Who's Really Free?

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:1-6 NIV

The debate about whether to stand, kneel or sit during the a presentation of the National Anthem has become a contentious discussion. Now, it would seem that everyone wants to chime in and have an opinion and most seem to think their opinion is the only one that counts. Before anyone's opinion can be counted, everyone must understand what the debate represents. Kneeling during the anthem is a protest against the injustice suffered by those in the Black community because of police brutality--unarmed Black males being killed.

Now, whether people understand the angst felt in the Black community or not really is not debatable.  Unless a person is Black, they would not understand why some of us feel so strongly about the deaths of young Black males. To fully understand, one must understand the discrimination we've suffered for a very long time. And just to make sure, the message is understood, I encourage everyone to review the history of Black people in this country.

We were imported as slaves, treated like animals or worse, denied the rights provided every human being, babies taken from mothers, families separated, lynched, burned, wrongfully jailed and executed without recourse through any judicial system because the laws were against us, not for us. It was not until 1968 that most of us had the right to vote because we didn't count. Most people don't realize the electoral college was established for those who owned slaves--so they wouldn't have an advantage over those who didn't. (14th Amendment, Section 2) Slaves were set free in 1863, but were still treated like third-class citizens or worse. We had been denied the right to pursue an education, kept of out certain careers and even though many Black men fought in wars "for this country" they were still denied the same rights as others.

There is a stanza of the anthem--written as a poem in 1814--that most are not aware of and it embellishes slavery rather than denounces it and hence--the kneeling during the anthem--is about systemic racism; not about patriotism!

Oh, say! can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming;
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:
Oh, say! does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In fully glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution!
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oh, thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust":
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

When we understand that this country has diminished the rights of Black people and still does not respect us as human beings, we protest and with a peaceful protest where no one is harmed or violated--there should be no dissension or debate about the right to do so.

When trump disrespected Black football players by calling them SOBs, he demonstrated his racism and all who applauded him and encouraged his racist rhetoric demonstrated where they stood.
Systemic racism is still a problem in this country and there is no denying it. The fact that over 70% of all football players in the NFL are Black speaks volumes and the fact that the biggest fans are white also speaks volumes--we are still seen as being nothing more than "entertainers" for those with "white privilege."

I'm taking a stand against those who claim the football players are arrogant, spoiled brats and should be "grateful" for the opportunity to become rich. Do those who make these statements say the same thing about "White Players" or is it just a condemnation of the Black players? Every Black and White football earned the right to play by their relentless pursuit of excellence in playing the game. They were not given spots on a team, they earned them. 

For decades--probably to the chagrin of many people who said, "Black people were inferior to White people--we have proven time and time again, we are not an inferior race of people, but those who are fearful and bigoted have not stopped thinking they are the superior race. Well, I have news for all--there is only one race of people--the human race and none superior to another, but if people want to deal with facts and not fiction, they only have to understand where man originated--on the continent of Africa--and if there was a superior race--it would be the African race--where life began.

If we ever get to a place in society where we can see people and not color, we'll all be better off. We can live in peace and spend our time--collectively trying to find cures for cancer and other debilitating diseases, establishing lifestyles that will preserve the planet for the benefit of all, and keeping the human race--alive, prosperous and vital for the next millennium.

The truth of the matter is--until we are all willing to discuss--rationally--the social injustices that exist with the systemic racism--nothing will ever change. We must come together and understand "the reasons" for the divide and then pursue unity as a whole--for all Americans.

Our Liberty At Risk!

(originally post on medium.com)

There are numerous ways a person’s liberty can be risked and most of us — with functioning brain cells, understand that liberty — in it’s truest sense — always comes with a price and that price has often cost lives.

America — this land in which European immigrants came to escape the persecution of English Rule — this land that was inhabited by natives who lost their own freedom and liberty at the hands of those who “took” more than they ever gave — to anyone — this land on which two wars were fought — Revolutionary War — pitting settlers against England and the Civil War — pitting brother against brother to end slavery.

The Revolutionary War ended with those immigrating to this land defending their right to be free from English Rule and taxation and in establishing Independence from English intervention in whatever they decided to do. Though many lives were lost — America gained it’s liberty — and we now celebrate that on the 4th of July — our Independence Day — breaking the chains that bound us to England. France celebrated with us by giving us a gift — Lady Liberty — who stands in the harbor of New York as a beacon to everyone entering the sacred portal of American freedom. Now, we may have to give “Lady Liberty” back to France since our liberty is at risk.

