Is Solomon Speaking To Us Now?

Is Solomon Speaking To Us Now?

Out in the open wisdom calls aloud; she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings, But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you–when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord. Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways, and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. Proverbs 1:20-33 NIV

The question–is Solomon speaking to us now, can be answered quite literally if we’re honest about what we see on a daily basis.

The first chapter in Proverbs is dedicated to understanding the role of wisdom and what happens when we don’t exercise wisdom. This segment–referenced above–puts us–all Believers in a position to see why America is in the shape it is in–and possibly the world.

Let me break this down a little further–when we–those who call themselves Christians–lie on God, we end up with the only possible consequence of our lying–God ignoring us and allows the calamities of our own rebellion to overtake us. God is not mocked nor deceived by lying tongues, but He will allow our lies to make fools of us. Though I have categorically denied that God chose trump to be president of the United States, I have to include myself in the throng of Believers–who didn’t do enough to persuade others that God does not intervene in our choices. He allows us to make the choices and allows us to handle the consequences of our actions.

What I see in the constantly unfolding events in the political arena and the rise of hatred in the land is the result of wickedness and lies promoted by those who claim to know God. Let me say this again (and I’ll probably say it often)–GOD IS PRO-CHOICE! He honors and choices and allows us to deal with the results–in every area of our lives–not just as it pertains to abortion, elections, marriage–but in everything.

When Christian Believers (the Evangelicals who lied) acknowledge that God allows us choices, then perhaps, they can also begin to repent and rescind the notion that trump was God’s choice–unless they are totally blinded by hate and bigotry and want to see the chaos continue.

I’m no more perfect than any other, but I do accept my limitations and acknowledge them. I depend upon my relationship with God to do the right thing at all times, but when I stray, He won’t pull me back unless I submit to His pull. That’s how He operates–with our submission to Him. He does not coerce, bully or bribe us to do anything; nor does He belittle or humiliate us–we do that on our own when we refuse to hear Him and obey.

At all times–we must speak truth whether we agree with truth or not–because truth will set us free from all the stupidity we now see. Truth can and will come through various people–both Republicans and Democrats (Conservatives and Liberals), but we must be open to hearing it and acting upon it or we’ll cease to exist as a nation since truth has surfaced, the Russian interference into our election and the erosion of our democracy was planned years ago. They deliberately established relationships with those who–out of their greed and need for power–were easily influenced and duped into doing their will–not God’s.

All of this is easily discovered with a little time taken to research it, so there is no need for anyone to just take my word for it. Once research is undertaken and truth is known, what should we do with it?

I’ve known the truth all along and have my blogs to verify what I’ve been saying and now I implore all who know truth to assert themselves into the throng of existing chaos and confusion and promote truth–if we don’t change direction soon, we will no longer be the United States of America–a sovereign nation, but under the command of the Russians.

Now, can we honestly answer the question, “Is God talking to us?” Yes, because He is and will continue to speak to us through His Word and through Holy Spirit, if we’re willing to listen. If we don’t listen, we have only ourselves to blame for the calamities that will overwhelm us. As a society of civilized people, we can no longer allow ideologies and emotions to rule us; we must develop critical thinking skills and know how to determine when sources are credible or not–facts and evidence matters. Any news source that promotes hatred of anyone for any reason–is not a credible source of information; it will be biased based upon the hatred they promote. 

Therefore, I beseech every reader to reflect upon their relationship with God and know His truth and make all decisions pertaining to life and living upon that fact–proven through His Word.

In 2020, remember maintaining our democracy will depend upon all those who seek truth and promote it, rather than fuel ideological beliefs that have no foundation in truth according to God’s Word. I’m counting on the wisdom of God to lead us all in turning away the whirlwind that will overtake us if we don’t act. If we actively #resist the devil, and submit to God, we will know victory!

eda

 

 

Advertisement
Understanding Choice and Choosing!

Understanding Choice and Choosing!

“Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! It was the LORD our God himself who brought us and our parents up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because he is our God.” Joshua 24:14-18 NIV

“Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD. Proverbs 1:28,29 NIV

The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26 NIV

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 15:16 NIV

For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 1 Peter 4:3 NIV

From the beginning–in the Garden of Eden–God has given us choice–He provides us with instruction, but He does not make choices for us. With the right to choose-we also endure the consequences of our actions. There is always an equal reaction for every action so we can choose to do good and receive good or we can choose to do wrong and receive the consequences for it.

