How Easily Deceived Are We?

Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them.Then the LORD’s anger will burn against you, and he will shut up the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the LORD is giving you. Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth. Deuteronomy 11:16-21 NIV
Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; Deuteronomy 11:16 KJV

POLITICS ALERT

If we spent more time delving into God's Word--from the beginning and throughout--not just reading familiar passages, we would begin to see and understand why it is important to have our hearts and mind receptive to Him.

When I read news articles and see what's presented in broadcast media--politicians and surrogates and some journalists--encouraging people to "bow down" to a man, my heart is disturbed. When I see how hypocritical those who claim to be Christians, browbeat others into believing their church leaders have a right to "tell them who to vote for" my heart is disturbed because I know--God is not in what they say.

What I've discovered--by reading publicized information--is that the devil's influence is evident in the arena of politics and no one--who has political ambition--is immune to succumbing to the dictates of the enemy.

When politicians and their followers and surrogates repeat lies which are easily dissected, it tells us what is in their hearts.

When those with political aspirations and ambitions for maintaining power and control over people demand the allegiance of others--in writing--this shows us how the devil works in their heart.
God expects our allegiance to be to Him--not a flag or a man or a woman. When we have embedded His Word in our hearts, repeated His Word--to ourselves, our children and those around us--then when we speak--everything we say should reflect our understanding of His Word.

Those who are repeating the lies--written in an obvious playbook since what is being said is scripted and repeated verbatim--either have not read or do not understand the vision given to John about who the lake of fire is reserved for and why.

I am so tired of the rhetoric employed by those pretending to be Christians that my prayer has become--"Come quickly, Lord!" When we misuse the positions in Christ we have to command allegiance from others, we are not representing Christ, but we are being used as a tool by the enemy. How do we know? Satan is the father of liars--and we see the lies displayed on a daily basis, yet there are some who keep perpetuating their promotion to follow their lead and lie, lie, lie, and lie some more. Those lies are not of God and anyone with a brain and a heart for God can see through the lies. As an ambassador for Jesus, I must represent who He is and call out the liars and warn them that nothing good shall ever come from misleading those who are either very gullible or weak or incapable of thinking for themselves.

When Omarosa told an interviewer, "People are going to bow down to President Trump; he's going to be the most powerful man in the universe," my heart cringed--not out of fear from anything she or Trump can say, but about those who believe what they say. First of all--no one bows to a president in the United States and America does not encompass the universe. But what she says is indicative of what they are selling to people--to trust a man more than God because they have made him--their god.

Is this not what Satan attempted to do with Jesus in the desert? "If you bow down and worship me--I'll give you control over the people." I'm reminded of the movie--Rosemary's Baby, when I see the comments of those who trust Trump. They have pledged their souls to the devil in order to achieve something that will not happen. They do not understand that they are hearing empty promises and they refuse to hear truth that is displayed on a daily basis--because they prefer the lies.

I'm praying for all to truly seek God--not man or woman--and then for all to hear and obey God--not man or woman.

When The Enemy Raises his Head!

“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!’ So Israel will live in safety; Jacob will dwell secure in a land of grain and new wine, where the heavens drop dew. Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights.” Deuteronomy 33:26-29 NIV

Have we forgotten that we who Believe have been adopted into the family by the work on the Cross? We are spiritual Israel and have access to the same promises made to the Children of Israel before God came down from heaven in the likeness of man. We have no need to fear what the enemy might do--we simply need to maintain our focus on Him who is more than enough--to keep us protected from anything the enemy might plan.

This is why it is important to know--who is really a Believer and who is simply cowering under the banner of Christianity--fearful of everything and promoting their fear to anyone who dares to listen. There is no need to fear with Jesus on our side--He is more than the world against us, so why do Christians become fear-mongers, allowing fear of "what might be" to keep their focus off the One who does not change His mind about what He desires for us?

If we truly Believe God's Word--we have no need to fear anyone or any event. The enemy's job is to use fear and doubt as a tactic or strategy to make sure people focus on their situation or those things going around them rather than looking up--for our help comes from The Lord!

The enemy has already been defeated with the bloodshed of Jesus Christ and He has given us power to keep him under our feet. So why don't we? Why are we listening to men--who fear their own shadows, who promote hatred and bigotry faster than they can breathe? Why are we allowing the fickleness of man to deter us from knowing that God wins in the end and for those of us who trust Him--rather than man--we also win!

Some may trust in horses and chariots--the tools used in the battle, but I will trust in The Lord--for He is watching and He knows all about our troubles! The battle is not ours; it is The Lord's and He cannot be defeated!

Speak To Our Hearts, Lord!

So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.  The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” And the LORD said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle. At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family—from beginning to end. For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons blasphemed God, and he failed to restrain them. Therefore I swore to the house of Eli, ‘The guilt of Eli’s house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.’ ” I Samuel 3:9-14 NIV

The more carnage we see in the world, the more I wonder--are we listening to God? Or more importantly, is He speaking to us?

Though Eli was instrumental in training Samuel to serve The Lord, his sons acted in completely diabolical ways--even to disrespecting the temple by having sex with prostitutes there. Eli knew what they were doing and yet did not stop them and therefore, God warned him what would happen. His sons were killed and when Eli got the news--he also died.

