Tempted!

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.  When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:12-22 NIV

Such rich word from James–reminding us that though many may be tempted to do those things which are not right in God’s sight, we do not have to give in and we certainly cannot say–“God tempted us.”

We are tempted to given into those things we want to do–right or wrong. If our flesh controls what we do rather than Holy Spirit, then we’ll most likely given in to the temptations set before us and the enemy–Satan–knows exactly how we can be tempted, but just like God won’t force us to do anything, neither will or can Satan. Our choices determine our consequences.

Some people are tempted by money and obtaining it by any means possible. This temptation is nurtured by greed and desire for power and status and usually ends up leading people to a jail cell for corruption via embezzling, bribery, and illicit deals often conducted in darkness and in secrecy.

Some people are tempted by desire for affection and sexual gratification. This temptation is nurtured by the seeds planted in the mind from pornographic material and dissatisfaction with one’s current state in a relationship. When a person won’t keep their flesh under control, relationships are shattered, health is risked, and in some cases–people are publicly humiliated because of their lack of control.

Had an interesting exchange with someone on Twitter last night in response to a tweet about Pence saying, he won’t be alone with a woman and always requires his wife’s presence. Now, while this might sound “holy” to some, it struck me that he doesn’t trust himself to not be tempted in an effort to appease his own desires. Since he is supposed to be a Christian, I wonder why he’s concerned since Holy Spirit should be guiding all he does. I know some would attempt to apply, “we should avoid the very appearance of evil” to this situation, but I’m having a hard time understanding how a man being alone with a woman or vice versa should be considered evil.

Because of my ministry, I have been alone with men on a number of occasions and I’ve not been tempted to do anything that would not honor God. In jail ministry, in ministering to veterans as a volunteer chaplain, in business endeavors–whatever situation I found myself in–I knew I could count on Holy Spirit to keep me from falling short.

My point in all this is simply–know yourself and what may tempt you. I’m tempted by cheesecake and so I try staying away from places that sell the best and when I do cave–I only purchase one serving. Money doesn’t tempt me and nor does anything that could land me in a jail cell. I know when I pray, God hears and I allow Holy Spirit to do what He does best–keep me in check.

So, if you’re tempted to do something you shouldn’t–ask yourself why and if professing to be a man or woman of God, submit to Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead in all things.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

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Have You Heard?

Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing. With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? As for an idol, a metalworker casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it. A person too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot; they look for a skilled worker to set up an idol that will not topple. Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;  but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:15-31 NIV

We have seen with our own eyes,

The impact of hate and lies,

Why we cannot depend upon man,

To improve our lives and save our land.

Rolling back regulations that safeguard American consumers demonstrates the lack of concern with the quality of life for all Americans because the idiot in the WH is so consumed with hatred of his predecessor that he cannot think beyond his hate.

We have known for some time that he is thin-skinned and a cowardly bully. His criticisms of others in the same office were relentless, but now that the office occupied by him and the criticisms are directed at him–he can’t handle the criticisms or the truth. And all of a sudden, since the media prints and broadcasts truth, everyone is ganging up on him and it’s all fake news.

Have you heard about all the “fake news” he postulates?  Let’s look at some:

• President Obama wasn’t born in the United States.
• President Obama wire-tapped his phones at Trump Tower.
• There was an act of terrorism in Sweden.
• He is worth ten billion dollars.
• He has no connection with Russia.
• The Trump/Russia discussion is a hoax.
• Climate change is a hoax.
• He has a great brain and the “best words.”
• He’s a great negotiator.
• He “will be the president for all Americans.” (still waiting to see this)
• He’s responsible for job growth indicated for February 2017.
• He’s responsible for Ford increasing their production.
• Obamacare is a disaster and will implode. (only if he sabotages with reduced funding)
• “I and I alone can fix it.”
• “I know more than the generals.”
• “On day one…” (and then lies about what he said)
• Hillary is corrupt (projection of himself).
• Hillary is a liar (projection of himself)
• Hillary is a murderer (projection of himself and the lives lost in two military events since January 20, 2017)
• Russia is our friend. (He’s too stupid to see how he’s being used)
• He’s a great businessman (not evident unless he counts all the people he stiffed not paying them or the bankruptcies)
• Running the country is like running a business. (America is not a business)

This list could go on for another 2000 words at least, but my time is limited. We cannot trust anything 45 says because he is a pathological liar and has no acquaintance with truth in any form. His hatred of Obama is the driving force behind all the slashing of the necessary agencies in Washington and he and Bannon are determined to destroy our nation. Our hope cannot be in him or any of the GOP leadership who are obviously in cahoots with him to undermine the security of the nation by catering corporate interests and their ability to get richer without concern for the safety of others.

