Who Has The Real Power?

I’ve been listening to the news and scrolling Twitter and Facebook and I’m always surprised at the level of hate some use to target others. While thinking about this, I realized that people who hate others–have given the “others” immense power. Think about it! When people hate others enough to obsess over everything they do, that’s power because they don’t have time or the inclination to do anything, but hate!

Listening to an “interview” with a voter in MS–they (a White male) said, they’d rather do without healthcare because–“my grandpa didn’t have have healthcare, my paw didn’t have healthcare and I don’t need healthcare (the man said with a toothless grin). I’ll vote for a Republican just because they’re Republican over a Black person any day.”

So, rather than have access to healthcare, education, and a living wage (the agenda Democrats are promoting), this person and I can only conclude, many like him–hate Black people so much, they’ve given them power over their lives. Really? Hate is more important than having a life worth living? That’s powerful stuff!

I can only imagine how the Black people in MS feel knowing how much people hate them. Some may be intimidated by the hatred, but others (hopefully) will use it to their advantage and really give the haters something to hate. They should unite in their efforts to establish and maintain an educational arena where their children thrive, where healthcare is readily available to the residents in the poorest, communities of Black folks, and they learn to create their own employment opportunities that leaves the haters out in the cold.

Now, before you start thinking that idea is racist, think about what I said and why. For decades, Black people have been forced to do things for themselves when they were denied access to a dentist office, a doctor’s office, a quality education and even the use of public bathrooms and water fountains. If you didn’t think that was racist, don’t you dare think what I said was racist. If poor white people cared about their standard of living, they’d wake up, bury the hate and really see what it is that Democrats want to accomplish for all the people, not just some. But if their hatred is so strong they would rather hold onto it rather than progress in life–that’s their decision. And trust me–Black people have been marginalized for most of their lives; they’re used to it and know how to accomplish in spite of it–without whining about it. Is it fair? Absolutely not, but it is the reality in a region where poor white people have blamed Black people for their lots in life, not having what they want or at least what they think they want.

The reality is–White people have always had the advantage–the access to books, banks, education, healthcare and businesses. That was part of their privilege of being White. Black folks had to earn every thing they accomplished in life and they had no privilege to give them advantage. The weird thing about watching what’s going on in the southern Red States with all of their racism and hatred is the fact that the poor White people, keep electing other White people who are rich and always vote against any possibility of anyone getting ahead in their states–other than those who already have.

Look at Kentucky, with Mitch McConnell leading the Senate and now he’s worth millions, but his constituents are poor, have lousy access to healthcare, one of the worst educational systems in the country and their water is killing them. And yet, Mitch voted in favor of rolling back the consumer protections established to protect people in order to gain favor and money from the corporations who are polluting the water. It would appear that Mitch McConnell could care less about his constituents as long as he can line his pockets.

But Mitch is not the only trumplican who hates their constituents. Look at Florida and Rick Scott’s governance with the Red Tide–killing off sea life, endangering the lives of the people and the economy because of the tourism needed to keep things afloat. They voted against their own interests because of hate. Doesn’t seem like such a smart thing to do, but they did it.

What most “christian” Republicans haven’t realized is that it is Democrats who actually do what the Bible says for us to do. We are commanded to take care of the poor and the needy, to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty and to love all unconditionally. That’s what Democrats do because the bottom line is–love is more powerful than hate because love accomplishes, while hate destroys. And when the haters openly voice their hatred, they empower the target of their hatred to do even more great things.

The White Supremacists have targeted Black folks in a number of states, killed innocent people because of their hate and then end up spending the rest of their lives behind bars, and becoming targets by those who are determined to teach the haters a lesson. So, now–who has the real power?

I’m sure I haven’t said anything new–nothing that hasn’t been said before, but I wanted to emphasize the fact that hatred–gives power to the targets of the hate and does nothing for those who hate. It’s time folks realize that together we all win, but divided–few win and all suffer. Take the time to think about everything I’ve said and really understand who has the most to lose when hate is the driver force in a person’s life.

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We Have Power and Authority!

Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. Mark 6:7 NIV

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Ephesians 3:7 NIV

While the religious are working to undermine the Spirit of The Word of God, we who have received Jesus into our hearts and live to please Him, know we have power by Holy Spirit to accomplish all things–loving all unconditionally–and in doing The Word, not just spouting The Word.

The power and authority are not just given to us to preach the Gospel, but to live the Gospel and to carry over into our everyday lives. We have the power within to receive all the visions and gifts Holy Spirit has for us in order to accomplish all we need to do here on earth.

