PART ONE - A SHORT STORY - JESUS AT THE CLUB WITH THE EAGLE SQUAD

Greetings -

(NOTE: I do NOT encourage Christians to frequent clubs.  What I do encourage is for Christians to be ABSOLUTELY sure of what the Lord leads to do...)  

JESUS AT THE CLUB WITH THE EAGLE SQUAD:

Three spiritually proven mature happily married Christian couples, after counsel with their pastor, decided to, once a month go to Club Bliss to glow for the glory of GOD. The couples worship at Great Grace Tabernacle. They are a diverse group – two Caucasians, Michael and Jennifer – two Native Americans – Pedro and Carla – and two Black Americans – Robert and Lisa. Each of them has been in Christ for more than 15 years and they all have received intense training in love demonstrations and spiritual warfare. Their group is called Eagle Squad.

The Lord has spoken to the Eagle Squad about the need for more Christians to be relevant to those who are in the world. The Eagle Squad’s mission that they chose to accept is to monthly be present at Club Bliss – inside for 20 minutes and right outside the club for two hours with the Eagle Squad’s red van called, Love Lifted. Those words, Love Lifted, are stenciled on the van’s exterior sides.

The Eagle Squad shows up at Club Bliss faithfully every month dressed modestly but attractively (no dowdy attire). And they are “armed” with love, compassion, and heart-shaped mints to offer the club clientele. In Love Lifted, the Eagle Squad members read their Bibles and pray before entry to Club Bliss and after they leave the club, they read their Bibles and pray in Love Lifted, as well.  They keep their Bibles with them in the club but not where they are visible to the patrons of the establishment.

The couples order soft drinks on the rocks, sit and converse among themselves - sensitive to the club atmosphere. They stay at their tables but the glory of the Lord upon them is dominant. People walk by them, some pause, and look puzzled. The Eagle Squad members smile glowingly and offer the heart-shaped mints. People accept, give thanks and move on.

Three months pass. The Eagle Squad continues to sit in Club Bliss for 20 minutes and afterward to remain right outside the club for two hours with Love Lifted.

One night, a young woman, Amy, walks up to the Eagle Squad table in tears. Her boyfriend has just entered Club Bliss with another woman. Amy is crushed. In the club, none in the Eagle Squad has ever preached or declared Christ. They have been a presence who has habitually glowed, sat, ordered their soft drinks on the rocks, and talked among themselves. They have also consistently given warm smiles, and offered and handed out heart-shaped mints to the club patrons. Some patrons engage in small talk with the Eagle Squad, and walk away feeling uplifted but not understanding why.  The group is amused at how people cannot figure the presence of GOD that flows from within them.  

Somehow Amy is compelled to approach the Eagle Squad table. She knows that there is something pleasantly different about these people. Though she does not know what it is, she feels secure in confiding in the Eagle Squad members. They do not mention Christ to Amy. Carla and Lisa invite her out to the Love Lifted. Amy accompanies them. Carla and Lisa listen to her pour out her sorrow as tears flood from her eyes. They comfort Amy and invite her to sit there with them while she regains her composure. While there, Amy comments on why she felt led, in the club, to approach the Eagle Squad.

To be continued... 

Written Monday September 27, 2010

© Copyright 2010

GOOD GOD'S MONDAY MORNING SCRIPTURE JOY



Our Father who is in heaven, and who rules the heavens and all of the earth is above the 8 ball.

ROMANS 8:28:

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

GOD Almighty is a bulls-eye Master.

Psalm 64:7

But God shall shoot at them with an arrow;...

Sovereign GOD is much pleased with love matches.

1 Corinthians 13:2

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.   

PLAY MAKERS

BASEBALL:
Touch all the bases
And leave your signature on each one
Keep your wits with you
and come through
with averages that are high -
Your rep is on the line
It is time for plentiful homeruns

FOOTBALL:
Play defense and offense
Learn in the huddles
how to plan as a team
Make excellent calls
and listen to the coach
Begging is not in the game plan -
dignity will gain you respect
Prepare for the end zone triumphs
Victories are at hand -
Touchdowns represent

BASKETBALL:
Play the hoops
until you master the game -
Triple fake, ace the free throws,
Slam dunk the opposition
and sky hook your way to excellence -
Be in the paint, and all the way live
Be a superb crunch player
and hit some buzzer beaters for the highlight reels
Yo, this is sports info here –
But read again, people -
This is also the 411 on how to live life
Play it right, and play it hard
To do so is to win.
Are you in the house?!

This was published in the Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper on September 25, 1997

© Copyright 1997

MAN WAS MY GOD

Truly, God knows how to deliver in full. He can deliver in such a way that our complete desire for a former sinful indulgence no longer has appeal. We can become so completely in love with God, that habitual sin does not grip us as before. Yes, we will still sin because we are in the flesh. But God can deliver us from strongholds. He does deliverance as He deems fit. Sometimes it is a prolonged process – other times it is not. It is His prerogative as to the how, and all which that involves.

