Fired Up!

Since the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last week, I've been torn and disgusted that our lawmakers still think, "now is not the time to talk about Common Sense Gun Legislation." As disgusted and appalled as I've been, I have also been encouraged and inspired by the students affected in Parkland, Florida.  They are fired up and ready to fight back on every level.

I've listened to their articulate voices, crying foul to the lawmakers who spew a lot of rhetoric and then do nothing.

I've seen the lies and false propaganda promoted against these teens by those who attempt to silence and then I've watched them: Emma, Cameron, Delaney, Kyle, David and so many others--ignore the stupid and stay focused on their goal--to make sure their voices are heard.

I've watched them stand before lawmakers and speak their minds and not back down even when the lawmakers disappointed them.

I watched them during the CNN Town Hall where they were very bold and courageous, fired up and determined to make their voices heard over all the noise of the naysayers and especially, the NRA. They are awesome and instead of the derision and contempt shown to them by Fox News and others, they should be applauded for having the guts to do, what most adults wouldn't do--stand their ground.

I also watched grieving parents at the "Listening Session" hosted by the White House. I heard a grieving father express just how "pissed off" he was at losing his daughter to gunfire in her school. I also heard his determination to do something--with or without lawmakers or those sitting in the White House.

And then I heard Donald Trump, with a cheat sheet of comments--say, "let's arm the teachers." Obviously, he has no clue that obtaining a permit to conceal and carry a "handgun" with military training--would not stop someone with an assault weapon. There is no way to "conceal an assault weapon" to counter an attack by someone with one. Absurd is the mildest adjective I can use in this forum. Others have been far more succinct in their disgust by this suggestion.

The bottom line to the dilemma in this society is this: Republican lawyers are so bound by blood money from the NRA they will never change their stance and enact Common Sense Gun legislation. And we know from what Dana Loesch said last night, NRA is never going to support a ban on any type of weapon nor do they support raising the age limit to 21. Their consistent argument about the 2nd amendment falls hollow when (as it was pointed out last night by two people), the 2nd amendment dealt with the formation of a "militia to protect and defend states," not as open door for individuals to own any and every type of weapon.  No one needs an assault weapon who is not in the military or law enforcement since their only purpose is to kill people. To use hunting as an excuse for owning an assault weapon is an indicator of someone not knowing that assault weapons "shred the target," just like they shred human targets.

There is a simple solution--one that does not require any background checks, or increase in mental health care or even any money spent--we simply need to #VoteBlue in every election, removing Republicans from the equation and letting Democrats enact the legislation needed to save children and other innocent victims from dying due to gun violence.

The NRA--and all those who support them and their efforts to put guns in the hands of anyone who wants one--should take the time to pray (since they claim they're Christians) and seek God--asking Him to show them the truth about themselves--they lack humanity and compassion and are only interested in profiting from the loss of lives.

I've stated before that I am a legal, responsible gun owner and I believe in all the rights afforded every person based upon our Constitution, but I also believe we must hold lawmakers accountable for their inaction when they have it within their power to change the course of events, but won't because of the money they receive from the empire of evil--the NRA.

The parents and students are right--enough is enough--the time is past for thoughts and prayers--bold, courageous action must be taken before the next school shooting or massacre of anyone in any place. It's time for America to get "Fired Up" and support these teens in their efforts to get the attention of all on Capitol Hill and the White House so they don't have to see others suffer loss of life. It's time for every adult--who is a registered voter to contact lawmakers and let their feelings be known about assault weapons and the deaths of innocent people. And when the lawmakers refuse to listen or act--it's time for Voters to get Fired Up and vote them out of office.

I'm Mary Hall-Rayford and I'm Fired Up and ready to serve all Everyday Americans and to take on the gun lobbyists in Washington. Let's get it done.

We Must Intercede!

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 1 Timothy 2:1-8 NIV

What does it mean to intercede on behalf of others? We seek God  or act on their behalf when it appears they are incapable of doing the right thing on their own.

Interventions are an act of love and concern for an individual or people who are headed in the wrong direction. Family interventions are needed with loved ones who succumb to addiction or other negative behaviors and in some cases, interventions are needed in workplaces where those in authority fail to see how their actions affect the whole in a negative way.

Since we have an idiot in the White House--who is incapable of rational, logical thinking--we must intercede--praying for him, his family and the entire administration who has succumbed to cult mentality and will not rein him in.

