We’ll Keep Trying Until Heard!

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions.  Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from their flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:1-10 NIV

The Word of God is yet speaking to all who will hear and for those of us who preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we have to keep trying to reach others with the Gospel until we are heard. We also have to keep trying until we are heard about other things in life as it pertains to doing things–especially to those who belong to Jesus. What about those who don’t belong? What is our obligation to them? We keep speaking truth until we are heard, even when they rebuke us, attempt to abuse us, and belittle us. We keep trying until we are heard. Never has that premise been more important than it is right now.

America is in a state of near crisis with the fallout of impending investigations against the residents in the White House (seemingly all of them) and as a result, not much is being accomplished by way of actual governing. It would appear that trump had determined from the beginning of his tenure that he didn’t want any “advice from the swamp.” He is yet referencing the political arena in Washington as the swamp, without realizing that he has not drained it, but restocked it with more toxic and dangerous pariahs than existed before he got there. Though he claims the White House is a dump (via a Golf magazine), his being there devalues the history and sacredness of all the White House symbolizes for one who is supposed to be the leader of the free world.

Recent information leads me to believe he never wanted to be there, but wanted to humiliate Hillary and Obama. The only person he has humiliated so far has been himself. He is a one-man wrecking crew of all that is sacred and presidential. His one goal–other than making a spectacle of himself has been to keep his base chanting, “Lock her up,” apparently because he has forgotten he won a rigged election and there has never been a reason to lock up Hillary Clinton. Of course, the chant work to keep his crowds at rallies fueled by the hatred, but who’s going to save him when the rest of the world starts chanting, “lock him up?”

That chant won’t be held at a campaign rally but on the world stage as we watch his entire façade collapse around him and all the evidence is presented against him for RICO Violations or collusion or a number of other things-including obstruction of justice and just being plain foolish. If he didn’t want to govern, he never should have run for president; especially since there seems to be so much he was trying to hide.

Hiding things from people is one thing, but God has said that everything done in the dark will be exposed in the light of day. His repetitive objections to Robert Mueller’s investigative boundaries have been heard loud and clear. He’s fearful because he has something to hide; if he didn’t he would have no need to fear. The real problem is his only way to deal with impending defeat is to stir up his base with lies, ahead of any final conclusions, in hopes that he’ll keep them ready to defend him. What he has done so far that we know about–is indefensible–whatever is exposed through investigation will result with the same attitudes by many–indefensible, and we who know truth, will not defend him.

But there are those who have been gaslighted–brainwashed into believing his lies and they will need time to regroup and rethink their blind loyalty to a man who is loyal to no one other than himself. We’ve tried talking to them, but they responded with belittling comments and name-calling. We’re tried directing them to information needed to corroborate what we say, and we’ve been accused of being elitist or having a “cosmopolitan bias.” What they fail to realize is that he is the “elitist” one who is taking them for a ride which will prove bumpy and hazardous by the time it’s over. But we won’t stop trying until we’re heard.

Part of my desire to serve America as the next president is because of my love of country and fellow Patriots. I do know how to do good things for others without the need to grandstand or be the center of attention wherever I go. I know how to serve in humility and am grateful for all who support me in all things. I encourage others who have been disdained by trump followers to not stoop to their level, but to raise the bar and to engage on a level that will bring them understanding, not condescension.  It’s harder than it sounds and it takes a great deal of effort not to react to their comments, but to respond to them. I’m living it on a daily basis and because God loves, He gets me through it all.

There will be a few more chapters written to this saga–the trump era in the White House–before I get my turn, but know that no matter what, we’ll keep trying until we are heard, to make sure we can live in peace and harmony, respecting and loving one another, not hating one another.

Thanks for your kindness and support in reading my thoughts and sharing them whenever you’re led to do so. I encourage you to keep up with my campaign efforts by visiting http://www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020 often since the information is constantly updated.

