The State Goes to Church

A civil war, rooted in the pattern of two colors on our map, rages within The United States. Is the violence plaguing our political system the result of a superpower’s disinterest in embracing purpose? This nation has resisted its calling to be an openly Christian domain, a place where the huddled masses can secure the blessings of liberty. 

The rot found in the head weakens the entire body. Consider the number of politicians unwilling to serve the public. Rather, a charismatic personality taps into the culture of amassing likes on social media. Their own agenda promoted without any thought of the constituents who expect to get a seat at the table, at last, via their elected proxy.

This aspirant to a seat of power who campaigns on the platform of advancing the greater good grows deaf to Fatherly advice. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition…[r]ather, in humility value others above yourselves…” (Philippians 2:3 NIV). This death of an unrealized good Samaritan is tragic to witness.

The swell of indifference is compounded by the many fences erected. One party touts itself as the party of God while the other is considered a haven for left-wing radicals. Combatants set up a dynamic where the middle ground is not sought often enough. “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined…” (Matthew 12:25 NIV).

Both sides forget. “Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul…” (Proverbs 16:24 NLT). Too many in the flock are fixated on certain “bad” behaviors while turning a blind eye to other kinds of missteps. Their sworn enemies are judged as being hell bound. Alleged pleasure seekers, rightly indignant, paint the devout as bumpkins who hold up fables from an outdated book as fact.

A faction of the congregation, when in power, oversteps boundaries. In Ephesians 5:10, each person is encouraged to determine carefully what pleases the Lord. It is between the individual and Him to work out whom they love, when she will be fruitful and multiply, or preferred pronouns, just as each wo/man weighs the consequences of stepping outside the marriage covenant, stealing what is not theirs, or bending the truth until it breaks.

Morality cannot be legislated by passing a glut of laws. The line between church and state is blurred forcibly if “those types” over there are stripped of their right to choose the manner in which they pursue a relationship with the divine. There is, however, no reason why the state cannot draw inspiration from the church.

True disciples heed the call to listen. Peacemakers agree to disagree on hot-button topics, like when life begins or what defines a family. They seek wise counsel from God through prayer and study in order to model the use of a mindful approach when casting a vote on issues like voting rights, a path to economic stability for all, access to healthcare, and protecting the health of our planet.

Priorities change. Everyone, no matter the variety of attitudes shaping their belief system, will shelter under the banner of Old Glory feeling valued. Socioeconomic disparities based on gender, race, and/or ethnicity built into the fabric of America’s constitution, though later amended, are held up as wrongs not to be repeated. Success is redefined as a go-getter using their talents to help others.

A choir of voices raised in a promise to care about family from another mother. The insult of censorship threatening a firebrand’s ability to dissent on a loaded subject, say the relationship between gun control and school shootings, reminds a populace to stay aware. No one condones the added injury of our children being drained of that spark of youth in an internment camp for illegals immigrants.

Leaders, inspired to move mountains, blaze trails. Already vulnerable groups are not denied the benefits of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Acts of war by the U.S. are vetoed when they hint at a return to colonizer ways versus championing the right of fellow humans to live free of authoritarian rule. Surely, wealthy and powerful pedophiles around the globe are not permitted to hide unpunished in redactions.

The risk does not lie in citizens, some under a heavenly influence, pledging to stand in solidarity with each other to create a more perfect union. The shift toward this ideal challenges a sleeping giant to dust itself off, water the garden of Uncle Sam, and stride back onto the world stage to shine brightly like the sun. 

The leader of the free world evolves into a conduit through which godsends flow outward to fill the earth. This is the potential the nations recognize, may even pray is brought to fruition by the U.S. some time soon. But brave deeds will be required of the United States for it to debut such greatness.

 

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.     

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.

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.

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?    

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.