We pray against the lying that is so pervasive from those in the White House, they won't even admit when they're lying. They have succumbed to the thought that "alternative facts" are actual facts and not another label for "lies."

We pray against their plots to conspire against America and all Americans with their blatantly obvious rhetoric and behavior that leads to the erosion of our Constitution and eventual destruction of our democracy.

We pray against all those white nationalists who seek to divide and further destroy humanity with their hatred and bigotry.

We pray against all the dictators and authoritarians and their hold on any US citizen.

We pray against all liars who deliberately attempt to deceive the nations and any group of people by use of false propaganda in whatever form it takes.

We pray that all people everywhere, will open their eyes and see truth, empty their hearts of hatred and allow love to fill the void, and close their ears to lies perpetuated by those who have decided to join the devil's army and hear only truth from the Spirit of God, residing within.

It is time to stop complaining about all the stuff occurring in our politics, cities, capitol and all over the world and do something. The one thing we can do stop all the stupidity is to recognize and receive truth when we hear and to encourage all to get out and vote--vote for those who have demonstrated by their actions that they are humanitarians, capable of loving and concern for others and not just the folks who "claim to be Christians, but we see no Christ in them."

It is up to us who know how Christ lived as an example to us to do what He would do. It is up to us to care for the poor, needy, and vulnerable and to fight for their rights. It is up to us to call out lies whenever and wherever we hear or see them. Those of us who know truth, should never be afraid to speak truth and expose the lies and the liars.

Therefore, by now all with a functioning brain should understand that we have a liar-in-chief in the White House and all of his spokespersons lie when they regurgitate his lies. There are no alternative facts to spin the lies--they lie--pure and simple and every time they lie or promote false propaganda, truth is easily and quickly revealed.

Mainstream Media--CNN, MSNBC, NYT, WAPO, ABC, NBC are not fake news. Fox News--is not a news network, but a licensed entertainment network that posits opinions and biased opinions that promote hatred and bigotry. Hillary Clinton is not a pedophile or trafficking in child sex rings--no matter how many times someone says it. Nor is she or Bob Mueller in the least responsible or culpable for the Uranium One situation. That has been debunked over and over again and only the foolish and gullible still believe and promote it.

Time magazine did not call trump to say anything to him about being the Person of the Year, trump was not responsible for the release of the basketball players in China, and he is under investigation--no matter how they try to spin it. More importantly, trump doesn't have a clue as to what he's supposed to be doing and those who believe he does--need much prayer and revelations of truth. He is not a savior of the world, nor is he a great negotiator. He is a greedy, self-involved corrupt person (not a real man) who is only interested in making himself richer by violating the Constitution. His rhetoric with North Korea is a distraction to keep his base from paying attention the Mueller investigation which is closing in on all those involved in the 2016 election rigging. Of course those who believe, "God chose trump to be president," will never believe the truth because if they did, they'd have to admit--they were wrong and actually lied.

Republicans in the House clamoring for an investigation are merely providing a distraction to the gullible in hopes they will not pay attention to the unfolding and revealing revelations about their "savior and his minions."

It is time--no past time--that we who know Christ--have a relationship with Him and desire to only please Him and not people to act like we know Him and stop spreading the lies and convoluted propaganda that will eventually lead to greater loss of lives than we have recently seen. Hate destroys--love builds. When hatred is the driving force for policy decisions that affect all people, we must root out the hatred and plant love so we will not allow the decimation of millions of people.
In the coming elections--we must not allow predatory, hateful people to sit in positions of authority, making decisions for those they have violated in one way or another. We must vote for those who want to help others. Republicans--at this point--have only shown their love of a fetus--not a life after it gets here with their support of sexual predators, loss of access to healthcare and the very basics of humanitarian need. They should called themselves--"fetus-lovers" since they have no plans to assist lives once they are born. They are not the true representatives of Christ and though they loathe Democrats--Democrats have proven they have more love in their hearts for others than the "fetus-lovers."

I stand in the gap--interceding for all--for those who hearts need comforting from the loss of loved ones through military actions or madmen assaults because our law-makers care more about the NRA's donations than they do people; I'm interceding on behalf of all those whose income is less than $75K a year--that they'll get involved and called their representatives in Congress and tell them, "Not one penny for the rich if the poor don't get more." I'm interceding on behalf of all who love truth and will not perpetuate a lie that they'll find the courage and boldness to call out all who blatantly lie to make themselves something they are not.

