When To Judge?

The Goldwater Rule Psychiatrists who belong to the American Psychiatric Association are constrained in their public comments by the Goldwater rule, which guides them to speak mostly of diagnostic categories and people in general. (Psychology Today)

Recently, while watching a number of news shows discussing the “mental fitness” of Donald Trump, I was reminded of a couple of things when the news hosts, always qualified what they were saying by invoking the Goldwater Rule, as did other pundits.

Here’s what struck me about people saying, “we can’t diagnose without an examination and an assessment without an examination, is based upon our perceptions of the observations” (or words to that effect). They also acknowledged they were just “lay persons” having the discussion–no expertise in the matter.

Here’s my issue and it’s more “civil responsibilities” in jury selection. To my knowledge–very few people selected for jury duty have any expertise in the matter before them, yet they are expected to listen to attorneys arguing their points, witness testimony, judge’s instructions and make a decision regarding a person’s life or a company’s continued existence. More often than, the people serving on a jury may or may not have a high school diploma, maybe a college degree, but most don’t have medical or legal expertise in matter they’re asked to judge.

If jurors are expected to render a decision in a trial situation without expertise, why can’t news commentators and hosts, render a conclusion about a situation they observe up close and personal on a daily basis? This is extremely curious to me. Most of the journalists who accompany trump or are in the White House on a consistent basis, know exactly what is behavior is and whether or not–he should be deemed, “mentally fit” to be in the Oval Office. After all, none of them are psychiatrists who have to worry about being removed or humiliated by the field of psychiatry.

From my perch–usually from sitting in my recliner (arm-chair psychiatry, I guess), I observe what trump says and does on a fairly regular basis since March 2016. As an educator with a background of special education knowledge, I noticed from the beginning there was something wrong and I stated it on more than one occasion through my blogs here and on Medium. I listened to the speech pattern and knew there was a disconnect between neurotransmitters in his brain. “Through research, we know that mental disorders are brain disorders. Evidence shows that they can be related to changes in the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of the nervous system. When the brain cannot effectively coordinate the billions of cells in the body, the results can affect many aspects of life” (The National Institute of Mental Health).

What I’ve observed is that his limited vocabulary, inability to clearly enunciate certain words or pronounce them correctly is a clear indication of something not functioning properly. His inability to demonstrate empathy and appropriate responses in specific situations was another indicator that a disconnect exists which is resultant of a malignant narcissistic personality disorder (again, chemical development or lack thereof in the brain). His recent bouts of forgetting where he is (documented on video on at least three different occasions) and struggling for words along with his incessant gestures while “reading a speech” speak volumes about his lack of confidence in his ability.

Now, for those who have read most of my blogs you might think I’m being nasty since I have no respect for him. I’m not being nasty, I’m simply stating my observations which have been discussed by many others. Am I offering a psychiatric opinion? No. I’m concerned that the opinions that have been offered are being ignored simply because he won’t submit to a neurological examination to determine what’s going on inside his brain and those psychiatrists who have offered opinions, haven’t examined him.

My point to all this is–why should jurors determine the conclusion of a matter when they have no expertise when we won’t allow the experts to weigh in on a situation that could be detrimental to our entire society or the world (nuclear codes access)? That seems to be an oxymoronic dichotomy that should be rectified. Will we ever see it? I don’t know, but I’m going to continue to observe and write my conclusions so that if there comes a time that something horrible happens, I’ll have to find a media outlet and scream about the conclusions drawn when no one else–would.

I’m standing my ground as I prepare to make a difference in our society (if we survive a nuclear attack).

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When Hatred Drives The Narrative

The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.Whoever winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor. The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death. Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool. Proverbs 10:8-18 NIV

There is therefore, not much need for me to say much more, but I do want to focus on how this segment from Proverbs–reveals why we have the current climate in Washington that we have.  If we look at what occurred prior to the 2016 Election and during it–and actually see “without the hate-tinted glasses” we understand how tRump’s hatred of Obama drove him to run for president and the false propaganda invigorated hatred of Hillary drove people to vote for tRump.

