Vengefulness and Greed!

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. John 12:4-11 NIV

Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.” Matthew 26:14-16, 20, 21,25  NIV (Read all)
When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. The chief priests picked up the coins and said, “It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.” Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on him by the people of Israel, and they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.” Matthew 27:3-6, 9, 11 NIV

Throughout the history of mankind, some have given into the urges that propel them because of jealousy, vengefulness and greed. This is the account of Judas Iscariot with whom most of us are familiar--his role in betraying Jesus and his demise, already prophesied before Jesus came.

In American History, we have our own Judas--Benedict Arnold--who betrayed America in 1780 by attempting to turn over West Point to the British for 25,000 pounds. Why? He was upset that Congress would not agree to pay him what he thought he was worth. He was not successful, and escaped to England, where though he served for the British, he was never counted a hero. He died from a disease caused by anxiety in 1801. His conscience probably ate him alive.

In the 21st Century, we have a president-elect who openly requested the Russians to hack into American email systems--though he declared it a joke, many are wondering. Considering his vengeful character--and the fact that he hated President Obama's joking about him in 2011, was he joking? It would appear that his entire plan to become president is a joke since he's too busy running around thanking people (and bribing them) for an election win that is suspect--for many.

On November 9, 2016--the first two people to congratulate him on his win were David Dukes (KKK) and Putin. The tweet from Dukes reminded him that the south helped him to win (with probable voter suppression). And now--he (PE), thinks the United States and Russia can get along, "famously."
Speculation has been made before about Russia's involvement with the election results and Julian Assange has admitted he released hacked emails--intentionally on a timeline-- to discredit Hillary.

And now, on December 10, 2016--the Intelligence Community is confirming Russia's involvement and interference with America's election. With all of the false news and propaganda (also tactics used by Benedict), gullible people believed the lies and promoted them--creating a hatred for Hillary Clinton she did not deserve. And before anyone asks--yes, I am biased in this situation because I hate lies and liars and abhor those who perpetuate destructive propaganda. It's my nature to promote truth--whether people want to hear or not.

Reminder--PE said, when questioned about a donation to a Florida official, that he gives money to officials to get what he wants. So, is there any reason for us to refute the possibility that he bribed officials during this election to get what he wants? Syllogistically speaking, this is how it would work.
                 If a man says he will pay off public officials to get what he wants,
                 And said man wants to be president and eventually, wins an election,
                 Then said man, paid off public officials to get what he wanted.

While there will be those who are loyal to a fault to this PE--some may actually begin to stop and think--reflecting upon events of the past few months and put two and two together for themselves and realize--we have a traitor headed for the White House. And when they realize the role of the "chief priests and elders" (modern day church leaders), they will realize how some were willing to sell their souls in order to promote their agenda. I pray their collective consciences will eat them alive and they will repent before their congregations--openly--admitting the falsehoods promoting.

I'm also praying that our Electoral College is paying attention to all the unfolding events and will adjust their plans for voting--so that the true winner--who had no help from an interfering foreign actor will be given the votes she rightfully deserves. As for the PE, I have no idea if he even has a conscience, but I pray it won't lead him to hanging himself, but he will be alive and well--reminded forever of his role in history in mocking our democratic process with a  heart of vengeance and greed propelling him.

Lord, we need Your help and guidance right now before the enemy can cause any further damage to our nation.

When People Pay Attention!

O LORD, our Lord, how magnificent is your reputation throughout the earth! You reveal your majesty in the heavens above! From the mouths of children and nursing babies you have ordained praise on account of your adversaries, so that you might put an end to the vindictive enemy. When I look up at the heavens, which your fingers made, and see the moon and the stars, which you set in place, Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them, and make them a little less than the heavenly beings? You grant mankind honor and majesty; you appoint them to rule over your creation; you have placed everything under their authority, including all the sheep and cattle, as well as the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea and everything that moves through the currents of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how magnificent is your reputation throughout the earth! Psalm 8:1-9 NET

When people pay attention to us, they help to build and promote our reputation--whether it ends up being a positive one or a negative one. I think I remember an adage about, "in order to get people to recognize your worth, any publicity is good publicity." I probably didn't quote that exactly right, but the intent is there.

