Who's Really Free?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30 Days of Prayer and Praise--6!

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133 NIV

Day Six

Lord God our Father,

As we come before You again, with great expectation because of Your love for us, we thank You for giving us a mind to see our world as You desire it to be. That we are--one--in You--one race, one blood, united by our faith in You. Though You have poured into each of us--various gifts--both natural and spiritual--we have but one purpose and that is to please You--united by Love for You are Love!

Thank You for speaking to hearts and the message absorbed in our hearts, navigating to our minds and expressing itself in all we say and do in honor of You.

We thank You for giving us discernment--understanding the difference between just and unjust laws; between righteousness and unrighteousness, between morality and legality, and between love and hate.

We thank You for providing for every person that loves and honors You in the beauty of holiness and in the glory of Your Truth.

We thank You for ordering our steps in Your Word, releasing us from the dictates of man's laws to follow You and You alone--for who on earth has heaven or hell for us?

We thank You for righting all wrongs by whatever method You deem necessary and for allowing us to be used by You in all that we do to encourage the hearts of many who are fearful and discouraged.
Lord, grant all who are willing to hear You respond in obedience to all You speak to them in order to preserve their faith in You and love for all.

We thank You for giving us hearts of compassion and desire to serve others as a means of promoting Your love.

We thank You for pouring Your wisdom into willing vessels who will acknowledge it is You, and not us, who knows all things, sees all things, and hears all things. And with the wisdom You provide, we are able to speak to others--sharing with them what You have shared with us--not for our glory, but for Yours alone.

Fill us right now and provide a constant refilling of wisdom and love, running down like the oil used to anoint Aaron, seeping into hearts and minds, so that everywhere we go today, wherever our words are heard or seen--people will recognize You as the Author and Finisher of our faith.

We thank You for allowing the mind of Christ to rule in us by day and by night and that we will endeavor to live in unity--loving one another as You love us--all the days of our lives--recognizing that all who have called upon You are indeed our brothers and sisters in Your family. 

We give You all the praise, glory and honor for hearing and answering our prayers because You are the only One worthy of our praise! In Jesus' name, we pray and thank You, Amen!

When Women Lead!

Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided. She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “The LORD, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.’ ” Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” “Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. “But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh.There Barak summoned Zebulun and Naphtali, and ten thousand men went up under his command. Deborah also went up with him. Then Deborah said to Barak, “Go! This is the day the LORD has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the LORD gone ahead of you?” So Barak went down Mount Tabor, with ten thousand men following him. At Barak’s advance, the LORD routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword, and Sisera got down from his chariot and fled on foot. Judges 4:4-9, 14,15 NIV

POLITICAL ALERT--ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF GOD!

For those who think God will not use women to lead a nation in victory--think again. He has always used women; in fact, God has always used whoever was willing to hear Him and obey.

When people are secure within themselves and have a relationship with God, they know when He's speaking and know when to speak and to be quiet.

Our God, the God of heaven--is the same--His ways never change and what He has done in the past, He'll do again. God will deliver victory in the hands of a woman--especially the woman who has been so disrespectfully maligned by those who just don't want to see a woman as president in this country.  
And that is the reason so many people are against her--the fact that she is a strong, intelligent woman--who is not afraid to stand up to bullies.

And she has been bullied--by Republicans for years and even now--before the election is even held, Republicans are planning to hold her presidency hostage with unnecessary, expensive investigations that keep the country in a rut and no one benefits. Instead of planning to work with her--to solve the nation's challenges, they are determined to inflict the maximum amount of damage to the country--not Hillary--for she can withstand anything they throw at her.

But we know how they do things--they've already proven themselves with their plot to block anything the first African American president wanted done. They were too self-centered to see the needs of the country and they're at it again--before the election is even held.

In spite of what many say about who will elect the next Supreme Court Justice and how they want someone who is pro-life, if they were really pro-life--they would stop being selfish in their own thinking and consider the needs of the country--and vote for the nominee already put before them and stop planning to destroy the nation with needless investigations. If the money they spent on investigating Hillary before had been used for something positive--like rebuilding the infrastructure, maybe our challenges would not be as mountainous as they are.