Unfortunately, there are some who are acting as if the power we have through Holy Spirit is intended to have power over people to control them. God never intended for people–especially not Christians–to control others, but to share the Gospel with them so they, too could receive Holy Spirit and allow Him to control what we do. That’s the Power that needs to control, not the rich who think they are all “powerful” and have a right to dictate to others. The evangelical movement has forgotten what “evangelism” means. It is not about forcing others to share a viewpoint, but to spread the love of Christ and the Gospel message which is “love” not dictatorship. The power we have is not about being religious, but to keep us in Relationship with Christ.

When we love, we do so without hesitation or confrontation, but with acceptance that we are all one race–the human race–and we are all entitled to the same fair, equitable treatment by all. This is not a question of loyalty to a party, but it’s about loving other human beings, not controlling them. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, “God allows us to CHOOSE our paths” and no one else should intervene, knowing there are consequences for whichever path we take in life. That’s God’s way; it is not the way of evangelicals who think they need to control others–especially women.

For the rest of the Believers–we must choose to exercise the power and authority given to us through Holy Spirit so we can promote love, integrity and honor in every arena and event in which we participate. GOD IS LOVE! He loves us in spite of our imperfections and He never told us to put political party views over the care of one another. The least we can do is to love others as He loves us and “defend the rights” of the poor and needy. That’s what He expects us to do–not control people.

I can’t speak for others, but my only desire in running for President in 2020 will be to serve the needs of the people, not to beat people into submission to my will or the will of a political party. Hope you’ll stand with me–exercising the power and authority given us to care for all. Check me out on facebook.com/YesIam2020 and watch for updates.

Fighting Against Hate!

I’ve been a little busy lately fighting against hate and sooner or later, I’ll have to amend my self-designated blogging schedule from daily to whenever I can post.

At any rate, all is not lost, I refuse to give up the fight–daily everywhere I go.

Patience and Power!

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.Proverbs 16:32 NIV

Patience–having the ability and desire to calmly wait–for a number of things does much for our maturity as Believers and in establishing a model for others.

It is through patience that we preserve our souls from the tricks of the enemy who would have us to react–spontaneously–to everything that happens rather than calmly think things through–exercising wisdom in every decision.

Patience provides us with the persistence to teach others, allowing them time to learn and grow–especially in the ways of God. We do not or should not deter others from learning of God  and doing things His way by expecting them to have attained the wisdom that took us time to attain.

We have within our reach the blueprint for living–a life of peace and prosperity and consideration for others, but we miss it when we don’t pay attention to the written Word–especially in Proverbs.

Is it because we lack the patience to explore and mediate and practice what is there? Or is it that we think we can bully our way through life–attempting to force our positions and thoughts onto others without push-back?

Unfortunately, we know that in a capitalistic society as well as others–those who hold the wealth hold the power to influence those in position to pave the roads with laws that are often unjust and vilify those who do not have spokespersons.

True power is held in the hearts of those who believe God and live according to His Word. It is with patience that we learn this infallible truth, not bullying others. The more we patiently learn of God and deliberately choose to live His way, the greater our power becomes because we develop the stamina to withstand the tricks of the enemy.

Let’s commit to developing patience through meditating upon The Word of God and allowing it to guide us in all things–illuminating its power in all we say and do.

Why There Is Power In These Seven!

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. I Thessalonians 5:16-22 NKJV

I have seen a number of blog posts, articles, essays dealing with numbers and or promoting numbered steps to achieve anything. Usually, I avoid these simply because each numbered step may or may not work for everyone. But as I read this passage of scripture today, I realized there is indeed a methodology to seeing the power of God at work in our lives.

Rejoice always–the phrase, “don’t worry, be happy” comes to mind. No matter what happens in our lives-the good, the bad, the happy, the sad, we can find something to rejoice about if we think about it. There are a number of jokes out there that would be applicable, but I want to bring this point with clarity. When someone loses a house in a fire or storm, we can rejoice when there is no loss of life. Things can be replaced–people cannot. Job managed to find peace within himself until he started listening to his friends. He had lost much. When we don’t get the job we want–we can rejoice in the knowledge that there is something better waiting for us. We have to be like the battery bunny–know how to keep going, and going, and going.

Pray without ceasing—continuing to talk to God no matter what happens. This does not mean we keep saying the same thing over and over again; it means we keep communicating with Him who can change our circumstances in an instant. Most people only talk to God with they’re in need, but we should always talk to Him and listen to Him on a daily basis. Prayer is not just asking–or petitioning God–it is communicating–talking to Him like we talk to one another. Think about it–if we’re saying the same thing to people every time we talk to them, soon we stop listening because it becomes boring to hear. What makes us think that God doesn’t hear what we say the first time? He’s not forgetful and He’s certainly not deaf.

