Humility!

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. Proverbs 15:33 KJV

Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. Proverbs 18:12 KJV

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 NIV

By definition--humility is not an act--an attempt to fool others, but it is the essence of sincerity demonstrated by what we say or do. Per the dictionary--"the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc."

When we are truly sincere--saying or doing--from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks--and we don't have to tell anyone, we are being sincere, they'll know it by what they see or hear.

Solomon reminds us that when we have reverential fear--respect--of The Lord, we receive instruction from Him because He is the only wise person and then when act upon the instructions given, we do not need to boast of anything--bringing attention to ourselves, but we always point people in the direction of Him and He then allows to be honored by mankind. Solomon also tells us that when a person experiences destruction (defeat) it is because of their haughty heart--arrogance in their thinking themselves superior to others. This is especially true of those who think they are a "savior" and promote themselves as such, saying things like, "I'm the only one who can fix all the wrong in the world."

There is only one Savior and His job has already been completed on the cross. But He has given us power to do all things well through Him. When we acknowledge that it is His grace, mercy and goodness that guided us in all we do that honors Him, He honors us with favor from all we meet. Walking in God's favor, without drawing attention to self, is the greatest knowledge in the world to me--and I know--without living to please Him, I cannot walk in His favor.

How does God honor us? I cannot speak for others, but I can certainly speak to what He's done for me. I have obtained jobs--positions for which I did not meet the criteria--initially--but His favor was showered upon me and not only did I get the jobs, but I learned quickly and was promoted into other positions. Instead of bragging about me, I expressed an interest in the job and learning all I could to be a benefit to the place where I worked. At one job, because of my ability to get things done, within the my first year of being with the company, a promotional position was created--just for me--in order for them to adjust my salary based upon my worth to them (so my boss at that time said). That's God's favor--not my ability. All I did was what I knew to do.

When we truly humble--we don't need to broadcast, "I mean it sincerely, believe me", rant or rave in order to get attention. God already knows our heart and when we honor Him in what we say and do, He honors us with His favor. We don't have to beg for it or pray for it--He simply gives.

Humility--is also not a "tone of voice" especially when the words we speak have not changed their tone. We can whisper hateful, spiteful words and that is not a show of humility. True humility considers the words before they are spoken, before they hit the airwaves and are mindful of those who are going to hear them. We can shout our praise for God and demonstrate humility because it's not about us, but about Him.

Understanding who He is and all He has done for us, ignites humility in all who love Him because our desire is to please Him and not ourselves.

Self-Control!

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32 NIV

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28 NIV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.Galatians 5:22-24NIV

Having the ability to control one's environment establishes a pathway to peace and order and success. Before a person can control their environment, they must begin with exercising self-control in all things at all times. This is a measure of Holy Spirit living within.

Starting with the first verse of scripture reference--let's look at disciplined warriors. A patient person takes the time to think beyond the moment and establishes strategies to reach a goal, with contingencies for the unexpected, and they complete each step determined needed in order for their strategy to be successful.

An undisciplined warrior--one who is prone to make more noise about what they want to do, but never stops ranting long enough to create a proven strategy to accomplish anything, creates havoc along the way because they don't anticipate the unexpected.

The second scriptural reference points out that the person who lacks self-control is like a person who breaks through the city walls--huffing and puffing--but has no idea what to do once they get through the wall. The person who exercises self-control has studied the situation and determined what's on the other side of the wall, before making attempts to get through it so they'll be ready for any event they encounter.

Now, the evidence--the benchmark or standard--of a person being filled with Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide in all things is self-control. When we allow Holy Spirit to guide us--and not depend on our own "great brains," those who are watching us see that we belong to Jesus because we do not allow our flesh to dictate what we do. We do not rant and rave over insignificant events, we do not allow our egos to get in the way of doing anything, we do not provoke others with half-truths and innuendo that attempt to make us look superior to others. This is the evidence of belonging to Jesus Christ. And if we say we belong to Jesus and are not capable of exhibiting the evidence of being filled with Holy Spirit--we lie. If we lie--we reveal Satan is our father.

I've always thought it interesting that the evidence--the fruit of having Holy Spirit within--always starts with love and ends with self-control. Everything else--joy, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and goodness--becomes a part of who we are and how we treat others.

