Justifying The Lying!

The LORD said to Job: “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!”Then Job answered the LORD:  “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more.”  Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm:“Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.“Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like his?  Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at all who are proud and bring them low, look at all who are proud and humble them, crush the wicked where they stand. Bury them all in the dust together; shroud their faces in the grave. Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you. Job 40:14 NIV

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers  23:19 NIV

And in that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and calamities will come on them, and in that day they will ask, ‘Have not these disasters come on us because our God is not with us?' Deuteronomy 31:17 NIV

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, Romans 14:17 NIV

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord's people. 1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10 NIV

If we look at the plight of America and Americans, we can see that there are problems all around us. Job had problems after Satan got permission from God to test him. Though the assaults were devastating--the loss of property, children, and covered with boils--Job maintained his faith in God. Because of his faith in God, all he had lost was restored.

The story of Job is the oldest known book of the bible and in it we find what real faith in God is. Yes, we acknowledge our circumstances, but we don't dwell on the negatives and try to see God in all we do. In all of the story--with his friends trying to persuade him to curse God and die and even his wife--Job remains steadfast--determined not to allow anyone to deter his faith in God. And the one thing we must remember in all of his trials--Satan couldn't do a thing to Job without God's permission and because God knew Job--He allowed the unfolding events in Job's life.

Does God know us well enough to know our end from the beginning? Of course He does. He knows who will remain faithful to Him without lying on Him in the process. He knows who will obey and do what they're told to do whether they understand it or not. He knows the level of our faith and nothing we say or do to justify a lie--especially about Him--will surprise Him.

God is not surprised by the lies people tell on Him--especially those in the "church" arena. In fact, part of the problem is that people are "in churches--the physical buildings" but they are not the church which we are supposed to be. "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?" 1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV

We are the body of Christ--whoever believes and obeys! It is the body of Christ (the collective group of Believers) who is the church--not a building--where people meet.

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13, NIV

Now if we are the Body of Christ--and have been filled with His Spirit--we know when He speaks and we know He will never lie to us and everything He speaks, aligns with The Word of God. So, why then are people--the church leaders lying on God and then trying to justify the lying?

It is simple as breathing. People lie because Satan is their father and we know that it is true because God's Word tells us so. Since we know God won't lie we also know He would never choose a liar to govern people. But God allows things to happen and it is possible that Satan got permission to test God's people as it pertains to the 2016 Election and the people failed the test--because their faith was not in God, but a man--a mere mortal.

And this is why we have the situation in Washington that exists--church leaders failed the test, but God never fails. God has not forsaken those who truly love Him and will obey--even in the midst of persecution and derision. He knows our thoughts from far off and He knows the direction He wants us to take. It is truly unfortunate that many will suffer because of those who sought to control other people rather than allowing Holy Spirit to do His job.

There is no justifying the lying and all those who are yet lying--claiming God chose Trump to be president are lying. If God was in the business of choosing elected leaders then those same people who hated Obama with a vengeance would have to acknowledge that God chose him to be president, too since God is not a respecter of people. Now which it is-is God choosing presidents or is He allowing people to choose through the election process?

What Have We Learned?

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.”So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so.God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day. And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:1-21 (and the rest)
God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19 NIV
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord's people. 1 Corinthians 14:23 NIV
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10 NIV
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:24

In the beginning, God created all that was ever created and without Him, nothing was created. He created--took nothing and made something out of it. Man "invents" using what already is to change it into something else. God is not a man that He should lie, Man lies. God is not the author of confusion and chaos--Man is. God is not unjust--Man is fickle and justice is not equal for all when man makes decisions. All of God's promises are, "Yes and Amen." Man's promises waffle betwixt and between roller coaster emotions and constantly changing societal acceptances.

There is a difference between the God of Heaven and the god of this world for the god of this world--the arch enemy of God-- has created nothing but chaos and confusion in the minds of the weak and gullible.

When we know how God functions--from the beginning to this very moment--we know without doubt that He would not "choose" absurdity over wisdom and knowledge. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."Proverbs 1:7  "Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you." Proverbs 4:5-8 NIV  God creates, Satan destroys!

Until the gullible cease to say, "God chose Trump to be president" or "God elected him," I will continue to dispute it with everything in me, according to The Word of God.

God--not human--has no need for those things humans involve themselves--like "elections." When the Children of Israel cried for a king, God allowed them to choose--though He spoke to prophet-Samuel and had Samuel anoint David--the people still had to choose. And when we look at the history of the kings who ruled--sometimes those choices were not good ones and the kings were evil and committed all sorts of debauchery and wickedness.

As stated before and is being stated by many--this futile rhetoric about God choosing Trump--is driving more people away from God and church than drawing them to God. God doesn't have a problem with us making mistakes, but when we don't learn from the mistake and keep perpetuating it, then that's a problem and God will allow us to wallow in the consequences of our choices.

Now, what have we learned?

Being Full of the Holy Spirit!

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” The devil led him up to a high place and  showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’ The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. Luke 4:1-13 NIV

In order to resist the temptation served up by the devil, we have to be full of Holy Spirit, with a heart to hear and obey Him, rather than the dictates of our flesh.

Now, all who have eyes and are being led by Holy Spirit can see through the devil's lies and all of the promises made are crumbling for all the world to see.

God knows our hearts and our motivations. Since He is love, He abhors hate-mongering and fear-mongering and we know--with all the hate demonstrated in this country, that it was the devil who offered the temptation of change through a narcissistic, fear-mongering demon and those who didn't have the spiritual discernment to see it, fell for the smooth talking snake-oil salesman.

But of course there was a specific group targeted to engage their loyalty--the low-educated and the ill-informed--the gullible and it worked. Now, though their hatred of all people who don't look like them was their driving force, they are seeing and will see even more why they were misled.

