What A World!

Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble. By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength. Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers. Wisdom is too high for fools; in the assembly at the gate they must not open their mouths. Proverbs 24:1-7 NIV

When we look at the world today–with the advent of every news report, from just about any news outlet except Fox, we hear the “noise” rattling around in the emptiness of something more substantial to quench our thirst for awareness. The blustering, bullying spewing from the mouth of the twitler, if not stopped, could create catastrophic disaster and will lead to lives being lost–and not just Asian lives, but American lives–in the vicinity of the other idiot.

Every time I see stupidity in action and the Republicans supporting the stupid, I am reminded that though they claim to be Christians, they have no relationship with Christ and are certainly not familiar with God’s Word. Though they claim to preach the Gospel and teach Sunday School lessons, I’m convinced the gospel they preach is not of Christ and the Sunday School lessons have nothing to do with Christianity and how we are to live for Christ–doing things the way He would do them. In fact, the more Republican lawmakers make claims or reference scriptures, the more people are turned off from them since no one sees them “living The Word,” they just reference it–in an attempt to convince some of their great religiosity. And that’s all it is–a superficial attempt to convince by being religious, and having no clue what it means to be in Relationship with Christ.

For this reason–we may see America involved in a military engagement that will have no victors, just devastation. In a nuclear war, there are no winners and everyone loses. We lose the potential to advance peace, we lose ability to employ diplomatic policies, and we lose the respect of all those world leaders who are standing by–waiting to see how the fallout will affect them. We lose!

Many are tired of the bully posturing and though there are others who think the rhetoric is a signal of strength, we all know twitler is a school yard bully thinking everyone should cave to him. He’s bullying lawmakers, and his cabinet and others, but he will not say a mumbling word against Putin because he fears Putin. Bullies are insecure people who know they have no real strength and they’re always looking to make themselves to be more than they are. Bullies are not God’s idea; they are the result of people not being loved and disciplined as a child, never being held accountable for their actions and growing up thinking they can make others do what they want them to do.

What twitler needs to understand now is that he is not a monarch or a dictator and he can’t make anyone do anything. Republicans need to come clean with America and admit they gave into the temptation to having power and all the money they received from Russian donors was not worth the mess we see right now. They are complicit in keeping silent about a situation they had to know–in order for twitler to win the rigged election. What individuals need to do right now is to defy their pastors who tout twitler as God’s choice, stand up and speak out–analyzing truth against the fictional propaganda promoted by trumptrain and Russian comrades. America needs every true Patriot to stand up and speak out, now while we have an opportunity to do so, before it’s too late to change the course of bully policy.

If we survive to see 2020, America will have a better opportunity to see this country led by and for the people with me as the voice of  Everyday Americans. I will lead by example, always speaking truth and bringing other Everyday Americans to the table in making decisions that affect all. We know what we need and we don’t need those who have never experienced the challenges we face to make decisions for us.

Join us in 2020 to elect the right person for the task of regaining respect and status on the world stage, making this an event like none ever seen–where America is governed by the “common-folk” who know what needs to change and are wise enough to choose those who can make it happen.

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Living With Him!

Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27 NIV

Take heart and know that God’s Word is true and nothing has escaped Him. He knows everything that is going on in the hearts of all those in the White House and in our houses. When we know Him–have a deeply, personal, intimate relationship with God–we can rest assured of His goodness and nothing will occur without Him warning us in advance.

Therefore, we must be vigilant in hearing and obeying His voice, not the voices of those who would deceive through guile and buffoonery, lies and skepticism–gas lighting attempts to convince a person to doubt what they see or hear that reveals and exposes truth for all to see.

Beware of the Trojan Horse that entered the White House on January 20, 2017 sheltering all manner of evil and evil doers; those who lie and have no integrity. God saw it and revealed it to many, but the gas-lighter–through claims and proclamations that Mass Media cannot be trusted has convinced some to believe only the fake news from those who “honor him and his lies.”

Fortunately, many of us can see beyond the smoke and mirrors and because we seek God’s wisdom–know exactly how the gullible America is being played and how it end badly if efforts are not made to stop the madness now.