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Where Are The Watchmen (Part 4)

“Therefore, son of man, say to your people, ‘If someone who is righteous disobeys, that person’s former righteousness will count for nothing. And if some who is wicked repents, that person’s former wickedness will not bring condemnation. The righteous person who sins will not be allowed to live even though they were formerly righteous.’ If I tell a righteous person that they will surely live, but then they trust in their righteousness and do evil, none of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered; they will die for the evil they have done. And if I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ but they then turn away from their sin and do is just and right–if they give back what they took in pledge for a loan, return what they have stolen, follow the decrees that give life, and do no evil–that person will surely live; they will not die. None of the sins that person has committed will be remembered against them. They have done what is just and right; they will surely live. Ezekiel 33:12-16 NIV

It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not keep it.

The sinner has a better chance of making it to heaven once they repent–turning completely away from their sin and turning to God than the self-righteous who claimed to know God and yet will not live according to God’s ways–loving all!

What we see in Washington with the religious-right GOP (including trump is neither a Christian or Republican)–are those who proclaim to know God, yet do not know how to live Godly lives.

We know from God’s Word that He hates liars and lies.

We know from God’s Word that when the righteous turn to evil, they have lost their claim to heaven.

We know from God’s Word that He came down to earth in the likeness of sinful flesh to take sin upon Himself so we might be saved.

We know from God’s Word that it is better for us if we never claim to know God than to claim to know Him and then reject His ways.

This is what happens when we study God’s Word: we know! Only those who never study, never understand, can refute the truth of God’s Word and humiliate themselves in front of others. 

My take from the above-mentioned passage of scripture is that Pence is leading the pack (Sessions, Gorsuch, Ryan, McConnell, et al) of those who claim to be righteous, but are trusting in their own righteousness and rejecting God’s Word–to love. If they were truly righteous, they would defend the rights of the poor and the needy, embrace all human life and encourage love for one another. This is not what they do. They make distinctions as to who they’ll care about and who they’ll reject. They choose corporations and generous donors over the needs of Everyday Americans.

At the moment, they (GOP) are rejecting: any and all persons who do not look like them, worship like them or live like them. Though they claim to be “pro-life” they are actually, pro-fetus because they care less about the life after it appears and we know this by all the legislation they promote that denies access to healthcare for the poor, education for the poor, and opportunity to gain wealth since they want to hoard all the wealth for themselves.

The GOP want to defund Planned Parenthood, an organization that serves the poor and women. They claim their stance against abortion is why, but if they impede women from having access to birth control and other services that helps to keep living (cancer screening, etc.), they prove they are misogynistic and nowhere in the Bible are we told to mistreat women.

So, in Christ Jesus (those believing and living according to His Word) you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26-29 NIV (parenthetical is mine).

We know that many of the “religious-right” confuse Old Testament historical knowledge with “contemporary application,” but that’s because they do not understand what their relationship with Christ should produce.  Yes, we can look back at what God said through the prophets and apply what much is said to us in the 21st Century. That is for our understanding, not our doing. God used the prophets to speak to the people “before” He appeared in the earth. It is because of His appearance in the earth and His return to heaven, leaving behind His Spirit–that we can “all” have access to Him, directly.

Okay, I know some will be offended by what I’ve already said, but I will not retract any of it. People are offended by truth especially when truth reveals their hypocrisy. I will speak His truth no matter how many are offended for people have neither heaven or hell for me–only God does. I’m not sacrificing my mansion to appease people. And those who do–turn from righteousness to wickedness and evil–have a place reserved for them, too– in the lake of fire.

We should carefully consider who we put into positions of authority and power and know by their love for others whether or not they belong to Christ. If they have no love for others, they cannot rightfully claim a relationship with Christ. Pause and meditate on that and willingly receive truth about the nation’s leaders in Washington. Time to make a change.

Enemy In The White House

Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord. Acts 13:9-12 NIV

I can hear this being said about trump and his entire administration. They are spawns of the devil and enemies of everything that is right. They are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery (lies and alternative facts) and worst part of all is–most claim to be Christians–making a mockery of who Christ is.

