No More Lies!

Trump is averaging — AVERAGING — 30 false or misleading claims a day in the last seven weeks. And, per the Fact Checker, he often of late soars far above that average. As one example: On October 22, when he traveled to Houston to hold a rally for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R), Trump, said 83 untrue things in a single day. 83!

A recent interview published in Vanity Fair reveals that trump said, “blacks were too stupid to vote for him.”

At a rally this past week, trump claimed that President Obama was the biggest liar because he said over a period of time, that people would be able to keep their own doctors (he thought was true at the time) 28 times. Yes, it was a promise that President Obama thought would happen with the ACA, but because of glitches in the program he had no control over, it didn’t come true. However, the lies told by trump number over 6 thousand, averaging 30 lies per day–since he was sworn into office.

He’s lying to his base about the danger of the “caravans” attempting to come into the United States illegally. He’s lying about the need for 5K troops, undermining the military use of soldiers to invoke fear.

He’s lying about Democrats wanting to “take your healthcare” when it has been Democrats fighting for access to healthcare for everyone. Republicans have 9 cases in court–to deny health coverage to people with pre-existing conditions through the ACA program. They know if they can deny people the right to health coverage for pre-existing conditions, it will effectively make the ACA ineffective and they can stop providing all coverage.

Some of the pre-existing conditions Republicans in congress don’t want covered are: cancer treatments, diabetes, asthma, pregnancies, mental illness/treatment, and opioid treatments. Now, days and hours before the Mid Term elections, they’re “lying” about covering pre-existing conditions only because it is Democrats fighting for the protections and they are discussing in their campaigns.

It’s time for people to wake up and some have. I’ve noticed a number of people on Twitter declaring they were Republicans, but are voting for every Democrat on their ballots with the hashtag #GOPVotingBlue! They are tired of the lies, the hatred, the bigotry, the fearmongering and lack of empathy and compassion they’ve seen from the White House. I don’t know if anyone could have imagined a resident of the Oval House complain that coverage of a “mass murder” at a Jewish synagogue interfered with the momentum of his hate rallies. Really? That was his concern. The media wasn’t covering his rallies, but were instead covering the loss of lives by a madman, stoked by fear listening to trump. And let’s not forget, the idiot trump supporter who mailed pipe bombs to those who have vocally criticized him–members of Congress, past presidents, celebrities and the media. He didn’t even take time to condemn the act.

So, if you’re as tired of the lies as I am, it’s time to do something about it. Democrats are not for open borders–we want sustainable immigration reform. Democrats are not trying to take anyone’s guns–we want common sense gun reform so that people won’t be able to walk into a worship service and gun down people with an assault rifle. Democrats want reduced taxes for the middle class and working families and want the wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes. Democrats want all workers to have a living wage and not have to work two and three jobs to survive. Democrats want consumer protections to make sure all can breathe the air, drink the water and eat food produced from soil that has not been contaminated by poisonous chemicals. Democrats want every person who desires a higher education to be able to afford getting one, without mounds of debt. Democrats want Senior Citizens to enjoy their final years without worrying about how they’re to eat, keep a roof over their heads or to pay for their healthcare. Democrats want every veteran who has served our country to have the benefits they need.

If you haven’t already voted, make sure you exercise your right to do so or this may be the last time.  Fascism–taking away the rights as guaranteed every American in our Constitution–is encroaching with trump since the GOP Congress won’t do their job. America has no need for a dictator and we won’t stand for having one.

The desperation people in hear in trump’s voice, invoking fear and hatred is real. That’s the only thing he’s not lying about, because he knows–a Democratic Congress will hold him accountable for everything he does and he will no longer have a free pass to rape the US Treasury or pass legislation that is vindictive and spiteful. But because he is so fearful and insecure, he will stoke anger and hatred among those who refuse to think for themselves and he hopes enough anger with arise for him to employ martial law–bringing in the military to keep order, while really establishing himself as the lone wolf–instructed by Putin–to destroy our democracy.

Oh, and the lies people hear in churches–are designed to keep those listening under control. It’s really a shame that many good people are sitting in churches everywhere, listening to the lies being told by church leadership–just to control them. They will never tell people the truth–God gives us choices and respects our choices. Religious folks simply want to control others and their bodies (except for the men). I will say this one more time–just in case people didn’t “hear” it before–

God did not choose trump to lead this country; fearful, hateful, bigoted people chose trump!

