Giving Thanks!

Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand. One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. Romans 14:1-7 NIV

Today–encourage all to enjoy the day–giving thanks for all we have, all we didn’t get when we wanted it and for all the miss-steps we’ve taken in life in order for God to get us where we are. I love me–just the way I am–but didn’t always for the way, I used to be. But now, I have a reason to give thanks–daily–the grace of God that has sustained me through trials and wrong directions for over 65 years.

Listen, I’ve been there and done that–facing all the challenges and struggles I know many have and are facing. I know what it’s like to be a single mother raising two children in the depths of the ghetto, always praying for their safety as well as my own.

But I’m a big girl and I learned to take life’s knocks with a spring-back attitude. I never let one failure or disappointment keep me down. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t discouraged from time to time, but I refused to allow discouragement and discontent keep me from my destination even when I wasn’t sure where I was headed.

I had a dream and I put a lot of credence in dreams. For years, I dreamed that I was running through a school, trying to get to class and though I always started out fully dressed in the dream, I always ended up naked–wondering why people were staring at me. When I got a chance to go back to school in my forties, I stopped having the dream. Not only did I complete my BA in Sociology and English, I kept going until I finished a MA in English and Speech and then completed all the coursework for a Ph.D in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in English and Special Education.

During a lay-off in which I didn’t have a full time job for two years, I had an opportunity to really look at where I was headed. I realized that teaching was no longer a viable career and I couldn’t/wouldn’t attempt to encourage anyone to go into a field that did not offer a wage comparable to other professions and one in which very few people respected teachers. When I finished the coursework, I stopped–no longer interested in completing that particular path for it no longer had meaning for me and my passion subsided. Don’t get me wrong–I still love teaching–it is my passion, but I could not look another person in the eye and encourage them to get into that field.

At any rate, I retired and am working seven hours a week–teaching college courses. But then came the 2016 election and Hillary lost (with Russia’s help). I, along with millions of others railed against the rigged election, and started working social media to vent. On the night #TraitorDon launched missiles into Syria just to flex his muscles, I dreamed I had a conversation with him. In the dream, I told him I was running for president and he told me, I couldn’t because I wasn’t qualified. I told him I was more qualified than he was and then I woke up. I was attending a tax march and watching others and listening to their concerns, I reflected upon the dream and here I am, months later, preparing my run for president in 2020.

Not everyone understands what’s driving me to do this–especially since I have no previous political experience–but I have a passion to represent all Everyday Americans and to make sure they have a voice in the White House. People I’ve talked to are more concerned about Republicans digging up dirt than I am. I’m not afraid of any discoveries since my life is outlined on the Internet in various mediums.

No matter what others say, I will not be deterred; especially if Democrats are successful in flipping the House in 2018. If I lose, I lose, but no one will ever say I didn’t try. After all, I’m planning to win and I’ll never know what I can do, unless I try.

I may not be the perfect candidate, but there are none. So, here’s what I have–a desire to serve, considering all and not supporting or promoting any policies that cause harm to people, planet or economy. We do not need to build a wall to keep immigrants out; we need to build relationships that solidify positive forward movement. We need to provide accessible, affordable healthcare to every American. We need to focus our attention on making sure our children have access to a quality, free college education. We need to make sure our senior citizens never have to worry about where or how they’re going to live because of their limited incomes. We need to shore up our justice system so justice is equitable and fair no matter a person’s income, gender or race. We need to secure our standing on the global stage by being #1 again in the eyes of other world leaders and doing all we can to make sure the world can live in peace and we can keep our planet sustaining life, not destroying life.

My ancestors were not immigrants, they were imported to make life better for those who migrated from Europe to live in this land. There are groups of hate-filled, bigoted people who desire to deport every person who is not white in order to “preserve their race” with white privilege. I’m not a hater, don’t understand hate and don’t want to understand hate. But I will not stand by and silently allow any group of people to attempt to silence or denigrate others. I’m a known rebel and I won’t stop when I know there’s something I can do to help others.

