The Great Divider

We’re getting closer each day to the 2020 day of reckoning for all Americans. What will we do? The jury is still out on that question and primarily because, there is so much division in the land and it’s not just political parties.

We’re a nation divided–by gender, political parties, ethnicity, marital status, education, parenting status, and more importantly–constitutionally.

We currently have a Constitutional Crisis on our hands, created by the Great Divider himself. He has not only succeeded in widening the gap between black and white people, but he’s now succeeded in creating a gap between true conservatives and the cult who worships him, calling themselves Republicans, when they should be called Retrumplicans. The Senate–currently controlled by Retrumplicans–are in danger of moving our country from a democracy to an autocracy–allowing trump to dictate since they can’t expect him to lead in our democracy. Many are not paying attention to this situation because trump is the master of distraction and deflection. We–those of us who are paying attention, know his talking is not just talk, even though Retrumplicans are trying to say it is–he’s plotting to overthrow the United States of America–which makes him a danger coming from within. Since he is trying to “overthrow the government,” he should be charged with treason and removed from our presence and everything he’s done in the past four years–reversed–to help us get back on track within the country and in reestablishing the relationships we once enjoyed with other countries.

In addition to blatantly and openly discussing his plans to overthrow the government, he’s using this bully pulpit and social media platform to recruit his army–the white supremacists and other haters of people of color. His head honcho of the takeover is William Barr–who is simply a stooge being used to accomplish the means of which Putin and trump can revel in–if they are indeed successful. Let’s face it–they can only be successful if the rest of us–the 60% of Americans who do not support him–are ready to stand firm and ready to fight for what’s right. trump’s rhetoric and dog whistles have made it “safe” for the haters to openly, unmasked, target people of color without fear of punishment. They have openly attempted to interfere with voting rights by showing up at polls, trying to intimidate voters. They have openly stated that if trump loses the election, they will be ready to go to war. The haters are not the only ones who’ll be ready–locked and loaded–to fight back for justice and the American way based upon democratic principles, not blind loyalty to an idiot who only cares about himself.

Husbands and wives, entire families are divided about their politics because some believe one way and others believe another. There are some men who truly don’t see why trump is wrong for America and there are some women who are wrong about trump because they refuse to see how he denigrates women, holding most in disdain. The Supreme Court appointee he’s planning to make is not because he cares about the womens’ experience or credentials, but he’s considering them because he needs to find a way to manipulate the women’s vote. Intelligent, independent thinking women will never support a misogynistic, narcissistic pathological liar. The only women who support trump are incapable of 3-Dimensional thinking which is why they refuse to see him clearly.

Generally speaking, it is the college educated, independent thinkers or rather 3-Dimensional thinkers who see who trump is and see through all his BS and will not support him. They will stand up to him and fight back, even those who are in the Republican Party are not supporting all of his stupidity. They are finally putting country first, not political party affiliation. If only all Americans could see this clearly, we could live our lives in peace, but since that’s not the case, we will continue to have turmoil as the Great Divider keeps blaming the chaos and looting on peaceful protesters (trying to vilify BLM), instead of seeing the haters who are intentionally creating problems to blame on others.

This idiot is so good at dividing instead of uniting people, he has even managed to divide some of the same white Evangelicals who supported him in 2016 to come out against him in 2020. That’s the power of the Great Divider. Now, let’s look at some biblical reference to understand who’s at work here–Satan–the great fear-monger, hater, destroyer of peace and joy, manipulator, and certainly the divider-in-chief (working overtime in trump).

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3 NIV)

“And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:14 NIV)

Please notice that peace, love and unity are a priority with God, so all that other stuff–is bound up in those controlled by Satan. For those who claim to know God and yet perpetuate hate–they lie to themselves and are simply religious, not Christians. They claim to be pro-life (actually pro-fetus), when they support a mass murderer who’s responsible for the loss of lives of 202,000 Americans–that is definitely not the actions of someone who is “pro-life.”

But as we can see–those of us who are not blinded by loyalty to a cult–the division is real, along with the COVID-19 infections, and the systemic racism, exacerbated by trump’s own lifetime of bigotry and racism.

Within his own administration, the children of parents who work for him–specifically, one parent, are seeking independence from their mother who supports the orange monster. Kellyanne and George–divided–because of the nincompoop’s influence.

Well, just consider this–we don’t have to be influenced by the Great Divider, we can vote for the one person who has experience at uniting people for the greater good of all, let’s make a decision to bridge the gap and unite under the leadership of Joe Biden–for peace and love!