I sense the death of a nation--spiritually--and though we have been warned, time and time again about not just the behavior of others, but our own, we are yet ignoring God. And when there is a spiritual death--eventually--physical death follows. Perhaps, this is the reason we see what we see across the globe, and especially in America.

Some might say, God is not speaking to "the prophets" any more and they would be on the right track. There are yet some prophets--called by God--to whom He is speaking, but more importantly, we have His Word and His Spirit to guide us in all things. Some of the "prophets" that are speaking into the lives of people are actually entertaining others "in the name of The Lord" and they are responsible for the consequences that will befall them.

What we have to understand about "righteous living" is that God holds each and every person who "claims to know Him" accountable for their own actions. We are not responsible for the actions of others--we are responsible for what God has spoken to our hearts and our obedience to His Word--individually! If every individual--born again Believer--lives The Word--not just in private or in the confines of a building--we have the power to influence others and we should. If after we share the love of God with them and encourage them to serve Him, they choose to go their own way, they are responsible for the consequences that fall upon them--not us.

I cannot speak for others, but I do believe that the time for God to speak to us and we hear and obey, is now--while we have a chance to win others to Christ--not political parties--so that we may know peace and all will receive and share His love. So, that is my prayer--for all Believers--that God will speak to our hearts--and we will hear and obey.

Lord, speak to our hearts, ignite our desire to obey and serve You like never before. Guide us in all that we do, allowing Holy Spirit to keep us on the right path--continuing to share Your Love and the gift we have been given through Jesus Christ--eternal life. Lord, help us to see--not just with our physical eyes, but with our spiritual eyes to know we are honoring You with all we do.

Victory In Jesus!

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. I John 5:1-4, 14,15 NIV

Victory--the state of knowing that we have overcome or done something exceedingly well, is a right for those who believe God and keep His Word. It is a privilege that Believers are assured of when we do things God's Way and an expected right--according to His Word.

Every athlete--whether little league, minor league or professional league--loves victory and no one--likes to concede defeat, but in any competition--there is a winner and someone must lose.

So much of what we encounter today--all those life challenges we face--the trials that tend to overtake us when we're weary, puts us in a position to be defeated, but we can know victory.

One of the things we have to remember is that we learn from the losses and rebound--energized, ready to take on the next challenge. For many of us--we tend to experience more defeats than victory, but victory in Jesus--knowing we can count on Him--does much to encourage our hearts and keep us going.

How many times do we end up repeating the same mistakes--doing what didn't work the first time--hoping it will work if we just keep plodding through the messes we make in life?

When we're trying to persuade others--how much sense does it make to keep repeating the same hyperbolic phrases that have no substance and indeed has a tendency to make us look foolish?

The only thing that bears repeating to anyone is the love of God, dwelling within us--gets us through any challenge that life offers. Constantly reminding people of The Word of God--provides them with fuel to ignite the stamina within to keep going and going and going--until victory is won.

When we know and understand The Word--we know that perfect love--unconditional love for all--casts out fear--leaving no place for it to dwell. The love of God overflowing from our hearts onto all we know, creating a pathway of love that infects all who tread upon it--guarantees the victory--that all can enjoy.
 

Beloved of Christ--Brothers and Sisters in The Lord--let us continue to love, showing others by our example how love wins the day, uprooting hatred and fear, supplanting it with love--so we may all join in the victory dance in Jesus!

Learning To Rest!

For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:6-9 NKJV

There are so many things that happen to us in life that are simply not in our control. Some of our life events cause us to be over anxious and frenetic and some have even caused people to seek escape from the problems by committing suicide--which is never the answer, for then we leave those behind to handle those things we refused to face.

Let's face it--life happens--to everyone, some of it good, some bad, some absolutely horrible, but when we are in Christ, we can rest--assured of His grace and mercy--and know He will work it out for our good.

So when the world is careening out of its orbit--we don't have to sway into fray--we can lean entirely on God's Word, the firm foundation of our faith and weather any storm that comes our way. In life--storms come and they go--and we have shelter in the arms of our Lord! Nothing the enemy does--no fiery dart shall ever thwart God's plans for our lives and if we only Believe.

Believe that He is our comforter when we need to be comforted.

Believe that He is our healer when sickness and disease attempt to make us fearful.

Believe that He is our Father who gives good gifts.

Believe that He is our provider and He will take care of us.

Believe that He is Alpha and Omega--the first and last--and He has us covered with the blood of Jesus.

Believe that when we are weakened by the trials of this world--He strengthens us to endure until the end.

Where does our help come from? Our help comes from The Lord! And when we know that He watches over us--we can rest in the knowledge that He knows all about our troubles and concerns and we can rest in Him--never fearful or over anxious about anything or about what anyone may do.

Now--shake off those feelings of dread or fear or anxiety and enter into His peace and rest--troubled no more by those things we cannot control. For if we can control some things, we should control them and thank God for the wisdom He bestows upon us from on high!

Give Thanks!

