God Says Follow Laws

 What is the difference in God's laws and man's law?  Most man-made laws are written to protect people from evil doers, therefore  reflect respect of others as seen in the ten commandments.  So why do some people protest laws or openly defy them?  If they are doing it peacefully; perhaps the law has been distorted, not fairly being carried out, or done to benefit politicis not people?  A Christian (such as MLK's and CJK's examples) might protest or speak-out because of the unfairness.  However, if "protest" is being done violently, then it cannot be for a Godly purpose.  Violence is used to overthrow governments, cover-up corruption, or just for the sake of committing crimes hoping that true objectives are not noticed. 

Remind the people to be subject to rulers 

and authorities, 

to be obedient, 

to be ready to do whatever is good,

 to slander no one,

 to be peaceable and considerate, 

and always to be gentle toward everyone. 

- Titus 3:1-2 (NIV) 

What can evil people hope to accomplish by not following laws?  Although most laws are written to protect the innocent; sometimes they are purposely misquoted, misinterpreted, mistated or mistakenly include loopholes to benefit the quilty.   However, that does not mean the laws were bad, only that bad actors are purposly taking advantage of people not bothering to read or know the complete law or the historical reason behind it.  This false representation is often overturned in higher levels of court because it was obvious the law was twisted to pervert justice.  Then the one committing the actual crime is forced to pay and justice is considered accomplished.  

When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous 

but terror to evildoers. - Proverbs 21:15 (NIV) 

Unfortunately, those lawyers and judges who aided or championed the falsehoods are too often not punished for their part in the criminal cover-up.  If they do contineu to do it, they may eventually lose their positions as a simple solution for politicians.  However, someday they will be held accountable as accessories to future crimes commited.  If not in an earthly court, definitely when facing God the eternal judge if they do not repent and change.

For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point

 is guilty of breaking all of it. – James 2:10 (NIV)

God encourages His people to follow the laws of the land (legally created laws).  If illegal or unfair laws were created (at lower levels to conflict with national legistation or by judges who do not have ability to write laws) that are different from His commandments, then His people are to work to change those laws, but not commit crimes themselves as a way of doing so.  Before any church openly encourges defiance of any law, the pastor and congregation must read God's word and pray for guidance.  A single man should not make that decision that is contrary to God.

Thanksgiving for Past and Blessing for the Future

 With the wonderful things we have seen happen in the past year, we should be especially thankful this year.  Even more so than last year after the good election news that reminded us God has not forgotten America.  Revival is breaking out in many places, even some surprising ones.  Bible sales and church attendance are growing.  This year, we can loudly and proudly say the family's traditional Thanksgiving prayer before dinner or we can go directly to quoting or paraphrasing scripture. Let us remember God's grace to us and give thanks for the blessings of the last year but for speak blessings for future years too. 

Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, 

because of your love and faithfulness. 

[Our God,] He will bless those who fear the Lord— small and great alike. 

May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. 

May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 

The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth He has given to mankind. 

- Psalm115:1 & 13-16 (NIV)

Also, remember to invite someone to church who is not currently going anywhere.   Many people will attend a Christmas service if someone would just ask.  For someone who does not know Christ or has just become a Christian, consider gifting them a Bible they can read to learn more about His teachings.  For  other Christians, consider giving them a Bible study or devotional book for their continued spiritual journey.

Christian Church Step Up In Charity

 Once again, the church must step in where the government fails on localized help and commnity  charity.  Just as church organizations filled the hunger and caring gap not covered by FEMA during hurricanes, floods, and tornados in the last few years - it must fill the food and care gap left by SNAP during a government shutdown in feeding those who need it.  Don't forget the families of military and other employees who are still supporting the country working without pay until the political shutdown is reversed.  Just as the Church held food drives and distribution for those left unemployed by the disaster of COVID handling, the body of Christ should once again help those in need.  Churches and food banks always provide Thanksgiving and Christmas meals in America, now it is time to provide for daily bread on a regular basis - not just holiday feasts.  Also find ways to help those needing rent to make arrangements with landlords, help those with other bills find a way to make payments, and especially help those needing work find a job.  Even if the evil ones relent and vote the shutdown over, churches and individual Christians need to continue to show God's love, extend charity outreach, and push for revival! 

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, 

for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.- Hebrews 13:16 (ESV)

Can the church do a better job than government in handling charity?  Most churches have a better understanding of their communities and local people's need better than the city or county govenerment.  Both churches and governments experience fraud, but the church has more knowledge and discernment when it comes to people in their towns.  The church does not require mounds of paperwork and excessive regulations to determine those truly in need.  The church shows God's love through prayer and practicality, someone in the body will know the needs and through discernment the Christisn body or individuals within it will provide in the best way to meet thse needs. 