Where am I going with this? It would appear that my efforts (though minuscule) to gain recognition for my books, were nothing compared to the recognition I'm now getting for simply having an opinion and expressing it through news threads. Wow! I've already gathered over 200 pages of data--responses to comments I've made on social media. That to me is fascinating! I never knew having an opinion could ignite such a plethora of responses--some supporting, but most--absolute vitriol.

But here's the thing--I recognized a few years ago that when people can hide behind anonymity of social media, they feel free to let their true natures rule their fingers. Now, I have no idea who these people are--on a personal level--but I've come to enjoy the exchanges. For those who agree with what I say, I feel I gain a friend, but for those who engage in name-calling and subtle threats--I'm continually amazed that little ole me can rile a person up the way I apparently do. So, instead of engaging in the hate--and I never do--I'll either question what they say or simply thank them for giving me relevance. Those who resent my comments hate my direct responses to them and I gain more data for the book I've decided to write about the, Hate That Hides Behind The Anonymity of Social Media.

On all of my social media accounts--because I promote my books--my face is not hidden (except on one as an experiment), my profile states accurately what I believe and my purpose for writing, and I'm not afraid to express my opinions about a news article. That's the thing--I express opinions about news articles, not individuals--not even the news outlet--and people go crazy. I never knew I had that much power! Well, now that I do, I think I'm going to do everything I can to exploit the situation and give God glory in the process!

I recognize that when we are obedient to God--though some may disagree--we never know what He has in store for us--the blessing from being obedient. Now it would appear that I don't have to concern myself with marketing my books, I'll just keep expressing my opinions and lead people to my books. What an awesome God we serve! Through the expression of my honest opinions, He is opening the door to a reputation (good/bad publicity), an avenue that I might not have explored or discovered on my own.

Lord, I thank You for speaking to my heart, guiding my thoughts and my fingers and for all You can and will accomplish through an act of obedience.

Deception and Corruption!

If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.  Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,  for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:3-10 NIV
For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 6:8 NKJV

Deception is defined as the act of deceiving, fraud or artifice (trickery, guile)

Corruption is defined as being corrupt--moral perversion, depravity, corrupt and dishonest proceedings, and bribery.

Knowing that God sees and knows all things, just how long would a person who practices deception and corruption think their actions will remain hidden? For we know, Holy Spirit will reveal the hidden things--if we are willing to hear and see the truth of the matter. However, when people are blinded by misplaced loyalty, they often miss (evidence, proof) that is right in front of them because they choose not to believe what they hear and see. For if they dared to see and hear truth (through credible sources), they would have to admit being wrong about misplacing their loyalty in one who did not deserve it.

We have seen much deception revealed in the last few days by the person elected to govern this country. For most of us with eyes to see--this is not surprising--we have seen the deceptive practices exercised throughout the campaign. The distraction of calling Hillary Clinton crooked and a liar when it was actually him who is crooked and the liar. It would appear that the corruption began in June where bribes and promises were made to all who would assure his election. Throughout the campaign, he spouted his plans to deceive, but not many--people, were able to discern the meaning behind the words.

The rigged election that he was "supposedly afraid would be stolen" was his plan to rig and steal the election.

His boast at one of his rallies that, "perhaps the campaigning should stop and the election just be given to him" said volumes.

The constant repetition of lies and falsehoods that denigrated Hillary--with the most salacious tenets--promoted as "evidence" when there was none--with all the lies debunked through credible sources (House investigations, FBI investigation--all led by Republicans). Though the evidence presented proved no wrong-doing, people continued to believe the lies promoted by Fox News, Breitbart, Alex Jones, manipulated emails leaked by a vengeful man--Julian Assange, and deceived church leaders.

