What Have We Done?

Hear the word of the LORD, you Israelites, because the LORD has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land. There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed. Because of this the land dries up, and all who live in it waste away; the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea are swept away. “But let no one bring a charge, let no one accuse another, for your people are like those who bring charges against a priest. You stumble day and night, and the prophets stumble with you. So I will destroy your mother— my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children. The more priests there were, the more they sinned against me; they exchanged their glorious God for something disgraceful.  Hosea 4:1-7 NIV

Do we not pay attention to the past–the history that is written or told–the events in life that destroyed, both the young and the old?

Did we not know how lies and falsehoods tend to overtake truth when truth is not repeatedly told and then evil influence rises higher than mountains, more destructive than swelling seas?

Were we not looking at how nations–once great civilizations–now no longer exist and if we noticed, did we not understand that if we do not learn from history–and the mistakes made–we are doomed to repeat it?

From the despicable Nero to Hitler and others–all with a mindset to rule–single-handedly, dictators and despots—destroying lives with lies and propaganda designed to make them look better when actually they were the worst of human nature. Did we not know that evil permeates the minds of those who are vulnerable and gullible and look to men instead of God for truth and then we have a mess on our hands that man cannot fix?

Narcissistic natures who tend to be megalomaniacs have a pathological tendency to lie and lie and lie and will say anything to convince others they are the only ones who are right and yet they are truly wrong and will destroy and convince others to join them in the destruction of mankind. Were we not paying attention or did we think we were so spiritually deep we did not need to pay attention? See how the enemy plays with the minds of those in leadership, enticing them to believe lies–though they have ears to hear–they do not listen to God.

And because those in leadership have failed to hear God and say what He says, about all things, we now enter a stage or phase that some will not survive–because of the lies promoted just to control the masses and now the masses will decrease in numbers until the only ones left are those the devil will engulf in the flames they lit.

What have we done? If we haven’t figured it out–we need but to keep watching and listening and then doing nothing for the bottom will fall and all hopes crumble because we were too foolish to pray and humble ourselves–obeying God only, not man.

Is it too late to undo what we’ve done? God alone has the answer and now we will see just how many have the courage and boldness to hear Him when He speaks and do what He says, willing to move mountains to turn things around, so all will have an opportunity to prosper and thrive under the leadership of one who at least “hears and honors God” when He speaks.

Lord,

You said if Your people would humble themselves and pray, seek Your face, repent of their wicked ways, You would hear from heaven and heal the land. We humbly ask You to forgive us for thinking we did not need Your direction in all we do; especially in this election. Cover us with Your mercy, truth and grace and allow those who truly love You to provide remedy and relief so others won’t suffer needlessly because Your elect leaders failed to tell people the truth.  You are the only wise God and we seek You to make a way out of this situation before there is no room for repentance by all involved in the travesty we see unfolding on a daily basis. You know our hearts and thoughts from afar and now we ask You to speak to the hearts of those who are willing to hear You and reset this course of destruction back on the path of Your divine instruction. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen!

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If We Are Conscientious!

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

What does it mean to be conscientious?  It means to be governed by one’s conscience; controlled by or done according to one’s inner sense of what is right; principled.

Are we governed by our inner sense of what is right and principled? If not, to what do we attribute our sense of justice and in doing what is right?

There are those who–not understanding the work of Holy Spirit–who say they are led by their consciences–the inner workings of their minds based upon their knowledge of a situation or right and wrong. And they believe with everything in them that they are truly conscientious about what they do. They could be right–as along as their conscience is governed by Holy Spirit speaking to their hearts.

Therein–lies the difference–some people are led by what their mind perceives as truth based upon human ability to comprehend the events unfolding around them and some are led by Holy Spirit–who speaks to our hearts–attuned to Him. When we rely upon Holy Spirit to guide us–we don’t have to rely upon human knowledge, but Holy Spirit knows so much more than mere mortals.

We must remember that the enemy speaks to our minds and unfortunately, so many people have allowed their fleshly emotions to guide what they think and the enemy enjoys watching us wallow in self-pity and chaos, not knowing which way to go or to whom to turn. And then we do things–that are not just or right–and claim we were doing what our conscience led us to do and when we see calamity–our consciences are not convicted because we have no heart by which we can hear Holy Spirit. When we have a heart for God and His people, even if we ignore Holy Spirit speaking or misunderstand Him–when the outcome of a decision leads to travesty, our consciences are seared–we are consumed with guilt and attempt to make amends for our actions.

