Changing My Tone!

Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you! Galatians 4:16-20 NIV

“For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.” 2 Corinthians 13:8 NIV

When everything we attempt to do creates uncertainty in how others see us, we must remember we have options–always in obey The Word. This does not mean we accept lies as truth, but to continue to speak truth, without animosity–making sure truth is understood and not just our opinions.

I’ve been writing truths about the current resident in the Oval Office and complaining about as much as others who are concerned about the erosion of democracy under his “illegitimate” election win. We know without doubt Russian meddling influenced the outcome of the election. It’s not about “waiting for the evidence” to be presented for all the world to see; we see it in his tweets–his desperation to distract with lie and more false propaganda, declaring all other news, “fake news” except purported by Fox News and now his propaganda machine, his tv news outlet with supposed, “real news,” reported by his lying surrogates, feeding his ego. I guess some so-called Christians don’t have a problem risking spending eternity in the lake of fire–prepared for those who are liars. 

At any rate, I decided it’s time for a change. By now, everyone with a functioning brain knows there is a problem in the White House which will soon be eradicated–one way or the other. And since people didn’t want to believe truth about the situation before now, perhaps, they’ll remove their blinders and see clearly, the danger which America faces with an incompetent, narcissistic person in the White House.

From this point forward until the General Election in 2020, I plan to promote my bid for president–outlining and presenting in somewhat exhaustive manner–why I’m qualified to serve America. I’m changing my tone and focusing on Raising The Standards for Everyday Americans.

Let’s begin with my understanding of what a president should know. (If this is redundant, please forgive the urgency I feel to let readers know where I stand.)

Other than being a legitimately elected leader, the person holding the office of President of the United States should understand what the office entails before being sworn into office. This person should have some understanding of the following:
• How government works (the three branches and how they are to operate in governance)
• Who America’s Allies and Adversaries are
• The importance of maintaining a strong military to defend the nation
• How to be fiscally responsible with tax-payer funds in order to keep the government running efficiently and smoothly
• How to embrace collaborative efforts in Congress
• The purpose of the Constitution and knowing what it takes to uphold it and protect democracy
• The History of the nation’s struggles and achievements
• Moving country forward with innovative ideas and technological aspirations
• Protecting the vulnerable from predatory practices
• The importance of everyone participating in a democratic society
• The importance of interactive, collaborations with other world leaders for economic reasons and to protect the planet.
• Recognizing the need for equality in the workplace between males and females
• Disavowing and condemning acts of discrimination regardless of race, religion, or gender.
• Promoting Unity and Instead of Divisiveness
• The boundaries of the office President—recognize being president of the United States does not mean having “all authority” or being a dictator or tyrant. Loyalty should be to Constitution and Americans, not an individual or groups of donors.
• Know that the White House is not an opportunity to promote personal business interests; the president should promote America’s interest not personal ones.
• Knowing the importance of transparency, having values and integrity; conducting oneself with dignity at all times.
• Know the difference between governing and campaigning with civility towards all.
• Know that the “rule of law” supersedes personal opinion and must be upheld
• Know that elected Congress doesn’t work for President but for their constituents.

All of this and more is on my Face Book page for Everyday Americans at http://www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020. If you’re checking it out, be sure to come back frequently for updates. I am so much more to say and my official Bio will be up by the end of summer. Until then, please seek direction from God (not me) as to who should get your vote in any election–not tainted by foreign actors meddling by peddling false propaganda.

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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.

Comfort Is Ours!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves we receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 NIV

As I read this, I am reminded of the daily struggles and uncertainty many feel with our current situation in Washington. But I want to encourage all to know, that no matter how dark and ugly things get, know that there are millions of people working to right the injustice that we have endured with a rigged election.

From the beginning–I understood when trump screamed, “it’s going to be rigged! They’re going to steal the election,” I knew he was referring to his team. I didn’t know how, but I knew it would be those who supported him who would help with the election rigging. And I said so, though there were some who tried to convince me I was wrong.

