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Do You Know the Difference Between Misinformation and Disinformation?

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Last week, we learned directly from the White House Press Secretary during her briefing on July 16, 2021, that the White House is colluding with Facebook to flag any posts the White House determines contains “problematic misinformation” and to reset their algorithms to eliminate comments and posts the White House doesn’t like! They want those people not only banned from Facebook, but from all social media outlets. Chilling! Something you might expect to hear from a Communist dictator-run country but not in America where the 1st Amendment protects our right to freedom of speech and differing ideas.

At least we’re supposed to have that right. But instead, the White House tells us that any conversation on social media they don’t like must be shut down, and they’re actually flagging “problematic posts” themselves! They want to take control of the free flow of information regarding Covid and shield the public from information they consider inaccurate.

Social media by its very definition and original intent was to be a public square of sharing ideas where free debate and differences of opinion could flow. We’ve known for a long time that hasn’t been the case as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Google have been censoring and flagging posts, even banning the sitting President of the United States, who said if they can do it to him, they can do it to you. And they are!

Facebook, as well as other social media outlets, are taking orders from the White House which determines what you can say and know. State censorship. Propaganda.

What’s the Difference Between Misinformation and Disinformation?

On Fox News Sunday, while Chris Wallace was interviewing the Surgeon General Vivek Murthy about Murthy’s telling Facebook they must do more aggressive censoring of Covid “misinformation,” the caption running below read “Facebook defends its efforts to remove vaccine disinformation.”

In the White House Briefing, Jen Psaki repeatedly interchanged the two words.

“Misinformation” and “disinformation” don’t mean the same thing. However, they’re both often the foundation and propagation of “fake news” and manipulation.

These two often mistakenly interchanged words are only differentiated by one letter, mis and dis. The distinction between the two words is intent.

Misinformation is wrong or false information. When weaponized it becomes disinformation.

The prefix mis means wrong, mistaken, or misunderstood.The prefix dis  means reversal or removal.

Here are interesting examples of disinformation from the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language:

Deliberately misleading information announced publicly or leaked by a government or especially by an intelligence agency in order to influence public opinion or the government in another nation.

Dissemination of such misleading information.

The dissemination of intentionally false information to deliberately confuse or mislead.

Who Determines What’s Considered Misinformation?

Every time I hear the words misinformation or disinformation tossed around and disseminated indiscriminately by news media, politicians, and now the White House, my husband can attest that I often say aloud: Who determines what’s misinformation? Misinformation according to who? What’s the source?

Have you noticed we’re seldom given that information? We’re supposed to accept that something is “misinformation” just because someone said it was even if they’re not an authority or provide any proof or evidence.

On social media, it’s the “fact-checkers,” whoever they are! Even as we’ve seen with Covid, experts often disagree, but one opinion is arbitrarily selected by those in control as the only acceptable source of information and any dissenting ideas are labeled misinformation. Other times, it’s determined by whoever will benefit from burying the truth or subverting questions. Anyone challenging the validity or wanting to discuss other opinions must be silenced.

Every opinion that challenges or disagrees with the liberal ruling establishment is classified as misinformation or disinformation. Even factual biological truths like there are only two genders. Marriage is between a man and a woman. Life begins at conception.

We’re Watching Our Freedoms Slip Away!

When I first saw China forcing everyone to wear masks, I thought that could never happen in America where we’re protected by the Constitution, a Bill of Rights, and freedom. Then masks were “mandated.”

We would never be forced to stay home! Then we were.

The government could never close our churches. Then they did.

Public schools would never be closed. Then they were.

The government cannot spy on citizens. Now they are.

Medical records are private and protected by Hippa. Now they’re not.

The government cannot force anyone to take medication. Now they’re trying.

Big Tech is being deputized to do what the government still can’t do legally . . . yet . . . spy on and censor American citizens.

How Can We Know the Truth?

I was recently asked on Facebook how we can know the truth in the midst of “the craziness of the world news and social media.” I gave the only answer I know and use myself. We go to the source of Truth: God and the Bible and we pray for wisdom and discernment.

My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, 22 for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. Pr. 3:21-22 NLT

Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned. Pr. 5:2 NLT

Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. Pr. 28:11 NLT

Jesus was assailed with people spreading and believing misinformation about Him. He was crucified by bad actors who seized on the opportunity to turn misinformation into disinformation, with the intent of stopping His ministry and taking His life.

But He told us plainly: Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 NLT

The Unbelief of the People

37 But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him. 38 This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted:

“Lord, who has believed our message?
    To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?”[a]

39 But the people couldn’t believe, for as Isaiah also said,

40 “The Lord has blinded their eyes
    and hardened their hearts—
so that their eyes cannot see,
    and their hearts cannot understand,
and they cannot turn to me
    and have me heal them. John 12:37-40 NLT

Many missed the Truth walking amongst them that Jesus was the Messiah and every word He said was true. Jesus was then and always will be our Only source of Truth in the midst of deception, manipulation, control, and evil diabolical disinformation.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NLT

 In her controversial briefing on Friday, Jen Psaki was asked how the White House justifies this current infringement on public speech in light of the misinformation they’ve fueled in the past causing Facebook to ban people for sharing information the White House now admits was true. She defended, “Information is always changing and evolving,” which is true. That’s why it’s ludicrous for them to label something misinformation without allowing any dissent or discussion only to find out it’s actually correct information and always was.

Information and knowledge evolves from allowing open debate. Listening to and considering different points of view. Not relying on those who have political interests in the outcome.

We must do our research and not let the hyperbole on the news and social media influence us. Sadly, much of the misinformation out there is used to project disinformation to control and subjugate the American people and that’s wrong!

This latest state censorship by the White House can easily morph right into the political elections where political opponents will be silenced. We already saw social media doing that during the last election when they banned anyone from mentioning Biden’s family scandals and removed President Trump from Twitter and Facebook.

It’s NOT misinformation to say that conservatives are flagged, banned, and censored on social media while liberals are free to project lies and disinformation. That’s a proven fact.

“Every corrupt regime since the beginning of time has framed its silencing of citizens as being in the public good,” Erielle Davidson of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America.

I personally, have seen the traffic to my author page disappear. I have 1000 followers on that page, Janet Thompson/ Christian Author and Speaker | Facebook, but as of several months ago, the only person that seems to see it is my daughter. No longer are there likes or comments on anything I post there. When I post one of my blogs on my personal page, same thing. So if you agree with anything you read from me, please share the blog and comment on the website.

I’m obviously not deterred from writing the blogs, but I do know we’re not on a fair and free playing field. God knows where the words He gives me should go, and I won’t be silenced. I hope you won’t be either.

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. Romans 1:6 NLT

As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! Ps 119:7 NLT

Prophecy News Watch posted an interesting article The Road to Fascism? White House And Facebook Merge to Censor Problematic Posts

I also recommend the new book by Mark Levin American Marxism!

July 19, 2021
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How “God Winks” Can Help Us Through Difficult Times

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When I said in my last blog that I’d be taking a break for my husband’s knee replacement surgery, I didn’t expect to be MIA for six weeks. We heard stories of people having this surgery as outpatient or at best coming home the next day. I had no idea the journey that lay before us and we’re still venturing on, but God did. My husband continuously says he doesn’t know how anyone goes through this without God!

Praise God, He was our constant companion, even though I must admit I had a few meltdowns along the way!!!

For those of you who prayed for us, we’re grateful. Please keep praying! If you didn’t know about what we were going through, I’m sure you know someone having a difficult time right now and I encourage you to stop reading for a moment and pray for them. They’ll feel your prayers. They need your prayers.

Back to our story . . .

Dave got off to a rocky start when he had a bad reaction to the meds and anesthesia used during surgery. While he was in the hospital for five days, his oldest daughter Michelle and I were with him all day and evening. Michelle had flown out from Chicago to help us with his transition home.

