30 Days of Prayer and Praise–8!

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.Psalm 100 NIV

Day Eight

O Lord,

How excellent is Your name in all the earth! How wonderful it is to know You and how You love us. How precious is the gift of salvation to all who understand the sacrifice of love You gave to all who will believe!

We magnify Your name this day O Lord, for what You are doing in the hearts of those who love You, for those who are determined to do what is right for all people.

Lord, we love You because You first loved us and desire for all to have every good and perfect gift from You. We give You praise because there is none like You, no one who can satisfy us like You do, no one who cares about us the way You do, no one who is willing to forgive our shortcomings and keep loving us, giving us chance after chance to get things right before You. All the honor, all the glory, we give to You!

Now, Lord–we thank You for speaking to hearts, giving us wisdom and direction in all things so in all things we know You are with us and will never abandon us. We thank You for all who are hearing You speak, ready to receive a Word from You and willing to do what is right no matter what others may think. For we know it is better for us to obey You rather than man; it is better for us to commit to Your Word, rather than the laws of man.

Lord, we thank You for strengthening us with Your joy, for giving us boldness in the face in the enemy, courage to stay in the battle no matter how things look for we know–with You going before us–we are victorious in all things–for the battle is not ours, but Yours.

Thank You O Lord, for finding us worthy to be Your spokesmen, Your Watchmen, Your Messengers of love and hope, and giving us the right thing to say to all to keep them encouraged and looking to You–our comforter when distressed, our joy when sadness tries to seep into our souls, our help in time of need, our light when darkness falls upon the earth–You are everything we need and we thank You for Your love that never ends and Your faithfulness that endures for all generations!

Lord, we thank You for knowing that in Your infinite Wisdom, You created one human race, infused us all with red blood, and give us all the same choices—to receive love and love, to be thankful for Your mercy and grace, to be obedient to You in all things and live a life that speaks a loud message about who You are in our lives.

For all You are yet doing, yet speaking to the hearts of all, we thank You and praise You with our whole hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

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30 Days of Prayer and Praise–6!

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133 NIV

Day Six

Lord God our Father,

As we come before You again, with great expectation because of Your love for us, we thank You for giving us a mind to see our world as You desire it to be. That we are–one–in You–one race, one blood, united by our faith in You. Though You have poured into each of us–various gifts–both natural and spiritual–we have but one purpose and that is to please You–united by Love for You are Love!

Thank You for speaking to hearts and the message absorbed in our hearts, navigating to our minds and expressing itself in all we say and do in honor of You.

We thank You for giving us discernment–understanding the difference between just and unjust laws; between righteousness and unrighteousness, between morality and legality, and between love and hate.

We thank You for providing for every person that loves and honors You in the beauty of holiness and in the glory of Your Truth.

We thank You for ordering our steps in Your Word, releasing us from the dictates of man’s laws to follow You and You alone–for who on earth has heaven or hell for us?

We thank You for righting all wrongs by whatever method You deem necessary and for allowing us to be used by You in all that we do to encourage the hearts of many who are fearful and discouraged.

Lord, grant all who are willing to hear You respond in obedience to all You speak to them in order to preserve their faith in You and love for all.

We thank You for giving us hearts of compassion and desire to serve others as a means of promoting Your love.

We thank You for pouring Your wisdom into willing vessels who will acknowledge it is You, and not us, who knows all things, sees all things, and hears all things. And with the wisdom You provide, we are able to speak to others–sharing with them what You have shared with us–not for our glory, but for Yours alone.

Fill us right now and provide a constant refilling of wisdom and love, running down like the oil used to anoint Aaron, seeping into hearts and minds, so that everywhere we go today, wherever our words are heard or seen–people will recognize You as the Author and Finisher of our faith.

We thank You for allowing the mind of Christ to rule in us by day and by night and that we will endeavor to live in unity–loving one another as You love us–all the days of our lives–recognizing that all who have called upon You are indeed our brothers and sisters in Your family. 

We give You all the praise, glory and honor for hearing and answering our prayers because You are the only One worthy of our praise! In Jesus’ name, we pray and thank You, Amen!

 

Thieves And Their Accomplices!

When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers. Psalm 50:18 NIV

The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify. Proverbs 29:24 NIV

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:1-11 NIV

There is no “pretty” way to clean up the travesty of this election. It was rigged–by bribery and promises and we see the outcome.