Go vote and elect those who care about all people--not just the white people or the straight people or the "fetus-lovers" but ALL people.  This is why we must intercede with prayers and our votes!

 

 

Rising Stench!

See now, the Lord, the LORD Almighty, is about to take from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: all supplies of food and all supplies of water, the hero and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the diviner and the elder, the captain of fifty and the man of rank, the counselor, skilled craftsman and clever enchanter.“I will make mere youths their officials; children will rule over them.” People will oppress each other— man against man, neighbor against neighbor. The young will rise up against the old, the nobody against the honored. A man will seize one of his brothers in his father’s house, and say, “You have a cloak, you be our leader; take charge of this heap of ruins!” But in that day he will cry out, “I have no remedy. I have no food or clothing in my house; do not make me the leader of the people.”Jerusalem staggers, Judah is falling; their words and deeds are against the LORD, defying his glorious presence. The look on their faces testifies against them; they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves. Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done.Youths oppress my people, women rule over them. My people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path. The LORD takes his place in court; he rises to judge the people. The LORD enters into judgment against the elders and leaders of his people: “It is you who have ruined my vineyard; the plunder from the poor is in your houses. What do you mean by crushing my people and grinding the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty. The LORD says, “The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, strutting along with swaying hips, with ornaments jingling on their ankles. Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the LORD will make their scalps bald.” In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces, the earrings and bracelets and veils, the headdresses and anklets and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms, the signet rings and nose rings, the fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls. Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of well-dressed hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, branding.Your men will fall by the sword, your warriors in battle. The gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground. Isaiah 3 NIV

Do we get it yet? 

God is not pleased with what He sees,

Soon, the world will be brought to its knees,

With the poor abandoned and without hope,

Because the ill-informed, and ignorant did vote,

For the clown who claimed business acumen,

And proudly boasted of his deeds of sin.

Those who led the charge of change with lies,

Have let all know--darkness in their heart resides,

And reigns--saving money but resulting in early deaths,

Of those uninsured, covered indeed with casket wreaths.

A little literary license with words this morning to make the point--God is not dead, nor is He blind or deaf, nor is He indifferent to the plight of the poor or the deeds of the wicked. He will take care of the righteous though they be few, in Him on a daily basis our hearts can renew our hope in Him and Him alone, since lawmakers have made their positions known and unless we are part of the 1%--who don't have to worry about rent-- they could care less about us.

The stench from the ugliness and smokescreens in Washington have not reached the height or depth--with fuel constantly being added to the smoldering tinderbox that is bound to implode or explode with all the new revelations coming forth.

Get out the gas mask, the shovel and hip boots because it's about get deep and the stench, could kill--clogging respiration, digestion, circulation, as the desperation becomes apparent and finally--truth emerges.

Just a little while longer and we'll all be free to see the death hold of lies, Russian connections and ties and false propaganda cease with complete purging of the White House and Capitol Hill.

Hallelujah! Soon and very soon, we will be free from the wickedness that rules in the guise of  being Christian leadership.

Who Will Enter?

LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the LORD; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15 NIV

I am so thankful that God loves me--loves us all--for He did not come down to save just me, but all who would accept the gift of salvation through His shed blood.

There's a song that many churches--especially in the Black Community --sing, "Down through the years, God's been good to me," and when I look back over my life, I can sing that song with reverence because He has been so good to me. Not that I've been perfect--there are no perfect people--but because I recognize Him for who He is and I try to live according to His Word.

In order for anyone to live according to God's Word, they must first know it. When we get into The Word--we learn how God wants us to live--and if we're honest with ourselves--we see The Word as a mirror--reflecting back to us who we are and where we fall short. Even when we fall short--His mercy and grace--sustain us--renewing our determination to get living right for Him. It is because of His mercy and grace--that we can know without doubting, whether we will enter into His presence at the end of our journey on this side of Heaven.

When David wrote the few verses above, He understood--not because he had read a bible as we know it, but because of the teachings from a child--by his family about God's goodness and what He had always done for the Children of Israel. David was not a perfect man, but he was a man after God's own heart in that he recognized when he was wrong and repented, seeking God's forgiveness.

