...The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. (Psalm 24:1)
God created a universe filled with spectacular wonders. However, the crown jewel is a relatively small green and blue marble we call Earth. It is located in the Goldilocks zone of a small star which we call our sun; he placed our celestial home at distance where it is not too hot or too cold for our fragile bodies. He shaped the Earth so that we, his blessed and highly favored creations, can hurl through space surrounded by stunning beauty with a multitude of interesting places to explore.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26)
I think many of us have forgotten how humans are made after the likeness of God. His power and dominion grow out of his consummate consideration, kindness, and sense of responsibility. We must be like him. The Earth belongs to God alone. The Earth is a blessing, but it is not a gift. He graciously allows us to be stewards of such a priceless possession. This means we must actively and wisely direct affairs, in his name, so that everyone and everything living thing on this gloriously green planet is protected from harm.
Humankind has fallen short and betrayed God's trust. There are clear signs of how we have abused our power. There are climate changes; ice caps are melting and ocean levels are rising. We continue to push animal to the brink of extinction because we need more space or more tusks and horns. We have poisoned the land, the air, and the oceans with a multitude of chemical, byproducts of unfettered commerce.
Do we really want our children to remember us as immature and cruel parents who were unwilling to be good managers of the Earth? Let's make sure they get to see glimpses of Eden. We must find ways, starting today, to stop destroying what was never ours to neglect.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Monday, March 20, 2017
A Travel Ban Defies Faith
...This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's. (2 Chronicles 20:15 NLT)
The founders of this nation knew the value of freedom. They wrote about securing the blessings of liberty in the preamble of the Constitution of the United Stated of America.
America will not prosper unless it fights to welcome people who want to share in our blessings. We will find ourselves weak and cowering in a corner if this nation allows violent marauders, who indeed want to destroy the USA, make us forget that the Almighty God will shield us from all of our enemies.
Faith allows each one of us to walk, fearlessly, in power and dominion.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)
The founders of this nation knew the value of freedom. They wrote about securing the blessings of liberty in the preamble of the Constitution of the United Stated of America.
America will not prosper unless it fights to welcome people who want to share in our blessings. We will find ourselves weak and cowering in a corner if this nation allows violent marauders, who indeed want to destroy the USA, make us forget that the Almighty God will shield us from all of our enemies.
Faith allows each one of us to walk, fearlessly, in power and dominion.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)
Monday, February 27, 2017
If You Fail, Try Try Again
Failure is not the absence of falling short but the lack of willingness to learn from one's mistakes.
There has never been a time in our history when this nation found success by devaluing its citizens or abusing its power on the world stage. The United States of America cannot be the leader of the free world if it has not learned one basic lesson.
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18 NLT)
Who would ever though I would advocate seeking out money? Yes, the love of it paves the path to destruction. Yet, it is emblazoned with such great and hopeful words: In God We Trust. The wisdom of a people who were fighting to set this nation free from the curse of slavery, but were not quite brave enough to ensure there was liberty and justice for all, speaks to us. Fellow Americans, may we open our eyes and not be felled by a similar stumbling block. Serving God and walking in love will bring us all peace.
There has never been a time in our history when this nation found success by devaluing its citizens or abusing its power on the world stage. The United States of America cannot be the leader of the free world if it has not learned one basic lesson.
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18 NLT)
Who would ever though I would advocate seeking out money? Yes, the love of it paves the path to destruction. Yet, it is emblazoned with such great and hopeful words: In God We Trust. The wisdom of a people who were fighting to set this nation free from the curse of slavery, but were not quite brave enough to ensure there was liberty and justice for all, speaks to us. Fellow Americans, may we open our eyes and not be felled by a similar stumbling block. Serving God and walking in love will bring us all peace.
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Everyday Thanksgiving
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34)
America is a place where I can live in relative comfort. The supply of fresh water is bountiful and the nearby supermarkets are filled with fresh food of all types. There is not an imminent of threat of bombs repeatedly dropping on my dwelling. I do not have the stress of worrying about when the next coup will come. There is quiet at night when I am ready to go to sleep. I do not walk but drive over paved streets in a car. I have experienced the stability of being well-educated with good healthcare. My internet works as does my television. Most importantly, I can worship God out in the open without fear of punishment. I know the blessings continually flow into my life because I was born in America. But does that mean I cannot speak of having even greater things?