So, if we want people to know where we are in Christ--we must allow Holy Spirit to guide us in all things as learn how to love and act with self-control. We don't need to tell people to whom we belong, our actions speak much louder than words.

Perfection!

II Samuel 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

I King 8:61 Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.

Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

II Corinthians 13:12 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Philippians 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

James 1:25 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

I John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

I John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

The word perfect is mentioned in the King James Version of the bible 99 times in 94 verses, but the context in each verse must be understood separately from all the rest. Perhaps, some day, but not today, I will attempt to expound upon each of the verses above, but I've used them today for a specific purpose.

God is perfect--flawless and totally sovereign. He does not need to seek the advice of anyone nor does he need anything from anyone. His existence is complete within Himself and nothing we say or do--one way or the other--shall ever change that.

The fact of the matter is--while He desires our praise and worship--He doesn't need it to exist; however, we need Him in our lives and if we live according to His Word--nothing wavering, we benefit from His goodness and mercy and grace. God is Love and since He loves, we ought to be able to love one another--just as He does--unconditionally. This is how perfection works in us.

Think about how He loves us--in spite of our flaws and imperfections. No matter how many mistakes we make--He keeps loving us, giving us chance after chance after chance--especially when He knows we are living to please Him.

Living to please Him doesn't make us perfect since we are still in a mortal body, but it does mean when we recognize our faults and what we've done wrong, we turn to Him in repentance, seeking His forgiveness and determine not to repeat the same mistakes.

The most important thing that I want to say today is that when we love as He loves--we don't promote fear or hatred because perfect love casts fear aside. Where there is love, there is no room for fear or hatred. And we shall be known by others--by our love--one for the other.

So, let's live according to His Word--that is perfect and tried--and love as He loves--not promoting fear and provoking hatred, but promoting love by our example--on a daily basis. This is how we achieve perfection as God sees it.

It's Not Our Fight!

All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD.Then the Spirit of the LORD came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:13-15 NIV

When we get weary, physically and spiritually of being battle-worn in the fight against the enemy's tactics, we must remember--this is not our fight--but God's. And with Him going before us (daily as we live), He is more than enough.

Every time the enemy raises his ugly head, we should gather our families and friends and go before The Lord--petitioning Him, communicating with Him our concerns and then we simply let Him fight our battles. The only thing we need to do is stand firm on His Word and obey.

Remember Gideon--whose army was diminished in size, but won the battle.

Remember Joshua--who out of obedience saw the wall of Jericho come down.

Remember Moses--in the desert and crossing the Red Sea on dry land--not one person lost, except Pharaoh and his army who pursued God's own.

Are we not God's own? Can we not expect Him to do the same for us that He has done before for those of yesteryear? Can we not communicate with Him our needs and trust Him to win our battles?

Some of us have various battles that we fight on a daily basis--some physical, some spiritual, and some emotional. God knows and He cares and He's just waiting for us to give it all to Him so we can know victory in Jesus.

A straying spouse--victory in Jesus.

Rebellious children--victory in Jesus.

Sickness and disease--victory in Jesus.

Warring factions in social media over this election--victory in Jesus.

Everything, not just some things, but everything will be as God planned it.

Remember--the real enemy is not the people we see and talk to or chat with on a regular basis, but it is a spiritual enemy--one who has already been defeated, on the cross.

Rise up and know that whatever battle is facing you today, it's not yours to fight, but The Lord's. We win!

Don't Worry About People!

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.What can man do to me? The LORD is for me among those who help me; Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. Psalm 118:6-9 NKJV

People--they can love on you one minute and hate you the next--depending upon whether you agree with them or disagree with them. There's the rub--mere mortals are too fickle to trust or to have great confidence in. This is why we have to trust in The Lord, who knows all things and the hearts of all people.

People will say one thing when actually they mean another. This is evident in what we see in this election cycle. Yeah, I know--here I go again, but I think it is important to point out material differences in what is reported in the media and what is actuality. Take for instance the visit to Detroit by the Republican nominee. On the surface  or rather from the angle pictures were taken and publicized, it would appear that the church was full. It was not, another picture as seen below--was taken from the rear of the church. Here we see a completely different story. The true story--one the nominee will never tell. In fact, there were more people outside the church protesting his visit than inside.