The media became a pawn in the game of the enemy and he played them like a finely tuned fiddle. Free coverage--never spending his money because that's not his style.

The tax cuts won't help anyone who isn't rich. Another lie perpetuated by the enemy.

The wall won't be built unless the haters volunteer their time to build it and that will be the extent of the jobs provided--manual labor--for their savior knows they don't have the educational ability to do anything beyond that. How do we know? He held a baby in his hands and declared, "he looks like a construction worker," pronouncing the expectation as though that's all the baby can ever hope for.

And for those poor folks who think didn't have healthcare before the Affordable Care Act, they'll be back to square one because no one has a better plan to put in its place.

I've concluded because of what The Lord is showing me that buyer's remorse is rising faster than flood waters and the regret is already real and he has not even been sworn into office. His lawyers are handling the 75 pending lawsuits while he's avoiding any press coverage. And why is he not allowing the press to travel with him? He doesn't want any of his true thoughts and conversations to expose him for the devil he really is. The dictator he plans to be.

And the biggest group who fell for the lies--the Evangelical group who was more concerned about party than country. I'm sure they are really proud of themselves for pushing the enemy down people's throats. If people thought church attendance was bad, they will see--soon enough--the real decimation of trust betrayed. If the church lies to people because they believed the lie--how disappointed is God in those He trusted to hear and obey Him? 

Based upon His Word, I can only conclude that they were not filled with Holy Spirit and therefore did not have the power to resist temptation--the temptation to "have authority over people with Supreme Court Appointments." They forgot, the only authority over anyone's life should be God, not people. But they didn't trust God, to be God!

I will hear and obey and do all within my ability and in His strength to help turn the tide of hatred and bigotry and overt racism that now flows freely, unhinged because Americans elected a madman--who only wants to benefit himself.

So renew a right relationship with God and be filled to overflowing with His Spirit so you can see things through spiritual eyes and not allow the dictates of the flesh to blind you. My hope is in Jesus Christ and I will not be tempted by delusions of grandeur and having authority, not rightfully mine. I will continue to write and say what God is saying to my heart until He returns or I can no longer type.

Know The Spirit That Influences!

Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer. I Timothy 4:1-5 HCSB

If we know that Satan's job is to influence others in stealing, killing, and destroying, encouraging lying since he is the father of liars, and manipulating deception, why are we surprised by anything that happens in the world?

There are two reigning spirits in our atmosphere: Holy Spirit who speaks to our hearts when He resides within and Satan--who speaks to the mind, causing flesh to react to external forces.
Holy Spirit will only speak those things to our hearts which we have learned of God and in living according to God's Word, reminding us that it's all about Jesus!

Satan will tell people to do whatever feels good to you. It's all about you!
Holy Spirit speaks truth as He leads us to living peacefully among all people, doing all things decently and in order.

Satan is the master of confusion and chaos and he is only concerned with the destruction of mankind.
If we're honest with ourselves--willing to take a good look in the mirror, shedding the scales that blind us to truth--we'll see which spirit influences everything we think, say, and do. Once we can see truth about self, we can look at others and see truth about them as well, but until we are able to see and accept truth about self--we will never see truth about others.

This is why we have so many people confused about who the best person is to sit in the White House. When people can support bigotry, hatred, racism, and narcissism in a candidate, they are actually saying those character traits reside in them.

There is no perfect candidate in this election year, but we can seek God and allow His Spirit to direct us in all things and we know--because we know who He is and how He operates, that He will only direct us to the person who is more likely to be living according to His Word--full of compassion and love for all people.

When we begin to understand The Word of God is intended to be a blueprint by which we live, and apply it to our lives on a daily basis, we will see the benefits of living according to The Word. The bible is not just some ancient book of myths as Satan has some believing; it is clear instructions for living a Godly life, a life in which one can expect peace and harmony, and enjoy life while here on earth. When we know God--we know love; when we know love, we will not entertain thoughts of destruction or hate. Mankind is God's most precious creation and Satan hates us with everything in him and will influence the vulnerable and weak-minded into thinking there is no God of creation, and people can do whatever they want to do.

Remember--Satan is the liar--the influence behind all destruction and confusion, hate and bigotry.
Now, who is influencing what you think, say, and do?

The Truth Leaves Us Naked!

If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Hebrews 10:26,27 NIV

Going back to the garden of Eden, when Satan manipulated Eve with deception, twisting God's Truth, both Adam and Eve were left aware of their nakedness because of sin. Before the fall, they were naked but not aware of their nakedness because of their obedience--they were pure in heart.
Truth exposes lies--no matter who's telling the lie--when the truth is known--the lie is exposed and they are left feeling naked without their cloak--the lie intentionally meant to cover up truth.

There is no excuse for someone lying to cover up truth--eventually--truth will find its way to the surface and all lies are exposed for all to see. So why bother to lie in the first place?

Many people lie to hide something or to avoid something. The problem--avoidance causes more problems and lies are always uncovered. The Word tells us that Satan is the father of lies, so every time we lie--we proclaim Satan is our father. Who really wants to claim Satan as their spiritual father? Only those who are so deeply influenced by him that they fail to see truth.

Who has been persuaded or influenced by Satan's lies? Anyone who claims that sin is no longer sin lies and the truth is not in them. Anyone who encourages people to live in opposition to God's Word is a liar and they demonstrate the influence of their father. Anyone who lies to make themselves to be something they are not or to promote themselves when they are nothing, demonstrates their lack of integrity and who their father is.

If  a person does not know truth, that's one thing. But when we know truth and continue to perpetuate a lie, we have made a mockery of the Work on the Cross. Jesus is coming back one day, but not to sacrifice Himself again for our sins. When we continue in sin after knowing truth, we have condemned ourselves and we know the penalty of sin--death--first spiritually and then naturally, spending eternity in the lake of fire, prepared for liars.