The Civil War — the north against the south — primarily about liberating enslaved human beings from the dictates of cruel slavemasters — ended with the Emancipation Proclamation — signed by Abraham Lincoln. Another war — costing lives — ending in the liberation of slaves as an ideology, but not a practicality since “Black People” were still not viewed as equal to their white counterparts and were not treated as Americans with the same rights as others. Another venue to obtain liberty for Black People — who had been imported to this land to build it as “free labor,” resulted in the fight for Civil Rights. Notice that both fights involve the term — civil — and yet civility has yet proved, elusive to our society.

As long as there are those who allow superiority-complexes and hate to drive them — there will never be liberty for all in this country and we see it played out in our political system that is eroding on a daily basis. Though we have a constitution — written by those who declared the first leg of freedom from English rule — those in Washington now, apparently feel it has no purpose and it is certainly being ignored by the GOP Congress. If Congress will not uphold its oaths of office, there is no democracy or liberty and we are all left to deal with the fallout of idiocy that reigns in the White House.

There are no excuses — aired or unaired — through any venue or platform that can justify the continued support of the GOP congress for the unfit, temperamental, toddler-in-chief who makes a mockery of hard-fought freedoms that allowed him to be elected in the first place. He avoided serving in the military with phony deferments, lied to his “supporters” about caring about them, and continues to ignore the Constitutional policies put into place to save us from tyrannical rule and financial destruction. But Congress won’t act and as long as they won’t act — the liberty — which cost lives for over two hundred years will be gone and in its place — a Russian agent will dictate per the orders received from Putin.

America is not at risk of danger from without its borders, but from within the White House and on Capitol Hill. I understand why Congress won’t do its job; too many of them knew about the Russian meddling and went along with it so they would win the majority in the 2016 Election and are afraid of being exposed. They have demonstrated that their oaths of office mean nothing in comparison to the “power” they think they have — because they have forgotten — 2018 and 2020 will yield a change in Washington and those who propped up the fake president will pay the ultimate cost — loss of their seats and scorn from their constituents.

The terrorists we should fear are not coming into the country from the Middle East — they are installed in positions of authority in Washington — and they are determined to undermine the stability and security of every American with their “misguided and hateful determination” to revert any policy established by President Obama to save lives, destroying lives in the process, but they don’t care! That’s what hatred does. That’s what ISIS does. That’s what the Taliban does and where I sit — I see no difference in the behavior of either terrorist group and our current Congress.

Of course — everyone is entitled to their opinion and I often air mine through social media platforms. I am not one who is willing to sit silently and allow events that devastate to pass me by without comment. In this current environment of chaos and foolishness, I refuse to be silent, and I will fight for continued liberties of all people and the best way I have determined to do that — is from the White House as President 46 in 2020. With our liberty at risk from the current administration, I encourage all to support me in this endeavor so we can remain “independent” from all foreign influence — especially Russia.

Is This The Journey God Approved?

In those days Israel had no king. And in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking a place of their own where they might settle, because they had not yet come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. So the Danites sent five of their leading men from Zorah and Eshtaol to spy out the land and explore it. These men represented all the Danites. They told them, “Go, explore the land.” So they entered the hill country of Ephraim and came to the house of Micah, where they spent the night.When they were near Micah’s house, they recognized the voice of the young Levite; so they turned in there and asked him, “Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? Why are you here?” He told them what Micah had done for him, and said, “He has hired me and I am his priest.”  Then they said to him, “Please inquire of God to learn whether our journey will be successful.”The priest answered them, “Go in peace. Your journey has the LORD’s approval.”

In reading all of Judges (the entire book), we see what happens to various tribes when they forsake God and look to men to guide them. Even though the Danites inquired of the priest for direction, they misused the information to attack those living in peace. They were the peace-breakers, not peacemakers.

When the colonists came to this land, they were escaping religious persecution and though they were still under the authority of the King of England, they forged their way across the ocean and settled in the land, already inhabited among those who lived in peace, but not for long. They spied out the land just long enough to see that the land was good and the people conquerable. So that's what they did. They became peace-breakers and later claimed the land as their own, when it was not.

