The traveler lay robbed, beaten, and left for dead on the side of the road. A priest saw him and walked past on the other side. Similarly, an assistant to a priest passed by on the other side as well. It was not until an unlikely helper from an ancient religious order, a Samaritan, that help was given to the nearly dead traveler.

Jesus Christ used this parable in Luke 10:30-35 to teach what it means to be a good neighbor and show compassion and kindness to everyone in need, regardless of their background.

Likewise, is it helpful to a nearly dead traveler to kick them while they are down and in need of emergency care? And tell the traveler who is down and out to get a job while incapacitated and near death, instead of seeking aid?

How great and wonderful is such a person?

And then say to the traveler that while debilitated with abuse, covered in injuries that it's the injured individual who is evil and not those who are abusive, complicit, or did not lift a finger to help out or protect from harm?

Where then is the care, compassion, and kindness?  Where is the protection from harm?

Is it in the curse at the person injured, list all the things a half-dead person cannot do while debilitated and cannot walk or think clearly?

Who is in the wrong and clearly lacking in care, compassion, kindness, and any attributes of a Good Samaritan?  

You Can't Get Blood Out of a Turnip

 

🤔

You Can't Get Blood Out of a Turnip;

Meaning, if you don't have it, you don't have it, especially if you lack talent in a particular area; it won't suddenly appear, no matter how much you push, hurt, or pressure it, because you can't squeeze blood out of a turnip.

You could put a billion workers and a trillion man-hours into a problem, and still not find solutions if those people lack talent. The talent of the talented remains unaffected by external forces.

Similarly, you cannot expect good results, behaviors, or outcomes from a bad or inappropriate source because you can't squeeze grapes out of thorn bushes or figs from thistles (Matthew 7:16).

Likewise, if you turn sinful and corrupt, you won't see good outcomes or salvation because you cannot squeeze good fruit from rot.

“Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit” (Matthew 7:17-17).

Prosperity and peace come from the fruit of the Spirit, which inspires empathy and compassion for good works and solutions (Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 2:10).

Without good works and strong foundations, nothing will endure or be sustained (John 15:16).

Furthermore, those who believe in deceit and practice lies and myths will be condemned (2 Thessalonians 2:11).

"No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence” (Psalms 101:7-8).

Whether these false believers promote myths of grand illusions, self-destruction in sin, or destructive behaviors, nothing good comes from unholy acts.

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So, you will recognize them by their fruits (Matthew 7:19-20).

Rotted fruits cannot be eaten. Building on rotten foundations will crumble and eventually sink into the abyss of decay.

Likewise, no speculative bubble or Ponzi scheme can ever be sustained without eventually bursting. Such grandiose lies or schemes are unsustainable because they are not backed by anything real—real earnings or tangible, measurable values.

Those foolish enough to build upon lies, theft, self-destructive sins, and destructive behaviors will face eventual destruction and damnation when storms come and on Judgment Day (Matthew 7:26-27).

Those foolish people do not understand that none of these unholy acts will ever lead to anything good, innovative, or productive; those ignoramuses are not part of divine wisdom.

In the end, you will still be unable to squeeze blood out of a turnip, especially when there is no understanding, connection, or talent.

 

✝️

There will come a time, as foretold in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, when people will turn away from "sound doctrine" to seek those who tell them what their "itching ears want to hear," wandering off and leading them astray with "myths."

We are warned that false prophets will appear in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves, identifiable by their actions (Matthew 7:15-16).

Shepherds, including church elders, are expected to guide, care for, protect, and lead the flock away from myths, ravenous wolves, and false prophets (Acts 20:28, John 10:12-13).

Shepherds who fail and give in to false teachings - twisting scripture to justify sin, hate, or any myth, including that of Caesar -are to be condemned (Galatians 1:8).

It is impossible to stay on the path of salvation while involved in myths, just as it is impossible to gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles (Matthew 7:16).

Shepherds must ensure that their sheep are on the path of salvation and are properly cared for and protected against false prophets, myths, and ravenous wolves.

Otherwise, shepherds themselves will face condemnation and punishment from the Lord (Ezekiel 34:9-10, Jeremiah 23:1-4, Matthew 25:31-46).

⚖️📜

 

📋

Checklist to see if you've lost your mind:

Do you believe you're better than everyone else in every way?

Do you feel superior to others, as if you are entitled and somehow greater?

Do you look down on anyone just because you deem them inferior or poorer?

Do you think super strength, like Superman's, equals super intelligence, like Einstein's, or even having superpowers, and therefore consider yourself a god?

Do you believe external appearances define your inner greatness?

Do you think conquering what belongs to the Lord makes you great?

