How Are We Walking?

For we walk by faith, not by sight! 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

Therefore we are confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 NIV

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:1-3 KJV

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18 KJV

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. Proverbs 29:18 NIV

In some ways, this post today could be a continuation of the “Where are the watchmen?” series. But today, as I was completing my mile walk, it occurred to me that sometimes, we all overlook the significance of using words appropriately because “words matter.” Follow my thoughts here.

I was thinking about all the challenges I’ve faced in life as I prepare my run for the presidency in 2020.  I’ve been rear-ended twice and in both collisions, cars were totaled; I’ve suffered a stroke which could have caused a total collapse of my body. In all three incidents; my “sight” was temporarily impaired, but I never lost hope and fought through the darkness, determined to keep living. My vision–to live until I’m 95–kept me from losing hope in the longevity I want to see. 

You see, what I get from this–is our sight has to do with our physical ability to see and even if our sight is impaired, it should never interfere with our vision–a vision we have hopefully written on paper, cyberspace or in our hearts. My vision for longevity is written in all I do–on paper, in cyberspace and in my heart. I have a lot to do before I leave the earth realm and I plan to get it all done–and I will–as long as I keep my faith in Christ Jesus and not in people or things.

If America loses sight of the vision–a great place for all to live where we have the freedom to think independently from government or religions or any other entity–we cave to those things and people who want to control us.

I challenge every American–to wake up and pay attention to what’s going on around us–specifically in the political arena. Do not allow one political party to interfere with your right to vote with their gerrymandering, election rigging, or any other means to suppress your vote. Rise up and know–your vote is your voice in our government and this is why–GOP leadership wants to restrain your voice–so only theirs is heard.

I have a vision for America–the place where we have fought for freedom and now must fight to retain it. The America I love will embrace people from all walks of life, opening arms and hearts of compassion for all who are in need of shelter and comfort. We will learn to think and act as one unit–united by love of country, not divided by party politics. We will not allow a foreign entity’s misdeeds to overshadow what we have already accomplished, caving to their dictates through the embodiment of greed and corruption. We will stand firm, determined and convinced that our Constitution is right for us and we will not allow greed to change our path. Though our “sight” may be impaired for a moment by the glitz and idiocy of those in leadership positions, we will not lose sight of the vision–written in the Constitution and in our hearts, confirmed with the gift of the Statute of Liberty, and upheld in the motto of our military actions–America is the land of the free and there is no other place, I’d rather be–than at the helm in the White House, in 2020, governing for all Americans and not just a handful of the privileged, elite.

• We will defend the rights of the poor and the needy and put out of business the corrupt and the greedy.
• We will provide quality healthcare and education for all who seek one beyond the environs of public education.
• We will lead this new technological era with revolutionary ideas that will keep all employed who want to work and pay them well, so they won’t shirk.
• Taxation will be fair to all, with the lesser income households paying the least, and the greater incomes, paying the most so government won’t suffer loss.
• We will maintain our military might as they watch and guard us through the night.
• We will honor our senior citizens and treat them with the respect and honor they deserve, giving them what is rightfully theirs, held in reserve.
• We will learn to love and respect all human beings as one race, with none being superior to another, alleviating the need for strife based on race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or skin tone. There is but one blood, shed for us all and there is but one blood, red–that flows through us all and it’s time we recognize that fact and change our act.

Though there are days, my sight gives me reason to pause, since aging has it’s own pace and challenges, I will never give up my vision–now written for all to see on the walls of cyberspace–easily shared. 

Are you ready to assist in this task, making the sure the vision is never curtailed, but will last for generations to come, on a planet will survive the test of climate change because we will change how we live–living by faith and acting with prudence in all that we do?

I’m ready, willing and able to do all to make sure the vision comes to past and all Everyday Americans will have-assurance in government once again, at least in the leader who shall lead all nations in the proclamation of peace and prosperity, none knowing lack. I don’t know about you, but I’m walking by faith in God and all He has poured into me to do, not by what I see that’s imperiled by man.

 

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Are We Still Free?

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:31-35 NIV

Our Liberty Is At Risk! (original posted on medium.com)

There are numerous ways a person’s liberty can be risked and most of us — with functioning brain cells, understand that liberty — in it’s truest sense — always comes with a price and that price has often cost lives.

America — this land in which European immigrants came to escape the persecution of English Rule — this land that was inhabited by natives who lost their own freedom and liberty at the hands of those who “took” more than they ever gave — to anyone — this land on which two wars were fought — Revolutionary War — pitting settlers against England and the Civil War — pitting brother against brother to end slavery.