Our hope–just in case you haven’t heard–is in the One who created all things and without whom, nothing was ever created. We cannot get allow ourselves to be exhausted by the daily onslaught of foolishness coming from the White House or the lies promoted and parroted by Sean Spicer and other surrogates, who apparently either haven’t heard or don’t care, just how stupid they sound trying to defend the idiot in the White House.

Don’t stop paying attention to what’s revealed in Washington, but don’t lose hope because of it; use it to prepare for the storm and onslaught of health issues that are inevitable with the decimation of the EPA and the lack of appropriate healthcare if God doesn’t move upon the hearts of those in Congress.

Only The Lord can change the outcome of what buffoons do. He knows them and He knows they won’t listen to Him, but they will cave with enough pressure from those the buffoons seek affection. Remember–God has warned us through His Word what happens when fools are in charge of anything.

Disastrous Times!

“Your own conduct and actions have brought this on you. This is your punishment. How bitter it is! How it pierces to the heart!” Oh, my anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain. Oh, the agony of my heart! My heart pounds within me, I cannot keep silent. For I have heard the sound of the trumpet; I have heard the battle cry. Disaster follows disaster; the whole land lies in ruins. In an instant my tents are destroyed, my shelter in a moment. How long must I see the battle standard and hear the sound of the trumpet? “My people are fools; they do not know me. They are senseless children; they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil; they know not how to do good.”I looked at the earth, and it was formless and empty; and at the heavens, and their light was gone. I looked at the mountains, and they were quaking; all the hills were swaying. I looked, and there were no people; every bird in the sky had flown away. I looked, and the fruitful land was a desert; all its towns lay in ruins before the LORD, before his fierce anger. This is what the LORD says: “The whole land will be ruined, though I will not destroy it completely. Therefore the earth will mourn and the heavens above grow dark, because I have spoken and will not relent, I have decided and will not turn back.” Jeremiah 4:18-28 NIV

There is indeed, nothing new under the sun. Whenever men (mere mortals) have made decisions without Godly counsel, they make a mess of things and many suffer the consequences of disastrous, corrupt, and greedy thinking.

WHITE HOUSE CORRUPTION

Only a blind person would not be able to see the corruption oozing from every corner of the White House–every wing–every nook and cranny–where evil is plotted and promoted and overlooked by those who have the power to stop the madness. The corruption flows–meandering like an unfettered ivy, climbing–to Capitol Hill where leaders in both the House and Senate are covering their butts while covering-up and obstructing truth that will reveal the clown in the White House needs to be removed.

Why are they covering for the clown? They knew about the Russian attempt to influence the election and chose to cooperate in order to push their own agenda. Sad really that elected leaders care more about an agenda than in safeguarding our democracy which is their duty. They have forsaken and are now not upholding their oath of office. As such–they should resign and if they won’t–the people who elected them should make every effort to force them out of office–never to be seen again.

Not discharging their duties in determining how the House Intel Committee functions–demanding Nunes step aside since he cannot be impartial as demonstrated by his briefing the clown about the investigation and with McConnell’s refusal to order an independent commission to handle the investigation demonstrates their lack of ability to lead. Both Ryan and McConnell are afraid their roles will be revealed in the entire mockery of this election.  If personal benefit is the only reason a person runs for a public office–governing for all Americans–then people should re-think their goals and step aside for those who truly love America to take the reins.

They (Ryan and McConnell) are the evil fueling the disaster in the White House. They have allowed the clown to believe that they can cover his wrongdoings, but they will all be exposed–one way or another–and they would be better off resigning–than risking the public humiliation of being involved with a traitor for they, too will wear the label--enemies of America.

What can the average America do? What we can do is to make our voices heard by persisting with phone calls to Congressional leaders, protesting the disastrous decisions that will only create “the barren land and death of many” with all regulations repealed.  On November 6, 2018, we can go to the polls during mid term elections and vote–repealing and replacing every person in the House who has demonstrated a lack of concern for all Americans. Encourage the media (MSM) to dig deep and uncover every hidden thing so all the world will know truth since we won’t get truth from the White House--where pathological liars are groomed by the minute.