When I leave this earth (and not on a space flight), I know I’ll live with Him for all eternity, but while I’m here, I expect to see His Goodness in the land of the living. We can all experience His Goodness when we seek His wisdom in knowing how to live on this side of Heaven.

Don’t give up your mansion for the sake of incurring favor from the wicked; stand firm on God’s Word and keep moving in the direction in which He is guiding, not those who don’t know Him. Though we may be moving slow–we know–only those who endure to the end, will understand victory in Jesus’ name. Keep going and doing all that needs to be done for the sake of righteousness, not profiteering.

Remember the most important mission for us who know Him–He loved us enough to die for us; we must love Him enough to live for Him.

Know Who To Trust!

Let those who fear the LORD say: “His love endures forever.” When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. Psalm 118:4-8 NIV

For those who truly reverence The Lord and stand in awe of His goodness and mercy, we can say, “His love endures forever.” For those who don’t know, it’s time they understand what it means. “Fear” in this passage does not mean to be scared or afraid of–it means to hold in high esteem–reverence–The Lord. There is no need for anyone to be afraid of God, but there is a need to know and understand how He will allow negative consequences to fall upon us when we choose to ignore Him.

Though there are those who indignantly proclaim that the bible is simply an ancient book of myths, those who believe God–know better. The bible is a blueprint for living.  In it we find records of God’s interactions with the people He loves and instructions to keep us from falling into the pits and snares set by the evil one. If people want to believe the bible has no significance, they have every right to believe just that. They also have every right to receive the consequences of their unbelief.

Throughout history–as recorded in “the history books” that people trust, we see how The Word of God aligns with the events recorded by others. There is no mystery or magic involved with the bible. It simply provides a historical perspective from another view. That’s what history is–a record of events as reported from the perspective of those recording it. Historical accounts of anything will vary based upon perspective and the ability to publicize the account. It’s like a police officer getting accounts of an event by witnesses who were positioned in various locations of the event. Their account will vary, but the primary tenets of the event will be the same. Although some might say, someone lied; they didn’t lie–they simply told what “they saw” from their vantage point.

In spite of all the media attempts to persuade us about–anything–we must learn to trust our relationship with God for–everything. The rescue we need in our society won’t come from mere mortals who perpetuate violence and hatred. It will come from The Lord when we decide enough is enough and repent of our evil ways and seek His direction in all things. God is able to provide us with clear insight and direction, but are we willing to trust our relationship with Him to obey?

I am praying and have been praying for the bigotry and hatred to cease, but it won’t stop until people are willing to look into their hearts and acknowledge what’s there. “For out of the abundance of the heart–the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:24). Is there hatred or love overflowing our hearts? Will we be acquitted by the words we speak or condemned by the words we speak?

Bridle our tongues, Lord that we may only speak what we hear You say!

Our Declaration Causes Him to Forget!

“No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34 NIV)

What a wonderful day it will be when all the people of the Land–all over the world–stand up and declare, “I know The Lord.” Even though many of us teach that God will remember our sins, no more, we often forget the qualifier–when all know Him.

Having a knowledge of someone or something does mean we “know” for what we have is surface knowledge. It is the surface knowledge–without any depth–that most can claim to know about God, for those who even acknowledge He exists. For those who claim He doesn’t exist, it is because they choose to ignore Him and want to control their lives–doing whatever they want to do–having no accountability to anyone but themselves (just as Satan does).

While writing this, I remembered an exchange on an online news article with someone–a young lady I believe who wanted to dispute the veracity of God’s Word regarding homosexuality. Her comeback to encouragement to read The Word for herself was, “God wrote the Ten Commandments, but men wrote the Bible.” Her limited, surface knowledge of God did not give her any insight as to “men writing what God inspired them to write.” including the Ten Commandments. These are the people who “know of God,” but don’t know Him. 