Do you see controlling others as the same as controlling nature and the laws of nature?

Do you believe it’s possible to completely control everything about a person, as Satan does in Satanic possession?

Do you think you'll be forgiven for all sins, regardless of their depravity, harm, or desecration of the temple of the Holy Spirit?

Do you believe you are saved while still sinning, hating, harming, without cleansing or the ability to receive redemption and the Holy Spirit?

If you answered in the affirmative ‘yes,’ to any of these questions, the likelihood that you've lost your mind is very high.

If more than one answer was in the affirmative therapy is recommended.

Because what remarkable deeds have you accomplished that don’t involve someone else's ideas, talents, solutions, and work?

Whose idea was it? If not yours, then you were not its innovator or originator.

For each question above if the answer is affirmative, explain why and describe your reasoning.

 

✝️

Everything belongs to the Lord.

"Behold, to the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth, and everything on it.”

- Deuteronomy 10:14

"The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."

- Psalm 24:1

Everything on earth is temporary and mundane. Our home here is not permanent; it is on loan from the Lord.

Hebrews 13:14 states, "For here we do not have a permanent city, but we are looking for the city that is to come."

2 Corinthians 5:1 says, "For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands."

From dust we are born, and unto dust we end our lives on earth.

Ecclesiastes 3:20 states, "All go to the same place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again."

While on earth, we are commanded by Jesus Christ and Moses first to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27, Deuteronomy 6:5).

Secondly, we are commanded to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39, Leviticus 19:18).

Since our command is to love, the goal is to love in a way that expresses our deepest love, respecting and honoring the Lord and all of the Lord's creation, from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith.

1 Timothy 1:5 states, "The aim of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith."

When we love and be love, and connect to the Holy Spirit from a pure heart, clear conscience, and sincere faith, the Lord's spiritual blessings and gifts are granted to us.

Those with the special gift of spiritual empathy can truly prophesy with empathic vision and clarity, not in grandiose delusions or disrespectful, sacrilegious overreach into what is the Lord's.

1 Corinthians 14:1 states, "Make love your aim, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy."

Moreover, people who sin arrogantly, perversely, and with evil intent are condemned by the Lord and waste their gifts that could have accomplished good deeds (Isaiah 32:7).

Proverbs 8:13 states, "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior, and perverse speech."

Zechariah 8:17 states, "Let none of you devise evil in your hearts against his neighbor, and love no false oath. For all these are things that I hate," says the LORD.

📜

Finally, remember that salvation is only possible for those who follow the Lord’s will, which includes obeying the commandments and covenants, and being able to connect and receive love and peace from the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

Matthew 7:21 states, "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

John 15:10 states, "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love."

Titus 3:5-7 emphasizes that salvation is by the Lord's mercy through the Holy Spirit, not by works.

❄️

Note:

Though salvation cannot be earned, good works sowed, fulfills our created purpose of stewardship (Genesis 2:15).

Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them".

Lastly, without good works there is no realization of faith, for “faith without good works is dead” (James 2:17).

🕊

Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

 

🙏

"Bless us, O Lord, for these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ, our Lord. Amen."

Lord, thank you for your many blessings and gifts of love, peace, hope, joy, empathy, and kindness.

Lord, thank you for your grace, wisdom, and inspiration from Heaven above.

Lord, thank you for family and friends, the fellowship in love.

Lord, thank you for the peace and strength found in calmness to withstand turbulent storms that may come our way and for the holy light that guides the way.

Lord, thank you for the lessons of redemption and renewal of soul and heart that transcend our faults and poor spirits.

Lord, thank you for being the ultimate life-saver and life-giver. 

Lord, thank you for everything.

🕊

The Christ Threshold

 

✝️

The Christ threshold for salvation is very high.

There are three key parts to complete the salvation process, and the way in which these parts are attained is vital to receiving the gift of salvation.

It is not enough to complete only one part of the salvation process and assume that the threshold is so low that it's practically nonexistent when it actually isn't.

The three main parts of salvation are belief in Christ (the Way, the Truth, and the Life), following the will of the Lord in stewardship duties, and being born of the Spirit, which is a holy transformation through the Holy Spirit.

John 14:6, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Matthew 7:21, Jesus states, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven will enter."

John 3:5, states, "Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of the Lord'".

How does one become born of water and the Spirit?

How does one do the will of the Father who is in heaven?

How does one fully understand Christ and His teachings to see and receive through Jesus Christ?

At the minimum is having a pure heart to see the Lord (Matthew 5:8). 

The aim is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5).

From the aim, we are to do the will of the Father who is in heaven.