Then to my shock, the doctors determined he wasn’t home ready and needed to go to a rehab facility where he would be placed in COVID quarantine. We could no longer see him! He had a negative COVID test right before they moved him, and we were all vaccinated, but those were “the rules.”

We walked with him as they wheeled him down the sidewalk to the rehab facility, but when the elevator doors shut, I was shut out of his life. Half of my heart ripped away!

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Mark 2:7-9

I’d been his advocate in the hospital and now I was standing on the outside. I couldn’t stop crying. I’m crying now just remembering. I was one of those people you read about kept from their suffering loved ones. It’s reality to me now. It’s cruel.

I came home alone and Michelle flew home. Our family’s only visible communication with Dave, doctors, therapists, and nurses was FaceTime. Dave was there for eight days where he received physical, occupational, and recreational therapy and excellent care, but this was so beyond what we had anticipated.

I stared blankly when people asked, “Why?” Every time I heard that question, or about people who came home the next day, it only made me feel worse. Sad. Heartsick. Despondent.

There’s a lesson for us all. When someone is going through a traumatic experience, hearing how someone else sailed through it only impounds the hurt and trauma. All I wanted was a hug or a prayer. Compassion.

My worst nightmare became reality when 5’5” 122 lb. me, who had recently had surgery, would be bringing home by myself 6’4” 230 lb. hubby who could barely stand up and move by himself, even with a walker. He would have to stay in our basement “Man Cave.” It would be a long time before he could navigate stairs up to our living level.

And so the journey began even though I felt completely inadequate for what God was asking me to do on my own to successfully help this man I love so much recover well and safely. It seemed overwhelming. It was overwhelming.

But of course, I wasn’t completely alone. That’s when the God Winks started!

God Winks Don’t Miss Them!

Dave and I had prayed before his surgery and during his recovery that we would be a witness and light for God’s goodness to everyone we met, and that they would see Jesus in us, no matter what. Maybe that prayer set us on this trajectory because God wanted to use us for His glory. I can’t say I always represented Him well. My emotions at times overtook me when I couldn’t stop crying or heard myself having an unkind outburst, but there were also some amazing experiences where God’s glory shown through in spite of us.

God Wink #1

I thought daughter Michelle came to help after we got home, but it turned out God wanted to use her to support me while Dave was in the hospital and through the experience of sending him off to rehab. Michelle was my rock, a calm and steady voice, gentle pat on my back, and hug that guided me through the crisis and chaos. When I was too upset to eat, she located a smoothie shop nearby that’s now become my favorite!

We live 1 ½ hours from the hospital and rehab. So our daughter Kim, who lives closer, welcomed Michelle and me to stay as long as we needed, which meant my two granddaughters gave up their bedrooms and slept on the couch. No complaining. That’s what love does.

While I was away from home, neighbors Joni and Mike, who are also part of our Couples Bible Study Group, watered our plants and mowed our lawn. Mike takes our trash to the dump when he’s home. (We live in the rural mountains, no trash service.)

God Wink #2

One of the male nurses in the hospital stopped in Dave’s room, even though Dave wasn’t his patient that day, and said he had looked up my books on my website! He was a Christian too.

When Dave was in rehab, I brought some of his favorite juice to help him get more fluids since his BP kept dropping. The nurse that came to the door began comforting me about not being able to see him and I noticed the cross around her neck. Turns out, she’s a Christian also and Dave was her patient for the day. I knew he was in God’s hands.

She assured me that rehab was right where he needed to be. He wasn’t capable of coming home yet, but they would work to get him ready. Rehab was actually a God-Wink blessing.

God Wink #3

Several days before I brought Dave home, three men from church came over and helped prepare the Man Cave by taking off doors, moving furniture, making repairs, and taking Dave’s recliner downstairs.

God Wink #4

Leanna, a dear friend from our Couple’s Bible Study Group, got up early to leave at 6:30 am to drive down to Boise with me to pick up Dave from rehab. I don’t function well early morning, but with Leanna in the car and Jesus at the wheel, it was a beautiful morning even though it had been a rainstorm the day before.

God Wink #5

Dave’s second night home he had cramps in his calf and shooting pains down his leg. He was wreathing and crying in pain. Hot compresses helped but he couldn’t stand up. Leanna, who called me every day, had said call us no matter what time of night. So I did. She and her husband Bob and muscular son Ty came right over and the men got Dave up out of the chair and into bed. Ty gave me his number to text if I needed him in the middle of the night or next day.

God Wink #6

Friends Cynthia and Tom, who were dropping off food they had bought for us at COSTCO, were here when the doctor’s office called about Dave’s leg cramps and shooting pains. We needed to bring him to ER (1 ½ hours away) for an ultrasound to rule out blood clots. When we got off the phone, Tom said he would drive us and Cynthia said she would sit at our house and wait for UPS to drop off medication that needed a signature.

This was the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend, a heavily traveled day in our area and I had been up all night with Dave. This couple was having a family reunion at their home in a few days, but Cynthia said that taking time to help us was confirmation to her that God had the reunion under control! Praise God there were no blood clots.

God Wink #6

The following day, the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, daughter Kim and hubby Toby came up to plant our garden, mow our lawn and do other things on my “to-do” list.

God Wink #7

Memorial Day, Barb from our Couple’s Group stopped by to ask where I needed help. She folded all my laundry and vacuumed my whole house! Amazing timing since around 4:30 pm I got a text from long-time friends from Arizona, Debbie and Jerry, that they were about an hour away and what did I need at the store?! I thought they were coming the next day, but thanks to Barb, my house was ready and I had food to feed them because Gene, another friend from church, had brought over a tray of her famous enchiladas the day before!

Debbie and Jerry had planned this trip to visit us before we knew Dave was having surgery and they said they would only still come if they could be of help. I said, “Oh yes! Please come. I need help!”

They were visiting angels as Jerry is an amazing “handyman” and Debbie just pitched in and saw the many things that needed doing while I was tending to Dave downstairs. Together they cut down on the thousands of steps I was taking up and down the stairs. Debbie went with me to Boise to grocery shop and go to a doctor’s appointment with me to take notes when my brain was exhausted.

I was sad to see them go, but we all were aware of God’s timing in bringing them to “visit” when I needed them most. I finally felt a little rested and ready to tackle Dave’s recovery on our own.

God Wink #8

Now for the over-the-top presence of the Lord showing His face in an act of kindness of two strangers, Scott and Donna May. Physical therapy recommended we get a recumbent bike for Dave. I put a request on our local community Facebook page and began getting messages about bikes for sale. One in particular looked perfect but it was pricey even used. Then there appeared a message from a gentleman who said he had one he could loan us that they only use in the winter and he could deliver it?!

I asked for a picture and it was the exact one I had considered buying. I messaged back thanking him for his generosity and he responded, “Christians help Christians!” I wondered how he knew I was a Christian, but I certainly told him he was an answer to prayer.

When Scott and Donna May brought the bike over the next day, I asked how he knew I was a Christian. Scott laughingly admitted he had looked at my profile and website to be sure I was someone he could trust to return the bike LOL!

Donna May said she refers to these serendipity experiences as “God Winks.” I assured them that God had definitely been winking at us.

And He still continues. Neighbors Bob and Theresa, also in our Couples Group, called and said they’d noticed our lawn getting pretty long again. Could they come over the next morning and mow and spray for mosquitoes. Bob also stops by and picks up our bags of trash to take to the dump.

A physical therapist we’ve been working with in town was concerned about Dave using our shower if we moved him upstairs and offered to come over to our house after work and check it out! He did a survey of our home while he was here to give us tips on moving Dave back upstairs, which we did several days later.

What’s the Take Away from Our God Winks?

1. Ask for Help!

Don’t try to go things on your own. Let people know where and when you need help! We also asked for prayer and I know our church was praying for us and for God to watch over us.

Many times people will just say, “Let us know when you need help.” But then we don’t because we don’t know what kind of help they’re prepared to give and we don’t want to be an imposition.