Once again, I reject the notion that God chose Donald J. Trump to be president of this great as some have erroneously claimed and the proof–the foundation for my rejection–is coming to the surface and will expose all those who lied to put him in a position of leadership–when his past and current actions–informed all who had discerning spirits–those who heard Holy Spirit–from the beginning.

Let me be clear on this point! With the vast majority of true Believers–those who love The Lord and live according to His Word–there had to have been at least one person–God would have chosen to lead a great nation. God’s choice would have a been person whose heart belonged to Him, not a person who lies about everything, including the lies. But then that’s what a pathological liar does–they think everything they say is true and don’t recognize they are lying. The lying alone should have alerted–Holy Spirit believers to turn away from such a person, since we know God hates liars! But since there are those in the “Christian Community” who forged ahead, promoting the notion that God is somehow opposed to His Own Word–we now have to deal with the Blatant-Liar-in-Chief (for the moment).

Whether people believe what I’ve just stated is not really a matter of concern for me. I know what God says in His Word and I know–He will never encourage anyone who belongs to Him to live in opposition to His Word.

The truth of the matter is–and while many have observed and acknowledged it–others have ignored it–there are neurotransmitters in Trump’s brain that are not connecting. He suffers from a cognitive disability that those close to him are trying to keep hidden. But once again, to the discerning person who actually pays attention to his speech patterns, lack of inability to focus, lack of impulse control and need for praise and attention–we know! And why a psychological evaluation is not part of the vetting process is a source of amazement to me.

I could go on about the Russian connection that I suspected months ago and even wrote about, but now that the media is finally covering it–I won’t say much more at this point. I choose not to say more–for the moment.

But getting back to those who promoted Trump as God’s choice and pushed congregations to vote for him, I have a few questions: Did people know they were voting for the entire family–the adult children to run the White House? Did people know that his cabinet picks would be some of the most vile people who ever walked the earth? Did people know that instead of draining the swamp, he’d fill it with scum from the bottom of the swamp who are only interested in demolishing the government? Did they know? Were they told?

Jesus told us, “by our love for one another would others recognize us–belonging to Him.” Does anyone see in love coming forth from any of the “religious sect-headed for the White House?” I see greed and cronyism abounding as all determine how they can destroy lives fo many, and help only themselves and their immediate families.

Wake up America! There is no reason for God to oppose Himself and He most certainly did not “choose” Trump–those who want to control others–chose Trump and they lied to everyone else to insure they voted for him–gullible people chose Trump, not God. The proof–is evident for everyone not wearing blinders!

cognitive-enablers

And remember–not everyone saying, “Lord, Lord” will enter into Heaven. Some will hear, “Depart from me–I never knew you!”

judases

How We Know God’s Choices!

How We Know God’s Choices!

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?  Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? James 1:1-10, 14 NIV

The role of any educator is to create an environment in which they expect those they are instructing to think–developing critical thinking skills and the best way to conduct that exercise is by asking questions of the questions until a logical conclusion is reached.

I would suggest–for the sake of clarity–that the entire letter be read to really understand the totality of what James is saying and remember–he is writing to the church leaders.

As a foundation to frame what’s being said about how God chooses, I reference the first king the Children of Israel chose for themselves.

Now the day before Saul came, the LORD had revealed this to Samuel: “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him ruler over my people Israel; he will deliver them from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked on my people, for their cry has reached me.” When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the LORD said to him, “This is the man I spoke to you about; he will govern my people.” I Samuel 9:15-17 NIV

Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”  So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him. I Samuel 16:10-14 NIV

What do we see in how God chose Saul to be king?  He had a heart for God before He was chosen.

What do we see in how God chose David? He was a man after God’s own heart–not flawless, but quick to repent.

When the Spirit of God is no longer on a person’s life, how do we know?

If a person has never demonstrated having a heart for God and understanding of His Word, would God choose them to govern a nation?

Why do we see through God’s Word that every person God uses, is willing to be used by God?

What happens on a broader level to people when God is pleased with what we do?

Does God hold us accountable for what people do or for what we as individuals do?