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness.
Let the whole world know what he has done.
Sing to him; yes, sing his praises.
Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. I Chronicles 16:8,9 NLT

PRAISE REPORT!

Every year, the Harper Woods Band Boosters hosts a wonderful event at the high school. This year, we celebrated hosting our 22nd Band-O-Rama!

This was my second year coordinating the event and though not everything was smooth sailing, we still had a wonderful day. God provided us with just the right weather to be outdoors--with sunshine and cool temperatures.

The community provided us with assistance from former band boosters which included the CFO of the school district and his wife, Kohl employees who volunteered and a number of students.

We enjoyed watching great band performances from local schools that ranged from 50 band members to over 200 and it was delightful!

Since this is our biggest fundraiser of the year, we try to make this event as profitable as possible, but reasonable enough for all to enjoy great food and I was told--repeatedly--that our grill master "was the bomb."

Considering the fact that we never know what the weather will be from year to year when we plan this event, I can say--unashamedly--that I stayed in communication with my Daddy--I prayed for good weather, for cooperation with others, and participation from other schools and for everything to be the success He would have it to be. God never disappoints us when we know all things work for our good.

So, this morning, I'm a bit tired, but grateful--for all who contributed to this success and for meeting some really wonderful people to whom I am indebted to love for the rest of my life.

Our God is an awesome God and I know--as long as we continue to please Him--He will hear and answer prayer.

I'm thanking Him for giving me strength to endure and courage to persist in doing all things well and hearing and answering our prayers.

Giving thanks for all He has done, is doing and will do for all who love Him and live according to His Word.

This Is The Day!

This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD. Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 118:24-26, 28 NKJV

Every day, Lord, You are God

Every day, Lord, We will bless Your Name

Every day, Lord, We give You thanks and praise

Every day, Lord, We will rejoice and be glad

Every day, Lord, We will Trust and Obey

Every day, Lord, We will live according to Your Word

Every day, Lord, We will love like You love--unconditionally

Every day, Lord, We will bless others as You have blessed us

Not just this day, but Every Day, You Have Blessed us

And we magnify You and praise Your Name Forevermore!

Don't Let Rumors Discourage!

Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies found out that I had finished rebuilding the wall and that no gaps remained—though we had not yet set up the doors in the gates. So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But I realized they were plotting to harm me, so I replied by sending this message to them: “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?” Four times they sent the same message, and each time I gave the same reply. The fifth time, Sanballat’s servant came with an open letter in his hand, and this is what it said: “There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king. He also reports that you have appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim about you, ‘Look! There is a king in Judah!’ “You can be very sure that this report will get back to the king, so I suggest that you come and talk it over with me.” I replied, “There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.” They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination. Nehemiah 6:1-9 NIV

POLITICS ALERT!

While reading this I realized that though there are few things that change over the course of history, not many things change. Way back then, we see the "politics" of people who don't know God and how they attempt to deceive those who do.

What's the best way to ignite emotions in people? Starting rumors to make them fearful. And in this election cycle, we see how rumors can and have ignited emotions in people like never before. We see one candidate being castigated for lying about one thing or another over what previous positions entailed and yet the other candidate lies every time they open their mouth on a daily basis and the words they use at rallies do nothing other than increase racial tensions and bigotry.

What is more amazing to me is that those listening to the republican nominee actually believe everything he says without having factual evidence of his telling the truth, but they are quick to spread the rumors in an effort to denigrate the other candidate.

How do I know? A number of supporters apparently repeat what they consider part of the script from the playbook of destruction--their philosophy--if you repeat enough, it becomes true. In reading articles about the election and the comments made, many copy and paste the same lies in every post. And for evidence the point to biased news media articles and the Internet. I guess they believed the lie, "if it's on the Internet, it has to be true. But then they also believe whatever is on YouTube because they're not aware of the fact that videos can be manipulated by those with agendas to destroy.
For the record--let me say this: the experts who have investigated Hillary Clinton have debunked every allegation that exists.  Therefore, there is no need for anyone to repeat those allegations about her being corrupt, a murderer (delusional thinking), and a liar (except for the fact that all politicians lie about their promises). Benghazi--investigated and resolved (understanding of military protocols help to understand this). The emails--investigated and resolved. The Clinton Foundation--investigated and there is NOTHING CORRUPT about it. There is no pay-to play aspect of what they do--they accept donations to help others. This is just rumors to undermine the candidate, while ignoring the blatant remarks of Trump.

Twice--with his own words--Trump has suggested that someone should take Hillary out (kill her)--without no justification or excuse for what he said. Plotting to kill someone is a crime. "Maybe the second-amendment people will do something about her" (after the election). "Her security team should disarm and see what happens to her."

He has woefully misrepresented the Black Community by saying things like--"they're in the worst shape, ever, ever, ever." He obviously missed his history classes and forgot about slavery and the Jim Crow Laws and the fight for Civil Rights (we still don't have). His influence at his rallies even have some believing that President Obama is the cause of racism. A lady was interviewed in Ohio recently and said that, "while I was growing up in the 60s, racism didn't exist." My response to that was, she had to be living in a cave or a tunnel with no connection to the outside world to believe that. Racism in this country has always existed and until people see "all people" as human beings rather than judging them by their skin tones, it will continue to exist.

