The Leadership Charge!

Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.  Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever. I Timothy 5:19-25 NIV

In Paul’s letter to Timothy, instructions are given for those in leadership positions in how to govern and teach others as well as for himself. Any good leader–knows they need to have the wisdom of those who know what they’re doing in order to lead others. Wisdom from above–is immeasurable and when followed–peace and love will reign.

We are living in an age where many people think that whatever they find on the Internet is credible. Those of us who know how to determine credibility of information know–without question–that not everything on the Internet is trustworthy and we certainly should not share the lies and falsehoods promoted by others. For when we participate in the spreading of lies–chaos reigns and reputations are destroyed. And then we are reminded by what Hosea said, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.”

We must remember that God sees all and more importantly, He knows our hearts and intent for everything we do. We mere mortals can only see what is exposed–not having the ability to read a person’s mind, but if we are careful to observe a matter and seek Holy Spirit, we can accurately assess information gathered and draw conclusions–predicting what happens next.

There are so many false news outlets infiltrating the Internet, that I cannot begin to name them all, but I have seen how they operate. Many of the URLs–include the name of the party providing the information and we know is skewed to favor them and impugn others. The real travesty is that when people don’t know how to discern the truth from the fiction, the gullible believe the fiction and will not hear the truth. When leaders–anywhere–but especially in the church–promote fiction as truth, they will have to answer to God, not only for what they do, but what they have led others to believe.

How do we discern truth from fiction in a news outlet? Look at the source–how many writers are involved? What is their source of information? What is the level of bias detected? Is this a true journalistic endeavor or is it simply a means for someone to vent? Blogs and most other social media posts are merely there for the purpose of espousing the writer or group’s opinions and many of those expressed opinions are not based upon any legitimate facts. Unless the site is an actual news outlet (NYT, WSJ, WP, or local news chains), chances are–what is said needs to be verified or confirmed through another legitimate source. The other method to determine truth of a situation is by the end tags–.edu, .org or .gov. Some–not all–bearing the .com or .net tags are not credible sources and need confirmation. Research the author of the site and their credentials or expertise.

As Believers–we should be able to discern truth from fiction by seeking the basis for what is said on The Word. Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth and we shall know the truth, if we have a mind to listen.

With the above premise–how can we then participate in vicious lies told to destroy a person’s reputation without seeking credible witnesses? Specifically, I’m referencing the lies promoted and advocated by Fox News, Breitbart, and Alex Jones. The things they promote are based upon fractions of truth–becoming whole lies–and there is never credible confirmation of anything they promote. Does not Paul warn us about–participating in the sins of others in his letter to Timothy? So, if people publish lies and we promote the lies, are we not just as guilty as the person or entity who started the lie?

If what we see or hear cannot be confirmed by two or more credible witnesses–we should not partake in the character assassinations advocated by false news sources. Do we not have ears to hear, eyes to see, and Holy Spirit within to direct us in all things? If so, we need to rely more upon Him than in the production of fake news, designed to destroy–not only the targets of the lies, but the gullible who believe the lies. Facts are verifiable, while fiction–is just that–made up in the minds of those who promote it.

If what we do does not promote love, peace and harmony, then we might to re-think what we’re doing and get our relationship with God right!

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Watching and Waiting With Hope!

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7 NIV)

Watching the news is depressing with all of the negative reporting. Human beings slaughtering other human beings because of difference of opinion. Kids killing kids. Teens assaulting teachers. Teachers involved in illicit sexual activity with students, Husbands killing wives. Wives assaulting people on the road. Extreme weather conditions causing people despair. Foolish people venturing out in extreme weather conditions causing others to be precarious positions trying to rescue them. Judges ruling on the side of evil incarnate and in opposition to God. Where will it all end?

It will end–all of it-when Jesus returns and for those who have chosen to live without His guidance, they will be left behind to deal with the consequences of their choices.

While I wait in the hope of His glorious return, I watch and pray and pray and watch. I pray and watch. I cry out to the Lord and I know He hears my cries, but He will not override a person’s will. So, I pray for those who are living in opposition to seek Him while He may be found. I pray for those who are the cause of evil to reach the end of themselves. I pray for parents to become Godly parents, understanding right from wrong and teaching their children the same and how to respect others.

I pray for teachers to be adults with integrity to teach their students and not become physically involved with them. I pray for the students to be wiser and more interested in amassing an educating than in seducing or enticing or being enticed by their teachers.

