Changing My Tone!

Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you! Galatians 4:16-20 NIV

"For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth." 2 Corinthians 13:8 NIV

When everything we attempt to do creates uncertainty in how others see us, we must remember we have options--always in obey The Word. This does not mean we accept lies as truth, but to continue to speak truth, without animosity--making sure truth is understood and not just our opinions.

I've been writing truths about the current resident in the Oval Office and complaining about as much as others who are concerned about the erosion of democracy under his "illegitimate" election win. We know without doubt Russian meddling influenced the outcome of the election. It's not about "waiting for the evidence" to be presented for all the world to see; we see it in his tweets--his desperation to distract with lie and more false propaganda, declaring all other news, "fake news" except purported by Fox News and now his propaganda machine, his tv news outlet with supposed, "real news," reported by his lying surrogates, feeding his ego. I guess some so-called Christians don't have a problem risking spending eternity in the lake of fire--prepared for those who are liars. 

At any rate, I decided it's time for a change. By now, everyone with a functioning brain knows there is a problem in the White House which will soon be eradicated--one way or the other. And since people didn't want to believe truth about the situation before now, perhaps, they'll remove their blinders and see clearly, the danger which America faces with an incompetent, narcissistic person in the White House.

From this point forward until the General Election in 2020, I plan to promote my bid for president--outlining and presenting in somewhat exhaustive manner--why I'm qualified to serve America. I'm changing my tone and focusing on Raising The Standards for Everyday Americans.

Let's begin with my understanding of what a president should know. (If this is redundant, please forgive the urgency I feel to let readers know where I stand.)

Other than being a legitimately elected leader, the person holding the office of President of the United States should understand what the office entails before being sworn into office. This person should have some understanding of the following:

• How government works (the three branches and how they are to operate in governance)
• Who America’s Allies and Adversaries are
• The importance of maintaining a strong military to defend the nation
• How to be fiscally responsible with tax-payer funds in order to keep the government running efficiently and smoothly
• How to embrace collaborative efforts in Congress
• The purpose of the Constitution and knowing what it takes to uphold it and protect democracy
• The History of the nation’s struggles and achievements
• Moving country forward with innovative ideas and technological aspirations
• Protecting the vulnerable from predatory practices
• The importance of everyone participating in a democratic society
• The importance of interactive, collaborations with other world leaders for economic reasons and to protect the planet.
• Recognizing the need for equality in the workplace between males and females
• Disavowing and condemning acts of discrimination regardless of race, religion, or gender.
• Promoting Unity and Instead of Divisiveness
• The boundaries of the office President—recognize being president of the United States does not mean having “all authority” or being a dictator or tyrant. Loyalty should be to Constitution and Americans, not an individual or groups of donors.
• Know that the White House is not an opportunity to promote personal business interests; the president should promote America’s interest not personal ones.
• Knowing the importance of transparency, having values and integrity; conducting oneself with dignity at all times.
• Know the difference between governing and campaigning with civility towards all.
• Know that the “rule of law” supersedes personal opinion and must be upheld
• Know that elected Congress doesn’t work for President but for their constituents.

All of this and more is on my Face Book page for Everyday Americans at www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020. If you're checking it out, be sure to come back frequently for updates. I am so much more to say and my official Bio will be up by the end of summer. Until then, please seek direction from God (not me) as to who should get your vote in any election--not tainted by foreign actors meddling by peddling false propaganda.

 

Comfort Is Ours!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves we receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 NIV

As I read this, I am reminded of the daily struggles and uncertainty many feel with our current situation in Washington. But I want to encourage all to know, that no matter how dark and ugly things get, know that there are millions of people working to right the injustice that we have endured with a rigged election.

From the beginning--I understood when trump screamed, "it's going to be rigged! They're going to steal the election," I knew he was referring to his team. I didn't know how, but I knew it would be those who supported him who would help with the election rigging. And I said so, though there were some who tried to convince me I was wrong.

Now, we see unfolding, daily just how it was done. It has already been determined that Russia was involved because they favored trump and hated Hillary. The players--Flynn, Manafort, Page, Ryan, McConnell, Kushner, Burr, Sessions, DeVos and others are all being exposed, one-by-one and it will be revealed how trump conned 63 million people into believing he cared about them.

Don't despair! Be comforted in the knowledge that truth--not alternate facts--will prevail and even many of those stalwart surrogates are beginning to cave. I watch their body language and even though they try to defend the indefensible, it's beginning to wear them down. Kingston, Miller, McEnany, Scott, Dennard, and others look frayed as they try to convince--there is nothing to expose in the #trumprussia investigation. We all know by now when they've reached the end of their delusional defenses, when they leap to..."but Hillary, ...but Obama" refrains.

The end is near (but near is relative in a timeline controlled by others) and we will all be able to breathe a sigh of relief when we get all the con artists out of the White House and put into prison. While we wait--know there are millions praying and actively involved in making sure this type of travesty never happens again. Our phone calls to legislators, emails, postcards, tweets, are making an impact and we will not be ignored. Now is not the time to give up; now is the time to dig in, taking a firm stand against the wiles of the enemy who governs from the WH and reigns on Capitol Hill (the high places Paul warned us about).

Comfort is available for all who stand firm in their beliefs and their actions to fight against tyranny and fascism. We will win--one way or another!

Protect Your Soul!

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.  May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 5:12-23 NIV

If we need proof--the evidence by which one is convicted or convinced of anything--we have to seek God's Word to see that those professing to be Christians--lie and they lie about the lies and show themselves to be reprobates with the continued lying.

Who are the lawmakers who claim to be Christians lying to? Themselves and their constituents. Those of us who are not blinded by party ideology see through the lies and know -- they make a mockery of what Christianity is supposed to be.

First of all, when Paul talks to "brothers and sisters" he's referring to the family of Christ Jesus--all who believe and walk according to God's Word. So, when we see lawmakers and other "pseudo-Christian" leaders do things that are in opposition to God's Word (no help for the poor) we know they lie. When we see them make excuses for those who publicly do wrong without public admonition, we know they lie. When we see them, not upholding their oath of office just to make the idiot in charge feel good, we know they lie. They have no respect for God's Word, themselves or those they supposedly represent.

