F O R W A R D

Forward.  That is the word that came to me after a compelling dream, I know came from GOD Himself.  I am reminded of the dreams GOD gave Joseph, Daniel, Pharaoh, the cup bearer, the chief baker and oh yes, Nebuchadnezzar, his servant, also the (trance) dream of Peter.  The common thread being that they are from on HIGH, which means there is a meaning behind them.  Not all dreams are from HIMSELF. GOD is talking about something He wants known, accomplished, made aware of, to be done,  His will.  Thy will be done GOD! (Matt.6:10)  So back to this compelling dream of mine.  There I was traveling from one location to another at night.  I had to walk (that is alright with me, I walk by Faith any way)through sand.  Very high and loose sand.  It reminds me of sand box sand, but high.  (rabbit trail: one of the locations I stop along on my bus ride journeys that I take as I go to and fro in daily life, has a huge area where  construction is going on.  They are in the process of putting in sand and I go over and watch them move the sand while waiting for my next bus to arrive. That sand is so high, like a mountain, but soft, one could sink in it)  Well, back to my dream, that is what type of sand it was in my dream.  I was walking  through this high sand moving FORWARD, without any hindrance, except the sand itself was high, but walkable. Although it was at night, the sand itself reflected the night sky, which had no moon, no stars, but not total darkness.  I looked at the sand and saw my way FORWARD. I  could tell it was a large area I had to cover  to get to a location. There were no lights, houses, buildings or anything around my journey, but sand to get through. I felt like if I went FORWARD along I would eventually run into something, some dwelling, business, something, but I must keep going. That I felt compelled to do.  At one point, I thought of turning back, but that seemed wrong, so I kept on. Nothing prevented me from lifting one leg after the other.  The sand was not wet or muddy or as the Bible calls miry,  just sand. I wasn't tired or fearful, just wondering when I would see 'civilization'.  I did see a dump truck parked,  and I thought about sleeping in the back of it (think Toy Story)and then when who ever came to work to drive it would see me, but I kept going FORWARD. I was certain I would see something soon.  Onward and FORWARD I went.  The sand showing me the way through its night reflection.  It looked like a white beach sand at night, no trees, water, nothing illuminating it, or so it seemed. I kept going and going and then I came to the end of this sand and stepped down, probably 3 or 4  feet onto a ground that was quite different in texture and more walkable.  It looked like normal ground, leveled but moist.  I was concerned about getting my white Chuck Taylors I was wearing muddy (lol). I kept going, and soon I saw a building with lights and windows and people inside, lots of people.  I woke up from this dream and began to seek GOD for understanding about the dream. Did you know reader that if you PRAY and ask GOD for wisdom, HE will answer you.  The Bible says so. (James 1:5)  I needed wisdom about this dream, so I did what Scripture says to do, I asked. GOD began to show me what parts of the dream were actually talking to me.  The word FORWARD  stayed in my thinking, so I looked at the dream again, in light of the word FORWARD.  GOD said: "look at what is trying to hinder your walk, (high sand), a different way. Yes, it is high, but you can still maneuver through it. Look at how it is actually HELPING you, with the reflection of it and the ease of your travel through it. Your feet were not stopped, unless YOU stopped them, the sand, though high and much, isn't stopping you. Yes it was high sand, higher than normal ground, but doable. Lit up, which showed the way FORWARD,  and in its own way, a compass.  The opposite: it could have been pitch black, with no way of seeing where the next step would take me or how far the way was. You could have sunk inside the sand. I'm saying it could have been worse than what was".  There was a time in Scripture when Jacob left a place due to the drama his sons caused because their sister Dinah was abused by a prince in the land they dwelled in. Brothers being protective decided to avenge her mistreatment and they burned the entire place down and killed the men there.  Jacob and family (the 12 tribes)left and went on the run to a place GOD once spoke to him at. What is interesting is what GOD told Jacob. He renamed him Israel, and restated the Blessing of Abraham (his grand father) to him.  GOD said, -in todays lingo-, move FORWARD,  I have a plan for you and the 12 tribes. (Gen. 35:1-15) FORWARD. Sometime afterward, Moses, the leader and the servant GOD used to deliver the children of Israel from Egypt, died.  GOD told Joshua, to Arise and go FORWARD over the Jordan with all my people to the land I will give them. After 30 days of mourning, it was time to move FORWARD. (Josh.1:2)  Many times in Scripture when moving FORWARD, it usually happened after an event, crisis, problem, some issue or something out of no where rose up.  GOD's plan is always move FORWARD.  The lepers even said, "Why sit here lest we die..." (2Kings 7:3) They knew moving FORWARD would cause something different to happen for them. GOD is reminding me that FORWARD means progress to some degree. It may or may not be by "leaps or bounds" but its all good when GOD says FORWARD. His plans, thoughts and ways are always higher than our own and good. Isaiah 55:8,9.   Jesus is LORD!!   AMEN.        Genesis 37, 40, 41, Acts 10:9 Daniel 2, 4, 7,  2Kings7, Psalm 17.        