The prevailing attitude of those who claim to be "white nationalists" or "supremacists" is one of hatred, in the guise of "a christianity" unknown to God. Their christianity involves them being fearful of being extinct and to prevent their extinction, they revile and belittle everyone who doesn't look like them. What they fail to recognize is that the God of Heaven, who came down to earth in the likeness of man in the person of Jesus, is Love and will not teach hatred of anyone, simply because they look different.

What's revealed in the attitude of those who hate "non-white" people is the fact that they haven't read or understood the bible and have no relationship with God. If their relationship with God was right, their journey in the land would not concern them for He would lead them in righteousness and a journey into peace-making, not peace-breaking.

It is apparent from the comments I read on news threads and the video clips I view that there are so many people out there who don't know the history of the journey by the colonists to this land. I've said this before, and I guess I'll just have to keep saying it, "America was not founded on Christianity or built by white Europeans." The land was not called America until the white Europeans "conquered" the peaceful people and virtually stole the land from them, resettling them in specific areas to control them. The Natives of the land were not Christians, the belief was forced upon them, just as it was forced upon the slaves who were imported to this land. It was the slaves who "built this country" and invented much of what was used to increase the wealth of "white slave owners."

Considering the gift given to us by France, once "Americans" declared their freedom from oppression, the statue of liberty--that rests in the New York harbor as a beacon of hope for anyone coming to the land, I find it totally bizarre that people do not want immigrants coming here. What is more bizarre is the support by many for a ban against Muslims--a religion, not an ethnicity--when we claim to welcome "all." I guess the welcome has become a lie, since we now act as though we are superior to every other group of people.

Newsflash Americans--and I am one--whose ancestors were imported to the land--we are not superior to anyone and our country is younger than most. We are now proceeding to the edge of the cliff where all the "ideals" of democracy are being brushed aside by the menace of "nationalist" ideology and this journey--of hatred--will bring us all to the end as we fall into the precipice of fascism and tyranny.

Isolationism is key in the effort to "control the masses"(in fenced-like concentration camps already constructed in various states) along with false news and propaganda designed to make people believe what is not true. Only those who are blinded by hate will fall for the nonsense, but their growing hatred will cause much irreparable damage to an entire nation--if not impeded. We have no king--we have an elected leader, who is subject to the laws of the land, like everyone else. When a leader of a free nation attempts to control what news is appropriate for people to hear, they have reached a point where they should be removed. It is time to begin the impeachment process of all in the White House.

Can we see the similarities between the Danites and Americans? If not, we simply need to take a journey into the history of our nation and other world governments to understand what we see right now.

America has been a nation of immigrants, all looking to have a better life, regardless of their religious beliefs or the color of their skin and all need to be treated with respect, and in recognition of the Constitution which we say is our guide.

If we insist--out of fear--to continue this journey of hatred and superiority, we will indeed become extinct as so many other civilizations have--before us.
 

Deranged Leadership!

A prophecy against Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz saw: Raise a banner on a bare hilltop, shout to them; beckon to them to enter the gates of the nobles.  I have commanded those I prepared for battle; I have summoned my warriors to carry out my wrath— those who rejoice in my triumph. Listen, a noise on the mountains, like that of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations massing together! The LORD Almighty is mustering an army for war. They come from faraway lands, from the ends of the heavens— the LORD and the weapons of his wrath— to destroy the whole country. Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty. Because of this, all hands will go limp, every heart will melt with fear. Terror will seize them, pain and anguish will grip them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look aghast at each other, their faces aflame. See, the day of the LORD is coming —a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger— to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it. The stars of heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless. I will make people scarcer than pure gold, more rare than the gold of Ophir. Therefore I will make the heavens tremble; and the earth will shake from its place at the wrath of the LORD Almighty, in the day of his burning anger. Like a hunted gazelle, like sheep without a shepherd, they will all return to their own people, they will flee to their native land. Whoever is captured will be thrust through; all who are caught will fall by the sword. Their infants will be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses will be looted and their wives violated. See, I will stir up against them the Medes, who do not care for silver and have no delight in gold. Their bows will strike down the young men; they will have no mercy on infants, nor will they look with compassion on children. Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the pride and glory of the Babylonians, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. She will never be inhabited or lived in through all generations; there no nomads will pitch their tents, there no shepherds will rest their flocks. Isaiah 13:1-20 NIV (Read all)

Babylon has taken up residence in the White House in the United States of America--once known as "the land of the brave and the free."