I've gotten fired up just thinking about how rumors destroy--but then, isn't that the enemy's job--to destroy? It has been how he (Satan) operates from the beginning and will be until the end of mankind. We simply have to be smart enough to recognize his handiwork--designed to destroy and work to provide truth to all willing to hear it.

WE NEED TO DO SOME RESEARCH FOR OURSELVES--FROM CREDIBLE SOURCES AND SEEK GOD'S WISDOM IN ALL THINGS. If we just listen to the candidates--without a biased ear--we'll know who should be president of this already great America. Don't let the rumors discourage continued work to make it even better.

What God Expects!

“And now, you priests, this warning is for you. If you do not listen, and if you do not resolve to honor my name,” says the LORD Almighty, “I will send a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not resolved to honor me. “Because of you I will rebuke your descendants; I will smear on your faces the dung from your festival sacrifices, and you will be carried off with it. And you will know that I have sent you this warning so that my covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD Almighty.“My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin. “For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the LORD Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth. But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi,” says the LORD Almighty. Malachi 2:1-8 NIV [Read all for clarity]

The most important leadership to whom we should trust is the leadership in the church. From this point forward--all other leaders are measured--by The Word of God.

Simply put--when the church--the body of Christ--corporately, gets its act together, the world will become a better place.  Why? When people are "grounded in The Word" they take what they know and understand into all areas of their lives--from keeping peace, harmony and order in their home to the highest place of government. When we know God, we do what is right at all times, for all people.
With that premise in mind, we can safely conclude (by what we see) that we have strayed far from God's Word in our daily living and as a result--chaos and confusion reign--in the hearts of men/women and all across the land.

When the prophet Malachi was admonishing the priests who had let the temple far into disrepair, he was also warning all who followed--those of us right now--that when we don't do what God expects us to do--He takes a hands-off approach to us. When we do what He expects--we are blessed and when we don't--the curses fall upon us and since God is not a respecter of persons--the blesses fall upon all who obey and the curses fall upon all who disobey. As Children of The Most--Believers should understand when we are blessed, we are to be a blessing to others--for when we are cursed--the curse also falls upon others.

Throughout biblical accounts of history we see how entire nations either rose to greatness or fell in despair because of the leadership--those in positions of authority and entrusted to guide the people according to God's Ways, and not their own. When the leadership was obedient--all the people were blessed and rejoiced and when the leadership ignored God--all the people suffered and wailed in despair and hopelessness.

We have to know God in order to hear God and when we hear God, we must obey God--not those who have agendas that do not lead to a nation being blessed.

This is what God expects from those who are in leadership positions!

Help Us, O Lord!

Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Psalm 27:7-9, 13

Every time something happens in the world--especially in America--we have this inclination to say, "God bless America" without thinking of the implications--we're always seeking God, to do for us.  

We should be offering ourselves to Him and saying, "America Bless God," but we've taken Him out of just about everything.

We've taken Him out of our schools--and then we wonder why not many are learning anything worthwhile and certainly students are not learning to think for themselves, but rather they learn how to take tests and disrespect all in authority. Violence increases while learning decreases.

We've taken Him out of our local government entities--can't pray out loud for fear of offending others who don't believe in Him. And Lord, knows--we don't want to offend anyone by acknowledging Him who is beholden to no one.

We've taken Him out of our homes when we allow government to determine how we raise our children. Not many are willing to risk going to jail in order to discipline an unruly child. And we see the results of that lack of discipline--every day.

We've taken Him out of our churches--even though there are some who have maintained the obligatory picture, statue, or posted creed--God is not welcomed into the building because we have decided that what "man" wants is more important and ignore the basic premises of knowing God--loving all and obeying God. And this is why we still have the greatest racial and ethnic segregation--in the churches.

If we don't want to acknowledge God in the schools, homes, government or churches--what's left? A flag or a song are not important to God, yet we get offended when people don't play the game of honoring them. If we can't say a prayer aloud at a sporting event, why are we honoring a flag--made by the hands of men and machines--or a song written by a man that did not include all mankind? I don't understand!

And for this reason, I know we're in trouble and the only person who can turn things around is God. We're in trouble and until we recognize that no man or woman is going to change things, we're going to stay on the path the enemy has established, not the path of success that God desires for us. I'm waiting on God, not the debate--to see what He will do for all of mankind.

Help us, O Lord! We need You--involved in every area of our lives on a minute-by-minute basis--and I welcome You in my life--guiding all that I do that honors You. My confidence, is in You, O Lord and I know whatever You desire for us, is what the end will be.

God Is Love!

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. I John 4:8-14 NIV

Anyone who hates another human being--for any reason--cannot know God and certainly does not have God's love abiding within their hearts.

We do not have to like people or condone what they do--but when we hate--we allow all the forces and influence of Satan to reign and destroy--his job--to steal--our joy and peace, kill any hope we have for ourselves and others and to destroy the existence of mankind.

And this is how we know who belongs to God--by the love and compassion we show to others.

Perfect love--unconditional love--casts aside fear so where there is fear--there is no love and anyone promoting fear--has no love in them.