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

Often times GOD will put a word picture in front of my vision to demonstrate His great and mighty Love He has for me.  Yes, Yes the scriptures tell the story, and with the various translations, it is hard not to understand His awesome love and how deep, wide, long, and high it is (Eph. 3:18). But a  word picture works so well for me that when He shows it,  it can be overwhelming as HE lets it rip!! Glory to The Most High!! It is so clear that it can't be misunderstood, unless you want to.  I have blogged in the past about scenes in life, that GOD has highlighted to me about HIM.  In Reading passages, we teach students to highlight important information that will be helpful in answering questions that will follow the reading.  It is a strategy proven to be  beneficial, as the reading passages get longer and more detailed.  Like wise this scene was highlighted for me and narrated, (Glory to GOD!!!) at the same time.  Let me explain.  Picture it,  I am on my porch on a cool June evening,  not yet dark.   Children are playing, riding bikes, skateboarding, pop - rocking, you know doing kid stuff that is fun.  They are different ages, from about 5yrs. -9/10yrs.  Moms/ dads are out in the yard, talking, working on cars, visiting, etc, enjoying the coolness of the evening I would say.  Then dad helps the little one learn to ride a bike-  without training wheels.  Yes, without training wheels! It was hard for the little one cause his little legs were pedaling fast as dad held the seat and ran along side him leaning in the opposite direction.  Jr. had his big smile on his face as he thought he was really going somewhere while dad held him and gave him instructions about how and which way to lean.  When dad let go, you guessed it, he fell. You could see his excitement as he got back up and tried again with dad. About 3/4 times down the street they went. I was thinking to myself, 'he needs training wheels first', I'm just saying. That is the traditional way it's done. I'm so bright , I know!!(lol)  I could hear dad lovingly  give him directions about how to lean,  when he feels like he might  fall.  I heard in my spirit man clear, " that this is how much I love you. I might not use the traditional ways (training wheels, in this case) to show you.  I demonstrated my love in a non- traditional way that will always speak volumes in your spirit.  I put my hands on you by sending Jesus, My one and only Son.(Rom. 5:8)  Everything went to the Cross with Him, and through His spotless blood is how I see you. I will always have My hands on you as you walk this faith walk".  Like the child with out training wheels, we may fall, life happens, but the Father is there with loving guidance, abundant mercy, and amazing Grace.  As I watched dad and Jr., dad eventually gave up, and the bike was put away. (perhaps till next time).  I heard a still, small voice say, "I wont give up on you ever, know that I am here, keep trying!"  In this crazy world, we need help!! GOD'S help!!  We should not be pushing Him away, we  need Him closer than ever if we are going to come through these times victoriously.  Pushing Him away allows the enemy to move in and take over.  I am NEVER going to let that happen in my life, not while GOD breathes the breath of life into me each day. He is the answer. Why should we let that happen, when HE who created everything, is wanting to help us through everything? (Heb. 13:5)   Who else has given us that kind of promise?  I was dumbfounded when I read the New Living Translation of Isaiah 65:1-2.  It made me think,  GOD is right here waiting and wanting to help, but no one asked!! Whoa! What!  Read it yourself and listen to what your own spirit tells you.  To paraphrase it this writer's understanding of this scripture is this: "I was ready to respond (decisively), but no one asked for help...Here I am, Here I am, call on me... I'm ready to help, My arms are open..." Sounds like a Good Loving Father ready to step in and HANDLE it, but not without the invitation to. My prayer is that this nation will start inviting GOD to 'Handle it', instead of being offended at the mention of THE MOST POWERFUL NAME EVER.   That Name, the Name of JESUS will cause anything and everything that has a name (think about that a minute, ponder, ponder) and tries to 'raise up' to instead bow it's knee and confess that JESUS IS BIGGER THAN THIS! (writer's 21st century translation of Philippians 2:10-11.)  He is our only hope,  there is no other way (John 14:6).  Let this condition of America, the World tell you the answer.  He whom we have pushed aside is our only salvation. Where else can we turn and who else will help? Only the CREATOR  can repair  HIS creation when it is broken. Ponder, ponder. ..... Be Blessed of GOD!!  Jesus is LORD..  Rev. 3:14-22  John 1  Josh.1:8-9  Rev. 1:8  Jude 20-25  2 Cor. 4 