To have the intimate presence of a man in my life was once my god. My belief was that I needed a man to validate my value, and worth as a woman. My low self esteem ensnared me into the position of making a god out of man. Oh, for sure, there were some pleasurable” moments - that was part of the deception. The Devil cannot “rule” if he supplies all that is “bad.” He furnishes some “pleasures” in his mission to keep us estranged from God. He is cunning, conniving and highly intelligent. He should not be underestimated. His aim is to deceive us all the way to hell.

God has the most high-powered agenda. Our Lord is fully aware of every action, misdeed, and intent of the Devil. God knows what the Devil is going to do before the Devil knows it. The Devil is mighty but he knows far, far less than our Almighty Father God. The knowledge and wisdom of God trumps every bit of might that the Devil possesses.

So while I was out there with man as my god, the only Wise God was observing all of my stupidity, and foolishness. Satan was celebrating while God was grieving about my unrighteous choices. God brought the Devil’s celebration to a halt. God allowed circumstances which brought me to my knees in tears, and true repentance. Hallelujah, I was back under the dominion of the King of saints!

Thanks be unto God for His love, mercy and forgiveness. It was made unmistakably clear to me through much heartache, and pain that I was in love with the wrong god. Man was an imitation of life – God is the real deal! My existence with the god-man was a lie, a scheme concocted by Satan to remove me from the God who is greater than all - the only God who is worthy to be my FIRST LOVE. If we deviate from that crucial path, we are in position to be destroyed by the Devil.

When we align ourselves with the enemy of our souls, and his evil forces, we reap what we sow. God will not force us to choose life – which can only be attained through devotion to God. If we elect death - which is allegiance to the Devil – we reap separation from God, and have an existence without peace - that only God can provide. The word of God says, “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” (Isaiah 57: 21)

God in His loving kindness proved to me that only He is able to give me the utmost love, joy, and fulfillment that I craved. He more than satisfies me with His love, care, and concern. I am fully convinced that God knows best. God may decide to send me a man. My desire is that God’s perfect will be done. Whatever He decides – I am grounded in the truth that God alone is my God.

I sought to fill the void in my heart with the superficial injection of a temporal fix. The Lord filled that void with the eternal fix of the confidence that only the true and living God can provide absolute certainty of who we are, and the precious value that He places on our lives. My self esteem is invested in righteousness. Now, I truly know whose I am, and that allows me to know who I am - in the Lord. My validation comes from God - the Most High!!!

While I still have much to learn, I am thrilled beyond compare that God abides in me, and I in Him. Words are inadequate to explain the elation experienced by souls that are anchored in God.

Though transformation is a process… deliverance is oh so liberating!

Written September 18, 2008
Copyright 2010

DEATH OF TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS

How many of us are in continuance mode with relationships that are dead weight associations? I mean they add nothing to us but certainly subtract from our positive progressive journeys. The subject relationships could be relative to friends, acquaintances,  and dating associations. I do not exclude from these descriptions some  “Christian” connections which can also prove hazardous to godliness.

Our Lord does appoint us to minister to the dead and instructs us to be mindful that we were once dead ourselves. It is, however, crucial to be in tune with our Father to discern when to move on as the Spirit leads. My experience has been to linger too long where I should have cancelled some “subscriptions” to relationship “magazines.” Fool that I was, I remained in the “pages” well after the expiration dates. Hampered spirituality was the result when I continued engagements where I no longer had any business.

We can allow vice grips on our emotions that cause us to cling to toxic connections. Why do we cling? The reasons vary. Fear readily comes to mind. We can fear the absence of the entanglements. Granted, the entanglements are toxic but we foolishly desire them, regardless. Often, we are afraid to disengage. We have become accustomed to the presence. Inner battles rage.

We know better but are afraid to do better. What will it mean? What can replace them? Reluctance is stronger than logic.  There is hope. Undoubtedly, it can be difficult to trade in liabilities for assets. One reality is that assets are not always immediate after cancellation of liabilities. Hurt tends to be the immediate consequence. Separation anxiety is a definite result. Tough it out, though, because rainbows can be a certainty.

It is absolutely a surety that we can rise above the pain. What is vital is a heart to work through it with awareness that it will hurt but conquer we shall.

Emotional warfare is an apt way to describe it. We must purpose to do it and allow nothing and no one to impede our journeys to wholeness. GOD can show us the paths of life. His question is, “Do you want to press on to gain it?”

