Where We Are In America?

But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone away. They do not say to themselves, ‘Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.’ Your wrongdoings have kept these away; your sins have deprived you of good. “Among my people are the wicked who lie in wait like men who snare birds and like those who set traps to catch people. Like cages full of birds, their houses are full of deceit; they have become rich and powerful and have grown fat and sleek. Their evil deeds have no limit; they do not seek justice. They do not promote the case of the fatherless; they do not defend the just cause of the poor Should I not punish them for this?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge myself on such a nation as this? “A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end? Jeremiah 5:23:31 NIV

While I don’t consider myself a prophet, I cannot help but see the similiarities between then, when Jeremiah tried to warn the people, and now–when propheliars are deceiving the people.

We know from The Word that God hates a liar and for all those who had planned to develop businesses in North Carolina and are not backing away from it because of the rights of the masses–not the few–they are liars.

What’s amazing in this country is that when celebrities and the rich speak–even though their hearts are far from God, governments cave to their bullying. And make no mistake–when people threaten to withold anything promised because of differences of opinion–that is the ultimate in bullying!

What the bullies have overlooked in their tactics is that some people are courageous enough to stand up for what is right and for the protection of those who are vulnerable when it comes to keeping the masses safe. If states make laws allowing “those who prefer to dress like the gender of their preference” to use any bathroom of their choice–what happens when the “pretenders” impose their sick acts upon others and violate the innocent? Who’s protecting the rights of the innocent who are bound to become victims of sick, depraved minds?

I fully support the rights of states to uphold Godliness in whatever endeavor and I submit that when they stand for righteousness, God will make a way for all to be well. His resources are not limited to the handful of bulllies who think they can intimidate people into doing what they want.

As far as discriminating against people because of sexual orientation goes, if people kept their orientation to themselves there wouldn’t be a problem. No one needs to wave a flag or have a parade every time they enter a business promoting their sexual orientation. Quite frankly, I’ve had enough of the outrage from the minority on this issue because it’s their business what they do, not mine.

And if I knew that someone “hated” me, I wouldn’t want to do business with them anyway. I certainly wouldn’t want them serving me any food. There are plenty of places people can go to obtain whatever service they need without all the fanfare.

Just so people won’t misunderstand me, I’m sick and tired of people comparing being black as the same as being gay. I do not have to announce my skin color when i walk into a place of business; it is obvious for all who can see. PEOPLE ARE BORN WITH THEIR SKIN COLOR WITH ABSOLUTELY NO CHOICE IN THE MATTER; they are not born gay. All active, deliberate behavior is a choice whether to be heterosexual or homosexual, bi-sexual, or transgender–THE ACTS OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR ARE A CHOICE–PEOPLE DO HAVE CONTROL OVER WHAT THEY DO!

Now, we are living in the days in which we’ll see God remove His hand from the nonsense and all–who promote and condone living in opposition to His Word– will suffer the consequences. No one has to take my word for it; one only needs to read His Word and see–He’s the same–yesterday, today, and forever!

 

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Recognizing The Bullies In The Pulpit!

For an overseer, as God’s administrator, must be blameless, not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not addicted to wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it. To the pure, everything is pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; in fact, both their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, and disqualified for any good work.Titus 1:7-9, 15,16 HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

If we look around us and pay attention to how people act towards others we can see how some people attempt to bully those who are weaker and smaller than they are. We see people who think because of their “material wealth” they have a right to bully others into accommodating them. And now, more than ever, we see people attempting to bully others through the judicial system. Every time someone wants to draw attention to themselves and make people accept them–they take someone else into court. There are probably more frivolous lawsuits filed in recent years than ever before.

Bullies are arrogant and overbearing and will threaten others, promoting violence, when people don’t cave to their demands. We see them in schools, on playgrounds, on the streets, in our homes, in all of society and in our churches. The bullies are those who are quick-tempered, undisciplined, and narcissistic–because they only care about what they want, not what is best for others.

If we don’t recognize them for who they are and stand up to them–they continue to bluster their way through life–until they meet the one person who forces them to back down--not by violence as is their method, but by sheer determination to not be intimidated by the bully.

We encourage children in schools to stand up to the bullies and to report them and we also encourage students not to become bullies. The sooner they recognize their behavior, the sooner it can be overcome. We encourage parents not to become bullies with their children but to learn to listen and discuss what is appropriate and what is not. We encourage spouses to learn the art of compromise so homes can run smoothly and no one resorts to domestic violence. But what do we do with the bully in the pulpit?

