Quick Reactions!

Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. Proverbs 29:20 NIV

When we are reactionaries–reacting to situations rather than responders–we tend to do things we later regret or cause us remorse.

The toddler-in-chief in the White House is a reactionary–he thinks he’s being tough being a bully, insulting others. He’s not tough–he’s insecure and weak–and his hasty reactions demonstrate his lack of ability to intellectually reason through any situation. His thin-skinned nature–unable to take comments from others in stride as real leaders learn to do, is a dangerous situation for all America.

His lack of discipline and impulsivity indicate a serious cognitive impairment and he’s crying out for help, but his enablers–who won’t tell him the truth–are leading him down a merry path of destruction for them–and the rest of us.

It only takes a second to react to a situation–igniting other reactions–and none of them positive.

It takes time to think–rationally–to provide an intelligent response to situation–that won’t ignite or fuel stupidity.

trump is a reactor–not a responder and that makes him dangerous for all and let’s not forget–he has the nuclear codes–not a good idea for a person incapable of thinking first.

But don’t take my word for it–just review his actions for the last six months–without the rose-colored or rather “conservative” blinders.

Every day, he proves that we deserve a better leader–one who is capable of rational thought and will lead the country for the benefit of all Everyday Americans. I encourage all to read http://www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020 and judge for yourself if in fact, I would be a more stable leader in the White House. We cannot expect change in the White House from a reactionary, so we must change who is in the White House so a responder is making decisions for all Americans.

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Foolishness!

In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. Asa then took the silver and gold out of the treasuries of the LORD’s temple and of his own palace and sent it to Ben-Hadad king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus. “Let there be a treaty between me and you,” he said, “as there was between my father and your father. See, I am sending you silver and gold. Now break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel so he will withdraw from me.”Ben-Hadad agreed with King Asa and sent the commanders of his forces against the towns of Israel. They conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel Maim and all the store cities of Naphtali. When Baasha heard this, he stopped building Ramah and abandoned his work.Then King Asa brought all the men of Judah, and they carried away from Ramah the stones and timber Baasha had been using. With them he built up Geba and Mizpah. At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him: “Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand.Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet when you relied on the LORD, he delivered them into your hand. For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.”Asa was angry with the seer because of this; he was so enraged that he put him in prison. At the same time Asa brutally oppressed some of the people. 2 Chronicles 16:1-10 NIV

Does anyone see the parallels from the past to the present other than me?

No matter how hard we try to leave God or His Word out of what unfolds on a daily basis, when we look–diligently–we find there truly is nothing new under the sun. The same wicked attitudes that prevailed in the hearts of those who turned from God (or never knew Him) exist today.

Despots–never have enough and are also willing to make deals with the devil. They don’t care about ruining a nation’s resources as long as they get what they want–attention and praise–but it all fails and God’s truth reigns.

Let’s see:

Who’s building a wall and is the wall to keep others out or us in?

Who owes megabucks to another despot who has no qualms in oppressing or killing people?

Who has incited provocation by another despot simply to create a distraction from an investigation in their involvement with the 2016 Election fiasco?

Who will not listen to those who present truth and instead relies upon those who will only tell him what he wants to hear?

God is not fooled by any of the nonsense and when it is all said and done–the truth will be revealed and those who dare to defy God and mistreat and misuse His children, will get their just reward. For The Word tells, “we will reap what we sow.”

For all the falsehoods and lies proclaimed against Hillary–we see now that the #WHidiot was merely projecting onto her that which resided in him.

He is the corrupt one.

He is the liar.

He is the warhawk.

He is the one who made money from the masqueraded attack on Syria that accomplished nothing.

He is the unstable one and unfit to serve the United States in any capacity unless he’s serving time in prison for all the heinous acts he’s committed.

He’s also the one who lacks stamina (a claim he constantly lodged at Hillary) and can’t get through a month without retreating to one of his golf clubs.