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The Lies Are Disrupting My Peace!

This is going to be short and sweet–I think!

The lies coming from the WH have finally gotten to me. It’s not just that trump has told over 3 thousand lies since taking office; it’s not just that Sarah Huckabee Sanders lies daily; and it’s not just because all the trump surrogates simply regurgitate the lies–I am tired of hearing the lies about the lies!

In 2016, when trump presented a letter on the Dr. Oz show–supposedly written by Dr. Borstein–I knew from the content–it was a lie. No credible doctor would write such crap. This week, the doctor admitted–trump dictated the letter read on the Dr. Oz show.

Considering the tone of the health report presented by Ronny Jackson, most of us knew it was a lie, but we reserved judgment until now.  I have concluded that if the doctors are willing to lie (because of bribe or bullying), then everyone around trump will lie.

And they all (WH and spokespersons) called Hillary a liar and Comey a liar–which is hypocritical to say the least since neither have told the whoppers fed by trump administration. In fact, just yesterday, someone provided a graph of the lies told by Obama and trump–in 8 years, Obama was listed at telling 18 lies–in 468 days, trump listed at telling over 3 thousand (over 5 thousand since declaring candidacy in 2015).

First trump didn’t know anything about the $130K payment to Stormy Daniels (his lie on Air Force One), now Giuliani tells Sean Hannity, trump reimbursed Cohen for the payment.

They have all lied about Russian involvement and it has and is being revealed now. They have all lied about what they knew about–anything remotely related to the election meddling (they knew and cooperated).

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of the lies and my inner peace is disrupted every time I hear them lie. The lies prove to me–that none of these so-called Christians are in fact Christians; they have no clue what The Word says about lying and liars. So, here’s my reminder:

Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 1 John 2:4 NIV

But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21:8 NIV

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

There is so much more from the bible the lying, irresponsible Republicans claim to read. They haven’t read or haven’t understood what they claim they read. And then, they had the nerve to get upset with Michelle Wolf, a comedian, who confronted them with truth and they couldn’t handle the truth because the lies have warped all sense of honesty and morality within them.

It’s time for a change–a change that benefits all Everyday Americans and change that will promoted with integrity and truth–no more lies!

Can We Know Peace Again?

Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. He humbles those who dwell on high, he lays the lofty city low; he levels it to the ground and casts it down to the dust. Feet trample it down— the feet of the oppressed, the footsteps of the poor.The path of the righteous is level; you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth. Isaiah 26:2-7 NIV

False alarms about in-coming nuclear missiles, unfiltered race-baiting comments from the person in the Oval Office, silence from the Congressional leadership, and uproar from the majority of people-loving Americans–all of this–disrupts hopes of peace residing in the land. But all is not lost as long as we, who have a right relationship with Jesus, hold onto our faith in Him, instead of another human being.

Don’t get me wrong–I’m not saying we should do nothing while we earnestly wait to live at peace within our borders and outside of them. We must change the individual in the Oval Office–not attempting to change him or racist attitudes, but with another person who is far more compassionate, insightful, and intellectually capable of thinking before speaking. This is what we must work to do–knowing that this is right in the sight of God who above all things–wants us to live in peace, loving one another, defending the rights of the poor and needy.

When people take their eyes off God and have more faith in riches and celebrity and in a person’s ability to manipulate the masses with lies and gaslighting techniques that lead to the overwhelming spread of false propaganda–we lose. Many blinked–taking their eyes off God–and looked upon the person who was the most vile creature we’ve ever seen mislead millions. Some blinked because of their hatred of Hillary and didn’t bother to vote at all. Some blinked because they were misled by all the false propaganda. Others proved they have never known God because they promoted the blatant, hateful bigotry spewed by drumpf to the point they wore very telling political gear, proving their hatred of women and other ethnicities. Anyone who has ever had a right relationship with Jesus could never wear a T-shirt calling a woman a dog, or using racial slurs as it relates to other people.

I am convinced–the same people who were shouting, “Lock her up” without cause, will be the same people will be groaning and complaining, claiming, “fake news” when and if it is proven that their “savior” is a traitor to America. It is the poor and educated masses in Red States who are going to suffer financially as we have already seen with the advent of the “criteria-based” ability to receive Medicaid. Now, anyone receiving Medicaid, must pass a literacy test and pay higher premiums for healthcare insurance. The same people will see no benefit from the TaxCutScam that benefited only the wealthy–those who make millions, own private aircraft and golf courses.  In fact, it has just been revealed that drumpf had no idea that Black people were not the ones who were who received the most welfare (White-40%, Black-27.7%). But then again, he has no interest in facts about much of anything and has admitted his own net worth is contingent upon his “feelings” at the moment.

