We Have Power and Authority!

Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. Mark 6:7 NIV

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Ephesians 3:7 NIV

While the religious are working to undermine the Spirit of The Word of God, we who have received Jesus into our hearts and live to please Him, know we have power by Holy Spirit to accomplish all things–loving all unconditionally–and in doing The Word, not just spouting The Word.

The power and authority are not just given to us to preach the Gospel, but to live the Gospel and to carry over into our everyday lives. We have the power within to receive all the visions and gifts Holy Spirit has for us in order to accomplish all we need to do here on earth.

Unfortunately, there are some who are acting as if the power we have through Holy Spirit is intended to have power over people to control them. God never intended for people–especially not Christians–to control others, but to share the Gospel with them so they, too could receive Holy Spirit and allow Him to control what we do. That’s the Power that needs to control, not the rich who think they are all “powerful” and have a right to dictate to others. The evangelical movement has forgotten what “evangelism” means. It is not about forcing others to share a viewpoint, but to spread the love of Christ and the Gospel message which is “love” not dictatorship. The power we have is not about being religious, but to keep us in Relationship with Christ.

When we love, we do so without hesitation or confrontation, but with acceptance that we are all one race–the human race–and we are all entitled to the same fair, equitable treatment by all. This is not a question of loyalty to a party, but it’s about loving other human beings, not controlling them. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, “God allows us to CHOOSE our paths” and no one else should intervene, knowing there are consequences for whichever path we take in life. That’s God’s way; it is not the way of evangelicals who think they need to control others–especially women.

For the rest of the Believers–we must choose to exercise the power and authority given to us through Holy Spirit so we can promote love, integrity and honor in every arena and event in which we participate. GOD IS LOVE! He loves us in spite of our imperfections and He never told us to put political party views over the care of one another. The least we can do is to love others as He loves us and “defend the rights” of the poor and needy. That’s what He expects us to do–not control people.

I can’t speak for others, but my only desire in running for President in 2020 will be to serve the needs of the people, not to beat people into submission to my will or the will of a political party. Hope you’ll stand with me–exercising the power and authority given us to care for all. Check me out on facebook.com/YesIam2020 and watch for updates.

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For Those In Authority

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness—in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior, To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain. One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the merely human commands of those who reject the truth. To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good. Titus 1 NIV

Pray for understanding and re-read and then compare what is said to what we see in the behavior of those in authority.

Yes, I know this is Paul talking about authority in the church, but the same traits and expectations for leadership in the church should extend to those in authority anywhere else.

Think about it!

Of course the first person who comes to mind for me is the #WHidiot and all those in Congress who claim to be Christians but have not learned to walk the Christian life. They do not exercise discipline; they are corrupt and self-serving, seeking what they can do for themselves and not concerned about what is best for all Americans; and they lack self-control, are narcissistic, liars.

When God gives us instructions about how to be leaders, we ought to use those instructions across the board–in whatever situation we find ourselves–whether political or not whether paid or not. This is what it means to be a great leader.

Based upon God’s Word, we do not have a great leader in the White House; in fact, we have a tantrum-throwing toddler-in-chief commanding America’s military to stroke his own ego, not to protect Americans or American interest. This is an unacceptable way to lead and it certainly won’t protect us from the enemy–which is not outside the United States, but in the White House.

God knows and I’m counting on His love to prevail and protect those of us who know from the folly of the fool who thinks he is more than he is.

How We Got Here!

When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders. The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba. But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice. So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.”Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, “This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the LORD will not answer you in that day.” But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us.Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.”When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. The LORD answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.” Then Samuel said to the Israelites, “Everyone go back to your own town.”  I Samuel 8 NIV

If we take a few moments to contemplate this passage of Scripture and align it with where we are right now–we can see how we got here–to this time in 2017.

I’m a visionary and have an extremely creative imagination and while reading this I saw a parallel time period from then to now.

Hillary tried to warn us what would happen if 45 was elected--in all three debates–she let us know what would happen.

45 let us know who he was, but people blinded by dissatisfaction and willing to believe lies, didn’t listen.

Evangelical leaders who claim to be pro-life (within the womb), but hate others outside the womb, wanted to see a Supreme Court Justice appointed who would overturn Roe v. Wade. Coupled with their hatred of Obama–the first Black President–they convinced people that God chose Trump to be president–using a well known tool–gas lighting–repeating lies until they are believed, leading people to distrust their own judgment.

What we learn from Samuel is that having a king to rule over the Children of Israel was never God’s idea, but the people who badgered Samuel, who chose to have a king–after being warned about how a king would treat them. God never leaves us with choices without presenting the consequences of our actions (Deuteronomy 28).

Just about everything we were warned about with Trump has come to pass. He will lie about lies and back peddle on promises and those who CHOSE him–by electing him as president–are now crying, “foul!”