We who have experienced God for ourselves know Truth and everything we do should demonstrate our knowledge of Truth. We cannot condone lying for any reason nor should we attempt to hide truth with lies perpetuated by others. When we lack integrity--and liars lack integrity--why would anyone trust us for any reason? If people don't trust us, why would they listen to us? If they won't listen to us, how can we convince them of God's goodness? Lying has its consequences and none of it is good.

Instead lying about things, let's just expose ourselves by telling the truth and then the world will know, we can be trusted and heard because we are living examples of Truth and God's Word.

Destruction!

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." (Galatians 5:13-15 NIV)

We are a family of human beings--we are all created uniquely individual, designed to socialize--needful of one another, so why is there so much animosity between us?

Forget for a moment that Paul is specifically speaking to Believers and let's broaden the outlook to all people--from all nations--across the globe. If mankind originated from one man and woman--Adam and Eve, then all human beings are related in one way or another. We all need to eat and breathe to live and we all need clean air and drinkable water to survive all of the toxins created by man's inventiveness. So, if we need one another--wouldn't it make sense for us to be considerate of one another--at all times?

Who is our neighbor that we should love them? Anyone with whom we know as fellow Believers--for starters. But that doesn't mean we cannot love those who do not believe as we do. We can and should love all--even those with whom we disagree. For if we are incapable of loving others; especially those who are not like-minded, we create a void that needs to be filled and if not filled with love, it will be filled with hate. Either we allow Holy Spirit to influence us to love or Satan to influence us to hate. How do we know Satan's influence is running rampant in the earth? Just look at all the hate!

Satan's entire mission is to destroy mankind because God loves us. In order to achieve his goal to destroy, he instigates superiority in one group of people over another--making them feel everyone else is wrong and they're the only ones who are right. He stirs up hatred and division to keep us from socializing and communicating like civilized persons. He feeds our bitterness, frustration and disappointments with negativity and distrust--guiding us to an abyss where he can leave us to drop into the hate-filled void of darkness with no way out. Soon, because people do not recognize Satan's influence in their lives, they kill each other for little or reason, wiping out humanity until all is lost and there is no one left, but the spirit of darkness and doom.

However, there is hope and the hope is our faith and belief that we are "the light set upon a hill" so others can and will know love because of the love we show to all. Where there is love and light--hate and darkness cannot abide. If darkness is dispelled by the light and love of those who love Christ, destruction can be deterred and the enemy will slither away, biding his time until the next round. And there will be a next round by the enemy to destroy, but we can let the love of God overwhelm us and flow onto all we meet and see that where there is love, we defeat destructive forces.

We can change what is happening in our society--one person at a time by dispensing love as freely as the air we breathe. With love, there is no destruction--on construction of loving relationships, determined to sustain humanity until He comes to take us home.

Live Godly Lives!

"Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." (1 Peter 2:11-12 NIV).

Though there are many unbelievers and naysayers about the foundational beliefs of this country, those of us who know God's Word, know the Constitution of the United States paraphrases the very Word of God with the intent to provide order and justice so all can live in peace and harmony.

And though founding fathers supported the practice of slavery [as used by the sinners to influence how Black Americans think], they did so out of ignorance of the inhumanities that would be employed by other human beings and to support an economy of free labor. I do not support the practice of slavery of any kind, but I do understand that people are enslaved--and not just by other people--but carnal desires--sex, drugs, and greed.

Although America is supposedly the "land of the free" where liberty and justice can be found for all, that does not appear to be the case for Believers--who understand our foundational beginnings and uphold the Word of God as a blueprint for living--establishing order and peace for all. Believers everywhere are now--the "foreigners" in the land even though it was because of a desire to worship God--separate from government control--that led to the establishment of this country.

But we should not think our beliefs are as foreign as those who were responsible for "taking over" the land from the Native (those born here originally) Americans. We changed their names and stripped them of their dignity, forcing them to comply with our traditions because we were afraid of theirs--and restricted where they could live--all so we could make ourselves look better than them.
That same spirit--that "take over mentality" now exists in the mindsets of gay-advocate groups all over the land. They are determined to take-over and vilify every Believer who dares to speak out against sin. It is a plot of the enemy to destroy mankind and they who have been influenced, don't even see it.

So, in the sense that Believers "appear" to be losing ground in the face of enemy's agenda, we are admonished in the Word, to live Godly lives in the presence of the unbelieving, so that our good deeds are seen. In other words, we are to live as God wants us to live--in spite of the turmoil and chaos that has infected the land--from those who have been bitten with the venom of sin to those in the Supreme Court who have allowed the poison to infect their judgment--creating confusion in the masses and we know--God is not the author of confusion so that leaves only one spiritual force who is--Satan.

We know that the chaos, confusion, and turmoil in the earth is caused by Satan because those who are influenced by him, deny the existence of any spiritual forces. If people deny Satan's existence, they can easily convince themselves that God--who is Spirit and must be worshipped in spirit and in truth--doesn't exist either.

But we who know--that spiritual forces do exist in the atmosphere, should be mindful that we are submitted to Holy Spirit and will give the demonic spirits no place in our lives. As ambassadors for Jesus Christ, we must say what He says and represent all that He is in our own conduct. We do not have to resort to name-calling, using profanity, or any other method of ridicule as those who follow Satan do, to live the life that God wants us to live.

Indeed, our response to the negativity shown towards us should simply be to promote the Gospel, share God's love and keep it moving. And while we are promoting the Gospel for the sake of those who have not acknowledged Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, we should also support those who are willing to stand firm in their beliefs and faith in God. There are many more Kim Davises in the world--and they should all have our prayers and support in their endeavor to live Godly lives, no matter how many fiery darts the enemy launches against them. Live to please God and not man and receive God's reward of eternal life with Him.

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. 

Why Jesus Said, "The Spirit of Truth Will Remind You!"