For people who are capable of critical thinking and understanding the value of research from credible sources, they understand our current dilemma. If the person in the Oval Office is not interested in facts about reality–how can he make good decisions about the welfare of the country? Short answer–he can’t and unfortunately we have an impotent Republican Congress who won’t exercise their authority in keeping him in check or removing him completely.

But this is what happens when we take our eyes off God–we believe the lies propagated by those in authority in a vast number of places–particularly the church–or rather the rich, White Evangelicals who convinced a few Black church leaders to believe their lies on one specific issue–abortion. Those in positions of leadership–primarily White men, have convinced people that God is not Pro-Choice and wants to control what women decide. That’s the biggest lie ever promoted by those in the church. God wants us all to live a life that is honoring to Him and obeys His commandment of love. What we have to remember is God is Pro-Choice in that He gives us the right to choose the paths we take and the consequences we face. He does not control what we do and we should not allow others–mere human beings–to take that choice from us. Those who profess to be Pro-life really indicate they are merely “fetus-lovers” because they care nothing about the life outside the womb and we know because of the policies they support–in their support of the malignant narcissist they elected (with the help of the Russians). If these same people were actually “pro-life” they would fight tooth and nail to protect the poor and vulnerable and be more willing to see tax dollars spent on helping the poor and vulnerable than in supporting tax dollars spent on golf outings (over $90M spent so far in less than a year).

When people do not have a right relationship with Jesus on their own and count on those in leadership in churches, they can be misled–we know because of the number of cults that have caused people to lose their lives. And with this administration–it has become a cult. The supporters of this administration see no wrong in anything he does–whether it’s perpetually lying about the obvious, maligning women or other groups of people or spending tax dollars needlessly and only considering the rich with his policies. Their blind loyalty to a bigot also keeps them from seeing they have forsaken the premises on which Christianity is built–loving one another unconditionally.

I have not lost my faith in God, my relationship with Jesus has never wavered and I know, like most true Believers, when we pray–expecting Him to respond–we must also do–giving our prayers–feet. I have faith that we–the true Patriots in America, those capable of loving others regardless of what they look like–will change the landscape in Washington and provide an atmosphere of peace again in the nation.

No matter who wins the next presidential election–I am confident it will be a person–man or woman–who understands the tenets of humanity and civility and they will protect protect the rights of the poor and vulnerable, reestablish our position on the global stage and work to maintain and preserve peace–globally.

My name is Mary Hall-Rayford, and I’m planning a run for President in the 2020 Election. If you believe I can indeed make a difference that will lead to a better life for all, I welcome your support. Please visit http://www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020 and leave a comment or just “Like” the page.

 

Planted by God or Men?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Know Peace!

“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16: 32, 33 NIV

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6 NIV

“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Job 22:21 NIV

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 NIV

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11 NIV

Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace. Psalm 37:37 NIV

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30 NIV

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3 NIV

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 NIV

The word “peace” appears in the bible 249 times–most of which relating to a position of not worrying about anything. It is God’s desire that we have and live in peace. And He admonishes us to do all we can to live in peace with one another.

It is my desire to see the people in the United States–first–to be at peace with one another and then as the world looks upon what we do; they will work to establish and maintain peace within and without the borders of their country, but knowing peace must first begin with each of us.

We must find ways to come to terms with our positions and roles in life and how we do impacts the lives of others. If there is no peace within us–we are always anxious and panicking–we cannot create peace around us.

I’m on a quest for peace and I’m starting with understanding God’s peace in my soul. There are so many things happening out there that create anxiety and animosity that I’m working on me–to get over it–and it’s working. I haven’t reached the place where nothing bothers me, but I’m getting there. I’m getting there by not just complaining about what’s going on around me, but getting involved to change the status quo and making my voice heard.

Since making a decision to explore the possibility of a presidential run, I have felt less anxious; I’m not prone to panic attacks thinking there’s nothing I can do, and I am experiencing a peace within that I’ve seldom felt before. I know I’m on the right track and there is no looking back. Whatever happens in the next two years as we pull this together, happens. God knows and my ear is inclined to hear Him.

