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?

How Grown-Ups Act!

Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright? Proverbs 20:11 NIV

In the midst of all the noise and clamor from the presidential candidates can we/do we hear the voice of any grown-ups? Do we see grown-up behavior or do we see children acting on impulses?

Children are very impulsive--it is the nature of their being--primarily because the frontal lobe of their brain is not fully developed. That development usually occurs somewhere between the age of 23-and 25. However, it would appear--even though our candidates are far beyond the age of 25, that frontal lobe development has been delayed--based on the impulse responses we see in them.

Just once--I'd like to see a political campaign unfold revealing specific policies and ideas from each candidate rather than personal attacks. The personal attacks--bringing up a person's past that has nothing to do with the current situation--is how children respond to each other.

This is what I'd like to see (and based upon discussions with others, I'm not alone):

I'd like to see a candidate who is so secure in who they are and their capabilities, they would have no need to attack others.

I'd like to see adults respectfully disagree with others without resorting to childish tactics--like name-calling.

I'd like to see adults comport themselves as grown-ups--using grown-up vocabulary and demeanor.

We have spent so much time in our educational system--dumbing down that we hear it coming out of the mouths of those who think they should be in charge of running the country.

So, if children are known by their actions, can we say the same about the grown-ups? Actions do indeed speak loud and paint a clearer picture of who a person is and what we can expect from them. Now, are their actions pure and upright?

Watch Your Mouth!

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 NKJV

James reminds us that the tongue--that little member--holds much power and the only person who controls it--is the person to whom it belongs.

With the tongue we can mend relationships or destroy them forever.

With the tongue we can construct greatness or ignite destruction.

With the tongue we can have peace or chaos.

With the tongue we can create an environment that brings about prosperity or fuel abject poverty.

With the tongue we can speak life--to our bodies and promote healing and wholeness or we can doom ourselves to sickness and disease.

With the tongue--we are responsible for all we say and we must watch what we say because once we say it--we cannot recall words out of the air as easily as we can recall cars that need repair. When we are foolish--we can apologize and ask forgiveness, but it doesn't take away the sting and hurt of words that linger in the air and in our minds. We must watch our mouths.

When we speak positive things--our words are not often remembered, but the negative things we say, are remembered by others long after we have forgotten what we said.

We have an obligation to ourselves and others to make sure that before we speak, we have prayed and given much thought to how we want our tongues to function. We are to be slow to speak and quick to listen to all God has to say to us and if we listen and obey, we cannot go astray.

Watch your mouth! Think about how words function--to heal or hurt, to spring life or trip to death, the tongue--the tiny member over which we have complete control--must submit to God and only say those things that He says.

We are healed and whole, peacemakers and not peacebreakers, the head and not the tail, providers of those in need and not  manipulators of greed. We are His children, members of a royal priesthood, created to do good, not bad and we shall praise Him for His mighty acts as we live according to His Word so others might see our good works and praise Him,too.

We have shaken off the deeds of darkness and choose to live in the marvelous light of The Lord. We are encouragers to others to live by faith and will not discourage any to live the life God has destined
for them.

We are more than conquerors and have victory in Jesus at every turn where the enemy has laid a snare.

We live according to the hope we have in Jesus, not in expectations of mere mortals for they have no power outside of His power to make a positive, lasting, difference in our lives. And we will watch what we say--speaking only as He speaks--so we can obtain what He has already planned for us.

Forgiven and Healed!

Of David. Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1-5 NIV

Lord, You are great and greatly to be praised. There is no one else like You in the whole wide world. We could climb the highest mountain, or sink to the depths of the sea, explore the earth from east to west and north to south and still would discover, You alone are God!

With a heavy heart, but a determined faith, I am standing in the gap for a friend who has just been told she has breast cancer. She does not understand how great God is or His loving mercy so I'm praying on her behalf. I'm praying that God will reveal Himself to her greatly, that she'll receive His love and mercy and commit to living for Him, and that God will heal her body and all traces of cancer will be eradicated. I'm also praying for strength and wisdom in knowing how to be a friend to her without overwhelming her.

I know The Lord as Savior, redeemer, friend and healer, provider of all my needs. I pray that I have truly pleased Him and that He'll hear and answer my prayers for this woman and for all who are facing the challenge of fighting cancer.

