Judgment Passed Upon Us!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Don’t Turn Back, Stand Firm!

Now announce to the army, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’ ” So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained. But the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will thin them out for you there. If I say, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go; but if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.”While each man held his position around the camp, all the Midianites ran, crying out as they fled. (Judges 7:3,4,21 NIV)

Sometimes, when we look at things with our physical eyes, we lose heart at the magnitude of the challenges that face up, but when we hear from God and obey, we can rest assured that when we follow His lead, all will be victorious.

I’m sure that Gideon had his doubts about a victory when God cut his army down from twenty-thousand to three hundred men, but God knew what needed to be done, whether Gideon understood it or not.

When we are faced with obstacles and challenges that appear to be too much for us, we must remember that with God going before us, He is more than the world against us. Instead of backing up or backing away from challenges, we must learn to stand firm, holding our positions, and waiting for The Lord to show up and show out!

This lesson is especially important for all who are trying to determine how they move forward with a diminished capacity of people or resources. We pray! We talk to God and then we listen and obey. We boldly hold our ground, feet firmly entrenched and faith immovable–and watch our enemies–flee or our obstacles move out of our way. This is the victory we have in Jesus–knowing our faith in Him cannot be deterred by anything the enemy puts in our way.

Sometimes, we have to close our physical eyes and ears (since the enemy wants us to be fearful of the things we hear) and open our hearts to see spiritually–no weapon formed against us shall prosper and we are victorious in all things with Jesus on our side–when we hear and obey.

Now is the time for every Born-Again Believer to stand firm–immovable, not turning back or away from the challenges that face or the situations that try our faith. Our faith–even if only as large as a mustard seed–is enough to keep the enemy on the run when we stand firm, refusing to back up or back away from promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We know not the hour or the day of His Return, but we do know that He’s coming and until He does, we are the spiritual army that must be as dedicated as Gideon as his three hundred–determined to know no fear and will stand firm on God’s Word and all He desires us to do. It is not in the greatness of numbers that God works miracles; it is in the faith of the few that miracles occur.

Have faith in God (not people for they will let you down) and know that God has our backs and we can continue our forward march to victory in Jesus’ name. We cannot turn back–we must hold our ground and see the glory of the Lord–declare His victory in all we do that honors Him.

O Give Thanks!

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works!” (Psalm 105:1,2 NKJV)

Sometimes, just because we cannot see all that God is doing, we tend to get frustrated and discouraged and forget all the good things He has done. What He has done before, He’ll do again and again and again. We don’t have to see what He’s doing, we just have to believe that He is doing. And with that thought, I have a praise report!

My grandson is in his high school band and I’m a member of the Band Boosters organization–we have to raise money to supplement the band’s needs which are not covered by the school’s budget. Every year, for the past twenty years (this will be year twenty-one), the Band Boosters hosts a Band-O-Rama–a performance by a number of area bands who are using this event as a “dress rehearsal” of sorts for the Band Festival where the bands will be ranked by a panel of judges.

Because of on-going conflict between the out-going president (when they lost the election) and the newly-elected executive board, things had not been shaping up well. Some of the schools we invited, were turning us down for various reasons, but Holy Spirit revealed that they were not pleased with how they were treated last year. This year, I’m chairing this enormous event and discouragement keeps trying to seep in and get in my way, but I know the power of prayer and I believe that my Daddy loves me so much, that He’ll never let me down.

Instead of moping about what is not being done, I just jumped in and started doing whatever I could to make things work. We knew we were running a risk–financially–but we’re determined to move forward. Did I mention that I’m also the new treasurer? I’m looking at the dollars and cents dwindle as I write checks and “I don’t see” how we’re going to make it happen–a positive memorable event, but I didn’t see God working until yesterday.

After a meeting with the food service director seeking their assistance, I went home, determined to keep a stiff upper lip. About five minutes after I got home, I received a phone call from the director and what he tells me leaves me speechless. His boss had decided that not only would they donate items they had given in the past, but the school district had decided to pick up the tab for the items we had purchased from them. I could hardly believe it! This meant a considerable savings to us with our food concession.

I love to praise God and give Him glory for all He does and I did. By the time I got off phone, the director was laughing and calling me “crazy lady.” Yes, Lord, I’m crazy about my Daddy and how good He is! Hallelujah! I quickly emailed the executive board and the band director to let them know and I have a “bear hug” reserved for the business manager.

Glory to God! O give thanks! Wonderful Savior! He is good all the time and all the time, He’s God–all by Himself!

Not to be greedy, we still need donations of a few more items–a couple of tents and a cot, but I’m sure God will provide and as I lay in my bed this morning, thinking of His goodness and thanking Him for speaking to the hearts of people who can help, tears rolled--the magnitude of His love–is always amazing and fills my heart with joy!