When the citizens of a nation are "barred" from speaking truth, to appease a tyrant, there is no freedom of speech. 45 has violated the constitution on so many levels that I've lost count, but I am thankful for those who have the expertise and the means to express the abuse of power we have seen. If not checked by the legislative branch of government or the judicial branch, there will be a greater civil insurrection within our borders. The uprising will be be more massive and probably more intensive than the revolt against the British by the colonists and the civil war.

We see the blueprint being laid out before us and we know from a study of history that whenever a deranged leader is allowed to have power and abuses the position--chaos ensues and people rebel. Most of us have read history books--unlike 45 who is only interested in books with his picture on the front as evidenced by reports of books being removed from federal agencies and replaced with those who "praise him."

What most people don't realize is that in less than ten days, the ship in the middle of the sea is taking on water and no one seems to have the presence of mind to start the process that would keep the ship afloat in the middle of the storm. There is only one predictable outcome when the leadership refuses to believe--water is rising and the ship is sinking. There are no lifeboats on board and everyone on the ship will sink unless someone with courage and integrity finally takes control of the situation and starts a chain-bailout--of the water determined to sink the ship.

On the surface, it would appear that lawmakers have been deluded and blinded by the "lightning speed" at which executive orders are being signed, but reality--not alterative facts--will soon shake them out of their reverie when Americans exercise their right to hold elected representatives accountable for their lack of action.

Our constitution does begin with, "We the people," not "We the elected ones" and the people--not only the 261 million who did not vote for 45, but all those who are now awake at last and regret voting for him--will arise and do whatever is necessary, by any means necessary to get our country back on the right track.

The God I serve--the Creator of all that was ever creator--is not a God of hate, but of love and we who know Him, know that love will always triumph over hate. And now, I trust only in Him, not those who say they know Him and yet demonstrate hate of others simply because they are different. We are told in God's Word to hate "sin" not people. As long as God gives me sight to see--both naturally and spiritually--and finger joints that work, I will speak out against fascism, imperialism and other type of authoritarian government that defeats the purpose of democratic process.
 

Greater is He who lives in me

Than he who is in the world.

Can We Talk, Again?

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.  Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” I am referring to the other person's conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another's conscience? I Corinthians 10:223-26, 29 NIV
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1 NIV

I have been paying attention to probably far too many news items and commentaries, but what I've seen grieves my spirit. For in this country, we are supposed to have certain guaranteed rights, and as long as we don't infringe upon the rights of others--those rights should be respected, not vilified.

We have freedom of speech--but that doesn't mean we should have a foul mouth and express hateful rhetoric towards others or about others. So, when the QB of the San Francisco 49ers decides that he doesn't want to stand while the National Anthem is playing, that is his right and since he is not infringing upon the rights of others--none of the rest of us should anything to say. Why is it that there are those who think they have a right to impose their consciences upon others in judging what we do?

Speaking of which--the imposition placed upon Black Americans--and how we're labeled has become a topic of conflict. On more than one occasion and in more than one venue, I have seen people complain about the use of a hyphen in the African-American identity. One person went so far as to say, the use of the hyphen is the cause of all the racism in this country. I beg to differ with them. No hyphen was used when we were classified: slave, or colored or even the hated "nigger" or a number of other hateful terms, when referencing who we were. Racism has its roots in the hatred of people of color and the fact that White people have long held beliefs they are superior to any other race of people. We see that in the treatment of Natives of the Land, and with all other minorities--and other immigrants who came to this country. While there are many people of color who have a preference to what they are called or how they are identified, I simply choose to be a Black American until "we are all considered Americans."

What is astounding to me is that while people are clamoring about other people coming into this country to "take jobs," not many are saying anything about those who came into this country and "took land" from those who were already living here. Who were those who came here--European immigrants--the colonists--who established themselves as the only right-living group of people and called those who were already here--savages--because they did not do things they way they did them.

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

The inscription on Lady Liberty--our gift from France--across the Atlantic from which many came was a recognition that many would come and we should welcome them, not debase them. And the only group of people that have been denied this liberty expressed are those who were "forcefully brought to this land" without having a choice in the matter.