Jesus Christ–God wrapped in human flesh–who is love, came down to earth after watching how we were desecrating ourselves and misleading others with religious behavior. He loves us so much, He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice–His life for ours–and yet we see the mockery–in the White House–in America–and they think no one sees through their lies and they don’t care when their lies are exposed.

Now, I don’t know everything, but I am filled with Holy Spirit and allow Him to direct me and correct me. Just as Paul called out the devil when recognized, so am I–calling out the enemy in the White House. 

Jesus served–the needs of all who came to Him. Although there were those who wanted to serve Him, He preferred serving others–an act of humility we’ll never see from those in the White House. Egos are driving their actions and they feel they are above the law and any and everything they want to do–should simply be accepted and applauded (and it is by those who have been gaslighted–the gullibles–low-informed voters who resent others having college degrees).  The rest of us–those whose minds have not been cast into the throes of receptivity of lies and are capable of thinking for ourselves–will not fall prey to those who use gaslighting to seduce others into their cult. 

What is gaslighting? I’ve defined it before, but I will again and again, until all come into the knowledge of truth and turn from the evil ways of those who do not love, do not desire to serve others and are only interested in profiting financially from their position of power, no matter what happens to others.

• Gaslighting is the attempt of one person to overwrite another person’s reality.
• Gaslighting is a sophisticated manipulation tactic which certain types of personalities use to create doubt in the minds of others. Here’s how it works and what to watch out for.
• Effective gaslighting can be accomplished in several different ways. Sometimes, a person can assert something with such an apparent intensity of conviction that the other person begins to doubt their own perspective.
• Other times, vigorous and unwavering denial coupled with a display of righteous indignation can accomplish the same task.
• Bringing up historical facts that seem largely accurate but contain minute, hard-to-prove distortions and using them to “prove” the correctness of one’s position is another method.
• Gaslighting is particularly effective when coupled with other tactics such as shaming and guilting.
• Anything that aids in getting another person to doubt their judgment and back down will work.

(http://counsellingresource.com/features/2011/11/08/gaslighting/)

Now, a thinking person–after reading the information above–would reflect upon what has happened recently and as far back as a year ago–to understand why trump is a manipulating gaslighter. If having a weak, gullible mindset–susceptible to cultism behavior is who they are–they have probably been gaslighted. The manipulator seeks a point of weakness and frustration with the status quo and exploits it for their own purposes. Once gullibles are engaged, totally dependent upon the manipulator–people become incapable of separating truth from fiction or rather false propaganda and proceed to keep promoting it as though it was true.

We know this is true because of what happened when Alex Jones promoted the false narratives about Hillary Clinton and had help from James O’Keefe who manipulated videos to spread false narratives. The “pizzagate” lie ended up with a man in jail and it could have cost lives when he went into a pizzeria, determined to “save children from a child-sex ring,” who didn’t exist. Now, they’re in cahoots trying to undermine the credibility of CNN, even though there are a number of republican contributors spotlighted on the cable news network. Once again, Fox Entertainment’s hosts, trump administration, and trump all attempt to manipulate their base of low-information, low-educated voters who from all we can see–are totally susceptible to the manipulation (though they won’t admit it). They have been manipulated into believing children have been kidnapped and are being held on the planet Mars. Talk about National Enquirer mentality! They’re also propagating the false narrative that CNN is on the side of dictators and are blackmailing “Tweeters” on Twitter. When I see those who proclaim to be Christians promote this nonsense, I begin to doubt they ever knew Christ.

I think I’ve made the point of what gaslighting does and who’s susceptible to the practice. How does a person avoid being gaslighted? Seek information from multiple sources (especially those with differing opinions from yours), analyze and draw conclusions based upon the reality unfolding in front of you–not what one group says. Watch–without the cloud-covered blinders–what the manipulators do and hear what they say. They lie from one minute to another and their behavior–especially the egotists–is to do whatever puts them at the center of attention, while denouncing everything everyone else does.