And with all the negative “Tweets” lodged at President Obama, we see further evidence of what he projected about himself. Yeah, he’s very “instinctual.” He’s not very “presidential” and no matter what he does–he won’t be.

But foolishness doesn’t stop with him–it continues on the back of those who supported him in the election and those who refuse to uphold their oaths in Congress. They, too shall know the wrath of God when they are “unseated” never to be seen in a public office ever again.  His base supporters will discover they voted against their own interests, if they have not figured that out, yet. The biggest losers will be those who believed the pathological liar about–non-existing good jobs with good pay, repealing ACA (hatefully known as Obamacare), re-opening coal mines and lowering taxes. Instead we get the decimation of everything established to protect the consumer.

If taxes are lowered–there will be no funding for schools, the poor, the undereducated, the veterans who served this country well, the seniors who worked most of their lives to support the governmental path, and the military will suffer when taxes don’t exist to pay for the costly results of an idiot. The only way, our country survives and thrives is for the most wealthy to pay more taxes so the needs of every citizen are met.

To do things any other way would be pure foolishness. But then–that’s what fools do. But don’t believe the one telling the truth–like Asa did and got angry instead. Anger will not repel God’s truth or prevent the inevitable from disobeying.

What?

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 may 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. 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 NIV

Some things just need clarification and so today, I’m going to attempt to clarify some of what Paul has said to the Believers of that era and how it applies to us today.

We are told repeatedly in the bible about not allowing ourselves to be deceived by those who would hoodwink us into believing a lie. If we understand how Satan operates, we know that he approaches some in the guise of a sheep when he is actually a wolf–ready to devour the vulnerable.

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Galatians 3:1-3 NIV

Are we living according to the Spirit of God or our flesh and the dictates of man? We are also warned about listening to and obeying what “mere mortals” say over what God has said. The best example we have of courageous souls who chose to obey God rather than “evil authority” is Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They all refused to obey the dictates of an evil authority–one who worshiped idols and knew not God and the evil authority ordered them to be killed–Daniel thrown in the lion’s den and the others into the furnace–heated hotter than ever before. And the outcome–God shut the mouths of the lions and protected them in the blazing fire.

Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. Daniel 3:15-18 NIV

If we continue reading the story, we see how God is able to save those who belong to Him and with the demonstration of His power, convince others to take Him seriously.

Now, to get back to when we ought to obey those in governmental authority.We are not obligated to obey any authority that does not honor The Word of God. Therefore, when people use the following verse of scripture in an attempt to get us to believe Trump is God’s choice for president, they lie and the truth is not in them. But let’s keep scriptures in context and see what God is saying through Paul, while remembering how Jesus opposed the Pharisees who were an authority.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. Romans 13:1-5 NIV

Wait for it to sink in. For there is no authority except that which God has established. Remember when Paul is talking to new converts in Rome and then remember when our “democratic process” was established. Was this established by God or man?

Exactly when did God establish the governmental hierarchy we now have? Did He decide we would have a president, vice-president, speaker of the house, etc. or did man make that decision?

If the established authority was indeed established by God–then we could all rest assured the servant of God would know God. How can we be a servant of anyone we don’t know? And if a servant of God is in a position of authority, then it is for our good and we are obligated to obey the established authority in the servant of God. Is Trump a servant of God or of himself? We know by all accounts seen–Trump does not know God and even though there are some who are praying for conversion–the prayers do not negate the fact that since Trump is not a servant of God–he is not an authority established by God, but by man.

But there’s more.

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:6-10 NIV

We are told the authorities are God’s servants who give their full time to governing.

Have we even seen a full-time servant of God governing in the White House lately? And just as a side-bar issue–when Barack Obama was in the White House for eight years–where were all these “Christians” admonishing people with the same passage of scripture they now want others to adhere to with Trump? Double-Standard much? Of course, there is and please note–I’m not saying God chose Barack Obama because I know people chose him and elected him for two terms. In fact, I don’t know of any president that God chose since he never went to the polls to vote.

