Exposed!

Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts. Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them. A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26:24-28 NIV

One of the reasons that enemies get the best of people is because trusting people simply trust until the enemy is exposed, but sometimes--the exposure comes to late. The very gullible--trust the lying lips and charming speech of those who have no soul and they seldom see beyond the surface of a person's veneer.

How do we know when an enemy lurks within and near? We watch--with guarded hearts and pay attention to whether their actions match their words. Do we see light in their eyes that exposes the transparency of their souls or is there darkness--veiling the evil that fights for control in their soul?

Does the person display paranoid tendencies, claiming someone is always out to get them, following them, or spying on them? Are they constantly complaining about the "false" perceptions others have of them? Are they open to multiple perspectives about issues or are they close-minded, seeking only those they know will agree with them for advice?

Do they think that only what they say is truth and everyone else is a liar?

Is there consistent blame and finger pointing when they refuse to accept responsibility for their own actions?

Years ago, a well-known comedian--Flip Wilson--always made a point of saying in one of his spoofs, "the devil made me do it." Some people--apparently took that literally and accuse the devil of all sorts of things he hasn't done. In fact, the devil can't make anyone do anything other than plant the idea and influence surroundings, but what a person does "their active engagement in anything" is entirely on them. The desire was already within them and they didn't need much to act on their thoughts. If we only do what is right, we never have to fear being exposed for doing wrong.

This is one of the reasons we can rely upon God's Word when we're told through James, that no one should ever say when they are tempted to do something that God tempted them because God will not tempt anyone with evil, but we are drawn into evil by our own lusts--those desires that don't align with God's Word. Reasonably speaking, if God won't make us do anything (we make choices), then the devil won't either. We do what we do because of the desire to do it.

Remember the adage about being able to fool some of the people some of the time, but never all the people, all the time? Those who have discerning spirits--always attentive to the alarms we sense in our spirits when Holy Spirit is warning--know how to recognize the enemy. We watch and take note of all that is not like God and then we warn others, cautioning them to watch as well and not trust a person based upon surface knowledge. Even when we don't know people on a personal level--we can ultimately determine who is leading them simply by paying attention to what they say on social media and how they say it.

The same traits and characteristics we can detect in a person with whom we encounter face-to-face, are detected through what we see said in a "tweet" or a blog post.

The secure individual is not afraid of what others have to say and never expects everyone to agree with them. In fact, they look forward to hearing opposing views and then take the time to scrutinize what has been said and objectively determine whether what was said has merit or not. The secure person is not paranoid and has no fear of what others might do or say to them--they walk in love and The Word tells us that perfect love, casts aside all fears.

The discerning person--hearing what Holy Spirit tells them--will share that insight in an attempt to foil the enemy's plans--exposing them for all they are. Sometimes, exposure comes through the enemy's actions and all the world can see them for what they are. Everything done in darkness or under cover--out of sight--will be exposed to the light of day and scrutinized and judged based upon what is exposed.

There is no cleaning up lies--especially when a person lies about the lies in an attempt to deceive--deliberately--out of greed for power and money.

Knowing in advance that when a person chooses to run for a political office, attempts will be made to "uncover or expose" a person's past, I can rest easy in my decision. There is nothing in my past that hasn't already been publicized in my books in one way or another. My blog posts for the past five years or more have been a mirror into my soul--introspectively--for all who read them. So, I'm continuing the exploratory process, determined to make a difference in America for all Americans.

An Apt Description of 45!

In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. His ways are always prosperous; your laws are rejected by him; he sneers at all his enemies. He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.” He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.” His mouth is full of lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue.He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent. His eyes watch in secret for his victims;like a lion in cover he lies in wait. He lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength. He says to himself, “God will never notice; he covers his face and never sees.”Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, “He won’t call me to account”? But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.Break the arm of the wicked man; call the evildoer to account for his wickedness that would not otherwise be found out.The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror. Psalm 10:2-18 NIV

Thanks to the Psalmist, we have an accurate description of the despot in the White House--both of them.

Now, we can count on The Lord to do what He does best--use those who want to be used to His glory and not their own. We will defend the rights of the poor and the needy because we are commanded to do so in God's Word.

We will move forward, standing firm, never wavering--speaking out against injustice wherever we find it.

We will continue encourage one another in the service of The Lord no matter how many times we hear "an evil report." We will believe the report of The Lord. No weapon formed against us shall by any means prosper--not the threat of hindering others from entering into the land of the free and the brave; not the intent to gaslight--brainwashing the gullible--for they refuse to see what is right in front of them.

We will walk by faith and not by sight and see this battle through to the end and know victory in Jesus' name.

We will stand against the wiles of the enemy for we are not ignorant of his approaches or strategies to commit evil or influence others. Nothing he does shall harm us and he shall be held accountable for all of his wicked deeds and those who follow him or are easily influenced by him to do evil, shall suffer the same fate.

The Lord is a strong tower and we will find safety and strength in Him!

