Love of Jesus, poured into my heart.

Every year that I see another day that marks the anniversary of my birth, is a bonus year--since there was a time I thought I'd never see 50. That's what happens when Christ is not in our lives--we don't expect to see or enjoy life for a long period of time. Now, that I know Him for myself--my life expectancy has increased and I am thanking God for the opportunity to see the age of 95. If He wants to grant me more, I'll take it.

Some have asked me-why 95? It took me so long to come into the fold that I need some extra time to do what I've been called to do. As long as I know Jesus walks with me, I know I can do it. I didn't know He was walking with me before my eyes were opened, but now, I KNOW--not just believe--and I can rejoice in the knowledge!

Enjoy your day--rejoicing in the knowledge that you are loved and never alone.

To God be the glory--praising Him for all He has done in my life and will do on a daily basis! Hallelujah!

Don't Allow What's Seen To Move Your Faith!

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 NKJV

Too often, even Believers in the Most High God, allow what they see to deter them--if only for a moment. It only takes a moment for the enemy to ignite doubt and cause people to lose sight of their faith in God.

In order to be effective ministry and in succeeding with all God has put on our hearts to do, we must not allow the surface--superficial events of the moment--to deter us. We have to develop a like-minded attitude that kept Paul moving forward--even when he knew his destiny would end in death. He was determined to finish what God had started in him and so too should we, be just that determined.

Let's face it--death is part of living and since most of us don't know when that's going to occur, we should simply concentrate on doing what God has put in our hearts to do--promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ, love everyone we meet, and stand firm on The Word of God. Nothing--not political foolishness, not decaying, aging bodies, not the bigotry of the ignorant, not the attempt to demonize Believers or others, not the lack of respect for those in authority, not the doomsday prophecies by false prophets, not the deliberate mangling and distortion of The Word, not our personal situations--nothing--absolutely nothing should deter us from having faith in God, trusting Him and Him alone.

"He who began a good work in us, is faithful to complete it." We simply stand at the ready to be used by Him, trusting all that He does.

No matter what happens in the balance of this day, the coming weeks, months or years; no matter who is president of this country or any others, our focus must remain on what God has called us and qualified us to do--our faith in Him--never wavering.

When the politicians fail you and the statues and beads don't respond, and no one else is available to rescue you--who you gonna call?

I'm calling on the name of Jesus--daily--believing that all He has determined for my life will come to pass, no matter how things look and this is what all Believers should proclaim and not worry about the other stuff. When we do what we're supposed to do, God will handle the outcome.

Turning From God Leads To Captivity!

“When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to a land far away or near; and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captivity and say, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong and acted wickedly’; and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their captivity where they were taken, and pray toward the land you gave their ancestors, toward the city you have chosen and toward the temple I have built for your Name; then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their pleas, and uphold their cause. And forgive your people, who have sinned against you. “Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. “Now arise, LORD God, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. May your priests, LORD God, be clothed with salvation, may your faithful people rejoice in your goodness. LORD God, do not reject your anointed one. Remember the great love promised to David your servant.” 2 Chronicles 6:36-42 NIV

When we sin against God and uphold wrongdoing--there is nothing left for Him to do other than to allow us to be held captive to our disobedience.

Whenever the people who know God willfully sin--encouraging others to live in opposition to His Word, He removes His hand of protection and lets the chips fall where they may.

If Donald Trump wins the presidential election in November, it is confirmation that God has removed His Hands from us and will allow us to be held captive because of our unbelief and disobedience. It has happened before and it will happen again.

The only thing left for us to do--is to sit back and do nothing--realizing that when we do, we have only ourselves to blame for the consequences that are sure to follow.

Just as the enemies of God's people swarmed around them and defeated them and brought them in shackles, holding them captive, then as indicated in the above-passage of scripture, it will happen again--if Believers don't stand up and be counted, living The Word, and repenting from sin.