2. Receive Help

It’s a blessing for others to bless you! Let them. Yes, it’s humbling and maybe even embarrassing, but the Bible tells us that “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Ecc. 4:9-10 NLT

3. Join or Form a Bible Study Group

Our Couples Bible Study Group have been through many things together and as one woman in church put it, “Your group is really tight.” We’re there for each other to celebrate the good times, help each other through the difficult times, pray and learn more together how God wants us to navigate the world through the wisdom in His Word.

4. Be Alert to Who Needs a God Wink

Because people are reticent to ask for help, or impose, let’s try and notice when and where someone needs help and then just do it. I’m sure there’s someone in your life who needs a “God Wink” right now!

Note: There are many issues in the world today that I want to write about, but I’ve been so consumed with our issues that I didn’t have the energy or brain-power to tackle them. For several nights after I returned home alone, I couldn’t even turn on the news to hear the world’s troubles because I was living through troubles in my own little world. It all seemed like more than I could process.

I told a friend that I’ll know when the Lord frees my mind to write again, and today was the first day I’ve actually sat down at the computer to write. I’m not sure how consistent, but I’ll try to be back on Mondays. We’ll find out this week when Dave will have his other knee done. Yes, we’re doing this again in the near future, but I know God’s winking at me right now and assuring me He’ll be right there seeing us through it.

All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. 2 Cor. 1:3-4 The Message

Photo by Saad Chaundhry @saadchdhry

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June 21, 2021
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Trust In God, Not the Government

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It doesn’t matter which party is in power or who is in government positions, we should always place our trust and hope in God, not the government or politicians. That’s why it still says on our money and in the House Chamber, “In God We Trust,” which became our nation’s official motto on July 30, 1956, when Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill proclaiming it the law of the land!

I think many lawmakers walking the halls of Congress and many voters forget that God is the only One who is trustworthy, regardless of how many politicians try to put themselves in His place.

Last week, as Biden gave his first public address to the nation, he painted a “dark” picture of our country and tried to tell us that our only hope of living free again in the land of the free was in his words as he leaned into the camera, “trust the government and science.” A government that wants to tell us when we can hug grandma and grandpa and maybe have a backyard BBQ on the 4th of July if we obey and follow the government’s ever changing “science-based” rules and guidelines for living everyday life.

What he grossly omitted from his lecture to America was mentioning the Only source of hope out of any darkness or trouble: Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ together in our churches on Easter Sunday next month!

For a child is born to us,
    a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
    And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His government and its peace
    will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
    for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
    will make this happen! Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT

Discernment and Rational Thinking Seem to Be Masked

During the election, a group of prominent Pastors and Christian leaders who called themselves, “Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden,” baffled me. It seemed an oxymoron. They wanted to believe that Biden’s campaign would honor a verbal agreement to check with them before making any abortion legislation, so they supported him and tried to get others onboard.

Yet, with only a little investigation and discernment while listening to his campaign points directed to his core liberal constituency, they would have easily deducted that he actually would . . .

  • Reverse the Hyde Amendment, which he once supported but now Democrats call racist
  • Make himself the champion of a “woman’s right to choose” and call it “healthcare”
  • Force taxpayers to pay for abortion up and through the point of birth
  • Reopen the case against the Little Sisters of the Poor and reinstate the policy that every organization had to pay for abortifacient contraceptives
  • Reverse the Mexico City Policy, which prevents taxpayers from funding abortion overseas
  • If SCOTUS overturned Roe V Wade, he’d go to Congress and make it the law of the land
  • Oh and BTW, his running mate was a liberal advocates for abortion.

They would know that the head of the U.S. Catholic Bishops wrote a public scathing rebuke of Catholic Biden’s radical support of abortion and redefinition of gender.

You had to be completely oblivious or in denial not to know that the Biden/Harris administration was going to not only support and liberally promote abortion, but also radical gender identity issues.

Yet still the Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden are now publically outraged and feel betrayed?!

“We are very disappointed about the COVID-19 relief package’s exclusion of the Hyde Amendment, a longstanding bipartisan policy that prevents taxpayer funding for abortion. We’re even more upset that the Biden administration is supporting this bill,” the group declared in a recent statement.

“As pro-life leaders in the evangelical community, we publicly supported President Biden’s candidacy with the understanding that there would be engagement [with] us on the issue of abortion and particularly the Hyde Amendment,” the group said. “The Biden team wanted to talk to us during the campaign to gain our support, and we gave it on the condition there would be active dialogue and common ground solutions on the issue of abortion. There has been no dialogue since the campaign.”

How could any Christian be so deceived? How did they think they would find common ground with the Biden liberal agenda even if they had been consulted? They weren’t betrayed; they were used. He’s doing just what he said he would do. Joe Biden is being Joe Biden.

Wouldn’t you think that Pro-life Evangelicals, and even Catholics who voted for him, could’ve seen through his political two-sided facade?

What made Joe renege his Catholic faith beliefs and reverse position on many policies he once championed like the Hyde Ammendment? Power. It seems that the temptation to compromise became too great. Becoming President overshadowed his once core beliefs.

It’s so important as citizens and Christians that we diligently do our homework and persistently pray for wisdom and discernment. Look at facts and details with clear unbiased eyes. We don’t want to become jaded with cynicism, but we do want to be realistic and pursue all avenues before making final decisions or placing our support behind a person or issue.

Often Christians are characterized as naïve and gullible, and honestly, the Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden being so easily manipulated and duped, only reinforces this misconception. But it’s the opposite of who we are! We know the Author of Truth who is just a prayer away.

We are naïve and gullible when we trust those who do not have the same values and beliefs that we do. If we have doubts or concerns, then we do our own research and don’t rely on political rhetoric.

Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws. Psalm 119:125 NLT

My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them. Pr. 3:21 NLT

Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. Pr. 28:11 NLT

Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. Hosea 14:9 NLT

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Science Continually Changes, God Never Does

What so many people forget is that science and faith are not mutually exclusive. God created science and gave man the potential to explore and study it. God created the world; only He knows when it will end. God created and controls the weather and the climate. God created gender, male and female.

Covid was man-made by scientists and yet we’re continually told to trust the science as government uses the pandemic to control us.

God knows what we should do in all circumstances. Who we should trust and who has evil motives. We just need to take our concerns and questions to Him. Then listen for His answer!

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. Pr. 29:25

 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Ps. 20:7

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans. Ps. 118:8

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Ps. 46:1-2

What Does God Want Us to Learn About Placing Our Trust in the Wrong Places?

When we pray about decisions, God gives us a confirming peace or a check in our spirit that something isn’t quite right. If you’re experiencing unrest right now, pray and ask God to fill you with discernment and wisdom then trust that the peace you feel moving forward is coming from the Lord.

Dave and I often pray about big and little decisions on our own and then together. Then we wait until we’re both in agreement that we’re doing the right thing. It might take a while and each of us might need to change some preconceived ideas or do more research, but God will speak to us in unity through our prayers and reading our Bibles. Often one of us will say to the other one, “I was thinking the same thing.” Then we know we’re close to a decision.

If you’re not married find a prayer partner that you feel comfortable and confident sharing with each other.

We’re not going to find the way God wants us to go by relying solely on outside input like the culture, media, or social media. We’re children of God, not children of the world.

“Every Kingdom citizen is called to be a conformist toward God and a nonconformist toward the world’s systems. Let the Spirit change the environment within you; then trust the power within you to change the world around you.” Chris Tiegreen

If you now regret decisions that you’ve made in the past, join the club. We’ve all been there, but we can learn from our mistakes and with God’s help, choose a better way next time. He’ll never make us go it alone.

I hope that as you pray over the Scriptures I’ve included in this article that you’ll feel a peace come over you, like I did. We do our part to further the Kingdom, but we do it out of a sense of peace and not stress or fear. Shalom!