ARISE, SHINE FOR THY LIGHT HAS COME........

  I  am not the type of person that makes a resolution @ the beginning of each new year.  I simply choose to improve and with GOD's help, be better than the year before.  What I do is ask GOD to help me get closer to Him than I was the year before.  More of Him and His purpose for my existence and less of me and my desires.  I have many desires,  do you reader?  But I want God alone to steer this ship, so I am down the line in this chain of command,  somewhere between 4th and 5th.  With GOD's help,  I chose Isaiah 60:1 (kjv)  for my theme this year:  'Arise Shine for thy light has come and the Glory of the LORD has risen upon thee'.   So that is what is happening after a some what challenging year, ending with the death of my beloved baby brother.  You may remember my post 4 years ago entitled 'Miracle Right in Front of Our Face'.  It talked about my brother being brought back from the dead while in the hospital, and us saying,  what we assumed to be good-bye to him.   GOD was merciful and revived the dead and gave him 3 more years of life, that he lived to the full. (think Hezekiah)  Nov. 2016, my brother died, and as  a family we were united again  to say goodbye, this time to a family member we all saw raised.  We rejoiced @ his memorial @  the goodness of our merciful, gracious GOD and we were comforted to know that sickness and disease can't take from us any longer.  Praise GOD!!  What was amazing to me  was the many people that loved my brother and talked @ his memorial  service about how he helped them and encouraged them even though he had health issues he struggled with.  The man in the wheel chair nearly brought me to tears when he took me aside privately and shared an event my brother helped him with.  I didn't know he was so loved by so many, people that are dealing with life's struggles and issues as JESUS said  we  would have down here. (John 16:33)   So with that said and done and other issues that arose,  I am in constant remembrance mode  of what GOD said in Hebrews 13:5 (Deuteronomy 31:6,8) 'He will never leave me nor forsake me'.  Arise - get up, get going,  I have things for you to do and your presence is what I need;  Shine for thy light has come - It is your time to bring ME into your existence an into where ever  this lighted path takes you each day;  And the Glory of the LORD has risen upon thee - you are MY choice Audrey,  some will hear and some wont, I want those that will hear.  Translate and Meditate is how I take the   Scriptures.  I pray for MORE of GOD,  so I have to be ready,  willing and ready to act when HE speaks.  Yes, HIS Word is alive and speaking to those that have ears to hear them.  That's where you will find GOD in HIS wide - open Word!!  Glory to GOD!!!   So after this challenging year and now into a brand new year and new beginning,  GOD is working His plan.  HE's moving out the clutter and inserting me into where HE wants me.  Doing it HIS way!! Glory to GOD!!!   GOD is not a hoarder.  He does not collect useless junk to store incase HE can use it later.   I have not had this much fruit of the Spirit oozing from my spirit ever! It is abundant!  My cup is overflowing!  It can only be an act of the All Powerful GOD Almighty,  cause from the outside looking in  it looks like a different picture. But GOD looks on the heart and JESUS said, 'lip service is useless,  it is the heart that I see' (author's paraphrase)  Matt. 12:35-36.  Wonder how many people GOD has chosen for doing something for HIM that did not answer HIS call?  ponder,  ponder.  You need  only look at the world's events to see that a shift is taking place.  You wont find answers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, (social medias not listed), television, radio. All these are things the world says are must - haves and yes GOD himself uses @ times, (1Cor. 1:27 -28),  but FAITH in HIM alone is what HE says HE is pleased by. So Arise, Shine for thy light has come and the Glory of the LORD has risen upon thee; is my theme this year. This is the time to get into the deep things of GOD and do what ever is commanded  to do. Love  GOD first with all your being,  without hindrances, good, bad, come what may,  Love others  and pray for the sick,  laying hands on them.  Jesus said they will recover (Mark 16:15-18).  My choice, as long as I am in this body, (2Cor. 5:9) is to Raise - up, Shine bright,  Display the goodness of My GOD!!  (author's 2017 word translation of Isaiah 60:1).  Impactful and Effective are the buzz words  GOD is using to reach a people that will hear HIM.  These people may be located in the least expected places. The following is a small list of Bible people God used to do wonders for HIM.