O Give Thanks to The Lord For All He Has Done–for the victories He’s already won!

Just in case you’re interested, this year’s Band-O-Rama is Saturday, September 26, 2015 at the Harper Woods High School Football Field in Michigan. If you live in the area, please join us for this all day event and if you don’t, please keeping thanking God for the success of the event so we can continue to support our high school band.

Why Jesus Said, “If You Were Blind, You Wouldn’t Be Guilty.”

Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” (John 9:41 NIV)

Once again, because of a miracle on the Sabbath, Jesus healing a man who had been born blind, the religious group in their self-righteousness threw the man out the temple, because he dared to challenge them about who Jesus was. To keep this in context, we must understand the back-story (John 9:1-34). Whenever a person was healed, they were to go to the priests (the Pharisees in this case) to confirm their healing. In this particular miracle, when the Pharisees started questioning the blind man’s healing, they accused Jesus of being a sinner and certainly not from God. The man dared to refute what they said and he was prohibited from attending the temple. Now, let’s eavesdrop on the conversation between the healed man, some Pharisees and Jesus.

John 9:35-41

v. 35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out and when He found him, He said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

v. 36 “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in Him.”

v. 37 Jesus said, “You have now seen Him in fact, He is the one speaking with you.”

v. 38 Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped Him.

v. 39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”

v. 40 Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard Him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind, too?”

The entire point of this conversation was to let the Pharisees know, they were spiritually blinded–they claimed a belief in God, yet refused to accept what was right in front of them–God in the flesh–working miracles for the benefit of those who would believe.

The world hasn’t changed much in the last 2000 + years. There are still some–both religious leaders and carnal Christians–who are spiritually blind. They claim to know God, yet they refuse to obey God and have in essence, created even more religions that have no basis or foundation in Him who created all things and without Him, nothing was ever created. The religious group would rather adhere to their traditions than to allow Holy Spirit to lead and guide them–in all things. And since they are the leaders in the churches today, not many in their congregations ever witness miracles because their unbelief inhibits the movement of Holy Spirit.

If every church, in every city, all over the world, would allow Holy Spirit His rightful place in any service–people would be healed of cancer, blind eyes would be opened, the lame would walk, and all manner of diseases would dissipate for those who believe. For The Word says, “These signs shall accompany those who believe: In my name: they will drive out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands (to discard them) and when they drink deadly poison (not intentionally), it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (Mark 16:17,18 NIV)  Now, once again to keep this in context, Jesus said this-after He rose from the grave and was included in the instructions given to those who followed Him to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. And as in so many other places, we see the conditions or qualifiers if you will, under which the signs shall follow. “Whoever believes and is baptized and for those who don’t believe, they will be condemned.” (v.15, 16)

So, now the question for all to consider is, “Are we yet blind even though we say we Believe?” If we are spiritually blinded by the traditions of the world and political correctness and fleshly desires, will we ever truly Believe God and obey? If we remain spiritually blind, will we ever be able to accomplish all that Jesus said we would, for those who Believe?

Spiritual blindness opens the door for Satan and all the demonic forces he employs to deceive and manipulate. For this reason, sin abounds in the earth and all manner of sickness and disease run rampant because those who say they believe, don’t practice obedience and in operating in the Spiritual Gifts Holy Spirit has for each of us, to lay hands on the sick and watch them get well.

More about what Jesus said and why, next time.

His Foolishness Is Greater!

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” (I Corinthians 1:25 NIV)

Whenever I hear people say certain things, I’m reminded that there are many who don’t believe in God, deny His existence, but always have something to say about Him. Now why is that?

Why would anyone spend their time in endless pursuits trying to prove He doesn’t exist? If He doesn’t exist, what is there to refute? It’s like those who don’t believe in ghosts–yet they’re fearful of them. Why fear something you don’t believe in?

The real issue for me is that when people cannot see something or someone, they choose to ignore or refute the existence of that something or someone. Seeing is not always a good foundation for believing.

Our faith in God is not based upon what we are able to see, but what He is able to accomplish through mere mortals who receive His wisdom. Those mere mortals are the ones who are foolish enough to believe God and because they believe He is, they receive all He has to give.

The foolish are not so wise since they believe that all they know or have is based upon their own abilities. And because they believe in themselves more than the greatness of God, they disavow any knowledge of God in their limited understanding of how He works.

For those of us who Believe without doubting, acknowledge we need His strength and wisdom, we receive and what we receive is foolishness to those who do not understand.

We have God’s Word that many will dispute and say His Word is nothing more than the ramblings of ignorant and illiterate scribes who didn’t know much. They may not have known much, but we are still reading and holding onto the Word they wrote out of obedience. Now, how foolish of us is that?