We were told that the election was rigged and it was going to be stolen–for months by the same person who apparently rigged and stole it. Is my declaration a “baseless” claim? Not at all and here is the basis for this claim:

We were told by Trump–that whatever he wanted, he gave money to public officials to make sure he gets what he wants.

We were told by Trump–the election was going to be rigged–he attempted to get people to believe it was against him, but it was by and for him. His claims at his rallies were a distraction so others would not suspect what he was doing.

In three swing states–were Jill Stein requested recounts–opposition to the recounts raised the alarms in the minds of many. First, Trump claims that millions of illegal votes cost him the popular vote (a baseless claim) and the recount should have been an avenue to confirm, but no, his attorneys filed a lawsuit to stop it–in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Apparently, there is something he didn’t want discovered in the recount.

While I cannot say what has happened–definitively–in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, I can discuss what is happening in Michigan which serves as conclusive evidence of voter tampering and rigging. Not only did Trump lawyers file a lawsuit to stop the recount, but the Attorney General Bill Schuette, joined in the fight to stop the recount. Now, all these lawsuits beg the question–why–if there’s nothing to hide.

I am convinced beyond measure that officials in at least three counties in Michigan were paid to make sure the election count was in Trump’s favor. Why do I say beyond measure? As of 12/6/16, it was revealed in NYT [http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/06/us/politics/bob–dole–taiwan–lobby-trump.html] that Bob Dole was working to lobby Taiwan on behalf of Trump to establish relationships between Taiwan and the US–and that the lobbying began–six months ago–five months before the election. Now I ask again, how can a person lobby to secure relationships with someone who has not been elected on the premise that they will be?

The only way that confidence can be seen is when the end result is known because of the bribes paid to make sure it happened.

What was it he said about Hillary? “She doesn’t know how to win.” I’m concluding what he meant by that statement is–she won’t cheat or pay others to win.

Now, considering his habit of projecting--accusing others of his own character traits and behavior--his claim of “crooked Hillary” now makes sense–he’s the crooked one and has bragged about it in full public view and no one took him seriously. We know for a fact that he’s cheated people out of money–vendors, contractors and those who paid through the nose for Trump University. He attempts to take credit for things he had nothing to do with and it’s all because he craves attention and thinks nothing of cheating others. We know he paid people to “applaud his announcement for running for president” and the four “aggrieved women” who showed up at the second debate. All of his grandstanding–to make sure he remained a viable candidate for the public’s sake even though he had already arranged for the theft.

If we think back to the time when at first most republicans did not even want to meet with him, to the point when they were completely confident in him, we can see why the attitude changed. The only way he could assure them he would win was to bribe officials in those counties were republicans were in charge.

Though there may be many who will disagree with my premise, I challenge all to think about the unfolding events–everything said and done prior to the election–and seek God to reveal the truth of the matter.

The thief and his accomplices will be exposed--at some point in time and then all will know for certain how the 2016 Presidential election was rigged and stolen by the self-proclaimed billionaire who bragged about paying his way to play in the game of politics.

I’m still praying that the electors voting on December 19th will pay attention and vote to rectify this travesty and mockery of our election process.

Speaking As Approved By God!

For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. I Thessalonians 2:3-8 NIV

As a messenger of God for Gospel of Jesus Christ and a watchman, committed to telling the truth as God shows it to me and warning of impending danger, loving all unconditionally as He has commands, I declare at this moment, I will not ever write to please men, but as God speaks to my heart.

For I have noticed, through observation and actual experience that when we attempt to please men, we fall short for we can never please all the people all the time–nor at the same time. So, I’ve learned to not try pleasing people for it is a futile exercise and time waster. Since I don’t know how much time I have left on the earth, I choose not to waste my time with the silliness and irrelevance of trying to please people. For which person–clothed in flesh covered bones–has heaven or hell for me? Not one person has heaven or hell for me, therefore, I do not have to please people. However, if a person is pleased by what I do or say in my determination to please God–so be it. But my goal–is pleasing God–not people.