What is blasphemy and how do we commit blasphemy against God? When we say something is of God when it is actually the spirit of the devil influencing what we say or do, who are we really honoring?

In the beginning, God created all that was ever created and without Him, nothing was created and He did it without any input from us. Why is that? He is a sovereign God, totally self-existent without need of people to do anything, yet He uses who is willing to be used–those who have a desire to serve Him.

Now, since God is sovereign–existing by His own will and dependent upon no one–can any mere mortal oppose Him or interfere with His plans? If they can, they become more powerful than God and since I know that no mere mortal is a god, I would say anything thinking along these lines is foolish.

Is not God all-knowing–omnipotent and omnipresent and omniscient? Does He not see all there is to see and hear all there is to hear?

Since He came down from heaven, lived among men in the person of Jesus Christ, protested the religious leaders and taught the Truth, betrayed by Judas, crucified, died, and rose again and after returning to heaven, sent His Spirit back to dwell within those who received Him, why do we need “mere mortals” telling us anything God says?

Since God knows more than we do and since He is God and does not change, I can only conclude that His method of choosing people to govern nations, has not changed. He also does not force us to obey Him, but allows our choices in order to get our attention.

People have chosen to elect a person who does not know God, has not demonstrated any knowledge of God in his actions or speaking, and yet the religious leaders are claiming Our Sovereign God–the God who existed before any of us–by His own will–could not find any person who knows Him and has a desire to serve so He chose--a bottom-feeder who has no respect for anyone other than himself, has demonstrated multiple personality disorders with his misogynistic, narcissistic, megalomaniac, racist and bigoted behavior and has done nothing but promote fear and hate. You mean–Our Sovereign God had no one else but this person He to choose? If that’s true, what does that say about the rest of us?

In order to believe that lie–a person would have to be totally void of any type of relationship with God or understanding of His Word. Where is the love for others? Where is the sense of unity espoused in God’s Word? Where is the wisdom of God operating in this situation?

I have drawn my own conclusions about the matter and they do not concur with the Evangelical leadership who have lied to their congregations in order to control people. I am praying the veil will soon be lifted and they will repent of misleading God’s people into the chaos we are about to experience. May God have mercy upon their souls!

 

God Uses Those Who Are Willing!

God Uses Those Who Are Willing!

Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein. Hosea 14:9 KJV

Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. 2 Corinthians 8:11,12 NIV

POLITICS ALERT!

Ron Kenoly wrote a song and I danced to it, “If You Can Use Anything, You Can Use Me” was a line in the lyrics. Every time I heard that song, and danced to it, I was moved to want to do more for God. There is yet a willingness in my heart to be used by God and I will.

I read a comment this morning about “God can use anyone” (in reference in Trump) ignited by a CNN commentator and there were many comments refuting this claim and supporting it. God can and will use anyone who is willing to be used. He always has and He always will, but the person has to be “willing” to be used by God.

If a person has not demonstrated any knowledge of God–especially in this election cycle–there is little chance that they have offered themselves, “willingly” to be used by God. And I know there are scores of people ready to defend Trump’s race to the White House, but I have to ask again–“How do they justify support of a man who obviously does not know God?”

I know God used harlots in the old testament to save the spies–they were willing to be used and understood The God these men served. Trump–has pretended a conversion, but there is no external evidence of a conversion of his heart and nothing anyone says–no matter what their position in a church or anything else —will ever convince me that God is using Trump against his will. I know how God operates and He does not make anyone do anything against their will. I believe that those evangelical organizations who are promoting this lie do so at their own peril and I will not support it or be a part of it.

For those who think I can be intimidated–guess again. The Lord is the only one who guides what I do and nothing you think or do will deter me from doing what God has put on my heart to do. Support of Donald Trump means support of hatemongering, fearmongering, bigotry, misogyny. And for those who think supporting a pro-choice stance is a problem with God–you don’t know God since He gives us choice and we have to deal with the consequences of our choices.

The argument about who Supreme Court Justices “might be” is a smokescreen to support discrimination against those who have been discriminated against for centuries and a fearmongering tactic.

And since I believe God uses anyone willing to be used, I’m going to trust God to speak to the heart of Hillary Clinton and guide her in all she has to do.