But it was a corrupt strategy designed to deceive the gullible (the same type of strategy used by all the madmen of the world to gain positions to rule as dictators) and it did--deceive the gullible. Those of us who see truth provided in the Spirit knew and understood what was happening, but try as we might--the enemy's tactics prevailed--for a season.

That season--of sowing corruption and deception is being exposed almost daily with his attempts to exaggerate his greatness in saving jobs with Carrier and in the alleged job creation from Masayoshi Son and the Softbank Group. The truth has already been revealed and the only thing he accomplished with Carrier was to give the company a $7 million tax break (at tax payer expense) and the jobs--most of them, are still headed for Mexico. The deal for through Softbank was already in the works before the election and had nothing to do with drumpf being president--as he alleged (outright lied).

The proof--as they say--is in the pudding. The final outcome of all the chaos and distraction and dishonesty and corruption will be revealed and those who looked to a man as their savior will be distraught as they come to grips with the fact that he never had their best interests at heart, but his own bank account. Time Magazine said it best--president of a divided nation--no unity or attempt to unify--will ever be accomplished with him as a leader of a "free nation."

Some may trust in chariots and horses--people and things--but my trust remains firmly rooted in The Lord and no matter what the corrupt and the deceivers do--He will keep us on the alert and ready to push back with truth as He reveals it to us.

Lord, thank You for Truth and the desire to promote it and not lies.

Thieves And Their Accomplices!

When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers. Psalm 50:18 NIV

The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify. Proverbs 29:24 NIV

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:1-11 NIV

There is no "pretty" way to clean up the travesty of this election. It was rigged--by bribery and promises and we see the outcome.

We were told that the election was rigged and it was going to be stolen--for months by the same person who apparently rigged and stole it. Is my declaration a "baseless" claim? Not at all and here is the basis for this claim:

We were told by Trump--that whatever he wanted, he gave money to public officials to make sure he gets what he wants.

We were told by Trump--the election was going to be rigged--he attempted to get people to believe it was against him, but it was by and for him. His claims at his rallies were a distraction so others would not suspect what he was doing.

In three swing states--were Jill Stein requested recounts--opposition to the recounts raised the alarms in the minds of many. First, Trump claims that millions of illegal votes cost him the popular vote (a baseless claim) and the recount should have been an avenue to confirm, but no, his attorneys filed a lawsuit to stop it--in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Apparently, there is something he didn't want discovered in the recount.

While I cannot say what has happened--definitively--in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, I can discuss what is happening in Michigan which serves as conclusive evidence of voter tampering and rigging. Not only did Trump lawyers file a lawsuit to stop the recount, but the Attorney General Bill Schuette, joined in the fight to stop the recount. Now, all these lawsuits beg the question--why--if there's nothing to hide.

I am convinced beyond measure that officials in at least three counties in Michigan were paid to make sure the election count was in Trump's favor. Why do I say beyond measure? As of 12/6/16, it was revealed in NYT [www.nytimes.com/2016/12/06/us/politics/bob-dole-taiwan-lobby-trump.html] that Bob Dole was working to lobby Taiwan on behalf of Trump to establish relationships between Taiwan and the US--and that the lobbying began--six months ago--five months before the election. Now I ask again, how can a person lobby to secure relationships with someone who has not been elected on the premise that they will be?

The only way that confidence can be seen is when the end result is known because of the bribes paid to make sure it happened.

What was it he said about Hillary? "She doesn't know how to win." I'm concluding what he meant by that statement is--she won't cheat or pay others to win.

Now, considering his habit of projecting--accusing others of his own character traits and behavior--his claim of "crooked Hillary" now makes sense--he's the crooked one and has bragged about it in full public view and no one took him seriously. We know for a fact that he's cheated people out of money--vendors, contractors and those who paid through the nose for Trump University. He attempts to take credit for things he had nothing to do with and it's all because he craves attention and thinks nothing of cheating others. We know he paid people to "applaud his announcement for running for president" and the four "aggrieved women" who showed up at the second debate. All of his grandstanding--to make sure he remained a viable candidate for the public's sake even though he had already arranged for the theft.

