Sometimes I Want To Quit!

“For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37  NKJV

Every once in a while, I feel like quitting–trying to make a difference for others is extremely hard work–when fighting against the odds or rather the people who hate becomes overwhelming. But then, in my quiet time, I meditate on The Word and remember–as long as God is in the plan, nothing will be too difficult for us (not just me) to accomplish!

Don’t get me wrong–for those who don’t believe in God–that’s your belief and I won’t challenge it, but I believe in my relationship with God and I know–as long as I’m willing to listen to Him, I can’t go wrong. I also know–God is not coming down from His throne to do anything–He has always worked through people and He always will–until He returns to take us home with Him for all eternity.

So, I’m looking for some of those people who are willing to be used–by God and in my presidential campaign efforts. I need to have a conversation with an experienced Campaign Manager and Finance Director. Notice, I said conversation since nothing is written in cement (FEC) and won’t be until November 7, 2018, but  I need to be ready to go, not getting ready to go forth. If this is you–visit and leave a comment on http://www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020.  Read through the material depicting my stance and let me know what you think.

No matter what happens, I’m not going to stop caring about all people, loving all people, and working to make sure all people are treated like human beings–no hate or haters, not fearmongering, just love! So, even if I feel like quitting sometimes, I won’t. This time in my life is far too important for me to quit.

 

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Be Still and Know!

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;  he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46 NIV

I know there are many people out there right now who disdain the use of “God” or “Jesus” and they feel justified in doing so, but I’m reminding those who believe in His plan for their lives to remember His promises and be still and know, He has not forgotten you.

In the midst of crisis, it’s difficult for any of us to stay focused on God’s promises when we feel our lives are at risk. Believing God does not mean we do stupid things or act unwisely in the midst of a crisis, but we seek His wisdom and hold fast to our faith that He will make a way.

Hurricanes are an act of nature and God saves in the midst of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and all manner of situations in which we have no control. But if we act wisely, trusting our dependence on Him, He will see us through what nature tends to throw our way.

Yes, bad things happen to good people and only God knows why He allows certain things to happen to some people and not others. I’m not God, so I’m not going to pretend I have all the answers, but I trust Him. “In all our getting, get wisdom.” “Wisdom is the principal thing.” Solomon repeatedly refers to the wisdom being the utmost importance. When we things through and act wisely, we could avoid certain devastations. And though we get upset over the loss of things, we must remember things can be replaced–lives won’t be. So the wisdom we must exercise is about saving lives, not things.

Even though Harvey was predicted in enough time for people to make provisions to move out of the way of danger, most people could not have imagined the rain that would proceed in the aftermath. This is not an act of God–it is an act of nature and if anyone wants to attribute the storm to being an act of God, and attempt to claim it is retribution for the people who live there–they make a mockery of who God is.

For the religious-right who have said John McCain’s cancer is God’s retribution because of a vote–shame on them. They obviously have no knowledge of God and how He functions in the earth. But the rub here is–some of those same folks would “never” say the storm is retribution for the wrongs they have done against the poor and the needy. God doesn’t get into our politics because what we do–who we vote for and put into positions of authority are on us–and when we don’t act wisely, we don’t get wise leadership in those positions of authority.

In the coming days, it will be extremely difficult for some to hold onto their faith and know that in the end, everything will be all right. I’m confident that acting wisely, seeing to the needs of others and taking care of self will result in lives being saved. I encourage everyone who can to make donations to American Red Cross so they will have adequate resources to meet the needs of the people. Donations can be made online (with a minimum of $10). I made my contribution and would love to see as many people as possible do the same–especially those who recently won lotteries. Now is a good time to help others in need.

My heart and thoughts are embedded in the crisis in Texas and I will continue praying for their safety and for the rains to abate. God knows what it is He wants to accomplish in the hearts of men and women everywhere and I’m sure it will be as He has determined.  Stay safe!

 

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!

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.

 

Continue In Faith!

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through our blemish and free from accusation–if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in this gospel. Colossians 1:17-23 NIV

No matter what idiocy we see from the White House, no matter how much we hate to see the fate of the nation in the hands of an unstable, inept administration, we must continue in the faith–refusing to budge from the hope–that we will be victorious in the end because it is God’s desire that we succeed in all things that are like Him.