And with all of the hateful rhetoric being stoked right now--by those who proclaim to be Christians, where exactly is the "spirit of The Lord" dwelling? Certainly not in the hearts of all those who hate and promote hatred. Not in the hearts of those who manufacture lies to make themselves look better. Not in the hearts of those who manipulate others into buying into their lies. Not in the hearts of those who crave attention and will do anything to get it.

How do we know? For where the Spirit of The Lord dwells--there is liberty and love--no hatred. Whatever abides in our heart will come forth like a mighty rushing river and pour into our immediacy and people will see and hear what is hidden in our heart--whether it is the Love of God or evil.

If we never learn to live God's Word the way He intended us to live--loving all unconditionally, we don't deserve to be called Christians. In fact, if we are not living The Word, we make a mockery out of being Christians because we are not following Christ when we choose to impose our consciences, our way of doing things upon others--negating their right to do things their own way. This is the "religious way of doing things" and Jesus called out the Pharisees for doing this.

I believe it's reckoning time. We need to look at ourselves in the mirror and ask God to show us who we really are, accept it and be willing to allow Him to change us--being who He wants us to be, not what we have constructed ourselves to be with all of our built-in hate and animosity.

Until we get to this one point--there is only one race of people--the human race and like I said to someone yesterday who claimed the use of a hyphen is keeping us separated, it is not. "Until America accepts Black Americans as Americans, we will be always be a separate class of people. It is not the Black American who is creating a racial divide, but the White race who lives out their superiority complex and treats us as second class citizens.

My commentary today is not an indictment against all White people or all Black people or any other group of people, but it is a warning about where our country is headed if we don't realize what we're doing to one another. As a nation, we cannot afford to be divided in our purposes and intent for all Americans to be treated with equality. And if we exist as a divided nation rather than a nation unified with common goals, we will be captured by the evil that exist--inside and outside--our borders.
History has a way of repeating itself--especially if we refuse to learn from it. I suggest we all review the history of the land, recognize the wrongs committed and determine not to repeat them--again, and again, and again.

We don't need a nation of people who are religious; we need a nation of people who are in relationship with God, living His Word,  and following His lead in all things.

Remembering Those Who Gave Their Lives!

Remember how short my life is,
how empty and futile this human existence!
No one can live forever; all will die.
No one can escape the power of the grave. Psalm 89:47-48 NIV

The psalmist (Ethan) makes a statement that while not intended for us in the 21st century, is nevertheless applicable to all at all times, especially those who lives have been lost in wars.
Freedom--from men and bondage of ideologies--comes with a price and that price is the lives of all who dare to fight for freedom.

Today, is the day that we should remember all those who have given their lives in wars, that those of us remaining may know freedom and learn to live in peace. However, where there is no peace, there will always be strife and where there is strife, wars simmer until they explode into battles that end--with many of us missing and remembering loved ones, who did what we could not or would not do--continue the fight for freedom.

This is the time to remember those who were willing to die in wars for freedom that we might live in
peace.

The Revolutionary War--freedom from the dictates of England.

The Civil War--economic liberty and trade between the states and the liberation of slaves from taskmasters who did not understand humane compassion.

World Wars I and II--assisting those on foreign shores in order to maintain the freedom of America.

Korean and Vietnam Wars--attempts to liberate others so they would not be subject to dictators who only thought about themselves.

All the Battles in the Middle East--that are yet on-going--providing an avenue for people to live their lives according to their beliefs and not the dictates of others.

Some of the wars were necessary, and some questionable, but the fact that many men and women chose to give their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy in this country, makes the day worth remembering them and inspiring us to never lose sight of what America and Americans stand for--liberty and freedom for all. Remember those who died for us to have freedom and then think about what we do with our lives--with purpose.

Let us all work to restore peace in this land and not make their deaths, futile and serving no purpose, honoring all and respecting all as God would have us to do.

On The Journey--SHIN!

Princes persecute me without a cause,
But my heart stands in awe of Your word.
I rejoice at Your word
As one who finds great treasure.
I hate and abhor lying,
But I love Your law.
Seven times a day I praise You,
Because of Your righteous judgments.
Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble.
LORD, I hope for Your salvation,
And I do Your commandments.
My soul keeps Your testimonies,
And I love them exceedingly.
I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,
For all my ways are before You. Psalm 119:161-168 NKJV

The 21st letter and stanza--acknowledgement, praise and hope in the midst of any trial.

