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.

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. 

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)

When Honestly Judging Others Is Required

One of the most overused and misused King James scripture is Matthew 7:1  "Judge not, that ye be not judged." It is often used by sinners to make Christians feel guilty for saying something about the wrongness of what they may be doing.  (Even though those same sins are listed by God plainly in the Bible, it may be more prudent to pray for them, point them to salvation through Jesus, and to reading scripture rather than  trying to change them with self-righteous, angry, or condescending words.) This is not what Jesus meant.  He was saying we should not hold others to account for something we ourselves would not be willing to be accountable for.  Another way to say it is to apply the golden rule towards everyone first before calling out any preconceptions about right verses wrong.  

To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them. 

Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the Lord 

understand completely. - Proverbs 28:4-5 (NLT)

There are times when judgement must occur, especially if people have been elected to or appointed to be a judge of the law.  Judges have a grave responsibility to the law and to the people who come before them, both the innocent and the guilty. 

Here are some further sayings of the wise: 

It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment. 

A judge who says to the wicked, “You are innocent,” 

will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations. 

But it will go well for those who convict the guilty; 

rich blessings will be showered on them.- Proverbs 24:23-25 (NLT)

With that judgement responsibility comes accountability to "We the People," the nation's law, and to God. In this world, we will see wise judges and corrupted ones.  Corrupt judges who lie, who take bribes, or provide false information to juries will eventually be punished by either the government  whose laws they broke or by God when eternal judgement comes.  There is no hiding their corruption.  Alterternately, their excellence and commitment to the truth will also be seen, accepted, and rewarded.

Selecting the Right Leaders

We need to pray for our leaders.  Leaders in church, in the community, in the states, in the nation, and everywhere in between.  It is much easier to install a good leader than it is to remove a bad one.  Sometimes a person may look good on paper but they are not really that person.  It is important to know their history and how they reacted or voted in the past to understand how they may act in the future.  It also makes sense to check who or where they get their backing from to understand biases and obstacles to achieving necessary goals and working towards God's plan.

The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; 

the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, 

and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

- 1 Timothy 5:24-25 (NIV) 

It is not always easy to see what needs to be known about someone or to ignore any faslehoods that may be presented by others.  This interference in decision making may come from the person being considered for leadership or the people trying to prevent the right person being a chosen leader through propaganda and lies.  Leaders need strength, problem-solving skills, righteousness, and compassion when justified.  Jealousy and humility are opposites, but there is no way to know which is taking control of a person or a group that must make the right decisions.  That is why it is so important to review everything and pray for the best person to lead.  

NEW NOTE:

Interesting post-election article on government: Trump’s Win Suggests We’re Nineveh, Not Sodom

Do Not Be Lukewarm Anymore!

Jesus tells Christians they should NOT be lukewarm.  Instead it is better to be hot (seasoned believer fervantly working for Christ) or cold (potentially useful if wanting to grow in Christ).  So what is meant by lukewarm?  Lukewarms are wishy-washy people who straddle the fence between stagnant faith and desiring wordly things.  Some churches may define this as a moderate person or a modern believer, however Jesus would not agree.

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  

- Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV)

How do you know if you have become lukewarm?  Would you answer YES to these questions?  

• Do you just attend church as part of your religion and listen without really hearing the message?
• Do you feel it is okay to indulge in "little" sins as long as you are not hurting anyone else?

How do you move from being lukewarm to an acceptable temperature?  

• Spend more time with God each day by praying and reading your Bible.
• Socialize with fellow Christians that will help you to grow in your faith.
• Get involved with your Church and learn how to share God with others.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: 

He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.

- Psalm 37:5-6 (NIV)

Stop straddling the fence between what Jesus wants for you and your own sinful desires.  Do not be lukewarm anymore, instead grow and develop into what Christ wants you to be so that you may gain everlasting life.  While your at it, try to take some others with you to Heaven.