Secondly, for them to use Christianity as a benchmark to claim to be a party "of the moral majority" when they have all fallen short is nothing short of remarkable--or maybe I should say, laughable because they expect people to believe them and the gullible, do.

We watched the GOP rejoice in taking healthcare from millions and yet making sure the wealthy save millions. We watched them preen themselves, congratulating themselves on their accomplishment--assuring early deaths for those who can't afford healthcare. We watched them hide from their constituents because they didn't want to answer questions about what they did or hear how their decisions impact "real lives" and not just numbers on a page. We know they lied when they did this because Christ, never would. The giddy law-makers would prefer people die early due to health issues or starve to death because they can't afford the ever-rising costs of food.

This is what we have in Washington, DC--the cast of clowns pretending to be Christians, which by their actions, demonstrate they are not.

Moving on--we do have choices and whether or not people want to believe it--the Democratic party is the party that cares and they have demonstrated that repeatedly. They care about the poor, the needy and the marginalized and try to write laws to protect them, while the GOP--does just the opposite.

In both the mid term elections in 2018 and the General election in 2020 people have a choice to make and they need to listen and watch all who are speaking, vying for their vote. Real Christians--don't have to brag about what they do and they take no pleasure in the suffering of others. We must pay attention and seek God before casting our vote--and don't let our emotions rule over common sense.  We must remember that and guard our souls against the wiles of the enemy.

Looking Ahead, Not Behind!

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. Philippians 3:12-17 NIV

Sometimes, we tend to allow our pasts--when we spend too much time thinking about them--to get in the way of our future. Lately, my thoughts keep going backward as I consider facing the microscopic scrutiny I know I'll be subjected to in my quest to make a run for the White House and because of my imperfections--doubt tends to creep in. So, this morning, as I read what Paul has to say, I am determined to not allow those thoughts to deter me. I am focused and looking forward to the experience of daring to make a big difference in our country.

Will I get where I want to be? Who knows?

I know I am qualified to be president of the United States (per the constitutional requirements) and now I must determine a path that will make me "electable" since that factor is more important than others.

With that insight, I know what I have to do--appeal to the masses and find those who--eventually--are great at fundraising--since that is not one of my strengths.

In the end, only those who believe in me--believe what they hear God speak to their hearts about me--will truly determine my electability.

In the interim--I'm going full steam ahead with research on issues that concern Everyday Americans and in finding viable solutions. I've written letters to "experts" in the field and waiting to hear from them. And while I wait--they're all pretty busy--I'm doing what I do best--writing and promoting my name.

Sooner or later--the name will be known and hopefully, the masses will know I'm on the side of the Everyday Americans, but I know I can govern for all Americans.

Planted by God or Men?

Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, "Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don't wash their hands before they eat!" Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For said, 'Honor your father and mother and "Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.' But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is 'devoted to God,' they are not to honor their father or mother' with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: " 'These people honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me. They worship in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.' " Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen and understand. What goes into the someone's mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them." Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?" He replied, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will both into a pit." Matthew 15:1-14 NIV

The Word of God speaks loudly and pierces the hearts of all who truly love Him and desire to please Him. And since it does, we are without excuse--we cannot allow the hypocrites to teach us anything when they have learned nothing. We cannot afford to allow the blind to lead us anywhere. 

False teaching will always be exposed along with the false teachers and apparently--there are many.
Yet once again, I find myself propelled to dismantle the false notion being promoted that God chose trump or that Jesus appointed him or that Jesus showed up at the polls and voted trump into office.

The most misused or misquoted segment of scripture people have used to "support their fallacy" has been Romans 13:1,2 without giving heed to the rest of the passage. Now, I believe that Paul spoke with the authority and under the anointing God gave him, but he is not a substitute for Jesus nor is he part of the divinity. Paul was a spokesman--taught under the law, and rose in the Spirit of God to teach truth for the day in which they lived.

God can and will use anyone who is willing to be used by Him. Paul is the greatest example of that we'll probably ever know--and that's because of his experience with God on the road to Damascus.
Unless a person has had a "Damascus Road" experience--which fueled their knowledge and desire to please God--they are not true representatives of who God is and anyone who teaches that they are--is a false teacher and hypocrite. 

The truth of what I'm saying will soon be revealed publicly and then I wonder how all those false teachers will feel--those who lied to their congregations--pushing agenda of man's making and not God's.

Anyone who is of God--promotes love not hate; peace not war; and understands the command we have to defend the rights of the poor and needy, not the rich and greedy. God never tells us anywhere in His Word that we--mere human beings--are to exercise control over people, but we should promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ--so when they receive Holy Spirit--they are controlled by Him.

I suggest that in the coming days, people who have falsely stated that trump is God's choice for president, should meditate on God's Word--not what the false teachers are saying, and hear God. Surely, what God plants is not easily uprooted, but what man plants--is a hit and miss situation. It's a maybe and we know that because of what nature reveals to us. Some people plant and things grow because of their "green thumbs" and some people plant and things die.

Regardless of the false teaching, I will rely upon God's Word as I continue to endeavor to serve the nation as its next president. I don't expect God to vote for me, but I am seeking His direction in all that I do and in the end, only those showing up at polls will determine my fate and the fate of others. Pause--and think about that.

How We Got Here!

When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders. The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba. But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice. So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.”Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, “This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the LORD will not answer you in that day.” But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us.Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.”When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. The LORD answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.” Then Samuel said to the Israelites, “Everyone go back to your own town.”  I Samuel 8 NIV

If we take a few moments to contemplate this passage of Scripture and align it with where we are right now--we can see how we got here--to this time in 2017.

I'm a visionary and have an extremely creative imagination and while reading this I saw a parallel time period from then to now.

Hillary tried to warn us what would happen if 45 was elected--in all three debates--she let us know what would happen.

45 let us know who he was, but people blinded by dissatisfaction and willing to believe lies, didn't listen.