"But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you." (John 16:13-15 NIV)

The promise of Holy Spirit, our Advocate, Comforter, and Counselor--to those who follow Christ was not just for the disciples of that day, but for all who believe Him because of them. At the time Jesus was telling them about the role of Holy Spirit, He did so because He knew His time here on earth was just about up, but He didn't want His disciples to be discouraged in His physical absence. A number of things led up to this conversation, but what makes it worthwhile is knowing, we also have access to all Jesus promised through Holy Spirit. But this is why He said it.

John 16:7-12

v. 7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you.

v.8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment:

v.9 about sin, because people do not believe in me;

v.10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer;

v.11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

v.12 I have much more to say to you, more than you can bear."

The time was now at hand which the prophets predicted. Jesus was about to submit Himself for the ultimate sacrifice for sin and it was time for Him to return to heaven. But He wanted His disciples to know, they would not be left without benefit of His continued guidance in all things.

Everything He had told them about sin--Holy Spirit would bring back to their remembrance and they would see the results of sin because people did not believe Him. What most people do not understand about what Jesus said about sin was He included all sin, not the variations of sin. When the religious leaders brought the woman who was supposedly caught in the act of adultery, He told her to go and SIN no more. He did not make a distinction between fornication, or other sexual immorality or anything else. He did not say, don't commit any more SINS, He said SIN no more. Don't do anything that is a sin according to God's Word! For those who know His purpose in being here, we know that's what He meant. And that is why He said, there would be this continuous debate about sin, because people don't believe Him. If we love Him, we'll obey Him.

He said Holy Spirit would guide all who believe Him in righteousness--not self-righteousness-but leading all to be in right-standing with God. In order to be in right standing with God, one must know what God has said and be willing to stand on His Word for all times--no matter what current trends may abound. In fact, Paul tells us we are not to conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds in Christ Jesus. Paul understood that the enemy first attacks and influences the minds of people and then behavior follows the thoughts of their minds. If we have the mind of Christ--through relationship with Him, then we stand on God's Word and will not fall prey to the enemy's deceptions.

Then, as for judgment--judgment has already made against the prince of this world--the god of this world, Satan, the prince of darkness (always influencing people to try to hide their wrong-doing), the devil--by whatever name he is known, the lake of fire has already been prepared for him and now he seeks to influence others so he won't burn alone.

Because He understood that He had given His disciples much to think about and He knew they did not fully understand, He decided not to overwhelm them with more teachings, but assured them that Holy Spirit would continue to teach them and remind them of all they had been taught and show them things to come.

I can imagine that every person who has ever read the Bible in its entirety, more than once--has been overwhelmed by the abundance of information. And most people have their own method of reading and reading in order to get the most out of it the content and understanding the intent. All of the sins--as God gave them--are enumerated in Deuteronomy 28--which I refer to as the book of blessings and curses. Of course they are explained in detailed throughout Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, as well as the rest of Deuteronomy. But as I said, there is much than can overwhelm
and simplicity usually leaves its mark.

The bottom line is this--God has a blueprint for our living--designed to put us in a position to prosper, not harm us so we would have a future and our children's children would have a great future as well. We were meant to have generational blessings, but for those who won't obey, they have been destined for generational curses. It's time to break the curses, but it can only be done out of obedience to God's Word, not political correctness, or succumbing to Satan's agenda.
Holy Spirit is here--to remind us, to guide us, to comfort us and to be our Advocate when we need Him.

More about what Jesus said and why, next time.

Why Jesus said, "God's Worshipers Must Worship in Spirit And in Truth!"

"God is a spirit and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." (John 4:24 NIV)

It is probably because of this passage and some others that reference God as a "spirit" that many naysayers casually belittle Believers by calling God a ghost. Ghosts are spirits of the dead, therefore God is The Spirit of life since He was neither born nor died, He simply is. For those of us who know God, not just believe "in God" we know Truth.

What was going on when Jesus had to make this distinction? Jesus had sent His disciples to purchase food and He waited for them by a well and had a conversation with a Samaritan woman--a no-no for a Jewish people to interact with the Samaritans (then). At any rate, Jesus told the woman all about herself and a conversation rose about where a person should worship. And the following is Jesus' response to her:

John 4:19-23

"Woman," Jesus replied, "believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks."

What were the Samaritans worshipping? Idols (images) with altars set up in the mountain who served no purpose other than pagan worship. Unfortunately, the debate about where a person should worship is still going on between some factions of Christians and what Jesus said, then, is true now. God, the Father is seeking those who will worship Him in the spirit (allowing His spirit to interact with our own) and in truth (with knowledge of who He is and how He wants us to live). 

There are many people who go to church buildings out of tradition, but for no real purpose or knowledge. They go through the motions of singing songs, praying empty prayers, and listening to sermons with half an ear. I know people who attend a church service on a regular basis, but then they claim they don't know if they believe the Bible or not. If they don't know if the Bible is true or not, why are they wasting their time going into a building? These are those who believe "in God" but do not Believe God.

This is the point Jesus was trying to make to the Samaritan woman and those who Believe God, not just believe in Him. We cannot believe God if we don't know His Word. His Word reveals who He is and for those who understand this, we know we do not have to be in a specific place to worship Him--acknowledging all He has done for us and giving Him praise for who He is.

For this reason, many church services are devoid of the Spirit of God, because His spirit is not welcomed due to the traditions of man, taking precedence over the leadership of Holy Spirit. None who are led by Holy Spirit would encourage anyone to live in opposition to God's Word. None who are led by Holy Spirit would call God said was wrong, right nor what He said is right, wrong. None who are led by Holy Spirit would deliberately entice anyone to live a life apart from the knowledge of God and His purpose for our lives.