With each test of faith and bravery, renew and transform our spirit through the enlightened love and peace of the Holy Spirit.

The Christ threshold is being able to see and receive the Lord and the gift of salvation.

🕊

 

🤔

Do you think life is made up of winners and losers?

What would it matter if you win at something, only to lose salvation, because the means by which you “win” are damning, sinful, and bad?

What matters in the end is how the Lord will judge you in how you pass or fail the lifetime tests of faith and character.

Being a real “winner” has nothing to do with Caesar or world affairs.

A true winner is a holy believer striving to be a faithful follower of the Lord, working in harmony with the Holy Spirit, and ultimately receiving salvation.

🕊

 

⚠️

Salvation is not determined by what you believe.  

In this vast universe, you can believe that there is life, as in aliens, on other planets; however, this belief does not make it so.  

Salvation is decided by the Lord.  

You can believe that you are saved because you believe in Jesus Christ. And it would be true if one does not forsake Christ or the Lord through sin, or cause harm to one's own spirit (Romans 6:23) and separation from the Lord and all that is holy (Isaiah 59:2, Ephesians 4:30) through sin. 

Any sin causes harm both to the sinner and the victims injured by the sinner.  

When those practicing abhorrent desecrations of the temple of the Holy Spirit, no conquest is happening, no connection is happening, only sacrilege, separation, and harm.  

You cannot control, abuse, or take that which belongs to the Lord and desecrate in sacrilege without separation from Christ, the Lord, the Holy Spirit, the victim, humanity, and all that is good and holy.  

Sin is imprisoning, separating, and damning.  

Regardless of what a person might believe, the Lord is still the Judge, and in the end, we will still be sorted by what matches and is most compatible with the state of our spirit.  

The world operates according to the laws of Nature, as does the Spirit.    

🕊

 

📜

The Sword in the Stone, also known as Destiny I, from the Arthurian legend, was enchanted with the stone for a magical test of destiny and worthiness, which determined that only a worthy and destined leader could pull the sword from its stone.

Much like Arthur, each individual is endowed with a divine destiny and purpose under heaven, which is matched to their talents and gifts.

Each person is expected to demonstrate their love of the Lord and prove their worthiness through acts of good deeds.

We draw out our Sword of Spirit, a sword of light, from an inert state of grace to carry out acts of bravery in defense of all that is good and holy (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Each time the sword of light is drawn, it becomes a test of worthiness and bravery.

Upon completing the test, regardless of the outcome – win or lose, we meet at that moment in time our destiny—success in bravery or failure in cowardice.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).”

Either we rise to meet the Lord’s purpose and command, or we fail in disgrace.

The good news is that every day is a new day to reaffirm our commitment to the Lord, demonstrate our love and purpose, and draw from the Light of Love.

🕊

 

✝️📜

“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil.  

If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.  

But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. 

You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess.

 

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. 

Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”

                               - Deuteronomy 30:15-20

🪞⚖️

 

✝️

Can we all or anyone be sinners after Jesus Christ just washed away all our sins?  

At the time of Christ's birth, sacrifice, death and resurrection, where it is stated (1 John 2:2) that Christ's suffering was for all the sins of the world.* 

From then, all the sins, including original sin, were washed away.  

A person cannot be both saved and a sinner at the same time. Christ washed away our sins.  

However, since that time, any sins an individual commits and accumulates, is then a sinner made.  

In order to return home, if we sin (as we are not all sinners nor liars), we must make peace with the Lord through the process of redemption where we confess, repent, atone for our crimes against the injured, humanity, and the Lord.  

Without completion of the redemption process (much like that of the twelve-step program in AA), there is no possibility of reconciliation with the Lord or any possibility of intercession from Jesus Christ.

There is no such thing as automatic forgiveness from Jesus Christ simply from believing in him.  

For Christ has stated to believers before in Matthew 7:21-23,““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  

On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’

And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

Therefore, sinners need to come clean, cleanse themselves, and redeem themselves in the eyes of the Lord to have purity of hearts to see and receive the Lord which includes Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, to be able to receive salvation and return home.

🕊

*1 John 2:2 "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world".

 

✝️

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

                                 - Matthew 28:19-20

Before baptizing and spreading the teachings of Christ, let us reflect upon this biblical passage known as the Great Commission.

From this point, Christ's command forms the core of the trinitarian framework, the heart and soul of Christian belief, along with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Trinity exists and co-exists together and distinct, much like an individual who exists with distinct states of mind, body, and soul.

The Lord, our Father, is the Creator of everything and everyone, and is both Love and the Law, the Judge of Salvation, and the Determinator.