How many times has someone who has authority over us--attempted to misuse their authority and persecute us, simply because we would not conform to doing things their way-in opposition to God's Word? We were not the first to experience this ploy to get us to be deceitful and dishonest and we won't be the last.

Whenever anyone expects us to lie or cheat in order to keep a job or to stay in their favor, we should have the same attitude the writer has. We should abhor lying and deceitfulness with a passion and openly denounce it.

Are we in awe of God's Word enough to keep it--no matter what others do? The more I study and seek God for understanding, the more I realize just how much His Word is so much better than the dictates of man.

In God's Word--there is Life and Liberty--freedom to live according to God's Word, knowing we are pleasing God, whether others find fault with us or not.

In God's Word--there is Justice and Mercy. God's Word is just--not fair--for His righteousness is just and there is nothing in it we can debate--that will change His intent for our lives. This is why we are constantly reminded in His Word that the wicked shall have their judgment for all the world to see and we are regarded--His righteousness, for we have none of our own.

In God's Word--there is Love and Grace--God is love and therefore everything He has done, is doing and will do is based upon His love for us. If we follow His commands--to love Him and one another--the world will be filled to overflowing with Love and we shall peace upon the land because of His favor shown towards us.

In God's Word--there is Peace--His peace that surpasses all understanding. And because we belong to Him, we too can enjoy blessed peace in the midst of chaos and confusion when we live according to His Word.

In God's Word--there is Light--that overcomes the darkness that hangs as clouds because of the wicked imaginations of those who oppose God. Wherever there is darkness, light dispels it and exposes the deeds of darkness. We cannot hide from God, no matter what we think we can do that He won't see or know.

In God's Word--there is healing--for our bodies and for nations under siege--due to differences of opinion and the ravages of war. By His stripes we are healed of illnesses, diseases and with His peace we are healed of frustration and depression over things we cannot control. If those of us who believe Him would simply pray--earnestly--believing He will answer-- and repent of our waywardness, He will heal the land.

In God's Word--there is Truth--for His Word is Truth and His Ways are the true way by which we should live. Whenever God's Word is not revealed as Truth, peace is disrupted and chaos reigns.

How often we pray to God or communicate with Him on any level is not a matter of prescription or formula, but it should be a way of life for every Believer. I pray throughout the day--thanking God and praising Him for His goodness--and I have no idea how many times I do it; I just do it.

My soul loves Jesus and all my hope is in Him for there is no hope in any other! How about you?

Set Free!

"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 8:31,32 NIV)

The first-partakers of the Son's grace--the Jews--who believed Him and then to "whoever believes" (adopted children), were told that if they held to His teaching, they were His disciples (followers). What did He teach? To obey the Father in all things and to love one another. What truth will they know? They will know the truth of God's purpose for living (what He proclaims as sin) and be set free from it.

Some of those listening to Jesus didn't understand Him and challenged Him because they thought He was referencing slavery--control and ownership by man--when He was referencing sin. They didn't get it and many still don't get it. In order to understand what Jesus is saying about freedom from sin, one must acknowledge they have sinned or are living in sin.

The reason many still are bound, enslaved to sin is because they have allowed others to teach them a "truth" that is their truth and not God's truth. God's truth never changes, but man's truth constantly changes. Why? The more God allows us to know--about anything--the more some people begin to think they know more than God. If they think they know than God, they begin to proclaim their own truths--negating God's truth--and remain enslaved to sin.

People are destroying the temple where the Holy Spirit would live by creating an environment within
themselves that grieves Holy Spirit and He will not dwell in an unclean place. Legalizing drugs which alter the chemical make-up of brains--is not God's truth; it is man's because they want to appease flesh. And look how often man has changed this truth-from making drugs a crime to justifying its use.

The same is true for so many other events in our lives--pertaining to family and marriage, discipline and abuse, etc. When parents are told they cannot discipline their children, we end up with a society where chaos and confusion and violence run rampant because God said, "if we spare the rod, we spoil the child" (the rod of correction not beating them). When we attempt to force people to deny their faith in God, we open the door for Satan and his minions to govern and create havoc.