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, 

and he will repay him for his deed. - Proverbs 19:17 (ESV)

Who should the church help and why should the church become more involved in helping the needy? Jesus instructed Christain to help others, a few examples of how can be found in the Church and Charity ministry lesson on SimplyBible website. Where do the people of God start with charitable work and how do they get involved?  Some ideas are presented in CrossTalk post Faith in Action: Will the Church Step Up Where the Government Steps Back? 

Modern Christian Matryr: Charlie Kirk

We learn of matryrs in history, both long ago and in recent decades too.  We remember matrys for causes and martyrs for Christ, even if we know not why they were destined to die.  Do we mourn the life and lessons of a new martyr now?  

The president of the United States honored Charles (Charlie) James Kirk with a Medal on Freedom ceremony on his birthday, which the Senate agreed to adding a national day of rembrance to the USA list in recognition of his Christian leadership and patriotic messaging.  His fellow Christians and conservatives honored him with a publicly televised memorial service carried on many networks after his life and mission were cut short on September 10th.  

My last words to you, Christian brothers, are that you pray for us. 

Pray that the Word of the Lord will go out over all the land

 and prove its power just as it did with you. 

Pray that we will be kept from sinful men, because not all men are Christians. 

But the Lord is faithful. He will give you strength and keep you safe from the devil. 

We have faith in the Lord for you. 

We believe you are doing and will keep on doing the things we told you. 

May the Lord lead your hearts into the love of God. 

May He help you as you wait for Christ. 

- 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 (NLV) 

How can we move on from such a horrible thing?  Martyrs strengthen causes and grow followerships that far outlast their own lifetimes, yet we still have to wonder why.  Was it God's plan?  Or did God actually turn the work of the devil upside-down and inside-out to gain a victory over evil?  Spiritual revival is burning across America and the world after what happened to Charlie Kirk.  We pray this movement  bringing people back to Christ, morality, and common sense continue to spread and the faith embers burn for many years!

Check out Mario Murillo's blog posts on Charley Kirk and what his death should bring about.  Someone wrongly thought death would silence Christian conservatives living in America.  Instead it will make more in USA go watch Charilie's videos and listen to his podcasts to find out why his right of free speech voice for faith, family, and true freedom may have been silenced.  

#WeAreCharlieKirk and #GodsArmy

Counting on a Big God

The "BIG GOD" song below by Terrian says so much. We all need to remember this and call upon the one true God when we need to feel His love and mercy.  The world is still going through a spiritual battle with evil, yet one thing we can count on is that God always wins! Join in the righteous fight and be an important part of the army of God. 

Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. - Psalm 147:5 (NIV)

Proper Persistence in Politics and Prayer

Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow seeking justice from a corrupt and uncaring judge in Luke 18:1-8.  As with most of the stories Jesus told, he was using an everyday example to make people understand good vs. bad and how following God is always the right answer to any problem.  This particular parable ends with Jesus noting how important it is to continue to pray for what we want even if we do not get an answer right away.  Persistence and prayer can break down walls and move mountains!

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:12 (NIV) 

Not violently, instead legally

It may seem that many of the courts are currently corrupt!  Religious and speech freedom is on he chopping block!  Judges make rulings that not only do not follow the letter of the law, but seem in direct defiance of the laws and correct due process.  They may ignore federal, state, and city laws regardless of the level of the court reach of the judge or previously set precedents.  They disregard God's laws, distort the truth of the situation, ignore facts, and seem to make their own rules as they go along.  However, this does not mean individual Christians and faith groups do not have the right to seek real justice, instead it means they keep filing appropriate legal complaints and appealing wrong decisions made by unjust judges.  Courts were not designed to push political agendas over the rights of citizens or to prevent law enforcement officers from upholdingd the law.  Judges are supposed to be non-partisan and apolitical, know the law, and be trustworthy.  So pray every step of the way in legal proceedings for God's grace, righteousness, and justice.  Stand firm and pray that all the lawyers and judges are open to making the right decisions.  If they do not not judge fairly, then be presistent, keep moving forward to the next legal level, and never stop praying for justice to prevail. 

Let us not become weary in doing good, 

for at the proper time we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up. - Galatians 6:9 (NIV) 

Not threatening, instead insisting 

Congressional representatives, senators, and state legislators (visit state and city government sites to find local conatact information) may not be concerned about an issue or even seem to care about those they are supposed to represent.  However, they do care about being re-elected and if enough of their Christian constituents consistently call regarding an issue, then they may begin to care just like the judge in the parable.  Do not threaten their politics or make ridoculous promises to remove them from their position, instead explain why the issue is important and insist they do what is right for the citizens they are supposed to represnet.  Call and email even though you have called before and been disappointed by your governement representatives.  Do not give up or give in.  Pray for guidance before you call or email to ask God for wisdom in what you should say and that God will open their hearts and minds to really listen and then act appropriately.  If they do not do the right thing, you still do not make threats instead you act by working to remove them from their position in their next primary and also vote you convictions in that election.