Where there is love--hope keeps marching forward--seeking peace and harmony among all of mankind.
  
               

Pressing On!

For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. James 1:11-14 NIV

Running from problems never solves them, but staying put--in the middle of whatever life brings--determined to get through it with your head held high--is what perseverance entails.  A press--with fierce conviction--that victory is indeed at hand will keep you going.

We cannot allow the trials that come upon us to deter us when we know that God only wants what is best for us. His plans--are always designed for us to receive His best and when we don't , we must be able to look at what we do and determine how to change it so we will receive from Him.

Making a mistakes as a child of the Most High is not a problem for God--not learning from the mistakes and to keep repeating them becomes a problem for us. He expects us to make mistakes, but He also expects us to learn from them--and to keep moving forward.

The reason many people never get ahead is because they get stuck in a rut--doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result because they were not interested in doing a little self reflection or to seek God for wisdom in knowing how to live life victoriously. Picture this--going around in circles--encountering the same challenges and enduring the same defeats. A student who never studies for tests in school and keeps failing the tests--should figure out that they are not going to pass a class with failing test grades. And this is the reason many students end up dropping out of school because they did not learn earlier in life that there are certain protocols that must be acknowledged in order to be successful in school or any other venue.

Preparation time is never wasted time. If we don't adequately prepare to do anything, we'll never know greater success in doing anything. It's like the Boys Scout Creed--always being prepared for anything that comes your way.

I'm looking forward to a debate that my students are having and I'll know by how they present themselves who prepared for it and who didn't. It's not enough to have an opinion about things without having sufficient support to document why you think what you think. Even though my class debate could hardly measure up to the political debates that are coming up, if we are attentive--listening to each candidate during each debate--we'll know who spent time preparing for it and who didn't. Again, opinions without support mean nothing when there are no facts to back them up.

No matter who does better in my class, they will be encouraged to press on--thinking about what they did and how they would change it to make it better and then they're going to write an essay about the experience. One would hope--that after the first political debate--a similar exercise will take place--reflection and introspection--about what did or did not work and changes made for the next round. Rather than hear a lot personal attacks, I pray we'll all hear substantive responses regarding the issues with viable solutions rather than nonsensical rhetoric.

After the final curtain has dropped on the political arena with the debates, we must all consider what was said and press on--determined to see victory in our lives--knowing that God has the final word in all things.

When The Redeemed Speak!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.  Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:1-3, 8,9 NIV

Sometimes, when we have never experienced hardship, we don't understand the hardships, trials, and challenges that others face or endure.

We don't understand how a cancer patient feels when the treatment is debilitating-taking away the desire to eat, to move forward, and sometimes--even to live.

We don't understand how it feels to be homeless, fearful of not surviving to see another day because of the all the threats of harm living on the street, not knowing if we'll live to see another day.

We don't understand the trauma experienced by a new mother who realizes that are not emotionally equipped to deal with a new baby.

We don't understand how life leads people to become addicted to substances and those substances control all they do.

We don't understand how fathers leave families to survive without them.

We don't understand how mothers would abandon her children.

We don't understand how some women survive the trauma of being raped and abused and misused.

We don't understand how discriminatory practices make people feel like they are not part of the human race.

We don't understand why some people will never be considered Americans because of the color of their skin--even though they were born here and generations of family were born here and anthem was ever written.

We don't understand how one group of people can have more respect for a flag--a symbol that does not represent all people living within its borders--than they do people.

If we have never experienced injustice--for any reason--perpetrated against anyone--we don't understand how the victims of injustice feel and if we say we do--we lie.

But for those who have endured the hardships and negative experiences of life over which they had no control, and survived--they understand. And when the survivors--all of them realize that their surviving was not about them, but about God and His purpose for us--they should shout it from the rooftops--Our God reigns!

He is a healer. He is a provider. He is a protector. He is a deliverer. He is the seat of justice and we shall stand before Him one day. He is all we can ever need and He always hears the cries of those who love Him. Give Him praise and glory for it all belongs to Him!

You and You alone, O God are worthy of our praise! We are the redeemed because of Your mercy and grace. We are the chosen because of Your love towards and we are not ashamed to say, we belong to You! Worthy is the Lamb of God and greatly to be praised!

I am the redeemed of The Lord and I say so--loudly, consistently, proudly and boldly! Without God, where would I be? Who else could I run to in my hour of need? Who else would wrap their loving arms around me and comfort me when no one else even knew the trials and challenges I faced and endure? Who, but God--can remedy wrongs--without hatred or bigotry? When love reigns--there is no fear and where there is no fear--there is no need for hatred or bigotry. Where there is no hatred or bigotry--the land is healed and peace reigns! Hallelujah for our reigning Lord, Jesus Christ!

Reign on in the hearts of men and women and children everywhere, King Jesus!

We Wear What We Are!

Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.” Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the LORD stood by. The angel of the LORD gave this charge to Joshua: “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in obedience to me and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here. Zechariah 3:3-7 NIV

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, Ephesians 6:14 NIV

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8 NIV

Whatever is in our heart is what will overflow,

What we say comes from its abundance,

What we do represents what we think,

What others see is who we really are.