Any time a leader–in any venue–has to resort to bullying tactics they reveal their own insecurities within themselves and in their position. True, Godly leaders never have to resort to bullying because they act on The Word of God. However, if they do not know The Word, they cannot act on The Word and this is how we discern who is in the pulpit.

When the man or woman of God entreats others to help them accomplish something, they know how to explain why something needs to be done–the advantages and disadvanages of the task and the end result. They don’t browbeat people into doing anything and they certainly don’t threaten (and I’ve seen it all) people into doing what they want. 

There are a number of issues that could be addressed when it comes to recognizing bullies, but the point I really want to make is this–when we are secure in the knowledge of who we are, what God has called us to do, and know we operate with God’s wisdom in all things, we will not succumb to the bullying tactics used by others to coerce us into doing what they want rather than doing what God wants us to do.

Know the bullies when you see them and stand up to them with Holy Spirit guiding your every move.

Praying For Those In Authority!

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2:1-4 NKJV

Whatever we do and however we do, we must have a purpose. For without purpose, we are merely marking time–waiting to see which way the wind will blow or the dice will roll. This is what happens we act without understanding and purpose–anything goes and we simply accept it.

However, in this passage of scripture–Paul’s letter to Timothy–we see instructions given for those in authority and the purpose. The purpose in this case is that God desires all to be saved and come into the knowledge of truth. Of course truth is a philosophy of its own, but for now, we’ll concentrate on God’s Truth as the only means by which anyone can be saved.

Now–here’s the million dollar question–in recent weeks regarding the presidential campaigning–who has exhibited the most godly character in speaking to the people at town hall meetings, during debates and in their campaign ads?

Granted, I understand some people have made of their minds simply because of their frustrations and bitterness against the current President, but is that a reason to vote “willy-nilly” for a clown who has demonstrated disrespect and disregard for other human beings? For anyone who does not understand authority should certainly be put in a position of authority over others. And every time ungodliness opens its mouth, the evidence is heard.

If ungodliness wins the election, then it means those who know The Lord were not praying for righteous authority, for the prayers of the righteous avails much. We can and we must pray for the office of authority and anyone residing in it. Why? So we can lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness–not ungodliness–knowing how to love one another and respect all.

Our prayer for the office(s) of authority should include the reign of Holy Spirit over whoever sits in a position of authority. For those seeking authority, our prayer should include a willingness for them to seek wisdom from God and to hear and obey Holy Spirit in all matters. 

Father,

In the name of Jesus, we pray for every person seeking or in a position of authority in every walk of life, but we especially pray for those who seek to lead this great nation. Holy Spirit take up residence in the White House and make Your presence known from the top to the bottom. Lord, open every person’s spiritual ears and touch every heart–giving them a desire to seek You in every situation and the Wisdom that only You can provide–having them hear Holy Spirit when He speaks and then obeying without hesitation. For we know when godliness reigns in the hearts of men and women, peace will prevail and confusion will have no place to dwell. We thank You for hearing and responding to this prayer and speaking to the hearts of all who agree. Amen!

 

Twelve Days of Kindness–Day 12!

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8 NKJV

When we have obtained a like measure of faith , “For He has given to all a measure of faith,” we can add to that measure of faith to strengthen our knowledge and understanding of who Christ is and how we are to conduct ourselves.

With all diligence–consistent determination to do what is right, we add virtue–a moral sense of ethics, based upon God’s Word. Then to virtue, we add knowledge–a consistent study of God’s Word. To knowledge we add self-control–the ability to operate in wisdom, not emotional turmoil. For our emotions will lead us astray, but those who control emotional outbursts appear wise and others will respect their ability.

When we have learned self-control, we then add perseverance–a stubborn determination to do what is right at all times–no matter what the circumstances are. And to perseverance, we add godliness–functioning in the true nature of Christ–no lies, no deceit, knowing He sees all we do.

With our Christlike nature, we add brotherly kindness–being kind to everyone and with kindness we add love for if we have not kindness–a genuine concern and consideration for others, we will not love.

If we don’t have love–we have not Christ–for He is Love.

The last eleven days have been a joy–an eye-opening experience–to extend kindness and observe the responses of others to the kindness. On this last day, the twelfth day of kindness, I pray all who extend kindness, will receive 100 times the kindness they have extended.