When we become so complacent as leaders in the church that we choose not to stir people with Truth and allow God's Word to convict of sin, we are merely going through the motions of a bland, flavorless service. We are told to preach the Word--whether it is convenient or not, whether people want to hear it or not and we are to say what God says, not just teaching a "feel-good, sugarcoated messages" because we don't want to offend sinners. If we are afraid to offend those in sin and choose to offend God instead, we place ourselves in a position to know His wrath.

Satan isn't concerned about the leaders in some churches; he has already recruited them as commanders in his army. What they have forgotten is this--the payment for sin is death. And this is why there are so many spiritually, dead churches--devoid of life--because Satan's job is to kill, still, and destroy. Can we not see that is exactly what is happening around us today?

Be filled with the Spirit of God and know Holy Spirit will not dwell in an unclean temple, but meditate on The Word, knowing there is life in The Word of God, leading us to closer relationship with Him and giving us power--to stay bold and courageous--to say what God says. Worship Him in Spirit and in the Truth of His Word. 

More of what Jesus said and why, next time!

Why Jesus said, "Don't judge!"

"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." John 7:24 KJV

The NIV version states, "Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly."

In order to understand what He was referencing, we must know to whom He was speaking and why. If we read (with understanding) the verses "before" this one, we know that it is the religious leaders of that time who were seeking Him to kill Him because they did not understand who He was.

Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. (John 7:16) This is His response who wondered how He could know so much when He was taught in the Jewish synagogues.

Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. John 7:17

Here, He lets them know they can choose to examine the scrolls used for teaching and determine whether He was saying what God said or whether He was speaking on His own. Jesus never said anything that His Father had not said, because He is God, the Son. Why would He oppose Himself?

This is part of the mantra and rhetoric used by those who "want to believe in half of the Bible, but not all of it."

In order to get a right understanding of Scriptures--we have to study them and know why things were being said and to whom and when it was said. When some "cherry-pick" what they choose to quote, they are misleading others and of course, we who know God's Word, know that it is a trick of the devil to deceive. Remember this--a half-truth is a whole lie as far as God is concerned. When we know God, we know we cannot selectively choose which parts of His Word to believe and which to ignore.

Wherever Jesus went while He was preaching, He addressed the situation confronting Him and He related His teaching to the people on a level they could understand.

Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?” “You are demon-possessed,” the crowd answered. “Who is trying to kill you?” Jesus said to them, “I did one miracle, and you are all amazed.Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath. Now if a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing a man’s whole body on the Sabbath? John 7:18-23

Now this is the conversation Jesus had with the Jewish leaders BEFORE He said, don't judge. From all who recorded what He said, in Matthew, Luke, and Mark--The intent of His conversation, never changes God's Word.

As I've said before, Jesus said a lot more than, "don't judge," or just for people to "love." He also preached about sin, hypocrites, lying, fornicators, murderers, and much more. More than anything, He talked about the need for Him to be here and how a person can be saved and the benefits of salvation. He prayed for us (who Believe) in the Garden of Gethsemane before His arrest and it was His love for us, that kept Him from coming down off that cross. His bloodshed on the cross was for those who "choose" to Believe Him as the Son, and God the Father and obey His Word.

More of what Jesus said coming in the next week or two on a daily basis. We need to know so we can counter Satan's lies.

A Reminder For All Who Know God!

"Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me." John 12:44 NIV

For those who think Jesus spoke on His own behalf, think again. Here's the proof. Either we believe all or nothing.

For those who think God changes His mind about sin, think again. The proof has been revealed for those who know God and for those who don't, the proof will be revealed, shortly.

For those who know God and trust in His Word, we don't just believe in Him; we Believe Him and know that He is and forever will be, Our Awesome God.

Just as our air contains oxygen for our bodies to keep living, the Spirit of The Lord reigns in the heart of those who love and obey Him.

Just as our children know we love them, we who know God, know that He loves us and He will provide a way of escape from every temptation.

Just as scientists believe they can explain everything God created, we who know God, know they cannot duplicate or replicate anything God created.

Just as God states what is sin and the consequences of it, we who know God, know that without repentance our nation is lost.

But there is a solution for all who know God:

"Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee." (James 4:7)

If Satan attempted to pervert God's Word in order to tempt Jesus, he'll certainly use what God established to pervert God's truths. We know because the "rainbow" was a symbol of God's promise to never destroy the earth again by water. (Genesis 9:13,14, 16).  What the devil forgot was the rainbow God established must appear in the clouds above the earth as a reminder of God's promise not to destroy. The "rainbow" used "in the earth" is simply a symbol of rebellion--in complete opposition to God's Word and therefore holds no promise other than the certainty of destruction.

We do not have to give the devil any place (Ephesians 4:7) in our lives. We can stand on God's Word until He comes and then the world will know our faith in Him was not in vain, but it will be too late for them to change.

For all the bakers in the land who know God, make your wedding cakes, but don't put toppers on any of them. Direct the buyers as to where they may obtain them and put them on the cakes themselves.

For all the church leaders in the land who know God, by whatever title you choose to use, SCOTUS ruled that states cannot ban same-sex marriage, they did not and cannot determine who shall marry them. People have been using a clerk's office or judge's chamber for marriage ceremonies. Let them continue. For if we compromise our faith to accommodate sin when we know better, we have only to look forward to the wrath of God.

For all the parents in the land who know God, teach your children about God's love and forgiveness and what must occur for the existence of mankind to continue.

Don't be deceived by the rhetoric of the enemy, know God's Word for yourselves and know how to respond to half-truths which are whole lies. If the only thing the enemy can say about Jesus is that He said to love, they do not know Him or His purpose for coming down to earth--to save us from ourselves. Jesus said so much about love and obedience and not sinning, that those who do not understand the totality of what He said, have clouded minds and blinded eyes and hardened hearts against God.

We who know God--not just believe in Him--know that He loves and His mercy endures forever, but we are not to take His mercy and grace for granted--as an opportunity to willingly sin and parade the sin as a celebration. We know, therefore we should simply agree with God and promote Him at every opportunity.

