The Grace of God Ignites Faith!

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Titus 2:11-15 NIV

Remember hearing anyone say, "if not for the grace of God, there go I?"

Usually, this statement is made by people who look upon the tragedies endured by others--homelessness, addiction, loneliness, dissonance, isolationism, all those things that set them apart from the "normalized" view of the world. And it's true, if not for the grace of God, where would I be?

I could have been lost in sin, but Jesus stepped in

Reminded me of His love and why He came from above,

To shoulder all I could not handle on my own,

And not only to me, has His love been shown.

Whenever I see, helplessness and despair in the eyes of others,

I'm reminded to help all my sisters and brothers,

In Christ for if it had not been for His grace,

I could be standing in their place.

I could be as despicable as those who hate,

But in this life, loving others was always my fate.

So, how could I give up or give in to defeat,

When His Grace has my made my triumph complete?

A word of encouragement for all who read and see just how much we have to be thankful for in spite of the greed and corruption we see emanating from the White House and those court jesters in charge.

We have an opportunity to change the landscape and our fate by voting out those who are abdicating their constitutional responsibility and electing those who care about all people and will uphold the constitution--no matter what. Congressional representations should not be shackled with party partisanship, but bonded to serve all Americans--no matter who voted for them. That's what it means to be a true Patriot.

 

With this in mind, I still implore those who will to support my impending run for president in 2020. The foundation is being laid and more information will be updated on a regular basis as need warrants, but for now, I am encouraged and inspired by the Grace of God to move forward in the face of immeasurable odds.

Courage is the discovery that you may not win, and trying when you know you can lose. - Tom Krause

I will not allow any negative thoughts or dastardly deeds by others to deter me. I will continue to fight the good fight of faith and prepare to enter the White House in 2021 as the next president of the people. Hope you'll join me in this venture so we can all celebrate the victory and triumph of being Everyday Americans!

Power of Truth!

The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” Even as he spoke, many believed in him. To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:29-32 NIV

When we have done all we can do--the only thing is to depend on God and the power of Holy Spirit giving courage and boldness to all who speak truth.

For today, with the testimony of those who know truth--when truth is spoken and received--it has the power to destroy the lies and plots of the enemy and set us all free from the debacle that resides in the White House.

On the road to freedom--truth will be the foundation on which we rebuild trust and respect in the world.

Silent!

Let me not be put to shame, LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and be silent in the realm of the dead. Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues. Praise be to the LORD, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege.In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. Love the LORD, all his faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:17-24 NIV

There is a time to be silent so we can hear The Lord and then there are times when our silence becomes the death knoll for those who don't have a platform or venue in which to speak. I choose to be silent long enough to hear what The Lord is speaking to my heart and then empowered by His love and wisdom, I boldly stand up and speak out against injustice and liars.

Now is not the time to be silent when our government is running amuck with plans being made to benefit only the rich 2% of the nation's population. The other 98% deserve the same consideration of any and all policies and anything less--will not be tolerated.

Now is the time and America is the place for all who understand--JUSTICE FOR ALL--to resist the terrorist in the White House and stand up and speak out before all is lost for generations to come.

Silence in the midst of turmoil and chaos is consent to everything happening around us. Don't be part of the problem--be a part of the solution that all may live in peace and prosper as our souls prosper--do the right thing at all times.

Many were silent when the Jews were being arrested and transported to camps were they were killed-- when had they had the courage to stand up and speak out--those killed would still be here. We cannot allow history to repeat itself and encourage genocide of the poor and the elderly with the current health plan engineered to enrich insurance companies and all those republicans who are heavily invested in them.We cannot allow the round-up and deportation of immigrants to continue--separating families--of people who only wanted a better life--not a bitter one.

Stand up America! Now is not the time to be silent on issues that will impact the lives of all in a negative way.

Many are those who believed the lie the liar told and now that it's time for action, they too can see how they were misled and deluded by the fanfare accompanying the entertainer who has proven he is not equipped to govern.

Stand up America! Now is not the time to be silent on issues that will impact the lives of all for generations to come!

The clown in the White House proceeded to the position of a leader of the free world with assistance by Russian hacks, collusion, and false propaganda, and lies upon lies about his opponent--Hillary, but now--all who have eyes to see and ears to hear--understand what she was trying to warn us about and many more--saw the light, but the corrupted ones, kept her from the Oval Office and now we have the Twisted Terrorist making policies that will lead to the deaths of many.