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense ; he has become my salvation.” Is. 12:2

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. Is. 26:3-4

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Ps 143:8

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Ps. 56:3-4

Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Ps. 112:6-7

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The quotes from the Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden came from an article by Mike Huckabee and also a link he shares, but they were readily published in the media. As I read their comments, I sensed that they still didn’t understand where they went wrong as many said they would still vote Democrat even knowing the liberals support everything they don’t support? Voters’ Remorse – Latest News – Mike Huckabee

March 15, 2021
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What Can the Church Learn from Rush Limbaugh?

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Last week, America lost an iconic grass-roots, conservative, bold, and brave patriotic voice. As I listened to the glowing tributes for Rush Limbaugh, I learned many things about him I didn’t know, even though he and I were in the same generation. Hubby and I play Christian music in the car, and I need quiet to write, so I don’t listen to talk radio. I wasn’t a Rush follower, but I wish now that I had been.

I didn’t realize that he helped save AM radio with his widely successful talk-radio program that reached 20 million weekday listeners for over thirty years! People listened for three hours a day to Rush in their cars, work place, and homes.

His open and popular discussion of conservatism helped launch the concept of conservative TV news programs, which like Rush provided conservatives a recourse as mainstream media became increasingly liberal and partisan left leaning.

Rush was definitely controversial and sometimes brash and sarcastic and said some things he later needed to apologize for, but haven’t we all. In his later years, especially after his cancer diagnosis, he spoke more openly about his faith, attributed his gifts and talents to a “loan from God,” and thanked God for the blessings in his life: “God is a profound factor; Jesus Christ a profound factor. I have a personal relationship. I’ve not talked about it much publicly because I don’t proselytize these things,” he said.

Best-selling author and Evangelical leader Joel C. Rosenberg worked for Rush at one time and knew him personally. Rosenberg wrote a heartfelt tribute, “Rush Limbaugh gave his life to Jesus Christ a few years ago and it gave him tremendous hope as he faced his toughest fight.”

I haven’t read or listened to any of the vicious liberal attacks on Rush, but you know they’re always going to throw out “racist,” so I appreciated this article, “Bo Snerdley recalls Rush Limbaugh as a ‘second-generation Founding Father’ who ‘returned his talent to God.’” Bo’s real name is James Golden. He was the long-time friend and producer for the Rush Limbaugh Show, and just happens to be black. Bo said on the Hannity show, which I heard, “It burns me to my soul when people sully his reputation with falsehoods, calling him a racist. This man was just an incredible phenomenon — and we love you, Rush.”

“Rush Babies”

Whether or not you agreed with Rush Limbaugh or even liked him, as I listened to the tributes I noticed how Rush spoke to the generations like we strive so hard to do in the church. Limbaugh referred to his younger followers as “Rush Babies.” I was curious how he managed to bridge across the generations.

Several years ago, I noticed my daughter was becoming increasingly conservative in her opinions and conversation and to my surprise, she often quoted Rush Limbaugh. Kim has a Sign Making and Sign Party business and she spends a great deal of time working in her “She Shop.” While cutting wood, painting, and stenciling, she listens to talk radio programs and Rush was a daily favorite, especially this past year.

With Covid and the election, she wanted to keep informed and she found Rush a “very caring voice who loves the country and talked through the questions of the day.” When she listened to Rush on the radio in the car, her sixteen-year-old son asked, “Who is this? I like him and the way he talks.” Her fifteen-year-old daughter listened too.

And that’s how millions of “Rush Babies” came about! Parents played Rush’s radio program in the house or in the car while taking the kids to soccer practice, vacations, running errands, road trips. Thirty-four-year old Benny Johnson said on his NEWSMAX show The Benny Report that he was a Rush Baby as he interviewed his parents, avid Rush fans. Benny concluded, “Rush raised my generation. Maybe you were one he raised too!”

Thirty-seven-year old Rob Schmitt recalled on his NEWSMAX program, “As a kid, I remember riding around in the car listening to Rush with my dad. I had no idea what he was talking about, but I liked his voice and listening to him.”

Schmitt had country music star John Rich (47) as a guest who talked about also riding in the car with his dad and asked what a bumper sticker “Rush is Right” meant. Rich’s dad replied, “A lot of stuff he says is right on the money.”

The headline that really got my attention was from thirty-two year old Kayleigh McEnany: Rush Limbaugh inspired a generation of young conservatives! It was an article by President Trump’s former White House Press Secretary. Here are a few quotes:

“My journey to becoming White House press secretary began in a pickup truck, alongside my Dad, who played Rush Limbaugh religiously. Though I was in elementary school, there was something magnetic, alluring and just so passionate about the conservative radio host who had such conviction and assuredness. 

My rides in my dad’s trucks through Plant City, Fla., later turned into drives in my own car to my all-girls Catholic high school. My friends knew if they chose to ride with me, they would be listening to “Maha Rushie,” as he affectionately dubbed himself. 

Rush was a giant in the conservative movement for a reason: he exhibited unrelenting boldness for the truth. He never backed down. You knew where he stood. And he was never, ever afraid to speak truth to power and challenge the mainstream media. 

Rush had a word for people like me: a “Rush Baby.” 

You see, Rush inspired tens of thousands of young men and women all across the conservative movement. Though Rush has departed this life for the next, he leaves behind a generation that will catapult forward the movement he created.” 

Kayleigh’s dad said Rush was the best friend he never met.

Rush was a mentor to all ages of listeners he might never meet. But some he did meet like Charlie Kirk the founder of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization that educates students about the importance of conservative values: fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government. Charlie started listening to Rush in high school and was introduced to him several years ago. Rush took the time to befriend and mentor young Charlie (now 28) and spoke several times at Turning Point conferences. Charlie says of Rush, “He was a great mentor focused on building up the next generation of conservatives.”

I began to see a theme: Rush influenced conservative values and ideals to his generation who passed that down to their children who undoubtedly will pass it on to their children, and like my daughter, he was still reaching new audiences! Isn’t that what we want to do in the Church with Christianity?!

What Can the Church Learn from Rush?

1. Like Rush, The Church Should Never Back Down to Cultural Pressure or Ignore the Issues of the Day!

Too many churches today are more concerned with being culturally correct or canceled than with sharing the unabashed Truth of God’s Word to the culture. They’re letting Christ be canceled!

2021 years ago, the culture tried to silence and cancel Jesus, but we know how that turned out. Jesus arose from the grave so that He could live within the heart of every man and woman who believed in Him at any age.

Yes, the culture has been trying to cancel Jesus since before the Cross, but His influence only grows wider and stronger. Jesus passed the torch to His 12 disciples and that torch of truth will continue to pass on until His return as long as believers like you and me continue to carry His torch of light and Truth.

In the Woman to Woman Mentor Handbook, I challenge mentors: What if you mentored 12 women in your lifetime just as Jesus mentored 12 men? Then those 12 women mentor 12 more women. That would be 144 women in mentoring relationships If you take that out five more levels, do you have any idea what the number of women in mentoring relationships would be just from you starting it out? 2,985,984! You have no idea how many other lives will be touched besides those of you and your mentee.

The Church is about saving lives, not saving face.

2. Like Rush, The Church Should not become a Relic but Remain Relevant!

The Bible is timeless and doesn’t change with the changing world; it brings peace, hope, and calm in the midst of the change. Its purpose is to be the consistent guide for people’s lives. Believers can count on it. A pastor’s message should help people respond to the challenges they’re facing by familiarizing them with the Book and the One with all the answers.

Sermons are not motivational speeches based on the latest trend; they’re motivational Truths to live a life ready for the Lord’s return at any moment. Urgent. Bold. Real. Challenging.

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 1 Thess. 5:1-2

3. The Church Could Learn How and Why Rush Reached the Generations!

Someone is always watching how the church responds to the times. Children are watching their parents. The next generation wants to see us live out what we say we believe without reservation. They don’t want us to waver. They need us to share the Truth with passion, caring, and love for Jesus and love for them.