Evangelical leaders who claim to be pro-life (within the womb), but hate others outside the womb, wanted to see a Supreme Court Justice appointed who would overturn Roe v. Wade. Coupled with their hatred of Obama--the first Black President--they convinced people that God chose Trump to be president--using a well known tool--gas lighting--repeating lies until they are believed, leading people to distrust their own judgment.

What we learn from Samuel is that having a king to rule over the Children of Israel was never God's idea, but the people who badgered Samuel, who chose to have a king--after being warned about how a king would treat them. God never leaves us with choices without presenting the consequences of our actions (Deuteronomy 28).

Just about everything we were warned about with Trump has come to pass. He will lie about lies and back peddle on promises and those who CHOSE him--by electing him as president--are now crying, "foul!"

The Children of Israel didn't listen to Samuel and many people--those who are the most needy--refused to listen to Hillary and chose instead to believe the lies perpetuated by Trump.

Understanding what happened and how a kingship was established--the people's choice, should help many to understand that when Paul talked about "honoring authority" in Romans 13:1--(again I say), he was not talking about a president--but the authority that God established which is Christ Jesus.

The people didn't want to accept God as their King so He gave them what they wanted. Disgruntled, deluded, and duped gullible Americans didn't want Hillary as their president so He allowed them their choice.

Will God hear our prayers when we ignored Him? The prayers of the righteous avails much and we shall soon see whether He hears and will answer us--relieving us from this nightmare and the policies that hurt the poor and the needy.

Ignoring God and the obvious--the back-peddling pathological liar is how we got here; now it's going to take the same God we ignored, to get us out of the mess made out of an honorable position which no longer is held in high esteem by much of the on-looking world.

We can say anything we want to say about how God does things, but we only have to seek His Word to find out the truth--God has always honored man's choices and warned us of the consequences of our choices, but many refuse to listen.

Breathe, Reflect and Keep Fighting!

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:1-10 NIV

How does passage of scripture align with what we see right now?
Deception--is a key word in what we see in the daily news. People--and this is the White House contingency--are deceived by what they do--abuse of power--and they think we are deceived by their "alternate facts" which are blatant lies.

If they simply read and lived the bible--at least 45 claims to "love the bible" then he would know there is no need for him to keep comparing himself to President Obama--he'll never measure up. What he should concentrate on doing is not allowing President Bannon to steer the ship he was commissioned to captain. None of us who are paying attention are blind to what is going on. We know 45 didn't draft the executive orders and his "photo op" show of signing them and attempting to read words he's never seen is obvious.

How do we know? Most of us with fairly good perception and ability to draw conclusions knew when he first opened his mouth. He does not have the intellect to draft the executive orders presented in the presence of the press. Only an idiot would have given him credit for it. But that's not the most important factor--it has been revealed by media that he didn't know what he was signing and hence the chaotic mess with the Muslim Ban. And they can claim all they want that it was not a "ban on Muslims" but Giuliani revealed that 45 asked him how to "legally ban Muslims" and he helped him.
45 wants people to "praise him" but so far, he's done absolutely nothing that is praiseworthy. It is craving for recognition that President Bannon is using against him, feeding his ego so he can influence what he does. Hence--the conclusion that SB is actually the president and most people don't know--we have an unelected person running the government.

We'll soon see how the fallout will affect every American when SB--who is determined to destroy the country in order to fulfill his own agenda--allows white supremacist to do whatever they want to do in order to make America--"white again."

America needs to wake up and take off the blinders that are creating the scales distorting their view of reality. 45 is mentally unstable, SB is a bigoted racist, and haggyblonde is sleep deprived (she admitted yesterday) and since we know--sleep deprivation is a form of torture that creates distortions of reality--we know why she's acting the way she is.

They (teamtrump) seem to forget all the vicious lies they promoted during a campaign and now, they "say" it's not fair for people to constantly criticize what they do or how they're doing it. Really? It was okay for them to demonize both Hillary and President Obama, but now--it's not fair! What a load of baloney!

45 ran down his opponents in both the primary and general election with falsehoods, blatant lies and vicious personal character attacks, but now--the petulant, tantrum-throwing-toddler-in-chief wants people to play nice and stop hurting his feelings because he feels so "demoralized."Maybe he should have thought about "his actions" and considered how others might feel; especially since he continually denigrated President Obama for years--and he still has not apologized for that. But that's okay--Karma bites--and we learn from the word in Romans 13:7 --we can only get back what we give. "Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."

And yes, before anyone reminds of the preceding verses of Scripture, I do know what it says and what it means, but since we do not have integrity and honor operating in the WH, I am not obligated to them.

Now, for those who need encouragement to keep going in the battle--step back for a moment, take a deep breath, reflect on the purpose and then get back in the battle to win it!

On This Journey--Let Passion Drive!

“Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. “And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ “So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.“So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.  “So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’ Acts 22:6-10 NKJV

Most of us know Paul's testimony about his trip to Damascus to persecute followers of Christ--how his encounter with Jesus--changed him and established a clear path for all who followed Jesus.

From persecutor to champion of the cause--from Saul to Paul--God's grace on his journey in life was due to his passion.

Now, the same grace that saved Paul and put him on the path to securing solidarity for the Body of Christ is available to all who are willing to receive. Much has been said about Paul's conversion, but perhaps the most important thing that any of us need to know is this--in order to be effective at doing anything--passion must drive us!

Paul (as Saul) was taught by the masters of Jewish faith in the law--he understand better than most what the law said, but it wasn't until his encounter with Jesus--contact with The Living Word--that he learned to apply what he thought he knew. At the point of his conversion to knowing how God wants us to treat us, he changed--the scales of blindness came off and he clearly saw how The Law kept people in bondage, making a mockery of a faith they claimed to be in God.

Are we religious or are we Believers in the Most High God? Have we allowed religious traditions to hinder passion for true belief and action on our part? Are willing to have an encounter with Jesus--The Living Word--to set us on the right path--a path destined with challenges and victories? Are we ready for the journey of a lifetime--promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our conduct and not just our words?