The Revolutionary War ended with those immigrating to this land defending their right to be free from English Rule and taxation and in establishing Independence from English intervention in whatever they decided to do. Though many lives were lost — America gained it’s liberty — and we now celebrate that on the 4th of July — our Independence Day — breaking the chains that bound us to England. France celebrated with us by giving us a gift — Lady Liberty — who stands in the harbor of New York as a beacon to everyone entering the sacred portal of American freedom. Now, we may have to give “Lady Liberty” back to France since our liberty is at risk.

The Civil War — the north against the south — primarily about liberating enslaved human beings from the dictates of cruel slavemasters — ended with the Emancipation Proclamation — signed by Abraham Lincoln. Another war — costing lives — ending in the liberation of slaves as an ideology, but not a practicality since “Black People” were still not viewed as equal to their white counterparts and were not treated as Americans with the same rights as others. Another venue to obtain liberty for Black People — who had been imported to this land to build it as “free labor,” resulted in the fight for Civil Rights. Notice that both fights involve the term — civil — and yet civility has yet proved, elusive to our society.

As long as there are those who allow superiority-complexes and hate to drive them — there will never be liberty for all in this country and we see it played out in our political system that is eroding on a daily basis. Though we have a constitution — written by those who declared the first leg of freedom from English rule — those in Washington now, apparently feel it has no purpose and it is certainly being ignored by the GOP Congress. If Congress will not uphold its oaths of office, there is no democracy or liberty and we are all left to deal with the fallout of idiocy that reigns in the White House.

There are no excuses — aired or unaired — through any venue or platform that can justify the continued support of the GOP congress for the unfit, temperamental, toddler-in-chief who makes a mockery of hard-fought freedoms that allowed him to be elected in the first place. He avoided serving in the military with phony deferments, lied to his “supporters” about caring about them, and continues to ignore the Constitutional policies put into place to save us from tyrannical rule and financial destruction. But Congress won’t act and as long as they won’t act — the liberty — which cost lives for over two hundred years will be gone and in its place — a Russian agent will dictate per the orders received from Putin.

America is not at risk of danger from without its borders, but from within the White House and on Capitol Hill. I understand why Congress won’t do its job; too many of them knew about the Russian meddling and went along with it so they would win the majority in the 2016 Election and are afraid of being exposed. They have demonstrated that their oaths of office mean nothing in comparison to the “power” they think they have — because they have forgotten — 2018 and 2020 will yield a change in Washington and those who propped up the fake president will pay the ultimate cost — loss of their seats and scorn from their constituents.

The terrorists we should fear are not coming into the country from the Middle East — they are installed in positions of authority in Washington — and they are determined to undermine the stability and security of every American with their “misguided and hateful determination” to revert any policy established by President Obama to save lives, destroying lives in the process, but they don’t care! That’s what hatred does. That’s what ISIS does. That’s what the Taliban does and where I sit — I see no difference in the behavior of either terrorist group and our current Congress.

Of course — everyone is entitled to their opinion and I often air mine through social media platforms. I am not one who is willing to sit silently and allow events that devastate to pass me by without comment. In this current environment of chaos and foolishness, I refuse to be silent, and I will fight for continued liberties of all people and the best way I have determined to do that — is from the White House as President 46 in 2020. With our liberty at risk from the current administration, I encourage all to support me in this endeavor so we can remain “independent” from all foreign influence — especially Russia.

 

 

Deranged Leadership!

A prophecy against Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz saw: Raise a banner on a bare hilltop, shout to them; beckon to them to enter the gates of the nobles.  I have commanded those I prepared for battle; I have summoned my warriors to carry out my wrath— those who rejoice in my triumph. Listen, a noise on the mountains, like that of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations massing together! The LORD Almighty is mustering an army for war. They come from faraway lands, from the ends of the heavens— the LORD and the weapons of his wrath— to destroy the whole country. Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty. Because of this, all hands will go limp, every heart will melt with fear. Terror will seize them, pain and anguish will grip them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look aghast at each other, their faces aflame. See, the day of the LORD is coming —a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger— to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it. The stars of heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless. I will make people scarcer than pure gold, more rare than the gold of Ophir. Therefore I will make the heavens tremble; and the earth will shake from its place at the wrath of the LORD Almighty, in the day of his burning anger. Like a hunted gazelle, like sheep without a shepherd, they will all return to their own people, they will flee to their native land. Whoever is captured will be thrust through; all who are caught will fall by the sword. Their infants will be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses will be looted and their wives violated. See, I will stir up against them the Medes, who do not care for silver and have no delight in gold. Their bows will strike down the young men; they will have no mercy on infants, nor will they look with compassion on children. Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the pride and glory of the Babylonians, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. She will never be inhabited or lived in through all generations; there no nomads will pitch their tents, there no shepherds will rest their flocks. Isaiah 13:1-20 NIV (Read all)