We never know who or when this diagnosis will be presented to anyone, so I encourage all to pray with me during this time that if--we ever hear it--we'll be strengthened by the knowledge of a loving-God who never abandons His children and that He will heal us of all diseases.

Father, prompt Holy Spirit to rise in all who love You and impart strength and wisdom to those who are battling disease and those who are praying for them. Help us to endure to the end--to see the victory that can only come from above. In Jesus' name I pray and thank You, Amen!

The Wisdom of The Wise!

The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge,

but not so the heart of fools. Proverbs 15: 7

A mocker doesn’t love one who corrects him;

he will not consult the wise. Proverbs 15:12

He who is wise listens,

He who is foolish, scorns and mocks.

He who receives correction earns respect,

He who mocks correction earns disdain.

He who seeks The Lord first is encouraged,

He who ignores The Lord is dismayed.

Those who praise God in the beauty of Holiness,

Are filled with hope and never despair.

Those who know--God--not just about Him,

Are blessed to be His children.

Is it wisdom or fate to speak what God says,

To obey when God speaks, and receive what God has?

The wisdom of the wise keeps flowing freely

While the ignorance of fools keeps them enslaved.

Are you wise or foolish, blessed or cursed?

Harper Woods High School Pioneers Marching Band!

 I have posted videos of this great little band on previous posts, but now they need the help of everyone who is so inclined to help. Band Camp costs for many of our families is outside the realm of their budget and since every eligible student is beneficial, we're trying to make sure they all put in an appearance for the 2016-2017 school year. Check out our link and prayerfully consider a donation of at least $10 and encourage those you know to do the same. We'll be forever grateful for your kindness and consideration.

https://www.gofundme.com/hwpioneers

Leading a Regret-Free Life!

“Therefore, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us —beginning from the baptism of John until the day He was taken up from us — from among these, it is necessary that one become a witness with us of His resurrection.” So they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, “You, Lord, know the hearts of all; show which of these two You have chosen to take the place in this apostolic service that Judas left to go to his own place.” Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was numbered with the 11 apostles. Acts 1:21-26 HCSB

All of us have to make decisions on a regular basis and sometimes, we allow our feelings to interfere in the decision-making process. Whenever we allow feelings to guide us, we'll end up with regrets. The only wise avenue to pursue in making decisions is to pray first--then listen to Holy Spirit and lead a regret-free life.

Considering the magnitude of what the disciples had to do--spread the Gospel--when they had to replace of their number--they didn't just allow their thoughts and feelings to guide them--they prayed and waited for Holy Spirit to show them who to choose.

While some have made choices--especially in choosing leadership positions in churches--based upon affiliation or familial connections--and sometimes expectations to serve a personal need--there is usually turmoil and confusion as an end result because no one consulted The Lord. The wise, mature Christians--who understand The Word, know that no decision regarding the functioning of a church should be made without prayer. And while praying, people need to be open to hearing Holy Spirit so there can be no doubt that decisions are made with the guidance of The Lord.

Decision-making without Holy Spirit direction leads to misunderstandings, confusion, and eventual dissension among the masses. Within the church (body of local believers), no one person or clique should ever be allowed to make decisions or influence others in the process, that impact the entire church. This is especially true in those situations where no one is living according to The Word and none are filled with Holy Spirit to even know when He's speaking. If people do not know The Word, they cannot function according to The Word.

In life--every aspect of living--this premise is also true. We make decisions about marriage, jobs, education, having children, traveling, moving from place to place and whenever we leave God out of the midst of our decision-making--we usually end up regretting the decisions we make.

Now, we are entering a time of decision-making in which every born-again Believer--must seek God's direction in electing the next president of this country. We cannot allow feelings and emotional baggage to hinder or interfere with our hearing Holy Spirit. We cannot allow the media portrayal of candidates to persuade us, so we must depend on our knowledge of The Word, the evidence we see and hear as to whether or not the individuals actually know God, and we must pray, continually. We are told in The Word that we should pray without ceasing--never making a decision until we hear from God.

If we allow Holy Spirit to guide us in all--not some of our decision-making--we can and will live a regret-free life, but we must start now--to pray and not just ask, but hear from The Lord and act on what we hear from God--not the media, neighbors, family or friends, but only from The Lord.