The Son, Jesus Christ, is the Teacher, the Redeemer, and Savior, who became incarnate to live, to die, to be resurrected for the forgiveness of original sin and to be the guide and bridge of everlasting light for the redemption of sins and the everlasting life to come.

Jesus Christ redeems in three ways.

First, through Christ's incarnation, death, sacrifice, and resurrection, original sin was redeemed through Christ; therefore, we do not begin life as sinners, but as children of God in grace.

Second, if we sin, we are again redeemed through the redemptive teachings of Christ to confess, repent, and atone.

We are instructed to “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17). To repent, the sinner must first identify and confess their sin.

James 5:16: "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed".

And because sin causes harmful separation from the Lord, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, atonement is necessary to see the Lord with a pure heart and enter heaven, and reconcile fully with the Lord, Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Third, Jesus Christ redeems through intercession. Hebrews 7:25 reads, "Consequently, he can save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."

Take careful note where Christ is only able to save those that can draw near God through him, meaning they can receive him fully through grace, and if a sinner, have fully cleansed themselves through the redemptive process of confessing, repenting, and atoning.

And again take careful note of what is unforgivable (Matthew 12:31-32) according to Christ where he would be unlikely to forgive.

The Holy Spirit is the Witness, the Comforter, the Connector, the Enlightened, the holy spirit is the love and peace that dwells within us that connects us to all that is holy, humanity, the Lord above, the Son, and is what makes the formation of the church on earth possible; "for where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among you” (Matthew 18:20).  

Understanding the Trinity is vital if you want to develop deeper connections with the Lord and receive salvation.   

Before you go preaching and spreading inaccurate interpretations and misunderstandings, which will only further remove or divide or lead astray their flock from the Lord, take the time to discern and comprehend the teachings of Jesus Christ, pray for understanding from the Lord and enlightenment from the Holy Spirit.

🕊

 

✝️

Did you know that lying is a sin? 

Persistent lying, which makes someone a liar, is a serious and condemnable sin.

Why is it so wrong to become a liar?

Revelation 21:8 describes the final judgment, stating that liars, along with cowards, the faithless, murderers, the sexually immoral, and idolaters, will be cast into the “lake of fire,” also called the second death.

Those lacking positive traits and good character will be excluded from the Lamb's Book of Life and separated from the Lord and eternal life forever.

Continuous lying causes a person to become dishonest with themselves and breaks the commandment not to bear false witness against their neighbor (Exodus 20:16).

Furthermore, Jesus identifies Satan as a liar from the beginning, with no truth in him. Those who lie reflect Satan's nature, not the Lord's (John 8:44).

Similarly, those corrupted into using lies and game cheats to gain power, like Caesar, fail to see that building empires on quicksand—lies, cheating, theft, and incompetence—is like constructing a foundation on Ponzi schemes, which initially seem promising but ultimately collapse, leaving only ongoing expenses, liabilities, and fraud.

Building a world on speculation, filled with empty promises and dreams, will not produce genuine prosperity or peace.

Speculation is not innovation, nor does it generate real earnings.

Once those corrupted believe that success in life, especially in gaining power, depends on lies and cheating rather than credible truth and intelligence, those sinners fall into the trap of thinking they can get away with taking without regard.

Those liars fail to realize that lies and fraud are unsustainable, eroding credibility and assets. Since there are no real earnings to begin with, those sinners create increasingly fragile facades to fool others, leaving behind an empty shell devoid of progress and resources.

The truth will out in time, and as time passes, more will be revealed, and liars will have less and less credibility and sustainability of those lies, much like the sinner falls further and further from grace.

As the world advances, lying systems fall further behind, especially in technological and innovative progress.

How far behind will be tested in real-life situations, altercations, conflicts, and especially in economic realities.

The way to salvation is life lived with truth through Christ.

Without truth, there is no Life.

🕊

What's In A Name? Continued.....

 

“What's in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet.”

                                                                          - William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

🤔

So, what is in a name?

Many events in history have been shaped by leaders taking specific actions in the name of something, someone, or even God.

First, why invoke God’s name in vain? Why would the Lord ever want us to fight each other, especially if the conflict harms the children of the Lord?

Second, do we truly understand what is in the hearts of people at first glance? Even after some time, will an individual's true colors be fully revealed?

What are words without actions that demonstrate a person's true character-particularly when deception is involved?

What is in a name-of a person, label, or title?

Let’s look beyond the name to its meaning, purpose, and character.

For example, what is a Christian?

As the name suggests, a Christian is someone who believes in Jesus Christ to live a life that honors the Lord by embodying and exemplifying Christ's teachings, and bringing forth the Kingdom of the Lord on earth - in love and peace - with the Holy Spirit.