A 70 year-old man still could capture and influence the audience of younger generations. He created a bond of trust. He was still relevant. He had no biological children, but he passed on a legacy to generations of patriots to pick up the torch and carry on.

I sign every Woman to Woman Training Leader’s Guide, “Teach what you’ve been taught.” So those they teach will go on and teach what you taught them. “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Heb. 13:7

Like Rush had “Rush Babies,” we want to have Jesus Babies. Followers of Jesus long after we’re gone who go on to share Jesus with others because we shared Jesus with them.

Our charge is to pass on the Torch of Truth of Jesus Christ to all generations! How focused is your church on reaching all generations?

Parents, teachers, mentors, the church, or anyone with a platform, must boldly, bravely, and with conviction speak up and stand up for living a life pleasing to Jesus and explaining what that means today. Never back down but always defend good vs evil, right vs wrong, moral vs immoral, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient or unpopular.

Live your faith. Share your faith.

If your listeners choose to ignore you, that’s their fault. If you never tell them, that’s your fault!

15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way.[a] Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 1 Peter 3:15-16 NLT

Picture used by permission Legal Insurrection at https://legalinsurrection.com/2021/02/branco-cartoon-on-loan-from-god/

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February 22, 2021
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How Should Christians Respond to Conspiracy Theories?

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Conspiracy is a word we hear often these days in the news. I receive many unsolicited videos and articles about potential conspiracies. They often arrive in my Facebook Messenger or sometimes by email. I don’t open any of them, ever, and I would advise you not to either.

I’m writing about conspiracies today solely because the word jumped out at me as I read Jeremiah 11:9-10 in my morning quiet time and I knew the Lord wanted to get my attention:

Again the Lord spoke to me and said, “I have discovered a conspiracy against me among the people of Judah and Jerusalem. They have returned to the sins of their ancestors. They have refused to listen to me and are worshiping other gods. Israel and Judah have both broken the covenant I made with their ancestors. Jer. 11:9-10

I don’t think I’ve ever noticed conspiracy in my Bible reading before even though there are many conspiracies discussed throughout the Bible.

2 Samuel 15:12-13 NLT describes the attempt of David’s son Absalom to overthrow him. How heartbreaking to have your own child conspire against you: “While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel, one of David’s counselors who lived in Giloh. Soon many others also joined Absalom, and the conspiracy gained momentum. A messenger soon arrived in Jerusalem to tell David, ‘All Israel has joined Absalom in a conspiracy against you!’”

In the story of Esther, her uncle Mordecai revealed a conspiracy to kill Esther’s husband King Xerxes:
“During the time Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.” Esther 2:21

Saving his life greatly endeared Mordecai to the king, so jealous Haman, the king’s highest noble, conspired to kill all of the Jews including Mordecai and Esther.

In the New Testament, a group of Jews conspired to kill the apostle Paul.

12 The next morning a group of Jews[a] got together and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty of them in the conspiracy. 14 They went to the leading priests and elders and told them, “We have bound ourselves with an oath to eat nothing until we have killed Paul. Acts 23:12-14 NLT

We know well the story of the conspiracy to kill Jesus. The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. Matt 26:59

Conspiracies Usually Have an Evil Intent

David wrote in Psalm 64:2 “Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers.”

David well describes the definition of conspiracy:

  • An agreement to perform together an illegal, wrongful, or subversive act.
  • n. A group of conspirators.
  • n. An agreement between two or more persons to commit a crime or accomplish a legal purpose through illegal action.

True, you might conspire together to throw a surprise birthday party, but usually conspiracies have a sinister intent.

Our country went through a four year conspiracy that continues even today, as villainous people conspire to take down President Trump.

As I struggled with God asking why He would want me to write about conspiracies, I received an email from Pastor Shane Idelman with and excerpt from his article God’s Not Done: 3 Ways to Benefit from Trials.
…let God build you up rather than allowing the ‘negative Nellies’ to pull you down. Don’t let them cloud your judgment with doomsday prophecies and worst-case scenarios. How do we know that God is not breaking us down to build us up? Nowhere in the Bible are we encouraged to let conspiracy theories and doom and gloom flood us with fear…The Bible tells us to do business and to fight with prayer, fasting, worship, and the Word until He returns. We are to cast down fear, not embrace it.”

There it was again: conspiracy. Shane’s wise counsel was to not let conspiracy theories dominate our minds or cause fear.

Then scrolling through FB, I saw a friend shared Brian Haynes article Conspiracy Theories Among Christians. I agree with his conclusion:

“Conspiracy theories are a waste of time and energy for the follower of Christ in my opinion. We just need to know the King (Jesus) and the Kingdom agenda and then we do our part to abide in Christ and bear much fruit and so prove to be his disciples NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCE (John 15). Even if one of the hundreds of conspiracy theories flying around out there are true and we find that out, what are we going to do? “See, I told you so?” How does that forward the Kingdom of Jesus?”

A friend posted on Facebook: “Lately, God’s been impressing on me to limit the ‘voices’ and ‘noises’ I hear and listen to—I need to be mindful and discerning.” I commented on her post that this was exactly what God was telling me to share in my article.

Discernment is vital.

We’re inundated with reams of information today, but we need to sieve through what’s true and what’s important for us to know, and let the rest go. We pray: “I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.” Ps. 119:125

Pray and Intercede

What was the one thing Esther and her people did when confronted with the very real conspiracy to annihilate them? They fasted and prayed.

15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:15-16

Most of us aren’t in a position like Esther to physically influence the outcome of actual conspiracies like Russiagate or the impeachment hoaxes, but we can spiritually intercede and pray for truth to prevail.

God wants us living in peace not a perpetual state of anxiety or chasing after every conspiracy theory we hear about.

“Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread.” Is. 8:12-13

Christians should turn their attention, energy, and prayers to this truth . . .

***The Eminent Return of Jesus Christ is NOT a Conspiracy Theory.***

The return of Jesus is a documented truth that should consume us, unite, us and mobilize us.

Spiritually arm yourselves and stand firm in the faith.

We shouldn’t be gossiping or spreading hearsay conspiracy theories, we should be sharing the Truth that on Jesus Christ the solid rock we stand, all other ground is sinking sand.

Share the Good News of Jesus Christ! Let a light shine from your heart that draws the questioning lost to you. Be ready to answer their questions and help them find the saving grace of knowing Jesus as their Savior.

Don’t cower or hide. Share your testimony. Be a witness and reach out in love to people while there is still time. Don’t be ashamed of telling others about the most important person in your life, you just might save their life.

For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth. Psalm 33:4-5

Spirit of God, fill my heart and mouth with petitions you want to hear. Overcome the evils of this world, change the headlines I read, through my intercession. May the prayers of your people prepare a highway into the hearts and minds of many. Amen (Salt & Light Devotional)

PS: I received many private messages thanking me for last week’s blog. Here it is if you didn’t get a chance to read it: The Power of the Spirit in Us is Mightier Than the Power of the President’s Pen!

February 8, 2021
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The Power of the Spirit in Us is Mightier than the Power of the President’s Pen!

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The worship team at church knows that my favorite song is Jeremy Camp’s “The Same Power.” When I see the words come up on the screen, I can’t help myself from exclaiming “awesome” or “yeah!” While singing the lyrics expressing how the same power that rose Jesus from the grave lives in us, the church knows I’ll be clapping my hands even if I’m the only one.

Usually by the end of the song, I’m joined by the worship team and many in the church clapping with joy and remembrance of Acts: 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The President’s Pen Power

In the first week of Biden’s presidency, we’ve watched in horror as he signs Executive Orders that:

  • put thousands of people out of work
  • condemn to death babies around the world with American financial support
  • destroy women’s rights to privacy and protection in bathrooms and locker and changing rooms
  • endanger girl athletes and dash their dreams by having to compete with confused men in sports
  •  ruin our economy
  • eliminate energy independence
  • increase the price of fuel and energy
  • allow illegal aliens to flow indiscriminately across the border
  • halt the protection of building the border wall
  • enforce “equity” not equality

Just to name a few of the over forty EO’s signed in nine days.

