Nothing To Fear With Him!

The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

For those who do not know this Psalm, I encourage you to read, mediate upon it and carry it in your heart throughout your days.

For those do who do know this Psalm–encourage those around you to remain steadfast, moving forward in all God has planned for them, never fearing the enemy.

This is not to make light of all the tragedies around the globe, more specifically the events that have rocked England lately. No matter what we do–as a people–either individually or collectively, unless we’re mind readers we can never know what another is going to do–especially those driven by hate. We can know–we must live our lives to the utmost, doing what we can for those in need of help and support, and defying the expectations of the enemy which are to keep us afraid and impotent.

We have lost–if the news is reported correctly–a tenable candidate for Iowa because of death threats by the opposition. I cannot begin to understand her feelings right now, but I’m praying that she’ll overcome them, seek protection from law enforcement and rise up and win. If she doesn’t fight back, the strategy will be employed by others in order to keep people from opposing them in what is supposed to be a “free and fair election” process.

For that reason, I have to applaud Congresswoman Maxine Waters who refuses to be intimidated by hate and evildoers. She knows the risks and refuses to back down and I’m also praying for her safety and success in accomplishing her mission.

When we know that we are doing what is right, for all the right reasons, we should not be fearful of the evil ones for we are protected by God’s goodness and love. If we show fear–as with dogs who smell fear–the enemy will attack and defeat.

I’ve said before I don’t have enough sense to be afraid of anyone–no matter how big or ugly or how much money they have or the platforms they use to discredit–I will move forward in seeking opportunity to represent Everyday Americans in 2020–and if the opposition wants to start their research now–go for it. I’ve made it easy for them.  Anything they want to know about me can be found online–in a book or in a blog. I have nothing to hide and wouldn’t even if I did. My life is an open-book and I’m just getting started writing the next chapter.

With God going before me, I have nothing to fear–no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and if it is the purpose of God for my life to be the next president of the United States, I shall be. Attempts to try and intimidate me have always made me stronger and more determined than ever to fight harder. We shall see–how The Lord perpetuates victory in every area of our lives.

Get ready for it–a time for real change that matters to real people–is coming soon!

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I Will Bless The Lord!

I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.

I have set the LORD always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:7-9, 11

No matter what happens, no matter how dark and evil the world becomes, no matter how much the enemy influences others to do stupid and hate, no matter how heavy my heart becomes, no matter how many tears I shed, no matter how often I stop in the middle of the day to pray over the bad news broadcast, non-stop (in various mediums), no matter how empty I feel some days because of the wrongs I cannot right, no matter what happens, I will bless The Lord at all times–His praises shall continually be in my mouth!

Great is The Lord and greatly to be praised!

There is none like our God in all the earth!

His love and mercy endure forever!

Because of Him and His love towards me–a love that overflows–I know I can face every tomorrow!

Because of His goodness towards me–I can do good for all I meet–and pray for those who will not receive!

Because of Him–I can rejoice when I am drained of hope while He replenishes me within.

Because of Him–I can continue to do all He has called me to do–thankful that He chose me.

Because of Him–I don’t let what others think of me, influence what I do or when I do it.

Because of Him–I can walk with my head held high, never ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ or all He’s done for me.

Because of Him–I know that sadness and weeping indeed may last through the night, but when I wake up to a new day, I am blessed with new mercies and joy and new opportunities to speak His Word.

Nothing–not sickness or disease, naysayers, unbelievers, or any negative news shall by any means deter me from the path He has established for me and I will bless The Lord–I will bless The Lord–I will bless The Lord!

For it is to Him, I give the glory. It is to Him, I give the praise! He has done so much for me and I will bless His Holy Name.

I am thankful that even when I sleep, He speaks to my heart and provides me with direction and instructions to keep going–to keep loving–to keep living according to His Word. I wake even more determined to keep telling His Truth–aligned with His Word–so all may know that He is Lord and nothing escapes His notice—He sees all, hears all, and knows the end of every matter, before the beginning.

Be of good cheer when bad news tries to encroach upon your heart and attempts to keep your focus off Him. He is never surprised at any event, but I can imagine His sorrow at the needless violence. Because He is God–He knows and we can be comforted with His Words and know–He loves us and His never-ending mercy shall sustain to the end.

Fill Us Lord!