The journey--may have it's ups and downs, but if we remain faithful to Him, He will be faithful to us and accomplish all He has put our hearts to do. This journey called life--has not really been lived until we are living it for The Lord! What is your passion?

Think First, Then Do!

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8,9 NIV

Yesterday, I shared a photo (below) with Donald Duck pondering, "I wonder if common sense will ever make a comeback." Common sense seems to have disappeared when we look at how things unfold in the media. It makes one wonder if common sense even exists anymore.

Yet, here we read Paul's admonition-having been around for centuries, but not many heed what he says. "Think" about the right and good things and then whatever we learn, put it into practice. When will the God of peace be with us? The God of peace will be with us when we think about doing good and right things. This is why there is so much violence and hatred in the land because no one is thinking about the good and right things. If people are not willing to think, common sense won't have a chance to survive.

Since I've already written extensively about this passage of scripture, I won't repeat myself, but I do encourage all reading today to check out the link  myBook.to/ThinkingOnThings .


Of course, there will be those who have a differing opinion about how to solve our societal dilemmas, but I'm a strong proponent of doing things God's way! If we learn to think first--before we do anything--and think beyond the moment, we could change the atmosphere of violence and hatred and know peace in the land.

                             

I believe in miracles and I want to see peace in the land!

On The Journey--Waw!

Let Your mercies come also to me, O LORD—
Your salvation according to Your word.
So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me,
For I trust in Your word.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
For I have hoped in Your ordinances.
So shall I keep Your law continually,
Forever and ever.
And I will walk at liberty,
For I seek Your precepts.
I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings,
And will not be ashamed.
And I will delight myself in Your commandments,
Which I love.
My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments,
Which I love,
And I will meditate on Your statutes. Psalm 119:41-48 NKJV

With the sixth letter, in the sixth segment (stanza), we see a change in the tone the writer uses. In the stanza before, the writer (psalmist) is demanding (pleading)  God. In this segment, he is conciliatory, expressing what he will do and how much he loves doing it.

If we never do anything wrong, why would we need to plead for mercy? The first line--acknowledging the need and implying past deeds that require mercy. When God bestows His mercy upon us--not giving us what we deserve, are we truly repentant or do we take His mercy for granted?

What I've noticed in many of the psalms noted in the bible is a continued acknowledgement of God's mercy, grace, and love. It would appear that the writers were continually cognizant of the need for His mercy, grace, and love and were not ashamed to admit it. And in this passage, the writer acknowledges that salvation can only come according to His Word (The Lord).

Why? If we have understanding of God's Word, we know how to respond to anyone who attempts to belittle us for our faith. And in this time--the 21st Century, people are just as quick to belittle a Believer for their faith as the heathens were when this psalm was written. Some things never change, but is there truly a change in our response? Are we willing to lay before God, admitting our shortcomings and plead with Him to keep us showered with His mercies and feeding us His Word?

Do we truly trust God's Word or are we continually arguing the merits of His Word with those whose spirits do not know Him? When we trust in God's Word, we have no need to debate the merits of His Word for Holy Spirit has woven the truth into our spirits.

Do we yet have hope in God's ordinances--the principles and concepts by which we should live or do we accept others wrongly interpreting and changing the intent of God's Word to suit themselves? We are admonished in later passages of scripture by Paul that we should be more concerned with the spirit of the law, rather than the letter of the law. In other words, God has a specific intent for mankind's interactions with one another and we must maintain the intent of His Word and not cave to man's fickle roller-coaster understandings that change like the direction of the wind--without notice.

I can actually see Paul in this passage--as humble as the writer of the psalm, after meeting Jesus--saying, "I will walk in freely in Your principles and not be ashamed to tell of Your goodness to rulers everywhere I go." Are we walking freely, living all the principles, and ready to testify of God's goodness?

Do we truly love God's commandments? I don't mean the ten or the various ordinances given to the children of Israel then; I mean do we really love Him and are we really loving others, unconditionally?

When we deliberately take lives, create havoc, stir up hatred, lie and manipulate others so we can get what we want, do we honor God and show love to Him or others?

Many artists have sang songs about love and the need of love in this world, but I have yet to see love cover us as a shield against hatred. The world does indeed need love--pure love--unconditional love--exercised by all and not just a few. We need to learn to separate pure love from lust for many are deceived into believing that expressions of lust are love when they are not.

We know this because of the argument by many who insist that people have a right to love whoever they want to love in their support of same-sex unions. The truth of the matter is they are not talking about pure love--they are referencing the aspect of lust and proclaiming that people should have a right to have sex with whoever they want. Involvement in sex is not an expression of pure love--it is an expression of lusting for another simply as a means to relieve oneself.

Will we learn to love one another--unconditionally--in the new year God has so graciously given us? Or will we continue to think we know more than He does and keep doing things our own way, expecting a different result? Are we truly--insane--as this behavior implies?

I detect in my spirit an even greater need to meditate upon God's Word so when I present my petitions before Him, I will not be guilty of dishonoring Him or attempting to deceive Him. My desire is to come before Him at all times with a pure heart--opening myself to hear Him and abide by His instructions.

What Prize Are We Seeking?

What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. (I Corinthians 9:18,19;24,25 NKJV)

Sometimes people find themselves competing for something when they don't understand what the prize is. There are people seeking greatness and recognition, but not wiling to do great things. There are people seeking the starring role (in everything they do), yet they have no clue as what the role encompasses. And many others seek positions of authority when they have no respect for authority and then wonder why, they are not respected as an authority in any aspect.

Before anyone seeks the end reward, they should know what prize they are seeking--how much they will have to give of themselves in order to be considered--prizeworthy.

Paul understood this dilemma well. He knew his conversion from religion to relationship was worth the prize--a crown given by God at the end of his journey. He also knew the journey would not easy. In fact, while he was in religion, he was a person who had been given authority to persecute Christians--as an authority for the Pharisees. He was free to travel and do all the evil he wanted to do--in the name of religion. Now, as a convert--in relationship with God--he found himself a servant of the Most High, willing to sacrifice himself by preaching the Gospel so that all might have an opportunity to know Truth, knowing the risks involved. He understood what the prize was and how he would obtain and he was determined to accomplish his goal.