Joy to the World

"The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD's favor has come."
( Luke 4:18-19  NLT)

Many of us enjoy hearing songs like "Joy to the World" during this holiday season.  However, true joy will fall upon you, me, America, and the world when more of us take up the mantle of joining God in His plan to spread the good news and make it clearly manifest.  He is concerned about the welfare of the poor.  Anyone who is held captive by anyone or any situation can expect to find release if she looks to Him.   But the best news is that the scales covering our eyes will fall away.   

We will no longer be blind to the disturbing state of our families, our nation, and/or our world.  This is how the oppressed will be set free.  We open our hearts to working together and stay committed to improving every neighbor's quality of living.  The promise is that our eyes will see the time of the Lord's favor.  A time when Americans experience a multitude of moments filled with peace and joy because we are willing to share our blessings with the world.

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others.  And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.” 
― Dalai Lama XIV  

Love: A Treasure and Good Inheritance

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.  (Matthew 6: 19-20 NLT)


No matter what one believes about what happens after death everyone acknowledges that there is not one possession any person can take with her or him.  All power or influence acquired while wheeling and dealing dies along with our bodies.  There will be no more looking for the next pleasurable thing to do.  Life is an empty thing if this is all we store up during our time on the earth.  You do not leave behind a good inheritance if only your family, friends, and others like you benefit from the wealth (money, influence, safe spaces) you have amassed.    

Love is the greatest treasure to be found in heaven and on earth.  It is an unstoppable force, flowing freely out of the heart and washing over ANYONE in its beautiful wake.  It cannot be destroyed by hate or cruelty.  Love feeds upon itself and grows stronger in the face of opposition.  It is timeless and its fruits do not die, even if the selfless giver has turned to dust a long time ago.  This is the type of power every patriotic American should want to store up and leave for the generations to come.

Every American must decide what is to be treasured.  Life, liberty, and justice for all versus survival of the fittest, the wealthiest, the most influential, the majority...  You get my point.  

Who Exactly is the "Silent Majority"?

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I did not speak out;
As I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I did not speak out;
I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
As I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I did not speak out;
As I was not a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

                                                               Martin Niemöller


May the "silent majority" heed this cautionary tale.  

God is full of mercy and grace.  He encourages every human to spread love, peace, and kindness to every neighbor so that we all may receive beautiful and free gifts.  The resulting bounty will fill a life, a nation, and a world with prosperity and joy.  

But God also demands justice.  If the "silent majority" plans to regain their voice by standing on the backs of any fellow Americans, vengeance shall be His.  May the people who are feeling ill at ease because they do not have the resources to protect themselves from attack remember this is not an empty promise.


He replied, "What is impossible for people is possible with God."  (Luke 18:27 NLT)

We the People

Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.  (Proverbs 17:6)

The preamble of the Constitution of the United States of America confidently declares:

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish
Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the
general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

The founders of this nation considered liberty to be a blessing that needed to be secured for themselves and their posterity.  All Americans can take great pride in the fact that our founding "fathers" set this nation along the right path. 

But today we can become their crowning glory by making sure the vision is completely inclusive so that this “blessing” applies equally to every American and our country's guests.  We can make this land a place where justice truly is blind.  Domestic tranquility will come if the big, the small, the powerful, and the weak all have a voice in the way our government is run.  

Having a shared and common goal of promoting the general welfare of every citizen, and this union by extension, is the best defense against any enemy who desires to steal our freedoms.  It is time to start brainstorming to come up with practical ways of ensuring such a lofty dream comes true.  Fellow Americans, we want our children to be proud of us and the U.S.  

An Eye-Opener

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.  (Matthew 15:14 KJV)

The worst fear of an utterly blind man is to have his kindness be mistaken for weakness.  A woman who lacks wisdom and insight wonders why she has to keep climbing out of a ditch.  Americans deserve so much better from their leaders.  It is time for us to demand more of ourselves.  Diligently look for ways to help your neighbors and this nation grow stronger.  This is actually a good time to walk toward the light.  Do not go to the left or the right.  Seek the Lord because He will order our steps along a path that leads to great success.