A caring mother or father would will always provide the child they love with instructions to keep them safe from harm and directions to keep them on a path of success in life. That’s exactly what the bible does for all who love God and claim Him as our Father and Jesus as Lord of our lives and Savior. Though they are one in purpose, I understand the distinction of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Indeed, I trust my Father to speak to my heart at all times and Holy Spirit to deliver the fully interpreted message in a way I can understand it and share it. For I recognize the way of God and His Holy language is past my understanding and I need Holy Spirit to help me rightly discern what is being said.

With the bible–written by men as God spoke to them–we have the blueprint that should be the guide to how we live. Before men began writing, God was speaking to those He chose to be His messengers and scribes wrote as instructed. Since Jesus returned to heaven after completing His mission on earth, we–everyone who believes–all have access to hearing God through Holy Spirit if we are willing to hear. Understand, when God speaks to our heart, Holy Spirit interprets so our minds will accept what is being spoken to us. Unless Holy Spirit interprets what is said–we veer off the path that God plans for us to travel and when people “think” on their own about what is right, chaos ensues.

Does not The Word remind us that, “in the multitude of counselors there is safety?” And in other passages (in Proverbs) we are warned that those who scorn knowledge will soon provoke destruction and unfortunately, the destruction will not just destroy them, but others.

I’m praying daily, almost hourly when time permits–that in the coming days the electors in our Electoral College will have hearts to hear God speak and vote the voice of the people and acknowledge the popular vote. For the mandate of this election is the voice of the people and the electors should honor their voice. Though there are some who will not agree with what I’ve just said, they’re entitled. I’m looking forward and see nothing but destruction with a president who cares nothing for protocol or dignity, integrity and honor. When the destruction comes, if our electors are not willing to hear God, it will impact all our lives and like those fleeing Aleppo, we might be next–fleeing one city after the other, but the real problem will be–where will we go?

Lord, speak to the hearts of those in position to make a decision that will impact all our lives either positively or negatively. Allow every elector in the Electoral College to see beyond the moment of their vote, so they will understand the importance of our having a future without chaos and more hatred and bigotry, marring the landscape for generations to come. Speak to the heart of every child You claim as Yours, creating in them a desire to please You and not men. I pray that every one of Your children will we willing to hear and act upon all You say so we can enjoy peace in the land–for all mankind. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

Listen From Within!

Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.”But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing at all. Yet what is due me is in the LORD’s hand, and my reward is with my God.”And now the LORD says— he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD and my God has been my strength—he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”This is what the LORD says— the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel— to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: “Kings will see you and stand up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”This is what the LORD says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances, to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’ “They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill.They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. I will turn all my mountains into roads, and my highways will be raised up. See, they will come from afar— some from the north, some from the west, some from the region of Aswan. Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:1-13 NIV

Many people “hear” things and other people, but how many people “listen” from within–blocking out all the noise around them?

There is noise all around us–the sound of hate and bigotry, the sound of war and anger, the sound of pride and arrogance, the clanging, the whistling, the shouts, the moans and groans, the sounds of victory and defeat, the sounds–bombarding us, sometimes, making us cover our ears because of the deafening loudness. We hear all the noise from the outside that keeps us from hearing The Lord speak to our hearts–when we are unable to listen!

In times past–hundreds of years ago–the chosen prophets were the messengers of God and now–for all who are filled with Holy Spirit–and listen to Him, we are the messengers of God. But what message are we providing to the people? Is it our message or His message? If we are hearing the outside noises to the degree we cannot listen to Him, the message we deliver may not be His, but ours.

How do we know when we are delivering God’s message and not our own? If what we are saying is based upon His Word and we have spent time with Him–in a position to hear and listen to Him, we can be assured that the message He has given us to share –is indeed, His message and not our own.

If we learn to listen–to Him–and tune out all the noise around us–we will always know the message is one of God’s truths, not our own and the message will encourage all to seek Him and develop a right relationship with Him, not people. For if our relationship with God is right, He will give us favor with men and when we demonstrate the love He has poured into us with others, we will generate an environment of love–not hate, peace–not war, joy–not sadness; if we learn to listen from within!

Lord,

Unstop our spiritual ears that we may hear You above the noise and listen–intently to all You have to say and then stir up our hearts, renew our courage and boldness to obey You in all things whether others understand it or not. For it is to You and You alone we give glory and honor, for You are the only One worthy of our praise. Thank You for hearing and answering our call–always and for guiding us in doing the right thing at all times. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!