How Are We Walking?

For we walk by faith, not by sight! 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

Therefore we are confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 NIV

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:1-3 KJV

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18 KJV

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. Proverbs 29:18 NIV

In some ways, this post today could be a continuation of the “Where are the watchmen?” series. But today, as I was completing my mile walk, it occurred to me that sometimes, we all overlook the significance of using words appropriately because “words matter.” Follow my thoughts here.

I was thinking about all the challenges I’ve faced in life as I prepare my run for the presidency in 2020.  I’ve been rear-ended twice and in both collisions, cars were totaled; I’ve suffered a stroke which could have caused a total collapse of my body. In all three incidents; my “sight” was temporarily impaired, but I never lost hope and fought through the darkness, determined to keep living. My vision–to live until I’m 95–kept me from losing hope in the longevity I want to see. 

You see, what I get from this–is our sight has to do with our physical ability to see and even if our sight is impaired, it should never interfere with our vision–a vision we have hopefully written on paper, cyberspace or in our hearts. My vision for longevity is written in all I do–on paper, in cyberspace and in my heart. I have a lot to do before I leave the earth realm and I plan to get it all done–and I will–as long as I keep my faith in Christ Jesus and not in people or things.

If America loses sight of the vision–a great place for all to live where we have the freedom to think independently from government or religions or any other entity–we cave to those things and people who want to control us.

I challenge every American–to wake up and pay attention to what’s going on around us–specifically in the political arena. Do not allow one political party to interfere with your right to vote with their gerrymandering, election rigging, or any other means to suppress your vote. Rise up and know–your vote is your voice in our government and this is why–GOP leadership wants to restrain your voice–so only theirs is heard.

I have a vision for America–the place where we have fought for freedom and now must fight to retain it. The America I love will embrace people from all walks of life, opening arms and hearts of compassion for all who are in need of shelter and comfort. We will learn to think and act as one unit–united by love of country, not divided by party politics. We will not allow a foreign entity’s misdeeds to overshadow what we have already accomplished, caving to their dictates through the embodiment of greed and corruption. We will stand firm, determined and convinced that our Constitution is right for us and we will not allow greed to change our path. Though our “sight” may be impaired for a moment by the glitz and idiocy of those in leadership positions, we will not lose sight of the vision–written in the Constitution and in our hearts, confirmed with the gift of the Statute of Liberty, and upheld in the motto of our military actions–America is the land of the free and there is no other place, I’d rather be–than at the helm in the White House, in 2020, governing for all Americans and not just a handful of the privileged, elite.

• We will defend the rights of the poor and the needy and put out of business the corrupt and the greedy.
• We will provide quality healthcare and education for all who seek one beyond the environs of public education.
• We will lead this new technological era with revolutionary ideas that will keep all employed who want to work and pay them well, so they won’t shirk.
• Taxation will be fair to all, with the lesser income households paying the least, and the greater incomes, paying the most so government won’t suffer loss.
• We will maintain our military might as they watch and guard us through the night.
• We will honor our senior citizens and treat them with the respect and honor they deserve, giving them what is rightfully theirs, held in reserve.
• We will learn to love and respect all human beings as one race, with none being superior to another, alleviating the need for strife based on race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or skin tone. There is but one blood, shed for us all and there is but one blood, red–that flows through us all and it’s time we recognize that fact and change our act.

Though there are days, my sight gives me reason to pause, since aging has it’s own pace and challenges, I will never give up my vision–now written for all to see on the walls of cyberspace–easily shared. 

Are you ready to assist in this task, making the sure the vision is never curtailed, but will last for generations to come, on a planet will survive the test of climate change because we will change how we live–living by faith and acting with prudence in all that we do?

I’m ready, willing and able to do all to make sure the vision comes to past and all Everyday Americans will have-assurance in government once again, at least in the leader who shall lead all nations in the proclamation of peace and prosperity, none knowing lack. I don’t know about you, but I’m walking by faith in God and all He has poured into me to do, not by what I see that’s imperiled by man.

 

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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.

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.

Obtaining Happiness and Keeping It!

If people are bound with chains and trapped by the cords of affliction, God tells them what they have done and how arrogantly they have transgressed. He opens their ears  to correction and insists they repent from iniquity. If they serve Him obediently, they will end their days in prosperity and their years in happiness. Job 36:8-11 HCSB

People are looking for happiness–in all the wrong places–and when they find what they think is happiness, it is short-lived and leaves them frustrated and oppressed. When most are asked what makes them happy, the first words that come out of their mouths is having money, then love.