What is the character of a Christian?

Because the Holy Spirit dwells within us and our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, the character of a Christian is filled with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23):

Love and Peace

Gentleness (meekness)

Joy

Patience (forbearance) and Kindness (compassion)

Goodness and Faithfulness (trustworthiness)

Self-control (discipline)

Against such things, there is no law, meaning these attributes are of the Lord in spirit and are not confined by those of Caesar in the mundane.

✝️

The core foundation of the Christian character is built upon the main commandments of the Lord, which are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27; 2 Kings 23:25), and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31). 

Upon these main two commandments are the principles of peace and love, in the calmness, enlightenment, and holiness of the Holy Spirit; hope, as foretold by the prophets and brought to light by Christ-of the Lord's promise of redemption, deliverance, and salvation; faith in the Lord's promise and sovereignty; humility in submission to the Lord's will in the openness to learn from others, acceptance of our human vulnerabilities and imperfections (since we are only human and mistakes happen) and receiving guidance, grace, and the processes of salvation not hindered by our own understanding, desires, or ignorance; and obedience to the Lord, of the Lord's commandments, spiritual laws, and covenants.

The expectation for a Christian is to walk in all the ways of Christ, embody Christ (be Christ-like), and manifest Jesus's teachings into the reality of everyday life.  

The ability for embodiment depends upon our commitment, dedication, understanding, and capacity for love and peace in the face of the trials and tribulations of life, and our faith and grace in the Lord despite the sins of man.   

So, what's in a name?

Are you able to see beyond a name?

Or do you take things at face value?

Are you blinded by labels, desires, and sins?

What is in a name is more complex and nuanced than imagined for it is limited by your understanding, imagination, capacity to learn, how deep your connection is to the Holy Spirit, and your humbleness which allows you repent when necessary and receive grace to follow the instructions of the Lord. 

Next time, take time, and look beyond the name and see a person or situation for who or what they truly are.

🕊

 

📜

It has been 162 years, or eight scores and one year, since Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, where he wondered whether “this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth,” and “that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.”

Since the Civil War, this nation has honored many more who died fighting for freedom and gave their last full measure of devotion.

The question before us today remains the same:

Do we highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain?

And that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth?

The grass might seem greener in some idealized perfection.

However, our forefathers understood that perfection does not exist. The best we, the people as mere mortals, can do is to strive for a more perfect union. As stated in the Preamble to the Constitution:

📜

We the People of the United States, to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure 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.

Though our system of governance is far from perfect, this government of the people, by the people, for the people has achieved unparalleled prosperity, tranquility, liberty, and freedoms the world has never seen before.

We are the embodiment of the American Dream that the world has long strived to match.

🤔

Shall we instead become followers of some failed model of governance, one that is ever-shrinking in economic and substantive standing?

And abandon the birth of freedom our forebears fought and died to secure—the Blessings of Liberty, which include Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness?

Why not defend, honor, and be thankful for what our forefathers and the honored dead through these scores have fought in their last measure of devotion to secure?

🗽

 

Treat others with the same kindness and fairness you would like to receive.*

 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets,” commanded Jesus Christ from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31).

This command is known as the Golden Rule and it exists in two primary forms:* 

Positive Form (Directive): "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This encourages active kindness and good deeds.

Negative Form (Prohibitive): "What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others." This form emphasizes refraining from causing harm. 

Jesus's teaching emphasizes the positive, active form, encouraging believers to actively seek the good of others, not just avoid doing harm.*

Warning:

What happens when we fail to obey Jesus Christ's commandments, especially to love thy neighbor in fellowship (Matthew 22:39 and Mark 12:31)?

 "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6:7). 

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15).   

Jesus makes a direct link between love for Him and obedience to His commands. Failure to obey, in this context, demonstrates a lack of genuine love and commitment.* 

 "Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience" (Hebrews 4:11).

🕊

*Sourced from Google AI search of “Do unto others so too unto you.”

 

We are stronger together.

"In union there is strength and united we stand." - Aesop

Today, we honor the voices of victims and recognize their pain and suffering.

Today, we took a step towards justice for victims of sexual abuse, especially children trafficked by monsters.  

Today, we bravely demonstrated to the world our resolve to protect our children and every individual from sexual abuse and harm.

Let's pave the way for a better and safer world where children can learn, grow, and play safely without the threat of harm, especially sexual abuse and exploitation.  

And let's continue to fight the good fight for the benefit of our children, humanity, especially future generations.  

Thank you.

🕊

Soldiers of Christ, Rise

“Soldiers of Christ, arise,

and put on your armor.