Wisdom of a Rght Heart for Making Decisions

Hopefully, this post will not offend anyone and that every reader has the patience to read it through  before leaving this blog.  The biggest decision in the United States is which way to vote, based on what is current policy and past performance, not who is the personality or party.  Did you know 40 million Christians do not vote in Presidential elections?  Shouldn't Christians vote for national, state, and local leaders who most exemplify the faith, values, and morals of Christians?  How can Christinas do that?  Check the actual policy on the canidates website and what they say when speaking to decide how it aligns with your belfiefs.  Do not rely on celebraties, the news media, or others to tell you the truth about a candidates or party position - do your own research.  Compare what you learn about policy to Biblical truths to help you make the righteous decisions, judge properly, and then caste your vote well,

The heart of the wise inclines to the right, 

but the heart of the fool to the left. - Ecclesiastes 10:2 (NIV) 

The Bible equates RIGHT as correct wisdom, which comes from reading and following God's Word.  The Bible also points to the LEFT path as wrong, foolish, or sinful.  So why do politicians, protestors, and press  representatives refer to the opposing party as far-right or far-left?  By God's standard, aren't they implying the right/conserative-side are even a smarter choice than themselves?  Or is the other side saying the  left-leaning/liberal party are more sinful?  Check for yourself to find policy explanations for future planning to see where their mind is and review the political party's past to see actual actions to know their  true heart. Do they follow the Ten Commandmants for the betterment of America or do they fight dirty, ignore citizen rights, and break laws for the devil's delight? There is no true CENTER/moderate in politics! Therefore,  Christians must vote with God as their center and for what is most like the core of His righteousness!

The world will try to make Christian believers doubt what is good verses evil, even to the point of changing the basic understanding and traditional meanings of words in the English language.  In addition to the words left and right being directional or referencing hand use, dictionaries define them other ways too.  Right also means: conforming to justice, law, or morality - in accordane with fact, reason, or proof - fitting, proper, or appropriate - straight, genuine, or real. The other definitions for left is "past tense of leave" or reference to political leaning. So instead, check out the definition for politically liberal, which shows bad and good examples.    

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. - Psalm 1:1-2 (NIV) 

For a nation to  prosper and for its' people to experience success, the spiritual community must respect and follow God's Word.  Please vote your faith based on what you believe God wants you to do from what you have learned in His Word, the Holy Bible. To have a blessed nation, Christians must lead the way to victory in elections as well as be a part of leadership.  Imagine the difference Christians can make in the USA if you #RegisterToVote and #VoteYourFaith!  Please encourgae others to do the same.  This is the time for Christians to stand up, be counted, and get heard by government once again.

How Did We Get Here? What Do We Do Now?

 How did we get here is the question being asked by diiallustioned once-"tolerant" people today as they see all the vulgarity on display and violence taking place every day.  The answer from God is letting false religions into your lives and allowing fake leaders to rule.  The silent, timid Christian (and churches they attend and leaders that will not lead according to the Bible) have allowed demonic possession of not only the USA but many European counties as well.  Finally, some are being brave and speaking out - only to be persecuted or prosecuted by the wicked people that the satan is controlling.  

What am I trying to say? Am I saying that food offered to idols has some significance, 

or that idols are real gods? No, not at all. 

I am saying that these sacrifices are offered to demons, not to God. 

And I don’t want you to participate with demons. 

You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. 

You cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too. 

- 1 Corinthians 10:19-21 (NLT) 

What are we to do now? Keep praying!  Start fasting.  Do NOT be silent.  Keep pointing at and calling out the evil!  Do NOT let the devil get a stronger hold. Continue God's mission to guide people to the REAL solution, which is salvation through Jesus Christ. Churches, leaders, and study groups - teach the Holy Bible fully and without socialistic or worldly substitions. Put on the righteous armor of God and stand firm as one of His valient soldiers.

But the Lord watches over those who fear Him, those who rely on His unfailing love. 

He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. 

We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. 

In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His Holy Name. 

- Psalm 33:18-21 (NLT)

Steps of Mankind - On or Off God's Path

Even a courageous person’s steps are determined by the LORD, 
so how can anyone understand his own way?