Stand up America! Now is not the time to be silent! Now is the time to actively resist and oppose the terrorist in the White House.

Found In Darkness!

For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)—then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet. 2 Peter 2:4-16 NKJV

From then to now-God in His infinite Wisdom knew how to preserve those who listened to those who spoke what He said--not the scorners, the religious group.

Remember this: People didn't listen to Noah and promoted the propaganda that he was crazy--and in the end at the appointed time--when it began to rain--only Noah and his family was saved.

People didn't listen to those alarmed by what they saw Hitler do and he used false propaganda to convince people "he was the only one right." And what happened to him and six million Jews? He destroyed lives and lost his own through lies and manipulations because of his insecurities, fragile ego, and cognitive disabilities. History does repeat itself--often--when people refuse to learn from the mistakes of the past.

There are far too many instances that could be cited from history that show us what happens to people who drink from the glass of greed and corruption--believing the lies of the enemy and their surrogates who say, "I and only I can fix it."

With all of the evidence coming to the surface as to how the 2016 election was manipulatively rigged, history will again place America under a cloud of darkness because of one person--whose greed and ambition allowed foreign actors to influence a democratic process to accomplish an agenda through bribery in order to supplant right with wrong.

"Oh the tangled webs we weave when we practice to deceive!"
 

 

The stage lights have been turned up and sitting in the middle with their places marked are Vladimir Putin and Donald J. Trump--the actors who have upstaged the democratic process for personal greed and oh have they deceived the masses who believed the lies--fake news, corrupted emails, and promoted it all out of hatred. But the end has not yet been told and when it's over--the two shall be left on the stage in darkness because they will be exposed and naked for all the world to see--hate for hate, greed and corruption, traitors and demons.

We have not seen the last act and though it may be tortuous for a moment--even the blind shall see how foolishness and hatred create chaos and crises for more than a few, but those who Believe God--will survive to write the story of how good triumphs over evil--once again and only the evil ones will be cast into darkness for all eternity.

 

Lord, our Lord, when will people stop hating others so much they refuse to see truth when it's right in front of them? Thank You for the Lord You keep pouring into us--to love all--and for the boldness and courage to speak truth whether people want to hear it or not.

30 Days of Prayer and Praise--26!

I will sing of your love and justice; to you, LORD, I will sing praise. I will be careful to lead a blameless life— when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.The perverse of heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with what is evil.  Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate. My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; the one whose walk is blameless will minister to me. No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence. Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land; I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the LORD. Psalm 101 NIV

Day 26

Lord Jesus,

Once again, we come to You, humbled by Your Word--realizing that every situation in life that we could possibly experience, You have already addressed.

Even now, with all the evil afoot and the plots and plans to dehumanize the poor and needy and women across this nation, we know that You have a plan for all involved in the wickedness.

Lord, thank You for surrounding us with like-minded people who will obey and silence the evil ones, reminding them on a constant basis of Your Word--especially those who proclaim to know You, but by their actions, we know they do not.

Continue to strengthen our resolve to see justice for all and for giving us the wisdom to engage lawmakers in the fight for what is right. Remind them O, Lord--that in the end, they must still stand before You and Your judgment against them will be as swift as their judgment against those whose voices they refuse to hear and acknowledge.

Thank You, Lord for those who are willing to speak up on behalf of those who are fearful, giving us the courage to say what must be said, calling out lies and liars, evil and truth, without risking our place in heaven.

And on this day, we thank You for being in the chambers of Congress--speaking to the hearts of every person elected to serve the needs of the people, not a party agenda, and bringing them into the light of truth, according to Your Word, not the dictates of man.

You are indeed a mighty God, awesome in power and magnanimous in justice and all Your judgments are just! We praise You for Your might acts of redemption and snatching from the fire those who are endangered because of following wolves in sheep's clothing. Thank You for exposing for all the world to see--how much darkness resides in the hearts of those who embrace the idea of power, but have no knowledge of how to use it--effectively and with equity for all.

We know, O God, that our work is not in vain and that we are simply the instruments being used to effect Your goals in the land. Thank You for finding us worthy to be used by You.

In Jesus' name we pray and thank You, Amen!

A Word of Encouragement!

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:6,8 NIV

We know why Moses had to encourage the children of Israel. They were afraid of change and Moses was no longer going to be with them. But he reminded them that The Lord would always be with them and they were not to be afraid.