For those who have been reading my blogs for awhile, you know I’ve criticized Obama when I saw him veering off on more than one occasion. Always, always being the watchman that God has called me to be–no matter who is in what office.

But since we are commanded to love–there is such a huge difference between Obama and Trump that we can see though some of Obama’s policies may have been contrary to the Word of God–what he did, he did out of love for the people he governed.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. Colossians 3:23-25 NIV

We are told that whatever we do–we should do as unto The Lord, not man. So if we’re going to honor the authority in the White House–acknowledging the established rule of government by man–not God–then we should make sure the person in White House is a servant of God, not of his own greed and need for power. At any time–we see those in authority not obeying God–we are not obligated to submit to them or obey. We are not to turn our backs on those who are the poor and needy and the foreigners in our land. That is not of God. We are to love all and love God.

What we must remember in all of this is one thing–God is our authority and we must always seek His direction for everything we do, not mere mortals since they are fallible and God is infallible.

 

Resist The Devil!

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.  James 4:10 NIV (read all of James)

There is indeed a need to resist the devil in our midst–the evil that comes from the White House–connected with Russian ties.

What causes someone to want to fight and quarrel and only see the negative side of anything that doesn’t pertain to them? What resides inside the person who thinks that as long as the news is about him and all he does–it has to be positive and favorable or otherwise it’s fake news?

What we see–on a daily basis–is an attempt to subvert and circumvent elements of laws and constitutional policy to push a political agenda that can only end in either civil insurrection or war.

The lies and liars are playing a leading role on the American stage and the world is watching, shaking their heads in total wonderment and some–who didn’t like us anyway, are gearing up to take on the bully–who is actually a cowardly lion who’s making a lot of noise, but has no bite.

What we have in the White House is an illiterate person, who cannot read and signs Executive Orders for show, and doesn’t really know what he’s signing because no one consulted him about the content. He’s just giddy with power and having an opportunity to make something of the optics when he’s shown signing his name which he proudly displays, pretty much like a third-grader, just learning how to write in cursive.

The “reality tv” king is exposing for all the world to see, not only does he not have on a royal robe, but he also lacks the intellect and stamina to sustain and maintain a position of leadership–without the world laughing at his efforts.

It is truly sad that he has never learned the art of being friendly for friendship’s sake, but has always eyed a situation in order to see how he could best benefit from it. Yesterday, with the Prime Minister from Japan, who he made quite uncomfortable with a prolonged jerky handshake–attempting a photo op–made it clear for all to see, he’s not sincerely likeable. And that was not the first time. Apparently, no one has coached him on how to “shake hands” without make a nuisance of himself.

Even during the joint press conference, while Prime Minister Abe was speaking, 45 never had on the earphones by which he could have heard the translation, but stood at his podium nodding like a fool, never understanding anything. Had he worn them, he would have heard the Prime Minister attempting to give him some sage advice about leadership.

But since 45 thinks he knows everything, not many can offer him advice and those who do, are not playing nice--since they’re the ones who want him out of the way so they can take the reins and lead this country backwards.

If there was any integrity or honor in 45, he would have seen with open eyes–the chaos he created with all the lies and propaganda and stepped aside–admitting he is not the legitimate president.

And yet he persists with his mythical twist of lies about voter fraud and considering how he projects onto others what he is guilty of–someone should look into it–and discover just how fraudulent this election really was since it favored him.

Now, those of us who know the truth have a job to do and do we must to show the world there are real Patriots in the land, more than just one man who lies, and we will persist and won’t desist as we continue to resist the devil in the White House.

Judgment Passed Upon Us!

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.  Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised; Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart. Jeremiah 9:23-26 KJV

I have not turned on a television or read any news, but I speak what The Lord spoke to my heart. We have reached a place where judgment has been passed upon us and we will all suffer the consequences of the same judgment for our God is a just God and the rain falls upon the sinner and saved alike–just like the judgment. In the coming days and weeks, before January, we shall understand what stands before us–and there will be no need for any weep or moan, or regret for we should have sought The Lord before making any decision.  Buyer’s remorse cannot be attended to in this grave situation and many do not realize the gravity of this time, yet. Even those who proclaim to know God and love have not determined what is about to befall us and we shall enter a time for which we cannot escape the foolishness of our judgment.

