What We Need Is Love!

It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. An now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work. 2 John 4-11 NIV

John’s letter is just as clear today as I’m sure it was to the church when he wrote it. If we claim to know God the Father and Jesus the Son, we must walk in love. For Jesus said, “Love the Lord thy God with all your heart soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself.” These are His commandments. If we have not love, we are not walking in love and cannot love others.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, over and over until we get it or my fingers stop working or my lips are sealed in death. IF WE DO NOT LOVE OURSELVES, WE CANNOT LOVE OTHERS!

If we do not recognize that hate is taught–planted in the hearts of people from an early age as demonstrated by those around them who say hateful and bigoted things about other people simply because they do not look like them, act like them, or worship like them. Here’s my question for all who think they have a “moral right” to tell other people anything: Who did you die for that we might have access to the kingdom of heaven?

I’m not saying we shouldn’t teach God’s Word–accurately and coherently–I’m saying none of us–imperfect beings that we are–can take a moral high ground if we don’t know love. There have been times in my life when I allowed my “emotions” to overrule logic and it brought disastrous results. We cannot allow our fickle-ever-changing emotions to dictate our lives and expect peace and harmony. It won’t work.

What will work–for every human being on the planet–is for us to take the time to seriously do some introspection into what makes us who we are. Are we so bound to tradition and feelings that we cannot accept truth about ourselves and no matter how many times we are proven wrong, we continue in the same path? We have to be honest with a critical assessment of our ability to love self–accept our shortcomings without blaming others for what we don’t have or can’t do. We have to acknowledge that our lives are the end result of what we have put into them. If we put nothing into a bank account, we cannot withdraw from it (legally). The same is true of our lives–whatever we want out of it–must align with what we’re willing to put into it. If we all we do is nurture hate–that seed that was planted before we were able to recognize it–then all we’ll get out of life is refutation and rejection.

Most people who honestly care about where they are in life have sat down and realistically assessed their lives and how they got there. I’ve heard of so many people who were taught to hate, come to a place in their lives where they realize hate never solves any problems and they changed. They began to love themselves, seeing themselves in another light–a beacon that could pave the way of success for others.

What we need–more than anything else in this world right now–is to learn to love self so we can love others. For when we love others, we only want the best for them and we work together to accomplish that end. Knowing that love trumps hate is not just a slogan or buzz words. Love truly conquers hate in every imaginable way. It may not happen over night, or in a month in the next two years, but we have to start somewhere. And now is the time.

Let’s work on promoting love, eradicating the hate that resides in the hearts of so many. If hate can be learned, then so can love and love is far more pleasant experience. When we see hate being promoted–we must stand firm and call it what it is–no using any euphemisms to disguise it–just call it what it is: hate, racism, bigotry, misogyny, xenophobia and whatever else destructive attitudes and actions can be called–CALL IT OUT AND THOSE WHO PERPETUATE IT!

Since we only have this one planet that is considered fit for human habitation, we might as well learn to live together in harmony before we decimate the human race because of hate. Love is the answer and it has been from the beginning and forever will be.

I’m Mary M. Hall-Rayford and I approve this message and will be moving forward in my bid for president in 2020. I hope you join me in promoting love and not hate. http://www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020 browse and like my page.

When The Enemy Raises his Head!

“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!’ So Israel will live in safety; Jacob will dwell secure in a land of grain and new wine, where the heavens drop dew. Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights.” Deuteronomy 33:26-29 NIV

Have we forgotten that we who Believe have been adopted into the family by the work on the Cross? We are spiritual Israel and have access to the same promises made to the Children of Israel before God came down from heaven in the likeness of man. We have no need to fear what the enemy might do–we simply need to maintain our focus on Him who is more than enough–to keep us protected from anything the enemy might plan.

This is why it is important to know–who is really a Believer and who is simply cowering under the banner of Christianity--fearful of everything and promoting their fear to anyone who dares to listen. There is no need to fear with Jesus on our side–He is more than the world against us, so why do Christians become fear-mongers, allowing fear of “what might be” to keep their focus off the One who does not change His mind about what He desires for us?

If we truly Believe God’s Word–we have no need to fear anyone or any event. The enemy’s job is to use fear and doubt as a tactic or strategy to make sure people focus on their situation or those things going around them rather than looking up–for our help comes from The Lord!

The enemy has already been defeated with the bloodshed of Jesus Christ and He has given us power to keep him under our feet. So why don’t we? Why are we listening to men–who fear their own shadows, who promote hatred and bigotry faster than they can breathe? Why are we allowing the fickleness of man to deter us from knowing that God wins in the end and for those of us who trust Him–rather than man–we also win!