If we do nothing, nothing will change and we will see the prophecy uttered by Jeremiah thousands of years ago, come true thousands of years later. The Lord has spoken–through His prophets and it has been written in His Word–what are we going to do?

 

The Storm!

The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies. The LORD is slow to anger but great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebukes the sea and dries it up; he makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither and the blossoms of Lebanon fade. The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it. Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him. The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness. Whatever they plot against the LORD he will bring to an end; trouble will not come a second time. Nahum 1:2-9 NIV

There’s a storm coming! Batten down the hatches and prepare to withstand the torrential winds of vengeance and hatred, with all the word salads flying about in the chaos that is bound to cause all sorts of destruction.

Twitter rants storming across cyberspace, buoyed by insecurities and hatred and incompetence.  Empty rhetoric designed to make people quake in fear, yet they are shaking and quaking with laughter that refuses to stay under cover of politeness and dignity.

“The fool, the fool,” cry those watching the whirlwind of words that are a mockery of the “great mind” espousing “great words” that only only a limited third-grader would utter. And yet, those who refuse to see the truth beyond the clouds of emptiness keep up their rallying cries, thinking that’s all they need to see a change in the pattern that’s about to upend their lives forever.

“The lies, the lies,” cry those who can see, but for some reason refuse to do anything to stop the turbulence rumbling closer to the surface and about to crack the earth wide open to expose all the hate and corruption created by a family of wannabes.

When all the corruption is exposed with all the players that stirred the pot of chaos and hate and disdain, then the world will watch the treasonous acts be paid in full and the cry heard will be the one urged against another, “Lock him up! Lock him up!”

And if people don’t watch their backs, the cry will be, “Lock them up,” and the house of cards in the heart of Washington, DC will collapse as Russia watches gleefully for the dust to settle and they can move in–tearing down any vestiges of integrity and honor that may have escaped to survive by bullying and derision, and if necessary–death by rebellious incursion.

The storm is coming folks and only those willing to know truth from fiction, resisting the alternative facts will survive the rumblings from all over–the Middle East and Asia to the Northern most points of Russia–calamity because the uneducated and ill-informed, and the pseudo-christians,  chose a mocker and enemy of God to govern in the White House.  The mocker who mocks the disabled and blasts cyberspace with lies against others, who cannot govern himself with even a modicum of discipline and this is why we are where we are–left to deal with the storm of stupidity.

Beware, be careful and be wise–prepare to survive the storm or be crushed in its path.

Working Together in Truth!

The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth. 3 John 1:1-8

There are a couple of things I wish to emphasize about John’s letter and how it relates to our lives in 2017.

It is apparent from the content that there is a great deal of affection between Gaius and John and the work they do promoting the truth of the Gospel. John’s praise for his friends hospitality and concern for others should motivate us to know how we are to treat others and what not to do (if we continue reading). It would appear that love and truth go hand-in-hand for those who love The Lord and it is because of the love He has poured into us that we are filled to overflowing, willing to love others. And when we truly love one another, we can work together–unified by love, walking in truth.

Notice that John wishes him good health and prosperity as his soul prospers. Too many times we equate prosperity with material possessions, but true prosperity resides in our health and knowing our soul (our conscience decisions) will always be on the side of right.

Why should we be concerned about our souls? The Word tells us when we die, our body returns to the dust from which it came, our spirits go back to heaven which it came and our soul is judged on that great day.

Whenever we look into the eyes of others or they look into our eyes, it is said, the depths of our souls can be seen. What do people see when they look into our eyes? Is there joy or bitterness? Is there love or hate? Is there concern or derision?

I’ve looked at people lately–seeking what resides inside–especially those politicians who claim to be followers of Christ, but their actions don’t match their words. In fact, upon close inspection–looking into their eyes, all I see is emptiness or a great void–which would explain their attitudes towards others.  And since there is a void, there is no truth and certainly no love.

I would urgently challenge all to look into the eyes of those who claim to love and see if you can see into their souls.

For those who truly love, there is a light that shines brightly from deep within and it comes forth in any individual as joy and delight in life. They love to show affection to others, there is nothing hidden in them that makes them lie or promote falsehoods and they have no problem–looking back–open to full inspection–no guile in them.