If a person never recognizes when they are wrong and won't do anything to correct the wrong, they will never enter into God's presence.

When John--the Baptizer--was on his journey throughout the region, "crying in the wilderness" as we're told, "Repent, Repent, for the kingdom of the Lord is at hand." He was the precursor for Jesus--warning people that they must admit being or doing wrong and setting things right. Though John was beheaded for telling the truth--he knew where he would spend eternity.

Do we know? Can we know? I know there's a mansion in heaven with my name on the door plate and I have determined that nothing and on one is going to impede my arrival--I will enter my promise--as Jesus told it.  "For in my Father's House are many mansions."

Now think about this: we who are laborers for The Lord--the little people--the caring people, the benevolent people, the people who given generously to those in need, the people who give of their time and talents to fight injustice and to defend the rights of the poor and needy, we have a right to enter in and know with assurance we have a place for all eternity as a reward for the sacrifices we've made to help others out of obedience to God.

Then there are those who have done nothing for anyone, but expect everyone else to do for them. They are self-centered, thin-skinned and think the world revolves around them. They are quick to criticize others, but get angry when others criticize them. In their minds, they are the only ones who are right and everyone else is wrong. And that's a description of the Tweeter-in-chief who feels like it is "his right" to be president, when all the evidence surfacing reveals he got to that point--by corruption and deception.

He believes he is above the law and in fact thinks laws were not meant for him and unfortunately, the so-called religious, family values group of lawmakers are doing nothing--at this moment--to correct his thinking. What they are doing is allowing him to think, he can change our democracy into a dictatorship ruled by Putin with him as his puppet.

Will they enter into God's presence at the end of life's journey? Not according to His Word. I don't know where they will spend eternity but I do know that liars will be thrown into the lake of fire for eternity.
Where will you spend eternity? I'd love for all I know to spend eternity with me in heaven, but that is not my choice; it is every individual's choice and all I can do--is to make sure all I know--have been made aware of their options. Jesus is Lord and He loved us--each and everyone--enough to die for us and I am determined to love Him enough to live for Him. Will you join me?

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for loving us enough to come down from heaven, living in the likeness of man, experiencing all that we would experience in life, and yet willing--with all the flaws you saw in us--looking ahead through the years--and yet still decided to hang a cross for our sins. Forgive us for not understanding how much You love and teach us daily how we're to live and treat others. Encourage and embolden us to always speak truth as You give it to us, no matter what others may think. And for any who have not already accepted You as their personal Savior, move upon their hearts to receive You, now. In Jesus' name we pray and thank You, Amen!

Do We Understand?

Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them. Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully. Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse. A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor. If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable. Proverbs 28:4-9 NIV

When we are given specific, implicit instructions as to how to live to please God and ignore them, we're opening the door for Satan to walk in and rule. And we see this on a regular basis.

To backtrack our history for just a moment, within the educational systems, across the nation, we see the result of taking prayer out of the schools. When this country allowed a demented woman to convince lawmakers that "prayer in schools" was a violation of the constitutional rights of others, Satan and all his imps--stood on the sidelines--cheering, and turning somersaults, salivating at the opportunity for destroying the minds of the young. Gone--respect of teachers or anyone in authority; teens who feel like misfits deciding to take the lives of innocent people, and many school buildings are more like--airports--with metal detectors at the doors and security personnel searching back packs. Can we see them?

When sociologists decided that "corporal discipline" was child abuse, lawmakers once again (blinded by Satan's plans) told parents their kids couldn't be spanked. As a result, we have a society in which kids rule because parents are afraid to discipline them and when parents have no control over kids, neither does anyone else. When we take away authority of parents--we set our society up for failure. Do we see it?

Then, with the outcries of another few demented people, it became unconstitutional for prayers to be said at government facilities, and school events, and other public events and don't dare mention the name--God--that apparently has the enemy so shaken that he trembles every time the name is mentioned. Even with the celebration of Christmas--the Christians' celebration of Christ's birthday, has almost been forsaken--because of the commercial aspect pervaded by all those seeking wealth. Can we see it?

And now, the group that openly and reverently honors the enemy--that master of deception--Satan--is allowed to influence young minds further, by promulgating "the nonsense of religious beliefs" as after school clubs. Parents--who were duped into believing that prayer violates constitutional rights from their earlier era, are probably the ones who will allow their children to attend, "Satan's clubs."Are we paying attention?