If people need money and love to make them happy, we can get a better understanding as to why there are so many miserable people in the world.

Factual understanding: 1% of all Americans hold the wealth of country. These are the big businesses that rake in money hand over fist, pay minimum wages, and often ship manufacturing jobs overseas. This is the Wall Street Gang and in many cases–upon close inspection and looking at their lifestyles–they are not happy because they are obsessed with obtaining more money. They think living lavishly makes them somebody and when in actuality, they are somebody without the frills.

On the other hand–there are many people who have little money, but have learned to be happy with what they have and they are generous to a fault, compassion always reigning in their hearts, and they know how to enjoy the little things in life.

When it comes to love–far too many people have confused lust with love and when feelings wane–and there is no more interest in the person–the lust having been satisfied and now they turn to other people who are looking for lust–not love–and start the cycle all over again.

At the same time, there are people who understand that real love begins with loving self, loving God, receiving His love and loving others. They don’t need someone hanging onto to them to know love, they are loving to all–considering what’s best for all they meet. They know how to nurture relationships, listen to others and genuinely care. True happiness is a mindset that is developed from loving self.

Now, getting back to Job and his situation in life. Although he had lost everything (materially) as well as his children, he never gave up on God--even when his so-called friends and wife encouraged him to do so. His reward for obedience and steadfast faith in God? Restoration of all he had lost and even more. He may have experienced some sad moments as we all do, but he was able to keep moving forward to receive from God.

No matter what happens to us in life, if we are open to correction, repent of anything that harms others or self, and obey God, He will keep His Word and we can end our days with prosperity and live our years (however many we have) being happy.

“Because I’m happy” is a popular refrain in a song, but it also needs to be a deeply-rooted attitude in the hearts of all Believers because we have love and we know that God is always more faithful to us than we might be to Him, so we can count on Him to provide our every need. And when we take the time to please Him, He gives us the desires of our hearts.

The Person Who Prospers!

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither–whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3)

One of the insults hurled at any many televangelists is that they are “fleecing” people and misleading them with their prosperity messages. Well, I cannot speak for all of them, in fact I cannot speak for any of them, but I do know–the message of prosperity and how to accomplish it–is found in The Word and as long as they are preaching and teaching The Word, I find no fault with them.

When I listen to those who do find fault with anyone preaching about prosperity (and everything else in The Word), observation of those who are complaining are those who are barely surviving–in their personal life and in their church life. For it is envy that prompts their animosity towards others who dare to say anything about prosperity. And it is envy that clogs up their ears and blinds their eyes when they do not hear those they preach against–also teach obeying God’s Word, totally. They do not hear the message of repentance, love, and obedience for they have closed their minds to hearing the “whole matter” and judge those things they do not understand.

It is not a sin for God’s children to prosper and when we are obedient to His Word–it is a promise to us–that we should prosper in everything we do. What does it mean to prosper–when we obey? We end up having more than enough–for our needs and to help others.

Now we know that the wicked also prosper and we only have to look at the events occurring in the world to see how. The drug kings–both legal and illegal–prosper when they sell their wares. The illegal drugs keep people dependent and poor, committing criminal acts to support their habits. The legal pharmacies are just as bad when they overprice medicines needed and end up scamming insurance companies and leaving the elderly making choices between eating and taking their medicine. We see the wicked in high places of authority, making deals with the devil that ultimately create chaos and disaster for others. We see the wicked in families and churches who say one thing, but live a lie–scamming their families, neighbors and friends–trying to make themselves to be something when they are not. But God has a solution for the wicked and their wealth–it is laid up for the righteous–those who obey God no matter what.

But then the Word also says, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 1:3 NKJV). So now, we see that prosperity “in all things” is God’s desire for us–in our finances, our health as long as our soul–our will to obey Him in all things–prospers.

When people complain about the prosperity of those who preach and teach the Gospel, I’m led to believe that they did not believe God from the beginning–of the Word. Throughout the bible, we find promises of prosperity (along with repentance and obedience). One of my favorites is Joshua 1:7,8 and then there is the entire list of things that are ours when we obey found in Deuteronomy 28 as well as the curses for disobedience. It’s all in there.

The bottom line is this–we should not be “best buds” with those who deliberately live in opposition to God’s Word or hang out with them unless it is an effort to be a witness to them about God’s goodness. And we most certainly should not take up their habits, but be strong and courageous in obeying God’s Word and stand back and see how He causes us to prosper in all we do that honors Him. That is the person who shall prosper in all things–when they are living The Word–for all to see.