Recently, someone gave me declarations that, in essence, amounted to rejection of me. Gratitude is felt for that rejection because I learned that inwardly I have come to a new place. What he said was beneficial for me to know. It may, to some people, seem odd for me to express gratitude for rejection. The truth that he spoke resulted in some measures of freedom for me. Something shifted within when I digested the content of his words. That shift has been instrumental in turning some things right side up. I am thankful.

Burial of dead relationships is essential to move forward. We cannot embrace freedom if we cling to death.

In the interest of balance, I cannot conclude here without inclusion of another aspect on the matter of toxic dead relationships. Evidence supports that there are instances that the dead can live again or live where there was no previous life. Once toxic does not necessarily mean always toxic. Remedies do exist to bring the dead to life.

Happily, toxic dead marriages have been revived, healed, and restored to blissful unity. Family estrangements have gained healing. Those are glowing reports.

My experiences have also proved that it is possible to have peace in the presence of storms. Dissension has surrounded me where I had to reside, that is, relationships severed but I had to, for seasons, remain in the same physical places. I learned to go and glow in spite of it. That meant that heart disconnection happened before physical disconnection occurred. Immediate physical relief is not always attainable. What can be attained, though, is a heart set to reject attempts to discourage joyous progression. Peace can be resident in the midst of toxic dramas. Determine to sing in the rain. Escape before you leave. Leave intact. Victories are choices that begin in our hearts.

Wisely consider relationship choices. Ponder and select what is reasonable, safe and responsible. Chances are some relationships can be “saved” while others should be categorized as permanent deaths. Let’s face it – all cannot be salvaged. The better we discern and understand the differences, the more liberated we shall be as whole beings on this great planet earth.

Written Friday August 6, 2010
Revised Sunday September 26, 2010
© Copyright 2010

HIGH SCHOOL - CHANGE CADETS - A SHORT STORY

Greetings

This is fiction but could actually be true:

Edward is an outgoing 15 year old high school
student - lanky with vivid blue eyes and shoulder length red hair.  He is a Christian, who is a Sunday school aide at Grace and Mercy Full Gospel Church.  Edward attends Truman High School.  Bullying is a major cause of concern at Truman as there has been an increase in abusive actions.

For the entire school year, Edward has witnessed bullying of fellow students, and some days he joins in the taunting and ridicule.  More and more Edward notices a group of students he calls, "GOD fanatics."  He especially observes them in the school cafeteria.  Daily, the group discusses the gospel, and reads their Bibles as they eat lunch.  What most affects Edward is that those in the GOD group never participate in the bullying.  In fact, they exhibit care and concern for those who are bullied, and for the bullies. The GOD group has no fear of going against the flow of the bullies.  They often invite the victims and the bullies to join them to eat their meals together.  Some victims do - some victims don't.  None of the bullies join them - yet. Several of the bullied students joined the GOD group and now regularly discuss the gospel, and read their Bibles together at lunch. 

Particularly striking to Edward is that all in the group have this constant glow.  What is that?, Edward wonders.  Strangely to him, Edward feels drawn to the GOD group but he does not act on the pull.  His worry is his taunter peers.  He longs to remain in the "loop" with them, but the GOD group is wearing on his heart.  

Sunday at Sunday school, the lesson is from Exodus 32:26, "...Who is on the Lord's side?"  The teacher lovingly but firmly drives home the point that people cannot serve GOD and the Devil.  He broke down the lesson in absolute clear certainty.  Edward was deeply convicted.  He looked around and became aware that some of the other attendees were convicted, as well.  Edward realized that he needed to steadfastly live of the gospel.  He also realized that it took no courage to bully but that it did take courage to forsake and resist it.  Edward decided to speak up.  He confessed his double life style, repented, and asked for prayer.  Others followed suit.  It was the best Sunday school engagement in the three years that Edward had attended.

On Monday afternoon, Edward went to the "GOD fanatics" lunch table and asked whether he could join them.  They heartily welcomed him.  His taunter peers registered major surprise.  They went to him with robust comments of displeasure.  Edward was polite but firm.  He made it clear that he was where he belonged; he invited his taunter peers to join them.  They refused, sneered, made jokes, and moved on to their preying habits.  One of them, though, looked back longingly.   Later he would join the "GOD fanatics"
as a regular, too.

Edward learns much from the "GOD fanatics" group.  He smiles at the truth that he is now one of them.  Months later, the united group went to school officials to ask to form an after school program. The administration granted permission.  The program is called, "Change Cadets."  The goal is to provide refuge, discussions, and solutions about the matter of bullying.  GOD indeed is a fan of the "Change Cadets."  He shall produce remarkable results!

Copyright 2010

STORMY PERSPECTIVES

Greetings -
Scriptures from the King James Bible

Mark 4:37
And there arose a great storm...

Mark 4:39
...and there was a great calm.