We believe in the virgin birth and many would tell us (based on their limited human wisdom) that it was not possible. Really? The same men who deny the virgin birth are yet unable to explain our existence and we should believe them, why? Since the One who created all things created us, it is no big thing for Him to bring Himself into the world through a virgin. It is He who created the body and all things that function within the body so He can do whatever He chooses to do and do it well.

We believe in miracles and those miracles are still revealed today. We see miraculous events that only God could direct and science and scientists are left scratching their heads.

We believe in the work of the cross–that foolishness that we preach, bringing us into position to be saved and have eternal life. The Stone was rolled away and revealed to all the world that Jesus is alive and well!

Of course that is foolishness for those who don’t know Him, but since I know Him, I know I’d rather have access to His unlimited wisdom and strength than man’s finite wisdom any day.

Every Word of His  is true and never changes; every word of man–his laws and policies are fickle and ever-changing to pacify the dictates of the moment. I’d rather have Jesus, than silver and gold and be thought foolish than given any credit for operating in my own wisdom, of which I have none. Everything I know, I know because of Him and everything I do is to glorify Him. If that’s foolish, then so be it. I Am a Fool For Christ!

True Witnesses!

“You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.”(Isaiah 43:10 NIV)

How is it that people make things–either themselves or buy what others have made–and worship them? If the things are made by man’s hand, how do we give them more power and honor than the one who made them? If then, we are worshipping things, can we be a true witness for what God does?

A true witness does not prevaricate, does not manipulate truth, does not quibble truth (nitpicking it selectively)–they will only speak about those events they actually see or participate in with others. If we Believe The Word, then we can be true witnesses for all God has said when we have hidden the Word in our hearts and have participated in the works of spreading the Gospel.

Do we understand that The God who has no form or origin, no beginning or end is truly The God of Heaven, all Creation and without Him, nothing was ever created; He is not “a god” as others say? Have we fine-tuned our relationship with Him so we know when we hear Him and will not listen to the lies of who speak against Him or oppose Him? Do we know that everything He did for His chosen, He will continue to do until He returns to take us to be with Him?

If we are going to be true witnesses of who He is, we must learn to model our behavior after Him. We should do what He does, according to what He has said. We love, we teach, we admonish and correct, and we forgive and move on. We know not everyone will hear us and that’s their choice; our job is to share the Gospel, not make people believe since we have no authority or ability to make anyone do anything.

We are told by Jesus if others will not hear us to shake the dust off our feet and keep going. In other words–keep it moving–we don’t have time to waste on those who are determined to allow Satan to rule their lives. We pray for them that they will see a need to turn to God, but we cannot make them. We allow them their choice and leave them to their consequences!

God has always allowed people to make choices–and what we actively and consciously do is a choice. He allowed Adam and Eve to make choices and left them to their consequences. He allowed Herod, and all the leaders of Egypt to make their choices and live with their consequences. He is the same God, using the same strategy to get us to Believe Him. He used the prophets and miracles and He’s yet using prophets and miracles and most of us are–miracles--we survived situations that should have killed us, but we are yet here–to testify of His goodness–as true witnesses!

True witnesses understand and believe everything The Word has said because they hear God speaking through Holy Spirit, confirming His Word and directing us in all things. All who believe Him (not man or men), and can act on His behalf are His true witnesses that will bring others into knowledge of Him.

Enjoy!

“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (I Timothy :17 NKJV).

Command–direct with specific authority, the rich in our times, not to be so haughty and arrogant that they trust in their riches, instead of the living God–who gives us (all of us) all things to enjoy!

There are some people who think because they have money (specifically some political parties), they have a right to take a superior attitude towards or over those who do not. Money can do a number of things to enhance one’s life, but the things that God gives us all to enjoy–cannot be assessed with a dollar sign.

The beautiful blue skies on a clear sunny day–He gives.

The sun that warms the earth and our hearts after a brutally cold winter–He gives.

Majestic, snow-covered mountains–He gives.

The calming sound of brooks babbling along their journey into whatever waterway is their destiny–He gives.

The look of love and amazement in the eyes of new parents–He gives.

The wonder of all the miraculous things that happen in the universe–He gives.

Canyons shaped by ravages of time, but leave us in total amazement.

Natural springs where waters rise from the ground and fall majestically, back to be recycled and re-energized.

Beautiful flowers, honor-guard trees, that were never planted by the hands of man, but exist just for our pleasure.

Love between couples that never ends and we see it in the elderly holding hands, walking through parks or just taking a stroll.

The love of mothers with their children–ever-watchful, observant, caring and nurturing, ready to defend their children with their lives.

The simple pleasures of natural flavors that man did not create, but use in all manner of good things to eat–vanilla, chocolate, strawberry.