Now, we see unfolding, daily just how it was done. It has already been determined that Russia was involved because they favored trump and hated Hillary. The players–Flynn, Manafort, Page, Ryan, McConnell, Kushner, Burr, Sessions, DeVos and others are all being exposed, one-by-one and it will be revealed how trump conned 63 million people into believing he cared about them.

Don’t despair! Be comforted in the knowledge that truth–not alternate facts–will prevail and even many of those stalwart surrogates are beginning to cave. I watch their body language and even though they try to defend the indefensible, it’s beginning to wear them down. Kingston, Miller, McEnany, Scott, Dennard, and others look frayed as they try to convince–there is nothing to expose in the #trumprussia investigation. We all know by now when they’ve reached the end of their delusional defenses, when they leap to…”but Hillary, …but Obama” refrains.

The end is near (but near is relative in a timeline controlled by others) and we will all be able to breathe a sigh of relief when we get all the con artists out of the White House and put into prison. While we wait–know there are millions praying and actively involved in making sure this type of travesty never happens again. Our phone calls to legislators, emails, postcards, tweets, are making an impact and we will not be ignored. Now is not the time to give up; now is the time to dig in, taking a firm stand against the wiles of the enemy who governs from the WH and reigns on Capitol Hill (the high places Paul warned us about).

Comfort is available for all who stand firm in their beliefs and their actions to fight against tyranny and fascism. We will win–one way or another!

 

Protect Your Soul!

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.  May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 5:12-23 NIV

If we need proof–the evidence by which one is convicted or convinced of anything–we have to seek God’s Word to see that those professing to be Christians–lie and they lie about the lies and show themselves to be reprobates with the continued lying.

Who are the lawmakers who claim to be Christians lying to? Themselves and their constituents. Those of us who are not blinded by party ideology see through the lies and know — they make a mockery of what Christianity is supposed to be.

First of all, when Paul talks to “brothers and sisters” he’s referring to the family of Christ Jesus–all who believe and walk according to God’s Word. So, when we see lawmakers and other “pseudo-Christian” leaders do things that are in opposition to God’s Word (no help for the poor) we know they lie. When we see them make excuses for those who publicly do wrong without public admonition, we know they lie. When we see them, not upholding their oath of office just to make the idiot in charge feel good, we know they lie. They have no respect for God’s Word, themselves or those they supposedly represent.

Secondly, for them to use Christianity as a benchmark to claim to be a party “of the moral majority” when they have all fallen short is nothing short of remarkable–or maybe I should say, laughable because they expect people to believe them and the gullible, do.

We watched the GOP rejoice in taking healthcare from millions and yet making sure the wealthy save millions. We watched them preen themselves, congratulating themselves on their accomplishment–assuring early deaths for those who can’t afford healthcare. We watched them hide from their constituents because they didn’t want to answer questions about what they did or hear how their decisions impact “real lives” and not just numbers on a page. We know they lied when they did this because Christ, never would. The giddy law-makers would prefer people die early due to health issues or starve to death because they can’t afford the ever-rising costs of food.

This is what we have in Washington, DC–the cast of clowns pretending to be Christians, which by their actions, demonstrate they are not.

Moving on–we do have choices and whether or not people want to believe it–the Democratic party is the party that cares and they have demonstrated that repeatedly. They care about the poor, the needy and the marginalized and try to write laws to protect them, while the GOP–does just the opposite.

In both the mid term elections in 2018 and the General election in 2020 people have a choice to make and they need to listen and watch all who are speaking, vying for their vote. Real Christians–don’t have to brag about what they do and they take no pleasure in the suffering of others. We must pay attention and seek God before casting our vote–and don’t let our emotions rule over common sense.  We must remember that and guard our souls against the wiles of the enemy.

 

 

Looking Ahead, Not Behind!

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. Philippians 3:12-17 NIV

Sometimes, we tend to allow our pasts–when we spend too much time thinking about them–to get in the way of our future. Lately, my thoughts keep going backward as I consider facing the microscopic scrutiny I know I’ll be subjected to in my quest to make a run for the White House and because of my imperfections–doubt tends to creep in. So, this morning, as I read what Paul has to say, I am determined to not allow those thoughts to deter me. I am focused and looking forward to the experience of daring to make a big difference in our country.