Lord, help us to be more like You,

So You will be seen, not us!

The image others see

Should be You and not me,

Not others, on this journey, life.

Shower us with the love we need,

From above, abiding within,

Guiding our thoughts, words and deeds.

Abiding In His Peace!

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. “All this I have spoken while still with you.  But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:23-27 NIV

While the world turns and slides and collides with the chaos and confusion that reigns in the minds of all those who don't know Jesus, we who know Him, can rest and abide in His Peace.

Where there is peace--calamity cannot exist.

Where there is peace--differing opinions are accepted and embraced.

Where there is peace--the mind stays focused on matters of importance.

Where there is peace--there is love and hatred has no space to hide.

Where there is peace--we recognize that all human beings belong to the same race.

Where there is peace--we hear from God and obey.

While we were never promised to have a life without challenges or obstacles, we are promised that because Jesus has overcome the world, we can move forward in His peace and know the victory He has already declared.

Promoting fear--of anything or anyone--in order to promote an agenda that is not of God, will never result in anything constructive, but rather destructive. If we look at history--those who deceived the masses by igniting fear--were exposed by the results of their deeds and the greater fear--came upon them and their history--all the destruction that resulted because of their actions--became their legacy.

We know that where there is fear--no love exists--because perfect love--unconditional love--forces fear to flee. So if we want to change the landscape of hopelessness (declared by others) we must learn to love--all people and want the very best--for all people--not just a handful--and the only way we will accomplish that goal is to allow Holy Spirit to direct our every move and thought. He knows what the Father desires and He will never lead us astray.

I don't know about you, but I love a peaceful environment in my home, in my community, and everywhere I go. It is so much easier to smile and hold conversations with complete strangers--when no one fears anyone--and peace reigns. Love wants the very best for each of us and where there is love--peace reigns and where peace reigns--love grows and grows and grows.

It's time--for all of us to stop thinking we have the answers--for anything--and realize that the true solutions to any problem we could ever face is in Jesus. He is our provider, our healer, our comforter and our reason for being--here in the earth realm--to promote His peace, so we can live in peace and harmony with all--knowing how to disagree, agreeably!

If we allow others to lead us away from God's Truth and become fearful of anything or anyone--we might want to check our love-gauge--and if low--go back to Him and have Him replenish us with the abundance of love He has for us. Abide in His Peace!

Staying Strong!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV

When we're attacked by people--for various unfounded reasons--it's difficult to always remember that our fight is not with flesh and blood, but with the negative, demonic spirit that reigns in the atmosphere. What we must remember is to stay strong--no matter what fiery darts the enemy throws our way--and listen to the Spirit within, allowing Him to guide all we do.

I'm concerned about all of the verbal attacks I've seen against people--multitudes of people--simply because of differing opinions. I'm appalled by the racism and bigotry that pervades discussions--especially by those who, for whatever reason, think they are superior to others. And then, most of all--I'm saddened by comments from those who proclaim to be Christians with the level of racism and bigotry displayed in their remarks.

On more than one occasion, I've been told that my comments to people who respond to me negatively demonstrate my peaceful attempt to discuss a matter. Just recently I was told that my posts made more sense than 99% of those posting to a particular article.

I am a peacemaker--not a peace breaker and in all of my comments--to the articles--I have not attempted to denigrate anyone, but I am usually the target of those who hate--just because they see I am a black woman. I don't as a rule respond to these attacks because it's not worth the time, but where I see false accusations levied, I question the poster about their evidence. Most don't like it because they have none--and manufactured or manipulated evidence--is not evidence of anything other than deceptive practices. Though I seldom reference being a Believer, most pick up on that fact by how I respond to those who attempt to engage in negativity.

I have no time for haters and detractors who talk loud and say nothing. As a result, I spend more time praying for those who are clearly in need of our Savior, Jesus Christ than I do in responding to them. And when prompted in my spirit to respond, I do--with clarity, seeking peace, while respecting differences of opinion. I just don't understand why some people think they are the only ones entitled to express an opinion.

But this is how I stay strong in the midst of the battle that is not of my making. I look to the Word and stay mindful of how I represent Jesus in all I do and say. I do not resort to name-calling or making hateful remarks. Some of the remarks  (targeted at me) made are so laughable that I simply sit back and shake my head, laughing and thinking, "if only they knew."

We have been given direction in God's Word as to how to stay strong when under attack and I believe when we listen and obey, we become the tools that God uses to extinguish the hateful rhetoric. So, we have to stay--armored up--to stay strong in The Lord and we must remember--it is not the people--for they don't know any better--it is the deceptive spirits reigning in their lives that creates the atmosphere and we fight with The Word, not destructive words.

Hallelujah Anyhow!

Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!” Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Revelation 19:5-7 NIV

It's mid week and it has been an interesting week for a number of reasons.

In politics--it has been one conspiracy theory after another--the same stuff repeated over and over again--the same hate spewed over and over again, but I'm just looking to the day when The Lord returns and none of this--happening on earth--will ever matter again. Hallelujah, anyhow!

On a personal level--some things get better and then some--well--this roller coaster called life is what it is--it has it's up and downs and we just keep it moving to get through it. Hallelujah, anyhow!