The sunrise that creates an explosion of color and patterns that man could not have imagined.

The sunset that serves as a glorious reminder that the end of the day has come.

Many may have money which they can use to “purchase enjoyment” but we all have access to enjoy those things He has given richly whether we have a dime in our pockets or not.

For pure happiness–remind those with earned (legally or illegally) riches to not think so highly of themselves because of what they have, but remember the riches that God has given all to enjoy and praise Him for it all!

 

 

Showing Off!

“How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you” (Psalm 31:19 NIV).

When we have reverential fear (respect and reverence) for God–He will make sure that all who know Him are blessed abundantly (more than enough) and He will do it in front of all those who mock Him and those who believe Him.

God loves showing off–He makes the unbelieving believe by what He shows them in how He uses those who believe. He uses the foolish to confound the wise. The uses the weak and gives them strength to overcome the tricks of the enemy. He heals those who have been told by unbelieving man, “there’s nothing else we can do.” And they are so right. But God–can do all things and do them well.

God can and will perform miracles when miracles are least expected. We see it every day–“those things that occur that man cannot explain.”

God can and will do everything He promises in His Word for those whose faith does not waver, no matter how the enemy attempts to cloak success in unbelief and doubt. When God says do it; we simply believe and do it. The measure of success–is not on us–but on God. Our role is simply to obey. Hallelujah!

If we want God to “show off” in our lives, we must believe that He is (everything He says He is) and He will (do everything He says He will do).  How do we do it? By knowing what He has said, developing a right relationship with Him, and obeying His voice! No magic–just untainted belief in the knowledge of the Most High!

Now, watch Him show-off for your benefit to His glory!

My Daddy Did it!

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11 NIV).

I woke up thinking about the non-believers’ conversation about the non-existence of God and of course, I was reminded of God’s Word. What I always find both amazing and gratifying is the fact that whenever I need the reminder, my Daddy, through the Holy Spirit, always brings it back to my remembrance, just like He said He would.

Now, before some get upset with my reference to God as my “Daddy” understand that this represents my relationship with God.  He is my Father, my Daddy and I never take this relationship for granted. He is the “Great I Am”, Jehovah Jireh and known by so many more “titles” that I won’t list them here. However He is known by the masses, depends upon their relationship with Him.

At any rate, “He created all things and without Him nothing was created” and that is the end of the matter for most believers.

Rather than argue or debate His existence, we should work on our relationship with God (Our Daddy), listen when He speaks, be quick to obey, and then when people marvel at the great things He does for us and through us, we can proudly say, “My Daddy Did It!”

Look at the cloud formations on various days in various types of weather; My Daddy did it.

Look at the bodies of water that encourage amazement and awe; My Daddy did it.

Look at the hills and mountainsides and wonder people often feel; My Daddy did it.

Look at the miracles performed which no one can explain; My Daddy did it.

Look at the love He has shown us by sacrificing His Son for us; My Daddy did it.

Look at all we have in life that allows us to enjoy life more; My Daddy did it, when He inspired others to create all manner of things.

Look at all the labels we have attached to things; My Daddy did it, when He spoke to those who determined what we call things.

Science is known as science because My Daddy inspired someone to attach the label. Science attempts to explain what already exists, but cannot replicate the intricacies of all that My Daddy has created when He created us!

Everything that mankind has done has ignited a response from My Daddy and mankind has incurred the result of the response of obedience or disobedience, just as He said it would happen.

When the enemy attempts to cause you to doubt, remind him, our Daddy is bigger and that He also created him who is angry enough to engender hatred because of his hatred of God. Satan is the father of liars, a master of deception, and his job is to kill, steal and destroy.  I’m so thankful that My Daddy is greater than all the mischief that Satan can devise.

Is That So?

How many times have you heard someone say something that sounded so strange that all you could think was, “is that so?”

While thinking about what I could say to encourage others today, I thought about the miracles that Jesus performed and how it amazed those who doubted who He was.  I’m sure, if they had the courage, they would have asked the question, “is that so?”  And we know many of them who questioned His ability behind His back.  Did you know–healing is ours, today, just as it was when Jesus walked the earth; that we are descendants of a Royal Priesthood and should conduct ourselves accordingly; that we have a right to expect great things from the One we serve, daily; that we are the head and not the tail; that we have access to Jesus as our advocate and mediator 24/7?  Did you know He loves us–no matter what–and forgives us when we fall short?  Did you know that we are the righteousness of God, not because of our own righteousness (because we don’t have any), but because of who He is?  Some may be sitting back thinking, “Is that so?”

Yes, it is so–because the Bible clearly states, “it is so.”  Don’t take my word for it; read it for yourself!