It should not amaze anyone that those who refuse to obey will ultimately make excuses, live in denial, and re-write a bible–eliminating references to sin, hell and anything else they choose to ignore, including changing the gender of God, without justification or understanding any of history. Jesus called Him, Father (as translated into English). Any word–in any language–used to indicate “father” means a male. Therefore, simply re-writing anything pertaining to God’s Word–does not change His intent for human beings or what He said. It is only those who are intimidated by The Word that desire to change it,anyway.

But those who know God, accept His Word and understand His intent–not because of what is written on a page in a book, but because they have developed a relationship with Him and communicate with Him on a regular basis. And I don’t mean ritualistic prayer where “words are merely repeated” but have not the power to transcend the heavens. Merely repeating words is not communication and if we understand that communication requires interaction between two people, we would know that not only do we talk to God in prayer, we listen to what He has to say.

Think about it this way.  If we’re communicating with a spouse and all they heard was the same thing and they never responded, the marriage wouldn’t last long. If children keep repeating the same request of parents and parents never respond, frustration and rebellion ensues. There can be no communication without a response or interaction between the two parties. Prayer is communication with God; therefore, we must actively listen to what He has to say to us before we continue to badger Him with redundant nothingness. When we hear and obey, He knows, we know Him and when He knows we know Him, He forgives our sins and remembers them no more.

Do we know Him or do we just know about Him? Soon and very soon, we must all give an account for what we do and say, and right now, I’m declaring, “I know The Lord!”

Where Are You, God?

“Do not hold against us the sins of past generations; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are desperate need. Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name’s sake. Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” (Psalm 79:8-10 NIV)

Not only are other nations questioning where our God is–those who claim to Believe are asking the same question. Of course the naysayers ask the question to belittle and ridicule Believers, but when Believers ask the question–we know the nation is truly in trouble. Why?

If Believers are asking God, “Where are You?” they have not understood just how close God is to those who Believe. It’s not a source of amazement for the unbelieving to ask the question, for they do not have access to Him through right relationship to know the answer to the question, but certainly–Believers–who understand God’s Word and are in right relationship with Him, should never ask this question. We know where He is–He dwells within us.

However the real problem is not in knowing where God is–since He is omnipresent–He is everywhere at the same time, but in knowing that He gives “all people free will” and will not force us to do anything. Therefore, anything we do–without specific direction from God is subject to failing or creating disaster.

Many people are asking, “Where is God when mentally disabled or challenged people shoot others?” God is right there in the midst of the shooting, but He will not force anyone to do what is right. So, the gunmen–in every situation–act without benefit of God’s instruction and they are prey of the enemy who hates all of us and when he can influence the minds of others to do evil–since they don’t believe in God anyway, they do evil.

But we must understand–in order to do evil–we must have a mindset that “desires to do evil” or the enemy would not have any power over us. People have to submit to the devil’s influence just like they have to submit to God’s influence. It is a free will choice we make when we choose to be influenced by any source.

So, now the question should not be, “where is God?” but rather where are we in a relationship with Him? Do we truly Believe or are we just religious, operating in rituals of out traditions that hold no true meaning of anything? I’m sure, when we stand before Him on the day we are judged, we’re going to discover that God will have more respect for the naysayers than those of us who claim to Believe, but never had a relationship with Him. He’s told us that He would rather we be–hot or cold–and not lukewarm because lukewarm, wishy-washy people make Him ill (Revelation 3:16 paraphrased).

Instead of us raising the question as to where God is, we should raise the question–where are we? I can imagine with all of the stupid things occurring in the world, that God is asking the question, “Where are my children who claim to know me?” Why would God ask this question? Because if we are His children, we would know how important communication with Him is and our obedience to Him. We cannot pattern ourselves after the world and the worldly way of doing things; He has called us to a standard of Excellence because He is Excellent in all His Ways and if we truly belong to Him, doing things His way should not be a burden to any.

Where are you, in your relationship with God? God is right here–waiting to embrace us in right relationship with Him.

The Reality of Religion!

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither is circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.” (Galatians 6:14,15 NIV)

In response to questions raised by the church in Galatia, Paul attempts to convince those who are manipulating others into being circumcised as a means of keeping the law to stop. He reminds them that those who are circumcised don’t keep the law and therefore the law is pointless if it is simply a ritual.