Are we as determined to accomplish our goals? Do we even understand what the prize is when we find ourselves competing (sometimes against ourselves)? Do we understand the rules of the competition before we begin or are we just concerned about winning recognition from others?

In the church and outside of the church, we have people who want to be in the spotlight, the star of the show, but they have no clue what it means to "earn" the position. People (men and women) claim God has called them into ministry and they want everyone to know--they have a word from The Lord, but when they open their mouths, those who know The Word, recognize the person speaking has not read The Word with understanding. And when these same people finish making a fool of themselves, expecting a standing ovation for their performance, they are disappointed when people sit on them and think there must be something wrong with the people.

At the same time, we have others who seek leadership roles without understanding and when they fall on their faces at every turn, refusing to seek guidance or scorn it when offered, they get angry because others are recognized for "doing good works" and not just talking about doing things.
If we do not have a servant's heart--a heart to please others--the prize we seek will always be just out of reach. In the pulpit--the prize should be a soul won or encouraged if all are saved.
Outside the church, the prize should be to make a difference in the lives of others, not in seeking greatness. God knows our heart and He knows who has a servant's heart and who is simply seeking recognition of people, rather than in pleasing Him.

Pleasing God means doing all things decently and in order--according to His Word. Of course, if we don't know His Word, it would be difficult to do things His way and achieve His results. With His results, we earn His prize--eternal life. In the world, if our goal is to stand in the spotlight--for all the world to see--we get the world's prize--temporary acknowledgement and when the spotlight falls upon others, we are soon forgotten.

Now think about it--will the prize sought be permanent or temporary? Eternal or temporal? From God or from people? I'm seeking the prize that only God holds--the crown of life and my goal--to promote the Gospel so as many who hear or read what I say, will be saved.

Being In Order!

Or did the Word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? If anyone things they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. (I Corinthians 14:36-40 NIV)

Instructions pertaining to conducting an orderly worship service, transcend how things should be done in church into orderly function of any entity. To avoid chaos and confusion, order must be established in the function of one's home, businesses, and personal life. For without order--chaos reigns.

If more people would apply The Word to daily living, we could avoid some of the trials and challenges that occur in our lives. Even though many might say, "I don't believe in God or the Bible," the intent behind or contained within The Word--is still applicable to anyone who chooses to apply it to their lives.

What's amazing to me is the number of people who think all of "positive thinkers" and motivational speakers are so great, but they cannot receive the Word of God. In listening to some of the well-known motivational speakers, I've detected their use of The Word as a basis for just about everything they say--much coming from Proverbs and the parables Jesus used to teach others about life. Of course, when people don't know The Word, they have no clue where the speakers got much of their insight and they are left thinking mere mortals are greater than God.

Consider what Jesus said about "counting the cost" before building a house. His reference is to a person being wise and knowing how much the house is going to cost before going ahead and starting building. In life, there are many things we plan to do, but it is only those plans we have carefully considered, that actually work.

And all of the positive thinkers--they get their foundational exhortation from, "As a man thinks, so is he," and "life and death are in the power of the tongue" all from The Word. There's much more, but this limited venue precludes me from going further.

So, in the passage where Paul is encouraging people to conduct a worship service decently and in order, the same is true for other aspects of living. When there is no established order in a home--there is filth and confusion. When there is no established order in a person's personal life--not much is accomplished. And when established order in business is ignored, the end results could be disastrous. There is a rhyme and reason for establishing and adhering to order in all areas of our lives. God plans for us to be prosperous as our soul prospers, but He has provided an order for us in His Word so we can be successful in accomplishing His plans.

Whenever things are not done decently and in order--confusion arises, chaos ensues, feelings get hurt or valuable resources put at risk. Whenever any one person thinks they can change the established order of anything (other than their own lives), they risk an eruption and disruption of everything. In all things, we must consider the costs of our actions.

In order to maintain reputations of honor and integrity and wisdom in all we do, in who we are, and what we stand for, we must act with integrity in all matters and do all things--decently and in order--considering the cost before we do anything.

Praying For a Damascus Road Experience!

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. "not get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." (Acts 9:3-6 NIV)

 Many know the story of Saul's conversion and all the great things he accomplished as Paul. But what sticks out to me the most is the fact that as Saul, he was a religious man--full of knowledge and zeal, without relationship with God. After his Damascus road experience, he was yet full of knowledge and zeal, in relationship with God, without being religious. And that's the place we all need to be--in relationship with God, not being religious. For it is in relationship with God that we hear God when he speaks. Being religious limits our ability since we are too busy trying to please men/women and doing what they say God is saying to them. These are the modern day Pharisees and Sadducees--the religious leaders who in their zeal to control others, have missed hearing God and pleasing Him.

Father, in the name of Jesus,

I pray for the unbelieving, the doubters, the atheists, the agnostics, and all who by any other label, deny your existence and the Deity of Your Son.

Create for them, O God, an experience in which the light of truth will guide their paths to You so they'll have a testimony of their own Damascus Road revelation. Provide them with knowledgeable people in their lives who can and will teach them Your truths and not the religious ideology that permeates the earth, yet is ineffective against the enemy who wages war within and without.

Bring all to a place where they realize they need You as their provider, comforter, healer, and counselor.

Cause the scales of unbelief and doubt to fall from their eyes so they can see You in all Your glory and begin to magnify and praise You, O God.

And before this day is over, Lord, let the number of souls won to You be increased a thousand times more than there right now and even greater numbers come to You before the end of this month.

I stand in the gap--desiring only to please You and see souls saved so we can live in peace, knowing how to love one another as we love You.

Your Word says that whatever we ask in Jesus' name will be given to us when we believe and not doubt. I believe souls are won as this prayer is shared and I declare it done--to the glory of the Most High. Amen!

Felix, Festus, and Favor!

As Paul talked to them about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you," At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked to him. When two years had pass, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.(Acts 24:24-27 NIV)

In re-reading Acts, I find myself fascinated by those who were supposed to be leaders but were actually scoundrels, motivated by greed and the power of their position.