When people don’t want to look directly at you or their look is furtive (always looking from side to side), as if expecting the worse to befall them at any minute, they have a void in their souls and they’re anxious about everything. People who are always trying to please people more than God are never at rest and it shows in their demeanor.

The eyes–regardless of color–are truly the gateway to the soul and if there is no light within guiding anyone–they struggle in darkness, trying to feel their way in life, never enjoying the fullness of what life has to offer.

I wish everyone reading this today, the joy of the Lord, overflowing onto all who come into your presence. I wish you good health and that you prosper as your soul prospers. Above all, I wish you the peace of God–allowing it to abide within no matter how chaotic the world is around you.

Are We Learning?

A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart. Frustration is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.  It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools. Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless. Extortion turns a wise person into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart. The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions. Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it. Ecclesiastes 7: 1-12 NIV

Does it make sense to go through life never learning anything? As imperfect, flawed human beings, we are all subject to making mistakes and God doesn’t have a problem with our making mistakes; He has a problem with our not learning from them.

Consider the toddler who wobbles when learning to walk. They are trying out something new and inevitably they fall more than walk standing upright trying to make it to a destination. Children–are marvelous human beings–they are determined and adventurous and most never give up.

I remember when my grandson first walked. The distance was short–from one person to another who was sitting at the dining room table. He made the first few steps–holding one finger in the air as his balancer, but miscalculated the distance in getting to his favorite person and in his excitement, tumbled forward and hit his head on the edge of the chair. Of course, he howled and we were quick to apply an ice pack after making sure he was not seriously hurt. He was held and coddled for about ten minutes until his squirming made me put him down. He stood by the chair and turned around–and made his way back to his friend, without falling this time. Excited, he plopped down on the floor, crawled back to me and stood up, ready to do it again and he did. Within an hour, his relentlessness inspired him to continue walking until he had made it from one room to another–still holding that one finger in the air, but he was giddy with excitement–knowing that he could do what the big people did. He learned–even though he fell a few times–he never gave up.

Determination and relentlessness is what gets most of us through life’s journey. We may fall, but when we keep trying–we eventually reach our goal and we learn along the way, how to do it better.

When I look at the news and see the anger and the foolishness that people exhibit regarding their choice in politics–I wonder when they’ll learn–hatred is not the answer. When people attack others simply because they don’t agree, there’s a lesson to be learned. When people keep doing foolish things and think they’re going to get away with it, there’s a lesson to be learned. When people do things they think are conducted “under cover of secrecy or darkness” and get caught, there’s a lesson to be learned.

Here are a few lessons that should have been learned by now by those in the White House:

• Once your name is tainted, your integrity will be questioned.
• When you lie about everything, you lose credibility about anything.
• Thinking you’re a savior when you are but a mere-mortal, will bring you frustration and disappointment.
• Having the mindset of a dictator and bully, will not earn you respect.
• Trying to govern a country, is not the same as running a private enterprise.
• When you don’t know how to do something, seek the counsel of those who do.
• When you know you have obtained a position by corrupt and devious means, expect to be found out and removed.
• Everything you do in the dark will be exposed in the light of day for all the world to see.

Of course, who am I that anyone in the White House would heed what I say? Nevertheless, the truth has been stated and if the truth is not received, the results are on the one who refused to accept truth–they end up being the foolish and unwise.

Pay attention to life’s lessons and make sure you learn from everything that happens and learn it well so you won’t have to repeat the lesson, before you get it right.

The Battle!

This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:46, 47 NIV

Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 1 Corinthians 14:7-9 NIV

The battle indeed is The Lord’s and I am so grateful that He spoke to the hearts of those who would hear Him and they did. Regardless of the reason for hearing Him, they heard Him and now millions of people can be assured of maintaining their health coverage–until the next round–and there will be a next round because the leadership in the White House is ego-driven and will not accept responsibility for the “loss” experienced by the Republican party at the hand of the Republican party.

Already he’s back-pedaling–saying he never said he’d “repeal and replace Obamacare in 64 days.” He’s right–his claim was that on “day one” he’d repeal it. How quickly he forgets when things don’t go his way.