Now, that the explanation has been made and illustrations offered, are you being gaslighted by the manipulative crew in the White House? If so, pull away from a television and social media for 21 days (time it takes to form good habits), pray, and seek God’s Wisdom over your own, and then be willing to call a lie a lie and a liar a liar. If you’re not willing to exorcise yourself, then you’ll have no one to blame but yourself when you see your world crumble around you, catching you unaware.

While many will be trying to understand or undermine what has just been said, I’ll continue to lay the foundation for my presidential run in 2020. Yes, I am going to run because I’m a much better candidate than the person in office right now, on multiple levels and the biggest is–I don’t and won’t lie to make me look like something I’m not.

Is Solomon Speaking To Us Now?

Out in the open wisdom calls aloud; she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings, But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you–when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord. Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways, and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. Proverbs 1:20-33 NIV

The question–is Solomon speaking to us now, can be answered quite literally if we’re honest about what we see on a daily basis.

The first chapter in Proverbs is dedicated to understanding the role of wisdom and what happens when we don’t exercise wisdom. This segment–referenced above–puts us–all Believers in a position to see why America is in the shape it is in–and possibly the world.

Let me break this down a little further–when we–those who call themselves Christians–lie on God, we end up with the only possible consequence of our lying–God ignoring us and allows the calamities of our own rebellion to overtake us. God is not mocked nor deceived by lying tongues, but He will allow our lies to make fools of us. Though I have categorically denied that God chose trump to be president of the United States, I have to include myself in the throng of Believers–who didn’t do enough to persuade others that God does not intervene in our choices. He allows us to make the choices and allows us to handle the consequences of our actions.

What I see in the constantly unfolding events in the political arena and the rise of hatred in the land is the result of wickedness and lies promoted by those who claim to know God. Let me say this again (and I’ll probably say it often)–GOD IS PRO-CHOICE! He honors and choices and allows us to deal with the results–in every area of our lives–not just as it pertains to abortion, elections, marriage–but in everything.

When Christian Believers (the Evangelicals who lied) acknowledge that God allows us choices, then perhaps, they can also begin to repent and rescind the notion that trump was God’s choice–unless they are totally blinded by hate and bigotry and want to see the chaos continue.

I’m no more perfect than any other, but I do accept my limitations and acknowledge them. I depend upon my relationship with God to do the right thing at all times, but when I stray, He won’t pull me back unless I submit to His pull. That’s how He operates–with our submission to Him. He does not coerce, bully or bribe us to do anything; nor does He belittle or humiliate us–we do that on our own when we refuse to hear Him and obey.

At all times–we must speak truth whether we agree with truth or not–because truth will set us free from all the stupidity we now see. Truth can and will come through various people–both Republicans and Democrats (Conservatives and Liberals), but we must be open to hearing it and acting upon it or we’ll cease to exist as a nation since truth has surfaced, the Russian interference into our election and the erosion of our democracy was planned years ago. They deliberately established relationships with those who–out of their greed and need for power–were easily influenced and duped into doing their will–not God’s.

All of this is easily discovered with a little time taken to research it, so there is no need for anyone to just take my word for it. Once research is undertaken and truth is known, what should we do with it?

I’ve known the truth all along and have my blogs to verify what I’ve been saying and now I implore all who know truth to assert themselves into the throng of existing chaos and confusion and promote truth–if we don’t change direction soon, we will no longer be the United States of America–a sovereign nation, but under the command of the Russians.

Now, can we honestly answer the question, “Is God talking to us?” Yes, because He is and will continue to speak to us through His Word and through Holy Spirit, if we’re willing to listen. If we don’t listen, we have only ourselves to blame for the calamities that will overwhelm us. As a society of civilized people, we can no longer allow ideologies and emotions to rule us; we must develop critical thinking skills and know how to determine when sources are credible or not–facts and evidence matters. Any news source that promotes hatred of anyone for any reason–is not a credible source of information; it will be biased based upon the hatred they promote. 