If people haven’t figured this out by now, God help them. But if they have, do like those who are now voting for Democrats–Vote Blue–because whether some like it or not, Democratic values are more aligned with Scripture than anything the Religious Right are demonstrating. Don’t take my word for it–read the bible for yourself (Matthew 25:31-45).  Of course, understanding the Bible would mean a person has a relationship with Christ and He is dwelling in their hearts, so full of love there is no room for hate or fear.

Did not Jesus tell us in John 8:32 that if we held to His teaching (not men’s), “We shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free?”

We’re also told in the bible that Satan is the father of lies, a master of deception, and his only job is to kill, steal, and destroy. We see all the character traits of Satan in trump in all he says and does. His constant lies indicate who his father is, his invention of problems where there are none–deceptive to get media attention; he’s killing people by withholding subsidies for healthcare, stealing from tax payers on a daily basis, and trying his best to destroy our democracy. Pay attention, America!

I’ve already voted and I voted Blue–for the people–all the people! What are you going to do?

Advertisement

American Values

If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. It what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved–even though only as one escaping through the flames. Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst. If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future–all are yours, and you are of Christ and Christ is of God. I Corinthians 3:12-23 NIV

As America celebrates its independence from British rule in 1776, we must also reflect upon the situation of that time–leading to the declaration and remembering the sacrifices made to ensure independence from those who sought to keep people in bondage, being under the thumb of authoritarian rule of royalty. The entire purpose of establishing The United States of America (then only 13 colonies) was to make sure people were not ruled by any one person or one group of people–who would abuse the rights of all people in order to benefit themselves (no taxation without representation).

That’s the mini-lesson for today and there is so much more we need to remember and understand.  For instance, why people left Britain, what happened to the Native Inhabitants of the land, why slaves were imported from Africa and other Caribbean Islands, and why religious freedom was a must for those who came to inhabit the land.

It would appear that we are having a continual discussion about the foundational beliefs of America–one being that it was founded upon Christianity–which is a myth. The founding fathers referred to biblical principles when writing the constitution, but it was not about Christianity–since many people establish religions based on biblical principles but do not call themselves Christians. But let me clear–biblical principles are great to use to determine how one lives and in how we should treat others, but it takes having a relationship with Jesus Christ to call oneself a Christian (follower of Christ). Not understanding the need for a relationship with Christ is what caused so many problems in America and in other places, but today–I’ll just deal with America.

It was “religion” not Christianity that led the early settlers in America to believe that “slavery” was their right.  Much of this belief was held because of not understanding what they read in the bible (not know who was talking or why). And yes, I know Paul talked about slaves in the New Testament, but it was a matter of understanding slavery–benefiting from free labor–not the mistreatment of other human beings. And we see the mistreatment of human beings in how the Native Inhabitants were treated, the imported slaves, and those who later migrated to America, but did not look like those who first came. I don’t want to make this a “black and white” issue, but let’s be real, white settlers took over the land from the Natives and restricted their movement because they were not white; they mistreated slaves and even after they were freed, the black people were restricted in movement and ability to thrive, as were those who migrated from Ireland, China, Poland, Italy and just about anywhere else.

And today, a fear-monger has ignited fear in others again–about those who do not look like them or worship like them and has “restricted” others from coming into the land, afraid they’ll no longer be a “superior” race of people. That’s what American Values have become–if a person is white and holds fast to the “religious-right” way of thinking about the bible, they are welcomed into this country; if not–they are kept out.

Being religious is not being a Christian since religions hold fast to man-made rules and doctrines that leave Jesus wondering if He could measure up to the standards, petty, vindictive, bigoted people establish. As stated earlier, being a Christian means to follow Jesus–doing what Jesus did–care for the poor and needy, the vulnerable, the abandoned, the bereft, those looked down upon by those in positions of authority and ignored. If we–as Christians understand that God is love and He could do nothing but love, then we understand why– in the person of human flesh– Jesus dined with sinners without judging them, went into areas where normally Jews wouldn’t wander, and healed all who came to Him. He was not concerned about a person’s position or wealth or lack thereof (though He admonished the religious who tried control people based upon their rules), he was compassionate towards all and commanded all who would follow Him, to “love God and to love one another.”