If we think back to the time when at first most republicans did not even want to meet with him, to the point when they were completely confident in him, we can see why the attitude changed. The only way he could assure them he would win was to bribe officials in those counties were republicans were in charge.

Though there may be many who will disagree with my premise, I challenge all to think about the unfolding events--everything said and done prior to the election--and seek God to reveal the truth of the matter.

The thief and his accomplices will be exposed--at some point in time and then all will know for certain how the 2016 Presidential election was rigged and stolen by the self-proclaimed billionaire who bragged about paying his way to play in the game of politics.

I'm still praying that the electors voting on December 19th will pay attention and vote to rectify this travesty and mockery of our election process.

Speaking As Approved By God!

For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. I Thessalonians 2:3-8 NIV

As a messenger of God for Gospel of Jesus Christ and a watchman, committed to telling the truth as God shows it to me and warning of impending danger, loving all unconditionally as He has commands, I declare at this moment, I will not ever write to please men, but as God speaks to my heart.

For I have noticed, through observation and actual experience that when we attempt to please men, we fall short for we can never please all the people all the time--nor at the same time. So, I've learned to not try pleasing people for it is a futile exercise and time waster. Since I don't know how much time I have left on the earth, I choose not to waste my time with the silliness and irrelevance of trying to please people. For which person--clothed in flesh covered bones--has heaven or hell for me? Not one person has heaven or hell for me therefore, I do not have to please people. However, if a person is pleased by what I do or say in my determination to please God--so be it. But my goal--is pleasing God--not people.

A caring mother or father would will always provide the child they love with instructions to keep them safe from harm and directions to keep them on a path of success in life. That's exactly what the bible does for all who love God and claim Him as our Father and Jesus as Lord of our lives and Savior. Though they are one in purpose, I understand the distinction of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Indeed, I trust my Father to speak to my heart at all times and Holy Spirit to deliver the fully interpreted message in a way I can understand it and share it. For I recognize the way of God and His Holy language is past my understanding and I need Holy Spirit to help me rightly discern what is being said.

With the bible--written by men as God spoke to them--we have the blueprint that should be the guide to how we live. Before men began writing, God was speaking to those He chose to be His messengers and scribes wrote as instructed. Since Jesus returned to heaven after completing His mission on earth, we--everyone who believes--all have access to hearing God through Holy Spirit if we are willing to hear. Understand, when God speaks to our heart, Holy Spirit interprets so our minds will accept what is being spoken to us. Unless Holy Spirit interprets what is said--we veer off the path that God plans for us to travel and when people "think" on their own about what is right, chaos ensues.

Does not The Word remind us that, "in the multitude of counselors there is safety?" And in other passages (in Proverbs) we are warned that those who scorn knowledge will soon provoke destruction and unfortunately, the destruction will not just destroy them, but others.

I'm praying daily, almost hourly when time permits--that in the coming days the electors in our Electoral College will have hearts to hear God speak and vote the voice of the people and acknowledge the popular vote. For the mandate of this election is the voice of the people and the electors should honor their voice. Though there are some who will not agree with what I've just said, they're entitled. I'm looking forward and see nothing but destruction with a president who cares nothing for protocol or dignity, integrity and honor. When the destruction comes, if our electors are not willing to hear God, it will impact all our lives and like those fleeing Aleppo, we might be next--fleeing one city after the other, but the real problem will be--where will we go?

Lord, speak to the hearts of those in position to make a decision that will impact all our lives either positively or negatively. Allow every elector in the Electoral College to see beyond the moment of their vote, so they will understand the importance of our having a future without chaos and more hatred and bigotry, marring the landscape for generations to come. Speak to the heart of every child You claim as Yours, creating in them a desire to please You and not men. I pray that every one of Your children will we willing to hear and act upon all You say so we can enjoy peace in the land--for all mankind. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

Recognize Them By Their Fruit!

“Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it. “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit.A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit.  Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So you’ll recognize them by their fruit. Matthew 7:13-20 HCSB

Thanking God for Holy Spirit early this morning! As always, I seek a "word" from Him in  order to organize my thoughts and write my daily blog. This morning, the word that came up in my spirit, was "wolf" and I immediately had a title--Tyrant In a Suit! But then as I started reading The Word, Holy Spirit reminded me--not only that we have to be careful of the tyrants and false prophets, but if we are watchful, we will recognize them by their fruit--or what they do and they company they keep.

Most of us are familiar with the saying, "birds of a feather flock together" and quote it often when we assess what a person is like. Can we tell if a person is charitable or stingy? Can we tell if a person is honorable or dishonorable? Can we tell if a person is trustworthy or not to be trusted? Can we tell if a person is honest or a liar?

There are so many ways and benchmarks by which we can use to assess who a person really is--not just who they tell us they are. For I am a firm believer that if we are who we think we are, we have to no need to tell anyone anything--people will recognize who we are by our actions.

In the above passage of scripture, Jesus is teaching about entering into the kingdom of Heaven. On this journey called life, we can either follow the crowd and fall into the pit of destruction or follow the remnant who are determined to live according to God's ways. The choice is ours and He gives us guidelines by which we can know which direction we're taking.

There are those who "dress up"hate and bigotry behind the external appearances that hides who they are. The make-up, the plastic surgery, the expensive clothing (the person makes the clothes look good, not the other way around), tanning beds, wigs and hair transplants and weaves--all designed to make a person look to the casual observer, but do nothing to change who the person really is.
Unfortunately, too many people judge a person by what they say or their outer appearance without looking at the person, their surroundings or their cohorts. We tend to judge unfairly--both the person in the suit and the person in rags--without knowing who they really are.

According to The Word--we can determine who they are by their fruit--the outcome or results of what they say or do. If what they do or say produces--good or bad--that is going to be the sum total of who they are, no matter how they try to hide their true selves. But we can be assured of accurate assessment of a person's character when we use the Fruit of The Spirit as a measuring stick.  "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,  gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22,23 HCSB And the verses before this--explain the works of the flesh.

I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious:sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance — as I told you before — that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:16-21 HCSB

Now, I suggest that we look carefully at a person--and those they surround themselves with--to get a true picture of the character within--and not at the exterior. 

Do they exhibit/demonstrate unconditional love towards others or do they promote hatred and bigotry? Is their joy obtained by helping others or helping themselves? Do they encourage an environment of peace or do they provoke drama and mistrust? Are they patience with others or are they always impatient with others? Do we see demonstrations of kindness for no reason or is everything they do have an agenda? Do we see goodness in their behavior and actions towards others? Is their faith in God or themselves or others? Is there a measure of gentleness seen in their deeds or heard in their words? Do we see a model of self-controlled disciplined or is that behavior erratic and unstable?

People who live in glass houses should not throw stones since those stones can be rerouted and the houses shattered. The same is true for people who have criticized others--especially the President of the United States--they cannot expect others not to look closely at them and with the same measure of critique they have expounded, it comes back to them--if and when they, too hold public office.

Are we good trees producing good fruit or bad trees producing bad fruit? Do others recognize who we are by what we do? In the end, God's judgment will determine whether we're consumed in the fire or enter into the gates of heaven.

Remember!

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion; May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose. We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright. Save, LORD! May the King answer us when we call. Psalm 20:1-7 NKJV

We all remember things--the good, the bad, the ugly, the happy, the sad, the mournful, and as long as we live--we shall accumulate memories. What shall we remember?

Will we remember the history of the land and how we came to be?