- Proverbs 20:24 (CSB)

If every step of each person is known by God before he does it, then perhaps we have no choice but to do what is right.  The above scripture does not mean man does not have a need or will to change things n their lives.  Instead it means that God knows what we may do without his intervening.  However, with God's grace and our willingness, we can be on the more righteous path rather than getting off-the-road and doing wrong.  As we walk the proper path set before us, we can please God and be guided by Him in our lives.

A person’s steps are established by the LORD, and He takes pleasure in his way. - Psalm 37:23 (CSB) 

The Strength of His People

Times are hard.  Unfair or horrible things may be happening all around.  Christians and non-beleviers both feel the pain of uncertainty for today and the future. Although the people of God may feel weak or disheartened, they can find strength and courage through their relationship with God.  God's people know if they ask for His help, He will answer to their benefit as long as they remain faithful and righteous. God will provide leadership to move His people  forward, so they may grow and flourish.

The Lord is the strength of His people; 

He is the saving refuge of His anointed. 

Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! 

Be their shepherd and carry them forever. - Psalm 28:8-9 (ESV) 

Christians will be lifted up from their pain and receive the promises of God; with prayer, supplication, and praise.  Knowing who God is and what He can do should be enough to move forward in faith.  God will save and lead His people.  Pray that God will continually direct leaders in the way that all should go - guide them with the consideration of the people along with God's will in every decision and action.  Recognize who God is for His people and be thankful for His blessings always.

The Way to Victory

It seems there is no hope for the righteous as crime rises and evil seems to rule more and more.  People of faith are either ignored by those in power or persecuted by a small group that targets them as a way to gain power.  Where is the hope and comfort for Christians in the world today?  How are the faithful to remain brave in the face of so much pain caused by the world and its anger aimed at them?

"The Lord is a stronghold to him whose way is upright, 

but destruction to evildoers. 

The righteous will never be removed, 

but the wicked will not dwell in the land." 

- Proverbs 10:29-30 (RSV) 

Hope in the Lord is the same today and tomorrow, as it was in the past.  God never changes!  With that in mind and spirit , people of faith can move forward with courgae.  Continue to be faithful to God, family, and church.  Keep reading and memorizing the Holy Bible. Pray for God's intervention and justice.  Work at making things better.  Keep singing God's praises.  Speak out against evil.  Stand up for righteousness.  Put on the full armor of God.  Remember, God always wins!  In that, Christians can take comfort and also become very brave.

Nothing is Going to Change Until?

"Nothing is going to change until someone decides to pray" is what Rev. Darious Johnston said last Sunday.  That hit me hard as I have been praying and I know many others are praying for change in our nation and the world.  There is so much evil being  promoted while  Christians are being too silent.  We are being told it is not our business or that politics are not part of the Church.  So we watch as devil spreads lies and laughs as corruption prospers.  We cry out to God as others are persecuted and/or prosecuted.  But are we really supposed to do nothing?

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

Fighting evil is our business, Christian or not!  We need to get on our knees and pray for change!  This is our first line of offense and defense.  Our nation needs to return to God.  We also need to ask God how He wants to use each of us to bring about change.  We need to become a courageous army of God, and stop being a pathetic prisoner of false doctrines.  

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. 
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." "
- Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

Are you praying for judges and govenrment authorities to make the right decision?   Are you praying for new leaders with godly hearts? Are you praying for family and friends to find and follow Jesus?  Are you praying for and helping those who need help?  The Bible instructs us to pray!  It also encourages us to do what is right and fight a good fight for the Lord.  Want things to change?  Get on your knees first!  Then stand up for truth, righteouseness, and justice against lies, evil, and wrong-doings.

To the Unwise and the Wicked, Learn!

With all the contempt and anger in the world, the inexerinced can easily be led astray.  Many people (of faith and without it) wonder are these people really this stupid or is someone paying them to act this way?  Evil is always willing to do what is necesseary to lead people away from God and goodness; even to the point of pretending to be better, feigning a new liberal awareness, and disguiding their true nature.  The evil one(s) lies and will try to make things appear grey that are clearly black and white; evil paints wrong as right.  Can these unwise people headed for their own destruction be re-taught?  Can those willingly led astray by the wicked learn what is right?  Will they set aside their scorn and sinfulness to seek the truth?