The Glow of Youth is our Hope

And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.  (Hebrews 10:38  NLT)

Americans, we are on the brink of greatness.  How do I know?  The young people of our nation are awesome. 

Here is just one story:

A college-aged Jewish man invited anyone of any faith to join him for Shabbat every Friday.  This young man of faith and his diverse group of friends broke bread and talked.  When he heard about another young man on campus who was in the habit of spewing hate in public forums, our young man of faith decided to invite this lost one to dinner.  He stood his ground even after most of his usual dinner companions scattered to the wind.  His friends found him still willing to share when they cautiously returned one by one.  

Now, the best part of the story begins.  This group, inspired by a man of faith, allowed the lost one to talk and he let them talk.  They exchanged thoughts and articles until the lost one had to admit the error of his way.  He publicly and bravely admitted the hate he spewed was based in lies.  This brave young man was reborn but at the price of being estranged from his family.

My fellow Americans, do you understand what I am saying?  People from all walks of life found each other on this college campus because a man of faith extended a loving hand to everyone he met, even a young man trapped by a fear he had been taught since his youth.  This diverse group of people talked to each other, learned from each other, and grew stronger together.  They stepped out of their respective comfort zones to become a better version of themselves.  That is the true American dream. 

So, I repeat my assertion.  Americans, we are on the brink of greatness while standing at a crossroads.  We cannot turn away from our responsibility; it is up to us to choose the direction that clears the way for our young people to fulfill their purpose.  They are destined to become the leaders of tomorrow who will usher this nation into a time of unimaginable greatness.  Our young people, against the odds, are learning the importance of lovingly embracing each and every one of their compatriots.  

Hope for the future is a glorious sight to behold.  Being part of that change is a gift.  Let us begin now.

Making America Great Again is Scary for Some

“Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” ― Edmund Burke

I do not think America should want to be great again because "again" includes native populations being decimated by disease and then being forced off their land by invaders with superior weapons, the same populations being sterilized without permission, the Tuskegee Experiment, shaming victims of sexual assault, hunting animals into extinction, Jim Crow laws and a multitude of hate groups, considering spousal and child abuse to be private family business, being slow to address the HIV infection because marginalized populations died first, polluting the environment, the Cold War, not everyone being able to vote, not really believing all humans were created equal, unequal access to education, healthcare, jobs, and housing, bombings, anger, frustration, division, global warming, race lines, class lines, religious persecution, internment camps, talk of building a wall, xenophobia, having deep and emotional scars from seeing how poorly humans can treat each other and so many other things not popping into my mind at this time.

Nostalgia is dangerous if it prevents a forward progression.  America is on the right path but it can do better.  It is wonderful to invite the huddled masses yearning to breathe free to your nation's shores, but the open invitation must be extended to every woman, man, and child.  I think many Americans like to think back to the "glory days" when this country liked to present itself as a wealthy, business-savvy world power which was at the forefront of scientific discovery as well as the leader of the free world.  This was a facade which tried to negate the pain and suffering of so many Americans who were being failed daily.  I am not the only one who would NEVER want to go back to ANY time in America's history.  And that fact must be acknowledged.  .

Do not get me wrong.  No country founded and governed by imperfect people will ever be a perfect place.  I am not asking for that type of nirvana.  I am asking this nation to keep it real.  It takes a village to raise a nation to progressively higher levels of greatness.  Giving voice to the differing points of view about what is good to keep and what has to be thrown out immediately will keep us all on our toes, inspiring America to become a place where there is liberty and justice for all.    

Shun the Appearance of Evil

Abstain from all appearance of evil.  (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV)

A good reputation is worth its weight in gold.