1.Joseph - a kid     9. Solomon - womanizer
2.Rahab - a harlot       10.Paul - persecutor
3.Moses - a murderer    11.Ruth - an idol worshipper
4.Hannah - a barren believer  12. Jonah - fish food
5.Elijah - a fearful prophet
6.Esther - an orphan girl adopted by a family member
7.David - a lustful wife thief  
8.Jael - a dangerous girl with a tent peg
                         13. the woman @ the well- a town herald   14. Nebuchadnezzar- Babylonian king
15. the prodigal son - a party happy, lusty boy with money   16. Naaman's wife's captured Israelite maid -  carrier of a healing message

When the call from GOD came, Faithful people answered, no matter their station, condition, or status in life, Faith acted.

GOD's Blessings on all HIS people!!  Isaiah 60.
    

JOIN IN ON THE SONG

My post are always about the goodness, mercy and loving kindness of my GOD in all circumstances I have walked through.  GOD Al Mighty, Creator of Everything.  I could not ever exhaust the subject of the Greatness of such magnificence, majesty, Holy, Awesomeness , Greatness, so I wont try. No I am neither equipt nor eloquent enough to tell of the abundance of HIS Holiness. Others are and were much better at that than this writer. Moses, David, Solomon, John, Paul, Jesus are a few that come to mind that were skillful with words that tell of GOD'S Greatness. Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, Paula White, TD Jakes, Greg Laurie, Toby Mack, David Crowder, Lacrea, Billy Graham, Al Bryce, Rosa Herman, Josh Goodman, Jentzen Franklin, Chris Tomlin, are a few that come to mind in todays generation that are skillful with descriptive words telling of His Greatness. I am sure there are many more. I'm not intending to name drop, just point out a fact. However, today's post is my attempt at telling of this Goodness and Great Love  of The Most High using one of my favorite tools: MUSIC! Yeah! Whoop, Whoop!!I have posted a blog in the past entitled:  Music, what would we do without music, where would we be without a song?  Feel free to re-read it, it is anointed.  This time I am using the song itself and let it tell the message. (NO copy right issues, don't worry). Thy will be done GOD, as I use music ministers materials to Breathe it in and let it out.  I believe whole heartedly that God uses every available, willing heart to bring His message of Love, Forgiveness, Redemption, and unending Mercy & Grace to a world filled with people He adores. These voices may use whatever God has called them to use to relay that message. Whether it is teaching it, preaching it, singing it, dancing it, writing it, whatever it takes, Scripture says He uses it. Some of the names mentioned above fall into each of these categories. The common thread is the willing, available heart God needs. There are many such hearts in every corner of this earth.  So this author's heart will use her favorite tool music.  I love to praise & worship God at all times.  I wish that we as a nation could start the day corporately in worship & praise to God Almighty, as a nation.  Think about that for a moment. ponder, ponder Think Moses, Solomon, Hezekiah, Asa, Jehoshaphat etc.  Can you imagine the burdens that would be removed and OMG the blessings that would fall upon each of us!!  We would be Walking like Giants!  As a nation of believers  unafraid, unashamed to sing and proclaim loudly, We believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, and that HE alone is Worthy of Praise, Holy, Holy, Holy. Here we are to worship as a nation.  We would be flawless,  why, because of the Cross, Glory to GOD!! Making GOD first is the key to experiencing His best.  