This country needs leadership that works for the benefit of all its people. It does not need cantankerous old men, who hold grudges longer than the Mississippi River. They need to get over themselves and promise to keep the country moving forward.

We need clear vision for our educational system that puts us in the forefront instead of leaving us lagging behind other nations.

We need a commitment to guarantee healthcare to all our citizens--giving them opportunity to live long, healthy lives that won't cost them a fortune.

We need lawmakers who will develop laws with clear insight for the present and for the future to protect the rights of all people--regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnicity, or skin color.

If we are going to be The United States of America--we need to unite in our efforts to fight racism and bigotry as well as terrorism. While the world watches our great divide--the enemy--both naturally and spiritually--is dancing in delight at our inability to come together as a nation of one people with diverse interests.

If we elect a person that does not understand how government works, does not understand the needs of all the people and not just the rich, does not understand what a mockery they are making of our "democracy" and refuses to respect all people--then we are a nation doomed to be the laughingstock of the world.

"In God We Trust" is a reminder on our currency, but do we really trust God in this election to know what is best for the country? Or will we allow the dictates of angry, bigots determine our future?

God knows best and if He trusts women to birth a nation, surely we can trust one to lead the nation to victory in all we need in this country.

As servants of the most High God--Believers are told to take care of the poor and the needy. In order to do that--we need someone who understands those needs--not a person who has never know a day of struggle in their life with regard to poverty or lack and can only offer empty rhetoric--making promises they have no desire to keep because the only person they see--is them--not others.

What Are You Wearing?

But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:8-14 NIV

Styles--what we wear--in clothes, shoes, and other apparel--often change as rapidly as we can blink our eyes. But whether we follow the trendiness of all these changes doesn't matter. It's not the clothes who make us who we are--it is who we are that makes a difference in what we wear--not only materially, but spiritually.

I know some people can hardly wait for the new fashion seasons to start and those with money--big money--have a "must-have" mentality and will go anywhere and pay any amount to have what they want to wear--to make sure people pay attention to them. We know this because "red carpet" events always emphasize what people are wearing--on the outside. But what resides on the inside of the person? That's what usually comes out and determines the character of the person.

If a person looks good on the outside, but nothing worth having resides on the inside--bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, rage, jealousy, bigotry and hatred--nothing they put on the shell of the body will make a difference in the greater scheme of things. Why? Because God looks upon the heart--not the outside--of anyone.

It won't matter how much money a person spends to make themselves look good on the outside if the inside--the spirit person--is need of cleansing and renewal. What happens in the "renewal process" of the sinner to the saint--cannot be purchased for any amount of money--we either submit to God's leading or we don't.

So, if we think we are something when we are nothing--we only fool ourselves and the real "us" will be seen in how we treat others. Time to change clothes yet?

If we ever expect to see unity--of all mankind--determined to be submitted to Holy Spirit and do things out of obedience--we must learn to wear love as tightly knit garment to hold in the virtues of compassion, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, peace, humility, and righteousness--keeping out all of the old stuff--belonging to the un-regenerated person.

Now, what are you wearing?

Living In Unity!

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1 NIV

My immediate thoughts are about the marvelous work that can be accomplished when people can work together--focused on the same goals. Assembly line work also comes to mind--everyone knowing exactly what their role is and how what they do impacts the final product--the car that comes off the line, ready to be driven.

This is how God's people--all The Believers--should live in unity--each knowing their role and how what we do impacts the end result--promotion of The Gospel and perpetuation of peace.

If we all understand our individual giftings and work within them and everyone focuses on what the end result should be and determines to make it happen--more people would be introduced to Christ and the more we know Him, the greater the opportunity for us to experience peace.

We've heard songs about coming together for the greater good of the whole by various artists; we've read poetry and books about the importance of being united; and now--it's time for us to practice what we preach and what we've heard. For as long as we refuse to live in unity--on one accord--the enemy will continue to divide and defeat us--at every turn. Isn't it about time we recognize who our real enemy is and fight back by unifying the Body of Christ?

I'm reminded of the song, "We Shall Overcome" and wonder when that day will happen. If we cannot live in unity, without bickering, complaining, backbiting, and tale-bearing, how will we truly ever--overcome--anything?