There is a profound difference between people being religious--ardently acting upon one's beliefs--and being a follower of Christ. Satan's followers are religious--they ardently act upon what they believe. Some Christians--ardently act upon what they say they believe--based upon the denominational doctrine. Believers in Jesus Christ--simply live according to The Word--not denominational banners. Why? Within The Word--there is life--and instructions for living life--that pleases God. So, if we're not living according to The Word, not heeding instructions, we are praising the wicked (figuratively and literally), and the prayers being offered are detestable to God.

Do we understand, yet?

More Wisdom!

He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. Proverbs 13:3 NKJV
He who despises the word will be destroyed,
But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded. Proverbs 13:13 NKJV
The law of the wise is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14 NKJV
He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20 NKJV

How does a person guard his/her mouth? We guard our mouths by thinking before we speak. Sometimes, the process of thinking requires us to research a matter before speaking about it so when we speak, we know what we're talking about. If we don't have a clue--about anything we want to talk about--we should be silent. It is indeed, "better to be silent and thought a fool than to open one's mouth and confirm it."

We have to guard our mouths and not allow pride and ego to provoke us into speaking about things we have little or no understanding. For some--they may even want to tape their mouths in certain environments to keep themselves from being foolish. At the other end of the spectrum of control our mouths--we say nothing and allow those in the know to speak on our behalf.

Of course, all of this wisdom and more is outlined in The Word and for all who despise, detest or refute the value of The Word, they have proven how foolish they are. I'll reiterate this one point about The Word--We need it to live our lives in peace and harmony--on a daily basis!

It's really too bad that some of our legislators have not read The Word with understanding. If they had, we'd have common sense gun laws in place and prevent the loss of innocent lives lost because of the foolishness of our lawmakers. There is no wisdom governing in our Congress--they are guided by the power of those with money to fund their re-elections, not by the will of the people who elected.

So, it comes as no surprise that those who are wise keep for companions others who are wise because they know--fools are the foundation of destruction. We are cautioned about the actions of a fool more than 50 times in The Word, and encouraged and reminded of the benefits of operating with wisdom more than 200 times. If God will give us wisdom--when we ask for it--and not think any less of us for asking, why don't we spend more time asking Him for wisdom than we do things?

Is it because we think--things give us value? Hardly. Things deteriorating, rusting, dissolving, or vanishing, don't give us value and if we value the things more than we value The Word--we are hopelessly lost. Wisdom--then--is the principle thing and with all the wisdom we could obtain--we need to gain understanding--functioning on earth as God desires--not as we desire.

A lack of wisdom--foolishness--leads to unwise decisions pertaining to the laws of the land, community unrest and dysfunctional homes. If only we would simply accept what God has said, allow Holy Spirit to guide us, and obey Him--we would see a complete change in our homes, society, and certainly across the land. That's the if. Since we won't allow Wisdom to guide us, we'll simply have to live with the consequences of our inability to concede the Bible is right and we don't know everything.

Prayer For The Nation!

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:13,14 NIV)

Father,
I humbly seek You now,
In the midst of chaos and confusion in these times,
Stirred up in the minds of those led by Satan,
To destroy all that You love, hear my prayer, O Lord
Guard and protect our minds from the influence of evil,
Open our eyes so we might see, in the spirit, lurking danger.

Since I pray not just for myself, but for a nation that's lost,
Because they forgot to count up the cost--of sin,
Before Your wrath is poured out upon the land,
In every crevice and corner, wreaking havoc
Raining down on the just as well as the unjust.
Examine my heart to know my motives are sincere,
And if You find no fault in me, hear and answer my prayer.

Speak to the hearts of the unrepentant, revealing who You are,
Remind them of the Foundation on which this country
Was established, survived and thrived, using Your Word for the laws of the land.

Speak to the heart of the President, reminding him
Of the path, You established, but which he has strayed.

Speak to the hearts of the lawmakers, showing them
How apathy results in solving nothing, but creating more problems.

Speak to the hearts of the appointed ones, the judges and others,
Who swear on Your Word for installation ceremonies, but by their actions,
Prove they don't know who You are and their symbolism means nothing.