Will I get where I want to be? Who knows?

I know I am qualified to be president of the United States (per the constitutional requirements) and now I must determine a path that will make me “electable” since that factor is more important than others.

With that insight, I know what I have to do–appeal to the masses and find those who–eventually–are great at fundraising–since that is not one of my strengths.

In the end, only those who believe in me–believe what they hear God speak to their hearts about me–will truly determine my electability.

In the interim–I’m going full steam ahead with research on issues that concern Everyday Americans and in finding viable solutions. I’ve written letters to “experts” in the field and waiting to hear from them. And while I wait–they’re all pretty busy–I’m doing what I do best–writing and promoting my name.

Sooner or later–the name will be known and hopefully, the masses will know I’m on the side of the Everyday Americans, but I know I can govern for all Americans.

How We Got Here!

When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders. The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba. But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice. So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.”Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, “This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the LORD will not answer you in that day.” But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us.Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.”When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. The LORD answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.” Then Samuel said to the Israelites, “Everyone go back to your own town.”  I Samuel 8 NIV

If we take a few moments to contemplate this passage of Scripture and align it with where we are right now–we can see how we got here–to this time in 2017.

I’m a visionary and have an extremely creative imagination and while reading this I saw a parallel time period from then to now.

Hillary tried to warn us what would happen if 45 was elected--in all three debates–she let us know what would happen.

45 let us know who he was, but people blinded by dissatisfaction and willing to believe lies, didn’t listen.

Evangelical leaders who claim to be pro-life (within the womb), but hate others outside the womb, wanted to see a Supreme Court Justice appointed who would overturn Roe v. Wade. Coupled with their hatred of Obama–the first Black President–they convinced people that God chose Trump to be president–using a well known tool–gas lighting–repeating lies until they are believed, leading people to distrust their own judgment.

What we learn from Samuel is that having a king to rule over the Children of Israel was never God’s idea, but the people who badgered Samuel, who chose to have a king–after being warned about how a king would treat them. God never leaves us with choices without presenting the consequences of our actions (Deuteronomy 28).

Just about everything we were warned about with Trump has come to pass. He will lie about lies and back peddle on promises and those who CHOSE him–by electing him as president–are now crying, “foul!”

The Children of Israel didn’t listen to Samuel and many people–those who are the most needy–refused to listen to Hillary and chose instead to believe the lies perpetuated by Trump.

Understanding what happened and how a kingship was established–the people’s choice, should help many to understand that when Paul talked about “honoring authority” in Romans 13:1–(again I say), he was not talking about a president–but the authority that God established which is Christ Jesus.

The people didn’t want to accept God as their King so He gave them what they wanted. Disgruntled, deluded, and duped gullible Americans didn’t want Hillary as their president so He allowed them their choice.

Will God hear our prayers when we ignored Him? The prayers of the righteous avails much and we shall soon see whether He hears and will answer us–relieving us from this nightmare and the policies that hurt the poor and the needy.

Ignoring God and the obvious–the back-peddling pathological liar is how we got here; now it’s going to take the same God we ignored, to get us out of the mess made out of an honorable position which no longer is held in high esteem by much of the on-looking world.

We can say anything we want to say about how God does things, but we only have to seek His Word to find out the truth–God has always honored man’s choices and warned us of the consequences of our choices, but many refuse to listen.

Breathe, Reflect and Keep Fighting!

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 the 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

How does passage of scripture align with what we see right now?

Deception–is a key word in what we see in the daily news. People–and this is the White House contingency–are deceived by what they do–abuse of power–and they think we are deceived by their “alternate facts” which are blatant lies.

If they simply read and lived the bible–at least 45 claims to “love the bible” then he would know there is no need for him to keep comparing himself to President Obama–he’ll never measure up. What he should concentrate on doing is not allowing President Bannon to steer the ship he was commissioned to captain. None of us who are paying attention are blind to what is going on. We know 45 didn’t draft the executive orders and his “photo op” show of signing them and attempting to read words he’s never seen is obvious.