There are many people today who try to impress others with their “religiosity” by one means or another. For some, it’s who their pastor is, for others it’s how often they take communion, and still others who think we are impressed by the denominational banner under which they worship.

If we could ever get beyond the rituals and get into the Relationship, the world would view Believers differently. Unfortunately, we’re too busy trying to make sure we keep up with the rituals and because the rituals are divisive, we lose opportunities to witness to others about the work on the cross and God’s love for all mankind.

It doesn’t what position a person is in when they pray as long as they pray–sincere communication with God, not just murmuring scripted words led by others. I’ve never understood why anyone thinks a scripted prayer, written by another mortal would be more effective than sincere communication with God.

It doesn’t matter what day we use to observe our relationship with God–there are seven days in a week and Jesus said He was Lord of the Sabbath–which means any day we choose to worship, is all right with Him. The reality is–everyday should be a day of worship.

It doesn’t matter when we participate in communion or who serves it. Smith Wigglesworth served himself communion on a daily basis and he’s considered one of the most revered men of faith. Whether we use wine or grape juice or water or any other liquid–the symbolism is important–not the elements used.

The reality of religion is that most leave out relationship in favor of rituals--that won’t change a thing in our lives. Rituals don’t deliver, heal, comfort, or guide. They are simply outward expressions devised by mortals to control others and to ridicule those who won’t or don’t participate.

There are no superior religions or religious groups of people. We are all in need of a Savior and unless we see Jesus as our Savior and accept the work on the cross, the rituals are a waste of time and effort.

So, whether we pray once a day or ten times a day–if we have no relationship with God–we have wasted our time. It is being in relationship with God that motivates our behavior and ignites our promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If we are not promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the midst of our religiosity–we are simply being religious and are ineffective witnesses of His Goodness.

It’s time for a change–let’s shed the rituals for right relationship with God and see the world come to know Him, through us!

Defeating Grace!

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that ALL of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:1-4 NIV).

What shall we say–about sin and the grace given to us–when we didn’t deserve it–giving us another chance to get living right for God? What shall we say about God’s mercy–that kept us from receiving what we did deserve–when we knowingly opted to live in sin and yet, He loves us so much He was not willing to let us lay in the muck and mire we created for ourselves? Do we really understand that when we deliberately keep sinning–after all He’s done for us–we defeat the entire purpose of grace?

There are many–who profess to love The Lord–who have no idea of the purpose of grace–they tend to get grace mixed up with forgiveness and that God will forgive us for what we do–so they keep living in sin–attempting to justify it, by saying, “God forgives!”

Oh yes, He does forgive us when we repent–turn away from doing all things that dishonor Him. But if people are simply mouthing a request to Him to forgive their sin when there has been no change of heart or turning away from what brought them into position to seek forgiveness–they waste their time. God is not deceived and He knows when they open their mouths, hearts have not been renewed in Him.

And this is what we see in our society’s celebration of sin–against God–not man and the tragedy is that they refuse to see the sin; they justify it, and celebrate it, and see no need to repent. Without repentance–there is no forgiveness of sin. No court in the land on earth can ever determine what is sin and what is not. They may legalize  what God has called sin, but they can never redefine sin. And what mere mortals have forgotten is that no matter how many times they change what is legal or what is not–God never changes. Since He is the only person who can determine our place of eternity, I’d rather look to His instructions than man’s.

For by grace–God’s favor towards us–unmerited, unearned–have we been saved by the finished work on the cross. There is no more need for God to come down to offer Himself a sacrifice for us–that was completed over a long time ago–on the Old Rugged Cross, where He gave His life–took on sin so we would not have to suffer the consequence for sin–death. For the wages–the payment, final consequence of sin–is death. Accepting the finished work on the cross in the person of Jesus Christ, puts us into a position to develop a right relationship with Him and to know and understand more about how He wants us to live our lives–sin-free–honoring the grace He has given.