Some may trust in horses and chariots–the tools used in the battle, but I will trust in The Lord–for He is watching and He knows all about our troubles! The battle is not ours; it is The Lord’s and He cannot be defeated!

The Purpose of My Books!

“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” Toni Morrison

Though I will be the first to admit that I am not a particular fan of Toni Morrison’s works, I agree wholeheartedly with her stance about writing. Before I even read this quote, I knew what type of books I wanted to read and wrote them–with the hope that I was not the only one who wanted to read–wholesome literature–devoid of voyeuristic scenes and profanity.

You see, as much as I love mysteries and romance novels, I started avoiding most of those on the market. Most of the suspense and thriller novels are so laced with profanity that I can’t get past the first chapter. When that happens, I simply stop reading. The same is true of some of the books that people are trying to pass off as romance, when they’re actually only about sex.

I’m not trying to tell other people what to write or how to write it, but I won’t read literature that opposes my faith and my stance with moral issues.

Therefore, I’ve written a number of books–that are romantic in nature without making the reader feel like they’re taking part in a perverse act–and have an actual story line, with lovable characters and those the reader can hate as well.

The suspense and thriller novels–are filled with all the stuff we love–intrigue, murder, human trafficking, kidnapping, but no profanity and the characters have developed “alternate” expressions that work well when they are emotionally charged.

I want to see a return of moral values and structures that all can read in the literature produced. So I have accomplished–at least I think I have–this goal with my books. Why am I saying this now? An author on Twitter posted that Indie Publishers should be blogging about their books, not their blogs. I agree and here I am.

I’d love to know what you think–regarding my purpose.  Did I accomplish my purpose or am I just whistling in the clouds of hope?

There are two fantasies for kids and I’m working on the third in the series. In these books, kids are empowered to overcome good with evil by relying upon innate powers within them– myBook.to/SuperTweens and myBook.to/OtherSide.  Both were written to empower kids between the ages of 10 and 12 and beyond with the latest effort–not yet available. Kids need all the encouragement they can get to do the right thing and to know others see them as worthy and not just a nuisance to be tolerated.

The suspense/thriller works are: myBook.to/Sword about a serial killer in a small town in South Carolina. I introduce Tyson and Tiffany as they team up to find the serial killer. In the second book myBook.to/TNT Tyson is working for the FBI and Tiffany is battling demons from her past, but it is with the struggle they discover who’s kidnapping mentally challenged girls and are able to defuse all the bombs the crazy Russian plants, except one. In  myBook.to/ElevatedHijinks Tyson and Tiffany and their team must find Swatere’s kids who have been kidnapped as revenge against Tiffany. They find the kids, but will a blazing mountain fire defeat their attempt to rescue them?

Two of the romance novels are based upon two ministers who meet over the phone and begin the journey that is overwhelmed with obstacles. myBook.to/Gifts begins the story, but even after they overcome the barriers set before them, others attempt to cloud the issues in myBook.to/Storms.  The last romance is more secular in nature, but still provides insight into matters of the heart and love without being erotically perverse. There is a wonderful story line in myBook.to/MoneyTalks about love, trust and betrayal.

There are many more found on Amazon–mostly Christian Living and can be accessed through this link  viewAuthor.at/maryglobal.  My goal with this post is to entice you to read my books and let me know if I have accomplished my purpose.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Assistance needed!

One of my followers on Twitter is in need of assistance and I have pledged to donate half of the proceeds from the sales of my book myBook.to/ElevatedHijinks through Saturday.

I pray those who have a heart will purchase–just 0.99 and encourage others to do so as well.

Thanks for assisting in doing what Jesus would have us to do–help the needy.

Wholesome Christian Literature

Today, my 21st eBook was released on Amazon. When you get a chance, please check it out at myBook.to/ElevatedHijinks

This book is the end result of my NaNoWriMo novel and I am genuinely pleased with the results and I know you will be too if you like unexpected adventures.

When an FBI Agent’s sons are kidnapped, the other agents–particularly Tiffany and Tyson, along with Battle (who finds love in the valley), set out to find out who the kidnappers are. AJ and Raphi have their own plans to escape and it all works out until they have to outrun a blazing mountain fire. Lots of twists and turns, but you’ll have to keep turning the pages–just to see the hijinks revealed.

Anyone with a heart for adventure and love the mountains will enjoy this book.

What Happened?

Thump!
C-r-e-a-k!
Boom, Boom!
“Make it stop,” Tiny cried.
Bobby huddled, pale-faced, shuddering.
“What is that?” he sputtered.
Silence. The motor of the a/c stopped.
More silence.
Tiny nervously moved towards the door; it slammed open, making her jump.
“Aih!” she screamed, hiding behind the couch, waiting for the end.