Look around us today! There is no peace because we have allowed our love for God to grow cold, heating up hatred and bigotry for any reason. Freedom of speech for some means they say anything that comes to mind--never thinking of how words impact and change the course of history. When our thoughts are not of God, then the behavior that follows is certainly not of Him.

If we really want to be set free--from sin--we have to acknowledge, repent of it, and receive His mercy and grace to move forward, determined never to be enslaved to sin again. While we yet have breath in our bodies and can speak, it's not too late. Allow Him to loose the shackles that hold you hostage to sin and be set free, receiving His truth.

Whose Freedom?

"In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us." (2 Thessalonians 3:6 NIV)

When I read this passage of scripture, I am reminded that Paul understood and wanted us to understand not everyone professing the name of Jesus is a Believer of Jesus Christ and desires to please Him. Hence, the warning to those who have a right relationship--doing The Master's Will--so they would not lose their focus.

When I look at current events, the re-hashing of hatred and bigotry against Christians--those standing up for their right to follow all the teachings of Jesus Christ, I shake my head and pray.

Since when did it become right for someone to infringe upon another person's rights--especially the rights of those who have chosen to obey God in all things? Where is the freedom of our choice if we cannot stand on God's Word?

The enemy is LAUGHING OUT LOUD because it would appear that he's winning the last battle. The enemy of Jesus Christ has effectively deceived some weak-willed Believers into thinking that freedom of choice is only for those who yell the loudest. Terminology is skewed and twisted to make sure the message of hate is loud and clear, but it is not hatred coming from true Believers; the hatred is coming from those who wish to live in opposition to God's Word. This is how Satan operates--creating confusion when God establishes clarity.

So, whose freedom are we really discussing in the media? Is it freedom of choice for all or just some? And for those who stir the pot of confusion because of their guilt, will they ever know freedom? They want to be free from observing religion--so who's stopping them? But when we choose to observe all that God has taught, we have no freedom?

The message about freedom is a matter of choice. What we actively and consciously do in life is always a matter of choice. Everyone has the same freedom to choose what they do or at least we should. If one place of business doesn't want to do business with me, I take my money elsewhere. It's just that simple. If I wanted a cake made a certain way, I'd bake it myself or support a new business who will do what I want. But notice the "I's" in the previous sentence. There is more to living than what I want or any other individual. Life is not meant to be lived in isolation so I must learn to live among others--respecting the boundaries of beliefs and expecting others to respect mine.

We really need to stop the foolishness and wake up and see this debate for what it really is--Satan having his way in the minds of many, creating confusion and rolling in the floor laughing at all he has done. It's not about the freedom on any human being; it's all about his freedom to destroy mankind.

Now, whose freedom is at stake here?

Celebrate!

"Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed" (Nahum 1:15 NIV).

For all who think that we should not "celebrate" certain events in our lives--The Word gives us the right to celebrate "our" festivals. That means that we can have "festivals" that are not necessarily determined to be the "festivals of the Lord" as enumerated in the various ordinances.

Today, we can hear the chains breaking as the shackles fall--we are released from the bondage of thinking we cannot celebrate--birthdays, holidays, and other commemorative events. If we are spiritual Judah--a tribe who praises The Lord at all times--we have no need to slink away from celebrating the births of loved ones or any other of "our" festivals that do not dishonor God.

We also have a hope--that if we continue to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ--we will have peace because we will no longer need to be concerned with the wicked who shall be no more!

The wicked are those who "refuse to acknowledge God" and choose to live a life that is totally immersed with selfishness. The wicked are not concerned with justice and lawfulness; they are consumed with lawlessness and wanton destruction of everything that is of God!

If all who proclaim to believe and trust God would share the Gospel of Jesus Christ--what a wonderful world we would have to abide in peace. If all who proclaim to believe and trust God would release their fears of rejection and apathy--more people would have an opportunity to "see" what an awesome God we serve! If all who proclaim to believe and trust God would love all with whom they come into contact--the world would know love and not hate.

In Christ--there are no denominations or separate religions--we are all one in Christ Jesus when we believe and trust God in all our ways and acknowledge Him in all we do.

When we--who say we know and have a relationship with God--know we have done all we can to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ--we can rest assured that we have reason to celebrate and no need to fear retribution from God because we do. Celebrate! It's time for us to let the world know--who we are and how much God loves!