Where is the love? How do we demonstrate our love for one another? Is it rejecting–out of hand–the value and worth of another human being’s life because they are not “white” or wear a head covering, or pray five times a day, or three times a day or not at all? Is it dictating to others how they should live and then disparaging them when others don’t comply? Is it proclaiming to be “pro-life” as it pertains to a fetus, and yet refuse to assist those who are already here, by pushing an agenda that decimates the poor? Is it disregarding all those who helped to make this land great–regardless of their skin color, religious beliefs, or their gender?

If American Values are regressing to those times when people lacked understanding and thought they had to “make decisions” for others, then our values are worthless and they make the Constitution a waste of paper and sacrifices made to achieve the opportunity to write it.

This is the 21st Century, not the 1930s or 40s or 50s or 60s. We are living in an age of technology that when used appropriately, can catapult us into a future of wonder and amazement to the rest of the world. If used to undermine the very nature of what we claim to hold fast–those rights clearly established in the constitution–then we set ourselves for derision and become a non-entity to the rest of the world.

We need to reassess our American Values and make sure they align with the Constitution and the biblical principles used to establish it. Every human being in this country has the same rights as others regardless of skin color, religious belief, or gender and no one–no group has a right to undermine or destroy that. For when they undermine the Constitution, they demonstrate they do not know God and their authoritarian spirit–defies God since God is the only person we should obey. 

We have a choice–we always have a choice as to what we believe and how we treat others. I am a proud American–descendant of slaves and Native Inhabitants–a patriot in the truest sense of the word and I hold sacred the plight of the country over any political agenda to control people. And because I have a relationship with Jesus Christ and know how to love–I am a true Believer and try always to do as Jesus would do. Not everyone wants to hear truth and accept it, but God did not call me to just teach His Word and only speak truth, when people wanted to hear it. In fact, He reminded me that my job is to teach His Work and speak His truth; I’m not accountable for what people do with the truth–they are–reject or accept–it’s on them, not me.

So celebrate today in remembrance of obtaining freedom from the control of others–have a wonderful time–but remember how we got here and know the only way we stay “free” and enjoy the liberties we have is to seek God and rethink what our American Values are and what they mean to all.

I’m Mary Hall-Rayford and I approve this message.

Abiding In His Peace!

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. “All this I have spoken while still with you.  But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:23-27 NIV

While the world turns and slides and collides with the chaos and confusion that reigns in the minds of all those who don’t know Jesus, we who know Him, can rest and abide in His Peace.

Where there is peace–calamity cannot exist.

Where there is peace–differing opinions are accepted and embraced.

Where there is peace–the mind stays focused on matters of importance.

Where there is peace–there is love and hatred has no space to hide.

Where there is peace–we recognize that all human beings belong to the same race.

Where there is peace–we hear from God and obey.

While we were never promised to have a life without challenges or obstacles, we are promised that because Jesus has overcome the world, we can move forward in His peace and know the victory He has already declared.

Promoting fear–of anything or anyone–in order to promote an agenda that is not of God, will never result in anything constructive, but rather destructive. If we look at history–those who deceived the masses by igniting fear–were exposed by the results of their deeds and the greater fear–came upon them and their history–all the destruction that resulted because of their actions–became their legacy.

We know that where there is fear–no love exists–because perfect love–unconditional love–forces fear to flee. So if we want to change the landscape of hopelessness (declared by others) we must learn to love–all people and want the very best–for all people–not just a handful–and the only way we will accomplish that goal is to allow Holy Spirit to direct our every move and thought. He knows what the Father desires and He will never lead us astray.

I don’t know about you, but I love a peaceful environment in my home, in my community, and everywhere I go. It is so much easier to smile and hold conversations with complete strangers–when no one fears anyone–and peace reigns. Love wants the very best for each of us and where there is love–peace reigns and where peace reigns–love grows and grows and grows.

It’s time–for all of us to stop thinking we have the answers–for anything–and realize that the true solutions to any problem we could ever face is in Jesus. He is our provider, our healer, our comforter and our reason for being–here in the earth realm–to promote His peace, so we can live in peace and harmony with all–knowing how to disagree, agreeably!

If we allow others to lead us away from God’s Truth and become fearful of anything or anyone–we might want to check our love-gauge–and if low–go back to Him and have Him replenish us with the abundance of love He has for us. Abide in His Peace!

Don’t Worry About People!

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.What can man do to me? The LORD is for me among those who help me; Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. Psalm 118:6-9 NKJV

People–they can love on you one minute and hate you the next–depending upon whether you agree with them or disagree with them. There’s the rub–mere mortals are too fickle to trust or to have great confidence in. This is why we have to trust in The Lord, who knows all things and the hearts of all people.