No matter what we do or say--someone is not going to be happy and some will even get so angry they'll do stupid stuff and wonder why their lives get so messed up and few people want to be around them. Hallelujah, anyhow!

What we have to learn to do is to praise God through everything--the good, the bad, the ugly and just look to Him who is the author and finisher of our faith. No one in politics can do for us what God does--so I'm just going to praise Him! I'll praise when I understand what's going on around and even when I don't. I'll praise Him when there is money in my pocket and even when there isn't. I'll praise when I'm feeling great and praise Him even more, when I don't feel 100% percent. Praising God is not about my feelings or emotions at any time; it's about praising Him for His goodness all the time--no praise ever withheld because of our circumstances! Hallelujah, anyhow!

There are some people who have decided they don't like my political stance and have stopped following me on social media accounts. I'm not angry or sad--it's their right to follow those of their choosing and it's my right to say what I want to say--about anything and everything as long as I'm not upsetting My Daddy--who is Lord of Lords. Hallelujah, anyhow.

I'm praising God for giving me the stamina and the courage to defy those who pretend they belong to Him, but are actually employed by the enemy. Hallelujah, anyhow!

I'm praising God for Him choosing me to be a watchman in this hour--bold enough to speak Truth whether people want to receive it or not and yet capable of loving all--no matter what. Hallelujah, anyhow!

There is no reason for anyone who belongs to Him to be fearful or sad or angry about anything going on around us. He is the same God--yesterday, today and forever, who deserves our praise no matter what. When we KNOW and UNDERSTAND HIS WORD, we don't have to fight with others over differences of opinion. We just trust God to know what He's doing and know that everything will be as He desires it to be.

No matter what men might try to do to us--they are limited in their ability--unless we allow them to do so--to keep us from praising God--so, Hallelujah, anyhow!

Just Remember His Word!

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:1, 6, 7 NIV

Though there may be many things that we see in the news--both locally and nationally--we should not allow our hearts to be troubled or dismayed.

When we look to Jesus--the Author and Finisher of our faith, we know there is nothing impossible for Him.

Whatever the situation is, no matter how dark things may look, we must remember that He is the Light.

No matter how hateful others act around us--we must remember that He is Love!

No matter how angry we may want to get at the lies perpetuated in the media--about anything--we must remember that He is Truth and the truth shall keep us free--from lingering on thoughts of defeat or failure. Through Christ Jesus--we have victory!

Our weapons are not carnal, but spiritual and they are more powerful than any material weapon or words. We have Holy Spirit residing within and He will (if we let Him) guide all of our thoughts and keep our focus on Him who loves us and we don't have to think about those who hate--for no reason.

We don't have to concern ourselves about those who would create divisiveness and inequalities among any people because we know--In Christ, there is no gender, nor racial divide, nor ethnic divide--there is only truth in Him. "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28 NIV

If we just remember His Word--we won't allow the present circumstances or situations to derail us by allowing our focus to stray. With God going before us--He is more than the world against us.

When people lie in an attempt to persuade, we simply need to speak truth or type truth as it is written and not stoop to the levels of those who deliberately lie to distort the truth.

When truth has been revealed and the haters keep reviling us--just remember His Word--God is watching and He knows all about it.

There are some who just keep repeating the same lies--day after day, minute after minute--even though the truth has been publicized--they find it more beneficial to lie because they think the consistent repetition--will make the lies the truth--if they just keep saying it. That is not how God works because He is not a man that He should lie. And considering the fact that He has prepared a place for all liars in the lake of fire, He would not condone lying for any reason.

We don't need to follow anyone who promotes hatred of others because if we know Him, we know that He is Love and love covers a multitude of faults.
Not one of us on this earth is perfect or all-knowing, but He is and in Him we live and move and have our being. Not one of us knows the number of hairs on our head (if we have hair), but He does. Not one of us knows the end from the beginning, but He does. Not one of us can change anything about a person just by thinking we can, and God won't. He allows everyone to be exactly who they want to be.
Some accept God has a better plan that we could ever have and some don't.
Throughout our lives--God gives us CHOICE and He respects our choices--never attempting to control what we do--against our will and we should follow His example--not man since man is fickle and always changing their mind.
When we know truth--about any situation--we should rely upon the truth and ignore vicious lies and half truths because a half truth--IS A WHOLE LIE!
When we're wrong--about anything--we should own it and rectify it as quickly as we can so we can continue to do the good works He has put upon our hearts.
We don't get discouraged by what we see because we live by faith in God, not by the sight of comes before us. Just remember His Word!

Conspiring To Lie!

But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Acts 6:10-15 NIV

When people are determined to ruin others--by any means possible--they conspire with others to spread false rumors--thinking that the more the lies are repeated, the greater the likelihood people will believe them--eventually.

Stephen was not the first person to fall victim to this malady of envious human nature. He was simply the victim  of egotistical people who thought if people heard the truth, they would lose whatever control over them, they had.

Jesus suffered this fate--when the Pharisees--the religious sect were afraid of losing their influence and control over what people did. They conspired with Judas to have him arrested and many false witnesses testified against him.