This is not a doomsday prophecy, just a reality check for many who either don't know the history of disobedience or forgot and think it can't happen to us.

Wisdom, Lord Wisdom--keep pouring it onto those willing to hear and obey!

Having a Better Life!

Control your temper,
for anger labels you a fool.
Don’t long for “the good old days.”
This is not wise.
Wisdom is even better when you have money.
Both are a benefit as you go through life. Ecclesiastes 7:9-11 NLT

Displayed anger and lack of self-control, self-discipline labels a person a fool. If we pay attention to the media about the front-runner for the Republican party we can see how this applies to life.

It is not wise to long or return to "the good old days" as some are promoting. The return or making America great again is an oxymoron is America has never stopped being great, unless one considers its greatness was once in keeping people out of reach of education, getting a living wage, and having slave-masters.

Wisdom is better than having money--so the promises of jobs from Trump--when he manufacturers goods in China is a blatant lie and anyone falling for it will see just how big a lie it is. Getting an education and learning marketable skills is what will get people good jobs; having a dream and the tenacity to see it fulfilled is what will get people wealth. But the wisdom precedes getting the wealth, unless of course, wealth was inherited and then wisdom never has a chance.

How can anyone who has filed bankruptcy four times (or more) proclaim to be an astute business man? Perhaps, he's a billionaire because he's cheated so many other businesses out of money. How can anyone who lacks self-discipline be trusted to be the commander-in-chief? When he can't stand someone publicly disagreeing with him and orders them dragged out of a public rally, what will he do when other leaders of countries disagree with him? Will he "hit the button" and bring disaster upon us all? He ignites and stirs hatred with his rhetoric and refuses to accept responsibility for the outcome. Is this someone America wants to be their Head of State?

This blog post is intended to warn people to think with their heads--not their feelings--because feelings are fickle and constantly change. Our assurance of a better life is found in the Word of God, not in the promises of a man or a woman--especially when they don't know God. We can change the direction and avoid catastrophe by simply praying for instructions in who to support in the presidential election and by obeying God. Which candidate acts most like they have a relationship with God?

Establish a godly criteria by which you can evaluate the candidates and ignore all the hoopla spread with the political ads that lie. Your Voice is Your Vote and every vote matters. If we fail to obey God, then we reap the consequences of our actions.

If we truly want to have a better life, we must exercise wisdom in choosing those who are elected to represent us--in all things.

Do We Have The Gift of Leadership?

And we have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If the gift is prophecy, that individual must use it in proportion to his faith. If it is service, he must serve; if it is teaching, he must teach; if it is exhortation, he must exhort; if it is contributing, he must do so with sincerity; if it is leadership, he must do so with diligence; if it is showing mercy, he must do so with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8 NET

God has given us all specific gifts and with the empowerment of Holy Spirit, we should be able to function in our gifts--with a goal of excellence--to His glory!

There's a reason why all of us do not have the same gifts. Within a specific body, there is no need for duplication of effort with too many chiefs in one place. Having too many leaders in one environment could be as hazardous as too many cooks in the kitchen--at the same time. The end result is chaos and confusion and eventually angst that sometimes spills over into other venues.

In order to see the gifts given function at maximum potential, we must know what our gifting is and fine-tune it so God will not regret what He's given. Though this passage of scripture is primarily about the spiritual gifts needed for any local church to thrive, it can also be applied to other areas of our lives--in the workplace or with other social groups or organizations. The thing is we must know the gift in order for it to benefit the masses.

How do we know what gift resides within us? We seek God for revelation and understanding and then allow Holy Spirit to guide us in all we do. In the natural, what we have been gifted to do shows in our lives by what we're drawn to do and have a unique proclivity to do and do it well.

When it comes to operating in positions of leadership, we really need to know that God has placed that gift in us and that we are listening to Him. If we don't understand that being a leader--does not equate to being a dictator--we'll mess up what could have been a good thing for ourselves and others. Not everyone is equipped--spiritually or naturally to be in a leadership position and only those God intends to lead--should ever attempt to do the job.  Do you have the gift of leadership? Know what it entails before making a mockery of the position.