God’s People Are Never Ashamed of Their Faith in Him!

“You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed.” (Joel 2:26 NIV)

“Let the weak say I am strong and the poor say I am rich because of what The Lord has done.”

God’s promises through all the prophets are just as true today as they were when they were first uttered. They are still speaking to us when we hear and obey The Word of God! The hungry will have plenty to eat and praise The Lord for His filling them and all of God’s people (those from then until now) will never be ashamed for acknowledging Him as their source of plenty. No where in the Word does God say, the “rich” will inherit anything other than trouble. Not that He has a problem with people being rich–monetarily, but He would prefer we all be rich in mercy, love, and forgiveness–as He is, so should we be.

Through our obedience to God’s Word,we put ourselves in position to not just be blessed, but to stay blessed so we can bless others. Though the wicked may “appear” to prosper, their prosperity will not last and they will be exposed in the light of day for all of their wickedness. We see this in the media when the corporate moguls are exposed for wrong doing and then end up in prison. We see this when politicians who side with wickedness end up exposed for all their wrong doing. But none of this should surprise us since we know that “wickedness in high places” exist and we are in a war–that cannot be fought in the natural, but in the Spirit.

We can expect–to be blessed–beyond our imagination when we hear and obey God in all things. It does not matter what people say or think; it does not matter what godless judges think or say, or how they attempt to change God’s intent for mankind–our job is to obey God, rather than man. For man has not heaven or hell for us and we should not allow them to influence us in living in opposition to God’s Word.

If we truly studied history, we would discover that man’s ills have all been a result of disobedience to God. When we exclude God in the things we do, He lets us and then–like those who came before us–some recognize our error and plead with God to step in and make things better. We could save ourselves a lot of time and grief if we simply chose to obey Him in the first place. But then–some would never call upon Him, acknowledging His existence.

Since we who believe know to do better, we should be doing better–in promoting the Gospel, sharing our faith and God’s love, and in convincing by example that our God is an Awesome God–who will not allow His people to suffer when they obey Him!

Let’s get “this party” started–share His love with all you meet and greet and encourage them to develop a right relationship with Him, receiving all His many benefits. Glory Hallelujah!

No Weapon Will Work!

“no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.” (Isaiah 54:17 NIV)

When God declares a thing, it is what it is. He tells us through Isaiah, He is the one who creates all–the material for the weapons and the destroyer who wreaks havoc upon others, but no weapon made will work against those who love and obey Him! Hallelujah!

The enemy tries to use all sorts of weapons (literally and figuratively) against those who love God, but he has not managed to create a weapon that will work against us.

Poverty is a weapon influenced by the distractions that keep us hearing God and the using His Wisdom to amass wealth.

Sickness is a weapon when our bodies are attacked and we don’t receive the healing already made possible through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Persecution is a weapon instigated by the bold stances we take against the enemy who seeks to scorn and devour us..

Self-hatred, depression, oppression are all weapons ignited by a lack of knowledge of who we are in Christ.

When we get into The Word and allow The Word to dwell richly within us, we can overcome any attack and quench the fiery darts of the enemy, every time he launches an attack against us. We are overcomers, victorious in all things, and since the battle is not ours, but The Lord’s, in the end, WE WIN!

We are never told that we would not be attacked. In fact, just the opposite is true. Jesus tells us, “In the world, we will have trials and tribulations, but He has overcome The World. What He’s saying to us is that the god of this world–Satan–will influence, instigate, and ignite situations in our lives that may make us want to cave, but we don’t have to cave, because the victory is ours in Jesus’ Name! All we have to do is live according to The Word and see the results of our obedience to God’s Word.

When there is sickness among any, we call upon those who know the power of prayer and the power of the healing virtue that flows from Jesus just as powerful today as it was in years past and we are healed.

When we experience lack of anything, we seek God’s wisdom and He gives it liberally, and we know how to operate in the gifts He has given us and have more than enough–for ourselves and others.

When we stay in the Word, understanding who we are in Christ–knowing that we are children of the Most High and He will withhold no good thing from us because He is a loving Father and wants only the best for us and we can and should operate with the Mind of Christ, not our own and never be enticed into depression and self-loathing.

This is the will of God for us–No weapon–contrived by the enemy–will work against us!

Instability Gets Nothing!

