Point the finger of shame, and three point back

 Too many times recently, we find our so called leaders taking the smallest incident and trying to make it sound like a big deal.  They seem intent on pointing the finger of blame at someone who is trying to do good because they themselves are not working for the good of all.  Why is it bad, corrupt, or self-absorbed  people want to "make an example" of good people who are just trying to help others?  It is as if they never heard of the Native American proverb "The one who points his fingers has three pointing back at him."  Their screaming "Look, look" only results in others looking at what they have done and often their shameful acts are worse than what they are accusing another of.  

Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me. 
May those who try to destroy me be humiliated and put to shame. 
May those who take delight in my trouble be turned back in disgrace.
Let them be horrified by their shame, for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!”
But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”
- Psalm 40:13-16 (NLT)

Jesus and His disciples had the same problem with false leaders in their day too.  The so-called leaders played politics with the lives of others by triying to shut them up.  They threatened, jailed, and did worse to try to prove they were in-the-right and Christians were wrong.  The more those leaders tried to shame the Christians; the more of God's plan was fulfilled and the more people who defiantly became Christians.  God always wins, so shouting leaders need to beware or they may quickly reveal their own guilt.

For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, 

and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.  

So pay attention to how you hear. 

To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. 

But for those who are not listening, 

even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.

- Luke 8:17-18 (NLT)  

Following religion instead of God

 The Holy Bible warns about phony religions, fake prophets, and false gods popping up and leading Christians away from the truth.  Too often and in too many places, it has been considered politically or socially correct to allow these counterfeit religions (who offer only dead prophets, bogus idols, and false teachings from the devil/satan) to speak freely and loudly.  This comes from an evil place to try  to convert people to a religion founded on lies or hate.  Let it be clear that any religion that teaches sacrificing babies, raping women and children, burning property, or killing anyone who disagrees with their hateful message is not from God. God is love, but  we are also warned He is jealous and can become angry with nations when His people are deceived into pulling away from Him.  Only satan/devil and his demons/minions push hate, lawlessness, violence, evil, and phony religions.  Satan wishes to trap many people in Hell.  Whereas, God does not want people to go there.

But there were also false prophets among the people, 

just as there will be false teachers among you. 

They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, 

even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them

bringing swift destruction on themselves.

- 2 Peter 2:1 (NIV)

The truth is there is one loving God which is our Father in Heaven.  He gave His son Jesus Christ to die and absolve those that believe from sin.  God did this to provide a path to Heaven for any of mankind who whould believe and faithfully follow.  He also sent the Holy Spirit after Christ to lead and guide faithful believers to more closely know Him, feel His love for them, and show them His will.   Jesus emphasized God's love when He pointed out that God should be first in Christians' life per the Ten Commandments, then love and respect for other people and follow related laws was the way  to show they are part of that loveing God's plan.  Jesus, the prophets from the Bible, and the apostles warn Christians that false gods, fake prophets and phony religions will come to try to lead them away to following false gods.  Do not let that happen by staying faithful in prayer, reading the Bible, and attending a church that teaches the full gospel truth of the Bible.

It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. 

Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.

- Deuteronomy 13:4 (NIV)

The Only Way to Heaven

This 3 minute video has reemerged recently on X and Facebook.  It has to be posted here because there is so much Biblical truth in it presented in an easy-to-understand way. So many people wrongly think they can get into Heaven based on occasional good works and perceived "righteousness", rather than by praying a simple salvation prayer of faith and then doing their best to live like Jesus.  

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through me.

If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.

From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

- John 14:6-7 (NIV)

Better Leadership for a Brighter Future

We have been living under a cloud of evil for so long, can we hope to see a better future with new leadership?  Can we joyfolly look forward to truth, liberty, and prosperity again?  When we pray, are we assured God is listening and will help us to move forward? The answers are YES, because our God wants to bless His people and give them a bright future.

When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; 

but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding. 

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, 

but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. - Proverbs 28:12-13 (NIV) 

Will the former corrupt leaders and their partners-in-crime confess their evil deeds, ask for God's forgiveness, and plead for mercy from the people they have lied to and cheated for so long?  Will the citizens continue to fight for truth and justice or will evil be allowed to hide or abide until they can force their wicked ways again?  The answer depends on how we pray, the important actions we and our trustworty leaders must take as we put faith in God to guide us back to His plan for us. 

Evildoers are snared by their own sin, 

but the righteous shout for joy and are glad. 

The righteous care about justice for the poor, 

but the wicked have no such concern. - Proverbs 29:6-7 (NIV)

Nations Should Be Praising God

 Not just America, but many nations are praising God.  Renewal and rivival is moving across the country and the world.  Common sense and truth are once again reiginig in the craziness and evil that has consumed politics for the last few decades.  Just as King David once told his music director, we should all be singing praises to God for his mercy and blessing. 

May God show loving-kindness toward us and bring good to us. 

May He make His face shine upon us.

May Your way be known on the earth, and Your saving power among all nations.

May the people praise You, O God. May all the people praise You.

May the nations be glad and sing for joy.

For You will be fair when You judge the people and rule the nations of the earth. 

May the people praise You, O God. May all the people praise You.

The earth has given its fruit. God, our God, will bring good to us.

God will bring good to us, and all the ends of the earth will fear Him.

- Psalm 67: 1-7 (NLV)

Christian Christmas Music Celebrates a Baby Boy Who Saves Us All

The "Mary Did You Know" song written and performed by Mark Lowry any nany others has become a popular anthem for nativity performances during many Christmas programs.  It has quickly challenged the popularity of Christmas carols like "Away in A Manger" and traditional hymns such as "O Come Let Us Adore Him," Give it a listen, it may seem slow and sad - but the real message is hope and joy  (similar to the now Easter favorite "Listen to the Hamer Ring").  

And she will have a son, and you are to name h im Jesus, 

for He will save His people from their sins. - Matthew 1:21 (NLT) 

When the Devil Comes to Steal Your Blessing and Testimony

Have you noticed that when things are going good, the devil comes along and tries to steal your blessing? Some may say it is just self-doubt, but I truly believe it is the devil just wispering lies into our minds.  He wants to steal your blessing, your joy, your courage, and your faith.  Do not let him get a way with it!  Claim the promise that God gave you and thow it back at the devil.  God promises he will flee when confronted.  

But He gives greater grace. Therefore it says, 
“God opposes the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.” 
So submit to God. 
But resist the devil and he will flee from you. - James 4:6-7 (NET)

Last week, I was blessed with a healing.  This week several times when I was out on my daily walk, I might feel a weakness, tiredness, or small twitch in my shoulder.  Immediately the devil would try to tell me the pain was going to come back and I was not really healed.  So I shut him up quickly by saying "Yes, Jesus healed my shoulder completely.  I feel no pain.  I know He healed me and so do you. So shut up and move along, you are wrong.  I am healed and I know it."  Maybe it does not sound humble, but I would instantly feel better and the nudging to deny my healing would be gone.  We have to keep our faith by claiming the truth.  The devil does not like truth and he will run the other way to avoid it.