The rub–for many and felt by many–is the consistently false notion that only Republicans are true Christians. We see–the world sees–this is not true since their only concern is appeasing the rich and their corporate donors; they have no concern for the poor and the vulnerable. Therefore, their behavior is not Christ-like and they can have no claim to being followings of Jesus Christ. We are told in The Word, we shall know who belongs to Christ by our love for one another.

Love does not seek to hurt, harm or abandon–leaving people totally disenfranchised within a society that is supposed to have governance for all people–not just some.

Love–unconditional love–lifts and encourages, provides the means to ease suffering, making sure the poor eat and have shelter. There is no love demonstrated by the GOP in Washington that will remotely help the poor. However, there are Republican governors who are speaking up to protect their constituents from the ravages of not having appropriate healthcare. We have yet to see how the most recent atrocity of a healthcare bill will proceed.

For those of us watching in the wings, we must continue in the faith we have that no matter what they do–we still have a job to do. We must continue, openly opposing actions that will devastate millions; we must continue to support those who will speak up for the poor and the needy and where we can, we must get actively involved in the process by running for something–a political office where our voices can be heard and we can make a difference.

It is because of my concern about the present administration and their lack of ability to understand how government works in a democracy that I’m driven–by love for all–to run for President in 2020. This is why I shall reference this often in all my subsequent blogs as I lay the foundation, seeking support to make this run a reality and not just a possibility. I encourage anyone reading this blog and others to look at my page on FaceBook (www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020) to see where I stand and the potential proposals I plan to make life better for Everyday Americans. Leave a comment and let me know what you think–pro or con–(not nasty) and if you’d like to join this coalition, let me know that, too! And don’t forget to continue in faith, never losing hope!

Great Love!

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, my soul. Psalm 103:8-22 NIV

How great is the love The Lord has for us! His love–so great–that it covers our sins and forgives us, giving us chance after chance to get living right for Him!

Now The Lord doesn’t “cover” our sin so it is hidden; He covered it with His blood that we might be washed clean, emptying the desire out of us to disobey and filling us with commitment to obey. That is not to say we become perfect at any given time, but because of His everlasting, enduring love, we walk in faith, knowing He will correct us when we stray from the path He determined for us.

Are we on the right path–paved with love?

There is a common, foundational belief that whatever is in us is all that will come out of us. Therefore, in order for us to walk the life path of love He has destined for us, we must be filled to overflowing with His love–allowing the love to flow onto others, saturating them until there is no room in their hearts for hate. So, if hate is what we see coming forth from people it is because that’s all they have within their hearts.

How do we change what we see?

Our lives should be “squared” with love, hope, faith and integrity–so that all that escapes from us is an illustration of what is in us. So, if anyone is lacking in love, hope, faith, and integrity, meet up with those who have demonstrated an unyielding love for others and pray that all they have within will be grafted into your heart.

Without love–we will not care for others and make decisions that are best for all.

Without love–we will not see the needs of those who dare to think differently than we do.

Without love–we will not see that all human beings deserve respect.

Without love–we will not understand that there is no superior race of people.

Without love–we will not understand the power of words in what we say, type, write, tweet or wear on a T-shirt.

Without love–we will not appreciate the diversity of cultures that surround us.

Without love–we will not live to be of service to others.

Love understands and reaches out with hope, speaks with integrity and builds relationships with faith.

Hate destroys.

What’s in your heart? Whatever is there is all we’ll see and no matter what is said, actions always speak louder than words.

Remember, there is no greater love than the love God has poured into us to share with others.

Serving others always begins with love, endures with love, and ends with love.

Steadfast!

Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.  The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.  Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.  Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:11-27 NIV

Wow! Keep your head up–looking forward–not backwards–keeping your eyes fixed on what’s ahead, not what’s behind! Know what’s in your heart and guard what God has put there for only what is in your heart will come forth and be seen by others. Carefully think about the path of life you take and then be steadfast–unwavering in all your ways.

Steadfast (according to Merriam Webster) is to be immovable, not subject to changing, firm in belief and determination or adherence.

The steadfast love of The Lord–never ceases, never comes to an end. His mercies are new every morning! Hallelujah!

There is much to said about the physical posture and spiritual posture in this selection from Proverbs. If we keep our eyes focused on what is ahead of us–chances our we are holding our heads up, not down and we can keep the muscles in our neck and back toned, avoiding some of the effects of gravity with atrophied muscles which lead to hanging flesh and aggravation of nerves and muscles.