In everything give thanks—for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us. We need to thank God for the opportunities we have to learn from our mistakes and not just for the things we do well or what we receive. In sickness–give thanks for the strength to endure to the end. In poverty–give thanks for the will to rise above it. In turmoil–give thanks for His peace residing within. Now, notice this scripture says, “in everything” not for everything. There is a difference. When people do not know how to “rightly divide” The Word, they often lead people astray. In all of our circumstances we give thanks to God in whom we can count on to bring us out.

Do not quench the spirit–the Spirit of the Living God who resides within us, speaks to us–when we’re willing to hear Him, guiding us at all times. Hear Him! Don’t try to squelch His commands in order to fulfill the lust of the flesh. Heed what He has to say at all times!

Do not despise prophecies--from those we can ascertain are speaking God’s Truth because we know God’s Truth. When we know The Word, we know when someone who purports to being a prophet is actually hearing from God for what they say, will line up with The Word.

Test all things, holding fast to that which is good–by exercising the spirit of discernment we can determine if something is right or wrong for us. When things we do or want are not in opposition to God’s Word, we maintain our integrity to keeping God’s Word. If a person proclaims to be something and yet there is no evidence of it, disregard what they say. If the evidence is present, they have proven their credibility. This is almost like testing water temperature before we step into it. Water too hot will scald and too cold will chill.

Abstain from every form of evil--keeping away from all things that could be construed as evil or out of the will of God. This covers so much territory that I cannot begin to enumerate all of the facets of evil to which this would apply. There is an adage, “Birds of a feather flock together” that applies. If we hang out with the wrong folks, people will assume we are like the people with whom we associate. If they are liars, we’ll be labeled a liar. If they are thieves, we’ll be labeled a thief. This is why we should be careful in our associations with people.

IF–we can do these seven things–always keeping them in the forefront of our thinking, we will see the power of God working in our lives like never before and we can rest in His peace.

 

 

Paganistic Superstitions!

“Of what value is an idol carved by a craftsman? Or an image that teaches lies? For the one who makes it trust in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’ or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’ Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver and there is no breath in it.” (Habakkuk 2:18, 19 NIV)

Mention of idols and their worthlessness has been made before regarding the foolishness of men who trust in man-made objects as part of their religious beliefs. Paganism has always entreated people to believe in images and other objects made by the hands of men and in our time–made by machines for mass productions. The mass production is to make sure those promoting the value of the object make money, but the “thing” itself has no value and can do nothing on its own.

When we pray to “things” rather than to our Holy God, who is unseen by the visible eye, but lives in the hearts of every Believer, we negate faith in our Holy God–giving precedence to the “things” we can either hold in our hands, or gaze upon with our eyes. The statutes carved out of stone have no life in them; the beads and baubles strung upon review mirrors have no life in them; the images of Jesus and Mary have no life in them–they are artist’s perceptions of what Jesus and Mary “could have looked like” but no one knows for sure since there was no replication equipment available during the times in which they lived.

This is not an indictment against religious organizations who promote the use of things as part of their worship service--it is an acknowledgment that the things have no power–or value–and therefore should not take the place of having a relationship with God--who created the substance of all the things made. The real problem with the use of things is that people demonstrate a lack of faith in God without their use. God has come to the assistance of those who seek Him out of sincerity and He has used those “living, breathing beings” as messengers to speak to people, but He has never used anything that did not have life within it to do anything.

Now, some may argue that He used a desert full of dry bones to demonstrate His power and He did–not while they were dead and had no life, but He gave the dry bones life and He never told anyone to worship them, anymore than He told anyone to worship a thing. If we remember The Word–we would know that an entire family was destroyed because they had “hidden the detestable thing” in their tent–an idol used by the enemy to worship and God has said, we should worship “no graven image” or object. That is very clear. But because some insist on giving things power, their paganistic beliefs have led to all sorts of superstitions regarding things–broken mirrors, walking on cracks on a sidewalk, spilled salt, chicken bones, and ladders. I’m sure there are others, but these are things that come to mind. Notice–none of these things have ever had life in them or breathed on their own.

The very next verse of scripture in Habakkuk tells that the Lord is in His Holy Temple–one that we could not see for it resides in heaven, but through Jesus and the work on the cross–we are the temple where the Holy Spirit dwells–living and breathing in us.