Prayerfully, when all are celebrating the birth of Jesus on tomorrow, some will remember a kindness extended to them in the past twelve days and will go out of their way to extend kindness to another. That’s what this season is all about–the giving of the greatest gift–Jesus Christ–who because of Him–we have eternal life with Him and can love to overflowing because of the love He has for us.

So, go forth and show kindness–every day–and watch how the world will change because a little kindness, goes a very long way.

Forsake The Godless By Pursuing Godliness!

” Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7,8 NIV)

No matter how many times I am confronted by those who celebrate April Fool’s Day as their holiday, I am convinced that God has addressed every situation we encounter in His Word. Even for those who say, “there is no god” yet they honor the god of this world on a regular basis. The god of this world (Satan) has influenced those who say there is no God (of Heaven) so they can live like they want to live–doing whatever they want to do. They say, we who Believe Creator God, are honoring a myth and they say, the bible is nothing but an ancient book.

“They” can say whatever they want and believe whatever they want–it’s their choice. The God we serve never forces Himself on anyone and He has made it clear in His Word that even He has chosen us to be His, we must also choose Him if we are to His.

If a man sees a woman across the room at an event and is smitten with the love-bug and gets up the nerve to approach her, he has chosen her. If she doesn’t want to be bothered with him and rejects him, that is her choice. If he attempts to force himself and his affections on her, he is violating her right to choose and can be accused of harassment or stalking. Thank goodness God is not like fickle man–He never forces us to accept Him or His affection.

Now, the other thing I don’t understand is why is it that people who claim that our God is an ancient myth, will attempt to quote the ancient book, trying to justify themselves? “God said don’t judge!” This is a common response by many who support living in opposition to God’s Word. Now, if His Word is ancient and He is a myth, why are they bothering to quote Him (even though out of context)? They are quick to say, “Jesus just said, love.” Well, Jesus did say that, but He didn’t stop there. He said, “If you love me, keep my commands.” In this statement, He acknowledges that He and God are one–in purpose and intent. In order to understand the Bible, just as with any book, we have to read the entire Bible, comprehending the times, the people, the cultural and how much God loves us–today! He does not change!

The truth is obvious to me. Though they claim they do not believe God, they understand a greater power exist in the universe than they are and many have been exposed to God’s teachings, they just refuse to adhere to them. That is their choice. However, choosing to ignore God or not to believe Him, doesn’t change His existence, His decrees or His judgment.

Exercising our bodies for physical fitness is a good thing, but exercising our faith in the One True God is more valuable. For it is God who created our bodies and knows exactly how every cell works, but faith in Him–after the measure given–can only increase in value when we keep hearing and obeying The Word. The more we hear The Word, the greater our understanding becomes and the more we obey The Word, the greater our reward–the abundant life that Jesus promises.

Let’s put aside the godless myths that the god of this world promotes and pursue Godliness as God has outlined in His Word, for our benefit, not His. All glory belongs to the God who created all things and without Him, nothing was created. Hallelujah!

Celebrating The Gift of Motherhood!

“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:2,3 NIV)

How have we come so far from obeying the commandments of God as it pertains to honoring mothers and fathers? We know we have because of all the sad events reported in the media. If we really want to see a change in our nation, we must return to doing things God’s way.

But before we can truly honor mothers and fathers, they have a responsibility to their children–to bring them up in the ways of God, not just by word but by example. When children are exposed to Godly behavior  in their homes, they will exemplify that behavior when they are not at home. That’s simple enough, but perhaps too simple to be understood and implemented.

How parents act–and we see them in public–in private will be seen in the behavior of their children in public. Children do what they see their parents do, not just what their parents say. This occurs because some parents have a “do as I say mentality rather than do as I do” mentality. In other words, they are not going to behave as God would direct us and then they wonder why their children are often in trouble.

Admittedly, some children are prone to fall under the influence of peers who have not been parented by Godly parents and they go astray, even though their own parents have lived a life that is pleasing to God in front of them. This is why all parents are responsible for their  children’s behavior since their behavior has wide range influence. Kids who are cussing in public or cussing at their teachers have parents who have no regard for the language they use in front of them. Kids who steal and lie pick up the bad habits from parents who think nothing of stealing and lying in front of their kids. Loud and obnoxious kids usually have loud and obnoxious parents or are influenced by other kids who have loud and obnoxious parents.