Will we remember fighting for independence from England in the Revolution?

Will we remember fighting for freedom for those taken from their native land and kept in slavery? Could we forget how the natives of this land were treated--murdered, and cheated out of the very land in which we live?

Will we remember the hate that lynched and burned crosses, burned down houses and the rape of women of color who gave birth to a lighter race--sometimes exalted, but yet hated because their color was a constant reminder of the father who raped?

Will we remember the laws passed to separate and keep a person of color from quenching their thirst from "any and all water fountains" or having to use the great outdoors because they were not allowed to use the "indoor facilities" because of hate?

Will we remember how school systems deplored and denied a quality education for all, but gave the schools of color the leftovers--battered and torn--barely able to use?

Will we remember the protests and fights for equality for women as well as the men of color who others hated and feared?

Will we remember the injustices suffered with no recourse to legal remedy by those who were treated like they were less than human beings?

Will we remember how just about every invention, considered a convenience, was created by a black man or woman, but never acknowledged until recent years?

Will we remember how this country prospered and grew under the hands of those who yielded a whip and kept men, women, and children starving in order to enrich themselves?

Will we remember how political parties shifted and evolved--first Republicans agreeing that slavery and all that hate was wrong, but now has turned full circle and we're back to where things used to be?

Will we remember how insolence and arrogance laid the foundations to bringing down buildings--the towers in New York, brought damage to the Pentagon, and how the capitol was saved with the sacrifice of the lives of others who said, "they would rather go down dying than see our country destroyed?"

Will we remember the invasion of another country, Iraq--ignited by lies and vengeance--that has led to thousands of lives being lost and nothing really gained?

Will we remember that trickle-down economics (attempted before under Reagan) has never worked well for anyone other than those who are already rich?

Will we remember when Republicans left the White House and the country in a mess, and Democrats went in--cleaning up after them--making tough decisions for all--in spite of opposition?

Will we remember a time when there was a surplus in the treasury, when Bill Clinton left office, but soon after the surplus was emptied and a war started and now the country is still in trillions of dollars of debts?

Will we remember how the economy was headed off a cliff and somehow--though most of the haters won't agree, President Obama stepped in and helped to save the auto industry, jobs and families?

Will we remember the progressive changes that most of us won't condone, but understand in the end--God will judge each of us for what we do--not others?

Will we remember the hatred and disrespect displayed towards the first Black President, who was elected by all races of people?

Will we remember the snide and nasty comments directed at his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama who never did anything other than help a nation overcome adversity with obesity?

Will we remember--all the thoughtless things said and done to undermine the President's ability to help the nation, but was obstructed by a Congress who hated because of his color, and were jealous of his intelligence?

Will we remember--when we had a chance to elect a woman--hated by many for no reason, but who could have turned things around for the better for all--many chose to elect ignorance and arrogance, narcissism and racism, hatred and bigotry in the megalomaniac who does not understand government or protocols established to keep our nation safe?

Will we remember--when others tried to warn us of impending danger, but we chose to ignore it and allowed the state of the country and the fate of all its people to be decided by a group of people who only plan to pursue their own agenda to take us backwards instead of forward and will do nothing but encourage more hate?

Will we remember? Well, will we?

If we do not learn from the mistakes of the past, we are doomed to repeat them and it would appear that we are about to enter the phase of repetition where only the rich and white will prevail.

I'm thanking God for being the God of all creation, no matter the color our skin or what language we speak or what religion we believe--for not being a man that He should lie and we know--we can count on Him to bring us through to the other side. I'm thanking Him for the angels of protection He has already assigned and for keeping them watchful and alert, ready to warn of dangers seen and unseen. I'm thanking Him for victory in the name of Jesus and all that's holy for keeping us in the fight for justice and equality for all.

No matter what happens with all there is to come--Jesus is the answer--and we know from deep within, victory is ours and when we call upon Him, He will answer. God is love and love trumps hate--every time!