And after turning on the news, I understand why The Lord was speaking to me as He was.

“Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.” Jeremiah 5:14

Have we not learned anything from the past? Apparently not for when we refuse to learn from history, we are bound to make the same mistakes.

It would appear from the history of past presidents–that when Democrats are in office, the nation prospers, but when Republicans are in office the economy bleeds and wars and rumors of war spread across the land. More specifically, other than now–the last time this nation prospered was when Bill Clinton was president and he left a surplus in the treasury. When George Bush was in office, he re-distributed the surplus and started a war, depleted the nation’s gain and initiated a mountain of debt. When President Obama came into office, he had to keep our economy from going over the cliff with saving the auto industry and it worked. Just when the economy is experiencing a bounce-back, the stock market bottoms out upon the announcement that Donald Trump was elected President–an event they had warned us about. It is also public knowledge that North Korea and Russia stand ready to do battle with the United States so they can further decimate our standing with the rest of the world.

And speaking of the rest of the world–I can hear them laughing, totally dumbfounded at the stupidity we have exercised in allowing a megalomaniac to sit in the White House. This is not just my opinion; this is the opinion of many other countries before the election.

Now, we have heard for over a month that the election would be rigged and I’m assuming that it was against Hillary Clinton since false ads were placed with her picture on it indicating she was encouraging people to vote by texting their vote. Then there were all the glitches in voting apparatus that occurred yesterday in swing states. I can only imagine what kind of other shenanigans were in place to keep people from voting or having their vote not counted. When the enemy reigns–only evil exists and there is evil on the way to the White House.

But my hope is in Jesus and while I shall suffer like all the rest, I shall be saved for The Lord knows the hearts of those who love Him and obey Him. I truly thought Americans were too smart to fall for the con artist’s lies, but I guess I was wrong.

We can pray and my prayer is that God is still willing to hear us and will by a miracle show us the truth of the matter.

Where Our Allegiance Lies…

For the king of Babylon will stop at the fork in the road, at the junction of the two roads, to seek an omen: He will cast lots with arrows, he will consult his idols, he will examine the liver. Into his right hand will come the lot for Jerusalem, where he is to set up battering rams, to give the command to slaughter, to sound the battle cry, to set battering rams against the gates, to build a ramp and to erect siege works. It will seem like a false omen to those who have sworn allegiance to him, but he will remind them of their guilt and take them captive. Ezekiel 21:21-23 NIV

When our allegiance is criticized by those who have not lived our experiences, it warrants a deeper discussion and understanding of the values held and the need for those values to be respected, regardless.

Children are taught to “pledge allegiance to the flag” when they are young–at least that was true in yester-years. Now, I’m not sure what they’re taught considering the fact that there are movements determined to teach children in kindergarten about homosexuality, bisexuality, transgenderism and only God knows what else–and school districts are allowing this rather than acknowledging a parent’s right to teach their children about any type of sexual behavior. So much time is spent teaching children things that have nothing to do with academics that it’s no wonder our children have difficulty focusing and passing standardized tests–unless the answers have something to do with sexuality.

So, if no one is teaching the children about what allegiance means–as it pertains to the American flag–why would anyone be upset about the “physical position” one takes when facing the flag? Stand or sit–what is the big deal? In the case of the football player, Colin Kaepernick and his “sitting” protest–why is it a “terrible thing?” He is not the first to adhere to the “standards” set by others in acknowledging the flag when the national anthem is presented and he won’t be the last. In America–the flag is supposed to represent the fact that we have rights and choices and none should be objectified when exercising those rights–especially since there was no desecration or mockery involved.