Looking around at what we see in our nation, I’m praying that those in a position to make a decision that will ultimately affect the entire world–will be guided by Holy Spirit–speaking to their hearts and their hearts will guide them in making conscientious decisions–doing what is best for all. I know God is working on the hearts of many, I just pray people will be obedient when they hear Him speak.

If we are all conscientious–allowing Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts and from the abundance of what is in our hearts–we act–we can rest assured that everything will be all right in the earth! We will be the light that guides the world out of the darkness that attempts to reign in the hearts of those who do not know The Lord!

Our God Shall Deliver!

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, even among the survivors whom the LORD calls. Joel 2:28-32 NIV

The fate of the nation, as always,  depends upon the Lord’s deliverance and that deliverance shall come when we learn to depend upon Him.

There are many things from which we need deliverance.

Some of us need deliverance from online shopping. Every time we see something we think we like, we order and then wonder why we can’t save money. And we need to save every dime we can for that rainy day fund–for soon–there will be a deluge of rain and if we have nothing stored against the havoc, we will suffer loss.

Some of us need deliverance from promoting lies. We tend to accept all the latest gossip from various fake news articles as being credible and then without thinking twice, we share on social media accounts or in break rooms, with friends and neighbors and anyone who will listen to us. We become the target of unsavory markets–deliberately snagging personal data when we download information through social media accounts–and they in turn send more lies and many believe them.

Some of us need deliverance from all sorts of addictions–drugs, alcohol, overeating, stealing, lying, and even unsolicited counseling/advice. If we have an addictive spirit–we can become addicted to almost anything because the “thing” becomes our comfort and joy. No addiction can be overcome without changing what we do. I quit smoking by giving up coffee and talking on the phone over 30 years ago. These were habits that led to me lighting a cigarette. The first thing I did (after praying) was to stop buying cigarettes. I couldn’t smoke what I didn’t have.

In order to break addictive cycles, we must be willing to acknowledge there is a problem, and then “do” something about it. We can stay away from all those things that keep us controlled, but lying and giving unsolicited counseling–we need to change our mindset, think before opening our mouths and realize that the lies we tell–corrupt our reputation and soon no one believes anything we say. The unsolicited counseling/advice is ignored and people tend to avoid us because they know–we tend to think we know what is best for everyone when it actuality, we barely know what’s best for ourselves.

Jesus Christ–our redeemer–has given us the ultimate means of deliverance from sin and all other things that we allow to control us–He has delivered us from us–when we allow Holy Spirit to direct our steps in all things. He does not force us or make us do anything, but when we allow Him to direct us and we listen to Him, we can overcome anything that attempts to assail us and keep us from receiving God’s best.

God shall deliver us from all things that keep us from receiving His best in our lives–if we call upon Him and believe He will.

I believe that God–who knows all and sees all–will deliver us from any catastrophic events and that includes exposing truth about the election results. I have and will continue to call upon Him and have faith in what He is able to do. I also have faith in all those who love Him, to hear Him when He speaks and obey. I am declaring deliverance–now!

 

When We Call, He Hears!

A psalm of David. Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods. Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him. Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD. Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us. Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4  NIV

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:11-13 NIV

In the day of evil–times when people forsake God and will not obey–there are those of us who recognize the times and when we call upon Him, He will answer.

When there is no “immediate response” that we can see or discern, some tend to get a little anxious and their faith begins to fade. But we are told repeatedly in The Word, to hold onto our faith and it will not fail us as long as our faith is in God.

Having faith in God–no matter what happens–means that even though it appears that the world is groping in darkness, we can trust God to guide us and keep us on the path He has already established for us. We simply need to remember that Jesus is The Light–of Truth, of Integrity, and Honor. And when we have received Him into our hearts, and filled to brimming over with the love of God and power of Holy Spirit–we need never to be afraid of darkness for even in darkness-we see Him in all of His glory.

Therefore, no one who knows God and has established a lasting relationship with Him through Jesus Christ never has to worry about walking in darkness for He is the light within. Have we not been told that we are the light of the world? Not because of who we are, but because of who He is in our lives. In the midst of the darkness, our light–within us–should shine so brightly that all will see our good works and know that every deed committed in darkness will be exposed by The Light.

Because we walk in the light and love of Jesus, we can confidently, approach His throne with boldness to place our petitions before Him and know with certainty, He hears us when we call upon Him.