Love, Joy and Peace are some of the best fruit in the Fruit of the Spirit re-born.  Meditate these 3 for a moment.  Of these Love is my favorite. Why?  I am so glad you asked. God Himself is love.  Love Devine. And Love so loved the world that He put a plan in place that would redeem, restore all of that world back to Him.  Glory to GOD!! Now that's some  Love in Action right there.  He knew before the foundation of the world that people would "fall down".  Love said nothing you could ever do could separate My Love from you, just see that My Love Ran Red down the cross.  There will never be a moment when I was not loved by You. He loves us with an  everlasting Love, it never fails.  It is the Greatest!!  When I posted about Love awhile back,  I wrote from a certain place God was walking me through at that time.  Here again He is revealing another layer of intimacy in His Love.  For me it is deep, sweet for reasons that are extremely close and too personal to reveal publicly. Reader seek for that intimacy with GOD, a 1-on- 1 personal relationship that will hold you through whatever you will have to walk through.  I will say that Love took on my weakness, sickness, brokenness all on His Shoulders and said You will never be alone.  Now that is the GOD I know.  Search yourself reader,  I bet there is a song or 2 that you enjoy that puts you in that place of closeness with your Creator.  It is not hard to keep God first, all I need to do is look back on my life and see His Hand in it all. There was no way I alone could have come through all that darkness without God lighting up the sky to show His presence, a Mighty Fortress and a strong Hand guiding this ship. He was my Compass and my white flag all in one. The past addictions and rejections alone would have sunk the Titanic, let alone a girl uncovered. But I wasn't uncovered, there was Hope in Front of me all along and God was more than I thought He was. I saw broken, He saw mended. Yes, He is Worthy of my praise and it is His Word telling me to keep Fighting the good fight that keeps the ship sailing when the sea is turbulent.  He said live, walk, and stay in faith at all times.  Re-read some of my past post and you will see what Faith can do. (You probably already know from your own life). It can move mountains, raise the dead, heal a body, restore a relationship that was dead, provide, protect and countless other things,  Yes that's what Faith can do.  You gotta know the GOD I know!!!  He will do things that only He can do. He has said you will never be alone, I am there with you, I will dwell with you and in you so cast all the care over on Me. I hide that word in my heart and even when no one else is around, God is still with me, He is closer than I ever thought possible. He calms me down with a whisper, when my soul wants to "raise it".  That still, small voice speaks to the trembling inside of me and settles it. Glory!!  I am so glad His ways are not my ways and His thoughts are not mine. He knows what's best,  I am still learning.  It is in Christ Alone,  that HOPE is so big for me. I don't have to figure this out, I walk by faith. And doing so, I don't always know where I am being led, but I love, love, love Who leads me.  He knows the path for me to take,  walks with me, talks with me,  and lights the way.  The journey itself is more important than the earthly destination. Go ahead reader, Join in on the song in your heart.  GOD'S Blessings!!!   Ps.150, Ps.100, Ps.8, Ps.119:11,Rev.1:3, Rev. 5:11-14, Heb.11, Deut.32, Jerm.29:11, Is.40, Is.55:8-13,1Pet. 5:7, 2Cor. 5:7, Prov. 4:18

ONCE AGAIN, LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE!!!