I will not stop complaining about the state of the union in my blog. It is because the words full of frustration are not for me. It is for my niece and every child like her. They must have a place where they can grow up to be the best they can be. They need to hear, every day, how beautiful they are and what a good job they are doing while they are shielded from the destructiveness of being judged for superficial attributes. My mother and father who have lived through the upheaval of the Civil Rights Movement should not experience the disappointment of seeing the fires of revolution fade away. Liberty and justice cannot become an American dream deferred. It is mostly for you. I want to be a squeaky wheel that makes us all listen to everyone else.
There are so many broken dreams, dashed hopes, and hearts filled with discontent in this country. Sadly, they are not being acknowledged nearly enough. This is why I thank the Lord that America is a place where anyone can disagree with how the government conducts our national business, but she does not have to be afraid of being jailed or killed. We can harness the power of words, plant a seed in the consciousness of many, and see something magnificent grow in our country.
America is a place where I can live in relative comfort. The supply of fresh water is bountiful and the nearby supermarkets are filled with fresh food of all types. There is not an imminent of threat of bombs repeatedly dropping on my dwelling. I do not have the stress of worrying about when the next coup will come. There is quiet at night when I am ready to go to sleep. I do not walk but drive over paved streets in a car. I have experienced the stability of being well-educated with good healthcare. My internet works as does my television. Most importantly, I can worship God out in the open without fear of punishment. I know the blessings continually flow into my life because I was born in America. But does that mean I cannot speak of having even greater things?
I will not stop complaining about the state of the union in my blog. It is because the words full of frustration are not for me. It is for my niece and every child like her. They must have a place where they can grow up to be the best they can be. They need to hear, every day, how beautiful they are and what a good job they are doing while they are shielded from the destructiveness of being judged for superficial attributes. My mother and father who have lived through the upheaval of the Civil Rights Movement should not experience the disappointment of seeing the fires of revolution fade away. Liberty and justice cannot become an American dream deferred. It is mostly for you. I want to be a squeaky wheel that makes us all listen to everyone else.
There are so many broken dreams, dashed hopes, and hearts filled with discontent in this country. Sadly, they are not being acknowledged nearly enough. This is why I thank the Lord that America is a place where anyone can disagree with how the government conducts our national business, but she does not have to be afraid of being jailed or killed. We can harness the power of words, plant a seed in the consciousness of many, and see something magnificent grow in our country.
Friday, February 3, 2017
Their Eyes Should Be Watching God
...the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined... (Matthew 4:16)
I cannot let it go. I am a woman with a young niece, sisters, a mother, girlfriends, cousins, aunts, neighbors... The man given great power in our nation bragged it would be okay to grab my genitalia or to assault any woman at will. As if that was not enough, he flirted ( I am being politic) with White Nationalism during his campaign. Now, he is trying to shun Muslims, seeking refuge, from our shores. He still wants to build walls instead of extending a hand. The United States of America cannot be prickly and withdraw from the world stage. We are meant to lead, not wallow in the low places.
I clearly understand why their eyes were watching God. He is the true leader of the free world. The only one who is able to lead us out of darkness into the light. Let us open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to God's greatness.
I cannot let it go. I am a woman with a young niece, sisters, a mother, girlfriends, cousins, aunts, neighbors... The man given great power in our nation bragged it would be okay to grab my genitalia or to assault any woman at will. As if that was not enough, he flirted ( I am being politic) with White Nationalism during his campaign. Now, he is trying to shun Muslims, seeking refuge, from our shores. He still wants to build walls instead of extending a hand. The United States of America cannot be prickly and withdraw from the world stage. We are meant to lead, not wallow in the low places.
I clearly understand why their eyes were watching God. He is the true leader of the free world. The only one who is able to lead us out of darkness into the light. Let us open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to God's greatness.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Pride Before the Fall
Pride of face is obnoxious; pride of race is vulgar; but the worst pride is the pride of grace.
David Guzic, Blue Letter Bible Study Guide for Deuteronomy 8
Beauty that is only skin deep is pointless. Please continue to find the next and biggest way to be kind to the person standing next to you and the stranger across the ocean.