What I see–is people so blinded to their ideals of American political partisanship, that those complaining have forgotten about “what freedom means” for all. If students cannot be compelled to recite the pledge nor punished for not doing so–why are we vilifying an adult–is it because he is a black male professional athlete? Or is it that the last part of that pledge does not include him with regard to “freedom and justice for ALL?”

“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Liberty–synonymous for freedom sees to evade people of color–from times past to the present. Whenever there is supposed to be freedom–it gets ignored and criticized unless one happens to be a funny-faced man with money who has trampled on others with his freedom to speak racist remarks and yet–he is promoted and touted as a “great man” by his subservient supporters. This is not to say he hasn’t been called on the carpet for the foolishness that keeps falling from his lips, but since it does keep falling–he should have been “sat down” some time ago and banished from the public view.

And before anyone criticizes what was just said, think about what the funny-faced man said about Kaepernick–“go find another country” as if someone made him king. He hasn’t even been elected and thinks he has a right to stick his nose in places it doesn’t belong–or rather tweeting about things that don’t concern him, but making it about him and politics. What a waste! Telling someone to “go find another country” proves the point about him being racist.

If one person’s freedom is not recognized then none of us have freedom or we shouldn’t especially when some use their “freedom of expression” to belittle and humiliate others. Either we’re all free or the “allegiance pledged” means nothing for anyone. We cannot have it both ways.

If our true allegiance was to Jesus Christ–none of what is happening would be happening, but most of those who claim devotion to Jesus–lie every day with their actions and loose lips. When our allegiance lies with the ability of a mere mortal to do more than God, we get what we deserve–and then we become captives of the Babylonians (those who never worshiped our God)!

We Shall See!

Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished. Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler! A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn. Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly. Proverbs 17:5-9, 12 NIV

Political Commentary Alert!

Watching the events of this political cycle are a constant cause of me shaking my head in amazement.

Cutting taxes for the very rich–when most don’t pay their fair share and hide money overseas–will not eliminate debt or grow the economy–per the experts–not me. When President Bill Clinton raised the taxes, the economy grew and there was a surplus in the treasury, that was soon eliminated with President Bush and the war effort. How quickly some of us forget–with selective memory.

Childcare tax credits are already part of the tax code.

Praise from children–about parents–who are biased and blind to the truth is seen as a smokescreen by the wise who are able to discern truth from fiction.

Insulting the residents of the City in which a person speaks–beyond foolish and no matter what people think about Detroiters–they can spot a con man a mile away. The gloom and doom predictions for the City of Detroit did not go over well, since Detroit is overcoming deficits. Some problems are real–but most are being addressed and since Trump doesn’t have a clue as to what goes on in this city other than what makes the news, he really should have kept his thoughts to himself.

Of course, it would have made more sense to actually know the history of a region before spewing nonsensical data that is easily refuted. Some experts have determined that in the hour plus speech yesterday, Trump’s facts were negligible 9 times. Had he spent more time preparing for the day by doing some research on the task at hand–the economy–than he did in attack mode–what he had to say may have made an impact, but as it is–it didn’t.

Having to play by the rules is not a comfortable place for Trump and that was evident as he struggled to stay on point with a  (gasp) “teleprompter,” the device used by most intelligent pubic speakers–especially in political arenas–to keep them focused. And since Trump has denounced President Obama for using one, we can see just how he hates it because he thought he was so superior to the President.

The detractors and the haters online–were running true to form. One lady–even warned people to not respond to me because, “I was just a nice woman who had drunk the liberal wine.” Actually, I enjoy having a dialogue with people who have differing views and no matter what they say–I won’t engage in the name-calling or other negative behaviors that most won’t hesitate to use. In fact, I’ve had a few people commend me for my open-mindedness and staying classy–refusing to engage in the hate-baiting. I’m so glad that I allow Holy Spirit to guide my fingers when I comment on an article and later–if a poster responds to me directly, I will respond.

Who makes the most sense in this election cycle? Those who are waiting to hear an actual plan and policy presented–not talk about plans and policies–we want the details before the election!