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 15:13 KJV)

Before The Lord can fill us, we must be emptied.

Distrust and anger must be a thing of the past.

Hopelessness must flee in the winds of yesterday,

Doubt and hesitation must be deleted from our minds,

Faith must be renewed by hearing The Word daily,

And when we remove self from achieving God’s path,

Open our hearts and minds receiving directions,

Instructions, guidance, wise counsel, from Holy Spirit,

We become broken and contrite, willing Him to mold

Us anew, past forgotten, emptied out waiting to be filled,

With love and hope and desire to please Him, not others.

Compassion riding the waves of hope in our heart that we will

Hear, obey, and do all things that bring Him glory,

Receiving His favor and the favor of men, by obedience

And willingness–to become an empty vessel, making room

For Him to fill us with His goodness, peace, and mercy, and love.

We are emptied of self-concepts that defeat,

And wait with patience for You to Fill Us Lord!

What’s Growing In Your Garden?

“I am against you,” declares the LORD Almighty. “I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show the nations your nakedness and the kingdoms your shame.” (Nahum 3:5 NIV)

Who is the Lord against? The inhabitants of Ninevah who were living in opposition to God’s Will. Jonah was sent to Ninevah to warn them they were about to face the wrath of God and the people repented, but later turned back to the ways of evil and the city was destroyed.

That was then, this is now. Is there a place or people to whom the Lord is saying, “I am against you?”

Before I answer this question, let me explore how history is repeating itself. Many have warned the nations against their wicked ways, but most have refused to listen. Throughout man’s history, whenever flesh dictated reason, people lived outside the will of God. Many were the prophets who spoke what God gave them and though some heard them, many did not and because the prophets spoke against evil and wickedness, many of them were killed. They were killed by those in authority who did not wish to stop wickedness–primarily that of worshipping idol gods which included sexual immorality and sacrificing of children.

Small wonder these practices continued since those in charge were evil incarnate. Moving to the 21st century, do we not have those in authority who are more concerned about appeasing man’s fleshly appetites for evil than God’s Will? Absolutely! Not much has changed when fleshly dictates override the spirit–the constant war between flesh and spirit–good and evil–and those who promote evil–living in opposition to God, will have much to answer for in the end.

Now, back to the question as to whether or not God is saying He is against some.  Yes, He is and we who know The Word–have a right relationship with Him–know this and are warning the nations, but once again, not many are listening. And once again, we shall see the wrath of God–His removal of His hand of protection–from all who are against Him–and He knows those who are His Children. All we need to do is go back and review history–not just the Bible, but remember the bible is a summary of the history of man.

Either we are for God–living according to His Word or we are against Him–living in opposition to His Word. God knows where we stand and so do we–if we’re honest with ourselves. Of course, those who are influenced by the god of this world–are blinded to the Truth of God’s Word and they have managed to spread evil like wind-blown seed into high places, planting more evil everywhere the seed lands.

It is time for the gardeners–to pluck up the weeds of evil–and plant the seeds of goodness, righteousness, and love for God and His people. Wherever we see the seeds of evil sprouting, we pluck them up and replace them with God’s Truth for His love is shed abroad in our hearts and because we love Him, we obey Him.

Now, who do you think God will be against? The gardeners of righteousness or those who deliberately plant seeds of evil? We do have a choice and it’s time to make the right one if we plan to reign with Jesus. Today, not tomorrow, is the time for change in what we plant.

Why Praise Him?

“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:21)

Why wouldn’t we praise Him for all He has done?

When people think they have accomplished things on their own and that He had nothing to do with it, I guess they wouldn’t see a need to praise Him. But I know–without a shadow of a doubt that all that I accomplish is because of His goodness towards me and that He watches over my children and my grandchildren in response to my prayers.

O what an awesome God we serve!

What a way-maker He is!

What a healer He is!

What a provider He is!

If I had ten thousand tongues, I couldn’t praise Him enough. Even in the midst of chaos and challenges, when I cannot see the way, He guides me and keeps me from stumbling too far from His grace. O what love He has for those who love and obey Him.

I would not change my life for any reason–no matter what happens, I know my redeemer lives and that He has only the best plans for my life and it is up to me to receive all of His many blessings and to share the Good news with others.

I’m praising Him for His love, mercy and grace!

I’m praising Him for good health and long-life!