But let’s look at this in a point-by-point analysis:

• A chattering fool comes to ruin–chattering–running of the mouth or in the case of 45, his twitter rants are equivalent of someone running their mouth without knowledge–just talk.
• A crooked path has been taken to the White House since Russian hacking and the promulgation of false propaganda against Hillary caused otherwise rational people to vote against their own interests.
• Hatred stirs up conflict–whoever holds hate in their hearts against anyone or anything, allows emotions to become the driving force in their life and it taints everything they do. From rallying cries of, “Lock her up,” “crooked Hillary,” and encouraging the production and sale of the most vile, and heinous campaign memorabilia–the conflict is obvious. Though there was at one time a “cordial relationship” between the Clintons and 45–his hatred drove the narrative that created the gap and animosity that continues to exist.
• A rod is for the back of those who have no sense–normally referencing the need to use corporal punishment for those who refused to obey, in this case--the disapproval rate of 45 should serve as the rod to bring a change of behavior.
• Poverty is the ruin of the poor and with the tax cuts for the wealthy and the programs that benefit the poor–the poor will come to ruin if they don’t wake up and smell the stench emanating from the White House.
• The earnings of the wicked are sin and death--whenever anyone increases their wealth by illegal, questionable, or immoral means--they have put themselves in a position to at some point–lose it all. God is deceived and He is watching all.
• Discipline–it is highly obvious that there has been no discipline in the life of 45 as a child and his temper tantrums have evolved into his Twitter rants when he doesn’t get his way. His greed for power and complicity in the 2016 Election fiasco has led to the ruin of the GOP leadership who went along with it to gain power for themselves.  None of them have any credibility at all since revelations are made daily about their knowledge of the Russian hacking surfaced.
• Hiding hatred behind lying–has never worked and will never work. When lips say one and actions say another–the concealed hatred is exposed for all to see and then to spread lies–because of the hatred–reveals the fool. By definition–an idiot is a foolish or stupid person.

The bottom line to all this is, Americans (the gullible) have allowed hatred to drive the narrative in the decision-making process of the 2016 Election and now–we all suffer the consequences and risk losing lives in an ill-fated bullying tactic which could lead to a war with N. Korea at its helm.

Is that the narrative we really want driven in this global environment where peace is tenuous at best, but could be destroyed forever?

There is a better driving force that makes for a better narrative and that force is love. Why not allow love to drive us on the journey to peace and prosperity for all!

 

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.

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.

Disaster In The White House!

A troublemaker and a villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, who winks maliciously with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart— he always stirs up conflict. Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Proverbs 6:12-19 NIV

As hard as I try to see a redeeming quality in 45–it just doesn’t seem possible. On a daily basis; he becomes more abhorrent than the day before. Forget trying to see any parts of Christ reigning in his life–he is of the devil and everything he does–demonstrates it.

His only goal–to pacify the rich and make everyone else suffer–including those who voted for him.

Between Bannon and Miller’s control over him and his own ineptness, it’s a wonder the walls at the White House haven’t collapsed from the sheer absurdity of who and what is in the office.

Talk about hating people–45 makes me wonder if his parents ever showed him any affection at all. We know his rich daddy bought his way through everything and he’s never learned to accept any responsibility for his actions because we see it–daily. He constantly missteps and lies and never apologizes for his wrong doing while others around him get shoved under the bus by association.

Is this going to be the way we see the trash get taken out of the White House–anyone associating with him first?

He should be thrown out in the midst of all those who will suffer from his hateful policies! The elderly and poor, the middle-class worker who sought relief from his presidency and who only get buried with the healthcare coverage and still won’t have the “good jobs” he promised. The only people who benefit from a “tRump presidency are the very rich.”

Sadly, those who might have had a chance of redemption have positioned themselves to dwell in the burning lake for all eternity with him since they think it’s more important to support his lies than to tell the truth.

At any rate–if people don’t see or understand that his promises are as empty as his brain, they are deluding themselves if they think their lives are going to get better under the pathological liar-in-chief who doesn’t have a clue or the temperament to be in the White House.

I listened to Rep. Chris Collins yesterday on “The Messy Truth” with Van Jones and heard the obvious “talking points” of the GOP–“we’ve suffered for the last eight years under Obama.” This is a talking point that has been debunked over and over, but I guess they (GOP) figure if they keep repeating it; it will be true. Another way of seeing what is happening is to remember–how the “GOP obstructed Obama”—refused to cooperate or work with the democrats in moving the country forward and it was a “deliberate plan by the Republican leadership” who bragged about it. So, if there was any suffering--it was caused by the obstructionists, not President Obama.

I have come to the conclusion that Republicans think it’s more important to lie and support party than work for the betterment of the country. This is one of the reasons that the audience laughed when Collins said he’d give 45 “A” for a grade. And every time a republican purports that he’s doing just great–he believes the lie and his supporters get screwed with the rest of us.

It doesn’t help that with his lack of ability that he thinks “watching movies, fake news and reading parts of right-wing conspiracy theories” provides him with knowledge and understanding. His reading comprehension skills are non-existent and if he had a functioning brain, he’d know he’s being played by everyone in the White House around him–especially Bannon and Miller (Spicer, Priebus and Conway–are just too foolish to understand what’s going on right in front of them).