How do we know? Most of us with fairly good perception and ability to draw conclusions knew when he first opened his mouth. He does not have the intellect to draft the executive orders presented in the presence of the press. Only an idiot would have given him credit for it. But that’s not the most important factor–it has been revealed by media that he didn’t know what he was signing and hence the chaotic mess with the Muslim Ban. And they can claim all they want that it was not a “ban on Muslims” but Giuliani revealed that 45 asked him how to “legally ban Muslims” and he helped him.

45 wants people to “praise him” but so far, he’s done absolutely nothing that is praiseworthy. It is craving for recognition that President Bannon is using against him, feeding his ego so he can influence what he does. Hence–the conclusion that SB is actually the president and most people don’t know–we have an unelected person running the government.

We’ll soon see how the fallout will affect every American when SB–who is determined to destroy the country in order to fulfill his own agenda–allows white supremacist to do whatever they want to do in order to make America–“white again.”

America needs to wake up and take off the blinders that are creating the scales distorting their view of reality. 45 is mentally unstable, SB is a bigoted racist, and haggyblonde is sleep deprived (she admitted yesterday) and since we know–sleep deprivation is a form of torture that creates distortions of reality–we know why she’s acting the way she is.

They (teamtrump) seem to forget all the vicious lies they promoted during a campaign and now, they “say” it’s not fair for people to constantly criticize what they do or how they’re doing it. Really? It was okay for them to demonize both Hillary and President Obama, but now–it’s not fair! What a load of baloney!

45 ran down his opponents in both the primary and general election with falsehoods, blatant lies and vicious personal character attacks, but now–the petulant, tantrum-throwing-toddler-in-chief wants people to play nice and stop hurting his feelings because he feels so “demoralized.”Maybe he should have thought about “his actions” and considered how others might feel; especially since he continually denigrated President Obama for years–and he still has not apologized for that. But that’s okay–Karma bites–and we learn from the word in Romans 13:7 –we can only get back what we give. “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”

And yes, before anyone reminds of the preceding verses of Scripture, I do know what it says and what it means, but since we do not have integrity and honor operating in the WH, I am not obligated to them.

Now, for those who need encouragement to keep going in the battle–step back for a moment, take a deep breath, reflect on the purpose and then get back in the battle to win it!

 

The Unknown God!

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you. “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. Acts 17:16-25 NIV

Worshiping gods was nothing new to people when Paul preached the Good News. For centuries–man made idols–with their own hands–of stone, bronze, gold, wood, whatever they used at any given time–shaped into images to represent events that they didn’t understand. They had fertility gods, sun gods, moon gods, season gods, agricultural gods, –all these gods they created to explain what they didn’t understand because they didn’t have access to science (as we know it today) to discover the “whys” of what occurred.

And then there was the representation of the “unknown god” (science still cannot explain) who had a place in their worship venues. This altar bore this inscription because the men of that day and even now, could not explain certain events, but they attributed it a god.

Mankind is still worshiping idols–gods made by their own hands. They think the “things” have dominion of events that occur in our lives. Most of us understand superstitious nonsense and know that there are no “things” that have any power–no images created by mortals can do anything of their own accord. But then there are those whose faith is in statues, and beads, and images and their faith in the things cannot be shaken.Some worship all they develop and to keep what they make in the forefront of their minds–they emblazon their name on everything–and expect others to worship them, too.

However, since they do not know God or understand God, their faith in Him is tenuous at best because they are ignorant of His ways and purposes. The God of Heaven, the Creator of all things and without whom, nothing was ever created, is still the unknown God to many–who think they are the masters of their destiny. These did not read about Jeremiah and the conversation God had with him, “before you were formed in your mother’s womb, I knew you,” and later He said, “I know the plans I have for you.”

Now while it is true that we all have choices to make, when we follow God’s plans we are going to be successful as He defines success. God does not define success as man does–especially when man’s success is contingent upon a lack of integrity, intimidation, and bullying. When success is obtained by questionable means (leaving others holding the bag of their debts) that is not godly success. Godly success is only achieved by doing things the way God directs us. That success may not mean being a billionaire–but it will mean we are pleasing God.