It is always amazing to me when Faith in our GOD shows out. Jesus said in Mark 11:22, "Have Faith in GOD". Scripture goes on to tell us that it is impossible to please GOD without Faith (Heb. 11:6). There are times when Faith in GOD is all there is. It produces a hope that GOD will respond even when you can't see any evidence of it yet.  Walking by Faith is a daily determination in my life,  come what may.  Faith makes its partner, patience, come out and hold me steady as I wait for an answer, by Faith.  Well,  Once again, Faith in GOD produced a desired result that makes me say loudly, "LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE!"  Let  me tell you, GOD is Good, if you did not already know this.  My precious 2 months old grand daughter was stricken with  a respiratory  condition that she had to be hospitalized for.  She was in the baby I C U unit.  Her little body was connected to tubes and given oxygen in a breathing tube through her nose.  It shook me to my core to see her this way. God had to carry me at that moment, cause I nearly lost it.   "She was a sick little baby", was what her Doctors told us on day 7 in I C U.  When I saw her for the first time she was already in the hospital for 4 days.  Her mother, my daughter, was having a difficult time as you could imagine, so was dad.  We knew that this baby was a gift from GOD and we also know that there is a thief, killer, and a destroyer that is counting on us to fall apart and let go of GOD at a time like this.  No, this is the time to cling to GOD with all your might and press in to the promises in HIS  WORD.  GOD gave us a healer,  His name is JESUS, and He WILL heal.  He took on our sin, sickness, and diseases, in His own body on the cross, for our healing (Isaiah 53:4-5,  1Peter 2:24). That's why He came to - do the Works of HIS FATHER, and healing was one of those Works. I know, because not to long ago,  He brought my nearly dead brother back to life right before our eyes!! Read my post entitled: Miracle...Right in front of our face, about 3 years ago.  I talk about that miracle, and now, Once again, Look at what the LORD has done!! HE heard the prayers, intercessions, crying out and FAITH of all those that took this sick child into the THRONE ROOM.  We did what JESUS said we could do: "Lay hands on the sick and they will recover". Mark 16:18.  He said, "Greater works shall you do cause He's going to the FATHER" John 14:12.  My daughter needed strengthening as well. It is hard to see your child this way.  She needed to believe that this was not the final outcome, her daughter would survive this.  I began to pray in the Spirit that  GOD would send ministers (not just laborers) in her midst that would minister the LIVING WORD to her,  And guess what?  Once again,  GOD responded by  putting people in her face that strengthened, encouraged, prayed and loved her.  She began to revive, so to speak. The heaviness of worry and fear, lifted off of her and, GLORY TO GOD, Faith rose up inside of her.  GOD said, "take my yoke, it is easy and my burden is light" Matt. 11:30.  Soon my precious grand began improving and medication was reduced, she began to eat with a bottle instead of the tubes, which were removed.  GOD BE PRAISED!! She started smiling (she's a cutie), color came to her skin, she was awake longer and thriving.  TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY, CAUSE HE HAS DONE GREAT THINGS!! Faith can move mountains, and this was a mountain that was trying to take from us, but our FAITH in EL ELYON, GOD ALMIGHTY the High and Lofty ONE, in ELOHIM, The Creator of Heaven and Earth, who gave us ADONAI, the Savior  that can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, our HIGH PRIEST, our JEHOVAH - RAPHA was available, ready and willing to heal.  PRAISE GOD!!!!  We give GOD all glory, honor and praise! Once again, He has shown that by unwavering Faith,  a mountain can be removed.  I remember the doctors talking about statistics and the times past  when babies would die from this type of sickness.  He was knowledgeable about her illness and I believe strongly that GOD gave us a warrior in the medical field that would not, in his power, let anything but a complete healing occur.  The children on this floor of the hospital, has  great, caring, wonderful doctors and nurses and care givers tending them.  Doctors and all medical personnel are GOD'S hands and feet on earth.  GOD bless everyone of them.  We began praying for the other sick children  on this floor and GOD,  Once again, showed out.  At this writing they have all been discharged or in step - down unit soon to be released.  My grand daughter is soon to be released and may have been by this posting. 14 days of hospitalization is a hard thing for patient and loved ones.  But Glory to GOD, LOOK What the LORD has done!!  Faith is so important that GOD said HE is pleased by it.  Faith makes things happen instantly, gradually, suddenly, and in due season.  Things in my life have happened in each of these time frames.  I don't understand it.  GOD said to trust HIM,  not my own understanding of it,  Proverbs 3:5,  so that is what I do.  Trust GOD, without doubting and watch the mountain,  whatever it is, move out the way!!  Glory,  Praises, High Praise to GOD ALMIGHTY.  Mark 11:22-24, Prov.3:5, Gal.5:6,  Heb.6:12, Heb. 11:1,6. Rom.12:3,Rom.10:17.