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. - James 5:16 (NIV) 

For more on making the parable personally relevant in today's world, read 4 Lessons To Learn From The Parable of The Persistent Widow on The Wise Believer blog.

Sing a Song of Victory!

Sing a song of victorious freedom through Christ!  Below is the song and lyrics of "My Name is Victory" by The Wilbanks.  It is another great marching song for Christians!  This song is personal "I", whereas “We are the People of God” song by Carmen is a group marching/dancing tune.  Both would be great blasting from floats in parades or wherever people marching together.  Let's take back the streets and parades for Jesus!  Can you see everyone singing it as a worship song in church or other public spaces with their arms raised in a "V" for victory  thanking Jesus? It makes me want to jump up and shout! This should be the anthem for every Christian church to thank God for our freedom and found liberty through Him   It could be July 4th fired-up with spiritual fireworks every Sunday!

Riots Are Not Righteous

Rioting is violence, not protest.  It is not a righteous act!  It is a demonic criminal act - it against the law, therefore not a privilege or a right.  When violence is used to further a cause, it is an intimidation tactic of terriorism that seldom works.  People do not like to be told what to do or they will face harm.  People want blessings, not foul-mouthed cursing and entitlement attitudes.  Instead of complying with the evil, they will stand behind those enforcing the law.   More will speak out and call for a return to calm, to law and order, and also to Christ to save their nation.

Riot definition per The American Heritage Dictionary: A violent disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons assembled for a common purpose.

A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. 

A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good. 

- Proverbs 16:28-29 (NIV)

Real change is achieved through prayer and making others understand what is right instead of doing wrong.  Violence and fear are the wrong way to go about encouraging change.  Jesus (the son of God)  brought spiritual change and a real movement towards God, while discouraging violent actions.  So did religious leaders like MLK and Gandhi.   Any so-called prophet, politician or religion that encourages violence is not of God, instead they are showing themselves to be hell fire liars and  followers of Satan.  

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up 

against the knowledge of God, 

and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 

- 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

Protest & First Amendment via Civic Nation:  The Difference Between Legal and Illegal Protests

It is time again for a new revival and for those of good conscience, patriots, and the church to stand up and lead the return to God! Leadership, wisdom, and judgement are needed by all government officials and church leaders to complete God's mission and plan. 

Women's Christian Fiction Series focusing on the Fruits of the Spirit

  Tracy Wainwright created a Fruit of the Spirit Christion fiction series which follows her female characters (Sarah, Jessica, Katie, and Emma) through their journeys of faith, family, and friendship.  Spiritual gifts and a real relationship with God are the recurring theme in all the books.  Tracy explores faith, hope, and love through great storytelling to uplift and inspire women as they feel each character's challenges in lifewhile reading how each one grows in their personal realationships with God.  These books show how everyone has problems in this world and the best hope for all is the love of God and salvation through His son Jesus.

The first two e-books in the series featuring the character Sarah, Hearing Whispers and Open Arms (Amazon ad) were released on Amazon in May 2025.  Empty Hands, Overflowing Hearts, Shifting Goals, Scorched Dreams, The Long Road, The Slow Dance, and The Best Path are titles and characters that will be released in following months.  Get the books to read and share with others in your life.  As a simple study of human thoughts and interactions, they offer an excellent way to share the Gospel of Christ with both believers and non-believers though the wonderful faith story of spiritual growth, as well as with the Bible references shared within each book.

Watch for new books releases and virtual book discussions with Tracy on her Facebook author page.  Check out other fiction and non-fiction books by Tracy Wainwright on her website.   

Making a Straight Path for God in Your Life

Do you ever feel you are out-of-sync with God's plan for your life?  If so, it is time to remove any obstacles between you and God.  A direct path to God means reflecting on what God wants, turning away from personal desires that keep us stepping off that path, and realigning our life with His plan for our salvation.   

... Prepare a road for the Lord to travel on! Widen the pathway before Him! 

Level the mountains! Fill up the valleys! Straighten the curves! Smooth out the ruts! 

And then all mankind shall see the Savior sent from God. - Luke 3:4-6 (TLB)

Repentance is the first step towards getting on the right path.  Use dedicated time in prayer, devotionals,  and Bible study to break down the barriers that may exist between you and the relationship you desire with God.  Adjust your thoughts and align yourself with the teachings in God's Word.  Growth can be achieved through  using multiple references or studying with other like-minded people.  Personal transformation will occur with dedication to building a better spiritual connection with God.