Therefore, I beseech every reader to reflect upon their relationship with God and know His truth and make all decisions pertaining to life and living upon that fact–proven through His Word.

In 2020, remember maintaining our democracy will depend upon all those who seek truth and promote it, rather than fuel ideological beliefs that have no foundation in truth according to God’s Word. I’m counting on the wisdom of God to lead us all in turning away the whirlwind that will overtake us if we don’t act. If we actively #resist the devil, and submit to God, we will know victory!

 

 

Planted by God or Men?

Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For said, ‘Honor your father and mother and “Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘devoted to God,’ they are not to honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: “ ‘These people honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me. They worship in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’ “ Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. What goes into the someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?” He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will both into a pit.” Matthew 15:1-14 NIV

The Word of God speaks loudly and pierces the hearts of all who truly love Him and desire to please Him. And since it does, we are without excuse–we cannot allow the hypocrites to teach us anything when they have learned nothing. We cannot afford to allow the blind to lead us anywhere. 

False teaching will always be exposed along with the false teachers and apparently–there are many.

Yet once again, I find myself propelled to dismantle the false notion being promoted that God chose trump or that Jesus appointed him or that Jesus showed up at the polls and voted trump into office.

The most misused or misquoted segment of scripture people have used to “support their fallacy” has been Romans 13:1,2 without giving heed to the rest of the passage. Now, I believe that Paul spoke with the authority and under the anointing God gave him, but he is not a substitute for Jesus nor is he part of the divinity. Paul was a spokesman–taught under the law, and rose in the Spirit of God to teach truth for the day in which they lived.

God can and will use anyone who is willing to be used by Him. Paul is the greatest example of that we’ll probably ever know–and that’s because of his experience with God on the road to Damascus.

Unless a person has had a “Damascus Road” experience–which fueled their knowledge and desire to please God–they are not true representatives of who God is and anyone who teaches that they are–is a false teacher and hypocrite. 

The truth of what I’m saying will soon be revealed publicly and then I wonder how all those false teachers will feel–those who lied to their congregations–pushing agenda of man’s making and not God’s.

Anyone who is of God–promotes love not hate; peace not war; and understands the command we have to defend the rights of the poor and needy, not the rich and greedy. God never tells us anywhere in His Word that we–mere human beings–are to exercise control over people, but we should promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ–so when they receive Holy Spirit–they are controlled by Him.

I suggest that in the coming days, people who have falsely stated that trump is God’s choice for president, should meditate on God’s Word–not what the false teachers are saying, and hear God. Surely, what God plants is not easily uprooted, but what man plants–is a hit and miss situation. It’s a maybe and we know that because of what nature reveals to us. Some people plant and things grow because of their “green thumbs” and some people plant and things die.

Regardless of the false teaching, I will rely upon God’s Word as I continue to endeavor to serve the nation as its next president. I don’t expect God to vote for me, but I am seeking His direction in all that I do and in the end, only those showing up at polls will determine my fate and the fate of others. Pause–and think about that.

 

 

Exposed!

Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts. Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them. A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26:24-28 NIV

One of the reasons that enemies get the best of people is because trusting people simply trust until the enemy is exposed, but sometimes–the exposure comes to late. The very gullible–trust the lying lips and charming speech of those who have no soul and they seldom see beyond the surface of a person’s veneer.

How do we know when an enemy lurks within and near? We watch–with guarded hearts and pay attention to whether their actions match their words. Do we see light in their eyes that exposes the transparency of their souls or is there darkness–veiling the evil that fights for control in their soul?

Does the person display paranoid tendencies, claiming someone is always out to get them, following them, or spying on them? Are they constantly complaining about the “false” perceptions others have of them? Are they open to multiple perspectives about issues or are they close-minded, seeking only those they know will agree with them for advice?

Do they think that only what they say is truth and everyone else is a liar?

Is there consistent blame and finger pointing when they refuse to accept responsibility for their own actions?