All accomplished with the power of his pen and position!

All of the EO’s are liberal left-leaning policies when he promised to be a moderate President and unite the country.

These Executive Orders will not help the people of our country but only empower the people who want to reshape and remake our country into a government-controlled tyranny.

There’s been no opportunity for discussion or dissent about these Executive Orders, only what Biden in his own words calls the actions of a dictator.

We Have a Power No One Can Legislate Away from Us

It’s not surprising that many Conservatives and Christians feel frustrated and powerless.

You may be feeling powerless right now politically, but God wants us to remember we’re not powerless spiritually!

If you’re a Christian, you have the power of the Holy Spirit living inside you. The Counselor, the Comforter. Right now, our world needs to see us displaying the power of the Spirit of Truth in our sphere of influence. Jesus never cowered in defeat and neither should we.

When we watch the evil and lies being celebrated and endorsed in our world and government, it should empower us to speak out boldly to defend the Truth and to pray for those who are so terribly deceived.

Not to compromise, but to convict. Not to condemn, but not to condone.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. 1 John 4:4-6

There is a world thirsting for power that wanes and fades; but we have a power that increases and brightens.

What the world and so many in government don’t realize is that the power they strive for will never fill the God-shaped hole in their heart. Only Jesus will satisfy.

“But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:14 NLT

Presidents have political power for four or eight years, but we have spiritual power for a lifetime!

The problem arises when we forget the power within us and start looking for the world’s strength! The world needs to see God’s strength!

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Eph. 3:30 NLT

Prayer is Our Hour of Power

Satan will never give up trying to destroy the church and duping Christians into thinking that they’re powerless in the struggle between good and evil. But when we pray, we unleash the power of Christ in us!

In my Quiet Time I pray, “Lord fill me with Your Holy Spirit.” Have you ever said, “I just feel empty today”? I sure have and my refilling comes from a morning time with the Lord. When the Bible talks about the living water that we sing so often about in church, that’s the Holy Spirit.

Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” 39 (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) John 7:38-39 NLT

During this time, I also pray daily the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18. Verse 10 begins “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” After payerfully putting on the pieces of spiritual armor, verse 18 concludes: “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

Reading God’s Word and praying, I’m also asking, “Lord what do you want me to do today? What is my purpose? How can I best serve you?”

I’m asked often if I ever have writer’s block and my answer is, “Seldom.” Because I’m always listening and expecting a word from the Lord. Even on social media or the news, something will spark in my heart and mind that catches my attention to make a note or revisit when it’s time to write. My spiritual antenna is always up. (See the PS at the end of this blog)

You don’t have to be a writer to know God’s plans and purpose for you; you just need to consciously sense God’s presence through prayer and the Holy Spirit’s nudging and speaking to you.

The Holy Spirit is Our Advocate

When Jesus was getting ready to go to the cross, He told His disciples “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. 27 And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.” John 15:26-27

“If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. John 14:15-17

We each have within us the real power that could save the world! As frustrating as things seem right now, we have an Advocate. We just need to ask Him to give us opportunities and embolden us with the courage to use our power for God’s glory!

Remember: The same power that rose Jesus from the grave lives in you and me!!

Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. 2 Tim. 1:14 NLT

For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. 1 Cor. 4:20 NLT

PS. I often say that the Lord confirms my topics. I felt led to write on the power of the Holy Spirit this week and had already scheduled my blog when I was scrolling on Facebook and saw the meme from MarioMurillo.org that I added to this blog! My pastor this Sunday morning spoke on the power of prayer! I hope you’ll seriously pray about how God wants to use this article in your life. It’s from Him, I’m just the vessel!

February 1, 2021
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God Has the Whole World in His Hands!

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Like many others, you may be experiencing a flood of emotions over current events: fear, anger, confusion, worry, regret, hopelessness, concern, doubt . . . . I’ve heard many ask, “What is the Lord doing?” They were so sure God had a different plan than what we’re watching play out today.

I don’t know the answer to that question, but as I pray and ponder about it myself, the Lord reminded me that America is not the only country God cares about. Even though the world sees America as a leader, we can’t become prideful and think we’re the favored nation to God. We’re not more important than any other people group. Any other country.

That reminder was an ‘aha’ moment for me. It’s not just about us!

I often hear endtimes predictions because of what’s happening in America . . . and maybe that’s true . . . but persecuted Christians in Communist countries, or those living under totalitarian regimes, have probably been praying for the rapture for years, decades, centuries.

In our church bulletin on Sunday, there was an insert from “The Church Around the World.” Here were some of the article headlines: “Christian Girls Abducted in Egypt,” “China Bans 1500-Member House Church,” “Hundreds of Ethiopian Christians Killed,” “Evangelist Murdered in Southeast Turkey.”

God cares about everyone and every injustice worldwide, not only in America.

We’re a free Democracy with the Constitution and a Bill of Rights and many want to live here, but that doesn’t mean God won’t allow us to experience hardships and challenges to our freedom just like in other countries.

I saw someone naively write on Facebook that Communism would never come to America, as if we were insulated from evil. But sadly we’re seeing that America is just as vulnerable to corruption, censorship, and control as any other country.

While it’s shocking and alarming, this pervasive reality should humble us, but not hinder us from how we live our lives everyday: completely trusting God not government.

The New Testament Church is Our Model

Read what Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples who God commissioned to start the early church, reminds Christians who are experiencing challenging times:

12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

14 If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! 17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? 18 And also, “If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?”[c]

19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. 1 Peter 4:12-19 NLT

I love these thoughts from Chris Tiegreen, which interestingly he wrote in his 2019 Salt and Light Devotional for January 15. Words that seem like they could have been written for 2021.
“The New Testament Church was quite familiar with laws, politics, and culture that went against their practice and beliefs. They understood adversity and prayed boldly through trials, and persevered through persecution. They willingly suffered abuses and ignored insults without complaining about being pushed to the margins and misrepresented by society. They did not fight against the grain of the culture; instead they became shining lights within it. That’s the sort of New Testament spirit we should aim to have.”

I think many of us, myself included, have been wasting our time and energy focusing on the worries of the world that we cannot control. As Tiegreen added, “spiritual power is never dependent on political conditions or social trends.”

In other words, the power of Christ that lives within you and me as Christians comes from God! The government can never take our faith away from us. No one can remove the Holy Spirit from our heart. No law can be passed, or illness/virus overtake us, that inhibits Christ living within us and shining through us.

We would not have the church today if the early church let adverse, even immoral and politically corrupt, conditions hinder them from spreading the Gospel. The church thrived under adversity. Why? Because God’s people were a light in the darkness, just like we should be right now! People are desperate for calm amongst the chaos. They’re seeking a peace that can only come from knowing the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

I’ve noticed a blog I wrote on February 3, 2020 is trending on my website and it’s even more relevant today than when I wrote it: 4 Ways to Let Your Light Shine Into the World’s Darkness. I hope you’ll take a moment to read it, share it, and implement it.

God Has A Plan for the World

Understandably, we look at how events will affect us personally, a natural reaction. While God cares about each of us individually, He is also looking at the entire universe. When I was a child that was always such a hard concept for me to comprehend. How could He care about my life amongst the trillions of people in the world, and yet, we know He does because He is our omnipotent Abba, Father, God.

Consider these words from Jeremiah 17:5-8 (NLT)
This is what the Lord says:
Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. 6 They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land. 7 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”

Nothing can stop those who put their trust in the Lord from producing and sharing the fruit of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit is pouring down afresh upon God’s people. Hold fast to God’s Word and remember that . . .