Those words ring very true today. We need to be strong--strengthened daily by Holy Spirit, determined to move forward knowing that God is going before us and He will never leave us.

Whatever the challenge or obstacle that attempts to get in our way of obeying God and promoting the Gospel, confront it--head on--with love and know that whatever The Lord has put on our hearts to do, He is faithful to see it completed.

So move out--in faith--very courageous and determined--to get it done.

Moving Forward With Greater Determination!

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 6:5-9 NLT

Most Believers know the story--Saballat's envy and deceptive ploys to stop Nehemiah from building the wall. And for those who don't know--any good translation of the Bible will reveal the plot to deceive and thwart, but when God has put something on our hearts to do--nothing the enemy does, will matter. When Nehemiah, the king's cupbearer, prayed and repented for the people, he went before the king with his request to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem. "And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests." Nehemiah 2:8 NIV.

The first chapter of Nehemiah contains his prayer and why he was praying. The second chapter reveals his requests and the king's response. After that--the story unfolds as the challenges, the belittling and persecution those who were working on restoring the wall endured. And when Sanballat conspired to stop the rebuilding, God strengthened all the workers involved and by His spirit--kept Nehemiah encouraged and determined to complete the mission.

Perhaps, there are some people today who want to have something restored in their lives and need the courage to complete the mission--regardless of the challenges set before them. Perhaps, there are some already in the process of completing a mission and need encouragement to keep going to finish the task.

Perhaps, what is getting in their way, is the lack of repentance and submission to God's Will. Prayer--for all involved in the task--and repentance is in order. When we speak to God in sincerity, recognizing our shortcomings and the wrong paths we've taken, He is faithful and just and will hear and honor our requests.

Now, we have a job to do. God has put on our hearts a variety  tasks that only we can do and those tasks vary for every individual. Hear God and know what He wants done in your life and then--be determined to move forward. When obstacles get in the way, pray--asking God for strength to endure and move forward with greater determination to get the job done to the glory of God.

Gather your courage, pray for endurance, and keep moving forward with greater determination to do all God has put on your heart to do!

Are We Praying?

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:2-6 NIV)

When I think about what I might do if I was in chains, I wonder if I would have had the fortitude that Paul had. I honestly don't know the answer to that because I've never been locked away from people or in chains. I can only pray that my devotion to God would enable me to do likewise.

But that's the key--devotion--totally dedicated and committed to doing what is needful. Although most of us are appalled with the way the terrorist groups treat Christians, we must admit they are totally devoted to their goal--no matter how inhuman it is. They are so committed to accomplishing their goal they are willing to die to see it come to pass.

I don't want to be involved with taking the life of a another human being, but wouldn't it be great if the rest of us were as devoted to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the terrorists are in trying to decimate us?

This, then is why Paul encouraged the church at Colosse (and us) to devote ourselves to prayer--being in constant communication with God about everything that concerns us. He cautions us to be watchful--paying attention to the changes taking place around, hearing Holy Spirit when He warns us of things to come, and taking whatever action we need to take to make sure the way of the Gospel is never blocked or closed to all those who desire to hear it.

Let's face it--we have not always heeded Paul's advice which is why there are so many changes in our society--and not all of them good. We were not being watchful when Madeline Murray O'Hara decided that her children didn't need to be exposed to anyone praying in schools. The Body of Christ didn't think she'd accomplish her goal and did nothing and so today, the school systems all over the country are running amuck because open prayer is not allowed. In other words--the devil won that round. But there are still those who are devoted to praying--and students are leading prayer circles in limited situations. Hooray for the brave, bold students, but what happened to the adults who should have been fighting for the rights of all to hear and agree with the prayers?

Once again, Christian Leadership in the country failed to act on warnings by Holy Spirit and the Supreme Court has led the way for the downward spiral of morality and we shall soon see such decadent immorality that it will make our dead ancestors cringe in unbelief. Were we praying before issues reached the Supreme Court? Were we praying that our elected body of legislators would do their jobs?

Are we praying--even now--or have we become complacent and apathetic--willing to just let things take their course?

My daily prayer includes thanking God for wisdom being poured out upon every leader in this country--that they will hear from heaven and act accordingly. I'm praying that those who made the decision to legalize sin would repent and for those participating in sinful acts would repent and seek God. I thank God for the ability to love, the boldness to teach His Word, and the wisdom to know what to say and when. I thank God for inspiring me to teach my children and grandchildren to learn to please God, not man. And more importantly, I've taught them to seek God--communicating with Him on a daily basis--for answers to all their questions and solutions for all their problems.