Years ago, a well-known comedian–Flip Wilson–always made a point of saying in one of his spoofs, “the devil made me do it.” Some people–apparently took that literally and accuse the devil of all sorts of things he hasn’t done. In fact, the devil can’t make anyone do anything other than plant the idea and influence surroundings, but what a person does “their active engagement in anything” is entirely on them. The desire was already within them and they didn’t need much to act on their thoughts. If we only do what is right, we never have to fear being exposed for doing wrong.

This is one of the reasons we can rely upon God’s Word when we’re told through James, that no one should ever say when they are tempted to do something that God tempted them because God will not tempt anyone with evil, but we are drawn into evil by our own lusts–those desires that don’t align with God’s Word. Reasonably speaking, if God won’t make us do anything (we make choices), then the devil won’t either. We do what we do because of the desire to do it.

Remember the adage about being able to fool some of the people some of the time, but never all the people, all the time? Those who have discerning spirits–always attentive to the alarms we sense in our spirits when Holy Spirit is warning–know how to recognize the enemy. We watch and take note of all that is not like God and then we warn others, cautioning them to watch as well and not trust a person based upon surface knowledge. Even when we don’t know people on a personal level–we can ultimately determine who is leading them simply by paying attention to what they say on social media and how they say it.

The same traits and characteristics we can detect in a person with whom we encounter face-to-face, are detected through what we see said in a “tweet” or a blog post.

The secure individual is not afraid of what others have to say and never expects everyone to agree with them. In fact, they look forward to hearing opposing views and then take the time to scrutinize what has been said and objectively determine whether what was said has merit or not. The secure person is not paranoid and has no fear of what others might do or say to them–they walk in love and The Word tells us that perfect love, casts aside all fears.

The discerning person–hearing what Holy Spirit tells them–will share that insight in an attempt to foil the enemy’s plans–exposing them for all they are. Sometimes, exposure comes through the enemy’s actions and all the world can see them for what they are. Everything done in darkness or under cover–out of sight–will be exposed to the light of day and scrutinized and judged based upon what is exposed.

There is no cleaning up lies–especially when a person lies about the lies in an attempt to deceive–deliberately–out of greed for power and money.

Knowing in advance that when a person chooses to run for a political office, attempts will be made to “uncover or expose” a person’s past, I can rest easy in my decision. There is nothing in my past that hasn’t already been publicized in my books in one way or another. My blog posts for the past five years or more have been a mirror into my soul–introspectively–for all who read them. So, I’m continuing the exploratory process, determined to make a difference in America for all Americans.

With A Little Understanding!

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:1-7 NIV

When people dismiss the value of a quality education, it usually means they think they are superior to others and don’t want the competition. We see that trait in what is happening in the White House.

In spite of their “level of education,” they lack understanding and knowledge and experience to even be in the White House–from the top to the bottom.

What’s needed in order to get “a little understanding” is the following:

• Background knowledge of the party a person claims to represent in politics.
• Knowledge of how government works (read a good civics book or find a version of Schoolhouse Rock for those who are functionally illiterate).
• An intense inquisitiveness to understand various cultures and their needs (visit museums, watch documentaries that illustrate the complexities of life on earth and the importance of appropriate interactions with others, spend time reading in libraries and not just “favorite” books).
• Having a capacity for demonstrating compassion and empathy without launching missiles at those one might dislike.
• Realizing that the world evolves and will not stand still simply because one lacks understanding of how things are done and that there is more than one perception about every issue.
• Understanding of who Christ is and all He represents (read a bible)
• Making sure one’s physical and mental capacities are functioning optimally.

 

People shouldn’t be “too hard” on Sean Spicer for after all, he simply doing his master’s bidding. He is simply a parroting buttwipe–repeating what he’s told to say. So, not only does he need to visit the Holocaust Museum, they all need to visit every museum on the mall and beyond to get a better understanding of people and what governing people from all walks of life–really means.

Perhaps, someone should arrange a “walking tour” for everyone in the White House so they get obtain  a little understanding of what it means to be there.