As with so many other things that were supposed to occur on “day one” we see (and many of us saw it then) most of what he said was simply empty rhetoric because he had no clue as to how government works. Being in the White House as a leader is not the same as being the CEO of a private business. It is hard work as Ryan so aptly put it. “We’ve been the opposition party for ten years and it was easy. Governing–taking the lead–is hard.”

The Resistance remains committed to oppose any and all legislation that favors the rich and vilifies the poor. We will remain vigilant in watching the proceedings into the Trump/Russia connection and the increasingly clear “treasonous acts” committed by those in the White House. We will continue to pay bombard legislators with our concerns about all policy issues by phone, email, tweet and participation at town hall meetings. We are The Resistance and we will stay in the battle for the victory we know will be sustained because we know–The Battle is The Lord’s!

Thanking God for hearing and answering prayer and for the strength and the courage to be obedient when He speaks–no matter what the outcome or how many others oppose what I do or say. In the end–it is to Him–I give the glory for all things.

For more on the subject of the epic, “Trumpcare Fail” look me up on Medium where I will address the issues in more detail from a political platform.

Who’s Negotiating For Us?

Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” The LORD said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” Then Abraham spoke up again: “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes, what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five people?” “If I find forty-five there,” he said, “I will not destroy it.” Once again he spoke to him, “What if only forty are found there?” He said, “For the sake of forty, I will not do it.”Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?” He answered, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” Abraham said, “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?” He said, “For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it.Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?” He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home. Genesis 18:23-33 NIV

Abraham was a great negotiator because God’s favor rested upon him.

Who has the favor of God resting upon them now–in a time of need to save millions of people–who is negotiating on their behalf? Good people obtain favor from the LORD, but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes. Proverbs 12:2 NIV

Just like The Lord was willing to negotiate with Abraham for the sake of the city of Sodom, He is willing to negotiate with us–through Holy Spirit–for the sake of the millions who risk losing their healthcare because of the wicked schemes devised by those on Capitol Hill and in the White House.

For the effectual, fervent prayers of the righteous avail much. The righteous and Holy Spirit can do marvelous things for the sake of people who know Him and even those who out of ignorance don’t acknowledge Him–not the ones who reject Him, but those who never knew Him.

A righteous, just God does not judge people by those things they never knew, only what they claim to know. So when someone claims to be a Christian, but does not live a Christian life, they set themselves up for judgment more so than the persons who never claimed to know God.

The “so-called” negotiator in the WH resorts to threats and bribes in order to have his way, but those who know God, who are humbled by His love and favor, know how to please God and never resort to “the pettiness of mere mortals” in order to get what they want. We are told in God’s Word by The Word, whatever we desire is ours when we ask for it in the name of Jesus.

I therefore urge the righteous to keep being righteous and humble and to keep seeking the favor of The Lord while praying on behalf of the millions who may know or may not know Him , but will benefit from having true negotiators, negotiating for all.

And while praying, keep calling upon those in Congress letting them know where you stand on all issues that impact your life and the lives of others. If we never let them know where we stand, they’ll never know if their decisions are truly based upon the wishes of those who put them in office.

There are millions of people counting upon Congress and we who know God, know the power of negotiation is not with those sitting in seats of authority in Washington, but the One who seats on the Seat of Authority in heaven. He can and will speak to the hearts of all who are willing to hear Him and obey.

Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask that if we have favor in Your sight, that You will grant our humble petitions to keep all Americans in a position to maintain their health coverage–at an affordable cost–so none will be without and can live all the days You have determined them to live. Speak to the hearts of those in position of authority and remind them they are there because of the will of the people and not by their own design. Thank You for using even the 32 who were willing to stand on their principles–knowing how to best serve the needs of their constituents. Amen!

Holding Onto His Love!

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:8-21 NIV

When all is said done–no matter what else is going on in the world–we know we can count on His love to keep us going.

Taking a few minutes to reflect upon where I am and where I used to be–on a spiritual plane–on a daily basis–keeps me mindful of just how much He loves me. And since He is not a respecter of persons, I know He loves others just as much as loves me. After all, He loved the world so much, He died for us. Now, I try on a daily basis to demonstrate my love for Him, by living for Him and doing all He has instructed me to do.

I get no perverse pleasure out of seeing anyone humiliated for trying to do what’s right, but I must admit–when justice is served upon those who commit crimes and seek to serve only their interests–I am not unhappy when evil is exposed for all to see.