God Inspired Purpose of Scripture!

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16, 17 NIV)

What I have found amazing in the past few days is the number of people who claim not to believe "in an ancient book of myths written by men" but will use it, "cherry-picking" to support and condone their stance in opposition to God's Word. Now, think about it--isn't that just like Satan to try to use God's Word to convince Jesus to do act in opposition to God's Word?

The same God, who inspired men to write down the words they heard God speak to their hearts, is the same God is who is yet inspiring people to write today. That "ancient book of myths" has held its own for centuries and will still be used as a guide by the remnant that God promises to save to Himself.

I don't have a problem with people not believing the bible because at one time, I had challenged those who believed in it. However, when my relationship with God changed, allowing me to hear Him speak to me, I understood and accepted the love He has for me--a love so great--that He inspired men to write down how He wanted me to live. Notice, the personalization of what I'm saying with the use of the pronoun--I. Being in relationship with God is an individual, personal, choice. If no one else ever understands this, I'll stand on God's Word alone.

You see, many unbelievers are now trying to quote the Bible. "Jesus just said, love."  "God said don't judge." And one woman yesterday tried to make a case for her condoning sin by saying, "Adam and Eve were not married and children out of wedlock." She didn't understand that God performed the first marriage and had she continued reading Genesis, she would have known God's definition of marriage. I really wanted to respond, but Holy Spirit wouldn't allow me to do so. For the Word also says, "For them that be ignorant, let them be ignorant." Marriage did not come after Christianity; marriage was established in the Garden with the creation of mankind. Too many people confuse religious concepts with Christianity to the point they want to negate all God did in the beginning. Understanding can only come through reading and opening one's heart to hear God explain Himself.

In the passage of Scripture used as a foundation for my blog today, Paul reminds Timothy that "all" (nothing left out of all) Scripture is God-breathed or inspired. Therefore, we should not get overly indignant when people don't understand and only select the passages they want to use. The fact that they use Scripture at all, puts them into greater risk of being judged by God since they chose to misuse it for ungodly purposes. If a person claims they don't believe in the Bible, they shouldn't try quoting it when they have no idea what it means when comprehension of it is only achieved by understanding the "totality" of The Word, not bits and pieces.

I don't have a problem with people who claim they don't believe in God. Their very confession of unbelief is a contradiction to their behavior since they generally spend an inordinate amount of time talking about a God they don't believe in to convince those who do believe that we're foolish. Well, the Bible states, "the fool has said in his heart, there is no God." Since I am not a fool and know right well that God is--their unbelief won't hinder my relationship with God.

When I agree with God, I confirm on a daily basis that my relationship with Him is intact and I have not conformed to the world's perception and beliefs of anything that contradict Him, but I have been transformed by the renewing of my mind in Christ Jesus. I have the mind of Christ--discovered in God's Word--and use God's Words to teach, rebuke, correct and train others to know how to respond to the enemy's attacks. I am thoroughly equipped to accomplish every good work assigned to me. No matter what the government does, the Supreme Court does or anyone else does or say, I will agree with God in all things and in the end, when I stand before Him, I will have no shame about the things I've done and I can expect to hear, "Well done, daughter!"

Taking a Stand Against The Devil's Schemes!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV)

Since the first man and woman were deceived in the garden by Satan, evil from high places have influenced the minds of those who do not understand God.

The first step to understanding God and His plan for mankind is to understand who He is and His intent for mankind. Creator God--the God of heaven--is not an evil ruler or man that He should lie or change His mind about anything He's said. It is only those who choose to pacify fleshly desires and ungodliness who think there is no God or that He should not be heard. That is their choice.

For those of us who have established a right relationship with God, understanding who He is and His plan for mankind, and having accepted His Son's sacrifice on the cross, we know (not believe) that God's Word is His plan for mankind and we agree with God.

We know that the enemy has influenced those in places of authority by clouding their minds and putting scales on their eyes. They are blinded to God's truth because of their own aspirations to be "somebody" and to gain the approval of man. But the Word reminds us that we have gained nothing winning the approval of people if we lose our souls in the process (Matthew 16:26).

My soul delights in the Lord and all His teaching! For I know that nothing He has said was intended to harm me, but to make my life a cause for rejoicing in Him. No matter what the enemy does to influence people to live in opposition to God, I agree with God--from Genesis to Revelation--and will proclaim from the mountain tops to the depths of the sea--Our God reigns!

I love the Lord because He first loved me and I will love all of His children and pray for the redemption of all who oppose Him that they will see the light of His love and be not conformed to this world and its delusions, but they will be transformed--willingly--into everything God would have them to be and walk the narrow path--escaping the destruction of the broad path.

We must remember that men--mere mortals--do not have a heaven or hell for us; they do not define or redefine what God has said is sin, and we do not have to obey sinful governance--declared by anyone. Remember Daniel and all who came before and after who chose to obey God rather than man. Remember Achan (Joshua 7) and the sin committed by his daughter's hiding the idol in their tent that brought destruction upon their entire household. Is God like fickle-minded man that He changes His mind and approves every wind of doctrine that man contrives? NO! God is not a man that He should lie and He will have the last word about everything man does.

Believers--put on the armor of faith, salvation, truth, righteousness, and lift high the sword--The Word of God and proclaim it in all the land, whether the unbelieving believe it or not. Pray in the spirit so the enemy cannot hinder your thoughts and know that God has a plan and His plan will be fulfilled and He will not forget the remnant who remains faithful to Him.

Is It Time, Yet?

“At that time,” declares the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:1 NIV)

Through the prophet, Jeremiah, The Lord speaks and tells him to share with the people that there will come a time when He will be the God of all the families of Israel and they we will be His people.
Now, at the time this was spoken, the children of Israel were in captivity, trying to survive. God tells them all who survive will find favor in the wilderness and He will build them up again into a great nation--when they realize who He is and obey (to keep this context, one must read all of Jeremiah). They could not see it then pretty much the same way people don't understand what God is saying now.