The more Trump talks, the more we see those in the conservative arena–back away.  It’s as though they smell something foul and don’t want the stench to become embedded in their clothes. Unfortunately, it may be too little too late for them to put forth a candidate who could actually turn this around in their favor.We need someone to govern the nation, not entertain us. That boat has sailed.

As an independent –in thought and pragmatism–I’d vote for Kasich, but it may be too late for any reconsideration.

I’m not big on promoting hate or spewing absolute nonsense–on the part of either party–but I’m convinced that whatever plan God has for this situation–we’ll all just have to live with it. So, we shall see!

Lord, we know You know the end from the beginning, and we trust You in all things, and no matter what happens, it will be for our good.

Mature Disagreement!

Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. Philippians 3:15-18 NIV

As much as I’m tempted to preach this message, Paul has already done a better job than I’ll ever do because if we who profess to believe God, do The Word, there is no other example for us to follow other than Him.

The concept is applicable to any situation we encounter–in our homes, in our communities, in our churches, in our government–no matter where we are–we must learn to disagree, agreeably–without hatred governing our thoughts or our deeds, but we simply acknowledge the points of disagreement–open the door for discussion and find solutions to problems–we don’t create problems because of our disagreement.

Disagreement doesn’t mean that we ignite or fuel hatred to draw others to our side by name-calling or taunting chants–that really only emphasize insecurity and immaturity.

While we have riled up hatred for one candidate by chanting erroneous thoughts of “lock her up” we have seen a deluge of defamatory literature, logos, and other paraphernalia demonstrating a “huge” lack of maturity of the part of anyone participating in the malaise of insanity.

And then–there is the “call” for foreign powers to conduct espionage against a political candidate that sounds like treason to me. The fact that Trump made the statement (and later back-pedaled with a lame excuse) is enough to make many wonder what he will do with the security briefings he’ll sit in on. Will he sell what he learns to the highest bidder? Someone needs to get a muzzle for this man before he has missiles pointing at us from all directions.

I haven’t strayed from my point of mature disagreement; I’m simply making a point as to why we must look at the level of maturity of any candidate attempting to do anything. I’m not alone in my assessment of the situation and though my sphere of influence is limited, I have to speak to issues that bear no resemblance to a person knowing Jesus Christ and certainly not having a relationship with Him. “Out of the abundance of the heart (whatever resides inside a person) the mouth speaks!”

I pray that no one (in their right mind) will ever consider Donald Trump an example as to how we should live or treat people. Trump is not a savior and he cannot fix anything–he cannot even fix his impulses to say foolish things.

I’m not in total agreement  (there are some points of disagreement) with Hillary Clinton or the progressive movement, but I’d rather see her in the White House–someone who cares about people–rather than a self-deluded person–who only thinks about himself, leading this country.

Everyone has a choice to make and I would urge all to exercise maturity and wisdom in deciding who can best handle being the leader of this country–caring about all Americans!

The Difference!

The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 NIV

The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale. Proverbs 18:11 NIV

Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. Proverbs 18:12 NIV

To answer before listening— that is folly and shame. Proverbs 18:13 NIV

How can a person respond to anyone–intelligently–before hearing what is said or asked?  When they respond without hearing the whole matter, it creates confusion and in many cases, after a person has had a chance to think about what they said–before hearing–they end up back-pedaling or switching positions on an issue or the question posed to them.

If a person has knowledge about a subject or is at least willing to seek knowledge from those who are wiser than he/she is–they might respond without hearing the whole matter out of anticipation. But if they anticipate the wrong question, the answer won’t make any sense at all. The wise course of action–hear a matter–in its entirety before speaking and when an answer is not known–don’t try faking knowledge because the truth will be exposed and that’s when the back-pedaling begins.

We must check our hearing to make sure we understand every nuance of every word before we attempt to respond to questions. We must be aware of our surroundings and check our sensitivity monitor. We cannot say the same things in every venue without regard for those who are listening to us. This does not mean we cannot speak truth–we simply need to be mindful of who is listening and phrase the truth without offending the hearer.