If you care to read more about my plans to serve as president of the United States of America, please check out my facebook.com/YesIAm2020 page and let me know what you think. It matters a great deal to me since I want to address those issues that matter to all. Thank you for taking the time to engage in the process of making America truly safe again.

Advertisement

Everyday I Wake Up!

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:  Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:21-26 NIV

Everyday that I wake up, I am reminded of God’s goodness towards me. Though I have challenges with respiratory issues, and joint and muscle aches, and circulatory issues, I am counting on Him to provide me with relief and inspiration.  Nothing is too hard to face when we know God is on our side; He will be our rearguard and frontline. When we know we are surrounded by His love and held in His embrace, we have nothing to fear. For what can the enemy do against love?

Love–the cure-all for everything that ails us as individuals and as a nation. We can never be all that God plans for us to be without knowing how to love others. When we let go of the hatred we feel against others because of our own insecurities, God can and will fill hearts to overflowing with love, wisdom, and direction in making the world a better place for all human beings.

So, everyday–I wake up inquiring of God–what can I do today to make life better for someone else? Sometimes, a smile is all it takes and other days, it takes a little more.

How can I make life better for others as President of the United States? I can begin by realizing–if elected–that I have to govern for all Americans and consider all Americans in every decision made.

I have to make the best decisions possible for those with I agree and those with whom I don’t agree; with those I know who love me for who I am and for those who hate me because of the color of my skin or my gender or my age or my audacity in running for president in the first place.

I have to govern for those who believe as I believe and for those who don’t. I have to govern–respecting everyone’s right to make decisions for themselves as long as they do not violate the Constitution or other laws or infringe upon the rights of others.

I have to govern knowing I’ll have to make tough decisions that some won’t like but I’ll have to think beyond the moment and consider all those who will come after me.

I have to govern understanding the role of Congress and the Judiciary as well as the Executive Branch of government.

I have to govern with a mindset to protect Americans and America’s interests on a global level.

I have to govern knowing I don’t know everything, but counting on God and His infinite wisdom to guide me in all things. This is how I know I can make life better for all Americans–by considering all Americans–and not a personal or party agenda.

I am seeking input from those who think I can make a difference. I need your support in spreading the word and welcome your ideas. Please leave a comment on the FaceBook page that provides more details about the plans I have for all Americans and how we can make it work. http://www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020. Thanks for your consideration!

Never Giving Up!

They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination. Nehemiah 6:9 NLT

This is what I feel watching GOP attempting to dismantle the ACA and risking the lives of millions of people. They are consumed with a 7-year promise to repeal ACA (out of hatred for President Obama) and not even paying attention to their constituents who now understand that the “hated Obamacare” is the needed ACA that many depend on to use. This is what happens when people lie and allow hate to reign rather than wisdom and the love of Christ. GOP–with Mitch McConnell leading the way was determined to obstruct President Obama and make sure he was not able to accomplish anything–from day one. In spite of the obstructionist attitude and behavior–President Obama was able to accomplish much and all of it–the GOP are now determined to rollback, throw out, and eliminate–because of hatred.

The GOP hated Obama, trump hates Obama and with all that hate–there can be no room for love–just hate and hate as we all know destroys utterly and completely. The GOP will be destroyed utterly and completely if they don’t wake up and pay attention to their constituents and not the crazed idiot in the WH (I cannot bring myself to call him a “man” because he has not demonstrated that he is one. So, if you’re upset with me now, you’re going to be upset with me for a long time).

In spite of the hatred against ACA and Democrats in general, I will continue to pursue the path to the White House, never giving up, no matter what the idiots do.

My family’s history–has provided a record of endurance, courage, boldness and determination. They were brought across the ocean, ripped from their families and only known culture. They were denied identity other than what the “white man” wanted them to have. They were treated like sub-human beings, forced to work on empty stomachs, never consideration. They were freed by the signature of Abraham Lincoln, but kept entangled and bound by fear and hatred by Jim Crow laws.