In a perfect world, we would let our yes be yes and our no be no.  No room would be allowed for gray areas when it came to honesty.  All of us would seek to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.  Who doesn’t want to be treated with kindness, respect, and patience in every situation?  This includes situations where such generosity is inconvenient and/or difficult, especially if the recipient is dead wrong.  On the other hand, this would mean each one of us would have to listen to error in her hurtful ways and figure out how not to repeat the offense.  Finally, no one would lose faith in us because our actions would be transparent and never appear questionable. 

What I describe is a slice of heaven, obtainable only if God’s counsel is followed perfectly.  Still, there is nothing to stop us from reaching for this ideal and idyllic state.  Our friends, family, and co-workers would appreciate the resulting calm and peace of mind.  We could all be trusted to speak plainly, act honorably, and to change for the better.  What a wonderful reputation to have!  

But I also want to suggest our nation would become greater if we demanded this integrity from our elected officials as well.  Politicians telling lies to get elected cannot be the status quo.  American voters must elect the candidates who show a propensity for balancing the needs of every citizen.  (I will speak about a difficult and complex subject.  I do not support looting and burning down neighborhoods for any reason, but I do understand the frustration from which it arises.  I will support the candidate who is for law and order, fairly executed, in these situations AND is committed to addressing the concerns of populations dealing with long-term economic and social inequality.) 

Finally, politicians should be held to a higher standard.  They want to accept the big responsibility of being our voice and our representatives as decisions are made about how to best protect the health of this nation.  They must find the discipline not to participate in any behavior, public or private, that could appear to be “evil”.  Do not use a private email server for classified material so that thousands of missing emails do not seem very suspicious.  Do not ever laugh and talk about how famous men can sexually assault women because it makes one seem like a very scary predator when women speak up and say there have been many incidences of sexual aggression.

Politicians should shun the appearance of being on a reality show and strive to do a better job of being public servants who are working to protect the unity of our country.

Leave No Person Behind

The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.  (Proverbs 21:1  ESV)

Americans do not live in a nation where a king can issue commands and edicts without any checks and balances.  We should be praised for wanting to create a democracy which at its best can allow every citizen to have a voice.  Yet, a system has been set up where each one of us has surrogates in the form of politicians.  Voices often can get muffled as cries for relief and consideration go up the chain of command, especially if a group is small in number or has limited political/economic clout.  But there is a way to avoid this pitfall.

The President of the United States of America is our "king" for all intents and purposes.  It is this person's responsibility not to rule us with an iron rod but to be our standard bearer. The POTUS must exhibit integrity which is defined as "the quality of being honest and fair".  This is what God talks about in the Bible from beginning to end.  It would be a wonderful thing if Americans had a leader whose heart was in His hand.  This public servant would be turned towards conduct that manifests the highest principle.  Find a way to extend a loving and dependable hand in every situation. 

It pleases God to never forget about the needs of one person on this earth.  He exhibits wisdom and grace by always choosing a course of action that balances the needs of anyone and everyone.  We can demand that from ourselves and the POTUS.

Pleasant Words are Honey

A wise person’s thoughts control his words,

    and his speech promotes instruction.

Pleasant words are honey from a honeycomb—

    sweet to the soul and healing for the body

                                                            (Proverbs 16:23-24  ISV)

 

What does it mean to be American?  I am asking this question fully aware that this is a nation filled with a multitude of diverse individuals.  This question is just a means to an end.  Even a diverse people should be able to find a way to agree upon how we want to be viewed.  Will we be seen as raucous, unrepentant, and biased?  Or will we reflect the glory of the Lord? 

 

Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.

Love doesn’t strut,

Doesn’t have a swelled head,

Doesn’t force itself on others,

Isn’t always “me first,”

Doesn’t fly off the handle,

Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,

Doesn’t revel when others grovel,

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,

Puts up with anything,

Trusts God always,

Always looks for the best,

Never looks back,

But keeps going to the end.

                                                                (1 Corinthians 13:3-7  MSG)

America must be a place where the wise reign and spread health to every citizen.