I pray for preachers to be men and women of integrity, exercising wisdom given from on high, inspired to teach God’s Word, based upon God’s Word and His intent for all mankind. I pray for those attending churches–that they will read the bible for themselves and seek God for understanding, not allowing mere mortals to entice them away from God’s intent.

I pray for all of mankind to receive God’s love so they’ll be able to love others and stop the killing. I pray for all of us to hear God when He speaks and that we will obey Him, in promoting the Gospel and loving one another.

I’m watching and waiting with hope in my heart to see change in hearts of people–that we’ll do better and be ready when He returns. And while I’m waiting, I’m writing–trying to motivate others to live for The Lord in all things, seeing Him as the example as how we do it.

What The Lord Hates!

“There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” (Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV)

Let me see if I can break this down to the lowest possible simplicity:

Haughty eyes–those who look at someone else with scornful arrogance–thinking they are better than others.

Lying tongue–those tongues that wag ceaselessly, telling untruths.

Hands that shed innocent blood–taking a life that does not belong to you for any reason, not justifiable.

Hearts that devise wicked schemes--hard-hearted people who do not know love and therefore are full of hatefulness, planning the demise of others.

Feet quick to rush into evil–those who are quick to run to provoke evil and spread lies to convince others to do evil.

A false witness who pours out lies–those who willingly attest to a wrong-doing that never occurred simply to benefit themselves.

A person who stirs up conflict in the community–those who promote unrest and instability within entire communities for no other reason that be a tool of evil.

There is nothing new under the sun and these things–we see everyday in the news media–to report allegations without evidence or proof of a person’s wrong-doing, provoking society into conflict and hatefulness, those who willing falsify information for the 15 seconds of fame they hope to get, those who take the lives of others for no other reason than they are evil personified, and we know their hearts are evil when we see the plans they devise, implemented. And for any and all who promote something as true without proof, shame on all. In this country, the justice system is supposedly based upon the presumption of innocence, UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY!

What The Lord hates, we who Believe should also hate and condemn those who provoke evil and report lies as truth. The lake of fire is waiting for all liars.

Lord, help us all, to see things the way You see them and to do all You would do, to ensure peace, joy, and prosperity for all, through the overflow of love You have shown us.

Need Some Charmin, Please!

No reason or rhyme to justify
Allegations, unproven many have said
She stories–reeking revenge
And yet, presumption of innocence
Ignored and people vent crying foul,
When nothing is proven, just accepted
Tales of yonder years, Hollywood style
Drugs and sex, for all the wannabes
Who age has claimed its fame with
Sagging faces, memory lapses, and
Perhaps, shame from their part in the game,
Trying to reach the top, without skills
But willing to do whatever it takes to bring
Down one who has persevered, reclaiming
Career amidst the cheers and jeers of those
Pronouncing him guilty, no trial set,
And sentenced without conviction, their views
Have no evidence to support, just hearsay and numbers,
When everyone knows numbers can expand
When the price is right and media refuses to denounce
The injustice of presumption of guilt, over innocence!
Where is this country headed? Down the toilet so
Get the hip-boots out and the Charmin!

Follow The Leader!

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7).

In today’s society it is often difficult to find a truly “Godly leader” in any venue. When we see no hint of godly righteousness displayed by political leaders, business leaders, church leaders, or parents, why are we surprised or stunned by what we see on the news?

Now we know that all leaders should be example for others to follow. All leaders should be mindful of the influence and impact they have on others. And everyone is supposed to be praying for anyone in a position of authority. Is everyone on track? Are leaders leading by the precepts of God? Are parents teaching by the precepts of God? Are church leaders leading by The Word of God? Are we praying for those in positions of leadership?

If we truly want to see change in the world, we must pray for the leaders to be led by God. We must pray that the leaders are receptive to hearing the Word of God. We must pray for those who look to their leadership in churches, to follow those who follow Christ.

If the leadership is not following God, we are not obligated to honor them in any way. How will we know if they are following God? Their actions will align with The Word of God. Of course, if we don’t know the Word of God for ourselves, we won’t be able to determine whether the leaders are doing what they are supposed to be doing.

Here’s the solution to the world’s problems: everyone needs to know and live the Word of God, everyone needs to pray for the leaders to receive and live the Word of God, and everyone should only support and honor those who demonstrate they are living the Word of God. Simple solutions, but many won’t even try. As for me and my house, we will follow those who follow Christ–to the letter–of The Word of God and another, we will not serve.

Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to embed The Word in our hearts so we will recognize others living by it. Help us to know when to follow and when to not follow any person in a position of leadership who is not following You. Help us all to be better in whatever position we have so that You are glorified and not us. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!