We are His children and He is our loving Father and a loving Father never ignores the children He loves. Therefore, call upon The Lord and know that when our requests align with His Word, He will answer and give us the desires of our hearts when we take pleasure in serving Him.

I know that He hears me when I call upon Him because of my relationship with Him and His love for me. And while I wait for His response, I continue to do as He has directed me–even though there are times I don’t understand why He has me doing what I do. I am eternally grateful that He found me worthy to be used by Him and for that alone–I give Him praise!

Even when those around me don’t understand or try to put obstacles in my way, I can keep moving toward the prize I know awaits me because it is from God, not man. So, when I have done all I know to do and know that it has all been directed by God, I take a firm stand, supported by The Word and I refuse to move or back down from any assignment The Lord has given me. And while I’m standing–I am in constant communication with Him, and I know He hears me because it is in His strength, that I can keep going, and going, and going!

On this side of heaven, we are in a constant battle with evil and those spirits that influence evil so we must communicate often with Him who gives us wisdom and direction in order to combat the evil that confronts us. Having The Word in our hearts gives us strength and courage to not answer those the way they respond to us. Having Holy Spirit reigning in our hearts, keeps us from shaming our Father and reminds us to do what is right in His sight, at all times.

The naysayers in our lives don’t have to understand why we do what we do, but we must know that God has given us a task and it is our willingness to complete the task to His glory that matters more than man’s understanding.

Every day when I write, the enemy attempts to dissuade me by interfering with my vision and I’ve noticed it takes me a little longer to complete the task of writing this blog, but I am determined and I keep calling upon Him to help me see what He wants me to say. I’ve taken my stand and I will not be moved because I know–when I call Him, He hears me.

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The Work of Lies!

Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed? Job 11:3 KJV

Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value. O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom. Job 13:3-5 KJV

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Psalm 40:3,4 KJV

They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. Psalm 62:4-6 KJV

A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. Proverbs 14:25 KJV

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. Proverbs 19:5 KJV

If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked. Proverbs 29:12 NIV

Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. Isaiah 59:1-5 KJV

You have profaned me among my people for a few handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to my people, who listen to lies, you have killed those who should not have died and have spared those who should not live. “ ‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against your magic charms with which you ensnare people like birds and I will tear them from your arms; I will set free the people that you ensnare like birds. I will tear off your veils and save my people from your hands, and they will no longer fall prey to your power. Then you will know that I am the LORD.  Because you disheartened the righteous with your lies, when I had brought them no grief, and because you encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways and so save their lives, therefore you will no longer see false visions or practice divination. I will save my people from your hands. And then you will know that I am the LORD.’ ” Ezekiel 13:19-23 NIV

If the truth shall make us free, what then does a lie do? There are many benefits The Lord has for us and then there are consequences–our just reward–whether we do right or we do wrong. This is how our Sovereign God works–faithful to His Word–not ours.

Though I know many will be unsettled for a while with the election recounts–the hope is that truth will prevail and all will know it–whatever it is. But recounting ballots–will only offer half of the truth for if people were kept from voting–there is nothing to recount for them and voter suppression (rigging the election) ran rampant across the nation.

Voter suppression–the act of keeping someone from voting by deceptive means or practices, is a strategy to influence the outcome of an election by discouraging or preventing people from exercising the right to vote. Those seeking to influence the outcome have used various means of keeping people from voting and they include: Lying about election dates, polling precincts, using robocalls or chatbots on Twitter promoting false information, collecting data through social media profiles and sending false news articles, threatening people with arrests with lies about laws, telling people not to vote or closing polls early with people standing in line because the outcome has been called before all the votes are counted. And of course, we cannot ignore the influence of Russian operatives and the hacking of systems across the country. 

For the most part–voter suppression is achieved when others believe the lies they hear. And they will either not vote or vote for the other candidate.

There is a storehouse of lies promoted by one side–either the campaign team or superpacs on their behalf that have certainly influenced the outcome of the 2016 Election. And whether people want to believe the truth or not–the truth reveals all the lies told.

The lies have several origins–Alex Jones, Sean Hannity, FaceBook False News, Chatbots on Twitter bombarding people with propaganda.

Some of the lies that I’ve discovered include: the situation in Haiti and the Clinton Foundation–the lies were recorded in Clinton Cash (both the book and the video) and promoted throughout the Internet Community faster than wildfire in a drought.