Paul was sought by those who preferred the law over grace--to kill him, just because of his faith in the Lord Jesus--a crime against men who wanted to control what everyone believed and did. This desire to control overs has caused problems for millions of people and is yet causing problems for people. We saw it with all the dictators in the land, and we see it again from those who profess to do God's Will, but have not demonstrated they even know God.

Our modern day Felixes, and Festuses come in the form of justices who sit on the Supreme Court and politicians and others in positions of authority, seeking bribes and favors--turning the Word of God into a joke and encouraging people to live in opposition to God says in favor of what they say.

Paul was left imprisoned for over two years at the whim of a man who thought that eventually Paul would offer him a bribe for his freedom, and when he didn't--another took his place and to incur favor with the Jews, left him imprisoned. When Paul appealed to be heard by Caesar, it would appear that Festus was incensed by Paul thinking him incapable of rendering a just judgment when no crime had been committed and none proven. Paul was right and Festus was left looking foolish before the Jews.

Today, how many people are being wrongly accused of crimes that no one can prove, but are remanded in custody by egotistical maniacs who abuse their position and power?

Paul's crime--belief in the Lord Jesus Christ and promoting the Gospel to the Gentiles. Jesus' crime--declaring to be the Son of God, healing the sick and exposing the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders. The penalty for their crimes was death, but the glory of The Lord put them into a position of righteousness that neither will ever be forgotten--Jesus because He is our Risen Savior and Paul because he refused to take the easy way and withstood the persecution after his conversion.

Are we willing to stand firm in our belief and confession that Jesus is Lord? Are we promoting the Gospel no matter what happens? Are we baffled and confused when the naysayers and doubters attack what we say or write in cyberspace and become discouraged? I would hope that none of these things shall move us from fulfilling the call of God in our lives! Whether we speak the Truth in public places or write it in public forums, we have no need to fear for our God--is victorious in all things and because we belong to Him; there is no Felix or Festus who can ever deter us and what we do, is not to gain the favor of men, but because God grants us favor with men.

We are not needed to give our lives in shedding blood for our bloodshed can save no one, but we can live our lives in such a way that all who see and watch us will know, our lives belong to Jesus and we will not turn back to be controlled by the dictates of mere mortals--no matter what their position is.

What Is Holy Spirit Warning Us About Today?

And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. (Acts 20:22-24 NIV)

I must admit, composing a title for my commentary today was a bit of a challenge since a number of themes jumped out at me from these three verses. And before I finish, it's possible that Holy Spirit will have me touch on all I saw. I submit to His leading.

First of all, we see Paul acknowledging the forewarning of danger through Holy Spirit. In the days of the prophets (those messengers of God to whom God spoke directly before the arrival of Holy Spirit). They were also warned of impending danger and spoke to the people--some of whom heard and obeyed and others who did not. In fact, there were many who took upon themselves to be prophets and did as they were bidden to do by those in charge. These were the false prophets and unfortunately, we have many among us today--those who prophesy lies according to the dictates  of their flesh or the amount of money someone offers them.

But for those who are actually allowing Holy Spirit to lead and guide them in all things, Holy Spirit has been warning of impending dangers and once again--not many are listening and many more are choosing to ignore. When Holy Spirit spirit speaks, people should respect His voice more than E. F. Hutton and listen--closely and obey. He will never lead us astray, but there have been some who listened to E. F. Hutton and we hear from him, no more. I wonder why.

Then, we have those who claim that Holy Spirit speaks to them and we know by what they say and do, they lie. Holy Spirit will never speak on His own, but only those things given to Him and all that He says, will align with The Word. This doesn't mean that He'll speak to us in the King's English--that would be ludicrous unless we lived in England. No, Holy Spirit will speak to us in a language we understand and speak so that no confusion will exist. And though what He speaks may not be The Word--verbatim, the intent and principles will never change. Depending on where we are in our relationship with God, He may have to "paraphrase" The Word in order for us to understand it. In other words, He'll break it down to the lowest common denominator so we cannot say, we did not understand.

Considering the importance of Holy Spirit's role in the lives of Believers, I don't understand why there aren't more people saved and filled with His Spirit, living in right relationship with God. I can only surmise that the ridicule that accompanies anyone proclaiming God speaks to them, is justification for many to either ignore His warnings or they choose to keep silent. Neither is a good idea since we are all called to be "watchmen" and it is the responsibility of the watchmen to warn the people of impending danger. It is the responsibility of the people to act on the warning and when they don't, whatever happens is on them, not those who were courageous enough to warn.

Knowing what lay ahead of him, Paul chose to keep going--to keep testifying of God's grace--in order to fulfill the calling on his life. Do we have the same boldness to keep going--knowing that ridicule and persecution lie ahead of us? Knowing that not all will receive what we have to say? Knowing that every time we write a blog or respond to an article containing controversial content, we will be attacked by those influenced by the enemy? Knowing that the enemy seeks to engage us in meaningless conversation to keep us distracted from our mission? Are we bold enough to continue the race set before us and testify of God's goodness in spite of the naysayers and the doubters?

If our answer to any of the questions is "yes" then we have a testimony about how God changed us and put us back on the path He had established for us. Let's share the testimony with all who will hear and watch as we see The Word come alive for we are told, "we have overcome (the enemy's ploys to destroy us) by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony."

Whatever our testimony is--the change from what we were doing in opposition to God's Word to living according to His Word--it is what people need to hear. We have the power within to know who needs our testimony in order for them to be overcomers and if we listen to Holy Spirit, He will indeed direct our footsteps, and govern our tongues so souls will come to Christ!

Don't Just Listen, Do!

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (James 1:19-22 NIV)

We know from reading The Word that faith comes by hearing and hearing by The Word of God--says, Paul to us. Now, James tells us, don't just listen to The Word, do it! If our faith in God is going to be sustained, then we must do what we hear and read from The Word--and not just people.

The Messengers of God are worth hearing when they are speaking God's message. When they veer off into their own imaginations and opinions that are based on nothing--especially not The Word--no one is obligated to hear or do what they say, yet so many people do.