Calling Hillary a liar and attempting to convict her of things already litigated is a sign of complete blindness and refutation of the justice system. If people cannot see the lies that Trump tells–consistently, on a daily basis, about anything and everything (proven to be lies by videos)–it is because they choose to be blind.

I am neither blind or foolish and as long as I have breath in my body and can hear Holy Spirit when He speaks, I will not concede to the dictates of foolishness and ungodliness in supporting someone who acts in total opposition to God’s Word.

For anyone reading this who disagrees with what I’ve written, it is your choice and I respect your choice, but I will not allow your choices to deter or influence me. I have to stand before God and give an account for myself, not others and that I will do with a confident heart in hearing, “Well done, daughter” since that is truly all I want to hear from God.

Here’s what some Believing Women are thinking and doing–

Powerful Evangelical Women Split From Male Church Leaders to Slam Trump

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/10/10/beth-moore-the-christian-women-speaking-out-about-trump-s-bad-news.html

I wonder how long it will take for Believing Men to figure it out.

 

Just Remember His Word!

Just Remember His Word!

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:1, 6, 7 NIV

Though there may be many things that we see in the news–both locally and nationally–we should not allow our hearts to be troubled or dismayed.

When we look to Jesus–the Author and Finisher of our faith, we know there is nothing impossible for Him.

Whatever the situation is, no matter how dark things may look, we must remember that He is the Light.

No matter how hateful others act around us–we must remember that He is Love!

No matter how angry we may want to get at the lies perpetuated in the media–about anything–we must remember that He is Truth and the truth shall keep us free–from lingering on thoughts of defeat or failure. Through Christ Jesus–we have victory!

Our weapons are not carnal, but spiritual and they are more powerful than any material weapon or words. We have Holy Spirit residing within and He will (if we let Him) guide all of our thoughts and keep our focus on Him who loves us and we don’t have to think about those who hate–for no reason.

We don’t have to concern ourselves about those who would create divisiveness and inequalities among any people because we know–In Christ, there is no gender, nor racial divide, nor ethnic divide–there is only truth in Him. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 NIV

If we just remember His Word–we won’t allow the present circumstances or situations to derail us by allowing our focus to stray. With God going before us–He is more than the world against us.

When people lie in an attempt to persuade, we simply need to speak truth or type truth as it is written and not stoop to the levels of those who deliberately lie to distort the truth.

When truth has been revealed and the haters keep reviling us–just remember His Word–God is watching and He knows all about it.

There are some who just keep repeating the same lies–day after day, minute after minute–even though the truth has been publicized–they find it more beneficial to lie because they think the consistent repetition–will make the lies the truth–if they just keep saying it. That is not how God works because He is not a man that He should lie. And considering the fact that He has prepared a place for all liars in the lake of fire, He would not condone lying for any reason.

We don’t need to follow anyone who promotes hatred of others because if we know Him, we know that He is Love and love covers a multitude of faults.

Not one of us on this earth is perfect or all-knowing, but He is and in Him we live and move and have our being. Not one of us knows the number of hairs on our head (if we have hair), but He does. Not one of us knows the end from the beginning, but He does. Not one of us can change anything about a person just by thinking we can, and God won’t. He allows everyone to be exactly who they want to be.

Some accept God has a better plan that we could ever have and some don’t.

Throughout our lives–God gives us CHOICE and He respects our choices–never attempting to control what we do–against our will and we should follow His example–not man since man is fickle and always changing their mind.

When we know truth–about any situation–we should rely upon the truth and ignore vicious lies and half truths because a half truth–IS A WHOLE LIE!

When we’re wrong–about anything–we should own it and rectify it as quickly as we can so we can continue to do the good works He has put upon our hearts.

We don’t get discouraged by what we see because we live by faith in God, not by the sight of comes before us. Just remember His Word!

True Witnesses!

“You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.”(Isaiah 43:10 NIV)

How is it that people make things–either themselves or buy what others have made–and worship them? If the things are made by man’s hand, how do we give them more power and honor than the one who made them? If then, we are worshipping things, can we be a true witness for what God does?

A true witness does not prevaricate, does not manipulate truth, does not quibble truth (nitpicking it selectively)–they will only speak about those events they actually see or participate in with others. If we Believe The Word, then we can be true witnesses for all God has said when we have hidden the Word in our hearts and have participated in the works of spreading the Gospel.