30 Days of Prayer and Praise--12!

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me--God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts— men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. They spread a net for my feet— I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path— but they have fallen into it themselves. My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 57 NIV

Day Twelve

Lord Jesus,

We know You see how those who love You are treated and vilified; how liars spread falsehoods and engage in activities designed to bring us to a place of disaster. But we know, how much You love us and how much You care for all who love You. We thank You for Your faithfulness towards and continued mercy and grace.

Lord, look upon all those who dare to plot against Your children and deliver unto them the same fate they plot against us.

For every foul deed they plot--have it turn again unto them. For every lie they tell to make themselves seem more than they are--expose the lie with truth for all to see.

For every trap they lay--let them be caught in the traps of their making.

For every pit they dig--let them fall into them and suffer whatever plight they planned for others.

For every lie they tell--send ten messengers of truth to expose their lies.

For every deception they plot to fool others--let them fall into the peril of being deceived more mightily than they planned.

For everything they plan to steal to enrich themselves--let it be stolen from them one hundred times more.

Lord, for everyone who plans to do what is right--let their good deeds be known to all and their reward be great.

For everyone who gives out of the capacity of their heart to those who are in need, let their giving be returned unto them one hundredfold.

For everyone who loves--unconditionally--everyone they meet--let the love they share with others be returned without measure so they will continue to love.

For those who encourage hope--to keep others moving forward and never in despair--keep the flame of hope ignited and never let it die within them.

For those who are feeling unloved and discouraged--send to them one who knows You and Your love and is willing to share Your love with others.

For those who are without shelter--guide them to safety and keep them covered, embraced by love and a shelter without fear of being robbed or abused.

Lord, You are the greatest gift we could ever be given--our salvation, our hope, our light in the midst of darkness, our strength to keep moving forward--sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

You, O Lord, are an awesome God! There is truly none like You and No One who will do the things You do for those You love. Our precious is Your love to all who seek to be loved and wide Your arms to gather, embrace and hold onto each of us--keeping us safe from harm.

Look upon this land and into the hearts of all and do justice according to Your mercy as only You can. In Jesus' name we pray and thank You, Amen!

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!

Never Silent!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Standing Against The Devil's Schemes!

"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." (Ephesians 6:11,12 NIV--please read the rest).

The armor of God--designed to cover and protect all the sensitive areas of our bodies from the attacks of the enemy. We can stand against the enemy and thwart his attack when:  our waist (stomach) is covered by Truth and we will not be compromised by lies, Righteousness covers our heart, our feet are ready to promote the Gospel of peace, our Faith is the shield upon which the fiery darts of the enemy are extinguished, our heads are covered with the Helmet of Salvation (we are saved), our Sword, the knowledge of The Word which we carry in our hearts that are protected by the breastplate.

We have all we need to withstand the attacks of the enemy and win, but we must be willing to stand and face the enemy who dares to attack the children of God.

We have to know--we should not lie or accept the lies of others.

We have to know--our faith is in Him and Him alone and trust Him in all things.

We have to know--The Word and how it impacts every area of our lives.

We have to know--the enemy thrives on lies, deceptions, half-truths, and fear because his job is to kill, steal, and destroy.

We have to know--how to recognize the enemy and those who he uses to implement his plan of destruction.

We have to know--that God knows the plans He has for us and those plans are for us to succeed and have victory in every area of our lives. We have to know this and proclaim every time the enemy attacks.

And when we stand--fully covered and prepared for spiritual warfare--we will see the victory that God has already established--no matter what the enemy attempts to do!

Defeated Enemy!

"For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you. If any nation comes to fight you, it is not because I sent them. Whoever attacks you will go down in defeat." (Isaiah 54:10,15 NLT)

The promises of God are "Yes" and "Amen" and we can see them throughout The Word!

When storms arise and violence erupts and there is nothing we can do about the chaos swirling around us, we can go to The Word and know the outcome--His love and protection will remain even if the mountains and hills disappear. He will never stop blessing those who live according to His Word and whose desire is to please Him in all things.

Perhaps, just perhaps, the reason many people only look for the blessings--and disappointed when they don't get them--is because they never understood their part of the covenant--Love God and Obey Him!

And since we can be assured of His continued blessings, we can rest on the knowledge that if the enemy (any nation) "comes" to fight us, they will go down in defeat. Now, that's something to shout about right there! But now, notice--if we go seek a fight, we are not covered under the blessing--we are only covered if the enemy comes to fight us--not if we go to fight them.

When the enemy comes (in whatever shape or form), stand firm on the knowledge of God's Word and know they are already defeated--all we need to do is obey God and do whatever He says to do.

When others come to tempt us to do evil--rebuke them in the name of Jesus and start sharing The Glorious Gospel!

When emotions rise and we are tempted to be depressed or influenced by them to harm self or others--stand firm in the faith that God has plans for us and that nothing in His plans are designed to harm us.

When it seems like nothing we do ever turns out right--we must remember that in Christ--we can do all things and do them well. We have the mind of Christ and we will not allow the enemy to steal our joy or kill our faith! We will stand up and face him with The Sword, always prepared to keep him in his place.

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!