Civil rights laws have yet to bring an era of true freedom for the Black Community and with the GOP in position of the majority in Congress, we are taking a regressive route in the 21st Century rather than seeing forward movement as it pertains to positive race relations in this country. Hate crimes are on the rise against anyone with “brown or black” skin tones, different religious beliefs, and misogyny is also on the rise. All of this is a result of gullible people (with hidden hatred of those who are different than them) who voted for the greatest fraud and con artist who ever lived–trump.

Though many may feel there is no hope–I will never give up and I will continue the good fight of faith–in service to my country and fellow True Patriots who understand that every American deserves equal treatment in all things. We will Raise the Standards for all Americans.

Counting on fellow Americans who think like Christ to support my bid for president in 2020. I’m not seeking financial support at this time, just your vote to guarantee we will have a voice in Washington representing the Everyday American. 

 

How Are We Walking?

For we walk by faith, not by sight! 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

Therefore we are confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 NIV

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:1-3 KJV

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18 KJV

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. Proverbs 29:18 NIV

In some ways, this post today could be a continuation of the “Where are the watchmen?” series. But today, as I was completing my mile walk, it occurred to me that sometimes, we all overlook the significance of using words appropriately because “words matter.” Follow my thoughts here.

I was thinking about all the challenges I’ve faced in life as I prepare my run for the presidency in 2020.  I’ve been rear-ended twice and in both collisions, cars were totaled; I’ve suffered a stroke which could have caused a total collapse of my body. In all three incidents; my “sight” was temporarily impaired, but I never lost hope and fought through the darkness, determined to keep living. My vision–to live until I’m 95–kept me from losing hope in the longevity I want to see. 

You see, what I get from this–is our sight has to do with our physical ability to see and even if our sight is impaired, it should never interfere with our vision–a vision we have hopefully written on paper, cyberspace or in our hearts. My vision for longevity is written in all I do–on paper, in cyberspace and in my heart. I have a lot to do before I leave the earth realm and I plan to get it all done–and I will–as long as I keep my faith in Christ Jesus and not in people or things.

If America loses sight of the vision–a great place for all to live where we have the freedom to think independently from government or religions or any other entity–we cave to those things and people who want to control us.

I challenge every American–to wake up and pay attention to what’s going on around us–specifically in the political arena. Do not allow one political party to interfere with your right to vote with their gerrymandering, election rigging, or any other means to suppress your vote. Rise up and know–your vote is your voice in our government and this is why–GOP leadership wants to restrain your voice–so only theirs is heard.

I have a vision for America–the place where we have fought for freedom and now must fight to retain it. The America I love will embrace people from all walks of life, opening arms and hearts of compassion for all who are in need of shelter and comfort. We will learn to think and act as one unit–united by love of country, not divided by party politics. We will not allow a foreign entity’s misdeeds to overshadow what we have already accomplished, caving to their dictates through the embodiment of greed and corruption. We will stand firm, determined and convinced that our Constitution is right for us and we will not allow greed to change our path. Though our “sight” may be impaired for a moment by the glitz and idiocy of those in leadership positions, we will not lose sight of the vision–written in the Constitution and in our hearts, confirmed with the gift of the Statute of Liberty, and upheld in the motto of our military actions–America is the land of the free and there is no other place, I’d rather be–than at the helm in the White House, in 2020, governing for all Americans and not just a handful of the privileged, elite.