Be strong in the strength that God supplies

through His eternal Son.

Be strong in the Lord of hosts

and in His mighty power,

who in the strength of Jesus trusts

is more than a conqueror.

Stand then in His great might,

with all His strength infused,

and take, to help you in the fight,

The armor of God.

From strength to strength go on,

wrestle and fight and pray;

tread down all the powers of darkness

and win the well-fought day.

Leave no unguarded place,

no weakness of the soul;

take every virtue, every grace,

and strengthen the whole.

That, having done all,

and all your conflicts past,

You may overcome through Christ alone

And stand complete at last.”*

Christians are engaged in a spiritual battle against unholy spiritual forces of evil. And against these unholy forces, we must follow the Lord's will and defend the innocent, especially children.

Key aspects of being a "soldier of Christ':

**Spiritual battle:**

The main idea is a non-physical war against spiritual forces of evil, requiring spiritual weapons and strength, as emphasized in this Facebook post and sermon summary.

**Discipline and training:**

Just as soldiers train, Christians are encouraged to train through prayer, studying scripture, and living in obedience and dedication to God's will.

**Mission-mindedness and obedience:**

A good soldier is loyal, active, and willing to endure hardship in pursuit of their mission, according to the Africa Freedom Mission.

**Willingness to suffer:**

This includes a readiness to face suffering and, in extreme cases, to lay down one's life for one's faith.

**Obligations:**

Being a soldier of Christ involves fulfilling duties to both God (such as keeping vows) and others (such as being honest and reconciling with them).

For Christians, it is our duty and honor to defend against unholy dangers, keep peace, and protect from harm. Christians must stand against evil.

**Ephesians 6:11**

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*Source: Psalms and Hymns to the Living God #367

**Google AI search for Soldiers of Christ.

 

"For everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven." 

                                         - Ecclesiastes 3:1

Life turns on a dime upon the razor's edge of time.  

Where inherent truths will come to light, regardless of the darkness of night.

Seasons will come and go, swallowed into the eon of Christmas past where memories are laid to rest.  

There, in the distance, the future meets the Lord's will out, balanced upon the clear scales of virtue, infinite in its grace, peace, and love.  

Here, we are sorted, our scores counted, to a place where we belong, heaven or hell, where today is yet to tell.

While there is time, repent-  

Send a message of hope to your future self and give the gift of salvation for every child.

 

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“Keep your thoughts positive, because your thoughts become your words.

Keep your words positive, because your words become your behavior.

Keep your behavior positive, because your behavior becomes your habits.

Keep your habits positive, because your habits become your values.

Keep your values positive, because your values become your destiny.”

                                      - Mahatma Gandhi

If our destiny is shaped by the fullness of our character, our communion with the Holy Spirit, and the divine mysteries beyond our control, how can fear ever surpass love?

How can Satan ever be more powerful than the Lord?

If our destiny unfolds through the strength of our character, our connection with the Holy Spirit, and the divine mysteries beyond our influence, then history will reveal who we truly are—heroes or cowards—in this moment.

Where, much like the Whitney Houston song, in this one moment in time, we are more than we thought we could be…

When all our dreams are just a heartbeat away…

When we're racing with destiny, and in that single moment, we will be free.

This moment in time will ultimately define the future we leave for our children and generations to come.

Whether that future is one of freedom, honor, integrity, decency, and a clear path toward salvation, or one tainted with the abominations of sin and harm.

This is the moment in time where we prove to the world the strength of our character, where we are more than we thought we could be, and leave a lasting legacy of decency and dignity for our children and their children—paving a clear path of salvation and freedom, free from harm, protected from monsters.

This is the moment when we rise to meet our destiny with bravery and in that single moment, we will be free.

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Shepherds must remind their flock of the importance of having a pure heart (Matthew 5:8), which is a necessary condition for salvation.

"Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.  This was because they were saying, 'He has an unclean spirit.'" 

                                    - Mark 3: 29-30

“Nothing unclean will ever enter heaven, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.”   

                                  - Revelations 21:27

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There are no excuses for sin, especially the unholy sins of the flesh that desecrate both the victims and the temple of the Holy Spirit (John 15:22, Romans 1:20, and Romans 2:1). 

Even unintentional sins can lead to guilt and the need for atonement (Leviticus 5:17).

Shepherds who corrupt, exploit, or mislead their flock will face serious consequences and accountability from the Lord (Jeremiah 23:1-2, Ezekiel 34:2-4, 9-10, Isaiah 9:16, and Micah 3:11).

As James 3:1 highlights, those who teach are held to higher standards: "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, for you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."