The Children of Israel didn’t listen to Samuel and many people–those who are the most needy–refused to listen to Hillary and chose instead to believe the lies perpetuated by Trump.

Understanding what happened and how a kingship was established–the people’s choice, should help many to understand that when Paul talked about “honoring authority” in Romans 13:1–(again I say), he was not talking about a president–but the authority that God established which is Christ Jesus.

The people didn’t want to accept God as their King so He gave them what they wanted. Disgruntled, deluded, and duped gullible Americans didn’t want Hillary as their president so He allowed them their choice.

Will God hear our prayers when we ignored Him? The prayers of the righteous avails much and we shall soon see whether He hears and will answer us–relieving us from this nightmare and the policies that hurt the poor and the needy.

Ignoring God and the obvious–the back-peddling pathological liar is how we got here; now it’s going to take the same God we ignored, to get us out of the mess made out of an honorable position which no longer is held in high esteem by much of the on-looking world.

We can say anything we want to say about how God does things, but we only have to seek His Word to find out the truth–God has always honored man’s choices and warned us of the consequences of our choices, but many refuse to listen.

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.

 

As Long As God Is

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 NIV

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,  he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23 NIV

I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds. 2 Corinthians 7:4 NIV

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity. The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. Psalm 37:3-13 NIV

This day and every day, we need reminding that as long as God is still on the throne, we can trust Him to keep His promises and we have no need to fear man. And while we have no need to fear man, we do need to be watchmen and warn others of the impending dangers. That is the role of the watchman and everyone who proclaims that Jesus Christ is Lord–is a watchman.

The Lord has encouraged my heart and reminded me that as long as I hear Him and obey, He will continue to bless me. Therefore, this morning after I woke up and before I got out of bed, I heard Him say, As Long As He Is…we can make it.

As long as God is the authority in our lives, we have no need to fear what man or woman should say or do.

As long as God is the Alpha and Omega in our lives, we have no need for mere man to guide us in anything.

As long as God is the light we see in the midst of darkness, our hope shall overcome anything the wicked attempt to do.

As long as God is the answer to every question, we shall continue to encourage one another in His love.

As long as God is hope of glory in the heart of every Believer, we have no need for anyone to control us or have any authority in our lives.

As long as God is the only self-existing, self-sufficient One in our lives, we have no need to depend on others who are dependent upon Him.

As long as God is the voice of reason to which we hear and obey, we shall not fear what the enemy does for our reward for living according to God’s Word is secure with Him.

As long as God Is, we have no need to depend upon the voices of others that waver and promote fear instead of love.

Though there may be clouds in our lives and darkness attempts to shut out the light, when we know our relationship with Jesus Christ is what it should be, we will survive and thrive, watching how God shows Himself so all will see.  He is the light in the midst of darkness; He is our hope and as long as we know, we are strengthened by His joy in us, we can make it!

As long as God Is not a man we know will never lie to us or mislead us, we can rest–assured of His love and His faithfulness.

As long as God is the Great Shepherd in our lives, we can trust Him and have no need for those who won’t do as He does.

Throughout the Bible, we are reminded of His love for us, His faithfulness to us, and His mercy and grace that are poured out upon us, daily! If we are more dependent upon His Word and a right relationship with Him, He will keep us from being misled by the words and works of the enemy.

We know He is love and will only promote love.

We know He is light and will not attempt to hide who He is in darkness or dark ways.

We know He is truth and cannot lie.

And we know that there is no other name by which we can be saved– other than Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!

 

 

 

 

Honoring 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. 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 13:1-10 NIV

POLITICS ALERT!

The Word of The Lord!

Considering the fact that Trump has openly and defiantly rebelled against the current president in his attempt to nullify the legitimacy because of President Obama’s skin color–shows he does not honor authority.

Considering the fact that Trump brags about not paying taxes–shows he does not honor authority of The Word.

Considering the fact that Trump is openly promoting fascism in a democracy–shows he does not honor authority and integrity of the democratic process.

Considering the fact that Trump cheated on his first wife with his second wife–shows he does not honor authority or commitment to his vows.

Considering the fact that Trump has so many pending lawsuits (74 at present count) against him–shows he has no respect for authority, commitment, or integrity.

Considering the fact that Trump has openly denigrated so many different groups of people–shows he has no love in his heart for others who do not look like him.

Now, considering the choices we have for president–should we be more concerned about “emails” or temperament; emails or predatory behavior; emails or sociopathic behavior; emails or narcissistic racism; emails or alleged pedophile (December 16, 2016 court case); emails or what’s in the best interest of the country for everyone–not just a handful; emails or measuring the worth of the candidate with The Word as the benchmark?

Anyone who is voting “party” as a priority over “country” reveals some serious character flaws in judgment.