But that’s not all parents and it’s certainly not all kids. There are some good examples of Godly parents in our environment and it is those parents who are committed to raising children who respect those in authority, have values and morals that are evident in their daily behavior, and who know and love The Lord.

Kids are not responsible for the behavior of their parents–parents are responsible for the behavior of their kids–to a point. Once they leave a parent’s home, they are responsible for themselves, but if they have not had a good foundation laid for responsible behavior, they may not learn to behave responsibly.

At any rate, there is a time and place for everything and today is the time set aside to “honor mothers”  and all the mothers who have raised their children by Godly example, I salute you. For those who never knew their natural mothers and made it anyhow, I celebrate you. For those who raised more children they gave birth to–God has a special place in heaven for you. For all the mothers–who raised their children with love and discipline as a foundation for living, God bless you!

Hopefully, I have not left out any of the wonderful mothers who have raised or are raising God-loving children. If your mother is no longer here, hug someone’s mother who reminds you of your own. Let’s celebrate motherhood as a great gift from God because it is.  

  

Lust and Pride!

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (I John 2:16)

John continues to write to the Body of Christ, from the isle of Patmos, in the same manner in which the Gospel of John is written–up close and personal.

In the first part of this passage of scripture, we see the love of Christ in the words he uses to specifically address all in the churches. He states, “I write to the children (those new in the faith), I write to the fathers who have known (those with experience with the love of Christ and will of the Father), I have written to those who are strong in the faith” (tried by experience and overcame) [I John 2:13,14 paraphrased]. Why care so much about those in the church? John wanted to remind people that although their sins had been forgiven, they should not get caught up in the ways of the world, for it they did, they would fall again into wickedness.

Now, notice he did not say–don’t love the people in the world; he said, don’t love the world (the ways of those who don’t know The Lord). And then he explains why–the lust and pride that leads people astray. Lust–intense and uncontrolled sexual desire; overwhelming cravings that dictate behavior. Pride–having an inordinate opinion of self and one’s own superiority.

When we refuse to exercise discipline in a Godly manner, our behavior lacks self discipline and people end up doing whatever they want to do–to gratify selfish desires, without regard for others. When we think that we are superior to others and we are not, we set ourselves up for failure because we are not willing to admit, we do not know everything there is to know and we refuse to learn from others. These are the two greatest obstacles that leave many suffering, on the path of self-destruction.

Uncontrolled sexual behavior leads to diseases, emotional upheaval, mental instability, and shortened lifespans.

Feelings of superiority lead to wars, confusion, and chaos–the ego leads to destructive behavior.

The warning from John–don’t get caught in the things of the world that have nothing to do with doing the will of the Father. There is no sustaining victory in life apart from God. What some might experience–is a temporary situation at best–and permanent destruction at the other end of the spectrum.

Love the people of the world–unconditionally, but don’t get caught up in the world’s way of doing things because of misplaced desires and cravings and feelings of superiority. The Word tells us that when a person thinks more highly of themselves that they should, they have only deluded themselves–not those who can see–clearly–what force is guiding them. Shake off the shackles of lust and pride and receive the love of God and know victory in Jesus!

 

Praying For All!

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (I Timothy 2:1,2).

Father,

In the name of Jesus,

I ask that You touch the hearts of all mankind, those in positions of leadership as well as those who submit to leadership. I ask God that You conduct heart surgery, cutting away all the evil, wickedness, and complacency. I ask that You replace all that is removed with compassion, integrity, and love. Give us a heart O God, to see the needs of the people and respond to them. Take away the heart of stone that resides in so many that they no longer have compassion for people. Create in us, a clean heart with a righteous spirit, desiring to please You even more.

O God, stir up a right spirit within us so we can have peace in the land. Give us a desire to become peacemakers, not peace breakers.

Give us no peace with complacency and self-centeredness. Remove every selfish thought from our minds so we may think with the mind of Christ–always concerned more about those in need–whatever the need is–healing, love, encouragement, financial support, and wisdom from You.

I bind every spirit in the earth realm that would attempt to influence the minds of those who love You and want only to please You. I declare that every yoke of bondage–addiction, depression, evil-thinking, poverty, and every physical affliction is broken and yields no power over anyone.

Help us O God to walk with integrity and godliness going before us and embracing us so tightly that nothing negative can ever enter into our thoughts and actions.

I declare peace in the land–beginning in every home, and moving outward to every town, city, community, state, and country–across the waters of the earth–let peace abide within the hearts of every man, woman, and child.