God decided what race each and every one of us would be. It is insanity to think that he would make one race to be inherently better or more worthy of his blessings.
For God does not show favoritism.
(Romans 2:11 NIV)
Speaking of blessings. A person working hard is a wonderful sight, indeed. Seeing a brilliant man or woman doing what has never been done before surely sets the heart aflutter. The drive to never give up or give in is something we should want others to see in us. But never fail to remember one important point. Americans, therefore America by extension, possess the power and ability to succeed because The LORD has allowed it. He extends us grace, giving us the lovely gifts we can never deserve, because he is love.
You better check yo self before you wreck yo self
Ice Cube, "Check Yo Self"
Can you see the absolute truth in these straightforward words? Pride will be the downfall of so many if wisdom does not find a good place to grow in our land. So, let us attribute the greatness to God and be grateful for all that he has shared with us.
David Guzic, Blue Letter Bible Study Guide for Deuteronomy 8
Beauty that is only skin deep is pointless. Please continue to find the next and biggest way to be kind to the person standing next to you and the stranger across the ocean.
God decided what race each and every one of us would be. It is insanity to think that he would make one race to be inherently better or more worthy of his blessings.
For God does not show favoritism.
(Romans 2:11 NIV)
Speaking of blessings. A person working hard is a wonderful sight, indeed. Seeing a brilliant man or woman doing what has never been done before surely sets the heart aflutter. The drive to never give up or give in is something we should want others to see in us. But never fail to remember one important point. Americans, therefore America by extension, possess the power and ability to succeed because The LORD has allowed it. He extends us grace, giving us the lovely gifts we can never deserve, because he is love.
You better check yo self before you wreck yo self
Ice Cube, "Check Yo Self"
Can you see the absolute truth in these straightforward words? Pride will be the downfall of so many if wisdom does not find a good place to grow in our land. So, let us attribute the greatness to God and be grateful for all that he has shared with us.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
A Greater New Age Philosophy
...Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people.
(Genesis 50:20 MSG)
The love of money, the desire for status, and the constant search for affirmation in all the wrong places are a lethal trio. But for God. He always takes what was meant for evil and makes it good, very good. The Lord turns every unpleasant, disturbing, and painful thing on its ear.
So America, welcome in a new age of light. It is time to love all of humankind. We will know greatness comes when one uses her or his talents to pull someone else out of a desolate pit. Shouts of joy rise toward heaven. The piercing doubt is at an end. God loves us, warts and all, without ceasing.
Can I get a Hallelujah and Amen?
(Genesis 50:20 MSG)
The love of money, the desire for status, and the constant search for affirmation in all the wrong places are a lethal trio. But for God. He always takes what was meant for evil and makes it good, very good. The Lord turns every unpleasant, disturbing, and painful thing on its ear.
So America, welcome in a new age of light. It is time to love all of humankind. We will know greatness comes when one uses her or his talents to pull someone else out of a desolate pit. Shouts of joy rise toward heaven. The piercing doubt is at an end. God loves us, warts and all, without ceasing.
Can I get a Hallelujah and Amen?
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Loose Lips Sink Great Nations
4 And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong.
5 So also the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A great forest can be set on fire by one tiny spark.
(James 3:4-5 TLB)
The time is now. Let us hold our leaders more accountable. Hard truths can be difficult to hear, but wisdom and insight liberate minds. Our country is dealing with very difficult issues like terrorism, racial inequality, concerns about the economy, the violence running rampant in our streets, and the need for affordable healthcare. America should welcome leaders who do not mince their words. With due diligence, they help us see where we will have to tighten our belts in order to get everyone through the storm.
The future well-being of this nation is threatened by our supposed representatives who do understand that death and life are in the power of the tongue. America is already a tinderbox. It seems like everyone is angry or frustrated about some issue or another. One ill-conceived word can spark an outburst, often involving unspeakable acts of violence. This fallout is almost always preventable. Our elected officials must exhibit self-restraint and chose their words very carefully, at all times. They do not have to be perfect, but our leaders must be held to a higher standard. What they chose to speak about should not be foul winds against which we have to push.
Fellow Americans, the responsibility is ours because we have the numbers to decide which way the rudder will turn. In what direction do you want our nation to go? This question is not to be answered too quickly or on a superficial level. Your answer will reverberate throughout many generations and affect a great number of people. I choose to put out the fires of hate and to set sail for the land of liberty and justice for all.