But perhaps, my thoughts are simply fantasy–just a dream that we’d actually have people in the White House who know what they’re doing and why. Did I say dream–more like a nightmare from which I hope we’ll wake up soon.

What I’ve learned from living is that there is so much that I don’t know that I can appreciate learning something new–everyday. I look for opportunity to learn something knew, never completely satisfied with what I already know.

But then, I trust in The Word of God–“Wisdom is the principle thing and with all of your getting, get understanding.” If we get beyond thinking we know all there is to know, we’d be surprised at how much there is to learn–on a daily basis.

How much better would our lives be with a little understanding about self, others, and the world around us!

 

 

Tempted!

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.  When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:12-22 NIV

Such rich word from James–reminding us that though many may be tempted to do those things which are not right in God’s sight, we do not have to give in and we certainly cannot say–“God tempted us.”

We are tempted to given into those things we want to do–right or wrong. If our flesh controls what we do rather than Holy Spirit, then we’ll most likely given in to the temptations set before us and the enemy–Satan–knows exactly how we can be tempted, but just like God won’t force us to do anything, neither will or can Satan. Our choices determine our consequences.

Some people are tempted by money and obtaining it by any means possible. This temptation is nurtured by greed and desire for power and status and usually ends up leading people to a jail cell for corruption via embezzling, bribery, and illicit deals often conducted in darkness and in secrecy.

Some people are tempted by desire for affection and sexual gratification. This temptation is nurtured by the seeds planted in the mind from pornographic material and dissatisfaction with one’s current state in a relationship. When a person won’t keep their flesh under control, relationships are shattered, health is risked, and in some cases–people are publicly humiliated because of their lack of control.

Had an interesting exchange with someone on Twitter last night in response to a tweet about Pence saying, he won’t be alone with a woman and always requires his wife’s presence. Now, while this might sound “holy” to some, it struck me that he doesn’t trust himself to not be tempted in an effort to appease his own desires. Since he is supposed to be a Christian, I wonder why he’s concerned since Holy Spirit should be guiding all he does. I know some would attempt to apply, “we should avoid the very appearance of evil” to this situation, but I’m having a hard time understanding how a man being alone with a woman or vice versa should be considered evil.

Because of my ministry, I have been alone with men on a number of occasions and I’ve not been tempted to do anything that would not honor God. In jail ministry, in ministering to veterans as a volunteer chaplain, in business endeavors–whatever situation I found myself in–I knew I could count on Holy Spirit to keep me from falling short.

My point in all this is simply–know yourself and what may tempt you. I’m tempted by cheesecake and so I try staying away from places that sell the best and when I do cave–I only purchase one serving. Money doesn’t tempt me and nor does anything that could land me in a jail cell. I know when I pray, God hears and I allow Holy Spirit to do what He does best–keep me in check.

So, if you’re tempted to do something you shouldn’t–ask yourself why and if professing to be a man or woman of God, submit to Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead in all things.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

Who’s Negotiating For Us?

Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” The LORD said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” Then Abraham spoke up again: “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes, what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five people?” “If I find forty-five there,” he said, “I will not destroy it.” Once again he spoke to him, “What if only forty are found there?” He said, “For the sake of forty, I will not do it.”Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?” He answered, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” Abraham said, “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?” He said, “For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it.Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?” He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home. Genesis 18:23-33 NIV

Abraham was a great negotiator because God’s favor rested upon him.

Who has the favor of God resting upon them now–in a time of need to save millions of people–who is negotiating on their behalf? Good people obtain favor from the LORD, but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes. Proverbs 12:2 NIV

Just like The Lord was willing to negotiate with Abraham for the sake of the city of Sodom, He is willing to negotiate with us–through Holy Spirit–for the sake of the millions who risk losing their healthcare because of the wicked schemes devised by those on Capitol Hill and in the White House.

For the effectual, fervent prayers of the righteous avail much. The righteous and Holy Spirit can do marvelous things for the sake of people who know Him and even those who out of ignorance don’t acknowledge Him–not the ones who reject Him, but those who never knew Him.