So, yes there is a disaster in the White House and it’s effects shall soon be felt by all.

Just Watch

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. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;  they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.  “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91

“Call on Him, call on The Lord!”

When we call upon Him, acknowledging Him for who He is–The King of Kings, The Lord of Lords, the Great I Am, The Alpha and Omega, Our Rock, The Truth, The Light, The Way, Our Deliverer, Our Healer, Our Refuge–just watch and see what He does for those who love Him.

The terrorist in the White House will fail and all those surrounding him with all the lies and buffoonery will be the shame of the world, for they do not know God so they will not hear Him when He speaks. And those who support him shall know the wrath of God–measured by what they say–those who claim to know Him will suffer the most for when they say, “I know The Lord,” and yet will not live as instructed by The Lord, they lie and their punishment will be even greater.

Some of the Christian leaders who reluctantly supported 45 are now waking from the delusion and see him for who he really is and are backing away. Is it too late to repent and regroup–now ready to tell people the truth? They’ll have to try and see while the rest of us–just watch!

Those in Congress who are ignoring their oaths of office–will see just how much God does not like those who use and abuse the poor and the needy and yet support a pathological liar. Their time is coming–just watch!

Once a con man, always a con man. 45 conned his way out of paying contractors and conned banks into loaning him money by running a smooth sales pitch that made it appear that he was a successful business man. Watch closely at how he ran his businesses–especially the 17 failed ones. And then consider–how the others are only for  the rich;  for those who support him–his base supporters–the middle-class workers cannot afford to play on his golf courses or sleep in his hotels–they were conned. They bought the bull without close inspection and ended with a barren cow.

Because of his attempts to run America like one of his businesses–there will be many failures and loud screams and cries because he does not know that America is not a business and cannot be run like one.

Is there any hope for him? Only God knows. Is there any hope for the rest of us? There is always hope for those who call upon The Lord for He hears our cries and sees our plights and knows those who truly belong to Him–we can count on His Word!

Though things may appear chaotic, the truth muddled and minds deluded–just watch and see how God works on behalf of those who love Him. For God is not the author of confusion and He requires that all things be done decently and in order.

Where there is order–there is no confusion and peace reigns. Just keeping watching!

 

 

Consider

Why, LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises.He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. His ways are always prosperous; your laws are rejected by him; he sneers at all his enemies.He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.” He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.” His mouth is full of lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue. He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent. His eyes watch in secret for his victims; like a lion in cover he lies in wait. He lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength. He says to himself, “God will never notice; he covers his face and never sees.Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.” Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, “He won’t call me to account”? But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked man; call the evildoer to account for his wickedness that would not otherwise be found out.The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land.You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror. Psalm 10 NIV

How long, Lord, how long?

I wonder how many people are asking that question right now. Many are wondering how much longer we must wait to see the lunacy in the White House end.

But it’s not just the White House–it’s the lawmakers who are only considering what is best for the rich–that 2% of the population in the United States. The rest of us–the 98% receive no consideration by them and never have.

How do we know? We have but to look at what’s going on around us–the changes in the EPA agency–established to protect consumers against corporate greed as they pollute the air and waters in order to make themselves more money. We have but to look at the cabinet choices of 45–all wealthy and unconcerned about those who fall into the 98% of the population. The real issue here is–the 98% have more power collectively if they don’t sit on their butts and not pay attention.

Consider–if you will–how much leverage we have if everyone of the 98% picked up a phone and called their representatives expressing their concerns about the plight of America–with healthcare, environmental protections, and jobs (which have not been addressed).

Consider–if you will–how cutting funds to Planned Parenthood will affect the lives of many impoverished women who will be denied access to healthcare, not related to abortions.

Consider–if you will–how putting a person into a qualified position as the Secretary of Education who has no qualifications to be there. Public Education will surely take a hit and how many of the 98% can afford to send their children to private schools?

Consider–if you will–the fact that coal-mining jobs and much manufacturing won’t be making a comeback simply because there is no need for them. The world is moving away from using fossil fuels and considering the fact that coal-mining companies have been given permission to poison the waters, there won’t be many people living in an environment where their water supply is toxic. Automation and robotics have taken the place of people in many manufacturing arenas and therefore, unless a person is highly skilled, there won’t be jobs.

Consider–if you will–how many people will end up not getting the healthcare they need and will end up dying because of the lack of affordable healthcare.

Consider–if you will–how the Republicans tainted the Affordable Care Act by calling it Obamacare–confusing people simply because they didn’t like President Obama.

Consider–if you will–how hatred and acrimony played a part in getting us to where we are in this country–with an idiot in the White House–clearly unfit for the job–and yet, the Christians say nothing all because they want to interfere with a woman’s right to choose what to do with their lives.