Are we praying? Are we devoted to seeking God for every situation we encounter--for peace in the world and salvation for all?

Lord, give us insight to know that we will never have the answers for all the world's problems, but You do. And when You speak to us--directing us in how to help solve them, give us an ear to hear and a made-up mind to do--just as You direct us to do, exercising Godly wisdom at all times. Thank You for loving us enough to give us chance after chance to get things right before You return. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!

Good Works Completed!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don't Be Afraid!

"Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua told his men. “Be strong and courageous, for the LORD is going to do this to all of your enemies.” (Joshua 10:25 NLT)

FEAR--is an attitude (primarily developed out of ignorance of the unknown) that keeps people from doing the very best they can. When people "act" on their fears, innocent people are killed; hatred drives them to destruction, and nothing good ever results from it.

Perfect love--unconditional love towards all human beings--casts fears aside and opens the door to knowledge, revelation, and understanding. Just because are different or do things differently than how we do them--they are still human beings, worthy of love and our understanding.

How can we say, we "hate" someone or a group of people, when we really do not understand them? Racial strife and religious bigotry should never be part of anyone's life who claims to know God. Did He not make us all in His image? Regardless of our racial background, nationality, ethnicity or religious affiliation--God created us all for His purposes, not our own.

There are so many cultural differences in the world that they are far too numerous for me to disseminate in this commentary, but suffice it to say, that we are "all uniquely created human beings" and if God had wanted clones, He could have done that! We are "fearfully and wonderfully made" so God gets the glory for our uniqueness and various talents and gifts that He gives so we can do all that He would have us to do.

Rather than hate people because of differences, why can't we spend the time getting to know people and getting to understand why they do what they do, instead of assuming they are wrong and we are right? Are we always right? NO! Are they always wrong? NO! Do people have a right to be who they are rather than who we want them to be? ABSOLUTELY!

The only thing that Christians have a right to judge is "sin" (according to God's Word), not people. We have a right to call sin what it is, but we do not have a right to hate people or to condemn them. Judging what they do (as does the law of the land) is one thing. Judging them and concluding they can never change--is not our job. In the end--God will determine where we all spend eternity based upon our works in the earth (what we actually do).

While there is yet time--open your heart and hear God--know His heart and how He feels about all of His people. Embrace the cultural differences and get to know people rather than judge them. Accept the fact that not everyone is going to see things your way or understand why you do what you do and enjoy discussion and interactions with those who are "different" from you.

This is how we make a difference in the world--acceptance of people--without judgment or hatred--allowing ourselves to understand them and for them to understand us. So, don't be afraid to get to know someone who is "different" than you! You just might be surprised at how wonderful your life and theirs will be!

"Red, yellow, black or white--we are all precious in His sight!" Jesus loves and so should we!

Do It Today!

"but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:13 NKJV).

Since none of us knows when a day will be our last, we must use every opportunity we have to--exhort--caution, advise, with an urgency that will resonates in the hearts of all who either hear what we say or see what we say. There is no better time than now--today--to encourage all to come to know the Risen Savior for themselves.

"It's not my mother, not my brother, but it's me O Lord, standing in the need of prayer"

"Not my sister, not my daddy, not my uncles or my aunties, not my grandmas or my grandpas, not my friends or my enemies, but it's me standing in the need of prayer--for salvation and courage to share the Good News!"

The first quoted line is from a song, sung by many from a long time ago.

The second quoted line is an addition--by me--to express the urgency in our message. While we do what we can to share the Gospel, we must always be mindful, that we also need prayer--to stay in relationship with God because this journey is not so easy that we cannot be tempted to fall back and away from all He has taught us.  And we need the encouragement of others to keep going--prayer for courage to continue no matter what happens. Those of us who know The Lord, are not exempt from the enemy's attacks; indeed we are the target of his attacks so we need much prayer--from ourselves, for ourselves and from others who love The Lord.

No one said this journey would be a bed of roses--and if anyone believed that it would be--they forgot that roses come with thorns.

Sometimes the walk with Christ can be rockier than a roller-coaster in an amusement park and there is nothing amusing about it. Sometimes, the walk can be more slippery than a muddy mountain climb, with nothing to hold onto but our faith. Sometimes, the journey has more chaos than a violent storm, but in the midst of the storm, we have the power to speak peace and journey on.