Of course there are those who are so arrogant and high-minded in thinking whatever they say is appropriate they never think before speaking. As a result, they always have to pull their foot of their mouths within hours of speaking rashly. It is this arrogance and haughtiness that will eventually expose them for who they are and then–they shall be humbled before the masses.

In certain venues or circles–those who have great wealth tend to think their wealth entitles them to say anything that comes to mind. They believe their economic status provides them with fortification/safety not afforded to others and they won’t suffer any wrong they do. Not so–the wealthy and the high-minded shall fall prey to their own arrogance and then some–if not most–will blame the media and anyone else for their downfall. They will whine louder than a petulant toddler who has been allowed to have their way about everything. Wise parents teach toddlers that they cannot have their way about everything and they must follow rules. When we see overage toddlers acting out–pouting, and whining–we know they never learned that lesson; but the lesson will be learned.

The difference between thinking one is fortified by economic status and those who know the name of The Lord is a strong tower–the righteous run into it and they are saved–from themselves and those things over which they have no control. When a person does not know The Lord–they don’t realize the measure of surety and safety they have in Him. In the midst of the storms–regardless of how devastating the damage from the “natural” storms or the spiritual storms–Believers know–everything will be all right. We can stand on our faith in The Lord and face whatever storms come–knowing we’ll be victorious.

Let’s pray for wisdom and then carefully listen to God when He responds so we’ll know how to respond to others–after we’ve heard the entire matter. That’s the difference between the wise Believer and the foolish faking they Believe.

More Wisdom

He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. Proverbs 13:3 NKJV

He who despises the word will be destroyed,
But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded. Proverbs 13:13 NKJV

The law of the wise is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14 NKJV

He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20 NKJV

How does a person guard his/her mouth? We guard our mouths by thinking before we speak. Sometimes, the process of thinking requires us to research a matter before speaking about it so when we speak, we know what we’re talking about. If we don’t have a clue–about anything we want to talk about–we should be silent. It is indeed, “better to be silent and thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and confirm it.”

We have to guard our mouths and not allow pride and ego to provoke us into speaking about things we have little or no understanding. For some–they may even want to tape their mouths in certain environments to keep themselves from being foolish. At the other end of the spectrum of control our mouths–we say nothing and allow those in the know to speak on our behalf.

Of course, all of this wisdom and more is outlined in The Word and for all who despise, detest or refute the value of The Word, they have proven how foolish they are. I’ll reiterate this one point about The Word–We need it to live our lives in peace and harmony–on a daily basis!

It’s really too bad that some of our legislators have not read The Word with understanding. If they had, we’d have common sense gun laws in place and prevent the loss of innocent lives lost because of the foolishness of our lawmakers. There is no wisdom governing in our Congress–they are guided by the power of those with money to fund their re-elections, not by the will of the people who elected.

So, it comes as no surprise that those who are wise keep for companions others who are wise because they know–fools are the foundation of destruction. We are cautioned about the actions of a fool more than 50 times in The Word, and encouraged and reminded of the benefits of operating with wisdom more than 200 times. If God will give us wisdom–when we ask for it–and not think any less of us for asking, why don’t we spend more time asking Him for wisdom than we do things?

Is it because we think–things give us value? Hardly. Things deteriorating, rusting, dissolving, or vanishing, don’t give us value and if we value the things more than we value The Word–we are hopelessly lost. Wisdom–then–is the principle thing and with all the wisdom we could obtain–we need to gain understanding–functioning on earth as God desires–not as we desire.

A lack of wisdom–foolishness–leads to unwise decisions pertaining to the laws of the land, community unrest and dysfunctional homes. If only we would simply accept what God has said, allow Holy Spirit to guide us, and obey Him–we would see a complete change in our homes, society, and certainly across the land. That’s the if. Since we won’t allow Wisdom to guide us, we’ll simply have to live with the consequences of our inability to concede the Bible is right and we don’t know everything.