Do we understand that The God who has no form or origin, no beginning or end is truly The God of Heaven, all Creation and without Him, nothing was ever created; He is not “a god” as others say? Have we fine-tuned our relationship with Him so we know when we hear Him and will not listen to the lies of who speak against Him or oppose Him? Do we know that everything He did for His chosen, He will continue to do until He returns to take us to be with Him?

If we are going to be true witnesses of who He is, we must learn to model our behavior after Him. We should do what He does, according to what He has said. We love, we teach, we admonish and correct, and we forgive and move on. We know not everyone will hear us and that’s their choice; our job is to share the Gospel, not make people believe since we have no authority or ability to make anyone do anything.

We are told by Jesus if others will not hear us to shake the dust off our feet and keep going. In other words–keep it moving–we don’t have time to waste on those who are determined to allow Satan to rule their lives. We pray for them that they will see a need to turn to God, but we cannot make them. We allow them their choice and leave them to their consequences!

God has always allowed people to make choices–and what we actively and consciously do is a choice. He allowed Adam and Eve to make choices and left them to their consequences. He allowed Herod, and all the leaders of Egypt to make their choices and live with their consequences. He is the same God, using the same strategy to get us to Believe Him. He used the prophets and miracles and He’s yet using prophets and miracles and most of us are–miracles--we survived situations that should have killed us, but we are yet here–to testify of His goodness–as true witnesses!

True witnesses understand and believe everything The Word has said because they hear God speaking through Holy Spirit, confirming His Word and directing us in all things. All who believe Him (not man or men), and can act on His behalf are His true witnesses that will bring others into knowledge of Him.

The Perfect Way!

“You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 18:28,30 NIV)

In order to be perfect–flawless–there has to be no room for options or choice. Since we always have options, we can never attain perfection. Years ago, while I was praying, the Lord revealed to me that we achieve perfection when we are either dead or in a coma–not having the ability to choose anything.

There are no perfect people walking in the earth, but there is our perfect God–reigning in heaven–One who is flawless and incapable of error. His name is Jesus Christ, Our Lord! Since He is perfect–all of His ways are perfect and when we do things His way–we get closer to perfection–in living a life, pleasing to Him.

How do I know? I’ve tried living life on my own terms–doing everything my way–and sometimes in opposition to His way. The end result–havoc! And since I know what life is like without Him guiding me, I am so grateful for His being in my life now. My BC time, was filled with doubts and fears, one mistake after the other, one mess after the other that had to be cleaned up, but never cleared out. Now, in my AC time, I seek Him first and sometimes, even when I don’t do exactly as He tells me to do, I know I can come back to Him, for another chance to get it right.

Living life our own way will sometimes eliminate the possibility of a second chance. With God, He gives us chance after chance, never leaving us alone or abandoned simply because we missed the mark.

We have a lot to learn from Him about how to treat people. We should never be so overbearing and arrogant in thinking we’re perfect that we expect perfection in others. NONE OF US ARE PERFECT! NONE OF US ARE FLAWLESS! WE ARE ALL IMPERFECT, FLAWED HUMAN BEINGS! The difference between those of us who have Jesus in our lives and those who don’t is simply that--He is in our lives, guiding us when we listen, loving us at all times, forgiving us for our waywardness, and continually–every morning–showering us with new mercy.

If we did things His way–then our ways would indeed be perfect. All we can do is try, for the perfect way–in living and knowing how to treat others.

I Will Tell It!

“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” (Psalm 73:28 NIV)

Now, where else have we heard, “As for me and my house, we will serve The Lord?” Joshua reminds those around him that they have a choice and if they chose evil and not to obey God, they could, but he chose to serve The Lord.

Good choice for all who love the Lord and want to stay in position to receive all of His many benefits. What are they? His love and mercy begin the story. He loved us enough to come down from heaven to save us from ourselves, even when we didn’t deserve it–having mercy upon us.

We healed by His stripes–received on the cross.

We are delivered from being tempted to do evil when we function with the mind of Christ.

All of our needs are met through Him who loves us.

We are more than conquerors because of His great love for us.