• We will defend the rights of the poor and the needy and put out of business the corrupt and the greedy.
• We will provide quality healthcare and education for all who seek one beyond the environs of public education.
• We will lead this new technological era with revolutionary ideas that will keep all employed who want to work and pay them well, so they won’t shirk.
• Taxation will be fair to all, with the lesser income households paying the least, and the greater incomes, paying the most so government won’t suffer loss.
• We will maintain our military might as they watch and guard us through the night.
• We will honor our senior citizens and treat them with the respect and honor they deserve, giving them what is rightfully theirs, held in reserve.
• We will learn to love and respect all human beings as one race, with none being superior to another, alleviating the need for strife based on race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or skin tone. There is but one blood, shed for us all and there is but one blood, red–that flows through us all and it’s time we recognize that fact and change our act.

Though there are days, my sight gives me reason to pause, since aging has it’s own pace and challenges, I will never give up my vision–now written for all to see on the walls of cyberspace–easily shared. 

Are you ready to assist in this task, making the sure the vision is never curtailed, but will last for generations to come, on a planet will survive the test of climate change because we will change how we live–living by faith and acting with prudence in all that we do?

I’m ready, willing and able to do all to make sure the vision comes to past and all Everyday Americans will have-assurance in government once again, at least in the leader who shall lead all nations in the proclamation of peace and prosperity, none knowing lack. I don’t know about you, but I’m walking by faith in God and all He has poured into me to do, not by what I see that’s imperiled by man.

 

We Can’t Stop Now!

My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one; clothe yourself in splendor and majesty. In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility, and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds. Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet. Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad. Daughters of kings are among our honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir. Listen daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house, Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. The city of Tyre will come with a gift, people of wealth will seek your favor. Psalm 45: 1-12 NIV

If we concentrate on what is ahead of us and not linger too long about what’s behind us, we will see the great things God has for us. We are not defeated, even if we are moving slowly towards our goal. Sometimes, it takes careful, deliberate movement–cautiously proceeding to avoid the snares and pitfalls the enemy has laid out before us.

If we do things in a hurry, and inadvertently fall into a pit–who will be there to pull us out? If we become snared in the very thing we’re fighting–who will disentangle the truth from the false?

Though the road to success may be distant and arduous, don’t give up! Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day, and this fight–is worth the effort because our victory will change the way we do things forever–shoring up democracy for generations to come instead of allowing one family–to destroy it and us.

Remember the Alamo! An entire cultured was threatened with extinction but they survived.

Remember the Nazis! A horrific regime that was determined to destroy an entire nation of people because of their beliefs and though many died, many others survived.

Remember all of the things that seemed impossible and know that with God, nothing is impossible for us to accomplish. With Him going before us, nothing and no one can stop us from making sure truth is revealed and fascism in this country, stopped in its tracks.

There are more us than there are of them–remember only 62M + people voted for the GOP travesty we are now experiencing. Our role now is to convince the other 261M to get out and vote and to vote blue! We must convince all Americans to put country before party! Though some may mock our efforts now–they will applaud them when they understand truth and why we continued the fight.

No matter how hard we’ve worked or how dismal the prospects may seem, we can’t give up now! We must continue with all the fervor we can muster, determined to stand firm, and even though we may have a step back for a moment to regroup and refresh, we shall never give up! We can’t stop now! Victory is on the horizon and we are closer than we were in December–so keep up the fight and see the reward of our efforts.

Every day is a new day for us to renew our determination to keep America functioning as a democracy should where all have a right to speak their thoughts aloud and all have a right to have a say in our government and who should govern us, without interference from a foreign adversary or the promotion of false propaganda. We cannot allow anyone to take that from us. Democracy is the foundation of this Republic and will not stop fighting for its existence!

Comfort Is Ours!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves we receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 NIV

As I read this, I am reminded of the daily struggles and uncertainty many feel with our current situation in Washington. But I want to encourage all to know, that no matter how dark and ugly things get, know that there are millions of people working to right the injustice that we have endured with a rigged election.

From the beginning–I understood when trump screamed, “it’s going to be rigged! They’re going to steal the election,” I knew he was referring to his team. I didn’t know how, but I knew it would be those who supported him who would help with the election rigging. And I said so, though there were some who tried to convince me I was wrong.