People will say one thing when actually they mean another. This is evident in what we see in this election cycle. Yeah, I know–here I go again, but I think it is important to point out material differences in what is reported in the media and what is actuality. Take for instance the visit to Detroit by the Republican nominee. On the surface  or rather from the angle pictures were taken and publicized, it would appear that the church was full. It was not, another picture as seen below–was taken from the rear of the church. Here we see a completely different story. The true story–one the nominee will never tell. In fact, there were more people outside the church protesting his visit than inside.

It is this kind of “manipulation” with truth that causes confusion and misleads others. Now, think about it. How much else has been manipulated so that the media publicizes one thing, but just the opposite is true? And for the record, the visit that was supposed to be an attempt to reach out to “African Americans” was a smokescreen–more manipulation and none of us in the Black Community were fooled by it. In fact, many of us saw this manipulation as insulting. The fake humility, the attempt to “teach” Black Americans about Lincoln, and then–in a church where people read the bible–consistently–he tries to school them about a passage of scripture. Absolutely laughable!

Even with all the negativity–tossed by both parties–those of us who know The Lord are not fooled by it. And most of us, would rather the candidates speak to the issues, not the personal insults because the bottom line is–one is less honest than the other (though neither has been completely transparent).

Fear–as a tool to manipulate–is actually a tool of the devil. For The Word tells us that perfect love, casts out fear. Since we know God is Love–then fear has to represent the devil–who works on the minds of people, causing them doubt. And we know, that when doubt enters in the mind of people, fear resides in their hearts. Doubt and faith cannot reside in the same place at the same time and we are told that those who doubt what God can do is a double-minded person, unstable in all their ways. For those of us who have both natural eyes to see what’s in front of us and spiritual eyes to see through the smokescreens, we know–for our confidence is in The Lord, not man.

With the screaming and fear-mongering about Hillary and emails and Benghazi (all investigated and clearing her), not much has been said about the corrupt business deals that have caused people to lose their businesses and many people to lose money with misleading claims made to people about Trump University, the modeling agency, the casinos, and so much more. The bottom line for me is this–he may have money, but it is how his wealth was obtained–taking advantage of people– that leaves a really nasty taste in my mouth. And before anyone attempts to chastise me, all this information is public knowledge–I’m just restating it for the record. I really feel sorry for all those who have bought into his rhetoric that is nothing more than lies. I believe the facts–speak louder than the innuendo by those who are capable of critical thinking. 

So we have a choice to make in November and it is less about someone trying to take away guns (that’s never been said, but it has been manipulated to cause fear in others) than it’s about–who’s qualified to get the job done. If a person who is a business man can now create “millions of jobs” why didn’t they do it as a private citizen? Of course, we know Trump exaggerates everything, so his word actually means nothing. Even when he keeps claiming he’s not a politician, he hasn’t realized that running for a public, elected position is the definition of a politician.

They both have some confidence building to do with all people. And while I support Hillary Clinton as the most qualified person to get the job done, my confidence remains in The Lord, not her and certainly not Trump.

Determined By Love!

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Ephesians 6:18-20, 23, 24 NIV

After declaring to us–Believers in The Lord Jesus Christ–how to stay dressed–armored up to get through this journey in life, Paul tells to pray–for all “The Lord’s people. And then he makes a declaration upon all the brothers and sisters in The Lord for peace and grace to rest upon all who love The Lord.

How do we determine who our brothers and sisters in The Lord are? The Word tells us that we shall each other by our love–visibly demonstrated–for one another. For where there is love, peace and grace abound; where love is not found–only fear and trepidation are known.

Political Alert and Assertion

I have been told that some do not appreciate my support of Hillary Clinton for president because of the Democratic/Progressive Platform. I have also been told that if I do not stand with Republicans and declare myself pro-life, my work will not be supported/promoted through this blog. All this from a “brother in The Lord.”

Well, here is my response from a “sister in The Lord.” My decisions and my support of Hillary Clinton are based on my communications with The Lord, not people. I have stated before that I do not condone some of the platform on which she is running, but I do know--not just believe–she is the most qualified person to sit in the White House–in spite of shortcomings as a human being. But then, none of us are perfect–are we?