The evil that exists in the WH is being exposed and only God knows the final outcome and while I wait for the conclusion of the matter, I’m spending time remembering just how much He loves me.

I know He loves me because I’m still here–still learning–and still loving even those who have shown themselves to be unlovable. There are some who might say, I don’t know how to love others–especially since I’ve been so critical of 45 and his associates. I know how to love from afar–even though there is a severe distaste for his methods and ignorance, and it is because of love that I keep pointing out his shortcomings in hopes that someone, someday might make him aware of his condition and his destination--he’s headed for the lake of fire, but if he’s going to avoid it, he must learn to accept truth and speak truth.

People who love us will always tell us the truth whether we want to hear it or not. And they keep telling us truth (not their opinions) until we recognize truth for ourselves. God’s Word is truth and nothing anyone ever says against it will change its truth. It doesn’t matter whether some believe God or His Word–their belief doesn’t change God’s truth and it is His truth, I will continue to share with others.

“Oh how He loves you and me.”

“Oh how He loves you and me.”

“He gave His life, what more could He give. Oh how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me, Oh how He loves you and me.”

He’s loved me through all my ignorance (lack of knowledge about Him and His Word); loved me through sickness and pain; loved me through dealing with loss of loved ones; loved me through the anxiety of being an elder student and succeeding beyond my dreams; loved me through doubts and determination, and no matter what I do, or how far I fall short of being perfect, He reminds me, He still loves me.

In order to get through the next few months of uncertainty within our nation and what it will eventually mean for all, I’m going to hold onto His love--and look forward to seeing His purposes fulfilled in my life, no matter what.

And while I’m waiting, I’m going to continue to love and speak His truth.

Never Shaken!

LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the LORD; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15 NIV

If we do what is said in The Word, we will never be shaken!

So what happens, if we don’t do what’s said in The Word?

Where is God’s sacred tent? The heavens are His and those who live according to His Word and His Judgment will dwell with Him forever. Heaven is my home (my true resting place).

Those whose walk is blameless–we should be living epistles, read of men–and what they see should reflect who God is. This does not mean we–mere human beings are perfect–but we recognize our own shortcomings, acknowledge our fallibility, and apologize when we are wrong. This is what a righteous person does.

Who’s speaking truth from their heart? Those who know The Lord–know that God is not a man that He should lie and that He is the same–yesterday, today, and forever for He has said, “I change not.” It is men who change their minds–consistently–to the point that one could say, no one knows what men will do next. Since hearts are so fickle, can any human being speak truth from their heart if their heart is filled with the love of God, and truth of His Word? No–we cannot–for without His guidance, our knowledge and wisdom are faulty.

Whose tongue utters no slander–can we expect to live with God if we deliberately tell lies about others and even when proven wrong–refuse to back down–admitting we lied? No, we cannot slander others–allowing our egos to rule us and still expect to live for all eternity with God.

Can we treat our neighbors with contempt and show ourselves “unfriendly” when they make attempts to fortify longstanding alliances? No, if we do not respect and honor our neighbors–“love your neighbor as yourself”–we cannot expect to maintain alliances or to dwell in Heaven. President Obama was slandered by 45 and no one in the White House thinks he is owed an apology–since none is forthcoming.

Can we cast slurs on others and still expect to make into Heaven? No–we cannot accuse others of doing something they did not do–without apology or acknowledgment of our being wrong. The British Intelligence Community was accused of doing something they did not do simply because of a lack of knowledge and investigation on the part of the White House team.

It would appear that 45 honors the vile person in Russia and yet despises the honorable in America–President Obama, our Intelligence Community, and our federal judges.

Anyone with seeing eyes and hearing ears can see that 45 has failed to keep his oath of office–when he puts his own personal interest (family/business) or those of his billionaire buddies ahead of the best interest of all Americans.

He has no interest in assisting the poor and with the proposed budget and changes in healthcare–he actually will oppress the poor.

We also know that 45 bribes and has been bribed and has no problem with the concept.

And that is why the White House has been shaken–they are operating on overdrive trying to combat all the negative publicity generated by the shortsighted 45 and his relentless ego-driven tweets. Not only are they shaken, but they can rest assured–they will not dwell for all eternity with God.

For the rest of us–as long as we do what God says and speak His Truth–we will never be shaken by unfolding events.