We can do all things well through Him who gives us the strength and courage to do so.

We know that no one weapon formed against shall ever prosper–Satan’s plans are null and void–because of God’s hand of protection around us.

He hears us when we call upon Him and never leaves us alone.

When friends and family forsake us–we can look to Him who is our help.

All of our help, comes from the Lord.

We have been provided the means–through receiving His wisdom–to amass wealth and prosper as our soul prospers so we may help others.

There is no body like The Lord in all the earth who sees our need and responds.

There is no body like Jesus to will uphold us, protect us, strengthen us, love us, forgive us, and give us favor with men and women in every station of life.

There is no body who loves us enough to speak to us in the midnight hour to encourage our hearts, bring back to our remembrance all we have been taught and show us things to come–like Holy Spirit.

We are blessed beyond measure and our imagination because His spirit dwells in us and we hear Him when He speaks!

As for me–I choose to serve our living God and I will tell of His goodness at all times and at all times, He will demonstrate His goodness through me! I WILL TELL IT UNTIL I CAN SPEAK NO MORE!

Glory Hallelujah to our God–our Father, our Savior and Comforter!

Only Those Who Follow, Know!

“Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:25-27 NIV)

Why is this same debate still strong today? For the same reason it was debated then–if we don’t follow Jesus, we cannot know who He is or that He is God and that He and the Father are one in purpose.

Trying to explain Jesus to people who have not submitted themselves to understanding by knowing The Word or having a relationship with God is pointless. Basically, those who debate or attempt to debate belief in Jesus are simply trying to undermine those who do. For those who have questions and genuinely want to know, their hearts are open to hear and understand. These are those who yet have a heart of flesh and not of stone. Flesh can be molded and shaped, while stone is resistant and knowledge simply bounces off or causes the stone to shatter into pieces and the pieces are ground into sand.

God does not want us to be ground into the dirt, broken without knowledge. He wants us to know Him, but the choice is ours. We can live the abundant life He plans for us or we can be shattered and lost in our unbelief. It’s up to us.

And while some may say–“I’ll give my life to Jesus tomorrow,” tomorrow might be too late. Today, while you yet have a chance to open your heart to Him and hear Him say, “I love you and want only the best for you while on you’re here earth and for you to live with me for all eternity when life on earth ends.” Today, while there is breath in your body is the time to choose! Choose life because only those who follow Him, will know Truth at the end!

Proving God’s Choice!

“So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away.” (2 Peter 1:10 NLT)

What things shall we do? According to Peter, we should:

Supplement our faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, our moral excellence with knowledge, our knowledge with self-control, our self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with Godliness, our Godliness with brotherly affection and brotherly affection with love for everyone.  (verses 5-8)

When we are able to demonstrate these things, we prove to all who may wonder, or question, God’s calling upon our lives and the fact that He has chosen us. In order to perfect our faith and do all He has called us do, we must consistently seek Him and constantly reflect and assess where we’re headed and how we’re doing in being all that God wants us to be. If we do these things, we won’t have time for the enemy to influence our thoughts or what we do.

We must realize that if we allow our thoughts to be influenced by the enemy, our behavior will soon demonstrate what we’re thinking. The same is true when our thoughts are focused upon pleasing God–our behavior demonstrates what we’re thinking.

This then is why Paul admonishes us to think on those things that edify who God is–purity, integrity, honesty, lovely, true and of a good report–never being ashamed of what we do–then those watching us will know to whom we belong.

If we think on these things (all the goodness of Him)–we will not lie, manipulate, deceive, cheat, or spread negative rumors about anyone or anything.

If we think on these things–we’ll make every effort to make sure that our behavior cannot be condemned or make God ashamed of us.

Whenever we allow the enemy to influence our thinking and ultimately what we do, we give him free reign for more people to become unbelievers in the Lord Jesus Christ! This then, is the battle we are currently fighting–the battle of the mind and the enemy’s influence that makes us a public spectacle–leaving those watching shaking their heads in wonderment and turning away from anyone and anything remotely related to Christianity.

Faith–increased by hearing and hearing and hearing The Word, developing relationship with God and hearing His voice when He speaks, provides the impetus we need to keep going, gathering knowledge and maintaining the highest moral standards to prove God’s choice in His selection of us!