I am PRO-CHOICE–not pro-abortion and there is a difference. God has given us free-will choice since He created us and it began in the garden with Adam and Eve. There are consequences for every choice we make and we have to consider the consequences before we choose to do anything. But I will not interfere with a choice a person makes because I am not the one who has to deal that consequence and I have neither heaven or hell for anyone. What I can do–for anyone having to make a choice about anything–is to pray they receive God’s wisdom and obey Him.

As for those who are pro-life, I ask this question of you: If life before presentation (being born) is precious, how can anyone justify taking the life of a person outside the womb? Killing is killing and there is no difference. So, when I look at some of the behavior of those who proclaim to be “pro-life,” I do not want to be affiliated with them. And some of these same people–who are pro-life–seem to find justification in racism and bigotry and fear-mongering. If they truly know The Lord–how can this be? For The Word says, through Paul’s letter to Timothy–“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind.” Where fear is promoted–that is not of God. We know those who love God because they promote love of all–not just themselves or for those who look and act like them.

Those who promote being fearful, and encourage disrespecting others, and demonstrate mental instability, are not flowing in the love of God. They do not belong to Him. If they are not part of the family, I have no obligation to them.

For those who promote hope in the midst of crises, have proven their worth in public service helping others, and who rise above the fray to encourage others–I see them as part of the family because they are demonstrating The Word by their actions.

On this blog–though I usually attempt to expound scripture and the practical application of The Word in our lives–my tag for this blog is, “Writing About Life” and politics is part of our lives. Therefore, I will address a number of issues that may not be palatable for a number of people, but I will always do so demonstrating application of The Word.

So, for the remainder of this political cycle–since it is not my intent to offend anyone–if those who are offended by my political stance–which is not contrary to my faith in God–choose to not follow this blog–Godspeed. I respect your right to choose what you read. I will continue to pray for you and love you, but I will not allow anyone–to deter me from acting in love--for the benefit of all–as Holy Spirit leads me.

May The Lord continue to reveal His Truth to all who are willing to receive that we may live in peace and harmony, knowing how to love all-unconditionally.

 

Until We Return To The Lord, We Will Weep!

“I myself said, “ ‘How gladly would I treat you like my children and give you a pleasant land, the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.’ I thought you would call me ‘Father’ and not turn away from following me. But like a woman unfaithful to her husband, so you, Israel, have been unfaithful to me,” declares The Lord. A cry is heard on the barren heights, the weeping and pleading of the people of Israel, because they have perverted their ways and have forgotten the LORD their God. “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.” “Yes, we will come to you, for you are the LORD our God. Jeremiah 3:19-22 NIV

In the wake of sadness because of the hatred and violence across the land, we must realize that nothing is a surprise to God. Since the days of the prophets (the true prophets), we have been warned that if we willingly forsake God’s ways, our crying would be heard from every corner. And here we are–crying–foul, injustice, hatred, bigotry–and souls are lost because we have turned from God.

Not all of us are guilty of perpetuating violence and hatred, but there are so many who are that the most the rest of us can do is to pray–appealing to God’s merciful nature--while submitting to His Ways and interceding for all who turned from Him.

I don’t know of any one person who would celebrate the lives lost–through gun violence–and yet–our legislators would rather spend time and money on a witch hunt–simply to hinder a person from being elected. It would appear to me–and I’m not serving in Washington–that it would take far less time to legislate sensible gun-control, provide the financial assistance for law enforcement agencies to train personnel not to overreact in situations than it has taken investigating Hillary Clinton. And they think–all the pointless time and money spent–tax payer money–is money well spent! How sad for our country–we have elected leaders who are spending more time and money promoting their agenda than in serving the needs of the people.

Personally, I think every person who has been sitting on their thumbs, refusing to work for the people–should be removed from office and they certainly should not be paid. If anyone else–hired to do a job refused to do it–they would be fired, so it’s time to fire the obstructionists legislators and hire those who will work for the people–not a party.

Until we get things right with God–in our own lives, in our communities and exercise common sense (exercising Godly Wisdom) when electing officials who make decisions, we will continue to hear the cries of those weeping, and we will continue to see the violence because without God guiding us–love is swept aside, so hate reigns.

There are some who think we’ll be brought to our knees if Hillary wins the election and there are some who know we’ll be brought to fall on our faces, prostrate–seeking God’s grace and mercy if Trump wins. We have seen in the past how fearmongering results in foolishness with a president who started a war–over misinformation–and the number of lives lost because of it and the trillions of debt incurred behind it. I knew then, if Bush won the second term, we’d be praying–like never before.  I wasn’t wrong, then and I’m not wrong now. We need a leader who cares about the people–all of us–regardless of our skin color, religious affiliations, ethnicity or gender–every human being in America and knows how to love–unconditionally.