Unrepentant sin that continues must be addressed with public rebuke and condemnation (Matthew 18:15-17 and 1 Timothy 5:20).

Church leaders bear a sacred duty to protect their flock from harm (Acts 20:28) and will ultimately give a full account of the souls entrusted to them (Hebrews 13:17). This responsibility is of the utmost importance.

Protecting their flock encompasses safeguarding against not only physical harm but also emotional and spiritual desecrations. 

Church leaders must boldly speak out and utilize all available means to protect the flock against temptation, corruption, and harm.  

There are no excuses for failing to defend against harm and unholy desecrations, particularly for the most innocent among us—especially children (Matthew 18).

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We understand from the teachings of Jesus Christ that we cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:13). You will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. It is unequivocal: you cannot serve both God and mammon (materialism, wealth, and greed).

We do not exist in isolation. Throughout human history, every action, thought, and expression—whether of grace or harm—leaves an indelible mark on the soul of our collective conscience, deeply influencing our culture and society, and witnessed by the Holy Spirit.

As time unfolds, truth will emerge. The side of history you choose to stand on will be recorded for future generations to see, searchable, and recalled by your children, grandchildren, and beyond. 

The choice is yours.

Yet it is important to remember that Christians are called to avoid associating with those who cause harm. Engaging with unholy individuals means participating in their wickedness; “for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works” (2 John 1:11). 

Your decisions will impact how your children, future generations, and the world perceive you.

Those who lack moral authority—the intrinsic right to govern based on a belief in justice and goodness—will compromise their legitimacy and credibility. This is especially true for the church. No church can stand strong and credible without a foundation of moral authority and unwavering adherence to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Regardless of our political views, we are called to “render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and unto the Lord the things that are the Lord's” (Matthew 22:20-22, Mark 12:17, Luke 20:25). 

This means that while we fulfill our earthly obligations, our spiritual allegiance is solely to the Lord, with the sacred duty to serve both Him and humanity.

Reflect on new revelations and ensure that your choices align with the example set by Jesus. Commit to doing no harm, with your allegiance and service directed to the Lord above all else.

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✝️

The reality of the Lord is self-evident through the tangible evidence of what cannot be seen: the conscience, intelligence, heartfelt emotions, and soulful spirit.  

Where "faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).  

Faith is having confidence in hopes, such as in the God's promise, with things not visible yet very tangible.

We understand the state of our existence: “I think, therefore I am”, I feel, therefore I'm alive, I intuit, therefore I know the state of my existence, positive in holiness or negative in unholy sin.  

The good news is that, regardless of the disheveled state of the soul, the spirit can be restored through the process of redemption.

Redemption is necessary to cleanse the soul, re-tuning our soul to the Holy Spirit and returning to a state of grace.

 

We need to exist in a state of grace because we are called to exist in a state of holiness with the Holy Spirit.  

We are “to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Moreover, when we die in order to see the Lord, see Heaven's Gate and receive salvation, we need to be pure of heart and holy of spirit (Matthew 5: 8, Hebrews 12:14, Psalm 24:3-5).

It is essential to be in a state of grace to receive the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and salvation.

"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). 

The bad news is that not all sins will be forgiven.

"...but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.” (Mark 3:29, Matthew 12:31-32)

Where does the Holy Spirit exist and resides?  

The Holy Spirit is everywhere, omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-12). Therefore, the Holy Spirit sees everything and is the unseen witness to every deed and misdeed.

Jesus states that the Holy Spirit lives with you and will be in you (John 14:17). 

Not only does the Holy Spirit reside in us, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3: 16, 1 Corinthians 6:19).

Thus, desecrations to the body are blasphemies against the temple of the Holy Spirit and are unforgivable and extremely unholy and damning.  

We know this because the state of spiritual existence and energy of those sinners is extremely negative, unclean and unholy, separated from the Lord, Holy Spirit, humanity and self, and lacking in grace.  

Thankfully final judgment is the Lord's.

For the possibility of salvation, the redemption process must be made regardless of whether forgiven by the Lord or not. 

Furthermore, regardless of belief, whether saved or not, the final decision is not ours, but the Lord’s.  

What is real and really important to our salvation is the current state of our souls, whether it exists in a state of grace, faithful and fruitful of Spirit or not.

How deeply we exist, feel, exemplify, and express love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, defines our present reality and our connection—or disconnection—with the Lord, our original selves, and humanity.

Ultimately, it is through recognizing the living presence of the Holy Spirit, our commitment to spiritual laws, our connection to the Holy Spirit, and our expression of the fruit of the Spirit that will shape our path to salvation and our lives on earth.