Speak to the hearts of those who continue to rebel against what is right,
Changing, perverting, Your Word, instilling in many the will to fight,
But not on their terms, realizing this war is not carnal, but spiritual,
And can only be won, if You're in the lead, paralyzing all in the path
Of rebellion inspired by witchcraft and demons.

Speak to the hearts of Believers everywhere, remind them
Of Your Word--blessed for obedience, cursed for rebellion;
Their role, promoting Truth, is not finished, until You return to gather us all unto You.
Encourage them to stand tall and firm on Your Word,
Your Word that guides, corrects, instructs, and trains us to be
Victorious in the army of God, confronting the confusion
Whose author creates the rhetorical delusion that Your love,
Erases all need to obey Your Word, spoken by Your Son, The Word,
When He came in Your name, to give Himself as a sacrifice to save
Us all from ourselves--in a sin-ridden world--who loved us enough
To die for us, now we have a chance to love Him enough to live for Him,
Loving You enough to obey Your command to love--You and others,
And enough to know we cannot take Your grace and mercy in vain,
Allowing sin to continue to reign, encouraging others to do likewise,
Knowing that one day, we will stand before You and give an account,
Of all we have done in ourselves and those things we promoted or condoned in others.

Speak to the hearts of parents everywhere,
Reminding them how to parent according to Your Word,
Loving them, providing for them, instructing them in Your ways,
Correcting them and punishing them, when they don't always obey.

Speak to the hearts of the children, both the young and the old,
Reminding them that long life and happiness are the result of obedience.

Speak to the hearts of teachers all over the land,
Reminding them they are to teach the children, not abuse or misuse them.

Speak to our hearts, Lord. Remind us of Your Holy Word,
Give us direction as we offer ourselves up for Your correction,
Giving up greed with speed to stop sickness and disease in its tracks,
Using Wisdom from above, as we pray on our knees
Asking forgiveness for all our wrong, distorted, rebellious deeds.
Obeying You in all things so we will have long life and prosperity,
Giving the devil no place in our lives, no victory for him as we thrive.

So when You return and position us before You,
We'll have no need to fear or be ashamed of the Victory we've won,
In living for You and all we'll hear is, "Well done, my child."
All this we ask and thank You for doing,
In Jesus' name and we count it done!

Not Guilty!

"For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I am not guilty of turning from my God." (Psalm 18:21 NIV)

Will we ever be in a position--like David--to say, "I'm not guilty of turning away from my God?"

As individuals, we can say we're not guilty of a number of things--we're not guilty of breaking the laws of the land, we're not guilty of breaking marriage vows, we're not guilty of hating for no reason, but as a nation, would our declaration be a lie?

Those who are elected officials, who swore to look out for the best interests of all the people, they cannot make this declaration.

Judges, who are either elected or appointed--cannot make this declaration.

Police officers, hired and paid with tax-payer dollars, cannot make this declaration.

Lawmakers and lawbreakers, like Siamese Twins--cannot make this declaration.

Preachers--those who say God called them to promote the Gospel--cannot make this declaration.

Of course, there are a few--who can state without fear of contradiction, that they have not turned away from God, but when we look at the state of the nation, how many can truly make that declaration?

God knows and since it He has already proclaimed that only a remnant will be saved in the end, the few who are faithful, are not a surprise to Him.

When we turn back to God, and do things the way He has said we should do them, honoring Him in all aspects of our living, then and only then, can we say, emphatically, "I'm not guilty" of turning away from God!

What Will You Get?

"Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites." (Colossians 3:24,25 NLT)

If we would just remember that there is a consequence--good or bad, positive or negative--for everything we do, many of us would make better decisions and be prepared for what we get in life--good or bad.

We cannot expect "rewards" for doing things that will generate negative or bad results any  more than a child should expect a reward for bad disobedience or negative behavior. But some do--they think--they can do whatever their flesh dictates and still receive blessings from God. They have forgotten (if they ever knew) what God expects from us and or even that there is a "reaction for every action" and the reaction is not always pleasant.

How do we know? People choose to settle differences of opinions with guns instead of discussion. People choose to engage in drug and alcohol addictions instead of dealing with the issues they face--hoping to hide from them. People engage in dangerous and unhealthy sexual activity that leads to increases in sexually transmitted diseases and death. People choose to do all those things that are ungodly and yet expect positive results.