“An adverse culture is not a cause for lament. It is not a personal attack. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate the nature of God.”—Chris Tiegreen

January 18, 2021
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Dream A Little Dream With God

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You may be reading this blog a few days before Christmas as you’re hurrying to wrap the last presents, or maybe even buy them. But somewhere in the frantic last week, you’ll read the story of the birth of Jesus in the Books of Matthew and Luke. Or maybe you’ll hear a sermon where the pastor takes a particular event to focus on in his Christmas Eve sermon.

As I read the Christmas story this year, three words resonated with me, “in a dream.” God spoke uniquely and in miraculous ways to key people and the dreamers responded and acted on their dreams. Prophecy was fulfilled because some way, somehow, they each knew it was the Lord speaking to them.

Joseph’s Four Dreams

Dream #1

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matt 1:18-23

Dream #2

13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son. Matt. 2:13-15

Dream #3

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”

21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. Matt. 2:19-21

Dream #4

 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene. Matt 2:22-23

The Wise Men’s Dream

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matt. 2:9-12

Does God Speak to Us In Dreams Today?

I don’t know about you, but reading about God fulfilling prophecy in the story of Jesus’s birth, gives my dreams a completely new perspective.

I do dream a lot, almost every night, and often they’re random or I don’t remember them. But often, I wake up in the morning knowing exactly what God wants me to do about an issue. Maybe it’s what I’m supposed to write about, an action to take, or a warning and I know it’s from the Lord.

God changed history through dreams: Abimelek, Jacob, Laban, Joseph, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Solomon, Job, Pilate’s wife, all had dreams.

God transmitted his plan for the birth and the protection of the Savior of the world in dreams. Joseph paid attention to his dreams and seemed to know it was God speaking to him. Even though it went against what he thought he should do about Mary being pregnant, he obeyed the angel of the Lord in his dream and the prophetic Scriptures were fulfilled of where and when Jesus would be born.

Later, he recognized God’s warning dreams and saved Jesus’ life while also fulfilling prophecy. We don’t know much about Joseph, but we do know he recognized the voice of God.

The Wise Men were wise enough to know they should not return to report to Herod the location of the baby and Jesus’ life was spared again.

What Might God Be Telling You In Your Dreams?

What life changing events might happen in our life if we spent more time paying attention to not only our dreams, but what God is telling us in our prayer time? Remember prayer is supernatural conversation with God and He’s talking to us. But are we listening?

Prayer is no different now than it was in biblical times so why should we think our dreams are different. Why would we not believe that God could use dreams to warn us or fulfill his plans for us, and perhaps for others, just like He did in the past?

God also speaks to us through His Word, the Bible. I knew He wanted me to write about dreams in the Christmas story because He made the word “dream” stand out to me as I read it. I wrestled with Him about whether that was really His intent, and He was very clear and adamant.

So whether you dream at night or even remember your dreams, God will give you visions. He will find a way to speak to you directly of how He wants you to live your life for Him!

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28

 “A word was secretly brought to me, my ears caught a whisper of it. 13 Amid disquieting dreams in the night, when deep sleep falls on people. Job 4:12-13

For God does speak—now one way, now another— though no one perceives it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they slumber in their beds, 16 he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings, 17 to turn them from wrongdoing and keep them from pride, 18 to preserve them from the pit, their lives from perishing by the sword. Job 33:14-18

In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:17 from Joel 2:28

If you don’t receive my monthly newsletter, you might enjoy my opening article this month on how Christians can still, and should, rejoice in hard times. We rejoice in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior offering redemption and forgiveness to all who believe in Him.

I’m taking a pause for the next two weeks and will be back January 11.

Merry Blessed Christmas and Happy 2021 New Year!

*Opening picture courtesy of Mount Zion Ministries.

December 21, 2020
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The Battle Belongs to the Lord

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Like many of you, I went to bed Election night fairly confident that President Trump would win the election; although it was concerning that some of the states had stopped counting ballots for the night. That seemed strange as the President noted in his speech that night. Yes, I stayed up to hear him.

Then the world woke up to a complete turnaround. Somehow, in the middle of the night, thousands of ballots only marked for Joe Biden showed up in all the battle ground states and President Trump had lost his lead in those states along with several other key states.

What happened?

That’s what President Trump’s legal team along with everyone who voted for him is asking!

As my husband and I prayed together asking for God’s intervention to reveal any fraud and allow America to have a fair and legal election, I heard in my spirit, “The battle belongs to the Lord.”

I knew that God wasn’t telling me to sit on the sidelines and do nothing because He was in control. No, He was saying that as one of his spiritual followers, workers, and warriors, it was my job to join forces with Him in the battle between good and evil.

For many years in my morning quiet time, I pray Matthew 6:10: “May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Now, God was calling me to take action toward that goal in this election.

Voting was a good start, but not enough. Now we need to make sure there is a legal and fair election. Everyone’s legal ballot counted and all fraudulent ballots cast aside.

Suddenly, I felt an uncanny peace and calm come over me. I was even surprised at my own response. Anxiety and worry was a waste of energy and time. There was the Lord’s work to do. A battle is raging and I’m in the Lord’s army.

1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

What Weapons Do We Have for the Lord’s Battle?

Another verse I pray every morning is Zechariah 4:6 NLT: Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

There’s a spiritual battle taking place in the heavenly realms as well as a physical and legal battle for truth to prevail in our country. Each of us will live with the results of whoever wins this election and for any Christians who voted for the Biden/Harris ticket, I wonder if you actually studied what they plan for our country and the church.

We’ll all be held accountable for the political platform we chose to support.

The Armor of God found in Ephesians 6:10-18 describes what those who care about the lives of the unborn, the freedoms we enjoy in America, the future of religious freedom, and the integrity of our government should be doing right now.

My husband and I have prayed and personalized the Armor of God daily since we were married almost twenty-eight years ago. I’ve often said that I might not still have life if I didn’t suit up in my spiritual armor every morning.

The weapons we use in this spiritual battle are our Bibles, our prayers, our voices, our faith, and our activism against any schemes of the devil and his evil plans.

Christians should stand together strong and united by the Gospel as we go to war for the truth to prevail and lies and deception to fail.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 

14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 

We place our trust in our Commander-in-Faith and apply God’s Word to every area of our life, no matter the consequences. When Satan sends the arrows of depression, discouragement, dissolution, and denial, we remember our hope is in Jesus not judges!

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 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.

God Has a Battle Plan

Regardless of the results of this election, we prayerfully ask God to show us why He allowed the outcome and what He wants us to do now!

I’m not sure yet what God’s plan is but I do know He doesn’t want His people to cower or succumb to any evil imposed upon them. Just the opposite! He wants our light to shine brightly in the darkness. He’s up to something and we’re on His team, so put on your spiritual armor and engage in the battle. There’s a war to win!

I’ve written before that God is so kind to confirm that I’ve heard correctly in my spirit what He wants me to write to you. I finished this blog on Saturday and Sunday morning our pastor’s sermon topic was “Living as Christians in a Harsh World.”

Pastor reminded us that if the Democrat platform prevails after this election, we may not experience the same religious freedoms we know today and Christians and pastors who adhere to God’s ways and His Word could come under persecution. We’ve already seen that with the closure of churches during COVID and the attack on pastors who open their churches regardless of tyrannical mandates to stay closed.

Our pastor pointed out that this will not be the first time believers have come under attack starting with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! We live in a world that isn’t like us and doesn’t always like us. But not to worry, our life is in Jesus!

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” John 15:18-19 NLT

As I said in last week’s blog, Biden has been saying that he will unite the nation, but there is nothing in his platform that Bible-believing, Jesus-following Christians could unite with or validate.

Liberal progressivism is atheism. That is the direction right now of the Democrat party and if they gain power over us, the church is going to suffer. But we stand strong and we do not bend or waiver under adversity.

And this could be what God is up to . . . separating true Bible-believing Christians from “Christians” in name only.

But that will be for another article.