Before the appearance of Christ--the prophets spoke to the literal children of Israel. Now, that we who believe have been adopted into the family, the prophets yet speak--to the literal nation of Israel as well as spiritual Israel--those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

And yet, we have not reached a place in history where all the families of Israel (natural and spiritual) have chosen to obey God, so can we say--the time is now? With all of the dissidence and chaos in the Middle East, Asia, and seemingly all of the earth, I don't think we have reached that time yet. Of course, I've drawn this conclusion based upon the current events that are constantly indicating a lack of reverence for the ways of God in how we treat people.

For as long as people are influenced by the enemy more than they are influenced by Holy Spirit, we have not reached the time, the prophet reveals. When people choose to kill spouses and children rather than just leaving--it's not time. When children are abused and killed by parents--it's not time. When living in opposition to everything God says in His Word is promoted from the highest authorities (wickedness in high places)--it's not time. Just as those in Israel are being persecuted and killed for their faith because they do not want to harm others, and being brought into captivity, so are those who are influenced by the enemy--that grandmaster of hate--Satan--who influences others to obey the lusts of their flesh more than the Word of God.

But there is hope for those who refuse to cave to the political agenda to undermine The Word of God. We must hold fast to His Word, obey His Word, and watch as His Will is revealed in all the earth. For those of us who are willing to obey, promote the Gospel, and love as God loves--we will see this time come to past--when all will recognize that our God is God! We will receive our just rewards for obedience and allegiance to Him rather than Satan and all of his cohorts. We will spend eternity in heaven while all the rest will spend eternity with their master in the lake of fire. We will be victorious over the influences of the enemy and we will watch him--as he sees his own demise exposed for all the world to see.

Is it time, yet? Not yet, but soon and very soon, we will see our Risen Savior coming in all His glory to take us to be with Him.

Blessed When Others Insult Us Becaue of Our Faith in God!

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:10-12 NIV)

If there was ever a time many believers needed affirmation to stand on their faith in God while saying what He says, this is it. This is a reminder from Jesus that when we choose to live a Godly life--in obedience to God's Word--that some will insult, belittle, persecute, and demean our faith with their insults, but rejoice! If the insults are a result of stance in our faith, we are blessed!

What we have to realize in our daily walk with Christ is that the enemy rises up at every turn--influencing the thoughts of those who refuse to submit to God and they are in attack mode--especially when we say what God says about sin. Satan doesn't want us to influence anyone in his army to stop living in sin so he uses those in his army to attack those of us are bold and courageous--saying what God says--and refusing to budge in our position--not caving to the misnomer of being "politically correct" in our conversations about sin.

Who came up with the notion or concept of being "politically correct?" A soldier in the army of evil will do anything to manipulate and deceive people under the guise of inclusion and half-truths. Well--a half-truth is a whole lie and we all know how politicians lie and deceive to get what they want. So, the term--politically correct--is actually an oxymoron since politicians are seldom correct about much of anything in their quest to accomplish their personal agendas.

How does a personal agenda benefit the masses? It doesn't. It is personal--designed for an individual's achievement and seldom has any benefit for anyone other than the one who uses, abuses, and lies their way to a political appointment.

But for those of us who know the truth and that nothing is ever correct about saying sin is right in any form, know that when we are insulted by others, we are blessed by God. I don't know about you, but I'd rather have God's blessings than the approval of the masses who have neither heaven or hell for me.

Be bold and very courageous in your faith stance and preach The Word, in season and out of season, whether people want to hear it or not--say what God says about everything. If there are those who will not receive what you have to say--shake the dust from your feet, smile, thank them and keep it moving.

We are not responsible for people receiving what we have to say, but we are held accountable for whether or not we say what God says. Say what He says in spite of the insults and know you are blessed by God.

When you get weary of the insults and need a reminder of who you are in Christ--check out this book myBook.to/IAMALLTHAT  and stand firm in the love of God, knowing we are all that God says we are.

What Type Union?

"And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people." (2 Corinthians 6:16 NIV)

The case presented by Paul as to why we should be careful about the connections we make or the unions we establish is pretty clear. He makes a strong case as to why Believers and Unbelievers won't make a solid union. This one verse--could not possibly say it all, so I encourage everyone to read the entire chapter for clarity.

Paul cautions us to not establish unions between good and evil, light and darkness, idolaters and Believers. While some have in the past attempted to make a case for segregation of races because of skin color or ethnicity, this is not what he's saying. He's warning us about intimate involvement when those who don't know God or establish policies that are in opposition to God's Word. By intimate involvement, I mean close ties or relationships with those of dissimilar beliefs. This is not a reference to sexual relationships of any kind.

Why do we need to be wary about those with whom we associate and have close ties? The old adage, "birds of a feather flock together," comes to mind. We develop bad habits faster than we develop good habits and when we're around people who have "bad habits" we tend to emulate them rather than them emulating us. Why? Some people will do whatever they have to do to "get along" with others, not having the backbone to stand firm on what they know is right.

This is how gangs operate in neighborhoods and schools. It is our politicians function--they say anything to get a vote, but then do whatever is popular with their cohorts, not willing to cause waves, even when decisions are made that are contrary to their beliefs. This is how the insecure function in our society--they simply go along to get along in order not to be alone. This is how abusers keep their victims under control, but if the victims understood their own worth, they would not have been involved with the one who abused.

Anyone who uses intimidation to control or manipulate others is a tool of evil. There is no light in them, so why would anyone walking in the light and love of God have a relationship with them? They shouldn't. When we, who are walking in the light and love of God, walk into a situation, evil should run and hide like roaches when a light switch is turned on to dispel the darkness.