"How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? 

and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 

Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, 

I will make known my words unto you." - Proverbs 1:22-23 (KJV+ MORE)

Those who really want to know the truth, merely need to turn to God for forgiveness and direction.  He will show them the wisdom of His ways through His word.  He will lead them  from wrong to learn the promises and truth that the evil one(s) have tried to keep hidden from them.  If they only listen to God, they will trun from evil and win themselves a new life on this earth and a wonderful one in eternity.  They will feel His love and understand what is good as well as how to do REAL good - not to fallow falshoods that lead to their pain and the pain of others.  They can learn and feel freedom, if they choose to be saved.  God is the greatest educator.  God's people need to help provide that eduation through example, through open conversations, and in actions.

Why Attack Now? Terrorism is NOT Religion of God!

    

"The violence of the wicked 
will drag them away,
for they refuse to do what is right."
- Proverbs 21:7 (NIV) 

After years of peace, people are wondering why did international terrorist attack Israel/Jews now?  Back on 9/11/2001 in America and long afterwards, people wondered the same thing about so-called religious extremist and domestic terrorism.  How can one group of people hate another group so much they advocate murder?  How can anyone kill others in the name of religion or claim violence as social justice? After the truth of the holocaust came out after World War II, people wondered that  same thing.  Now we add, how can so many people march in support of or as part of terrorist groups?  The secular answer is that we no longer teach truth about history.  There may be some truth in that, however it may be more that we no longer teach morality and respect for others.  There should be no doubt that  terrorist organizations are evil, no matter what propaganda phrase they adopt to convince us otherwise.

"For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; 
with you, evil people are not welcome. 
The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. 
You hate all who do wrong;  you destroy those who tell lies. 
The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord, detest." - Psalm 5:4-6 (NIV)

Now, it seems to be all about loving oneself and doing whatever you desire including inciting hate for others.  Sexual perversion is not really rampant among everyone, but we are told it must be allowed for the brainwashed mentally-ill few.  Most people want law and order, but we are told that infringes on the rights of the criminals who choose to embrace violence or take from others who are weaker than themselves.  The Bible warned this would happen as people of faith no longer raise their children in God's ways but instead allow schools and others to lead, thus allowing the devil to begin convincing new generations that evil is good through indoctrination masquerading as eduction.

"The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, 
and the unfaithful for the upright." - Proverbs 21:18 (NIV) 

So what happened to the no bullying and anti-racism programs that have now become more guided by selective or political persecution?  Is the golden rule no longer relevant in society today? We have gone too far, it is now time to choose a side.  Whose side are you on?  What attitude will you adopt? Which path will you choose?  Pick the right way, instead of continuing down the wrong path.  

"Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. 

Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies. 
Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. 
Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you." 
Pslams 5:9-10 (NIV)

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Terrorim is not a religion based on a loving God, instead it actually is a tool of the devil to spread fear and division.  For more on Islam and what it means, view free full video at https://www.prageru.com/dearinfidels.  See trailer below.

What We Need Is An Old-time Revival

It is time the church stood its ground in a world trying to take the Bible out of people's lives!  We need to kneel and pray for our nations to return to God.  This world needs restoration to God, revival in Christ, and reformation through the Holy Spirit.  Listen to the words in the old-fashioned sounding song that has a great message for today's Christians before it is too late to bring salvation to others.  The recently-written song is "What We Need" on album CD Still Standing by the Mark Trammel Quartet.  For lyrics and music track, visit DayWind.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, 

my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 

- Philippians 4:1 (NIV)

Overcoming Negative Emotions

In the world today, there is so much focus on negative emotions we inflict upon ourselves or force onto others (sometime knowingly and often unknowingly).  Modern marketing tells us we will be happy if we can just get a little more of something.  We are bombarded with psychological and societal methods for improving the way we feel.  If a method works,  it is only for a short time.  The emotions return and too often are more intense with time.  There is no better emotion-shifter than having a relationship with God.  

"But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, 

'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'  

Submit yourselves therefore to God. 

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. 

Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, 

you double-minded."- James 4:6-8 (ESV)

This does not mean we will no longer experience negative feelings of anger, fear, loneliness, or sadness.  Instead, we will have a power to call on our God to will help us overcome the negativity in our lives.  He can replace: anger with composure, fear with determination, loneliness with His presence, and sadness with contentment.  Deciding to accept a relationship with God (instead of continuing in wordly indecision) is no guarantee that life will always be tranquil. However, we will know and experience the true promise of God's love. 

How to Find Refreshing

Do you believe persecution of thoughts and distortions of laws are becoming a concern in this world?  Are you feeling that the things are caving in on you?  Does the world around you seem angry, upside-down, or encompassed in chaos?  Are you in fear of what may happen to those you love? Do you feel like something is bound to break? Are you afraid that something will be you?  

"Repent, then, and turn to God, 

so that your sins may be wiped out,

that times of refreshing may come from the Lord," 

- Acts 3:19 (NIV)

Maybe it is time to turn from the world, repent of following the wrong things, and move more towards Christ.  Knowing you are forgiven of your sins through God's grace and Jesus's sacrifice is very liberating.  Following the teachings of Jesus Christ can also be liberating as it keeps you on the righteous and direct path rather than one that leads to personal destruction.  You can enjoy your spiritual freedom as God gives you emotional comfort that also leads to future physical well-being.

A Noble Nation Shuns Sin

When does a nation begin to get into trouble? 

- If evil is successful at overcoming good virtues, ethics, and integrity...  
- If many types of sin become more rampant then morality and a real relationship with God...  
- If false teaching and partisan propaganda become more important than honesty and spiritual truth...  
- If the rights of citizens are disrespectful trampled upon in favor of lawlessness or political power... 

Then the people are in trouble and the nation will eventually fall.  Do not think this can not happen to a noble or "Christian" nation, because it can if the people of that country choose to forget their God and turn to worldly things via reversing good and evil.  

"Righteousness exalteth a nation: 

but sin is a reproach to any people." - Proverbs 14:34 (KJV)

The Bible tells of many nations that were judged for the sins of their evil leaders or acts of their sinful people.  World history, including recent events, also shows the capture of nations that had bad leaders or greedy traitors who plotted evil against others and/or their own people.  They not only sought power or profit, but what many of them did was try to replace God with themselves as the head of everything.  They listened to the devil instead of God.  If you see evil rolling through your nation or your government, you must pray for your leaders to do the upright thing and that God will use you as He sees fit to help turn things around for the people and restore honor to the country.

"And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, 

who are taken captive by him at his will." - 2 Timothy 2:26 (KJV) 

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Spiritual Mountains to Climb

On Sunday, my pastor delivers a wonderful message on "Getting Ready to Climb."  You can find the video of his sermon on Facebook and notes on the church website.  He focused on decision-making and three spiritual mountains we are to climb for:

1. US (me) - example in Mark 11:22-24
2. OTHERS - example in Exodus 31:18
3. GOD - example in Matthew 17:1-2

The 3 mountains teaching concluded with "It is hard to determine which mountain is which until we begin climbing, however ... Every mountain brings you face-to-face with God."

"The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, 

At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.  

The heavens declare His righteousness, 

And all the peoples see His glory." - Psalm 97:5-6 (KJV)

Afterwards, my spouse and I discussed the various ways that mountains and valleys are used in everyday life as metaphors.  Speaking:

• Emotionally: feeling happy equates to the high of a mountain top, whereas being sad is compared to the low inside the valley
• Mentally - studying hard to learn something is climbing the mountain, being an expert is the mountain top. being a novice is the valley below the mountain, not learning or researching is choosing to stay in the valley of ignorance or doubt
• Physically: climbing a mountain compares to working hard towards a goal and the top is success, falling down the mountainside is a setback, the valley can be flourishing and frutifull, or the might be flooded with problems 
• Spiritually:  only praying to God from the valley of need, praising God for blessings from the top of the mountain

If you have other "mountain" scriptures  or examples you wish to share, please add a comment on this post to let us know your thoughts.