For now, keep fasting and praying for our President and for all election corruption, fraud, and unethical or illegal activity to be revealed and prosecuted.

Pray for the President’s legal team to be wise and persistent and for the integrity of all the ballot counters.

If you participated in President Trump’s rallies or live where the votes are being contested, take your Trump signs and flags and go sing praise songs while interceding outside the ballot counting facilities.

Don’t give up. Don’t lose hope. Don’t lose heart.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 1 Tim. 2:1-2 NLT

I wrote a timely Crosswalk article last week: How Can I be Slow to Anger in Today’s World?

Here is an article by Pastor Robert Jeffress who has been a supporter and spiritual advisor to President Trump. I’m not sure I agree with all of it but it’s a good read. If Biden is elected, how should Christians respond?

November 9, 2020
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We Prayed. God Blessed Us. Now What?

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Only God would coordinate the timing on September 26, 2020 of the Franklin Graham Prayer March 2020 and The Return with Jonathan Cahn both in Washington DC on the National Mall on the same day that President Trump announces the nomination of a conservative Christian woman Justice for the Supreme Court!

Only God!

This was no coincidence!

A friend messaged me what I also believe to be true: “I believe the remnant is storming the Highest Court in prayer and praise!”

I do believe that God heard the prayers of His people and the heavenlies smiled down on us.

So now we keep on praying and believing. We must not stop because you know that Satan is only going to ramp up his efforts to create chaos, fear, and turmoil.

I also participated in a “March for Peace and Prayer in America” in my small rural mountain community. It was nondenominational and not political. You could bring “signs of prayer and peace but please no negativity.”

As I discussed the walk with a friend from church, I found myself wondering if carrying an American flag would be considered political. Negative?

I’m happy to say we carried a large American flag and signs with encouraging Scriptures and quotes. Some of those walking were barely able to walk from the very young, one with a cane, and even some slightly lame. But everyone completed the march and gathered together at the end for encouragement and prayer.

The morning started with rain that cleared before we walked and God blessed us with an affirming rainbow!

What a spirit-filled day from coast to coast!

How Have We Strayed So Far?

As we watched the joy and smiles of the thousands walking, and some even in wheel chairs on the National Mall, I noticed many carrying and waving with pride small American flags. I couldn’t help but think what a sad day in America when emblems of patriotism and love for our country are politicized. Even scorned and burned.

I ask myself so often: How did we let this happen? I know many are bravely and boldly speaking up, as am I, but why are so many denouncing their own country? Why are children being taught that America is bad when the rest of the world looks up to us with admiration? At least they used to.

Why are we letting a fringe element of Marxists convince us that there is “systemic racism” in our country?

Why aren’t more people acknowledging that the problem is systemic secularism?

People are rejecting what they once held true and dear to fit in with a system that is rejecting not only our country . . . but our God.

As I pondered these thoughts, my Bible reading was Psalm 37 in the Holman Christian Standard Bible. I’m going to share with you some of the verses that spoke directly to my heart in these troubling times where God calls His people to action but not agitation.

I add my commentary in italics and add emphasis to the scriptures. I hope they bless you too!

Psalm 37 “Instruction in Wisdom”

Isn’t wisdom what we all want right now as our tempers rise with current events? I’ve even had some friends say their blood pressure is literally rising. God says this:

Do not be agitated by evildoers;
do not envy those who do wrong.
2 For they wither quickly like grass
and wilt like tender green plants.

3 Trust in the Lord and do what is good;
dwell in the land and live securely.[b]
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and He will give you your heart’s desires.

God tells us that if we trust Him completely and continue doing what we know is right and good, even in the midst of all the rioting, lying, COVID, and evil we’re watching daily, He will keep our lives secure.

He wants us to keep our focus on the Lord and the joy that He brings to our life and He will give us what we’re praying for either on earth or later in heaven.

Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him;
do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way,
by the man who carries out evil plans.

8 Refrain from anger and give up your rage;
do not be agitated—it can only bring harm.
9 For evildoers will be destroyed,
but those who put their hope in the Lord
will inherit the land.

I don’t know about you, but at our house we’ve found ourselves very agitated at the injustice and evil that seems to be prevalent in our country today. But notice that in eight verses, God tells us three times to not be agitated by those doing evil because it does no good. In fact, it can bring harm to our health and well-being.

Instead, we need to do just what thousands of us did on Saturday, pray with trust that God is on His throne and we will get our land back if we don’t lose hope.

A little while, and the wicked person will be no more;
though you look for him, he will not be there.
11 But the humble will inherit the land
and will enjoy abundant prosperity.

12 The wicked person schemes against the righteous
and gnashes his teeth at him.
13 The Lord laughs at him
because He sees that his day is coming.

The wicked have drawn the sword and strung the bow
to bring down the afflicted and needy
and to slaughter those whose way is upright.
15 Their swords will enter their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.

. . .

The Lord watches over the blameless all their days,
and their inheritance will last forever.
19 They will not be disgraced in times of adversity;
they will be satisfied in days of hunger.

20 But the wicked will perish;
the Lord’s enemies, like the glory of the pastures,
will fade away—they will fade away like smoke.

As Christians, we know that doing wrong or evil to satisfy the culture, never pleases God. Even though we’re laughed at and disparaged, we let it bounce off us because our future is eternal life. Those who are scoffing at God will learn some day that their future is literally in hell.

A man’s steps are established by the Lord,
and He takes pleasure in his way.
24 Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed,
because the Lord holds his hand.

25 I have been young and now I am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous abandoned
or his children begging for bread.
26 He is always generous, always lending,
and his children are a blessing.

Turn away from evil and do what is good,
and dwell there[i] forever.
28 For the Lord loves justice
and will not abandon His faithful ones.
They are kept safe forever,
but the children of the wicked will be destroyed.
29 The righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it permanently.

God reminds us that in the end, His justice will prevail. Until then, we seek righteous wisdom from God and follow guidance from His Word. We will dwell safely and securely with the Lord forever.

This theme runs through the remainder of the psalm. As you continue reading, pray that God will speak to you to calm your heart, mind, and soul as you pray for His righteousness to prevail in our world and that those promoting and supporting the evil will be unveiled and stopped.

It may look like they are winning for the moment, but God is always the winner.

The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom;
his tongue speaks what is just.
31 The instruction of his God is in his heart;
his steps do not falter.

32 The wicked one lies in wait for the righteous
and seeks to kill him;
33 the Lord will not leave him
in the power of the wicked one or allow him to be condemned when he is judged.

34 Wait for the Lord and keep His way,
and He will exalt you to inherit the land.
You will watch when the wicked are destroyed.

35 I have seen a wicked, violent man
well-rooted like a flourishing native tree.
36 Then I passed by and  noticed he was gone;
I searched for him, but he could not be found.

Watch the blameless and observe the upright,
for the man of peace will have a future.
38 But transgressors will all be eliminated;
the future of the wicked will be destroyed.

39 The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord,
their refuge in a time of distress.
40 The Lord helps and delivers them;
He will deliver them from the wicked and will save them
because they take refuge in Him.

Amen!

So What Do We Do Now?

We keep on praying!

Let’s pray for Amy Coney Barrett and her family. We know how malicious the attacks will be but the Lord will be her strength and give her the right words and countenance.

Pray for President Trump as he continues to govern our nation while campaigning.

Pray for an outpouring of the Spirit on our nation.

Pray for a down pouring of rain and cold temperatures on the cities where the riots continue.

Pray for the safety of our police force and the military.

Pray for the coronavirus plague to subside.

Pray for churches to open their doors.

The vision the Lord keeps giving me is a sudden outpouring of the Holy Spirit over all those who are doing evil in our cities and government. A miracle of mass salvation!

There is no one outside of God’s reach, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Rom. 10:13)

Nothing is impossible with God.

Let me know what you’re praying for. What vision is God giving you?

September 28, 2020
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