Let unity begin with us--those who Believe in the power of Holy Spirit working within us and focus on bringing unity in the lives of all around us--especially the Body of Christ, no matter what denominationalism reigns--the goal is unity--being on one accord, living The Word!

Living Life's Blessings!

"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! It's like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the head, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore." (Psalm 133:1-3 NIV)

What happens when people are living in unity?

Peace, sweet peace--no violence, no rudeness, no killing, no wars, no rumors of wars, just calmness, clarity of communication, and sustaining respect--one for another.

People look after each other--making sure everyone's needs are met. There is no poverty, no lack, for anyone.

Politicians take their jobs seriously and work to find the means to protect and serve the needs of all the people.

Pastors and preachers teach The Word of God and not their own messages, attempting to deceive or manipulate God's children.

Parents take care of their children--teaching and guiding them in the right way of doing things and disciplining their children when necessary.

What happens when people are living in unity?

There is no need for complaints and grumbling about anything because logic and common sense prevail.

Communication is on-going so there is no need for misunderstandings and everyone's opinion is respected.

Fear is not option because no one would be afraid to walk in the light of day or the darkness of night--free to come and go without concern about who might harm them.

Love overflows onto all and no one is hated because of differences of skin color, religion, ethnicity, gender or anything else.

Why can't we live live unity?

Whenever there is a group of people--regardless of nationality or any other distinction, who think they are superior to others who are not like them--they belittle and manipulate others--to feel good about themselves.

Controlling others becomes a lifetime effort and any time people discover they don't like being controlled, they rebel. When rebellion occurs there is no more peace.

So the answer my friends is listening to those who have experienced God's blessings and learning to hear God when He speaks. When we love ourselves, we can love others. When we love God, He makes our paths straight and keeps us on the straight and narrow one--blessing us because of our obedience.

His anointing--like the oil used to indicate a new king or the priests as part of the protocol--flows down our heads onto our shoulders into our hearts--His Spirit--interconnected to our spirit--and we know that we can unite in goals for peace and prosperity--basic human needs provided--for all.

And just like the dew that glistens in the early morning sun, our love will shine and glisten--covering the earth, soaking the roots of discouragement with encouragement; the roots of hate with love, and roots of hopelessness with hope.

We can do all things together better, with each other, when we respect and love one another. Let's give it a try and watch how God pours on the anointing so all will be blessed beyond measure.

United For The Cause!

"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." (I Coriinthians 1:10 NIV).

This appeal from Paul to all church leaders--was in response to those who thought they had a claim of superiority over others--simply because of who the leader was. For whatever reason--then as now--people tend to think that if they belong to a certain church or denomination that they have bragging rights and feel superior to any other Believers.

The truth of the matter is--if ALL claim to be Believers in the Work on the Cross, in salvation, repentance, spreading The Word and LIVING according to The Word--then NONE are superior or inferior. ALL are equal in the sight of God since He has no respect of persons.
People who have worship services on Sunday have no more access to God than those who have worship services on Saturday or any other day of the week--we all have equal access to God through the Son, Jesus Christ.

How a person is baptized is a matter between them and God, but if we look at the Scriptures and desire to be like Christ, who was submerged when baptized, then we would have to know, submersion is  the acceptable baptismal method. But this is not to argue, sprinkling or submersion--the act of baptism is supposed to symbolic of our "being buried with Him (to sin), and rising again (to live for Him)" to do the good works He said we would do. If we cannot do the works--ignited by love--for God and others--our baptism means nothing.

I can perfectly understand Paul's response to the church at Corinth--it doesn't matter who does the baptism or under what banner--it is the BAPTISM itself that matters--not who did it. If a person's heart is not right--it won't matter who does the baptizing. Some have gone into the water a dry devil and come up a wet one--there is no change of heart and so there can be no change of action.

Since none--but Jesus--has ever died for us--why do we pay so much attention to people in leadership positions? They have no heaven or hell for us. Their opinion of us--matters not--especially those who simply love to have authority over others, but have no relationship with God and it is evident in how they conduct themselves in their various churches. Having authority over people does not make them gods--it usually means God's favor--but more often it means, someone has erred in judgment by putting a godless person over others. We know this happens because we see the results every day when they are reported in the media. Why can't we choose leaders by praying until God shows us who is to lead?