Unfortunately, when we don't know history, we cannot learn from it or perhaps, our egos just get in the way and we determine to plod through another episode of falsehoods, lobbied against a person. We see this in our political climate and quite frankly, it's enough to make a person physically ill--just the hatred demonstrated by those who claim to be followers of Christ. The same was true with those who falsely accused Jesus and Stephen--they claimed to know God.

How do people create lies out of partial trues to support their falsehoods? They take bits and pieces of truth and coat it with layer upon layer of lies and repeat it and repeat until they believe the lie to be truth. In the case of Stephen, the naysayers said, "he never stops speaking against this holy place and the law," which was truly stated, but not the truth. Stephen was proclaiming the Good News--that we were no longer under the law (observing various religious acts), but under Grace and the temple that we worship--was not a building made by hands, but the body God created where Holy Spirit dwells.
And because those in authority were upset about losing their influence, they had Stephen stoned to death. This is what happens when religious people--who do not understand how Holy Spirit works--are in a position to destroy others.

If we look at the Republican party--the "so-called party of religious liberties" we see the same scenario being played out over and over again. Some have conspired to lie and create falsehoods that others can repeat until they believe them. And the perpetrators are more dangerous now since we have "instant" technological advances that portray images--most of which are laminated with lies.

Pictures--have been used to distort truth by those in position to broadcast it on television stations that produce false news as a living.

People with grudges write books filled with lies and those who are gullible and not interested in truth--attempt to use the lies as evidence for their contempt. And then there are those who create manipulated videos to further compound the lies and since people don't realize how "digital technology" can be manipulated--they believe what they see because it is what they want to see, not necessarily a representation of truth, but they promote it--anyway.

Events--have been distorted by truly stating something happened, but layering it with lies so the truth is no longer recognized.

And even when truth is revealed--with evidence--the lies have been told so long that people are not interested in the truth because the truth does not support what they want to believe about a person. That is really sad, but also destructive and God is watching. He knows what the truth is and He knows who is conspiring to distort the truth for personal advantage.

No matter who is conspiring to promote lies and deception, Truth will always win and history will always expose the conspirators--because they cannot hide from God.

If people are conspiring to lie out of fear--for any reason--it is evidence that love does not reside within them since perfect love casts aside fear.

Looking Ahead!

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:10-14 NLT

"Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it" (Winston Churchill).

On the surface, it would appear that there is a contradiction to what Paul is saying and what Churchill said (hundreds of years later)--but is there really? On the one hand Paul is telling us to forget the past--all the wrongs committed by us or against us before we knew Christ and look ahead--focused on Jesus. And on the other hand--Churchill reminds us to remember--all those things that led us into precarious situations and learn from them so we don't do them again.

If we really look at what is being said and the context in which it is said, there is no contradiction--but a concern--expressed to help us to keep moving forward.

Holding onto to past hurts and never forgiving others--keeps us in a holding pattern and for some--in a rut--stuck in the past and never able to move forward. We are reminded in God's Word to let go--of those things that burden us--and keep us from achieving what God has planned for us. I can say--without hesitation--that keeping things bottled inside because of something that happened in the past causes more damage--physically, emotionally and spiritually--than it ever helps.

So what if someone hurt your feelings? So what if they stole from you? So what if you didn't get the job you wanted? If we allow hurt feelings to get in our way or keep us from living a full life--the only person we're hurting is us. People--bad people--steal from others all the time, but things can be replaced, so we must keep moving forward and not allow that deter us from receiving God's best. And yes, many of us have been overlooked for positions we wanted and were qualified to do, but perhaps--just perhaps--those who overlooked us did us a favor by freeing us to receive what God has for us. 

But what we must remember--not holding grudges--is to think about what led us into the predicament with an open mind, so we can learn what not to do. If someone hurt our feelings--how did we get to that place? Was it because of our misplaced trust--low self-esteem or simply being naive? If they stole from us--was it because of our negligence in securing what belonged to us? If we were overlooked for a position--was it because we trusted mere mortals more than God? Did we seek Him--and His wisdom in making all decisions? If we are not able to "study" what we've done in the past, we'll never learn from it and will--keep repeating the past--ensuring the same results. And this is what Churchill was talking about--in the broader sense of what leads to wars and loss of life.

What did we learn from history about racial equality? Did slavery--treating other human beings as sub-humans not teach us anything about the fact that none of us are superior to another? Did we not learn from the past that in any society, women should be treated with equality--same pay and respect shown to men? Did we not learn that words have power and we should watch what we say about and to others? Must we continue on a merry-go-around that is moving faster with each generation--trying to hold onto to myths about people--until we are flung off because of our pride? We cannot keep doing the same foolish things over and over expecting different results--which is the definition of insanity (Einstein).

It's time for us to get off the merry-go-round of life holding onto misguided beliefs about people that do nothing to unite us as human beings, but do everything to keep us from grasping and achieving what God wants for us. Let's learn--from past histories and yesterdays--how to treat each other with loving kindness so we can forego all the bitterness that is bound to occur when we refuse to learn from the past.Let's move on--looking forward to all the great things God has in store for us.