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.
Friday, January 27, 2017
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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