Okay, that's a topic by itself and I will explore it, but the important thing for all BELIEVERS is that we are saying what God says--in total agreement--without any division. When the Body of Christ (everyone who proclaims to be believe in Him) unites in thought, purpose and deed, we will indeed change the world for the better.

Until then, let's not get caught up in people--who lead--but in the Leader we follow--Jesus Christ and learn to be united for the cause--encouraging everyone to live according to The Word of God!

Who's Causing Division?

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people." (Romans 16:17,18 NIV)

Any time someone attempts to dissuade a person--about anything God has said--that person should run, not walk in the opposite direction, steering clear of them until they can demonstrate the love of God.

No one who has ever had a right relationship with God can ever truthfully deny anything God has said or His intention for mankind. When we find these people to now want to "reinvent" what God has said, it's time to move on and leave them to the destruction they are bound to incur.

When people attempt to refute or renegotiate God's Word to suit their current desires, they care creating divisions in the body of Believers who know what God has said and means.
However, since there are some who are easily influenced and too weak to stand on the Truth, they go along to get along with others. Here's the problem for going along to get along; especially when it pertains to God's Word--none of us will be asked to stand together with all those we got along with when we stand before God. We will stand before Him--alone--on our own--and nothing anyone else says or does will matter.

Whoever coined the term, "political correctness" and "progressive politics" created the gap that now separates those who truly love God and those who are only giving lip service to God. Political correctness can never take the place of Godly righteousness--no matter who says it or how often they say it--God gets the final say. Progressive politics is nothing more than the enemy's plan to turn people away from God and once they have turned from God, Satan will play havoc with their lives and all those around them.

Once we play games to win the approval of people, we have lost the favor of God. When we have favor with God, He gives us favor with people. America is in the shape it's in because of those people--whoever they are and however they do it--who cause division in the plan that God has already established.

God's plan for mankind is that all are treated like they all belong to the human race--not a particular group of people. God's plan for mankind in order to perpetuate the continuity of human beings is for man and woman to marry and have children. God's plan for mankind is that every child would be raised in homes with a mother and father--whose guidelines are specifically listed in His Word. God's plan for mankind was for us to love one another and love Him. When we love, we don't kill, steal or destroy, lie, manipulate, deceive, or hate--these are the character traits employed by those influenced by Satan. God's plan for mankind is for us to live in harmony, peace and unity--which is the opposite of Satan's plan which always creates confusion and chaos.

Now, I ask you to think--and to be honest with self--whose plan are you adhering to--God's or Satan's? And let's be real, anytime a person promotes hatred by spreading vicious gossip and rumor's--igniting division--they are not part of God's plan, but Satan's.

Having Authority!

"I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." (Luke 10:19 NIV)

The missionary report from the seventy-two who went out and proclaimed the Good News and healed those who were sick was good, but the Jesus reminded them--they rejoiced over the wrong thing, the submission of the demons to them at the name of Jesus. This they did when Jesus was with them. Now, as a cautionary note, Jesus went on to tell them, rejoice in the fact that their names were written in the book of life--not just in having authority over demons, while He was with them.

They had authority to trample on snakes--unaware of their existence, not by tempting the devil with foolishness--and not be harmed. He gave them authority--to overcome anything the enemy attempted to do them and promised them, nothing would harm them--this He did while He was with them.

Before He left to return to His place in heaven, he told the twelve (notice the reduction in numbers who operated with power), that greater works we would do--after He left, than they did while He was with them.

One of the reasons the Church of Jesus Christ is weakened and often thwarted by the enemy is because we think--the power is in the numbers. The power is not in how many people attend the building, but the power and authority is in the faith of the Believer--individually. Now, where two or three--faith-filled people gather, there is nothing they cannot accomplish when they do all in His name.

The power and authority we have is activated by our agreement with another faith-filled believer and being on one accord with Holy Spirit for the results. When we practice what we say we believe, we see the results of having power through Holy Spirit and know we cannot go wrong when we allow Him to lead.

If we want change in our society, change in our schools, change in our homes and change in our governments, we must practice the authority we have in Jesus' name by coming into agreement with other Believers, guided by Holy Spirit, and then sit back and watch Him work it out--for our good!