From a spiritual perspective–if we keep our heads up, we demonstrate a posture that proclaims our confidence in God. We always look to how we can lift others so they too will be able to hold their heads high–not in arrogant pride, but in a confidence that says, we trust God. When we look forward–we are ready to receive all the goodness He has for us, putting aside our pasts and those things that kept us from receiving God’s best. When our gazes are straight ahead; it’s difficult to look down upon others.

When we trust God and know that His plans are what is best for us, we can confidently put one foot in front of the other without worrying about stumble, because if we stay on the path He has determined for us, He will clear the way and nothing will hamper our journey.

I can’t speak for anyone else today, but I am confidently moving forward in all I hear God speak to me, trusting the path He has established and I will not allow what others say or do to deter me.

This is the day The Lord has made and I shall rejoice and be glad in it–holding my head high and looking ahead to all He has for me!

In Humility!

The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead. The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight. The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live. The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:24-33 NIV

It is with great humility that I acknowledge the quest I’ve taken upon myself is going to be the biggest challenge experienced in my life.

Though there are some who may be hesitant to grasp the reality of a potential presidential run by me, others have embraced the idea to the point of being willing to board the bandwagon that as yet, has no wheels. I am thoroughly humbled by their trust and support and candidness.

I remember saying to my walking buddy, that in this place and time (as always with me), I need people to help with my campaign, but I don’t want anyone around who is simply going to agree with everything I say. I need people in my life right now who will question everything I do–to ignite critical thinking about everything I say or do. I’m not afraid of correction and when I’m wrong, I’ll be the first to admit it.

There is much I do not know about undertaking the challenges of a presidential run, but I’m an avid researcher and know how to say, “Uncle” and call upon others who have the knowledge and expertise that I don’t. I’m willing to learn and work hard to earn the trust and respect of those who believe in me and to maintain their trust and respect.

One person expressed their concern about me risking trading my faith because of all the unethical behavior associated with politics or compromising my stance with regard to biblical principles that I teach and write about–prolifically. I appreciate her concern and addressed it and she was assured that I would do nothing without putting the issue before The Lord and would obey Him.

Now, I realize that my belief in the Bible and relationship with Jesus Christ may cause some to halt–mid-stream in a desire to support my run and I can certainly understand it. But let me say this much to clear the air before we even start to put those wheels on the bandwagon. I have not changed my views about what God has said and won’t change my views about what God has said. I recognize that people–every human being capable of making a logical decision–have a right to do so without my intervention. Though I may not agree with their lifestyle or decisions, none of that will stop me from loving them as a human being and praying for them to receive God’s best for their lives.

God is pro-choice (giving us all free-will and not forcing us to do anything) and therefore, I am pro-choice. This does not mean I am pro-abortion, nor does it mean that I or anyone else has a right to tell anyone else what to do with their lives. I believe that every woman has a right to make the best decision she can about her life and I know there are situations in which an abortion is the right choice and the only person who has to live with the choice, is the person making the decision–not me or others.

I cannot see myself–as a Born-Again Believer–attempting to force my views upon others when I don’t have to live their life. I am concerned about all life–especially the lives of babies, mothers, children, senior citizens,  and students and know that it is the responsibility of the Believer to take defend the rights of the poor, vulnerable and needy. So while I admit, I do not understand the choices some people make (and I’m sure that’s equally true in how others feel about me), I can respect their right to make decisions about their lives. As long as a person’s rights don’t infringe upon mine or mine infringe upon them–we’re good. The wisest people know that whether we agree about anything or not, there are consequences for everything we do that will impact our lives either negatively or positively.

I’ve also been reminded how the enemy will work overtime in trying to dig up dirt in an effort to create animosity against me. I know what people cannot find to undermine me they will manufacture in an attempt to discredit me. I can’t stop them. People can say whatever they want to say and nothing they say defines truth about me or others. Therefore, they can have at it. I do not have to respond to foolishness or stupidity or trumped up allegations about anything and I won’t. As I pointed out to a couple of people–my life is “literally” an open book. Anything, anyone wants to know me–good, bad, indifferent–can be found in one of my books or in a blog post and they’re all available online. I have nothing to hide.

Knowing the challenges I’ll be facing over the coming months will certainly keep me communicating with my Daddy and because He loves me, He’ll guide me every step of the way. If by chance I happen to misunderstand something He’s telling me, Holy Spirit will be right there to remind me and set me back on track.