Babylon has taken up residence in the White House in the United States of America–once known as “the land of the brave and the free.”

When the citizens of a nation are “barred” from speaking truth, to appease a tyrant, there is no freedom of speech. 45 has violated the constitution on so many levels that I’ve lost count, but I am thankful for those who have the expertise and the means to express the abuse of power we have seen. If not checked by the legislative branch of government or the judicial branch, there will be a greater civil insurrection within our borders. The uprising will be be more massive and probably more intensive than the revolt against the British by the colonists and the civil war.

We see the blueprint being laid out before us and we know from a study of history that whenever a deranged leader is allowed to have power and abuses the position–chaos ensues and people rebel. Most of us have read history books–unlike 45 who is only interested in books with his picture on the front as evidenced by reports of books being removed from federal agencies and replaced with those who “praise him.”

What most people don’t realize is that in less than ten days, the ship in the middle of the sea is taking on water and no one seems to have the presence of mind to start the process that would keep the ship afloat in the middle of the storm. There is only one predictable outcome when the leadership refuses to believe–water is rising and the ship is sinking. There are no lifeboats on board and everyone on the ship will sink unless someone with courage and integrity finally takes control of the situation and starts a chain-bailout–of the water determined to sink the ship.

On the surface, it would appear that lawmakers have been deluded and blinded by the “lightning speed” at which executive orders are being signed, but reality–not alterative facts–will soon shake them out of their reverie when Americans exercise their right to hold elected representatives accountable for their lack of action.

Our constitution does begin with, “We the people,” not “We the elected ones” and the people–not only the 261 million who did not vote for 45, but all those who are now awake at last and regret voting for him–will arise and do whatever is necessary, by any means necessary to get our country back on the right track.

The God I serve–the Creator of all that was ever creator–is not a God of hate, but of love and we who know Him, know that love will always triumph over hate. And now, I trust only in Him, not those who say they know Him and yet demonstrate hate of others simply because they are different. We are told in God’s Word to hate “sin” not people. As long as God gives me sight to see–both naturally and spiritually–and finger joints that work, I will speak out against fascism, imperialism and other type of authoritarian government that defeats the purpose of democratic process.

Greater is He who lives in me

Than he who is in the world.

What Happened To Liberty?

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. Proverbs 18:10-13 KJV

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18, 19 KJV

No matter what happens in America or in the land, there is always a Word of The Lord to address the situation. And now–with 45–the gift of France should be returned and the National Anthem put on a shelf.

Oh, say! can you see by the dawn’s early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming;
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s re d glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:
Oh, say! does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Building walls instead of bridges, censoring what people can say or tweet, keeping out those in need, escaping tyranny and oppression–negates the purpose and intent of the gift given from France–Lady Liberty–who if she could–would be heartbroken and crying to see the state of America at this point.

Frances Scott–though an advocate of slavery–would have to see the utter irony of the line–“Over the land of the free and the home of the brave?” Or maybe we never were the land of the free and certainly not the brave when the leader of a “supposed” free world bullies and encourages bullying by others in his administration. We know anyone who attempts to bully others is not brave, but cowardly. 

Where has liberty fled? Where is the Congressional intervention that should be implemented in keeping 45 in check? Where are those with the backbone, will and desire to stand up to oppressive leaders who are attempting to employ a fascist regime.

Lord, we know we have complete liberty in You and perhaps that may be the extent of liberty in America for a time, but we shall with Your direction–continue the fight in opposition to oppression, and continue to defend the rights of the poor and the needy. Thank You for strength, wisdom and knowledge to do all things well–to Your glory!

Where Our Allegiance Lies…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On The Journey–SHIN!

Princes persecute me without a cause,
But my heart stands in awe of Your word.

I rejoice at Your word
As one who finds great treasure.

I hate and abhor lying,
But I love Your law.

Seven times a day I praise You,
Because of Your righteous judgments.

Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble.

LORD, I hope for Your salvation,
And I do Your commandments.

My soul keeps Your testimonies,
And I love them exceedingly.

I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,
For all my ways are before You. Psalm 119:161-168 NKJV

The 21st letter and stanza–acknowledgement, praise and hope in the midst of any trial.

How many times has someone who has authority over us–attempted to misuse their authority and persecute us, simply because we would not conform to doing things their way-in opposition to God’s Word? We were not the first to experience this ploy to get us to be deceitful and dishonest and we won’t be the last.

Whenever anyone expects us to lie or cheat in order to keep a job or to stay in their favor, we should have the same attitude the writer has. We should abhor lying and deceitfulness with a passion and openly denounce it.

Are we in awe of God’s Word enough to keep it–no matter what others do? The more I study and seek God for understanding, the more I realize just how much His Word is so much better than the dictates of man.

In God’s Word–there is Life and Liberty–freedom to live according to God’s Word, knowing we are pleasing God, whether others find fault with us or not.

In God’s Word–there is Justice and Mercy. God’s Word is just–not fair–for His righteousness is just and there is nothing in it we can debate–that will change His intent for our lives. This is why we are constantly reminded in His Word that the wicked shall have their judgment for all the world to see and we are regarded–His righteousness, for we have none of our own.

In God’s Word–there is Love and Grace–God is love and therefore everything He has done, is doing and will do is based upon His love for us. If we follow His commands–to love Him and one another–the world will be filled to overflowing with Love and we shall peace upon the land because of His favor shown towards us.

In God’s Word–there is Peace–His peace that surpasses all understanding. And because we belong to Him, we too can enjoy blessed peace in the midst of chaos and confusion when we live according to His Word.

In God’s Word–there is Light–that overcomes the darkness that hangs as clouds because of the wicked imaginations of those who oppose God. Wherever there is darkness, light dispels it and exposes the deeds of darkness. We cannot hide from God, no matter what we think we can do that He won’t see or know.

In God’s Word–there is healing–for our bodies and for nations under siege–due to differences of opinion and the ravages of war. By His stripes we are healed of illnesses, diseases and with His peace we are healed of frustration and depression over things we cannot control. If those of us who believe Him would simply pray–earnestly–believing He will answer– and repent of our waywardness, He will heal the land.

In God’s Word–there is Truth–for His Word is Truth and His Ways are the true way by which we should live. Whenever God’s Word is not revealed as Truth, peace is disrupted and chaos reigns.

How often we pray to God or communicate with Him on any level is not a matter of prescription or formula, but it should be a way of life for every Believer. I pray throughout the day–thanking God and praising Him for His goodness–and I have no idea how many times I do it; I just do it.

My soul loves Jesus and all my hope is in Him for there is no hope in any other! How about you?

Live Godly Lives!

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:11-12 NIV).

Though there are many unbelievers and naysayers about the foundational beliefs of this country, those of us who know God’s Word, know the Constitution of the United States paraphrases the very Word of God with the intent to provide order and justice so all can live in peace and harmony.

And though founding fathers supported the practice of slavery [as used by the sinners to influence how Black Americans think], they did so out of ignorance of the inhumanities that would be employed by other human beings and to support an economy of free labor. I do not support the practice of slavery of any kind, but I do understand that people are enslaved–and not just by other people–but carnal desires–sex, drugs, and greed.

Although America is supposedly the “land of the free” where liberty and justice can be found for all, that does not appear to be the case for Believers--who understand our foundational beginnings and uphold the Word of God as a blueprint for living–establishing order and peace for all. Believers everywhere are now–the “foreigners” in the land even though it was because of a desire to worship God–separate from government control–that led to the establishment of this country.

But we should not think our beliefs are as foreign as those who were responsible for “taking over” the land from the Native (those born here originally) Americans. We changed their names and stripped them of their dignity, forcing them to comply with our traditions because we were afraid of theirs--and restricted where they could live–all so we could make ourselves look better than them.

That same spirit–that “take over mentality” now exists in the mindsets of gay-advocate groups all over the land. They are determined to take-over and vilify every Believer who dares to speak out against sin. It is a plot of the enemy to destroy mankind and they who have been influenced, don’t even see it.