It is this kind of "manipulation" with truth that causes confusion and misleads others. Now, think about it. How much else has been manipulated so that the media publicizes one thing, but just the opposite is true? And for the record, the visit that was supposed to be an attempt to reach out to "African Americans" was a smokescreen--more manipulation and none of us in the Black Community were fooled by it. In fact, many of us saw this manipulation as insulting. The fake humility, the attempt to "teach" Black Americans about Lincoln, and then--in a church where people read the bible--consistently--he tries to school them about a passage of scripture. Absolutely laughable!

Even with all the negativity--tossed by both parties--those of us who know The Lord are not fooled by it. And most of us, would rather the candidates speak to the issues, not the personal insults because the bottom line is--one is less honest than the other (though neither has been completely transparent).
Fear--as a tool to manipulate--is actually a tool of the devil. For The Word tells us that perfect love, casts out fear. Since we know God is Love--then fear has to represent the devil--who works on the minds of people, causing them doubt. And we know, that when doubt enters in the mind of people, fear resides in their hearts. Doubt and faith cannot reside in the same place at the same time and we are told that those who doubt what God can do is a double-minded person, unstable in all their ways.  

For those of us who have both natural eyes to see what's in front of us and spiritual eyes to see through the smokescreens, we know--for our confidence is in The Lord, not man.

With the screaming and fear-mongering about Hillary and emails and Benghazi (all investigated and clearing her), not much has been said about the corrupt business deals that have caused people to lose their businesses and many people to lose money with misleading claims made to people about Trump University, the modeling agency, the casinos, and so much more. The bottom line for me is this--he may have money, but it is how his wealth was obtained--taking advantage of people-- that leaves a really nasty taste in my mouth. And before anyone attempts to chastise me, all this information is public knowledge--I'm just restating it for the record. I really feel sorry for all those who have bought into his rhetoric that is nothing more than lies. I believe the facts--speak louder than the innuendo by those who are capable of critical thinking. 

So we have a choice to make in November and it is less about someone trying to take away guns (that's never been said, but it has been manipulated to cause fear in others) than it's about--who's qualified to get the job done. If a person who is a business man can now create "millions of jobs" why didn't they do it as a private citizen? Of course, we know Trump exaggerates everything, so his word actually means nothing. Even when he keeps claiming he's not a politician, he hasn't realized that running for a public, elected position is the definition of a politician.

They both have some confidence building to do with all people. And while I support Hillary Clinton as the most qualified person to get the job done, my confidence remains in The Lord, not her and certainly not Trump.

Can We Talk, Again?

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.  Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” I am referring to the other person's conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another's conscience? I Corinthians 10:223-26, 29 NIV
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1 NIV

I have been paying attention to probably far too many news items and commentaries, but what I've seen grieves my spirit. For in this country, we are supposed to have certain guaranteed rights, and as long as we don't infringe upon the rights of others--those rights should be respected, not vilified.

We have freedom of speech--but that doesn't mean we should have a foul mouth and express hateful rhetoric towards others or about others. So, when the QB of the San Francisco 49ers decides that he doesn't want to stand while the National Anthem is playing, that is his right and since he is not infringing upon the rights of others--none of the rest of us should anything to say. Why is it that there are those who think they have a right to impose their consciences upon others in judging what we do?

Speaking of which--the imposition placed upon Black Americans--and how we're labeled has become a topic of conflict. On more than one occasion and in more than one venue, I have seen people complain about the use of a hyphen in the African-American identity. One person went so far as to say, the use of the hyphen is the cause of all the racism in this country. I beg to differ with them. No hyphen was used when we were classified: slave, or colored or even the hated "nigger" or a number of other hateful terms, when referencing who we were. Racism has its roots in the hatred of people of color and the fact that White people have long held beliefs they are superior to any other race of people. We see that in the treatment of Natives of the Land, and with all other minorities--and other immigrants who came to this country. While there are many people of color who have a preference to what they are called or how they are identified, I simply choose to be a Black American until "we are all considered Americans."

