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. 

The Best Fruit of Hard Labor

What do people get for all their hard work under the sun?  (Ecclesiastes 1:3 NLT)

This is a question to be pondered day and night.  What fruits of hard labor are you expecting to reap? 

I understand how learning to pour great effort into completing a task teaches one the value of discipline as well as perseverance.  There is nothing wrong with being able to support your family, even better if you also can afford pleasant things and exciting adventures.  Accolades and status should come to those who consistently get the job done with stellar results.  Each one of us knows the list of benefits arising from hard, honest work is long and varied.  

Yet, I wonder if our desire to work so hard is a bit self-serving.  Many of us take care of ourselves and our own without much thought for what our neighbors require.  We do things like volunteer, give away used things to the poor, or donate money to children starving in poor countries.  But we work like our lives depend on it because in this society money is power unfortunately.  The idea of "he who dies with the most toys wins" is not a joke, but a curse dampening the spirit of cooperation.  

Do not act like I am an alarmist screaming about the sky falling.  When is the last time you gave away your car to a single mother who needed it to get to work more easily?  And I have never told a homeless man you can live in my home until you get back on your feet.  Finding the fortitude to participate in bold acts of kindness requires a leap of faith.  You must believe God will allow even greater blessings to flow into your life as you let possessions leave your hands.  

A radical change in attitude is needed to help us embrace the greater purpose of working hard to sow love even when it is very inconvenient to do so.  You and I must acknowledge that the best fruit reaped from our hard labor is the transformation our nation into heaven on earth.  Let us start with small tasks until we can become fully committed to our new job of securing a bright future for every child.

Honor Your Countrymen

Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  (Romans 12:10)

There are Americans who are hungry, homeless, and literally on the brink of death both physically and emotionally.  Many of us walk by them every day, failing to realize they are our concern.  This nation values the hard worker who hustles to pull herself up by her bootstrap.  These success stories are wonderful to see.  Yet, this does not mean those less fortunate or ingenious must be denied a helping hand.  It is time for us to show our loving devotion to one another.  We honor another when we give up things of great value in order to meet a neighbor’s needs.  It could be money, one of our homes or cars, knowledge, time, a caring ear, or even our professional connections.  This nation will become even more powerful when its citizens are committed to having everyone live the American dream, no matter the cost.  Radical acts of kindness toward each other will without question lead to radical blessings from God.  And He is more generous than any of us could dream. 

Make it a Family Affair

"Men chained together are brothers."  (Roots)

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines family as “a group of people united by certain convictions”.  A majority of us take pride in putting our hand to our hearts and proclaiming our loyalty to the UNITED States of America.  We accept the shared responsibility of fighting to maintain the integrity of this nation, fully convinced our republic is worth protecting.  That would make us family, inextricably linked as brothers in arms.  No one in her right mind would stand by watching loved ones starve, be molested, wallow in ignorance, be unjustly hated, wither in the midst of plenty, be slaughtered one by one…  The list of horrific crimes against humanity is obscenely long but you get the point. 
        
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. (1 John 2:9 NIV)  

A true patriot would not condemn America to darkness.  The first step is to seek The Lord by reading his Word.  Emulate his tender compassion for all of humankind.  See our extended family, with new eyes, to your left and your right.  May the glorious revolution arising out of this radical change of attitude be televised. 

Lack Nothing

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. (Psalm 23:1)

The Lord could be the king that guides our leaders to help us walk a path of integrity so that our children can have a bright future.  We truly would lack nothing if we could leave them a legacy of peace, justice, prosperity, health, wisdom, and joy.  We will not be spared difficulty or bad times.  The Lord still requires us to meditate on his Word day and night.  It is the only way He can shepherd us toward victory. We can see America shining from sea to sea.   

Be United

..."The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them!  (Genesis 11:6)


This nation seems be The United States of America in name only.  The rich diversity found in this country should be our strength not our downfall.  A melting pot is exactly what we need.  Everyone can throw in an opinion, a unique point of view, or an ingenious idea about how to better conduct the affairs of this country.  We can agree to disagree and still make sure our words convey a willingness to maintain an environment of mutual respect.  Then, we would be using a common language which is understood by and pleasant to all.  Nothing is impossible when a united, motivated, and imaginative group of people work together to grow a nation.     

Pray Before Voting (VIDEO INCLUDED)

Only God knows who is the best candidate for the job of POTUS.  Seek His guidance before voting.

Both candidates are flawed just like everyone else.

How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?  Cleanse me from these hidden faults. (Psalm 19:12)

Which candidate exhibits the greatest capacity to grow and to take this nation along for that magnificent ride?  Fellow voters choose in good conscience.  Think outside the box and consider who can balance the needs of every American.  The best leader will inspire each one of us to give up something so that, in the end, everyone wins.  It will be possible but not easy.

Click below.  WARNING: The short video contains more of my unsolicited two cents. 

Vote Responsibly: Trump Insanity!

True American Patriot

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a patriot as "a person who loves and strongly supports or fights for his or her country."  

Do you love this country enough to take a leap faith?  Believe there is a God.

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. (Romans 1:20 NLT)

Are you willing to fight back unbelief and know God is the answer to all that ails this nation?  Be a true patriot and pray to God about how each one of us can help every woman, man, and child living in America find healing. 

Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.  (Psalm 50:15)

There would be an outpouring of love, kindness, justice, and honor.  Our country would be at peace.  We would be living proof of God’s awesome power and grace. 

Grow in Maturity

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 1:1-4)

Please God and see the blessings flow.  The challenge is to be a less self-centered and more loving.  We must pray for ALL people.  Then, we must commit to being nice to someone who is different from us, to helping someone who does not hold our same beliefs, and to offering a kind word to the person who is unpleasant to us.  This will stretch us and help everyone involved, especially disagreeable neighbors, to grow up.  Imagine a nation filled with such positive, mature citizens.  The final step is to ask God, every day, to help our leaders govern us with wisdom and generosity.  When our elected officials behave like mature public SERVANTS, America truly will be a peaceful and quiet place to live.  

Protect the Most Vulnerable

"Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!"

(Deuteronomy 27:19)

The challenge of providing a people with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is a very difficult job.  Divine guidance is needed.

Our leaders must heed the warnings.  The issues they deal with are difficult, including how to treat immigrants, legal and illegal, police shooting civilians under questionable circumstances, and police being targeted for assassination.  The American government must be able to control its borders so that it can repel those who would do its citizens harm.  It must keep better track of who is living here and what everyone is doing.  But it is commanded to treat every immigrant with respect.  The widows of men shot by police officers deserve to have each case thoroughly investigated without bias.  The children of slaughtered police officers cry out to heaven because our nation refuses to see why angry young men lash out at authority figures and threaten to send our society into lawlessness.  

God speaks clearly about these issues.  Things do not go well when a nation does not behave honorably and protect all of its citizens, especially the most vulnerable.  He is merciful and holds back utter destruction, but we all know our country is not thriving.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

‘May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
 May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace.’

(Numbers 6:24-26 NLT)

God rains His blessings down upon the world every single day.  But wouldn’t it be wonderful to see our nation walk in the fullness of this great blessing.  We need protection from extremely vicious enemies, within and without our borders.  Who knows what goodness might show up when a powerful and gracious God smiles upon us, giving us gifts we surely do not deserve?  Wisdom about how to create more jobs and a thriving economy with less national debt is just one of the things on my collective wish list.  Doors of opportunity open when one receives favor from God.  Imagine the peace this country could have if each one of us took the opportunity to have our hearts be filled with love.