The facts are what they are–both candidates have lied, but only one is promoting fear-mongering, hatred and bigotry–on a consistent basis. God knows and if people are open to hearing God speak to their hearts–they’ll hear what He has to say over all the noise and clamor of “church folks” and those who would jeopardize the security of a nation in order to prove loyalty to a political party–who has done nothing but obstruct the process of democracy for the last six years.

People have a choice to make and I pray they will consider all the factual evidence (not innuendo) before casting a vote. A lot can happen in four years–we can experience peace and forward movement or total decimation of the democratic way of life. I have already chosen the path of peace because love trumps hate every day!

Do We Understand?

Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them. Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully. Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse. A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor. If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable. Proverbs 28:4-9 NIV

When we are given specific, implicit instructions as to how to live to please God and ignore them, we’re opening the door for Satan to walk in and rule. And we see this on a regular basis.

To backtrack our history for just a moment, within the educational systems, across the nation, we see the result of taking prayer out of the schools. When this country allowed a demented woman to convince lawmakers that “prayer in schools” was a violation of the constitutional rights of others, Satan and all his imps–stood on the sidelines–cheering, and turning somersaults, salivating at the opportunity for destroying the minds of the young. Gone–respect of teachers or anyone in authority; teens who feel like misfits deciding to take the lives of innocent people, and many school buildings are more like–airports–with metal detectors at the doors and security personnel searching back packs. Can we see them?

When sociologists decided that “corporal discipline” was child abuse, lawmakers once again (blinded by Satan’s plans) told parents their kids couldn’t be spanked. As a result, we have a society in which kids rule because parents are afraid to discipline them and when parents have no control over kids, neither does anyone else. When we take away authority of parents–we set our society up for failure. Do we see it?

Then, with the outcries of another few demented people, it became unconstitutional for prayers to be said at government facilities, and school events, and other public events and don’t dare mention the name–God–that apparently has the enemy so shaken that he trembles every time the name is mentioned. Even with the celebration of Christmas–the Christians’ celebration of Christ’s birthday, has almost been forsaken–because of the commercial aspect pervaded by all those seeking wealth. Can we see it?

And now, the group that openly and reverently honors the enemy–that master of deception–Satan--is allowed to influence young minds further, by promulgating “the nonsense of religious beliefs” as after school clubs. Parents–who were duped into believing that prayer violates constitutional rights from their earlier era, are probably the ones who will allow their children to attend, “Satan’s clubs.”Are we paying attention?

There is a profound difference between people being religious–ardently acting upon one’s beliefs–and being a follower of Christ. Satan’s followers are religious–they ardently act upon what they believe. Some Christians–ardently act upon what they say they believe–based upon the denominational doctrine. Believers in Jesus Christ–simply live according to The Word–not denominational banners. Why? Within The Word–there is life–and instructions for living life–that pleases God. So, if we’re not living according to The Word, not heeding instructions, we are praising the wicked (figuratively and literally), and the prayers being offered are detestable to God.

Do we understand, yet?

Praying For Those In Authority!

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2:1-4 NKJV

Whatever we do and however we do, we must have a purpose. For without purpose, we are merely marking time–waiting to see which way the wind will blow or the dice will roll. This is what happens we act without understanding and purpose–anything goes and we simply accept it.

However, in this passage of scripture–Paul’s letter to Timothy–we see instructions given for those in authority and the purpose. The purpose in this case is that God desires all to be saved and come into the knowledge of truth. Of course truth is a philosophy of its own, but for now, we’ll concentrate on God’s Truth as the only means by which anyone can be saved.

Now–here’s the million dollar question–in recent weeks regarding the presidential campaigning–who has exhibited the most godly character in speaking to the people at town hall meetings, during debates and in their campaign ads?

Granted, I understand some people have made of their minds simply because of their frustrations and bitterness against the current President, but is that a reason to vote “willy-nilly” for a clown who has demonstrated disrespect and disregard for other human beings? For anyone who does not understand authority should certainly be put in a position of authority over others. And every time ungodliness opens its mouth, the evidence is heard.

If ungodliness wins the election, then it means those who know The Lord were not praying for righteous authority, for the prayers of the righteous avails much. We can and we must pray for the office of authority and anyone residing in it. Why? So we can lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness–not ungodliness–knowing how to love one another and respect all.

Our prayer for the office(s) of authority should include the reign of Holy Spirit over whoever sits in a position of authority. For those seeking authority, our prayer should include a willingness for them to seek wisdom from God and to hear and obey Holy Spirit in all matters. 

Father,

In the name of Jesus, we pray for every person seeking or in a position of authority in every walk of life, but we especially pray for those who seek to lead this great nation. Holy Spirit take up residence in the White House and make Your presence known from the top to the bottom. Lord, open every person’s spiritual ears and touch every heart–giving them a desire to seek You in every situation and the Wisdom that only You can provide–having them hear Holy Spirit when He speaks and then obeying without hesitation. For we know when godliness reigns in the hearts of men and women, peace will prevail and confusion will have no place to dwell. We thank You for hearing and responding to this prayer and speaking to the hearts of all who agree. Amen!