We should not be afraid of “things” representing good or evil since they have no life, cannot breathe on their own, and they have no power to do anything. So–all the devil worshipers can worship their things and images, but those who profess belief in God should not be concerned about the images having any power because they have none. The real power of God lies within every heart of every person whose faith is in Him, not things!

No Power But Holy Spirit!

“Tell us, you idols, what is going to happen. Tell us what the former things were, so that we may consider them and know their final outcome. Or declare to us the things to come, tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods. Do something, whether good or bad, so that we will be dismayed and filled with fear. But you are less than nothing and your works are utterly worthless; whoever chooses you is detestable.” (Isaiah 41:22-24 NIV)

Symbols, images, statues–all carved from wood or crystals or stones–which of them has the power to do anything on their own–without the manipulation of hands attached to man/woman/child? Do they speak to remind of the past? Do they foretell the future? Do they heal the sick? Do they move mountains or other obstacles?

Since neither stone, wood, or crystals have no power of their own, why do we give them credit for having any? What makes us fear images created by the hands of man in paints or sculptures? Whatever is made or contrived by manipulation “any substance” is powerless and those who think they have any power have been deceived. Things can not do anything without the help of hands attached to a person. Even with mass production, someone has to control the machinery, turn on the power or at least set the controls so the power is turned on or off.

With all of the stupidity–totally foolish machinations being erected by those who are only interested in mocking God and stirring strife within the minds of people–why are we in such an uproar? What power does a satanic temple have over those who know God and are empowered by Holy Spirit? Do we really need to fear wood, stones, or paint, or crystals? There is no power in those things, but there resides in the heart of every Believer–the power of Holy Spirit to combat the works of evil. Instead of sounding alarms of fear, it’s time to place our faith on the altar of the One who can and will do all things well because of His love for us.

Very simply put–we ignore stupidity and pray for repentance for those who act out of ignorance--and we know they are ignorant or they would not involve themselves in such foolishness. We ignore the media reports and not give them any place in our hearts or thoughts. If we truly believe that God is yet in control–we have nothing to fear from the enemy, but they have everything to fear from the wrath of an angry God–who created all things.

Don’t allow the symbols or symbolism to ignite fear or trepidation into your hearts! Remember how God used symbols and symbolism as a means to warn people who were guilty of sin. The snake–the cursed reptile who used to stand upright, now crawls on his belly on the ground–prey to all mankind who fear him. The horns attached to a head–which keep the one to whom they are attached from thinking clearly or they would know the horns torn from another animal gives them no power and puts them on the same level as the animal from which they took the horns. Red–though meant to instill fear–should ignite gratitude in the heart of the Believer since it is a reminder of the blood shed on the cross for us. Shapes and images are merely marks made by those who are bored and have nothing better to do–than to be used by the enemy as a trick to create fearfulness. NONE OF THESE THINGS HAVE ANY POWER OF THEMSELVES!

However, in the spirit realm–there are two reigning spirits–Satan–the prince of the air and god of this world–who influences weak minds of those who rebel against God and Holy Spirit–the living spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ–who resides in us and keeps us focused on doing what is right–abhorring evil, and turning away from it.

I don’t know about you, but I have the mind of Christ, desire only to please God, and know that Holy Spirit reminds me of those things that occurred in the past that I might learn from them and reveals future events that I might prepare for them. What do the stones, wood, crystals and paint do? Absolutely nothing!

The Blood!

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18, 19 NIV).

We sing songs about the blood of Jesus Christ, shed for us; we read that when He was crucified and the soldier stuck a sword in His side, both water and blood, poured forth. From the beginning–when Moses was given the commandments–there needed to be a sacrifice involving blood for the atonement of sin. We say we believe that.

Remember, Satan was a witness to the crucifixion–he also saw the blood–and probably decided then and there to influence the minds of people that the color red should be associated with evil. Sound a little far-fetched? I admit it’s speculation on my part, but think about it! How many times have we portrayed the devil as a “red” demon? How many times have people, in the church, associated wearing red with being promiscuous, loose, and ungodly? Why is that some churches want people wearing white while serving communion (denominational) when we should wear red?

Why? The devil wants everyone to forget about “the blood” and its power! What better way for us to take our focus off the power of the blood than by encouraging us to associate the color red with evil!

Call this a revelation–or whatever you want–I believe Holy Spirit provided me with insight about why some people tend to look at people funny; especially women–who were red to church. We have been convinced that she must be a harlot, wearing red in the sanctuary. We frown upon red lipstick, think red cars are too flashy, and whenever children are dressed in a costume representing the devil–it’s red. Well, red is also the color of the blood shed for our sins. There is power in the blood of Jesus because it was His shed blood that we now have access to heaven and in having our sins forgiven. His blood, that gives us strength, from day-to-day, shall never lose its power–as long as we remember–Red is not evil–it is the color of power in the name of Jesus.