5 So also the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A great forest can be set on fire by one tiny spark.
(James 3:4-5 TLB)
The time is now. Let us hold our leaders more accountable. Hard truths can be difficult to hear, but wisdom and insight liberate minds. Our country is dealing with very difficult issues like terrorism, racial inequality, concerns about the economy, the violence running rampant in our streets, and the need for affordable healthcare. America should welcome leaders who do not mince their words. With due diligence, they help us see where we will have to tighten our belts in order to get everyone through the storm.
The future well-being of this nation is threatened by our supposed representatives who do understand that death and life are in the power of the tongue. America is already a tinderbox. It seems like everyone is angry or frustrated about some issue or another. One ill-conceived word can spark an outburst, often involving unspeakable acts of violence. This fallout is almost always preventable. Our elected officials must exhibit self-restraint and chose their words very carefully, at all times. They do not have to be perfect, but our leaders must be held to a higher standard. What they chose to speak about should not be foul winds against which we have to push.
Fellow Americans, the responsibility is ours because we have the numbers to decide which way the rudder will turn. In what direction do you want our nation to go? This question is not to be answered too quickly or on a superficial level. Your answer will reverberate throughout many generations and affect a great number of people. I choose to put out the fires of hate and to set sail for the land of liberty and justice for all.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
God Helps Those Who Help Others
"God helps those who help themselves."
This man-made propaganda masquerades as a biblical truth. This half-truth is said to have originated in Ancient Greece. Unfortunately, it has been widely disseminated by notable people such as Benjamin Franklin and Algernon Sydney.
The cold-hearted sentiment ties in well with the American ideal of being a person who is a self-starter filled with unlimited drive and ambition. Our society consistently and resoundingly lauds this type of citizen for pulling himself or herself up by the bootstraps.
I am curious to know what a verified and reliable source has to say on the subject of whom God will help.
Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.
(Proverbs 12:24 NLT)
So, God does advocate working hard. The Bible clearly states many benefits will be reaped from such industry. The Lord nonetheless has more to say on the subject.
But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O LORD, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat. For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall...
(Isaiah 25:4 NLT)
It would appear He is willing to assist people who have fallen on hard times and are in distress. The offer of help is not conditional, extended only to people who have proven themselves to be go-getters in the past. One must take note of how this promise of help to the downtrodden is followed by talk of how the cruel acts of callous people cause great disturbances.
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
(1 Timothy 5:8 KJV)
God speaks strongly against people who do not provide for their family. But how does He define family?
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named...
(Ephesians 3:14-15 KJV)
All of humankind is family in the eyes of God. Therefore, this is my thought:
"God is well pleased with those who help everyone else."
(Please feel free to quote me. We Americans need the encouragement during this day and age.)
This man-made propaganda masquerades as a biblical truth. This half-truth is said to have originated in Ancient Greece. Unfortunately, it has been widely disseminated by notable people such as Benjamin Franklin and Algernon Sydney.
The cold-hearted sentiment ties in well with the American ideal of being a person who is a self-starter filled with unlimited drive and ambition. Our society consistently and resoundingly lauds this type of citizen for pulling himself or herself up by the bootstraps.
I am curious to know what a verified and reliable source has to say on the subject of whom God will help.
Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.
(Proverbs 12:24 NLT)
So, God does advocate working hard. The Bible clearly states many benefits will be reaped from such industry. The Lord nonetheless has more to say on the subject.
But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O LORD, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat. For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall...
(Isaiah 25:4 NLT)
It would appear He is willing to assist people who have fallen on hard times and are in distress. The offer of help is not conditional, extended only to people who have proven themselves to be go-getters in the past. One must take note of how this promise of help to the downtrodden is followed by talk of how the cruel acts of callous people cause great disturbances.
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
(1 Timothy 5:8 KJV)
God speaks strongly against people who do not provide for their family. But how does He define family?
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named...
(Ephesians 3:14-15 KJV)
All of humankind is family in the eyes of God. Therefore, this is my thought:
"God is well pleased with those who help everyone else."
(Please feel free to quote me. We Americans need the encouragement during this day and age.)
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