 

Praise The Lord and Be Blessed!

“Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion, He who is the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 134)

Who are the servants of The Lord?

All those who proclaim to accept the Work on the Cross as a means of reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ are the servants of The Lord–those who are obedient to His Word–proclaiming what He says to all. If then, we are servants of The Lord–giving Him rulership over our lives, why do we find it so difficult to obey–Our Lord–one who governs?

The simple answer is most people don’t understand how Lordship functions as it once did in England and in other nations. It certainly doesn’t have a place in the United States because we won’t allow anyone to be “Lord over our lives” and we certainly won’t allow Holy Spirit to govern us. When a person was “the Lord” over property (a region, however designated by a king), he was the authority in the lives of those who lived on his land. Here, in America, we seem to forget that when we accept The Word on the Cross, and Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we give Him authority over our lives. A relationship with Jesus is a matter of the heart, not the head (or mind) and we allow Him to govern when we accept His Lordship; if we don’t allow Him to be Lord, all we’ve done is to be religious and ritualistic.

I’ll be the first to admit than granting someone else authority over my life is challenging and almost impossible when it comes to mere mortals. Yes, I obey the laws of the land when they don’t conflict with my relationship with God. But I will not obey the laws of the land when they are in opposition to God’s Word. That’s settled in heaven for me. But when we cannot obey God’s Word because we are more concerned about what people think or being politically correct, then we are not servants of The Lord because Jesus is not our Lord and we therefore lie–if we say He is.

When we’re in a worship service–who are we praising–God or man? Do we lift our hands in praise because we really want to honor God or we simply obeying the dictates of others who have tell us what to do?

Even if we’re not willing to admit where we are in our relationship with God–He knows–He knows our heart. And He knows if we only lift our hands because someone else directed us to to do so, our hearts don’t belong to Him.

I can lift my hands wherever I am–and often do so when I think about just how good He is. I don’t need anyone to prompt me to lift my hands or raise my voice in praise of the God who loved me enough, to come down from heaven, hang on a cross and die for me–in spite of me–and still loves me.

O that men and women and children would really understand how wonderful it is to be loved when we are not worthy! O that those who proclaim to love Jesus would be more obedient to His Love! O that all would begin to worship Him in spirit and in truth! What a wonderful, blessed world this would be if all would honor Him as Lord, obey, and love! Give Him praise and be blessed!

Leader or Dictator?

“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” {Hebrews 13:17 NIV)

Having confidence in leaders who care about those they lead is easy when their leadership ability is evident. However, not everyone in a leadership position is a true leader, as defined by The Word.

People in leadership positions, enabled by God as His appointed ones–seek His wisdom in all decisions and never do things that cause the people they lead grief. Dictators cause grief because the only person they care about is them and their own agenda, not what is best for the people. They seek the counsel of those who are like-minded–greedy for power, not understanding that most dictators are not loved, but hated.

What is sad to me is that many people in leadership positions–don’t understand the role in which they find themselves. A true leader–takes the initiative in understanding exactly what their role is and in finding ways to enhance what they do to enhance the benefit of all they lead. They seek Godly counsel in all matters before making decisions that would harm anyone. They are facilitators, not dictators because they seek input from all involved and encourage involvement by all in making decisions. True leaders–do not attempt to abuse or misuse their positions nor do they manipulate others, abusing the authority they have been given.

But the one thing that most “hired help” forget is just like they were hired to fulfill a position of leadership, they can be fired from it and usually are when they abuse the authority of the position.

I’m sure we all know such leaders–they come in all forms and capacities. They are the leaders in the police departments, the leaders in school districts, the leaders in churches, and the leaders in corporations–all hired and all should be fired when they do not know how to lead, and choose to dictate to others–with no regard as to what is best for the people they lead.

The Word of God tells us to pray for those in authority over us and I do. However, we are not told to just lay down and allow hired help to walk all over us. We must take action and they must realize their position is tenuous at best–especially if they develop dictator mentality.

One of the saddest things to see is a leader who professes to know God, get high-minded and abuse their positions, becoming dictators and not leaders.

When should we have confidence in leadership? When the leadership has earned our confidence as demonstrated in their ability to lead–with the best interest of those they lead–then we can confidently follow their example. If they are incapable of demonstrating ability to lead, we should not follow them blindly because the blind leading the blind, usually end up in a rut, going nowhere.

Pray for leadership and when it is necessary to act when they demonstrate their inability to lead, get up and get busy, doing all that is necessary to remove them to save all from becoming victims of dictatorship.