Consider–if you will–how much longer we’ll be able take the barrage of foolishness launched at us on a daily basis before we become a nation of apathy–too frustrated to do anything but wait for the fall-out and if we do that–we all lose.

Perhaps–if people had taken more time to consider all the possibilities before they voted, we would not be in the mess we’re in with North Korean attempting to influence another war because it’s leader has no respect for ours.

Perhaps–if people had not been so gullible they believed a liar–we would all be in much better shape by now and able to rest in the assurance of the Lord leading the person in the White House. By her actions and life’s commitment to helping others–she demonstrated her faith in God. By 45’s actions and life of doing nothing other than amassing wealth for himself–he demonstrates he does not know God.

Lord Jesus, only You know the end from the beginning and we thank You for looking out for the 98%–considering us worthy and making a clear path of success for each of us and we continue to serve You and not the dictates of our flesh.

What?

Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness;”and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God. 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 NIV

Some things just need clarification and so today, I’m going to attempt to clarify some of what Paul has said to the Believers of that era and how it applies to us today.

We are told repeatedly in the bible about not allowing ourselves to be deceived by those who would hoodwink us into believing a lie. If we understand how Satan operates, we know that he approaches some in the guise of a sheep when he is actually a wolf–ready to devour the vulnerable.

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Galatians 3:1-3 NIV

Are we living according to the Spirit of God or our flesh and the dictates of man? We are also warned about listening to and obeying what “mere mortals” say over what God has said. The best example we have of courageous souls who chose to obey God rather than “evil authority” is Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They all refused to obey the dictates of an evil authority–one who worshiped idols and knew not God and the evil authority ordered them to be killed–Daniel thrown in the lion’s den and the others into the furnace–heated hotter than ever before. And the outcome–God shut the mouths of the lions and protected them in the blazing fire.

Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. Daniel 3:15-18 NIV

If we continue reading the story, we see how God is able to save those who belong to Him and with the demonstration of His power, convince others to take Him seriously.

Now, to get back to when we ought to obey those in governmental authority.We are not obligated to obey any authority that does not honor The Word of God. Therefore, when people use the following verse of scripture in an attempt to get us to believe Trump is God’s choice for president, they lie and the truth is not in them. But let’s keep scriptures in context and see what God is saying through Paul, while remembering how Jesus opposed the Pharisees who were an authority.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. Romans 13:1-5 NIV

Wait for it to sink in. For there is no authority except that which God has established. Remember when Paul is talking to new converts in Rome and then remember when our “democratic process” was established. Was this established by God or man?

Exactly when did God establish the governmental hierarchy we now have? Did He decide we would have a president, vice-president, speaker of the house, etc. or did man make that decision?

If the established authority was indeed established by God–then we could all rest assured the servant of God would know God. How can we be a servant of anyone we don’t know? And if a servant of God is in a position of authority, then it is for our good and we are obligated to obey the established authority in the servant of God. Is Trump a servant of God or of himself? We know by all accounts seen–Trump does not know God and even though there are some who are praying for conversion–the prayers do not negate the fact that since Trump is not a servant of God–he is not an authority established by God, but by man.

But there’s more.

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:6-10 NIV

We are told the authorities are God’s servants who give their full time to governing.

Have we even seen a full-time servant of God governing in the White House lately? And just as a side-bar issue–when Barack Obama was in the White House for eight years–where were all these “Christians” admonishing people with the same passage of scripture they now want others to adhere to with Trump? Double-Standard much? Of course, there is and please note–I’m not saying God chose Barack Obama because I know people chose him and elected him for two terms. In fact, I don’t know of any president that God chose since he never went to the polls to vote.

For those who have been reading my blogs for awhile, you know I’ve criticized Obama when I saw him veering off on more than one occasion. Always, always being the watchman that God has called me to be–no matter who is in what office.

But since we are commanded to love–there is such a huge difference between Obama and Trump that we can see though some of Obama’s policies may have been contrary to the Word of God–what he did, he did out of love for the people he governed.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. Colossians 3:23-25 NIV

We are told that whatever we do–we should do as unto The Lord, not man. So if we’re going to honor the authority in the White House–acknowledging the established rule of government by man–not God–then we should make sure the person in White House is a servant of God, not of his own greed and need for power. At any time–we see those in authority not obeying God–we are not obligated to submit to them or obey. We are not to turn our backs on those who are the poor and needy and the foreigners in our land. That is not of God. We are to love all and love God.

What we must remember in all of this is one thing–God is our authority and we must always seek His direction for everything we do, not mere mortals since they are fallible and God is infallible.