Now, we see unfolding, daily just how it was done. It has already been determined that Russia was involved because they favored trump and hated Hillary. The players–Flynn, Manafort, Page, Ryan, McConnell, Kushner, Burr, Sessions, DeVos and others are all being exposed, one-by-one and it will be revealed how trump conned 63 million people into believing he cared about them.

Don’t despair! Be comforted in the knowledge that truth–not alternate facts–will prevail and even many of those stalwart surrogates are beginning to cave. I watch their body language and even though they try to defend the indefensible, it’s beginning to wear them down. Kingston, Miller, McEnany, Scott, Dennard, and others look frayed as they try to convince–there is nothing to expose in the #trumprussia investigation. We all know by now when they’ve reached the end of their delusional defenses, when they leap to…”but Hillary, …but Obama” refrains.

The end is near (but near is relative in a timeline controlled by others) and we will all be able to breathe a sigh of relief when we get all the con artists out of the White House and put into prison. While we wait–know there are millions praying and actively involved in making sure this type of travesty never happens again. Our phone calls to legislators, emails, postcards, tweets, are making an impact and we will not be ignored. Now is not the time to give up; now is the time to dig in, taking a firm stand against the wiles of the enemy who governs from the WH and reigns on Capitol Hill (the high places Paul warned us about).

Comfort is available for all who stand firm in their beliefs and their actions to fight against tyranny and fascism. We will win–one way or another!

 

In Hot Pursuit!

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin. The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright. The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness. Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die. Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord–how much more do human hearts! Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise. A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. Proverbs 15:1-14 NIV

Throughout life–once we reach an age of accountability–we learn that every decision we make, everything we say has a tendency to shape who we are and the paths we take. Even when we make mistakes, the mistakes made shape us–helping us to arrive at better decision-making–if we pay attention.

In order to reach our destination or planned goals, we must retain a desire to pursue–the goal, the prize, the end result that keeps our dreams alive. In other words, we must be in hot pursuit of whatever it is we desire, if we are to obtain that which we desire.

If we are pursuing happiness, we must determine exactly what it is that makes us happy. For many people that will be different things. Some want riches and others simply want peace and tranquility. Some want fame and some wish to live in virtual obscurity. Just as a person pursues fame–relentlessly–others pursue obscurity just as relentless in their pursuit because they choose to live in the background of life and not the foreground.

Though I’ve never sought the limelight for any reason, I have sought peace within myself and my surroundings. I am not an argumentative person, but I will stand and defend my positions on anything. I do not provoke animosity, but I will defend and protect myself and others from the onslaught of hatred, vigorously.

I was reminded in a phone conversation on yesterday about some of the things I’ve done in life and the person’s conclusion about me was–I have always stuck my neck out to help others–even to the point of sacrificing my own needs.

I have not always agreed with other people, but I have learned how to disagree, agreeably and maintain relationships with those who desired maintenance of the relationship.

Here I am, today and in the days to come, seeking support of a presidential run for 2020 from those who have come to know me through my blog posts and understand exactly where I stand on the issues that challenge Everyday Americans. Though there have been clashes regarding ideology, I would like to think those clashes won’t be a foundation to ignore each other.

At any rate–I am in hot pursuit–of righteousness and in garnering support for a chance in having a forum to see real change in America that will benefit all.

If you’re inclined to agree–check out the following sites: http://www.everydayamericans2020.com and http://www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020 and let me know what you think and what your challenges are.

If you’re not inclined to agree–you won’t discover how much I care about Everyday Americans and why I want to serve them.

Where Are We?