According To The Will Of Godl

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:25-28 NIV

If we do all things according to the will of God, then we can expect all things to work out well for God's children.

How do we know when we're doing all things according to His will--what He wants? That's the easiest question to answer. We obey His Word because His Word is His will. As long as we obey His Word, we are acting on His Will.

When we honor our parents--respect those in authority--we are promised long life.

When we love others as much as we love ourselves--we are doing so according to His Will.

When we obey God rather than men (the laws man makes in opposition to God's Word) we are acting according to His Will.

When we listen to Holy Spirit and obey His direction, we are acting according to God's Will for Jesus said, "He will remind us of all we have been taught and show us things to come."

Of course, if we haven't been taught according to The Word of God, we cannot be expected to live according to The Word. In the Body of Christ--we operate on so many traditions that have nothing to do with The Word of God that we miss being in His Will. We say things that God didn't say and then wonder why we don't see God moving on our behalf.

Where in The Word do we see,"If The Lord says the same" when we plan to do something? If we know what The Word says, we know what The Lord says, and we don't need to say, "if" anything about our plans. This type of trite response attempts to make a person sound religious, but only reveals a lack of understanding of God's Word. Jesus warns us in His Word that we "have made the Word of God of no effect because of our traditions." How about we say, what God says about everything instead of waiting for Him to say what we say? That makes more sense to me.

Do we plan what we will we do next? Absolutely! We have to consider all that encompasses a plan and then plan accordingly. We do not have to see if The Lord will say so. If our plan is not according to His Will, it won't come to anything anyway. But before we plan, we pray--according to The Word--and whatsoever we ask of Him, in Jesus' name will be given. Do we believe it?

I guess, as I get older, I begin to see how traditions have kept people from receiving God's best in their lives when they don't trust The Word and God's intent for us. I plan to live to see 95 years of age. If God has different plans, then my plans won't matter, but it won't stop me from planning how to live to get to that age. That means I have to take better care of my body, eating right and getting exercise, seeking Him for all things and doing all things to His glory. I'm not planning by saying, "if The Lord says the same." Reaching 95 is what I've asked Him for and it is my declaration on a consistent basis. We have what we say we have. And since I believe that He has heard my prayer, I believe He will honor my request.

Whenever we say, "if" or "but" about anything pertaining to doing what God has put on our hearts, we open the door for doubt and faith is put on the shelf. We must believe and not doubt! That is acting upon things according to His Will.

That Day Is Almost Here!

Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:10-12 NIV

Where there is love, there is light
For all to see, unencumbered by darkest night,
Living according to God's Word,
No fear of the masses, not ashamed to be heard,
Every Believer--Loving as God Loves--all--unconditionally!

In the light of day--where there are no clouds and the sun is shining bright--we can see all things clearly and from a distance. Not only can we see, but all around us can see us and what we see. What are they seeing?

There was a time when many of us walked in darkness even during the day, having no knowledge or understanding of who Jesus is or what He's done for us. Hopefully, that time has past and we are walking in the light of wisdom and His love, preparing for that day when He'll receive us unto Himself.

However, there are still many who have not yet understood--that all of their deeds committed in the dark will come into the light--and they will be exposed for all the world to see, while the devil laughs at their calamity. That does not have to be so.

Every Believer who knows Truth and is not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus should loudly proclaim God's love for all, His mercy and grace that yet abounds for those of us on this side of heaven, for surely once that day arrives when we are translated from here to there, there will be no need any longer for mercy and grace while we sit at His feet.

That day--the day many have waited for--will soon be here; not soon as we calculate time, but soon as God determines. Will we be ready to stand before Him and give an account of all we have done in the earth and not be ashamed? Will our testimony before Him be marred by acts of darkness that we refused to give up? Or shall the angels rejoice over all we have done to bring others into the marvelous light of love?