A righteous, just God does not judge people by those things they never knew, only what they claim to know. So when someone claims to be a Christian, but does not live a Christian life, they set themselves up for judgment more so than the persons who never claimed to know God.

The “so-called” negotiator in the WH resorts to threats and bribes in order to have his way, but those who know God, who are humbled by His love and favor, know how to please God and never resort to “the pettiness of mere mortals” in order to get what they want. We are told in God’s Word by The Word, whatever we desire is ours when we ask for it in the name of Jesus.

I therefore urge the righteous to keep being righteous and humble and to keep seeking the favor of The Lord while praying on behalf of the millions who may know or may not know Him , but will benefit from having true negotiators, negotiating for all.

And while praying, keep calling upon those in Congress letting them know where you stand on all issues that impact your life and the lives of others. If we never let them know where we stand, they’ll never know if their decisions are truly based upon the wishes of those who put them in office.

There are millions of people counting upon Congress and we who know God, know the power of negotiation is not with those sitting in seats of authority in Washington, but the One who seats on the Seat of Authority in heaven. He can and will speak to the hearts of all who are willing to hear Him and obey.

Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask that if we have favor in Your sight, that You will grant our humble petitions to keep all Americans in a position to maintain their health coverage–at an affordable cost–so none will be without and can live all the days You have determined them to live. Speak to the hearts of those in position of authority and remind them they are there because of the will of the people and not by their own design. Thank You for using even the 32 who were willing to stand on their principles–knowing how to best serve the needs of their constituents. Amen!

Holding Onto His Love!

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:8-21 NIV

When all is said done–no matter what else is going on in the world–we know we can count on His love to keep us going.

Taking a few minutes to reflect upon where I am and where I used to be–on a spiritual plane–on a daily basis–keeps me mindful of just how much He loves me. And since He is not a respecter of persons, I know He loves others just as much as loves me. After all, He loved the world so much, He died for us. Now, I try on a daily basis to demonstrate my love for Him, by living for Him and doing all He has instructed me to do.

I get no perverse pleasure out of seeing anyone humiliated for trying to do what’s right, but I must admit–when justice is served upon those who commit crimes and seek to serve only their interests–I am not unhappy when evil is exposed for all to see.

The evil that exists in the WH is being exposed and only God knows the final outcome and while I wait for the conclusion of the matter, I’m spending time remembering just how much He loves me.

I know He loves me because I’m still here–still learning–and still loving even those who have shown themselves to be unlovable. There are some who might say, I don’t know how to love others–especially since I’ve been so critical of 45 and his associates. I know how to love from afar–even though there is a severe distaste for his methods and ignorance, and it is because of love that I keep pointing out his shortcomings in hopes that someone, someday might make him aware of his condition and his destination--he’s headed for the lake of fire, but if he’s going to avoid it, he must learn to accept truth and speak truth.

People who love us will always tell us the truth whether we want to hear it or not. And they keep telling us truth (not their opinions) until we recognize truth for ourselves. God’s Word is truth and nothing anyone ever says against it will change its truth. It doesn’t matter whether some believe God or His Word–their belief doesn’t change God’s truth and it is His truth, I will continue to share with others.

“Oh how He loves you and me.”

“Oh how He loves you and me.”

“He gave His life, what more could He give. Oh how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me, Oh how He loves you and me.”

He’s loved me through all my ignorance (lack of knowledge about Him and His Word); loved me through sickness and pain; loved me through dealing with loss of loved ones; loved me through the anxiety of being an elder student and succeeding beyond my dreams; loved me through doubts and determination, and no matter what I do, or how far I fall short of being perfect, He reminds me, He still loves me.

In order to get through the next few months of uncertainty within our nation and what it will eventually mean for all, I’m going to hold onto His love--and look forward to seeing His purposes fulfilled in my life, no matter what.

And while I’m waiting, I’m going to continue to love and speak His truth.