Today--yes, today--make sure you share the Good News with all you know and even those you don't! Today, may the be last chance they will have to hear, believe, and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Let's get it done, today!

What We Have!

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

The Spirit of The Lord
That abides within us
Rises and takes control
In times of turmoil
And combats our fears
Turning them into courage and determination,
Assuring victory at every turn.

The Spirit of The Lord
Strengthens and empowers us,
Motivating, exercising, building
Muscle-bound perseverance,
Thought-binding power over
Every negative situation, shielding
And volleying whatever the enemy
Throws our way.

The Spirit of The Lord,
Who knows nothing but Love,
Constantly replenishes and pours
Into us, all He receives from above,
And then, The Spirit of The Lord
Moves upon us to journey this land
With knowledge, wisdom, and power
To accomplish what's needed in this hour
So all might have access to the Gospel
We know and share with our lives!

This is what we have,
When The Spirit of The Lord abides
And thrives in us,
Courage, power, love, and a sound mind!

Enticed by Sin!

"My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them" (Proverbs 1:10 NIV).

Although Solomon is addressing his son, the advice is relevant to all--men and women.

"If those who are living in sin, doing all those things that God has said is sin, try to entice you to do likewise, don't do it."

Sinful--full of sin--those who see no wrong in doing anything and everything the flesh dictates--"just doing it"--lying, stealing, abusing and molesting children, cheating on wives and husbands, fornication (all sexual sin), favoritism, blasphemy, turning God's Truth into lies to suit their behavior and encouraging others to do what they do--sin.

How do we avoid being enticed to engage in sin?  We stay away from those who commit sin and encourage others to do so. We study God's Word. We work on developing and maintaining a right relationship with God. We focus on hearing and obeying God. This is how we avoid being enticed by those who would lead us into behaviors that would not please God.

When we understand the consequences of our actions and that our actions lead to negative consequences, we should not want to participate. However, when we are interested in doing those things that appease flesh, we are easily led astray.

Unfortunately, the temptation to please self and flesh often overrule common sense--the wisdom needed to know that temporary gratification will not lead to lasting happiness. James reminds us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God for wisdom and He will give it without making us feel foolish. When we operate in the wisdom of God, we make good decisions and can look forward to the positive outcomes that will result in lasting happiness.

Having respect for our bodies--the temple where Holy Spirit dwells (if we are filled with the Spirit of God), means that we avoid behaviors that will destroy the body. Much of the illness and disease we suffer is due to behaviors that are contrary to keeping our bodies healthy, including our eating habits, lack of exercise, smoking, drugs, unprotected sex, etc. Respecting God's Word in all things will keep us mindful of living healthy lives, keeping our temples undefiled, and focused on pleasing God.

Lord Jesus, help us to recognize who people are by their conduct and steer clear of any who would entice us to sin against You!

Greater Power With Us!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him" (2 Chronicles 32:7 NIV).

A wise Christian leader will always encourage those who follow them to not be afraid of the things they see, but to have faith in the One they cannot see, but know is there.

Throughout the Bible we see the words, "be strong and courageous" and "do not be afraid" of anything. People who are fearful make hasty decisions that usually end up causing even more problems than they would have incurred if they had faith and waited.

When faced with obstacles and challenges that appear to overwhelm us, we must remember that we have the greater power within us than the power in the world. This is why we are reminded that "Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world." The enemy may think he has the upper-hand in our lives, but if we remain focused on the promises of God and obey Him only, we have no need to fear what the enemy may do.

Does this mean we never have problems? Absolutely not! We will have trials and tribulations--Jesus told us that, but He also said in John 16, "don't worry about them because He had overcome the world." In other words, He has already prepared the solution before the problem arises.

Think about things this way. Is there anything the enemy does that God cannot turn around in our favor? No! There is nothing too hard for God. Even when we think it appears that God has failed us, He has simply allowed us to go through so He can get the glory in our lives.  We have to develop our faith in God so we can stand and face the enemy in our life (whatever that enemy is--drugs, alcohol, pornography, sexual sin, stealing, lying, fear, etc.), so we can be like Daniel--no matter what happens--we will not worship other gods or be fearful of what man can do because we are never alone--God is always with us!

Hezekiah was faced with the possibility of an entire tribe being destroyed by Assyria. He knew that his military would not fight if they were fearful so he encouraged them to have faith in God, rather than be concerned with mere men in the Assyrian army. We must not be afraid of what mere men can do, for their lives are just as limited as ours, but we (who have a relationship with God) have the promise of eternity with Jesus!  Remember it is not by power or might that we achieve victory, but by the Spirit of  The Lord, working on our behalf.