So while many are still serving and worshiping gods created by human hands or machines, out of a religious spirit, there are some of us who are led by the Spirit of God and will only serve Him–the unknown God for those who don’t know Him.

 

 

On This Journey–Let Passion Drive!

“Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. “And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ “So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.“So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.  “So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’ Acts 22:6-10 NKJV

Most of us know Paul’s testimony about his trip to Damascus to persecute followers of Christ–how his encounter with Jesus–changed him and established a clear path for all who followed Jesus.

From persecutor to champion of the cause–from Saul to Paul–God’s grace on his journey in life was due to his passion.

Now, the same grace that saved Paul and put him on the path to securing solidarity for the Body of Christ is available to all who are willing to receive. Much has been said about Paul’s conversion, but perhaps the most important thing that any of us need to know is this–in order to be effective at doing anything–passion must drive us!

Paul (as Saul) was taught by the masters of Jewish faith in the law–he understand better than most what the law said, but it wasn’t until his encounter with Jesus–contact with The Living Word–that he learned to apply what he thought he knew. At the point of his conversion to knowing how God wants us to treat us, he changed–the scales of blindness came off and he clearly saw how The Law kept people in bondage, making a mockery of a faith they claimed to be in God.

Are we religious or are we Believers in the Most High God? Have we allowed religious traditions to hinder passion for true belief and action on our part? Are willing to have an encounter with Jesus–The Living Word–to set us on the right path–a path destined with challenges and victories? Are we ready for the journey of a lifetime–promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our conduct and not just our words?

The journey–may have it’s ups and downs, but if we remain faithful to Him, He will be faithful to us and accomplish all He has put our hearts to do. This journey called life–has not really been lived until we are living it for The Lord! What is your passion?

 

When The Greedy Have Oversight!

As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison. Acts 24:25-27 NIV

Since we know human nature does not change, we can understand that any time someone starts talking about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come--the conversation instills fear in the unrighteous and they change the conversation so they won’t feel condemned.

When faced with situations that Paul faced, we who know God and His intent for mankind, must continue to say what God says–no matter what the intent of those who have authority over us–in the natural. For no mere mortal can ever have authority over God or those who obey Him.

But in this passage we see Felix as a pretender–someone who pretended to want to know more about Paul was teaching, but in essence was really hoping that his imprisonment would keep him quiet (as far as the Jews were concerned) and would eventually end up with Felix lining his pockets in order for Paul to know freedom.

There are people who are imprisoned–in both buildings and mindsets–waiting for release and will not be bribed to go against the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Though I am not a prisoner in a building, like Paul, I count it all joy to be bound with the Good News and I will not keep silent and will not accept a bribe to be silent. I cannot be bullied into compromising my faith in God and I will not allow any authority on earth to persuade me to rebel against God.

But we know–from all we see–that has occurred with some people. Though the bribe may not have been money–instead it was support and promises of greater things to come, but the greater things will never eradicate the judgment that is sure to come–when those who live a life in opposition to God’s Word and promote others in doing the same.

We shall all stand before God and give an account of what we’ve done with our time here on earth. I hope never to be ashamed of promoting the Gospel of Jesus and the power of forgiveness and love. I have been forgiven for those things which I did without understanding of Truth. I am loved beyond measure by my heavenly Father–who willingly died for me that I would have another chance to get living right for Him.

There is not enough money on the planet to convince me to move from my stance–total faith in the resurrection power of Jesus and the embodiment of power from Holy Spirit who dwells within me. Unfortunately, not all can say with confidence they feel the same. We see this in politicians who are willing to compromise themselves in order to gain status. We see this in people whose principles are determined by a dollar value. We see this in the church–when the leadership is more concerned about the numbers in the building that souls being saved when Truth is heard and they compromise the Gospel–to be politically correct.

Lord, help us all when we allow greed to reign over the needs of the people to know the Truth.