When we look at our society, what do we really see? A generation of people who just want what they want and never consider the consequences of their actions--for themselves or others. We have lawmakers who create laws that lead to more foolishness because they're more concerned with gaining the support of voters rather than creating laws that protect all citizens. Legalizing the use of marijuana will only lead to more problems as we have already seen--just the beginning--not the end of the tragedies that will result. Legalizing the sale of fireworks better left in the hands of experts lead to tragic results every year and yet--lawmakers are more concerned with the tax dollars paid on the sale rather than the lives that are endangered. What will their end be?

God is not mocked and He knows the heart and motive of every decision made my lawmakers that contradict His Word--laws made under the influence of the evil one--who hates God and all God has created. The lawmakers have been blinded by "political correctness, popular opinion, and greed" and the laws they legislate are not for the good of all people, but only a handful--of special interest groups. Those same groups--will lead nations straight to the pits of hell with their desire to appease flesh and not God.

If we obey God in all things--loving one another and therefore rendering ourselves incapable of committing acts of sin against one another--we have an inheritance that we can expect as our reward.

If we do not obey God and continue to do whatever we want or whatever our flesh craves--we will also receive that reward--for disobedience and we will have only ourselves to blame--because we chose to ignore God.

What will you get?

The Lord Is My Refuge!

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways" (Psalm 91:11 NIV);

Who will command angels to guard us? The Lord will, if we say, "The Lord is my refuge" (vs. 9) and make the Most High our dwelling place, "The Lord" will make sure no harm overtakes or comes near us.

If He is our refuge--our shelter from harm--and we live within the safety of His arms--we have no need to fear anything. Not only will He make sure that nothing harms us, He won't let disaster come near us. Say it now, "The Lord is my refuge!"

When Wall Street comes tumbling down or soaring high, "The Lord is my refuge!"

When doctors give us an uncertain prognosis, "The Lord is my refuge!"

In the middle of storms of nature or emotions, "The Lord is my refuge!"

When it seems like all hope is gone, "The Lord is my refuge!"

When we cannot see solutions because of the problems, "The Lord is my refuge!"

When we have more questions than answers, "The Lord is my refuge!"

When we have more bills than money, "The Lord is my refuge!"

When spouses don't act right, "The Lord is my refuge!"

When children or grandchildren get on our last nerves, "The Lord is my refuge!"

When lawmakers don't do their jobs, "The Lord is my refuge!"

When preachers won't preach the Truth, "The Lord is my refuge!"

This should not just be a mantra, but a way of acknowledging who we believe and trust because when we make this acknowledgment, He will encamp angels all around us to keep us from harm. He will remind us that by His Spirit we have access to all truth and He will direct our paths. He will bridle our tongues before we say anything stupid if we just say, "The Lord is my refuge" first.

Our angels have been given an assignment, to protect us and guard us in all of "our ways" so no harm can come before us. If we will do what He says, He will do what He has promised. Are we going to do it? No weapon formed against us shall prosper because our angels will intercept and deflect any of the fiery darts that the enemy sends our way. Hallelujah!  "The Lord is my refuge!"

Wisdom and Instruction

"but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm" (Proverbs 1:33 NIV).

In the very first chapter of Proverbs--commonly referred to as the book of wisdom--we are see the importance of knowing God. In fact, Solomon begins by reminding us that, "the fear (reverential respect) of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:1 NIV). Throughout this conversation, we are told what happens when people refuse to hear God and obey and God's reaction to our disobedience.

James tell us that "if any lack wisdom, ask of God who gives it liberally without condemnation" (paraphrased). Wisdom is mentioned 234 times in the KJV and instruction 33 times and knowledge 172 times, obey 69 times, pray 313 times, God 4,447. So, what's the point? Wisdom, knowledge, and talking to God are important to Him.

Scoffers have always rebelled against any knowledge of God because they simply want to live their lives any way they choose. This is the way it has been since the beginning and this is still the way in the hearts of many. Any time a person or groups denies the credibility of The Bible or God--it is because they do not want to live a righteous life. By refusing to acknowledge moral values, they exempt themselves from the consequences of disobedience--they think.