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” (James 1:6-8 NIV)

If we lack wisdom, as stated in verse five, we should ask of God, who will give it to us liberally, without finding fault with us. Starting at verse six–when we ask, we must believe, not doubting–this premise holds true for anything we ask of God. We know this because Jesus, we must have faith and not doubt, believing we receive what we ask for.

If we doubt God will do what He says He will do–heal, deliver, save, prosper, lead, guide, counsel, protect–The Word says we are unstable and will receive NOTHING!

This is why when we pray–WE ASK ONCE, THANK HIM FOR WHAT WE HAVE ASKED, AND KEEP THANKING HIM UNTIL WE SEE WHAT WE ASKED FOR COME TO PASS! That is the benchmark of faith–believing we have received–without doubting.

People who believe they have to keep asking for the same thing, or get loud or shout, or cry loudly, apparently think God is either forgetful or hard of hearing. God is not moved by our emotions; He is moved by our faith. Declare the situation is resolved and keep thanking Him for the resolution. This is how we see prayers answered. It is not because of our begging, being loud, or our tears.

When we repeat ourselves in prayer, we demonstrate doubt and our doubt keeps us from receiving. God hears us the first time, but He may not respond right away. All we need to do is wait, patiently thanking Him, knowing He will do what is best for us at all times.

Father, forgive us for our lack of faith in You and Your Word. Help us to understand that You are faithful, even when we are not. We thank You for healing bodies–from crowns of heads to soles of feet and every part in between. We thank You for peace in the land and protection from the enemy on all sides. We thank You for love, liberty, and joy in the Holy Ghost. We thank You for family and friends who love like You love. We thank You for the ability to love the unlovable and desire to see all saved. These things we ask and thank you for in the name of Jesus! We declare all of it done to Your glory!

For Long Life!

“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee” (Proverbs 3:1,2).

There is a reason why we should keep God’s commandments–long life, peace and prosperity (NIV).

Even though some will usually think of the “ten commandments” as given to Moses, Jesus summarized the ten into two. The first five address our relationship with God and authority and the other five address our relationships with each other. Love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind; love our neighbors as ourselves (paraphrased).

What really brings this passage of scripture to life is remembering to “honor mother and father so our days will be long upon the earth” and looking at our society; we see what happens when parents/authority are not honored and respected–where there is no love, there is no respect.

Many people can enumerate the problems that plague our society with the attitudes of young people, but in our observations we are hesitant to place blame where it rightfully belongs–on the shoulders of parents who have not been responsible parents. Responsible parents teach children right from wrong and model that behavior in front of their children. If parents are not doing what they say, they are saying without power and certainly the children won’t obey. This is not to say that all the ills of society are the responsibility of parents because some children–when they reach a certain age–ignore all their training and do what they want to do, “when they reach that certain age.”

For any child (regardless of age) living under a roof with parents and their parents are their primary source of support, the rule of parents should reign (especially for Godly households). No child living with parents should ever be allowed to just do whatever they want whenever they want. When they do–we see the results of their lives on the news–“teenagers killed in the midst of a home invasion,” “drug wars claim the lives of teens over territory dispute,” “bodies of parents found in the home where teens lived and were angry at parents who wouldn’t let them use their credit cards,” and the list of insanity could go on and on.

The bottom line is this–when we love and respect authority and others–we are assured of long life, peace, and the opportunity to prosper while we live. Parents need to be parents, not friends and children need to respect and obey. Are we not children of the Most High? Then we should obey Our Father in all things and live long lives in peace and prosperity.

 

Are You The One?

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers” (Psalm 1: 1-3 NIV).

Are you the one who is blessed?

Are you out-of-step with the wicked (not going along with everything the wicked–those who never knew God– do)?

Are you standing on the other side of the street (figuratively speaking)–away from the sinners (those who once knew God, but turned away)?

Are you sitting far away from those who mock (not joining in) those who believe God?

Are you taking pleasure in God’s commandment of loving, unconditionally?

Are you reading and meditating on the Word throughout the day?

If you are doing all these things–then The Word says–you shall be like a tree planted by streams of water–always being watered by the Word–establishing deep, strong roots (foundation for living God’s way) and you will have good success at whatever you do (everything you do, prospers).

Are you the one?

When we do what God tells us to do we can expect to receive what He says we will get. When we don’t–there is still an expectation–though not a pleasant one–we will receive the consequence of our actions.

God help us to be the one who lives according to Your Word so we may blessed with all spiritual and natural blessings in all we do. Remind us on a daily basis to share the love You have poured into our hearts and convince others to seek You for themselves by our conduct and in being a living testimony of Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen!