When Wrongs Rise!

A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully. The wicked put up a bold front but the upright give thought to their ways. There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord. Proverbs 21: 28-31 NIV
The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper. Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses. When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive. Proverbs 28:25-28 NIV
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-17 NIV

There is no time in history in which wrongs committed did not surface for all to see. Since there is nothing new under the sun, we can expect the wrongs committed now and in the 2016 election to rise to the surface for all to see and understand how we came to be in this place of chaos and disorder.

The Word from James says it best; "where there is envy and selfish ambition, we'll find disorder and every evil practice." Think about that for a moment.

Who has benefitted from the 2016 election? Who is reversing policies that protected the consumer and the poor? Who has installed family members in the White House who are using their positions to enrich their bank accounts? Who hated President Obama so much they are constantly trying to outdo or undo everything President Obama did for the sake of all Americans? Who has stirred up hate and conflict with their rhetoric and promotion of violence? Who has "removed the hate groups" from the terror watch and eased gun restrictions so the hate groups can harm themselves--in readiness for the coup to take over the government, demolishing democracy? Who indeed is about to reap what they have sown?

It is truly unfortunate that people's lives were put at risk when the shooting that occurred in Virginia on yesterday and it's equally unfortunate that the shooter apparently had his sights set on Republicans. I'm not condoning violence in any form and I'm praying for the victims as well as the family of the shooter. But this is the result of frustration--brought about by a lack of trust in the current leadership and those in Congress. None of the policies under discussion will benefit the poor and the needy and in deed will cause them more harm. I don't know if this is the reason the shooter pulled the trigger; this is only speculation on my part. When people are frustrated beyond measure and can get no relief from a government that is supposed to consider all Americans, they take their frustration and desperation out on others--causing even more problems.

I pray the shooting incident will lead to Congressional Accord between the parties and they will work together to solve our nation's problems and come up with solutions that will benefit all, not just the rich. It should not matter which part holds the majority in Congress if they all care about all Americans--compromise should be possible and even mandated to ensure democracy works in this country.

Where there is no clear leadership (as we have seen for the past six months), militia groups rise and thrive creating even more discord as they perpetuate the promotion of fear, hate, and violence. I would hope that we can prevent this from rising to a level of no-return but all of us, must be vigilant and wise in all we do. Leadership in positions of authority is needed to keep this country on the right track and that means we must vote--exercising wisdom.

I'm counting on wisdom from above to guide all in 2020 as I seek the presidency, providing a strong, clear voice that advocates for all Everyday Americans.

Who's Kissing You?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yield Not To Temptation!

"When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;" (James 1:13 NIV).

And then James goes on to say that we are tempted by our own lusts (evil desires) and when one yields to the temptation, they yield to sin.

Some years ago, Flip Wilson used the phrase, " the devil made me do it" in his comic routine.  Many thought this was funny, especially within the context used. However, it is misleading. The devil does not make anyone do anything, any more than God will make anyone do anything. The devil tempts people to do evil and because they have evil desires, they give in to the temptation.

The enemy uses people to tempt others to land into the lake of fire with him. He influences people to murder, molest, abduct, coerce, mangle, manipulate, lie, cheat, steal, cuss, and commit all manner of disastrous acts that lead people deeper into the pit of no return. But they could not be tempted if the desire to do those things were not already present. Those desires begin with thoughts and if the thoughts are not changed, rapidly, they intensify until the thoughts are acted upon and havoc reigns.

If we want to avoid being tempted--by anything or anyone, we have to change our thought patterns before they become acts that cannot be reversed.

Some might say--they are stronger than that--they don't have to give in. I would encourage all to reflect upon the world events, historically, and recently, that have led to escalated violence and people being killed. All of the acts--began with a thought and thoughts ran rampant--completely unchecked until they became acts.

For change to occur in the world--it must begin with change in every individual's way of thinking--in a positive manner so we can all live in peace, without the threat of continual violence.

Perhaps, we should all lobby legislators to change the way they think--putting people first--above their own personal agendas. And then we should pray--in the privacy of homes and other personal space--and then "out loud" so the enemy will know what we're doing and put him on notice.

Don't allow the evil thoughts and desires to become acts of disaster and then try to claim--God tempted you to do it. He did not. The Word from God will only encourage us to live according to what God says--so we can live to see the promises fulfilled in our lives and to see our future--a future to prosper us and not harm us.

The devil doesn't do anything he was not created to do--and neither should we. We were created to be a praise unto our God and to give Him glory. Let's do it!

Deceptive Storm's Blackmailer

I wonder who is blackmailing whom and why?  Find out in the book--you will be surprised!  There are more storms popping up in this book than on the Atlantic Coast!

When Money Talks (The Romance Novel)

It has come to my attention that perhaps, a number of people have mistaken my romance novel for a financial guide of some sort.  While the book does include "money", the title is indicative of what happens when someone is framed and authorities are led to believe a theft occurred and real culprit is found.  If for any reason, the title misled, I certainly ask your forgiveness.  This novel is about seduction, betrayal, envy and lies.  Watch the book trailer (linked on earlier post on YouTube) and judge for yourself.  I also have taken note that some, did not bother to read "the inside scoop" before purchasing. 

On Amazon.com--reading the inside is imperative to save your valuable time.  It is there for a reason.  Thanks for understanding. 

Mary M. Hall-Rayford

Deceptive Storms Excerpt 5

Reverend Jenkins pulled his ego up from the basement and grabbed a jacket.  As he picked up his brief case, he smiled.  “Not yet, not yet,” he thought.  “It will be all right, in good time.”  He whistled a low tune as he headed out the door.  Once in his car, he mentally began practicing a humble posture.  He saw himself, with head bowed, eyes riveted on the pastor, nodding in agreement to whatever was going to be said.  He practiced appearing interested in the pastor’s personal life by determining what kinds of questions he wanted to ask and to feign surprise or interest.  This meeting was important.  He had to make the pastor feel comfortable with him in order to get him where he wanted him—out of the church in disgrace—was his plan.  And he had already figured out how to do it.  With a little bit of help, he would soon be the rightful pastor of Christian Faith Ministries, the way it should have been.

He groaned inwardly when he thought about how he had been cheated with the appointment.  He had been warned when the church joined the ecumenical organization that a church appointment was not automatic, simply because someone had been a member of the church.   He knew that most of the congregation had really enjoyed the ministry of the Recinoire’s; he just didn’t think he had to worry about the appointment.  Wrong.  He had misread the entire situation.  That wouldn’t happen again.  He had plans and nothing was going to get in his way.  “Nothing, nothing, nothing,” he muttered aloud.

Pulling into the parking lot, he took a deep breath, rotated his head and neck to relieve the pressure and prepared to play the role of his life.  He turned off the engine, snatched his brief case off the passenger seat and climbed out of the car.  After locking the doors, he walked confidently into the church, ready to plant the seeds of his plan.

****

“Come in,” Cal responded to the knock on his door.  Looking up from his notepad, he waited.  When Reverend Jenkins entered, he rose, came around his desk, with extended hand to greet him.

Reverend Jenkins took the extended hand and shook it warmly, clasping Cal’s wrist in the process.  Smiling, he sat in the chair indicated and sat back expectantly.  Cal retreated to his chair behind the desk and sat contemplatively. 

“Thanks for getting here so soon,” he began.  “Your message seemed a bit urgent, how can I help you?”

“Well now, Pastor, I didn’t really call you because I needed help.  I called to see how I could help you.  It’s been a pretty busy first year, so I figured, you could use a little more help around here.  I’m at your disposal to do whatever it is you need done,” Reverend Jenkins’ smile stretched across the lower half of his face without reaching his eyes.

“I must admit I’m surprised at your generosity.  You know the rumor-mill has it that you were upset with not getting the position here.”

“I was disappointed.  Now that I’ve had a chance to see what you’ve done in just a short period time, I’m relieved that I was not appointed pastor.  I don’t honestly know if I could have accomplished what you have.  At any rate, I do know about the rumors and I decided that it’s time to put them to rest.  I wanted to make sure that at tonight’s meeting there is no doubt in anyone’s mind about where I stand.  I want to see this church grow into everything God intends for it to be.”

“I appreciate your attitude Reverend Jenkins and I welcome your assistance.  At the moment, I don’t have anything specific in mind, but I’m sure something will surface soon.  We have more than enough to do to keep everyone busy.  Did you have anything specific in mind?”

“Well, you know we could stand raising some money around here to develop the surrounding land.  Our young people are pretty talented and I was actually thinking about having them perform a knock-out concert.”

“That’s a splendid idea!” Cal exclaimed.  “I was thinking about something similar.”

“Wonderful!  Perhaps, we should present this idea at the meeting tonight.  You know, in order to prepare a concert the magnitude that I’m thinking about, we’ll need at least a year to get everything in place.”

“That’s fine.  I’ll just add it to my agenda under new business.  I’m glad we had this chance to talk and I look forward to working with you on this.  I’m sure the congregation will be glad to see us on the same page as well.  How’s your son?  Doesn’t he sing with the youth choir?”

“Yeah, Vernon sings with the choir.  He could do a better job with some additional training, but it keeps him involved in the church.  He’d rather play basketball than sing, but I’m working on him.”

“Perhaps, we can utilize him to organize some basketball tournaments.  I’m sure he knows other young men who would be interested in playing.”

“I’m sure he would.  I’ll run that by him when I see him later.  Well, I’ll get going so you can get ready for tonight. Thanks for taking the time to see me.”  He stood and extended his hand, ready to leave.

“Anytime.” 

Cal stood up and shook hands with Reverend Jenkins across his desk.  As Torrance Jenkins walked out the door, Cal felt as though he heard a faint siren.  He went to the window and looked out, but could not see any reason for an emergency.  He stopped and listened again, but heard nothing.  Shaking his head, wondering if he was hearing things, he sat down and took up his notepad.

(excerpts posted in random order, book available very soon!)