We know that You are not the author of confusion and wherever there is confusion the enemy has a stronghold. We come against any stronghold the enemy has on any people and declare all of his plans null and void, having no effect upon anyone.

We thank You for hearing and answering this prayer and the prayers of all those who are striving to live right in Your sight, doing Your will, and loving all. All this we ask and receive in Jesus’ name. It is done. Amen!

Having Everything We Need!

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV).

Peter reminds us that Holy Spirit is God’s divine power, working in us and through us so that we can live the life that God intends for us to live–through our knowledge of Him.

What is Holy Spirit’s role? His role is to guide and instruct and to bring back to our remembrance all that we have been taught, according to Jesus through John’s Gospel. If we are listening to Holy Spirit and obeying Him, we have no need to worry about anything and that includes the things that are happening in this world, in which we have no control. People–because of their self-interest without the knowledge of God–will do exactly what they are doing.

But we who are called–out of darkness and into the marvelous light of Jesus Christ–are without excuse; especially when we proclaim to know God. We are to be the example to the world. Our light (the light of love) should shine so brightly that it dispels darkness and the works of darkness where ever we go. The joy of the Lord should be so overwhelming in us that it flows from us onto others so they too will gain understanding. Our peace–should stand as a model for others during times of restless economy and uncertain attitudes that start wars.  We are the ones who should be able to put ten thousands to flight when we know we live the life that God has ordained us to live. We should not fear what the enemy can do because we have the greater one living within us.

If we are indeed clothed for the battle of spiritual warfare–we are protected from the enemy’s fiery darts and we are armed with the Word of God--that two-edged sword that cuts going in and coming out. If we are fearful in the midst of chaos, what else could we expect from those who do not know God? Fear–leads to confusion–which leads to uncertainty and making wrong decisions.  “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind.”

Our confidence is in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and in knowing that we can do all things through Him. Where there is confidence, there is no need for fear to have room to operate.

Now, let’s get ready to move out–in the spirit–and do battle to the glory of Glory, knowing we have everything we need to obtain victory in Christ Jesus! Move ’em out! It is time for those of who have a relationship with God to show the world how to live and love as God does–openly; not behind closed doors or by being secret agents. Hallelujah! God is using us to show up and show out on our behalf–let Him have His perfect way in your life today! We win!

For This Reason Part 2

2 Peter 1:6…(add to) and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

 

Once we have knowledge (the know-how or know why) to do something, what do we do? Remembering another passage of scripture from Proverbs 4:7 … “Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom and with all our getting-get understanding,” I used an analogy of someone getting a Mercedes-Benz.  They were given the keys to the car, but they had no knowledge of how to drive; therefore wisdom would dictate they learn how to drive (get the knowledge) before they tried driving the car.  If we are going to do anything well, we must get knowledge of how to do them well.

After gaining knowledge, we must learn to exercise self-control (control of self).  The one thing that will inhibit our ability of learning self-control is our proclivity to control others.  In other words, we always see what is wrong with someone else and want to correct them, but we seldom see what is wrong with us and even when it is pointed out to us; we resist correction.  If we never learn self-control, how likely are we going to be able to represent Jesus?

When we have learned to control ourselves (what we say, what we eat, what we do), now we need to add to our repertoire—perseverance—tenacity and commitment to stick with what we’re doing until we get the desired results.  So what if we fail the first time we try!  Then we try, and try, and try again—making adjustments in what we’re doing as we go along until we find what works best.  It is pointless to keep doing the same thing over and over again—the same exact way—expecting different results, so of necessity we must make adjustments and fine-tune what we do in order to get the results we want.  But we never give up—we persevere until it is finished; especially if what we’re doing is supposed to glorify God.

To our commitment to see things through, we add godliness—doing what is right and pleasing to God.  We are not “God” and therefore we are not perfect beings, but we can strive for perfection in making sure that what we do is morally right, godly righteous in our efforts to bring others into the knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Our conduct—before unbelievers—is a greater testimony to them about who God is than anything we could ever say.  The only way we can become godly righteous is to study His Word and then do His Word.  Having a right relationship with God assures of two things:  His love and guidance and His correction through the Holy Spirit when we get off track.

Work on developing that right relationship with God today and watch how He works in your life. It is for this reason, we continue to study and reach out to others in our sharing the Word, so that all can be blessed abundantly and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!