Every day brings us closer to that day--and for those who are yet asleep--they shall be awakened by the sound of the trumpet heralding His arrival. Every day--while we yet have opportunity to do so, we should put on the armor of light and love so others will see Him in all of His glory and willingly embrace Truth as God as reveals it through us.

That day is almost here--what are you doing to prepare others for it? Will your life be a living testimony of God's goodness and the light of His glory shines all around you or will the light be dimmed by hatred, bigotry, and wilful disobedience to God's Word? We have choices to make and we must make them now for that day--is almost here.

Conversing With Purpose!

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.  But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18 NIV

As I review scripture, seeking a Word from The Lord, I often come across passages that speak to me more clearly from one translation to the other, but I also find that sometimes, one word--changed--can change the meaning of what is being said.

We know that James was conscious of what happens when we say the wrong things or allow our tongues free reign in our live. The 13th verse of this passage from the King James Version reminds us of this:"Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom."

What we say should have a purpose--a purpose towards building and not tearing down. Yesterday, at a luncheon geared towards mentoring our young people, some were asked, "What do you want adults to know about kids today?" The more I thought about it, the more I realized that adults seldom consider what kids are thinking and we tend to dismiss their thoughts and feelings simply because they are kids.

We ask them questions, but our reactions to them inhibit getting a true response from them. This happens when we don't give them time to think about what they want to say and since they don't respond as quickly as we want them to respond, we dismiss their positions without hearing it.

I've concluded that many of us tend to "talk at" kids rather than "talk to" them. This conclusion is made based upon the fact that we if don't know how to have a conversation with them and converse with a purpose, we are talking at them. When we interrupt them or cut them short--dismissing what they have to say before they have a chance to say it, we're talking at them, not to them.

The kids are wiser than we are in this regard in that they simply shut down and have nothing else to say. Why? We have shown them we have no respect for what they have to say and then we wonder why they don't respect what we have to say.

Truly, we need wisdom from above to give us purpose when we converse with our young people. The more we think about how God responds to us, the more we should attempt to be more like Him, no matter who we're conversing with. If God cut us off whenever we attempted to talk to Him, where would we be?

We need to learn to converse with kids and others with a purpose--talking to them, not at them, and waiting patiently to hear what they have to say. Who is wise, with understanding?

What Does The Image Do For You?

King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it. Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace." Daniel 3:1-6 NIV

At that time, the king had an image of himself constructed out of a spirit of arrogance and commanded that people worship it. Of course, there were some who refused to worship the image and didn't care who knew it. And even though attempts were made to kill them, they survived and thrived because of the One who is in the furnace with them.

Being in a fiery furnace is a topic for another blog, but this one is just an attempt to have people reflect upon the image they have set up to worship.

Is it a spouse a child?

Is it a pastor or a church?

Is it an ideology based on traditions without justification?

Is it material possessions?

Is it status and position?

When I see people consumed with talking selfies, I wonder if they are ruled by arrogance and are infatuated with images of themselves. It is possible is it not?

There is one image that keeps me humble whenever I see a depiction of it or it rises in my spirit and that image is Jesus on the cross--loving me so much He was willing to die for me!

Does the image set before you remind you of Christ's love? If not, I would suggest that you are worshipping an idol and idolatry won't save your soul--only Jesus can.

In Heaven Now, or Later?

Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11:36-40 NIV

Most Believers know that Hebrews 11 defines what faith is, and records those who were faithful unto death, but how many of us have read beyond "the faith" of others to see where they are and where others may be?

Many preachers, pastors, families of the deceased comfort themselves with thinking that when people die, they immediately go to heaven or the other place. According to this passage of scripture and in other passages, we see that none are in place yet! When we die, according to God's Word spoken to Solomon--our spirits go back to God, our bodies return to the dust and souls await judgment.  
However, judgment won't occur until Jesus has returned and we are standing before The Throne to hear our fate, together with all who have gone ahead of us.

