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.)
Monday, December 26, 2016
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
( 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
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Choose your Path Wisely
For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
~Nelson Mandela
My path is to be an active part of creating a nation, then a world, where every child is lavished with a love that embraces diversity and rejoices in what makes each and every one of them wonderfully unique. No American is free until every American is free just to be.
The United States of America is not the leader of the free world until this nation can show others how to walk in three simple truths. Every person has inherent value. Any life is worth protecting. All we need is love.
We Americans can start "small" by influencing our families, our co-workers, and our communities until multiplying acts of love change the world.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
~Margaret Mead
~Nelson Mandela
My path is to be an active part of creating a nation, then a world, where every child is lavished with a love that embraces diversity and rejoices in what makes each and every one of them wonderfully unique. No American is free until every American is free just to be.
The United States of America is not the leader of the free world until this nation can show others how to walk in three simple truths. Every person has inherent value. Any life is worth protecting. All we need is love.
We Americans can start "small" by influencing our families, our co-workers, and our communities until multiplying acts of love change the world.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
~Margaret Mead
Friday, December 9, 2016
Dominate the Earth not Each Other
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.
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.
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