HAVE MERCY ON OUR NATION LORD

For such a time as this, I chose this title to blog.  Our nation and it's people should consider moving closer to GOD. Turning back to HIM.  Looking in the Old Testament at Israel and it's tribes at the times it moved away from GOD and began serving  and worshipping other gods, disaster came down upon them. Their enemies attacked them, carried them off into slavery, many were killed, and their land and crops failed. They were outside the will of their Creator. When they cried out to GOD their Creator, HE had mercy on them and compassion for them and GOD rescued them from the enemy.  They would change their ways and stayed close to GOD, and worshipped no other gods.  But then, as time went by, they again moved away from the Creator and began worshipping other gods, false idols, images of Baal and whatever else was the latest detestable thing at the time, and yeah you guessed it disaster hit again.  GOD's people turned from Him time after time after time and each time, their enemies swooped down on them and prevailed in whatever thing they did to them.  Even the enemy said to them "Your God has abandoned you into my hands".  Imagine that?  But they would repent and turn back to GOD and HE would have mercy on them and things would improve.  Our nation has chosen to move away from GOD Almighty, taking HIM out of everything, even banning prayer and speaking HIS Mighty Name, now look at us. Our enemy may not be an obvious one. Once we were a country that carried the Blessing, Leadership and Favor that the founding Fathers prayed to GOD ALMIGHTY for when this nation was born, and the rockets red glare gave proof that our nation was still there, One Nation under GOD un -divide-able. Why?  Because GOD said a house divided cannot stand. One GOD, One SON, One HOLY SPIRIT all means ONE GOD!! GOD ALMIGHTY, Creator of Heaven, Earth, Everything.  Have mercy on our Nation LORD. Our Nation needs to move closer, better yet, turn completely back to GOD ALMIGHTY. We must allow GOD back into our homes, schools, churches, businesses, families, lives and most important among these our mouths.  Yes, talk GOD up, speak to Him, through Him, about Him, for Him. David knew this power and GOD told Joshua this is the way to have good success.  Think about that a bit. ponder, ponder. Our nation took GOD out of everything and look at the results.  Right here I will step out and say don't focus on the messenger, but what is the messenger saying.  Could there be some  truth to this? Who sent this message? How should I respond? All these are questions you would have if WU, FedX, Brown truck people, USPS, memo from the higher - ups or Voicemail, etc delivered you a message.  Most assuredly  GOD is as important, howbeit more important than these and HE uses whomever HE chooses.  GOD is our only hope of survival. HE was Israel's only hope of survival and they came to know it eventually. We too will realize it eventually so that we can confidently sing ' God Bless America" and know that HE will.  Have mercy on our Nation LORD.    


Judges 1: 19-34  Kings  2Chronicles 7 (emphasis on v.14)


Lamentations 3 (emphasis on v. 21 -23),  Psalms  Acts 9

"HAVE FAITH IN GOD".....I CAN DO EVERYTHING THROUGH CHRIST....