To continue to live in sin and celebrate it as a lifestyle defeats the grace given and we make a mockery of the finished work on the cross. Jesus sacrificed Himself in vain for some since they do not recognize the benefit of His sacrifice. For all who will not repent, they have only the lake of fire to expect as their eternal resting place. What a shame!

But for those of us who understand, let’s move forward, maintaining our faith in Him and living to please Him so He will give us the desires of our hearts and stamp our names on our mansions in heaven–the place prepared for those who obey God. We accept the grace given and will not allow its purpose to be defeated in our lives. Hallelujah!

God Inspired Purpose of Scripture!

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17 NIV)

What I have found amazing in the past few days is the number of people who claim not to believe “in an ancient book of myths written by men” but will use it, “cherry-picking” to support and condone their stance in opposition to God’s Word. Now, think about it–isn’t that just like Satan to try to use God’s Word to convince Jesus to act in opposition to God’s Word?

The same God, who inspired men to write down the words they heard God speak to their hearts, is the same God is who is yet inspiring people to write today. That “ancient book of myths” has held its own for centuries and will still be used as a guide by the remnant that God promises to save to Himself.

I don’t have a problem with people not believing the bible because at one time, I had challenged those who believed in it. However, when my relationship with God changed, allowing me to hear Him speak to me, I understood and accepted the love He has for me–a love so great–that He inspired men to write down how He wanted me to live. Notice, the personalization of what I’m saying with the use of the pronoun–I. Being in relationship with God is an individual, personal, choice. If no one else ever understands this, I’ll stand on God’s Word alone.

You see, many unbelievers are now trying to quote the Bible. “Jesus just said, love.”  “God said don’t judge.” And one woman yesterday tried to make a case for her condoning sin by saying, “Adam and Eve were not married and had children out of wedlock.” She didn’t understand that God performed the first marriage and had she continued reading Genesis, she would have known God’s definition of marriage. I really wanted to respond, but Holy Spirit wouldn’t allow me to do so. For the Word also says, “For them that be ignorant, let them be ignorant.” Marriage did not come after Christianity; marriage was established in the Garden with the creation of mankind. Too many people confuse religious concepts with Christianity to the point they want to negate all God did in the beginning. Understanding can only come through reading and opening one’s heart to hear God explain Himself.

In the passage of Scripture used as a foundation for my blog today, Paul reminds Timothy that “all” (nothing left out of all) Scripture is God-breathed or inspired. Therefore, we should not get overly indignant when people don’t understand and only select the passages they want to use. The fact that they use Scripture at all, puts them into greater risk of being judged by God since they chose to misuse it for ungodly purposes. If a person claims they don’t believe in the Bible, they shouldn’t try quoting it when they have no idea what it means when comprehension of it is only achieved by understanding the “totality” of The Word, not bits and pieces.

I don’t have a problem with people who claim they don’t believe in God. Their very confession of unbelief is a contradiction to their behavior since they generally spend an inordinate amount of time talking about a God they don’t believe in to convince those who do believe that we’re foolish. Well, the Bible states, “the fool has said in his heart, there is no God.” Since I am not a fool and know right well that–GOD exists–their unbelief won’t hinder my relationship with God.

When I agree with God, I confirm on a daily basis that my relationship with Him is intact and I have not conformed to the world’s perception and beliefs of anything that contradict Him, but I have been transformed by the renewing of my mind in Christ Jesus. I have the mind of Christ–discovered in God’s Word–and use God’s Word to teach, rebuke, correct and train others to know how to respond to the enemy’s attacks. I am thoroughly equipped to accomplish every good work assigned to me. No matter what the government does, the Supreme Court does or anyone else does or say, I will agree with God in all things and in the end, when I stand before Him, I will have no shame about the things I’ve done and I can expect to hear, “Well done, daughter!”

The Importance of Words, Perception, and Relationship!

“All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations.” (Psalm 22:27,28 NIV)

This particular statement seems a bit odd since we know the earth is round (not flat as some once thought) and there really are “no ends” as some might interpret ends, but there is “an end” of the earth.