The lie: the Clinton Foundation is not a legal foundation and takes other people’s money to enrich themselves. According to Charity Watch–the Clinton Foundation has a comparable rating to American Red Cross and all the money donated is used to help others.

The lie: Hillary Clinton wants to approve abortions up to 8 months and 8 days. Abortions after 20 weeks are illegal and the 36 week (Boycott36) lie promoted is just that. At 36 weeks–it’s a delivery, not an abortion.

The lie: Hillary Clinton and President Obama are devils and smell like sulfur. Though a lie–it was effective for those who choose not to research truth for themselves.

The lie: The Clintons stole furniture from the White House. Every president can borrow furniture (from other government institutions) upon approval to move into the White House–government property with oversight–and those in charge keep inventory of everything that belongs to the government. They did not steal furniture from the White House–it was taken back to the institution from which it came.

The lie: Hillary Clinton wants to take our guns! She never said this and is only concerned about keeping guns out of the hands of people who commit mass atrocities; she has advocated for “common-sense” gun laws, not taking guns from people.

The email situation–after all the investigation by the House–and all the money spent for the investigation–did not yield anything worth prosecuting, but some folks just won’t let it go.

This could go on for awhile, but the fact-checkers have already determined what is truth and what is a lie, but I guess most people don’t want to hear truth, after believing a lie.

Even though the other candidate–drumpf–lied about just about everything he ever opened his mouth to say, people who had angst regarding the Clintons chose to believe his lies–which are unraveling on a daily basis.

Here’s the thing about the Clintons that I’ve concluded: After being under a microscope for over 30 years, I doubt they are foolish enough to do something illegal or stupid enough to do something that would certainly be reported as soon as known. That’s my take on things.

Of course, the other benefit of being an educator and understanding the value of research is also determining the credibility of the source.

Those who lie will reap their just reward, but those who promote the lies also put themselves in a position to be likened unto the one who told the lie in the first place–just to get the result they want.

So, by December 13th, when the recounting of votes is complete–we shall all know the truth and hopefully, those who have promoted lies will have their consciences seared and they will repent as openly as they lied or promoted the lies.

But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.’“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved. Ezekiel 33:6-9 NIV

I do what I do when I hear The Lord speak to my heart–standing up and speaking out for what is right and just in His sight–not man’s.

 

Self-Appointed Leaders!

Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So he got chariots and horses ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him. (His father had never rebuked him by asking, “Why do you behave as you do?” He was also very handsome and was born next after Absalom.) Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, and they gave him their support. But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei and Rei and David’s special guard did not join Adonijah. Adonijah then sacrificed sheep, cattle and fattened calves at the Stone of Zoheleth near En Rogel. He invited all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the royal officials of Judah, but he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the special guard or his brother Solomon. Then Nathan asked Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, “Have you not heard that Adonijah, the son of Haggith, has become king, and our lord David knows nothing about it? I Kings 1:5-11 NIV

Is this something my lord the king has done without letting his servants know who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?” Then King David said, “Call in Bathsheba.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before him.The king then took an oath: “As surely as the LORD lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, I will surely carry out this very day what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.”Then Bathsheba bowed down with her face to the ground, prostrating herself before the king, and said, “May my lord King David live forever!” King David said, “Call in Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” When they came before the king, he said to them: “Take your lord’s servants with you and have Solomon my son mount my own mule and take him down to Gihon. There have Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him king over Israel. Blow the trumpet and shout, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ Then you are to go up with him, and he is to come and sit on my throne and reign in my place. I have appointed him ruler over Israel and Judah.” I Kings 1:27-35 NIV

Looking upon where we are today, I can hear the same question being asked of God by those who know Him and are in strong relationship with Him, “Is this Your doing God?” And while I cannot speak for anyone else, in my spirit I hear God’s response, “No!”

But we have to understand what happens when people use all manner of deception and manipulation to accomplish what they want and the best way to understand how God is consistent in what He does is to look at what happened with Adonijah! And for that, we’d have to keep reading, but I’ll sum it up. Adonijah died at the hands of King Solomon after making an insulting request–through Solomon’s mother.

Instead of acting like a man, Adonijah acted like a child, making the request of Solomon’s mother instead of going to Solomon directly. The request–give me the virgin that had been assigned to King David (his father)–covetousness and desire to make a mockery of David’s last days by taking what was his.

Perhaps, the greatest lesson we can learn from the history recorded in the Old Testament is that when we rebel against God–thinking we know more than He does–in order to make our own name great–we are doomed to suffer the consequences.  God is not mocked. He sees all that is done by those who do not reverence Him, but make a mockery of all He has planned. In the end, we reap the consequences of our actions when we fail to heed the warnings.