So let’s stop associating evil and waywardness with the color red and remember that red is to be celebrated–a constant reminder of God’s love for us and the sacrifice He made that we might have abundant life–with His blood!

Never Forgotten!

On Sunday, February 15, 2015, the area in which I live, experienced a major service outage for those who have AT&T UVerse. We had no television, no phone, and no wireless access. Fortunately, our cell phones were working and we were able to maintain communication with the “outside” world.

With no Internet or television to distract me, I was able to complete tasks much faster and sooner than I might have normally completed them. I had time to read, to talk with my grandson and husband, time to think and time to pray. At first, I was irritated that I could not post my daily blog, but while I sat, thinking, I remembered how I could use the time. I thought about all those who “follow” my blogs and my inability to remind them I was thinking about them and praying for them and then I prayed.

Father, in the name of Jesus,

Look upon all who love You and respond to every need.

For those who need healing in their bodies, heal them from the crowns of their heads to the souls of their feet and every bone, organ, muscle, tissue, cartilage, and joint in between.

For those who need a financial blessing, pour out wisdom from on high to obtain and maintain financial security.

For those who are lonely, speak to their hearts and remind them they are never alone because You are always there.

For those who feel unloved, encourage them to turn to Your Word and see Love in every page and be filled with the love You pour onto us.

For those who are confused and living in doubt, break the shackles of uncertainty and confusion from their minds so they can think clearly, with the mind of Christ.

For those who are haughty and high-minded, thinking they do not need You, bring them to the end of themselves so they will acknowledge Your greatness.

For those who feel weak in their own strength, strengthen them by the power of Your love and infilling of Holy Spirit.

For those who have been out in severe weather, protect them and  keep them all harm, keeping them safe until they can reach shelter from the winds and elements that could kill.

For those who are determined to minister to Your people by any means necessary, keep them diligent and focused, and safe, blessing all they put their hands to in honor of You!

Whatever the need is, Lord, You can respond to it like no one else and we give You all the praise and glory because You are the only one worthy of it.

All of this we ask and thank You for doing in Jesus’ name. In this moment, we declare it done! Amen!

Though I may not be able to communicate my love for you, know that I am always thinking and praying for God’s best in the lives of all who love Him and are willing to obey His Word. You are never forgotten by me!

Why Faith in God? Part 7

“Resist him (the devil) standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”(I Peter 5:9, Jude 1:20, James 5:15 NIV)

How do we resist the influence of the devil? We resist his influence by knowing The Word and every time he raises his ugly head, we beat him back down with The Word. This is why it is important to know what God has said about every situation that involves our lives. When we’re attacked–if we’re doing what God says we are under attack–we’re not alone. Every Believer, who trusts God and has faith in God, is under attack because the enemy wants us to believe that he has power over us.

The only power the devil has over us is the power we give him. But the same is true for God. If we don’t “submit to God” He has no power to reign in our lives because He won’t force us to do or believe anything He says. Having faith in God, like anything else we do, is a choice.

Being filled with Holy Spirit and praying in the special language He gives us, helps to build our prayer life and our faith that God will do exactly what we have requested of Him, when our request aligns with The Word.

When we pray for the sick, if we believe that God can touch them and heal them just like He’s healed before and the person who is sick is willing to receive healing, they will be healed, “according to their faith.”

When we pray for peace in our homes in our communities, we must believe that He will speak to the hearts of those who cause the unrest and they will hear and obey. Once again, God does not force anyone to do anything. He allows people to live according to their choices, but when they choose to live in opposition to Him and His Word, they receive the consequences of their choices.

Rather than praying for things, I believe the ultimate prayer request that God responds to is a request for wisdom. For if we have wisdom to proceed in life, we shall the things we desire. And if we learn how to “delight ourselves in The Lord (pleasing Him with our faith), He will give us the desires of our hearts” (Psalm 37:4 paraphrased). Everything we receive from God is based upon our faith in Him, not His love for us. Parents love their children, but that doesn’t always mean the children will do what is right and they put themselves in position to not receive anything from their parents based upon their disobedience.

Faith–in God and in His Word–is the key to making a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others. We must remember that God responds to our faith, not our emotions because our emotional reactions to situations keep us from thinking rationally (tool of the enemy) and the enemy wins when he can lead us to believe that there is no hope. Our hope and faith is in God, through Jesus Christ and nothing–by any means–shall cause us to be separated from His love.