I'm thinking particularly about a pastor--somewhere--who poured bleach over the heads of his congregants to "wash them clean" because of erroneous understanding of The Word. The Word tells us that the blood Jesus shed on the cross is what washes us clean--not bleach or anything else we attempt to do. The psalmist mentions being washed by The Word--not the literal word--but as representing what Jesus would accomplish since He is The Word.

Getting back to hearing and not doing--many people claim to listen to their pastor on a Sunday morning and praise their messages, but when asked what they said--they develop amnesia. "I don't know, but it sure was good." Apparently, they were not the good ground into which The Word was supposed to be sown.

Then there are those who wouldn't miss church for the world--uh uh--no siree, they're not missing church. They are there every time the doors open and listen intently to every word heard, but then their lives don't demonstrate what they heard (unless they heard a message that opposes God's Word). From their actions, one can tell, they didn't hear about loving one's neighbor as themselves because the minute they got into the parking lot, they started cussing out everyone in their way. They get home and talk about everyone who attended church--they talk about the pastor and his wife; they talk about the noisy children; they talk about the ushers who are too slow; they talk about the soloist and how they could see better than they did; they talk about the choir director who, "couldn't direct traffic." They talk about everyone and since they "saw" so much going on, how on earth did they hear any Word?

We can hear without listening and when we pretend to listen the only person we fool is us. God is not mocked. He knows our hearts and He knows when we're pretending to pay attention and so does everyone else when we are not doing The Word.

We "do The Word" when we obey The Word and people know we have either read with understanding or at listened to God's messengers because they see it in our conduct. We who "do" The Word don't live in opposition to The Word, but strive to obey God in all things and that obedience starts with knowing how to love others and God.

Today would be a good day to start--not just listening, but in doing The Word--loving all we meet and greet and making the devil cringe because we even woke up--with desire in our hearts to please God!

The Time Has Come!

"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." (2 Timothy 4:1-3 NIV)

Careful observation and introspection of current events and a society that willfully turns its back on God and His ways to accommodate sin, lets us know--the time has come--when people will not hear sound doctrine, but prefer to seek and support those who cosign perversion in our daily lives.

How do we know? We've given people carte blanche  to use illegal drugs (mind-altering drugs that inhibit rational thinking) under the guise of medical use. And in some places--the medical use facade is not even in question and a church in Illinois has been established where they worship--marijuana. Since that's all they will be doing is getting high--I wonder what the consequences will be when they're involved in situations where others are injured or killed.

Standing up for beliefs based upon the bible has become the foundation others use to ridicule and persecute--on all fronts. There are those who obviously do not understand history and the fact that this country was established on the foundation of civil disobedience against what they felt was the tyranny of England. Civil disobedience--a willingness to take a stand against injustice has always been a factor in how this country does business. However, when a county clerk in Kentucky stands firm in her beliefs--the venom spews like the winds blowing dust--covering everything in hatred of followers of Christ.

What continually amazes me is the lack of tolerance for Believers and what they believe by those who claim we are intolerant against their lifestyles that are in opposition to God's Word. We don't hate and spew obscenities at those who disagree with us. Most of us (Believers) understand that people may not agree with our view and accept it--without argument or denigration of a person's stance. Personally, I'm not interested in debating anyone about God's Word, but I do love a discussion in which all can be enlightened.

Yesterday, because I dared to comment on a news article (and trust me, I knew what would happen), haters came out of cyberspace almost before I finished typing. Now, remember--I commented on the article--not to a person who had already commented, but suddenly, I was the villain because I dared to commend Kim Davis on her stand. I had a number of people who tried to use the Bible to deflect from their hatred--from women speaking in a church being sin, to gay rights supporters using the race card (how dare I support Kim Davis since I had only been allowed to vote for the last 60 years), to assuming what my background is without any knowledge of who I am.

What did I do? I preached The Word, providing scripture references to support what I said and reminded all who hated, that God loved them and so do I. The devil couldn't stand it when I told people I loved to love them and they eventually stopped commenting.

Instead of engaging on the level of ignorance of God's Word shown by unbelievers, all we should do is to proclaim and explain God's Word--no matter how foolish someone else might be. One person--even told me (I have it copied into a document) that MEN wrote the bible, but GOD wrote the ten commandments. When I questioned how they could believe God wrote the ten commandments but could not inspire men to write the bible, I received no reply. I realized that this person was merely referencing what they had seen in a movie--since they did not realize that the ten commandments are located in the bible--the same bible they refuted since "fallible, fickle men" wrote it.

Let's endeavor to do what God said for us to do--preach The Word, be prepared in all situations to say what God said, and know why He said it so we can explain it to others. The time has come for us--who Believe in the totality of God's Word and its contextual meaning to stand firm and proclaim it with confidence in Him, strengthened and empowered by Holy Spirit.  

Glorify His Name!

"With this in mind, we constantly pray for you that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ!" (2 Thessalonians 1:11, 12 NIV)

I cannot imagine what was going on in Thessalonica when Paul wrote this second letter to the church there. From what he says, I know the Believers were being persecuted and treated unjustly and he was encouraging them to remain faithful to God. In the first part of this passage of scripture, we see Paul remind them that the evil ones--those who don't know God or obey will be punished and on the day Christ returns, He will be glorified in His Holy people who believed Him because of the testimony of others.

Now, that they have believed, Paul tells them they are constantly praying for them that God may make them worthy (we cannot make ourselves worthy of His calling) and that they will allow His power to bring to pass every good thing they desire and do. Why? Not for them to glorified--lifted up and praised, but so God will be lifted up and praised--and His name--glorified.

Notice that Paul tells them by God's power--He will bring every good desire and deed to fruition--so He'll get the glory. One of the things that irritates me the most is watching award shows where the winners "give God honor" for what they have achieved, but their deeds--whether in a movie or in music--did nothing to glorify God and everything to glorify Satan. Do they think that God is fooled or deceived by them winning an award for their portrayals of godlessness--on screen or in the music? Seriously?