The only great name anyone should reverence is Jesus and when we denounce Him and disavow all He is by our actions, we place ourselves in a position to be judged and all the world shall hear the noise when the end has come upon those who appoint themselves as leaders–and those who supported the nonsense.

Look at what some Americans have done–in the name of patriotism, but in actuality because of hatred and bigotry! Elected a president with no qualifications and certainly no approval from God. And then he mocks the entire democracy, by appointing the most despicable people in positions of authority and more who are even less qualified than he is to head vital departments of our nation. The noise in the streets–the cry of outrage for people know only disaster awaits. And the noise we hear and have heard is nothing to compared to the noise we will hear–from those who supported the unqualified person to lead to this nation.

Not my will, but Yours–to do as You direct in all things–to sound the alarm when You speak it to me and let others know–You are yet watching over all that occurs in the earth and You have the final Word.

Overtaken By His Blessings!

“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. “And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God: “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. “The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. “The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you. “The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. Deuteronomy 28:1-9 NKJV

There is so much more within this passage of scripture–blessings through the 14th verse, but then comes the 15th verse to the end–the curses of disobedience. We know the story of what happened to the Children of Israel in their journeys–when they obeyed God they were blessed; when they didn’t, they suffered the curses of their choices.

From the beginning–after Moses met with God–commandments were given and expected to be followed. And then there were added various sundry laws and policies until realistically–God’s people–like now–decided it wasn’t worth trying to keep up. And this is why when God walked the earth in the person of Jesus Christ–He said–Love Him, and Love Your Neighbor–everything He wanted us to do–summed up in two commandments. Why? Because He is love and He wants us blessed beyond measure!

If we love Him, we desire to please Him, and if we endeavor to please Him at all times, we won’t do anything that would create any cracks in our relationship with Him.

If we love each other–we won’t do anything that would cause harm to one another or injury or damage of property. If we love each each other–we lift each other up and encourage one another to stay on the path He has established for us. Loving each other doesn’t mean we have to agree with one another, but we know how to disagree, agreeably, maintaining the love relationship. That’s what God wants from us and when we endeavor to obey, He blesses us–with more love, peace, joy, happiness, self-discipline, and wisdom from on high.

Most of us (I realize not all will feel the same) have a great deal to be thankful for on this day. Some have watched loved ones suffer and leave this life. Some have agonized over the fate of our nation and loved ones abroad. But in the midst of all the turmoil and upheaval, if we look hard enough–we can find a reason to be thankful.

I’m thankful for His love that never abandons me. I’m thankful for the peace within when I know I’ve been obedient to Him. I’m thankful for my family–a husband who loves me and for my children and grandchildren–who I admit–I’ve spoiled with love. I’m thankful for the friends who love me as much as I love them–even when we don’t agree. I’m thankful for life, health and strength and determination to keep moving forward in His name. I’m thankful for the desire He has placed in me to rise up and speak out against injustice, hate and bigotry everywhere. I’m thankful for the wisdom He keeps pouring into me and directing my thoughts and actions in sharing with others.

I am blessed and highly favored, overtaken by His blessings and will continue on the journey He has established for me. And I pray that anyone and everyone reading this today, will feel the same way–overtaken by blessings.

When Leaders Mislead!

“Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the LORD. Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the LORD. “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number.I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the LORD.  “Both prophet and priest are godless; even in my temple I find their wickedness,” declares the LORD. “Therefore their path will become slippery; they will be banished to darkness and there they will fall. I will bring disaster on them in the year they are punished,” declares the LORD Jeremiah 23:1-4, 11,12. NIV

When I finally understood God’s calling upon my life, this passage of scripture took on a life of its own, rising up in me every time I opened my mouth to speak. It is a constant reminder that when I teach God’s Word, I teach what He says, rightly dividing, analyzing and explaining for the benefit of all who belong to Him. This keeps me honest before Him in all that I do because I am an ambassador of Truth, not seeking to make my name great, but to make His name great.

As an ambassador of Truth (God’s truth, not mine or man’s), I know I must hear Him speak to me before I speak to others. I also know that many will disagree with what I say, but God has reminded me time and time again, it is not me they are rejecting or disagreeing with, but Him. If I taught my opinion, then I would be in a position to receive the just punishment for ignoring God. “Woe” would be my destiny.

But since I do not teach my opinion (and I certainly have one) as it relates to living a righteous life, I have no fear of what destiny holds for me, for my destination is heaven and I will not allow anyone to become an obstacle in reaching my destination–either by believing a lie or teaching one.

Observing what other “leaders” in the Body of Christ are doing–I can only hang my head in shame–for them–for they will receive the just punishment for misleading God’s children. Whenever man (mankind) gets beyond himself and thinks that man is right and God is wrong, there is only thing we can expect–desolation in the land. And when we deliberately mislead others in order to gain favor or control of others–then “woe” is all we can expect.

I claim no greatness when it comes to teaching God’s Word, but I diligently study and seek understanding from Him and I know when He speaks to my heart. That is my claim to greatness–hearing Him speak and obeying. I am a watchman–and as such, I must sound the alarm when danger approaches and when I do–my job is done. Either people will heed the warning or they will not. Whatever they do–is not my responsibility–as long as I know–I’ve completed the task given to me. Therefore, I thank Him daily, that I do not have to worry about the end because He is my beginning, and I can do absolutely nothing worthwhile without Him.

It is to You O Lord, I give the glory! It is to You I give the praise. For You have done so much for me and I will bless Your Holy Name. It is to You, Holy Father, and no one else I give Honor, and all the days of my life–I will bless Your Name!

Strength For The Battle!

Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:6-14 NIV

Sometimes, appearances can be deceiving,

Sometimes, when right, we simply keep believing,

The wrongs that need correction

Lord, guide us with Your direction

Speaking to hearts along the way,

Never giving up, by night or day.

Enlarge our hearts and our space,

Reaching others to seek Your face,

Never in fear, but always with love,

Knowing true wisdom comes from above.

Help us in this battle to remain strong,

Bold, and fearless while correcting this wrong,

Brought by manipulation and deception

Turned and righted for Your reception,

Of us into Your Presence.

Though the journey to seeing a wrong turned right,

Gets weary, never forget, we are precious in His sight.

Press on, mighty soldiers of valor and integrity,

Fight on with honor, strength, and dignity.

For the battle is The Lord’s and not ours,

When weak, we’re strengthened in His power,

To stay the course, never veering from the path,

Of victory that is before us, the win–in the math,

As God calculates it.

While we wait to see the victory,

Be strong, determined to make unprecedented history,

Remember God knows and truth will reveal

The tricks and lies used in attempts to steal,

Joy and happiness found only in Him.

The Joy of The Lord Is Our Strength!

The Power Terror Doesn’t Have!

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. Psalm 91:1-10 NIV

Though darkness creeps upon us like dense fog and we cannot see our way, we can be assured of this one thing–God has never failed those who love and trust Him. Those who live according to His Word–in all things–shall know victory, joy and peace.

Father, in the name of Jesus,

We thank You for keeping watch over us throughout the night and we thank You even more for resolving whatever may make hearts faint and weary on a daily basis. We know that in You–we have peace and joy and through You–victory reigns in every area of our lives.

We know that no weapon formed against us, shall prosper. None of the evil that the wicked plot against us shall keep us from hearing and obeying You.

We know that You are more than the world against us and we have no need to fear what any man plans.

We know that Your Word is true and that You are not a man that You should ever lie to us and that we can count on Your Word to see us through the valleys, in the fire, and climbing the mountains, through the floods–that appear to overwhelm us.

We know that perfect love–unconditional love towards one another–casts aside fear for where love is–fear and hate cannot abide.

We know that You are Love and that none who claim to know You can hate people or promote hatred of others simply because they are different.

We know that You are the Only Wise God–though many may serve other gods or think they are gods. You are the only one who created all things and without You, nothing was ever created.

We know that You are the same–Your character never changes from the beginning to the end and we can count on You to be faithful to Your Word.

We know that any battle we enter into is not truly ours, but Yours when it comes to standing up for justice and defending the rights of the poor and needy.

We know that You have assigned angels to watch over us day and night and we thank You for the love and protection from those things or people who would harm us or put obstacles in our path to keep us from doing Your Will.

You said, whatever we ask of You in Your Son’s name, would be granted and we ask You right now, in the name of Jesus, restore sanity, peace, dignity and integrity in all who trust and worship You in the beauty of holiness. Provide an avenue by which all Americans will know You and You alone have the final word over all of our lives.

We thank You for giving us rest in You all the days we have left to praise You.

Amen!