(c) 2015 by Mary M. Hall-Rayford

The God of Hope!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)

The God of hope–not defeated, but victorious in all things, and gives to us the power through Holy Spirit to always have hope for the best in all situations.

The God of hope–fills us with joy and peace, not fear and doubt, but allows His joy–which is our strength–to overflow in troubling times so we are not discouraged, and can encourage others to trust in Him.

The God of hope–once expected to deliver The Children of Israel–their soon-coming Messiah–who chose to save and deliver the rest of us who choose to believe that He is and will be, all we will ever need to succeed in His plans while here on earth, and enjoy living with Him for all eternity.

The God of hope–who loved us enough to leave His heavenly throne to appear in the flesh and live among us, just as He promised, dying for us, yet rising from the dead, with victory over the evil one so we might have life and that more abundantly.

This what the God of hope does for those He loves and never leaves us alone!

Look forward not backwards and never allow the enemy to trick you into regretting a past that brought you to the throne of grace–loved, delivered, saved, and free to love in return.

Mightier Than The Sword–Live on Amazon!

I am so grateful that I’ve finally completed this project and can share it with you! If you read free chapters on JukePop, you can now read the entire book–after the 15th revision. A mystery/suspense worth reading and you may be surprised!    You can get it now http://www.amazon.com/Mary-M-Hall-Rayford/e/B00BAW31CQ/

Say What?

“What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ” (Mark 13:37 NIV)

What we say matters–in most cases, but we don’t just speak with our lips, our actions speak loudly, especially when they don’t line up with our lips.

This is why we are admonished to be “living letters” read of men because all who watch us, pay more attention to what we do, than what we say. If we are not saying what Jesus said, in the context in which He said it, then our lips lie and if our lips lie, our actions will also promote lying.

The difficulty most Believers have in convincing anyone that The Word is true is because they only live on Sunday morning, or during a midweek service. As soon as the service is over, the “real them” controls and makes everything they “said” a lie. How do we know? How many times have we heard testimonies about how they were driving beyond the posted speed limits and when pulled over, the police officer showed them mercy? If we really believed in obedience, we wouldn’t be speed-demons and if we have given Our Lord and Savior complete control over our lives, why won’t we allow Him to control our heavy foot? This is not a testimony of God’s goodness, it is a boast of our stupidity.

When we stand in lines and grumble, irritated beyond measure and cuss at everyone around us and people hear us cussing out folks on the phone, do we really think God doesn’t see or hear us? And some of these same people can be heard bragging, “I’m Baptist born, and Baptist raised, and I’ll be a Baptist all of my days.” Whenever I’ve heard this (and I’ve heard it on more than one occasion) I cringe–for all Baptists since this is how they’re being represented–loud and obnoxious.

But it’s not just Baptists, or Methodists, or any other “one” denomination” that has difficulty being “the letter read of men” that God wants us to be and saying what The Word says. Many of us have the same issues and I wonder are we paying attention to us–not other people?

The bottom line is this–make sure your actions line up with what we say–people are watching and if we say we belong to Jesus, we are held accountable for all we say and do that is not of Him.

The Measure of Greatness!

“To which of the trees in Eden will you then be likened in glory and greatness? Yet you shall be brought down with the trees of Eden to the depths of the earth; you shall lie in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude,’ says the Lord GOD.” (Ezekiel 31:18 NKJV)

When people seek greatness of their volition, they usually don’t care about the lives they destroy in their quest. And when they foolishly believe that their greatness is a result of either who they are or what they accomplish, they shall be brought down for all the world to see.

When God’s will for greatness is fulfilled in a person, everyone around them benefits. If people do great things for the benefit of others (not themselves), then God will raise them up for the world to see and if they are truly humble before God, their greatness will be beyond measure for it will never stop.

There are people who have been called great based on our understanding of greatness, but they were they great in God’s sight? Only He can determine the measure of their greatness which probably has less to do with our definition of greatness. But there are some things we can measure based upon His Word.

Are we seeking to promote peace within and without our immediate boundaries?

Are we promoting unconditional love for all regardless of ethnicity or gender?

Are we promoting obedience to God’s Word or are we promoting political correctness that defies God’s Word?

Greatness, our greatness, will not be measured by God by our standards, but by His and if we don’t measure up to His standards, what then have we truly accomplished?

I’d rather have His elevation for doing things His way--no matter how long it may take–for all eternity, than to have all of mankind applaud my efforts in keeping them pleased, for an instant! Only what we do for Christ will last!