In the end, the reality of the Lord, through the living Life of the Holy Spirit, our faithfulness, and holiness in following spiritual laws, our connection with the Holy Spirit, our true selves in the fullness of spirit, and our bond with humanity will ultimately decide our salvation and life on earth.

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🤔

There comes a tipping point when a dire situation transforms into something overwhelmingly negative and destructive. 

At this stage, regardless of who is responsible for the negativity and harm, everyone involved is perceived as part of the problem, highlighting the system's brokenness.

When one group chooses to act recklessly and self-destructively, the wiser opposing group should ideally step back to avoid the fallout.

Unfortunately, not everyone understands this distinction. 

The actions taken to halt the chaos may ultimately save both groups from falling into a tragic situation that would inevitably arise when critical systems, such as air traffic control and security, are pushed beyond their breaking point.

At that moment, no amount of finger-pointing can prevent blame from being directed at the entire system, including the poor decisions made by leadership that prioritize scoring political points over national security and safety. 

In tragedy, there are no winners.

Instead of fighting against each other, leaders should focus on their responsibility to care for their constituents and the people, and strive to make the world a better place.

Christians, regardless of their political beliefs, should remember their call to serve the Lord and their responsibility towards humanity.

"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" 

                                         - Acts 20:35

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**Happy Veterans Day**

 

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We honor Veterans Day by expressing our heartfelt gratitude to all veterans for your unwavering service, dedication, and sacrifices made in the name of freedom and democracy.

You are true exemplars of the finest peacemakers.

Regardless of age, your potential to impact the world for freedom and democracy is boundless.

As vital pillars of peace, society, and humanity, your contributions shape a brighter future.

Thank you for your courage, your service, and your steadfast support of freedom and democracy.🫡

🇺🇸

 

🧭

In Taoist philosophy, the concept of yin and yang represents the balance and harmony of opposing forces. 

These forces are not separate; rather, they are interconnected, similar to the various political parties—primarily the Democratic and Republican parties—operating within a unified system of governance defined by the framework of the Constitution.

When functioning properly, these two parties balance each other, combining their perspectives to create effective policies and practices.

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Let’s examine the traditional beliefs of each party:

The Republican Party traditionally emphasizes individual freedom, limited government intervention, a free-market economy, fiscal responsibility, and a strong national defense. 

In contrast, the Democratic Party aims to promote free trade, support social programs, advocate for labor unions, ensure consumer protection, implement workplace safety regulations, uphold equal opportunity, champion disability rights, pursue racial equity, establish regulations against environmental pollution, and reform the criminal justice system.

These beliefs are not mutually exclusive; when functioning effectively, they complement one another and address a wide range of societal issues. The primary differences lie in the priorities each party emphasizes.

By addressing certain issues first, it does not mean that we can ignore others that may arise later. Total dysfunction occurs when one or both parties operate without mutual interest and respect, straying from the framework that enables the system to function.

Further dangers arise when the system's checks and balances fail, undermining the balance of power among the three branches of government. 

Failures also occur when governing systems overlook the fact that there is no yin without yang. This imbalance can lead to a collapse of the system, resulting in dystopian outcomes.

Before we continue to point fingers and assign blame, we need to step back and understand the broader perspective of the function—or dysfunction—at play within the system and the complexities involved.

Why is there such an imbalance and disconnect from the core values and functions of the system? Who is abdicating responsibility, contributing to this dysfunction, or failing to understand their actual roles?

Let us work together to create a better world before we wreck it beyond recognition. 

Let us focus on improving ourselves as individuals before we destroy our identities, to the point where even Jesus Christ would not recognize us (Matthew 7:21-23).

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“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For you should lose one of your members rather than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For you should lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.”

**Matthew 5:29-30**

**Meaning of the Passage:**

1. **A Call to Drastic Action:** Jesus's words are not meant to be taken literally; a person could still sin with the other eye or hand, or even in their mind. Instead, He uses this dramatic imagery to emphasize the need for a commitment to radical and sometimes painful change to overcome sin.

2. **Focus on the Heart:** This teaching highlights the idea that sin often begins in the mind and heart, represented by the eye (vision and thought) and the hand (action). It serves as a reminder to guard one's heart and the things one chooses to focus on to prevent sin from taking root.

3. **Prioritizing Eternal Life:** The central message is about valuing one's spiritual life and eternal salvation over physical comfort or material possessions. The consequences of sin are far greater than any temporary or physical sacrifice.

4. **Symbol of Sacrifice:** The passage teaches that believers must be willing to “cut off” or “pluck out” any part of their life—be it a relationship, habit, or desire—that leads them away from obedience to God.

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**From Google AI meaning of Bible verse, Matthew 5:29-30.