Pay It Forward is Worth Repeating

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil...  
(1 Timothy 6:10 NIV)


Downfall

sam climbed the corporate ladder
power and riches suited him
the man knew what to do
he trod on a few toes
stabbed even more backs 
simply rolled over the rest 
sam's destiny was manifest 
his victims clearly in view 
sam was a success
he had no woes
lonely he was not
sam had the advantage
he was at the top
the descent began slowly
it started with a blind spot
sam stumbled
soon he was caught
fate played her hand 
misfortune struck
poor sam lost his teeth
even more so, his luck
sam smiled and acted the part 
he did not take it to heart 
bushwhacked without a clue 
there was nothing sam could do 
gravity waits on every man 
even good old sam
one can only weep
at his demise
he fell victim
to the lies 

From my book of poems Knowing Sunshine

The greatest American success story is the woman who lifts someone else up by his bootstraps only to have that man lift someone else up by her bootstraps.

Believe Like a Child

Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."  (Mark 10:15)

A study on three-year-old reported in Psychological Science showed that young children believe what they are told even if they see something contradictory to what has been said.  Believers are commanded to walk by faith in God's Word and not by sight just like these little ones.  God extends an invitation to anyone who will seek Him diligently.  You can gain entrance into a powerful kingdom where prayers are answered always and joy abounds because love reigns.  

Americans need, more than ever, a reliable source of relief and protection.  This nation is standing at a crossroads.  Every citizen knows something is not quite right in this country.  There is an undercurrent of pain, anger, and frustration threatening to tear us apart.  It is seen in the increasingly frequent acts of gun violence, in the communities scarred by rioting, and in the faces of our children who seem to lack purpose or direction.  I would be amiss if I failed to mention God is gracious.  There is still a lot for which we can be grateful but...  That word "but" changes the course of the discussion.  

The entire nation can be even more blessed if a few bold ones will not settle.  There is no reason to be swayed by the mountain of trouble Americans see daily when God says there is power of life and death in the tongue.  The prayerful ones who have planted the Word of God in their hearts can have what they say.  They must declare America to be the land of the free and the home the brave in expectation of having this become manifest.  

This a call to rise up and to set a good example for everyone in your sphere of influence.  Seek places where the Word of God is spoken, hold those promises in your heart, and do not be discouraged by the state of the union.  Speak words of this hope so that everyone around you, like little children, can learn to be encouraged by the thought of good and pleasant things despite the adverse circumstances they are facing.  Create a chain reaction of blessings that overwhelms then transforms America.    

Fear No Evil

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil...   (Psalm 23:4 NIV)

Terrorists of all types may want to maim and kill me, you, or any of our fellow citizens in an effort to strike fear into our collective soul.  These hateful actions are doomed to fail if Americans allow God to be our protector and source of comfort.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  (Psalm 23:5 NIV)

God is willing to be a safe harbor during these stormy and frightening times.  He is a healer who can take what was meant for evil and make it good.  He is the one with all power in His hands, well able to make sure our foes see America prosper despite it being attacked on many fronts.  We can sit at a table filled with bounty while abundant blessings flow into every area of our lives.  Every one of us can have the last laugh because fiery darts have no power when The Lord is our shield.  

Victory is not a dream but a forgone conclusion when one commits to knowing and believing the Word of God found in the Bible.  If Americans walk in faith without fear or anger, we can expect to keep receiving beautifully good things until our entire nation experiences the joy of living in the overflow.  So, let's us pray for relief, expecting to defeat terrorism with a God-given bravery and dignity.  America's enemies will wither before our eyes. 

Never Again!

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.  (Psalm 147:3)

God can bring healing and help us to laugh again, no matter how deep the wounds.  This promise of new-found peace is extended to every single person who has experienced unspeakable loss as well as the entire nation.  We can walk through this together, finding joy on the other side.