Now as harsh as that may sound--especially for those who want to believe their loved ones are already in heaven--we must all teach truth and accept truth. None of our loved ones are in heaven, yet! Telling people that loved ones have gone on to heaven is about as foolish as people going to a cemetery talking to the dead. "The dead know nothing" so they cannot hear or feel anything.

I do understand that people are ritualistic by nature and feel they must do something, but to what end? The greatest use of our time--whatever time we have left would be better used in promoting the Gospel to those who are yet breathing, for once we stop breathing, there's no time left.

I have also come to conclusion that funerals are a waste of time as well. Now, I know there are those who believe this is a final opportunity to tell someone good-bye, but those who are dead won't know who's there and if we really want to be a comfort to the remaining family, we should be available to them when they need someone to listen to them or just to encourage them to keep living for The Lord.

There is an industry out there that capitalizes on grief and we spend millions of dollars a year holding onto traditions that most can't afford. What better use could we find for that money? Have a memorial service and give the money to charities who are trying to help people live or to those who are sincerely spreading the Gospel to a dying world.

It's time--no way past time for many of us to learn to say good-bye to people while they can hear us and to show them how much we love them, while they are alive and can enjoy our sentiments. When they're dead--it's too late--and we need to learn how to let it go--for we can do absolutely nothing to bring them back and all we end up doing is making ourselves feel worse.

Choosing Truth!

“Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15,15 NIV

Making choices is a daily task and having an opportunity to choose didn't begin with us, but continues with us.

How many choices do we make on a daily basis? For some, too many to count and for others, too few to matter --they would think. We choose what we're wearing, how we start our day (acknowledging God or not), we choose to either breakfast or not, we choose to be good and kind or not, we choose to be helpful and compassionate or not. We choose to live a life that's pleasing to God or not. We choose--not God!

Everything that we "DO" is a choice! We can choose to live righteously or in opposition to God's Word--it is a choice--as is all active, deliberate behavior.

Now, some naysayers would say there are some things that are not a choice and they are right. None of us has ever chosen our parents. None of us has ever chosen the race or ethnicity into which we were born. None of us has ever chosen our intellectual ability at birth (many choose to enhance with education). None of us has ever chosen our gender at birth (though some are not choosing to rearrange God's perfection).

But now notice--what said earlier "ALL ACTIVE, DELIBERATE BEHAVIOR" is a choice and no one can deny that truth.  All sexual behavior on the part of the adult who is supposed to know better is a choice. Engaging children in sexual behavior is criminal and the choice of sick-minded deviants. Whether straight, gay, bi-sexual or whatever label a person chooses--any sexual activity in opposition to God's Word is SIN and it is a choice people make.

However, while this blog post is not about sexual sin, explicitly--it is about choosing Truth. We can choose to follow God and obey or not. It is our choice. What we have to remember is the consequences of our choices and they are not all good. Even when we obey, bad things happen to good people, but if God has designed it--the results will be good. But when people disobey God, they only have coming to them what's due for disobedience. Though man may attempt to change God's Truth in order to pacify the masses, those responsible for making Truth a lie will reap the consequences of their choices.

As we are reminded in Revelation about the lake of fire--while we yet live we have a choice to make and any who choose not to serve The Lord will reap their place in the lake of fire. Take a minute to reflect upon what has been said today--if you know The Lord, serve Him with gladness and know your reward awaits you. If you know others who don't know The Lord, please share this post with them so they will have time to make an intelligent choice that will save them from the lake of fire. Choosing Truth is the only way to live without regret.

Praying For Those In Authority!

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2:1-4 NKJV

Whatever we do and however we do, we must have a purpose. For without purpose, we are merely marking time--waiting to see which way the wind will blow or the dice will roll. This is what happens we act without understanding and purpose--anything goes and we simply accept it.