What I love most about studying scripture is trying to align “the terminology” as written to what words mean today. Since language is constantly evolving and meanings ever-changing, it pays to know and understand that what we know today, was not known when God inspired men to write what He said, His meaning remains the same. Basically what is being said is that people in every place will remember and turn to the Lord (for they had turned away from Him and His ordinances) and all the families of the nations will bow down (every knee shall bow) before Him for in reality, all authority and control belong to Him and He rules overs the nations of people who belong to Him.

Now it is important to understand that God’s Word was written for God’s people–all who belong to Him, love Him, and obey Him. For those who don’t know Him, don’t want to know Him, His Word means nothing to them and is not worth a debate. The responsibility of the Believer is to expose His Word to all, but acceptance of His Word is on them. We are not called to make anyone believe God since that belief is an individual experience and the same is true of His Word.

I am always amazed at people who say they believe God, but have no idea what His Word says or means. The bible is not a novel and should not be interpreted as one. The events related in the bible are a summary of historical events that are not presented in a chronological layout in the bible, but are there for our understanding of what God has done, the role He has played in the lives of men, and how He continues to guide us, when we choose to listen. But for those who choose to “debate” what is said and why, they will never understand this aspect of The Word and they miss the importance of having a relationship with God so He can speak to their hearts and provide them with understanding based upon His wisdom, not their own.

I must admit I am growing weary of superficial Christians–those who say they know Him, but live anyway they want to live and promote and encourage others in living in opposition to God’s Word. And some of these same people claim to have always “followed God” and never sinned, but they have no clue as what salvation means. When people tell me they have never sinned, I know they do not know God or His Word. They have a form of godliness, but deny the power of Holy Spirit and who He is.

What I see in people who debate God’s Word is they do not have a relationship with Him, but with their church, or religion. Being a Christian is not about being religious nor is it a religion, but the affirmation of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, our Risen Savior. Once we understand the history and perspective of those who have come and gone before us and can relate the events to where we are today, we can see God in all His glory and appreciate His sacrifice for us, today.

To Know Him Is To Know Them!

“Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” (John 8:19 NIV)

Knowing how to answer everyone who has a question about The Word with The Word is how we convince and what we say, will sometimes convict.

In this passage of Scripture, Jesus is teaching in the temple courts and He is being questioned by the Pharisees–those religious folks who claim to know God, but only so they can feel superior to others. When Jesus told them that He and His Father were witnesses of who He was, they challenged Him based on the Law–human standards which is all religious people have. The question–where is your father was about His human father (not understanding who He was) and when Jesus responded, the way He did, I can only imagine how their jaws may have dropped. They didn’t get it.

But then again, there are those in the 21st Century who still don’t get it. We cannot have a rational conversation–based upon spiritual truths–about Jesus or God, without referencing the other. They are One in purpose–without God–there is no Jesus and without Jesus–there is no access to God. Why people don’t understand this is because they fail to understand the first fourteen verses in the first chapter of John and the first chapter of Genesis. God is a spirit and He came down to earth in the likeness of man, wrapped in flesh, born of a woman, who named Him–Jesus–out of obedience.

If anyone knows what God said and meant–it would be Jesus--who did not come to change the course of mankind by changing the law (which man could not keep), but to make sure mankind would have access to all God has planned–the abundant life–a result of obedience to His Word and fulfilled by the work on The Cross.

No matter how hard we try, we cannot escape The Cross and what it means. Nothing we mere humans say can change what God intended and when we attempt to manipulate His Word and His Love, we deceive ourselves if we think for a moment that He is not aware of how we’ve been deceived. No cross, no salvation; no salvation no hope for eternal life, no Jesus, no peace.

When we understand the spiritual, the natural will fall into place and we will have peace in the land. It’s all about being in a right relationship with Them–and living according to Their purposes and not our own. Trying to understand God with our natural, limited minds only leads to confusion. We need to communicate with Him on a spiritual realm, so our natural mind can accept who He is and how He wants us to live.

As so many people have said, “going to church doesn’t make a person a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes them a car.” To be a Christian means to follow, represent and emulate Christ. When we emulate Christ, we acknowledge The Father and try to please Him. If we please one, we please both. To Know Him, is to know Them!