“This is the day The Lord has made and I shall rejoice and be glad in it!”

 

 

 

Deliverance!

The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. Proverbs 11:1-6 NIV

At this moment–in the United States of America–we need deliverance–from the schemes of a unstable individual in the White House–whose greed for power and wealth may be the destruction of all mankind.

Though the Evangelical leaders in the church-world, proclaimed that he was God’s choice for president, most–who are capable of critical thinking–can see (we’re not wearing rose-colored glasses) this was not true. How do we know? We know by the Word!

• God detests liars
• God hates those who cheat others
• God desires peace among nations
• God desires the righteous to defend the rights of the poor and needy
• God is not enamored by those who boast falsely about anything
• God wants us to be faithful to Him and others in all we do
• God honors integrity
• God honors humility
• God honors the upright (those who walk in His righteousness)
• God honors those who seek His wisdom
• God honors those who are quick to listen, but slow to speak
• God honors those who are compassionate
• God honors those who are “living epistles” of the love of Christ

This list could go on and on, but I think I’ve made the point–that nothing the #WHidiot has done would be honored by God. He’s in the White House because Republicans have a need to control others–and what they do in their personal lives–and because they think they are superior to any other group of people and they misuse–or rather misstate–their relationship with God in order to justify what they do.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again–and again, and again, and again, until they realize their so-called christianity–is rooted in man’s desire to control others. They are the 21st Century Pharisees who think if “religion” is observed in any way other than the way they observe it–it’s wrong. And that’s the problem with religion–a situation in which mere mortals concoct ideologies and rules for others to obey.

Relationship with God through Jesus Christ is all about a desire to please Him, not men. Within the relationship–we are free to communicate with God through Holy Spirit and the Written Word and seek wisdom and direction without condemnation. Within the relationship–we allow Holy Spirit to control us–not the dictates of men. Within the relationship–we know that God is pro-choice because He has given mankind choice from the garden and will to the end.

Deliverance–comes in being free to worship the God of creation and knowing that all things created were created by Him and without Him, nothing was created. It is through our relationship with God that we know true deliverance and once we understand that deliverance–nothing mere man does can ever hold us in bondage again.

The Deliverer–Jesus Christ–has delivered us from the bondage of sin and everything that God hates and despises–once we accept Him into our lives and willingly give Him control over all we think, say, or do. That’s deliverance! And it’s why I’ll continue to proclaim that the Evangelical leaders lied to people when they said, God chose a president who does not honor Him in any way.

Now, perhaps–just maybe–some will be delivered from the bondage in which they’re held in their faith in man over God by reading my blog posts–angrily or not–and will seek understanding of how God functions in the earth today, through His Word and right relationship with Him.

 

Provocation!

But am I the one they are provoking? declares the LORD. Are they not rather harming themselves, to their own shame?“ ‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: My anger and my wrath will be poured out on this place—on man and beast, on the trees of the field and on the crops of your land—and it will burn and not be quenched.“ ‘This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Go ahead, add your burnt offerings to your other sacrifices and eat the meat yourselves! For when I brought your ancestors out of Egypt and spoke to them, I did not just give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices, but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you. But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.From the time your ancestors left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again I sent you my servants the prophets. But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiff-necked and did more evil than their ancestors.’“When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you; when you call to them, they will not answer. Therefore say to them, ‘This is the nation that has not obeyed the LORD its God or responded to correction. Truth has perished; it has vanished from their lips. Jeremiah 7:19-28 NIV

Wow! This pronouncement against all who do not seek God and obey Him and is just as relevant today as it was then!

TO THE EVANGELICAL LEADERS WHO TOUTED THE #WHidiot AS GOD’S CHOICE:

Do you see what happens when God is not consulted? Do you see what happens when truth perishes from your lips and you promote lies? Do you understand–yet–how your lies and promotion of this idiot can bring irreparable harm to Americans–all over the globe? If you do not understand the danger your lies and promotion of an imbecile then you are just as responsible for what he does as he is.

TO THE SUPPORTERS OF THE #WHidiot:

Are you still giddy with excitement of his illegal win of the election? Do you see him promoting or acting on your behalf? Does eliminating your healthcare make you scream with joy? Does the possibility of losing your loved ones–both male and female–in another war excite you beyond belief because of his reckless rhetoric? Aren’t you just tickled pink that your tax dollars are paying for his weekend excursions, his children’s security detail, his wife’s security detail, the construction of a helipad at Mar-a-largo, and the launched missiles that have cost over $200 million dollars? Are you happy yet? How about those good paying jobs–have you gotten yours and aren’t you just thrilled that only the rich will benefit from his proposed tax reform? Doesn’t that make you want to just jump and shout with joy? Did you know you were also “electing” the offspring of an idiot to be in charge of policy decisions? Well, did you?

Since you chose to believe the liar-in-chief–are you ready to accept responsibility for the fact that America will never be as great as it could be because of the madman at the helm? I know you believed the lies he spouted because you voted for him and promoted all the “fake news” about Hillary–aren’t you just super-proud of yourselves?

TO THE RESISTANCE:

Don’t get weary in doing what is right in order to save us from the idiocy brought upon us by lying “religious-pseudo-christians” and the “gullible, frustrated white middle class workers” who simply didn’t know any better.

Stand firm in pushing elected leaders to do their jobs. Call, write, Tweet. Never let them forget how they got their jobs.

Stand firm in pushing the Department of Justice to dig as deep as need to dig to make sure truth surfaces about all the involvement by those in the White House that manipulated the 2016 Election.

Stand firm in your resolve to make sure, when one gets weary, another encourages and  keeps up the pace.

Stand firm in your resolve to push the media in staying focused on the investigations and not all the distractions #WHidiot is creating to delay the process.

For those of us who know–and have an intimate relationship with God–we know the truth and we will continue praying that truth will save us and will not promote false news, provoking all the other crazy imbeciles who would love nothing more than to “show us” their might.

The Word tells not to provoke God, for fathers not to provoke children and we should know better than to provoke the enemies of America with foolish rhetoric. If we’re going to provoke anything from God–let’s provoke His protection in our obedience to His Word.

Peace In The Midst of Chaos!

So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and  no one will take away your joy.In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.“Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.” Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.” “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:22-33 NIV

On a daily basis we are assaulted–through news outlets–with the woes of the world, the chaos in the White House, and even with the turmoil  in our own homes, but there is a way–we can overcome–the adversity of the chaos, by putting our complete trust in Jesus, receiving His peace and obeying His Word.

Everywhere we look–in one country to another–especially the Middle East–there is raging war, taking away peace and lives of all those living in those regions. There is unrest on the continent of Africa, in South and North Korea, China and elsewhere–and the war that rages in the United States–the calamity after the hacked election–dealing with the next phase of insults and empty rhetoric coming from those in the White House.

While most of us are not in a position to take on the world and change anything, we can take on the idiocy that resides in the White House by calling it what is is–every chance we get. We have to resist the urge to be complacent and apathetic–never letting our guard down because if we do–we will never know peace again in this land.

The enemies of the people have determined to rule without knowledge, compassion, empathy or understanding of how government is supposed to work. Instead the #WHidiot is choosing to set up a family dynasty–of totally oblivious people–who know no more than he does–to establish policy when from all that is known–their business knowledge leaves a lot to be desired.  Yes, they have money, but how they obtained the money is questionable–especially since most of it appears to be tied to Russian oligarchs. Can any of us rest–without concern–with this debacle in the White House?

Actively fighting back by whatever means possible–against the attempt for those in position to turn our democracy into a dictatorship is how we will obtain peace. There is never peace in the midst of a war until the battle is won and we will continue to fight–actively opposing and resisting–until America is seen again as a beacon of hope, not the death knoll of a planet.

And while we fight against ignorance, we must remember to nurture our spirits on the daily bread of The Word. For in it–we find hope, joy, and peace and an avenue to refresh ourselves and prepare for the continued battles on a daily basis. The peace that we receive from Jesus is not the peace as the world understands peace; it is the peace of knowing–in Him we live and move and have our being; it is the peace of knowing that no matter what happens on this side of heaven, our eternal resting place with Him is assured; it is the peace of knowing that He will lead us in the victory we know is destined by Him in keeping Satan under our feet–calling out evil whenever we see it.

We can indeed have peace in the midst of the chaos as long we remember who it is we are fighting and knowing that the enemy was defeated on the cross--long ago–and it’s up to us to keep him in his place, every time he raises his ugly head.

The Spirit of The Lord is upon us—He has anointed us to do battle and conquer the spirit that resides in those who promote bigotry and hate and we will win with love overflowing from within–saturating those we meet and greet in every venue!

Working Together in Truth!

The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth. 3 John 1:1-8

There are a couple of things I wish to emphasize about John’s letter and how it relates to our lives in 2017.

It is apparent from the content that there is a great deal of affection between Gaius and John and the work they do promoting the truth of the Gospel. John’s praise for his friends hospitality and concern for others should motivate us to know how we are to treat others and what not to do (if we continue reading). It would appear that love and truth go hand-in-hand for those who love The Lord and it is because of the love He has poured into us that we are filled to overflowing, willing to love others. And when we truly love one another, we can work together–unified by love, walking in truth.

Notice that John wishes him good health and prosperity as his soul prospers. Too many times we equate prosperity with material possessions, but true prosperity resides in our health and knowing our soul (our conscience decisions) will always be on the side of right.

Why should we be concerned about our souls? The Word tells us when we die, our body returns to the dust from which it came, our spirits go back to heaven which it came and our soul is judged on that great day.

Whenever we look into the eyes of others or they look into our eyes, it is said, the depths of our souls can be seen. What do people see when they look into our eyes? Is there joy or bitterness? Is there love or hate? Is there concern or derision?

I’ve looked at people lately–seeking what resides inside–especially those politicians who claim to be followers of Christ, but their actions don’t match their words. In fact, upon close inspection–looking into their eyes, all I see is emptiness or a great void–which would explain their attitudes towards others.  And since there is a void, there is no truth and certainly no love.

I would urgently challenge all to look into the eyes of those who claim to love and see if you can see into their souls.

For those who truly love, there is a light that shines brightly from deep within and it comes forth in any individual as joy and delight in life. They love to show affection to others, there is nothing hidden in them that makes them lie or promote falsehoods and they have no problem–looking back–open to full inspection–no guile in them.

When people don’t want to look directly at you or their look is furtive (always looking from side to side), as if expecting the worse to befall them at any minute, they have a void in their souls and they’re anxious about everything. People who are always trying to please people more than God are never at rest and it shows in their demeanor.

The eyes–regardless of color–are truly the gateway to the soul and if there is no light within guiding anyone–they struggle in darkness, trying to feel their way in life, never enjoying the fullness of what life has to offer.

I wish everyone reading this today, the joy of the Lord, overflowing onto all who come into your presence. I wish you good health and that you prosper as your soul prospers. Above all, I wish you the peace of God–allowing it to abide within no matter how chaotic the world is around you.

Just Watch

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;  they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.  “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91

“Call on Him, call on The Lord!”

When we call upon Him, acknowledging Him for who He is–The King of Kings, The Lord of Lords, the Great I Am, The Alpha and Omega, Our Rock, The Truth, The Light, The Way, Our Deliverer, Our Healer, Our Refuge–just watch and see what He does for those who love Him.

The terrorist in the White House will fail and all those surrounding him with all the lies and buffoonery will be the shame of the world, for they do not know God so they will not hear Him when He speaks. And those who support him shall know the wrath of God–measured by what they say–those who claim to know Him will suffer the most for when they say, “I know The Lord,” and yet will not live as instructed by The Lord, they lie and their punishment will be even greater.

Some of the Christian leaders who reluctantly supported 45 are now waking from the delusion and see him for who he really is and are backing away. Is it too late to repent and regroup–now ready to tell people the truth? They’ll have to try and see while the rest of us–just watch!

Those in Congress who are ignoring their oaths of office–will see just how much God does not like those who use and abuse the poor and the needy and yet support a pathological liar. Their time is coming–just watch!

Once a con man, always a con man. 45 conned his way out of paying contractors and conned banks into loaning him money by running a smooth sales pitch that made it appear that he was a successful business man. Watch closely at how he ran his businesses–especially the 17 failed ones. And then consider–how the others are only for  the rich;  for those who support him–his base supporters–the middle-class workers cannot afford to play on his golf courses or sleep in his hotels–they were conned. They bought the bull without close inspection and ended with a barren cow.

Because of his attempts to run America like one of his businesses–there will be many failures and loud screams and cries because he does not know that America is not a business and cannot be run like one.

Is there any hope for him? Only God knows. Is there any hope for the rest of us? There is always hope for those who call upon The Lord for He hears our cries and sees our plights and knows those who truly belong to Him–we can count on His Word!

Though things may appear chaotic, the truth muddled and minds deluded–just watch and see how God works on behalf of those who love Him. For God is not the author of confusion and He requires that all things be done decently and in order.

Where there is order–there is no confusion and peace reigns. Just keeping watching!