However, in this passage of scripture--Paul's letter to Timothy--we see instructions given for those in authority and the purpose. The purpose in this case is that God desires all to be saved and come into the knowledge of truth. Of course truth is a philosophy of its own, but for now, we'll concentrate on God's Truth as the only means by which anyone can be saved.

Now--here's the million dollar question--in recent weeks regarding the presidential campaigning--who has exhibited the most godly character in speaking to the people at town hall meetings, during debates and in their campaign ads?

Granted, I understand some people have made of their minds simply because of their frustrations and bitterness against the current President, but is that a reason to vote "willy-nilly" for a clown who has demonstrated disrespect and disregard for other human beings? For anyone who does not understand authority should certainly be put in a position of authority over others. And every time ungodliness opens its mouth, the evidence is heard.

If ungodliness wins the election, then it means those who know The Lord were not praying for righteous authority, for the prayers of the righteous avails much. We can and we must pray for the office of authority and anyone residing in it. Why? So we can lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness--not ungodliness--knowing how to love one another and respect all.

Our prayer for the office(s) of authority should include the reign of Holy Spirit over whoever sits in a position of authority. For those seeking authority, our prayer should include a willingness for them to seek wisdom from God and to hear and obey Holy Spirit in all matters. 

Father,

In the name of Jesus, we pray for every person seeking or in a position of authority in every walk of life, but we especially pray for those who seek to lead this great nation. Holy Spirit take up residence in the White House and make Your presence known from the top to the bottom. Lord, open every person's spiritual ears and touch every heart--giving them a desire to seek You in every situation and the Wisdom that only You can provide--having them hear Holy Spirit when He speaks and then obeying without hesitation. For we know when godliness reigns in the hearts of men and women, peace will prevail and confusion will have no place to dwell. We thank You for hearing and responding to this prayer and speaking to the hearts of all who agree. Amen!

Who You Gonna Call?

And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the LORD
Shall be saved.
For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance,
As the LORD has said,
Among the remnant whom the LORD calls. Joel 2:32 NKJV

When we hear a small child crying, every mother in the vicinity listens as our ears perk up because every mother knows her child's cry. If the child can talk and we hear, "Mama" we run to save our child from whatever is making them call us. God, our Father, knows the cries of His children and He will respond.

Considering the many gods people worship, I wonder which of them will respond to a plea for help when the people who worship them call on them.

Will Buddha respond to a cry for help?

Will any of the prophets respond to a cry for help?

Will any of the beads, the crosses, the idols that so many worship respond to a cry for help?

Nothing made by the hands of man can respond to a cry for help or anything else. They have no life in them and therefore cannot do anything to save life. The only thing that things can do is what they are manipulated to do by the hands of man.

A car--and so many worship their vehicles--is a non-living entity and can do nothing on its own unless manipulated by a person--someone controlling what it does.

Houses--those structures in which we live and that some people worship--made by the hands of man and have no life of their own--cannot save anyone.

Equipment--made by men and manufactured to save lives--is marvelous when used correctly by men/women and can save lives, but if we simply look at them and call upon them, they will not respond.

When we are in trouble as those were at the time Joel was prophesying as God spoke, we can know there is but One who will respond to our call for help and save us from ourselves--The Lord. And just as a remnant--a handful--were saved then, there will come a time when another remnant--those who refuse to budge from their faith and stance pertaining to The Word of God--will be saved when they call upon the name of The Lord.

Not one person--especially those running for political office has the power to save us--individually or as a nation and they should all stop lying to appease the media and the masses who are gullible enough to believe them.

What this country needs is total reliance and dependence on Jesus Christ--living every day according to The Word of God, seeking His wisdom--constantly and ignoring all the hoopla and loud noises of those who can't save themselves and certainly cannot save others.

Okay--we still have time to seek God and His wisdom in order to put the right person in the White House--someone who cares about all Americans, not just the rich or 1%, but all who live in the land.