I’m praising Him for speaking to the hearts of those who are reading or will read my books!

I’m praising Him for the insight He gives to pursue creativity in my writing!

I’m praising Him for being merciful to all who will receive His mercy!

I’m praising Him for restoration–love, peace, and tranquility in the land!

I’m praising Him because He’s God and He’s God alone!

I’m praising Him because He woke me up this morning, limbs working and mind intact, stayed on Him!

I’m praising Him because if He didn’t do another thing for me, He’s still an awesome God!

Hallelujah!

Who’s Following You?

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” (Psalm 23:6)

There are a number of people out there who are afraid of their own shadow. Every noise heard in the middle of the night makes them cringe. The shadows of the tree branches makes them quiver in fear and heaven help those who see the shadow of others behind them, before they see the person. And then there are those who think “someone” is always following them, when in reality–their fear has caused them to see things, not really there.

Shadows–are only cast where there is light. When we walk in the light, we have no need to fear the shadows we see, but in darkness–a shadow is not cast and then evil may indeed lurk.

Taking a short cut through an alley is never a good idea, especially when the dusk looms. But there is a story afoot that tells about a young girl who was not paying attention to her surroundings and decided to take a short cut through an alley–to get home. She was humming a song when she thought she heard a sound and turning did not see anyone, so she started repeating the 23rd Psalm. Before she could get halfway to her destination, three thugs followed her and were about to attack when they saw the shadows of three people–much larger than they were. Fear overtook them and they ran for their lives-in the opposite direction. The young girl turned and watched them, smiling. She knew something they didn’t. There was a light attached to a building closer to her home in the alley and what the thugs saw–were their own shadows.

When we understand how life works–on a practical level as well as a spiritual plane–we have no need to walk in fear and we can know with certainty, that “goodness and mercy” shall follow us wherever we go.

If our lives are hid in Christ Jesus–we have no need to fear–and can–with wisdom–go through life, being thankful for the shadows that loom large in lives as we walk in the light!

Enduring Truth

“For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures for all generations” (Psalms 100:5)

There are so many wonderful things we could say about The Lord and praise Him for, but the fact that He is good–all the time and all the time He is good–is just one aspect of who He is.  His mercy–His willingness to give us chance after chance to get things right instead of throwing us under a bus the first time we mess up, and His enduring truth–a truth that cannot be changed even though many have tried, but it has lasted from generation to generation.

Although there are many who will say that the Bible is merely a collection of word-of-mouth stories which have been interpreted in various ways time and time again; it is still a marvel that the basic premises of what has been told is still being told.  In the beginning…God–created all things.  Man broke fellowship with God through disobedience. Man’s relationship with God was reconciled through Jesus Christ.  His truth endures–the slander of non-believers; the compromising of those who proclaim belief, but don’t live the life, His truth–endures to and for all generations.  The story will still be told, long after many of us have ceased living and His truth, not man’s (because mankind’s truth changes at the whim of man) will continue to endure.  His truth–we need to be in right relationship with Him and He is the only one in whom our faith should reside. He is the only one who can save us from ourselves.

God’s enduring truth is the firm foundation on which we have established our faith and can indeed look forward to receiving the reward due us for living a godly life–our eternal resting place in Heaven. Thank God for His goodness, His mercy and His enduring truth!

Psalm 23 v 6

“Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

We can know with “certainty” (no doubt) that the goodness and mercy of God will follow us all the days of our lives.  This does not mean that nothing bad  or tragic will ever happen to us, but because of His goodness—that endures forever—we can survive and arise every time we get knocked down, stronger each time, knowing God has our back (following can only come from behind).  His mercy—favor that we cannot earn—paired with His goodness is a guarantee that no weapon formed against shall prosper.  Every word of God will accomplish that which it set out to do and we can know—the battle is not ours, but The Lord’s and we are victorious!

Once we know that we are victorious in all things through Jesus Christ, we can live with the assurance that we have access into heaven where we shall spend eternity when our time on earth, in this realm is at an end.  Blessed are those who hear The Word and keep it upon their hearts all the days of their lives.

We must read and study The Word, hear and believe The Word, and then do The Word so that no one who sees us can ever say; they did not have an opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Since we are His ambassadors, our conduct and behavior should be a reflection of who He is.

Glory to God for The Good Shepherd who leads us in all things to His glory!