I don't know about you, but I have quoted that verse of scripture from Philippians 4:13 many times in my life and especially in the challenges of life.  It has constantly re-enforced the faith I have, that GOD is always strengthening me when my strength is tested.  Not my physical, muscle strength, but that too is included.  The strength that equates to the faith and strong belief in the truth that something bigger than me (GOD ALMIGHTY) is inside of me working on my behalf.(1John 4:4) Never more than right now in my life's events, has that been truer. Since the age of 18,  I have been a registered, legal driver.  I have owned a vehicle of some type for 30 years.   3
to be exact and they all lasted quite a while each one.  That can be a blessing in and of itself, (lol).  My first car was my favorite one because it was when I became a single parent.  Seat belts were not mandatory, so the kids would bounce back and forth from front to back often. (This was in the 80's a very different time than now. ) I could take them to school, pick them up, work different shifts at the club, things like that.  When they got older, the car embarrassed them, you know teenagers. It smoked and needed a paint job (think uncle Buck). My daughter hated when I had to pick her up at  high school, she was a teen, need I say more.  She claims I never put gas in the tank, she  only remembers me putting water in all the time (lol) the radiator leaked a bit but otherwise.  It lasted 13 years and I thank GOD for it.  Next car  was a nice foreign job my army neighbors sold me for a reasonable price.  They were both deploying and wanted to sell it.  The wife was really nice and I remember her telling me it would be great, cause the girls were teens and would look cool when they started to drive it. My daughters liked it, but it needed shocks and that was expensive for that make so after a while of shifting gears and bumping up and down, I didn't want that headache any longer.  Next came Janie B.  I named her after a family member that had staying power.  A red Mitzubishi mirage  that I had for 16 years.  She was 20 years old and sweet. After needing a new motor and other repairs too costly for her age, I thought it was time for a new car, so I junked her this past January and prayed for guidance and wisdom about what to do next.  4 months  before  all this happened, I began to believe GOD for a debt-free, new vehicle.  I have not had a car payment in 14 years and I am spoiled I admit. Even though things are not done that way, I am believing GOD that my prayers will be answered that way.  I sought out strong believers who prayed  with me, believed with me and encouraged me. They gave me sound advice and real world scriptures to stand on.  At this point is why I am blogging this title.  A few people have come across my path with their lack of faith that GOD can do such a thing.  It amazes me that we can have strong faith in man-made things, ideas, concepts,  and such, when it is GOD that causes man to make things,  have ideas,  come up with concepts and such anyway. Does it become legit when we take GOD out of the process?  Well, I want to believe that I can do all things through Christ, living  inside me and that no thing is impossible.  Christ said so himself and I choose to believe that.  So since I am believing Him,  GOD has caused all things to work together for good (Rom 8:28).  As I believe my new, debt-free vehicle will soon manifest  (no it is not going to fall out the sky), GOD has caused many blessings to come my way in some strange ways.  People are willing to help, offering me rides here and there, taxicabs have reduced fares, buses have waited when they should have long since left , several times in serious situations not of my doing, I was offered to be driven to locations by law enforcement personnel, (no, not to jail  lol),  fellow travelers have spoken enthusiastically and helpfully when info was needed fellow walkers are always cheerful and joyful at having a companion to walk & talk with.  PEOPLE ARE NICE!!  Here and now I am reminded  of something Paul said that I seem to be walking in right now. He said in Philippians 4: 11-12 "what so ever state I am in , I can adjust and be content...I know how to be abased and abound or have a lot, or be in need and suffer want" (author's liberal paraphrase) " I can do all things through  CHRIST which strengthens me". That is more truer now in this season in my life than at any time prior.  Having to do things in a newer and different way can have an effect on you.  It is up to you as to how the effect, effects you.  Positively or negatively. choose.  I have always looked on the brighter side of things my whole life anyway so I am going to take it in stride.  The cup is half full in my opinion.  Lemons ? = Lemonade  Count the rainbows rather than gripe about the rain.  There is a light at the end of the tunnel,  clouds have silver  linings, it could have been so much worse.  You get the picture here reader?  Your viewpoint on any situation can determine so many things, especially how many points on the blood pressure cuff.  It is hard in the " hard place".  That is why it is called the "hard place".  Further down in that same chapter in verse 19,  Paul goes on to say " But my GOD shall supply all your need according to  HIS riches in GLORY  by THE ANOINTED ONE".  Another well quoted scripture that I can say is more truer now than ever. Through this time of 'vehicle challenge' (let's call it lol), I am seeing some of the provisions of GOD front and center.  Even in the "hard place", GOD'S goodness comes into the picture blazing like a polishing fire.  Yes,  I could go to the car lot and choose one and go through the accepted/ approval/car payment route  (I have not ruled that out), that too is an option.  I want the guidance I an praying for, to guide me, whichever way I go.   Most of the past decisions  about important things in my life  have turned out negatively for one  reason only.  I did not seek GOD'S wisdom in the matter.  When He guides me, things turn out well.  GOD is good to me, yeah even while I am using "mike &Charlie" He still good, trustworthy, faithful and loyal .   It is easy to trust GOD when all is well, things are flowing as they should,  the sun is shinning, and balloons are everywhere.   But what about the other end of the spectrum.  Can I trust GOD when the rain is falling, the flow is blocked, and all the balloons have popped.  What about when all is NOT well?  It is in these times that I learn a lesson from my friends Job and David.  To sum it:  There is no where else to turn but to GOD and TRUST HIM, period!  Jesus said "HAVE FAITH IN GOD", so there is the answer for me.  I will believe that HIS promises are true.  He didn't have to say any of this, but HE did and HE is GOD ALMIGHTY so I will HAVE FAITH IN GOD, it is not optional.  Blessings on GOD'S people!!
Mark 11:22-24, John 14 :13-14, 1John5 :14-15, 1John3: 21-22,  Luke11:9-10, John 16:23, Matt.18:19, Matt.21:22.  Jesus is LORD!