What is astounding to me is that while people are clamoring about other people coming into this country to "take jobs," not many are saying anything about those who came into this country and "took land" from those who were already living here. Who were those who came here--European immigrants--the colonists--who established themselves as the only right-living group of people and called those who were already here--savages--because they did not do things they way they did them.

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

The inscription on Lady Liberty--our gift from France--across the Atlantic from which many came was a recognition that many would come and we should welcome them, not debase them. And the only group of people that have been denied this liberty expressed are those who were "forcefully brought to this land" without having a choice in the matter.

And with all of the hateful rhetoric being stoked right now--by those who proclaim to be Christians, where exactly is the "spirit of The Lord" dwelling? Certainly not in the hearts of all those who hate and promote hatred. Not in the hearts of those who manufacture lies to make themselves look better. Not in the hearts of those who manipulate others into buying into their lies. Not in the hearts of those who crave attention and will do anything to get it.

How do we know? For where the Spirit of The Lord dwells--there is liberty and love--no hatred. Whatever abides in our heart will come forth like a mighty rushing river and pour into our immediacy and people will see and hear what is hidden in our heart--whether it is the Love of God or evil.

If we never learn to live God's Word the way He intended us to live--loving all unconditionally, we don't deserve to be called Christians. In fact, if we are not living The Word, we make a mockery out of being Christians because we are not following Christ when we choose to impose our consciences, our way of doing things upon others--negating their right to do things their own way. This is the "religious way of doing things" and Jesus called out the Pharisees for doing this.

I believe it's reckoning time. We need to look at ourselves in the mirror and ask God to show us who we really are, accept it and be willing to allow Him to change us--being who He wants us to be, not what we have constructed ourselves to be with all of our built-in hate and animosity.

Until we get to this one point--there is only one race of people--the human race and like I said to someone yesterday who claimed the use of a hyphen is keeping us separated, it is not. "Until America accepts Black Americans as Americans, we will be always be a separate class of people. It is not the Black American who is creating a racial divide, but the White race who lives out their superiority complex and treats us as second class citizens.

My commentary today is not an indictment against all White people or all Black people or any other group of people, but it is a warning about where our country is headed if we don't realize what we're doing to one another. As a nation, we cannot afford to be divided in our purposes and intent for all Americans to be treated with equality. And if we exist as a divided nation rather than a nation unified with common goals, we will be captured by the evil that exist--inside and outside--our borders.
History has a way of repeating itself--especially if we refuse to learn from it. I suggest we all review the history of the land, recognize the wrongs committed and determine not to repeat them--again, and again, and again.

We don't need a nation of people who are religious; we need a nation of people who are in relationship with God, living His Word,  and following His lead in all things.

No Disappointment With Christ!

Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Romans 5:2-6 NLT

Though there be many things and people that might disappoint us in life, when we are in Christ, we are not disappointed--for we know His love will see us through whatever falls upon us.

Sometimes--we see not getting what we want as a disappointment, but we have to learn how to rise above above we thought we wanted and accept what God has for us. After all, He knows more than we do about what is best for us.

But knowing this does not stop us from appealing to Him for those things we desire. What helps us in not being disappointed is when we align our petitions to Him based upon His Word.

We are to pray for leaders in the world and when we ask God to pour out wisdom upon them and those leaders are receptive to hearing God and obeying, we can rest assured of peace in the land.

However, when we can see that leaders are not hearing from God--and we can tell by what they say and do--we must seek God's wisdom for ourselves so we can endure to the end--never wavering in our faith in Him--because He will never fail us.

I've expressed my disappointment in church leaders and political leaders and lawmakers and teachers and in so many others that I'm now tired of being disappointed by people. My focus has to be turned to Christ in whom there is no disappointment. That does not mean I ignore what is going on around me, but that I consistently reaffirm my faith in God and know that He will work it out!

Therefore--it is to Him I give the glory; it is to Him I give the praise; it is to Him I commit my soul until my dying day. There is no one like Him--no one in the earth who can do the things He does and no one who has a place for me for all eternity where I will live in peace and rest with Him.

We don't have to worry about being disappointed with Christ as long as we live to please Him and not people!