Then God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground." (Genesis 1:28 NLT)
Chaos is the new normal in America and around the world. Mass media has a tendency to focus on the random acts of violence, the class wars, the race wars, terrorism and the sadness arising out of humanity's general state of discontent. The need to have some sense of control is understandable but many of us have fallen into the trap of becoming too power hungry. There is a growing desire to control and subdue certain groups of people seen as problematic and dangerous to our well-being.
All the bad news drowns out the Good News. God has blessed us with the power to overcome any adverse situation and rule over everything on the earth. Americans are empowered to have dominion over poverty, hunger, hate, injustice, war, and even catastrophic natural disasters, to name a few things. But we were never meant to lord over fellow human beings.
Let me clarify my point by holding up a mirror to myself. I firmly believe in the command to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. So, I am a strong advocate of always thinking about how one's action or inaction will affect the person, be it a loved one or stranger, up the street or across the nation. This self-righteous state of mind allows me to judge others as being problematic i.e. heartless.
My hunger for power births my vision of forcing my views upon every American by having only people with similar leanings in government positions. Wrong! The answer lies in creating a desire within each of us to dominate his or her own natural human tendency to be self-centered and/or selfish. This type of self-domination/self-control will fill this nation and earth with the needed acts of kindness. There is no place for trying to rule anyone with an iron rod.
It is a grand dream to think that every human, let alone every American, could change her focus and redefine what is meant by world domination. Yet, I must hope for a time when humans use their God-given dominion to attack bastions of bigotry so that no one is enticed into joining any type of terrorist group. We could be fruitful and multiply acts of love by freely combining our resources to defeat the social and environmental forces that lead to famine, hunger, and chronic poverty instead of benefiting financially from these misfortunes.
May we all focus on condemning the natural human drive to dominate others; just imagine our children's children being given a world with less wars.
Showing posts with label change. Show all posts
Showing posts with label change. Show all posts
Friday, December 9, 2016
Monday, September 19, 2016
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
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.
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.
Sunday, August 14, 2016
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.
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.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
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 myunsolicited two cents.
Vote Responsibly: Trump Insanity!
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
Vote Responsibly: Trump Insanity!
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Be Called by His Name
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
(2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)
Other nations proudly say they are Muslim. Why can’t the US be an openly Christian nation? This nation would not stop being a democracy. God is all about free will. No citizen would lose the freedom to choose her or his own path. The separation of Church and State would remain. It would just be a matter of this nation saying we collectively follow the good example of Jesus who conducted all of His business with integrity, kindness, and wisdom.
Our great land needs a healing. The ills ailing this country are great: rampant violence and lawlessness, systemic racism and sexism, youth left to their own devices, corruption at all levels in government, frequent gun violence, acts of terrorism, breakdown of the family structure, lack of tolerance for those considered “different”… The list is long and painful. America must humble itself and admit it has lost its way.
Do not fall into the trap of thinking this will turn into the USA following an unforgiving god who is all about hellfire and brimstone. There cannot be finger pointing and talk of who is the bigger sinner because we all fall short in some way. It is about the one and only God, through Jesus’ example, being a perfect and loving leader. Our nation would thrive under such benign guidance.
Let’s try something different by praying to God for advice on how to conduct our national business with more wisdom. It is okay if you do want to participate, but keep your eyes open so that you can be witness to the great blessings which surely will come.
(2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)
Other nations proudly say they are Muslim. Why can’t the US be an openly Christian nation? This nation would not stop being a democracy. God is all about free will. No citizen would lose the freedom to choose her or his own path. The separation of Church and State would remain. It would just be a matter of this nation saying we collectively follow the good example of Jesus who conducted all of His business with integrity, kindness, and wisdom.
Our great land needs a healing. The ills ailing this country are great: rampant violence and lawlessness, systemic racism and sexism, youth left to their own devices, corruption at all levels in government, frequent gun violence, acts of terrorism, breakdown of the family structure, lack of tolerance for those considered “different”… The list is long and painful. America must humble itself and admit it has lost its way.
Do not fall into the trap of thinking this will turn into the USA following an unforgiving god who is all about hellfire and brimstone. There cannot be finger pointing and talk of who is the bigger sinner because we all fall short in some way. It is about the one and only God, through Jesus’ example, being a perfect and loving leader. Our nation would thrive under such benign guidance.
Let’s try something different by praying to God for advice on how to conduct our national business with more wisdom. It is okay if you do want to participate, but keep your eyes open so that you can be witness to the great blessings which surely will come.
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