Lord,
You said if we called upon You in the time of need You would save us and deliver us from evil. Right now, I'm calling on You to give us direction and wisdom to select the person who knows You and with whom You have an airtight relationship. Thank You for hearing and responding to this plea for help for the nation. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!

Though Weary Now, Rest In Him!

And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you. And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. 2 Thessalonians 1:5-8 NLT

Promoting The Gospel of Jesus Christ can wear some people out, if we let it. Those of us who understand that the world is not really receptive to hearing the Good News, know we must continue to move forward, promoting The Gospel even when people don't want to hear it. 

One would think if a person didn't want to hear something they would just ignore or tune-out the person speaking, but tuning us out isn't good enough for the harbingers of demonic influence. Under that influence, those who do not want to believe or hear Truth, take great pleasure in persecuting those of us who promote Truth. They love to see if they can get us to act as they do and get even angrier when we don't take the bait. Ugliness rises from the tide of verbal abuse to physical abuse in some cases. This doesn't mean that Believers have to succumb to the abuse or act like a doormat and defend self. But that's a topic for another blog.

What we have to understand in all of the turmoil and conflicts in being obedient is that we can rest in Christ Jesus--knowing that He will take care of all those who persecute us--in His timing and avenge us so the world will know--we are not our own, but we belong to Him.

Every time the enemy raises his ugly head we stare him in the face, fully armed to do battle in the spirit and come out victorious. Victory is not always easy and is certainly nothing the lazy will ever experience. Pursuing victory in anything means working hard and diligently, never willing to give up. Ask any professional athlete how hard they work to win, but when they win--they can rest in aftermath--knowing their hard work paid off for them.

We too can rest in the aftermath of each victory--every time we see the light come on in the minds of those who choose to believe Truth and then live it. In fact, after every victory--every new believer coming to Christ--we can expect the enemy to attack, but we can continue our journey knowing that resting in Him can be as easy as focusing on what He would have us to do, not what the enemy is doing.

Though the rest we desire does not come without a price--we will survive and rest in Him--knowing we have been faithful to His calling and in bringing Truth to the masses so all can be judged according to His judgment.

Keep going--though weary with all the world's foolishness and prepare to rest in Him, allowing Him to minister to our hearts so we can rise up and get going again.

What Proper Worship Entails!

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1 NIV
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Romans 12:1 NLT
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1 NKJV

According to the dictionary's definition of worship--worship is reverence and adoration of a person or object.

Stacked against the three versions of the same passage of scripture and reviewing what some of us do in church, is what we do in church services--proper worship?

Unfortunately, for many of us, we have been brain-washed as to what true worship is within our religious services. This is what happens when people do not exercise care in their study of The Word or even "a word" and how it should be interpreted versus how we choose to promote things.

First of all--we confuse the terms and acts of praise and worship. In many churches, praise is loud and fast-moving, excites people and drives the momentum in a service. In its place, that's all well and good. However, worship should never be confused with praise since worship should not be "an act to excite" but a lifestyle that honors God.

Now I know there will many who disagree with what I've said and that's their prerogative. I don't have a problem with people disagreeing with me, but I refuse to sit idly by and allow people to believe untruths--whether perpetuated intentionally or unintentionally.

How do I conclude my position? By understanding The Word--knowing that presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable--our reasonable service--choosing to live in a way that honors God--that is what true worship entails--promoting a lifestyle that honors God, even if it means we're unpopular with people. This is a view of public worship--living according to The Word. Private worship would entail spending time with God--reverencing Him and adoring Him for all He does.

So, the next time you're in service and someone says, "Let's worship The Lord," stand or sit quietly, reflecting upon His goodness and mercy, without the shouting or the dancing that is truly reserved for praise. True worship in public venues such as a church, should usher in the praises when people are allowed the time to truly reflect, reverence and adore God. If we ever get past traditional "orders of service" and allow Holy Spirit to guide us, there would not be enough room in a building to contain all Holy Spirit touches when true worship is practiced.

Enjoy the day and  all The Lord has made possible in your life!