Father,

Thank You for wisdom and insight and humility to understand I need You–every hour of every day–I need You. Thank you for loving me, correcting, and my guiding me in all that needs to be done and for sending people in my direction that can and will keep the wheels on the bandwagon turning in the direction in which You would have us to go. Remind me that nothing I do or encourage others to do should be done in an effort to bring glory to anyone other than You.

In Jesus’ name I pray and thank You, Amen!

 

Words And Deeds!

And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 21:31-37 NIV

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. John 3:17-21 NIV

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. James 2:14-22 NIV

We can talk and talk and talk–say a lot of words–empty words, meaningless words–and if we don’t act upon what we say--doing all the good things (not the evil), then our words mean nothing. If our words mean nothing, why are we yet talking?

It is amazing how those in the White House want people to believe what they say, but what they say is not believable because of all the lies, piled upon lies emanating from their lips and then we do not see the “good” deeds; we see the horror of their actions reenacted across the nation by those who will suffer the most from voting for a con man.

How were they conned? They heard what he said–ignoring what he has done all his life–and they believed his words which were calculated lies. They will suffer and so will he, but the rest of us will also suffer from his negligence–and his lack of faith and belief in God. For surely if he believed God and were saved, America would not be in the mess we’re in right now.

Meditate on God’s Word–think about what is said and then reflect upon what you see, drawing your own conclusions.

In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever. I Timothy 5:25 NIV

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 NIV

Justifying The Lying!

The LORD said to Job: “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!”Then Job answered the LORD:  “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more.”  Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm:“Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.“Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like his?  Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at all who are proud and bring them low, look at all who are proud and humble them, crush the wicked where they stand. Bury them all in the dust together; shroud their faces in the grave. Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you. Job 40:14 NIV

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers  23:19 NIV

And in that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and calamities will come on them, and in that day they will ask, ‘Have not these disasters come on us because our God is not with us?’ Deuteronomy 31:17 NIV

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, Romans 14:17 NIV

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people. 1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10 NIV

If we look at the plight of America and Americans, we can see that there are problems all around us. Job had problems after Satan got permission from God to test him. Though the assaults were devastating–the loss of property, children, and covered with boils–Job maintained his faith in God. Because of his faith in God, all he had lost was restored.

The story of Job is the oldest known book of the bible and in it we find what real faith in God is. Yes, we acknowledge our circumstances, but we don’t dwell on the negatives and try to see God in all we do. In all of the story–with his friends trying to persuade him to curse God and die and even his wife–Job remains steadfast–determined not to allow anyone to deter his faith in God. And the one thing we must remember in all of his trials–Satan couldn’t do a thing to Job without God’s permission and because God knew Job–He allowed the unfolding events in Job’s life.

Does God know us well enough to know our end from the beginning? Of course He does. He knows who will remain faithful to Him without lying on Him in the process. He knows who will obey and do what they’re told to do whether they understand it or not. He knows the level of our faith and nothing we say or do to justify a lie–especially about Him–will surprise Him.

God is not surprised by the lies people tell on Him–especially those in the “church” arena. In fact, part of the problem is that people are “in churches–the physical buildings” but they are not the church which we are supposed to be. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” 1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV

We are the body of Christ–whoever believes and obeys! It is the body of Christ (the collective group of Believers) who is the church–not a building–where people meet.

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13, NIV

Now if we are the Body of Christ–and have been filled with His Spirit--we know when He speaks and we know He will never lie to us and everything He speaks, aligns with The Word of God. So, why then are people–the church leaders lying on God and then trying to justify the lying?

It is simple as breathing. People lie because Satan is their father and we know that it is true because God’s Word tells us so. Since we know God won’t lie we also know He would never choose a liar to govern people. But God allows things to happen and it is possible that Satan got permission to test God’s people as it pertains to the 2016 Election and the people failed the test–because their faith was not in God, but a man–a mere mortal.

And this is why we have the situation in Washington that exists–church leaders failed the test, but God never fails. God has not forsaken those who truly love Him and will obey–even in the midst of persecution and derision. He knows our thoughts from far off and He knows the direction He wants us to take. It is truly unfortunate that many will suffer because of those who sought to control other people rather than allowing Holy Spirit to do His job.

There is no justifying the lying and all those who are yet lying–claiming God chose Trump to be president are lying. If God was in the business of choosing elected leaders then those same people who hated Obama with a vengeance would have to acknowledge that God chose him to be president, too since God is not a respecter of people. Now which it is-is God choosing presidents or is He allowing people to choose through the election process?