The invader will do as he pleases; no one will be able to stand against him. He will establish himself in the Beautiful Land and will have the power to destroy it. He will determine to come with the might of his entire kingdom and will make an alliance with the king of the South. And he will give him a daughter in marriage in order to overthrow the kingdom, but his plans will not succeed or help him. Then he will turn his attention to the coastlands and will take many of them, but a commander will put an end to his insolence and will turn his insolence back on him. After this, he will turn back toward the fortresses of his own country but will stumble and fall, to be seen no more. “His successor will send out a tax collector to maintain the royal splendor. In a few years, however, he will be destroyed, yet not in anger or in battle. “He will be succeeded by a contemptible person who has not been given the honor of royalty. He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue. Then an overwhelming army will be swept away before him; both it and a prince of the covenant will be destroyed. After coming to an agreement with him, he will act deceitfully, and with only a few people he will rise to power. When the richest provinces feel secure, he will invade them and will achieve what neither his fathers nor his forefathers did. He will distribute plunder, loot and wealth among his followers. He will plot the overthrow of fortresses—but only for a time. “With a large army he will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South. The king of the South will wage war with a large and very powerful army, but he will not be able to stand because of the plots devised against him. Those who eat from the king’s provisions will try to destroy him; his army will be swept away, and many will fall in battle. The two kings, with their hearts bent on evil, will sit at the same table and lie to each other, but to no avail, because an end will still come at the appointed time. With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him. “Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. When they fall, they will receive a little help, and many who are not sincere will join them. Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time. “The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. Daniel 11:16-29, 32-36 NIV  (Read the entire book of Daniel)

The Word of The Lord, Our God!

Are We Defeated?

The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters. Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. I Corinthians 6:7-11 NIV

When victory is not the end result–there lies defeat. Are we defeated?

I submit to you–that as long as we do things according to The Word–we will not be defeated, but know victory at every turn!

When we tell the truth–we know victory!

When we stand up for and promote righteousness–we know victory!

When we refuse to cave to popular opinion and reject the ways of the world–we know victory!

No matter what the doctor’s report says–we are victorious!

No matter what our bank account shows us–we are victorious!

No matter what people think of us or who we support–politically–we are victorious!

No matter what temptation the enemy puts in front of us–we will not be tempted to live in opposition to God’s Word–we are victorious!

With God going before us in everything we do–He is more than enough! In Him, we live and move and have our being! We are victorious through Jesus Christ!

So, keep going–living The Word, daily–never expecting or ready to concede defeat in anything. Just keep going and going and going–looking to Him–the author and finisher of our faith–knowing that no matter what happens on earth, in the end–we win and will spend eternity with Him!

 

Remain and Maintain!

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. John 15:4-10 NIV

To remain somewhere or in something means to stay there. To maintain something means to keep it up–don’t depart from it.

If we remain–stay with God and allow His Word to stay in us, we will bear much fruit with Him and without Him, we accomplish nothing.

If we stay with God and stay with His Word we can ask whatever we want from Him and He will do it–according to His Word.

If we stay in His love as we maintain our walk–keeping His commandment to love,  we will continue in His love.

Notice–this is about love–not lust as some have ignorantly claimed in order to justify their perversion to keeping God’s Word.

We must make a decision and then stick with it to do as God directs us, not man and to love others as we obey God.

Now, this might seem a little tricky to some, but it isn’t when we know that God’s love for us is unconditional–regardless of our race, nationality, ethnicity or religious beliefs–He loves us all and is waiting for us to love Him as much as He loves us. Loving others unconditionally does not mean we condone wrong doing or blatant sin, but we care enough to keep praying and seeking God for direction. We do not have to agree with others in order to love them and we certainly do not have to live in opposition to God’s Word to prove our love for others.

True love of God–means we stand firm on what’s right and sometimes–we love from afar–maintaining our stance in our determination to live according to God’s Word.

Love can change people, but in order for the change to make an impact–we must clarify our position in living for The Lord–not for political correctness. This does not mean we hate or demonize or rant about others with who whom we disagree–it means we simply give no place for wrong to influence our determination to obey God.

Throughout this day and for the rest of week–let’s practice how we remain in His Will and determine how we’ll maintain our position of faith in Him and our determination to love–no matter what!