Lord, forgive us and give us a heart of flesh, filled with a desire to please You and not people so love will overflow, drowning the hate and bigotry. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!

Only Love Combats Evil!

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. I Corinthians 13:1-8 NIV

Until we understand how important it is to love others–we will always cringe when we hear the news of another shooting–compelled by hate.

If we do not understand God’s unconditional love and refuse to receive it, we are unable to love others, for we cannot give what we do not have.

Unconditional love–loves regardless of what others look like, how they think or what they do. Unconditional love does not condone sin or evil, but loves beyond it. When we know Love–for God is Love–we correct those who need correction and chastise those who need it–out of love–not hatefulness.

Parents should love their children unconditionally, but compel them to adhere to rules established to protect them and help them to become productive, responsible adults. When children are not corrected and allowed to think they should have everything they want, they become spoiled brats, prone to throwing tantrums in order to get their way. If the behavior is not corrected, they become bratty adults who throw tantrums when things don’t go their way.

Husbands and wives should love each other (beyond lust)–no matter what–committed to the relationship and determined to do what is right for each other and the rest of the family.

Siblings should love one another and support each other in all things that are right and honest.

Those who love The Lord should never meet a stranger even though some strangers do not know how to love.

We should all be filled with compassion when we see injustice and sorrow in others. If we are filled with love, we are able to allow that love to overflow onto others without hatred or bigotry and certainly without fearmongering since where there is love–fear cannot dwell.

When are we–as human beings–going to figure it out? Hate is not overcome with more hate; only love can combat evil and turn things around for good.

For the sake of our children’s future–and our present–please–let us learn to love–receiving God’s love and allowing His love to overflow–from us to others and stop the violence!

Who Will Be Exalted!

The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. The LORD Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled), for all the cedars of Lebanon, tall and lofty, and all the oaks of Bashan, for all the towering mountains and all the high hills, for every lofty tower and every fortified wall, for every trading ship and every stately vessel. The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day, and the idols will totally disappear. Isaiah 2:11-18 NIV

What is an idol? An image or material object representing a deity to which religious worship is addressed or any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, adoration or devotion, or a false conception or notion, according to the dictionary.

Given the definition of an idol and rightly interpreting the use in The Word, what idols do we have that we exalt above God?

Notice the last part of the definition–a false conception–that which is not true. The carved images to which some have given “power and authority” are false. The manufactured things given power and authority are false. The people for whom some have blind admiration and devotion to are not real--they are false and should never be exalted above God. But that’s what we do–we exalt celebrities and their opinions above God’s Word.

We exalt sin above righteousness and don’t even recognize that the words we use underscore where our hearts really are when we “idolize” celebrities and other well-known people or ideologies that are opposed to God’s Word.

We celebrate confusion and chaos that reign in the lives of all who believe God doesn’t know what He’s doing or did when they were born–idolizing that confusion and exalting it above God’s Word and intent for mankind.

We idolize foolishness and ignorance as long it supports and promotes emotionalized views of bigotry and hatred against others.

In all of this idolatry and idolizing of things and people–we must understand the spirit behind our behavior. If we are not influenced by the Spirit of Righteousness, we are influenced by the spirit of evil by the arch enemy of God–Satan. It is Satan’s influence that moved upon people to exalt their carved images above the obedience of God. The idols they created were given power and authority they did not have. But because the masses were blinded to truth, they worshiped the idols–out of ignorance.

We are yet doing the same thing today–worshiping idols, worshiping things and people–out of ignorance–giving them exalted status–false power and authority that doesn’t really exist–above understanding God’s Truth and intent for mankind.

But the day is coming–and it will be soon–when all the false gods will be exposed and fear will be embedded in the hearts of all who held the idols in greater esteem than God alone. When they see the consequences of their actions rising to crush them, they will attempt to run and hide, but there is no hiding place from God. He alone has created all that was ever created and He knows every nook and cranny of every mountain, every divide in all the bodies of water and He knows our hearts–whether they are good or evil.

Those who love The Lord and obey His Word know they have no need to fear the calamity that will fall upon all who have ignored God. They know a place has been established for them for all eternity to live in the presence of the Most High God. And in the day the calamity occurs–utter destruction–of all idols–whether people or things–then they will know that The Lord alone will be exalted!