No matter what happens in the world today; especially when we can see the influence of the enemy roaming wildly, stirring up hatred and violence; we must keep our focus and our faith in God and never fear. "Perfect love (unconditional love) casts out fear."

The Perishables!

“All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish" (Isaiah 41:11 NIV).

A Word of encouragement through Isaiah from God! In the previous verse, God tells the children of Israel, descendants of Abraham (of whom we are by faith), "not to be afraid because He will give us strength, He will help us and uphold us with His righteous right hand." And then--in this verse--He tells them that all those who have attempted to do us harm will be ashamed and disgraced and will eventually perish. That's how awesome our God is! He will allow us to see those who oppose us (simply because we choose to live God's Word), perish--and no longer exist!

So, whatever is causing you anxiety today--be still and know that God is yet with you and you have no need to fear: negative doctor reports, bill collectors, rebellious children, scorners and mockers, and haters of all kinds. Keep doing what you do (that honors God) and by faith and obedience--all that you do will have good success. You will see how everything will change and God will take what the enemy meant for evil and use it to your good. Have faith--don't give up, trust God and speak what He speaks (according to His Word) and watch yourself getting the God-kind of results you need.

When you see all the attempts of the enemy crumble before your eyes--praise God and be even more encouraged to live for Him in obedience rather than in giving into temptation to pacify fleshly pleasures!

God can and will do all He says He will do for those who love Him and obey. He is not a man that He should lie.

Are you looking forward to seeing the perishables disappear? You are being held in God's right hand and it will come to pass! Hallelujah! #Delivered!

Don't Be Afraid!

"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened” (1 Peter 3:14 NIV).

We should never be concerned about what others think when we do what is right "in the eyes of God," seeking to please Him only.

One of the reasons kids join gangs is because they are "afraid" not to join because of threats from gang members if they don't join.

Many adults capitulate to threats by co-workers or bosses to do things that are "unethical" and sometimes illegal, in order to keep a position.

I have been challenged on more than one occasion to change report card grades and when I refused, was harassed by the principal and the school superintendent.  I never changed the grades, but I did eventually leave the school. Who is right in this situation?  I was right and I never back down when I know I'm right. If a student is not willing to work for the grade they want; they get the grade they earned.

In our society, those who are wrong--about many things--think they have a right to harass those who are right, even to the point of threats.

Christians are harassed when they stand up and proclaim sin is sin and won't back down.
 Some have even been arrested on bogus "intimidation" charges. The enemy's camp is afraid that true Believers will influence others so they scream loud and long--about so-called violation of their rights.  But what about the rights of Christians to speak truth about the Word of God? No one is interested in protecting their rights. 

In fact, politicians are swayed by those who threaten all manner of stupidity--lost financial contributions, lost votes--they don't even concern doing the right thing for all people because they are afraid of losing their status.

We are reminded by Peter that we do not have to be afraid.  Rather, we should know we are blessed when we stand for righteousness, doing the right thing at all times, even in the face of threats from the enemy. Being persecuted by those under the influence of the enemy should not be news to anyone.  Jesus said, through John, that we would be persecuted, but we should not concern ourselves with the enemy and his minions; we only need to concern ourselves with doing what is right. Will we do it?

Don't be afraid to confront the enemy and to make him ashamed.  Do the right thing!

Stay Strong!

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in The Lord" (Psalm 31:24 NIV)

Staying strong in the face of adversity, persecution, and ridicule takes courage.  And courageous people are stronger than those who are full of pride and arrogant.  How do we know?  Those who are arrogant--so full of themselves that think rules don't apply to them--or think they know everything--eventually discover the end of themselves when they realize--the rules do apply and they don't know everything.  Those who are full of pride--who think they do not need anyone but them or are too ashamed to ask for help--eventually fall under the pressure of their pride.

But those who dare to stand up--to the bullies, to injustice, to fight for the rights of others, to withstand the ridicule of fools (for The Word says,"the fool has said in his heart, there is no God"), who face enduring illness with determination, who will maintain their faith in God, no matter what--those are the strong.

Think about your reaction to life--the good and bad things that occur almost on a daily basis; are you the strong?  Take heart!  If you are willing to keep your focus on the hope you have in Christ Jesus, your determination will strengthen you and you will know--the hope of glory!