Does God get any glory or honor in obscenities, profanities, pornography, or sexual promiscuity? Is He entertained by, Modern Family, Nashville, Gray's Anatomy, Empire, Scandal, The Haves and Have Nots,  or the other shows where wives are sleeping around with other men and women or children being sexually active? Why must sex be used to glorify the devil when God intended it to be used to glorify Him through the production and continuity of the human race through marriage (His standards)? And the saddest part is that so many Christians are caught up in watching all the filth and the pastors are dismissing services early so their congregations can keep up with the latest godlessness.

It is because of all the godlessness portrayed on television that I have opted out--there is nothing worthwhile except perhaps the weather and traffic reports on local stations. No matter what program a person attempts to watch--they are bombarded with fornication, homosexuality, and all types of perversity.

Reading and writing have become my modes of entertainment--I read to learn and write to inspire, motivate and educate. With all I do, I proclaim the name of Jesus so He is glorified and not me. Not that I can make me worthy of the calling on my life to proclaim the Gospel, but because He strengthens me daily to do all I can to make sure others know just how good He is.

God is not deceived by anything we see that dishonors Him nor is He fooled by anyone proclaiming to be a follower of Jesus Christ, and yet lives like the unsaved world and promotes ungodliness. People who think He is deceived have been deceived, by the great deceiver.
With all that we desire in life and all we do--let's do it to glorify the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and when we do--He will bring all we desire to pass as a testimony to His goodness so others will also believe. 

How Brothers and Sisters In The Lord Behave!

"Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else." (1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 NIV)

Why was it important to remind Believers how to treat each other? Human nature--such as it is--often forgets what we've been told and we need to be reminded--daily. That's why our first act of any day should be to communicate with God, find out what He wants us to do, study The Word and then go out and share God's love--through instruction, correction, and encouragement to all.

If we could make it in life all by ourselves, God would have wasted His time in creating humanity--we were never intended to be individualistically, sustainable. We need one another whether we care to admit it or not. Everyone needs a sounding board when inspired by ideas or trying to get over hurdles. Everyone needs to know they are loved and there's someone near for a gentle touch, a pat on the back, or for a hug. Everyone needs someone to remind them of the goodness of 
God and that we have a Risen Savior, who wants only the best for us.

Think about people who often give up on life when left to their own devices. These are the ones who are more prone to thinking about suicide. Studies have shown that married couples living longer than those who live on their own. Older citizens survive longer in caring environments than on their own without contact with other people. We are social people and as such need to know that others are close or at the very least, we can contact them. Hence--so many inventions that keep us able to communicate with others--beyond traditional mail, email, digital chat arenas, telephones, and all sorts of social media. We need one another.

However, those who are Believers need each other to motivate obedience to The Word of God in assisting others and caring about all--not just other Believers. We are to hold those who care for us in high esteem--commonly referring to the church leaders--when they are worthy of our high regard (so many are not). When we see Believers begin to stumble, we should encourage them before they fall--especially those in leadership so the whole will not be fractured.

We must learn to live in peace with one another within the Body of Christ. We should never be guilty of igniting chaos and confusion within the Body for when we do--we give the outside world, fuel for their unbelief and disdain of all who proclaim to believe God.

No one in the Body of Christ should be idle or disruptive. There is far too much work to do in caring for and encouraging others. We shouldn't have time for gossip or spreading rumors that cripple. Our mindset should be on building the Body of Christ, not tearing it down. Instead of seeking means to avenge ourselves, we should seek to do good for everyone we meet, whether they are good to us or not.

Staying on the path that God directs is not always easy, but it is always right. We simply have to make more of an effort to obey so that others will be won to Christ by what they see us do. Share God's love today!

Hold Onto The Word--No Matter How It's Obtained!

"So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." (2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 NIV)

In the days of the prophets--those used by God specifically to speak what God wanted them to say, they encouraged the Children of Israel to hold onto God's Word and obey.

Beyond the prophets of old--Jesus and those who followed Him--said the same thing--hold onto the Word and obey.

Near Paul's end, he encouraged all--not just those in Thessalonica, but all who would believe and obey the Word--whether they heard it directly from Timothy or others sent to them or by the letters he wrote to them.

Today, there is no excuse for anyone to claim they have no access to The Word. The Word is being preached on television, preached in churches on just about every corner, taught in bible studies in homes across America, and streamed on the Internet. Bloggers who are faithful Believers are constantly explicating The Word in order to break it down so all who read can and will understand. Bible apps are available for every type of digital technology, anyone could own. And yet--so many either won't believe or obey The Word of God.

For those of us who will continue to proclaim God's Word--we know and understand the consequences of our actions. People may not like us or follow us on social media, but God is pleased and our goal--to please God is obtained.

I'm always amazed at some who follow me on Twitter--especially when my profile clearly identifies me as a Believer and Follower of Jesus Christ. I guess some don't bother to read the profiles or the posts before deciding to follow me and then quickly unfollow me when I post something that contradicts what they believe or rather--reveals the foolishness of unbelief in the Most High God.

The unfollows don't bother me--I simply shake my head and smile. But no matter how many people unfollow me--I will hold fast to The Word and continue to explicate it as God directs me. If something is said that convicts others of sin and wrongdoing, Amen! The Word--if taught correctly--should convict all of sin and encourage us to live to please God, and that includes the one who writes the blog. I know what I've written has often hit me over the head and made me realize just how much growing in grace I have yet to do. And that's okay--The Word--sharper than a two-edged sword--cuts going in and out. What He gives me to say is not just for those who read it, but for the one who writes it. Ouch! I'm not immune to convicting power of The Word.

Now, even though I study The Word and profess it, gladly with the least provocation--I realize just how much I have to learn. I don't think I could live long enough to reach a place where I could legitimately think--I've learned it all. So, even though what I write may sting others, it has found it's mark in me, but I will hold onto The Word, no matter how it's obtained and allow The Word to wash me, thoroughly cleansing and igniting desire to know more.

This day, I am encouraging all to study The Word, hold onto The Word and obey and get ready to receive God's promises, fulfilled in your lifetime.