So, in the sense that Believers “appear” to be losing ground in the face of enemy’s agenda, we are admonished in the Word, to live Godly lives in the presence of the unbelieving, so that our good deeds are seen. In other words, we are to live as God wants us to live–in spite of the turmoil and chaos that has infected the land–from those who have been bitten with the venom of sin to those in the Supreme Court who have allowed the poison to infect their judgment–creating confusion in the masses and we know–God is not the author of confusion so that leaves only one spiritual force who is–Satan.

We know that the chaos, confusion, and turmoil in the earth is caused by Satan because those who are influenced by him, deny the existence of any spiritual forces. If people deny Satan’s existence, they can easily convince themselves that God–who is Spirit and must be worshipped in spirit and in truth–doesn’t exist either.

But we who know–that spiritual forces do exist in the atmosphere, should be mindful that we are submitted to Holy Spirit and will give the demonic spirits no place in our lives. As ambassadors for Jesus Christ, we must say what He says and represent all that He is in our own conduct. We do not have to resort to name-calling, using profanity, or any other method of ridicule as those who follow Satan do, to live the life that God wants us to live.

Indeed, our response to the negativity shown towards us should simply be to promote the Gospel, share God’s love and keep it moving. And while we are promoting the Gospel for the sake of those who have not acknowledged Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, we should also support those who are willing to stand firm in their beliefs and faith in God. There are many more Kim Davises in the world–and they should all have our prayers and support in their endeavor to live Godly lives, no matter how many fiery darts the enemy launches against them. Live to please God and not man and receive God’s reward of eternal life with Him.

We’re Covered!

“The LORD keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life” (Psalm 121:7 NLT).

The entire short psalm is a reminder to us that whatever happens or could happen, when we trust in Him, belong to Him, and have confidence in Him, He’s got us covered.

As we celebrate this Independence Day, remembering the liberation of America from British control, we might also take a moment to celebrate our personal liberation from the influence of Satan.

Let this day, be a true celebration of liberation and freedom–from the works of sin! For whom the Son sets free is free indeed! We’re covered!

Stay sober, watchful, and safe to live for another day celebrating, life with Jesus!

Enjoy!

Holiness (excerpt)

How does one define holiness?  According to Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary, “personal holiness is a work of gradual development.  It is carried on under many hindrances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance” (I Corinthians 1:30; II Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:23, 24).  Simply put, true holiness is being as much like God as we can.  We can exhibit love for all, compassion for all, and maintain a right relationship with God so that He may guide us in all that we do.  If we refuse to obey His Word, we cannot be in a right relationship with Him.  We must also remember that we are not gods and we do not have the right to tell Him what He can or cannot do either with others or through others. 

Holiness is not defined by man’s inept attempt to keep people bound to legalism.  “If a woman is truly holy, her clothing will completely cover her extremities; her hair will be covered, and she will be void of make-up and jewelry.”  There are no specifics as to how to define how a man is holy as far as how their dress goes.   So says legalism.

What is legalism?  Legalism is the way of the Pharisees and Sadduccees.  These are the rules by which people determine (not by the Word of God) who is holy and who is not.  Legalism is another word for bondage.  Bondage hinders and prohibits the Holy Spirit from directing and guiding an individual and keeps people controlled by other people based upon their traditions.  Jesus gives us warning about such people when talking about the Pharisees.  “Thus you are nullifying and making void and of no effect [the authority of] the Word of God through your tradition, which you [in turn] hand on.  And many things of this kind you are doing” (Mark 7:13 Amplified).  In this particular passage Jesus is referring to how the

Pharisees attempt to control men as it relates to the care of their parents.  It also holds true for much of the church world’s attempts to establish rules.

How many rules does a church have?

There are rules for dressing in order to come into the sanctuary.

There are rules for committing a portion of one’s income to support the church.

There are rules for what one can do outside the church building.

There are rules for which one can hold associations or affiliations.

There are rules for when to come to church.

There are rules for who can teach or preach.

There are rules for where one can sit in the church.

There are many rules for the women.

There are some rules for the men.

There are rules for the young people.

There are rules for the rules.

Does all of this sound familiar?  If one looks closely at all the rules, the majority of the rules are directed towards women.  [Remember when the Pharisees brought the woman who was “caught in the very act” to Jesus?  What happened to the man?  The “law” states that both should be stoned to death.]  This discovery should not be a surprise since the majority of churches are established by men for men.  Women simply become an after-thought in the consideration of everything that goes on around them.  This is a fascinating phenomenon since most churches could not continue to function if it were not for the women involved.

 

This is an excerpt from Holiness, Not A Look, But a Lifestyle! available on amazon.com