When people violate or ignore "man's laws" there are consequences when caught and man's law states, "ignorance of the law is not an excuse to violate it" and fines or the consequences for breaking the law must be paid. What the rebellious have forgotten is that most of "man's laws" were based on biblical principles. And now that lawmakers are changing laws, they think they are changing God's principles, but when the consequences come due, they will understand that ignorance of God's principles is not an excuse to ignore them or violate them. For those who have the mind of Christ, look around at our society right now and see the destruction already coming upon the land and know that when it's over, God will have pronounced His judgment upon all because we refused to hear and obey.

What can we--who know God--do? We can continue to pray. "If my people, who are called by my name, would humble themselves and pray, turn from their wicked ways, and seek my face, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal the land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). The Believers must act with wisdom and follow God's instructions--love Him and love others, and promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ by our actions.  We must become the true ambassadors in order to save the lost. When we think we lack wisdom in doing the will of God, we must ask Him for more wisdom and He won't think less of us when we do.

Before the trumpet sounds, we must make sure we have built our faith on a solid foundation and know without a doubt, we have attained the right to enter into our eternal place of rest, to be with The Lord. When we listen to God, we have no need to fear what the enemy might do because the enemy is already defeated for those who know and hear God.

Help us O God, to always hear You and obey!

Why We Have Laws!

"We know that the law is good if one uses it properly" (I Timothy 1:8 NIV-Read through v. 16).

In this letter (passage of scripture), Paul is mentoring Timothy to help him in his ministry. Apparently, Timothy has run into some people who want to hold him accountable to the letter of the law given before by Moses, but Paul has taught Timothy about grace--God's unmerited, impossible to earn--favor.

Think back for a moment.  How many laws govern this land?  Why were the laws written?  It is important to note, that the laws governing most countries are written because of the things that people have done or could do that infringes about the rights of others. Remember the "wild, wild west" in the US?  Everyone had a gun and did exactly as they wanted to do.  Why did townspeople create positions for Marshalls, Sheriffs, Deputies?  Positions/roles of authority were created to control "the lawless" (those without morals or values or understanding or compassion). Are we regressing to the days of the wild, wild west? Lawlessness, where everyone thinks they have a right to do what they want to do, when they want to do it.  Are we yet without morals and values?  Are we yet without compassion and understanding?   

As Paul reminds Timothy, laws or rules are good when they are used appropriately.  When laws are twisted to pacify every whim of whatever a person wants to do--creating mass confusion, allowing and promoting immorality, and totally ignoring values that were taught and promoted to maintain a civilized society--lawlessness prevails.  How do we return to a state of being where we can "love", exercising the greatest commandment or law given so that there is no confusion?

Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to recognize our role on an individual basis as a keeper of the law of love and corporately so we have no need to keep writing laws that get twisted and changed at the whim of man's fickleness.  Help us to seek You so we might know how to live in this world, recognizing each and every person's rights to live in harmony, without chaos, or fear of what someone might do.  Help us to see the need for love so we might live a peaceable life, having values and promoting morality for all to eradicate the immorality that abides in the hearts of many. Help us to understand and walk in Your favor! Help us to understand and to be grateful for Your mercy! Help us to understand that Your mercy and grace are not to be used as an excuse to be immoral or commit acts against mankind that are not of You! Amen!

Who Can We Trust?

"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you" (Psalm 73:25).

The real question by the Psalmist here is, who can I really trust, but You, God?  He acknowledges that there is nothing on earth worth having or desiring than God in his life.

Have we come to the end of ourselves and realize that we can do absolutely nothing without God in our lives?  Do we realize that even when we fall short in His eyes, He is yet there to forgive and bring us back into a place where we understand His love for us? 

There are times when I look at the things that take place in our society and wonder to myself if Jesus has any regrets about sacrificing His life for us.  So many seem to take life for granted--they do whatever they want to do, treat people any kind of way, are totally thoughtless about the welfare and well-being of others--and they do all of this to make sure they have what they want, no matter how they get it.  I shake my head when I watch the news with the horrors that I see committed against the vulnerable, the poor, and those who don't look like the presiding policy-makers.

What have we come to when we do not recognize the plights of those who cannot fend for themselves?  Why don't we make better attempts to educate those who vote for law-makers when we know they do not understand the process?  Why do we who know better, do nothing except complain? 

Lord, forgive us for our apathy.  Help us to take on your nature in caring for others and remind us daily that You are really the only One we can truly trust in times of need. Thank You for loving us and giving us chance after chance to get living right before You!  Hallelujah!