Before we can actively, consciously do anything in order to operate in His authority, we must Know The Word, Pray The Word, and Preach The Word, in season and out, whether people want to hear it or not (Paul's instructions to Timothy work for us today) and do all we do to the glory of God! That's Having authority!

Division!

"He knew their thoughts, so he said, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart." (Luke 11:17 NLT)

Who knew? Jesus knew what those around Him were thinking and He addressed their thoughts.
 Division results in failure, unity results in success and forward moving.

When there is division in a family and people take sides-one against another--there are bound to be hurt feelings and frustrations that lead to actions some--never forgive or forget.

When there is division in society--one group against another--there are bound to be problems that create gaps so wide they may never be closed.

Where there is division in churches--the deacons against the pastor--or the congregants against the deacons--however the division is made--only chaos and confusion will be the end result, causing fracturing and unforgiveness in the minds of some.

So what happens when there is division in the Body of Christ? More chaos and confusion, widening gaps that negate a desire to understand differing points of view, more refusal to forgive--those things that actually have nothing to do with being a Believer, but more about form and fashion (religiosity).

Division--disagreements that lead to not focusing on what is necessary--leads to a malfunctioning entity--no matter what it is--at home, in society, in churches, and especially in the Body of Christ.  

We are admonished to come together--in unity--to address the ills of our society and communities--willing to hear one another and find common ground by which problems can be resolved and no one has to be angry over the results--when we allow Holy Spirit to lead us.

A divided house will fall, just as a divided church will not succeed or a divided nation! If we want to see success--in every area of the lives of people, we must unite in Truth and allow Holy Spirit to have His way in our lives so we can live in peace and harmony, united by Love!

No Division In The Body!

"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought" (I Corinthians 1:10 NIV).

While reading the beginning of this letter that Paul sent to the church at Corinth, I was inspired to address "the division" in the Body of Christ that is revealed through all the "disagreement" about what God says and means.

Brothers and Sisters-in-Christ,

If we all serve the same God--who loved us enough to come down from Glory to hang on a cross for our benefit so that we might one day reign with Him, why is it that we are all not saying what He says?

Have we allowed religiosity and denominational banners to interfere with or dominate our thoughts over what God has said? Are we not able to "rightly divide the Word of Truth" so we are all preaching the same Word of Truth? Do we not all have access to Truth by the same Holy Spirit who imparts all spiritual gifts to all who are willing to receive? Is our belief divided by specific segments of the Bible so that some actually think "that is all" they should believe or that the entire Bible is not meant for all of us to understand? Do we not know how to pray to the Father and receive an answer from Him? Are we so hung-up on glorifying men and women in ministry that we have missed God completely?

No where in the Bible will anyone find that heaven is reserved for those of a specific denomination; especially since the denominations or divisions of the Body were formed by mortal man. No where in the Bible will anyone find that only those who "belong to a mega-church" are going to enter into heaven. No where in the Bible will anyone find that only those who are in places where they are few in number will be the only ones entering into heaven.

No where in the Bible will anyone find that God changes His mind about what He says--from the beginning to the end--about sin or what is sinful.

If we all serve the same God--The God of Heaven, the One who created all things and without Him nothing was created--we would all have the same understanding about who He is and how He wants us live.

My prayer, brothers and sisters-in-Christ is that we will all become one as they are One in unity and in the preaching of the Gospel so all will be saved--not to our glory, but to His. Until we who know The Truth are able to promote The Truth as one Truth, we will be bombarded by the half-truths that are perpetuated by the enemy's influence and many will believe the whole lie (a half-truth is a whole lie).  We who have a relationship with God, must function in the earth realm as God directs, not men (mankind)--who have demonstrated they do not know God.

Promote and assist those who are promoting the Truth of God's Word, knowing this--God knows those who are His and He also knows those who are counterfeits--seeking only what they can get. Let us get on one accord, teaching only those things that we have been taught--through study of the Word and relationship with God.

God give you strength and courage to stand firm in the face of adversity and continue to fill you with His joy and wisdom.

With all the joy and love that abides within me, I declare unity will abide in the Body of Christ-worldwide! I also declare that the Truth will destroy the works of the enemy and we shall be at peace--one with the other.

Love to love you!

God's Humble Servant,
Evangelist Mary M. Hall-Rayford