Remember, manipulation is what Satan does, not God. Deception is what Satan uses to convince, not God. Destruction--tearing down is what Satan does, while construction--building up is what God does. And there is no union possible with the works of Satan and the works of God.

So, why we would even attempt to be in any type of union with the unbelieving? We shouldn't, for God has said every man's work will be tried by fire and only those works that are firmly established in Him and by Him, shall withstand the heat. We want to avoid the stain of evil that spreads like wildfire when we unite with it.  

Not every one we meet is good for us, nor do they have our best interest at heart, so move cautiously in determining who will be close enough to persuade or influence who you are and not who they are.

The Blood!

"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect" (1 Peter 1:18, 19 NIV).

We sing songs about the blood of Jesus Christ, shed for us; we read that when He was crucified and the soldier stuck a sword in His side, both water and blood, poured forth. From the beginning--when Moses was given the commandments--there needed to be a sacrifice involving blood for the atonement of sin. We say we believe that.

Remember, Satan was a witness to the crucifixion--he also saw the blood--and probably decided then and there to influence the minds of people that the color red should be associated with evil. Sound a little far-fetched? I admit it's speculation on my part, but think about it! How many times have we portrayed the devil as a "red" demon? How many times have people, in the church, associated wearing red with being promiscuous, loose, and ungodly? Why is that some churches want people wearing white while serving communion (denominational) when we should wear red?

Why? The devil wants everyone to forget about "the blood" and its power! What better way for us to take our focus off the power of the blood than by encouraging us to associate the color red with evil!

Call this a revelation--or whatever you want--I believe Holy Spirit provided me with insight about why some people tend to look at people funny; especially women--who were red to church. We have been convinced that she must be a harlot, wearing red in the sanctuary. We frown upon red lipstick, think red cars are too flashy, and whenever children are dressed in a costume representing the devil--it's red. Well, red is also the color of the blood shed for our sins. There is power in the blood of Jesus because it was His shed blood that we now have access to heaven and in having our sins forgiven. His blood, that gives us strength, from day-to-day, shall never lose its power--as long as we remember--Red is not evil--it is the color of power in the name of Jesus.

So let's stop associating evil and waywardness with the color red and remember that red is to be celebrated--a constant reminder of God's love for us and the sacrifice He made that we might have abundant life--with His blood!

Why Faith in God? Part 7

"Resist him (the devil) standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven."(I Peter 5:9, Jude 1:20, James 5:15 NIV)

How do we resist the influence of the devil? We resist his influence by knowing The Word and every time he raises his ugly head, we beat him back down with The Word. This is why it is important to know what God has said about every situation that involves our lives. When we're attacked--if we're doing what God says we are under attack--we're not alone. Every Believer, who trusts God and has faith in God, is under attack because the enemy wants us to believe that he has power over us.

The only power the devil has over us is the power we give him. But the same is true for God. If we don't "submit to God" He has no power to reign in our lives because He won't force us to do or believe anything He says. Having faith in God, like anything else we do, is a choice.

Being filled with Holy Spirit and praying in the special language He gives us, helps to build our prayer life and our faith that God will do exactly what we have requested of Him, when our request aligns with The Word.

When we pray for the sick, if we believe that God can touch them and heal them just like He's healed before and the person who is sick is willing to receive healing, they will be healed, "according to their faith."

When we pray for peace in our homes in our communities, we must believe that He will speak to the hearts of those who cause the unrest and they will hear and obey. Once again, God does not force anyone to do anything. He allows people to live according to their choices, but when they choose to live in opposition to Him and His Word, they receive the consequences of their choices.

Rather than praying for things, I believe the ultimate prayer request that God responds to is a request for wisdom. For if we have wisdom to proceed in life, we shall the things we desire. And if we learn how to "delight ourselves in The Lord (pleasing Him with our faith), He will give us the desires of our hearts" (Psalm 37:4 paraphrased). Everything we receive from God is based upon our faith in Him, not His love for us. Parents love their children, but that doesn't always mean the children will do what is right and they put themselves in position to not receive anything from their parents based upon their disobedience.

Faith--in God and in His Word--is the key to making a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others. We must remember that God responds to our faith, not our emotions because our emotional reactions to situations keep us from thinking rationally (tool of the enemy) and the enemy wins when he can lead us to believe that there is no hope. Our hope and faith is in God, through Jesus Christ and nothing--by any means--shall cause us to be separated from His love.

Never in the Dark!

"You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light." (Psalm 18:28 NIV)

If a person has ever found themselves in total darkness, blackness, where not even a pinpoint of light is present, they know the importance of having access to light. When a person is in total darkness, hope diminishes, faith fades, and panic erupts.

Does this sound like the position we find ourselves in when we are cloaked in the darkness of sin?

Even though some succumb to the clutches of sin, ever struggling to get away from it, if they see a glimmer of light, they remain hopeful. Hope is what we have in The Light and with hope, faith can soar and we can know peace and calm in the midst of any situation that arises in our lives.

Darkness--in a number of instances in The Word is symbolic for sin and the influence of Satan. Light and lamps are symbols for hope and faith in God. Light and lamps are mentioned 248 times in the bible and darkness 142 times; light overrides and dispels darkness, every time.

Can a person accomplish anything in total darkness? What can be accomplished when the light of truth is spread all around us? One method of torture used by those seeking information in times of war and terrorism is darkness--when a person is kept in total darkness for specific amounts of time. In darkness--our imaginations rule and every possible horrible thing, invades our thinking.
Once we see the light--even the tiniest point of light--shine, we begin to hope again.

Jesus reminds us that we must work while it is day--the light of the sunshine--helps us to see, for when darkness comes, no man can work.

Keep struggling to get out from under the cloak of darkness that invades and leaves you hopeless! Receive all who bring truth as a light unto your path and allow hope and faith to reign, never in the dark, again!