Before the great storm, and before the great calm, JESUS said in Mark 4:35, ..."Let us pass over unto the other side."  The other side was there after JESUS rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, "Peace be still."  JESUS knew that there was the certainty of the other side.  The disciples questioned JESUS - they had doubts but JESUS had said, "Let us pass over unto the other side."  JESUS never wavered.  The pass over was a done deal as far as JESUS was concerned.  He had foreknowledge about the great storm, the wind, and the sea but the other side would be reached, He knew.  

JESUS is Master over the fiercest and most troubling storms.  They must obey Him.  When He orders, "Peace be still," that is what they are - still.  When He allows the storms to rage, we can rest and say, "It is well with our souls."  His Word promises He will not fail us or forsake us -  nor shall we be forgotten by Him.

The Son of GOD was the fourth Man in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  The Bible says that  the fire had no power - the smell of fire did not even pass on them. (Daniel 3:27)  Yet that same fire destroyed the enemies of GOD.  The most High was in signature form on mount Carmel with Elijah and the prophets of Baal.  The fire of GOD fell and licked up the water that was in the trench.  (1 Kings 18).  Jezebel's own people threw her down to her destruction when GOD sent his man to handle His holy business.  2 Kings 9:33 states, "And he said, Throw her down.  So they threw her down:..."  Jephthah, the son of an harlot, was used by GOD to subdue His enemies (Judges 11). 

When GOD decides that the storms are over - they are over.  When He decides that the storms
remain - remain they shall - until He accomplishes what is necessary for us to bear fruit, and more fruit for our profit that we may partakers of His holiness (Hebrews 12:10).  When, for His purposes, He allows us to be in the storms, as He was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, so He is with us in our storms.  He always makes a way of escape for His faithful.  1 Corinthians 10:13, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."       

Job 11:15-19

For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:

Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away:

And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.

And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.

Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid;...

Copyright 2010

WHAT'S UP WITH THE RIDES?

Greetings -

Would there be so much need for church vans for attendee pickups if more people would stop driving to church solo or with space in their vehicles to transport other attendees?  Some churches do not have church vans.

Years ago, when I first became I Christian, I was mentored by a Christian man and his wife.  They had a van and every Sunday they  would pick up people and transport them to church.  This was their personal van - not a church van.

My sister told me about her pastor, who every Sunday before ending services, tells people that if they can  get to church, he will get them rides home.  Before close of sevice he calls upon attendees who have vehicles to transport people home.  This is a regular Sunday call for rides for those without vehicles.  I love that!

When I lived in Tampa, FL, a pastor's wife told of an eldery widow in another state.  The widow could no longer attend church because she could not get a ride.  The pastor of said church stated that he could not get anyone to pick her up.  I was appalled!

What are your thoughts about people who drive to church Sunday after Sunday solo or with plenty of room to transport others to worship GOD but never make efforts to give rides to those who do not have vehicles?  Please comment.  Thank you.

THE GOD GLOW

Greetings -

Years ago my brother, who was raised as a Christian but was not walking uprightly before the Lord then, told me that he could tell true Christians by looking at them.  I was a babe in Christ and could not comprehend what he meant.  I asked him how he could tell.  He said that they have a certain look about them.  I pondered what he said but at the time I could not understand.

I just came to understand it about 2-1/2 years ago.  I was on the bus in Tampa, FL one day and sat near an older man who I had only encountered one other time.  That other time, he and I had a brief conversation about GOD.  He had some knowledge of GOD but was a man battling with alcoholism.  The second time, we saw one another on the bus; he said to me, "I see Jesus all over you."  I wondered what I looked like and what he saw.    

Late last year up to now, I have increased my time with the Lord.  I was already doing daily Word reading, and praying, etc.  Now though, daily in the morning, I worship and pray to him prostrate.  I had prayed/worshipped prostrate before but never regularly.  One day about a month ago, I watched T.D. Jakes preach a sermon titled, "The Glory is on the Floor."  During that live broadcast of his Sunday service, the anointing of GOD was heavy.  People were laying on the floor prostrate in worship.  I was deeply impacted by that outpouring of the anointing of GOD.  When the service ended, to the floor I went - prostrate before the Lord.  I have done it every morning since and I have not been the same.  My closeness to the Lord has been elevated.  Of course, obedience to the Word is a core component.  I mean I could not have that closeness just by being on the floor prostrate.  I need to have a pure heart and clean hands...

Now I understand much more about the GOD glow.  Now the Lord has given me more discernment relative to people...and I can clearly notice the GOD glow on Christians.  Marijo has it.  She sent me, via e-mail, a photo of her and I saw the GOD glow on her.  Timothy has the GOD glow, too.  Sunday I saw a complete stranger walking down the street who had the GOD glow.  It was only moments...and I noticed it on her.  I walked up to her and let her know that I knew that she knew JESUS.  She smiled and agreed.  We had a brief discussion about the Lord.

On the flip side, I now discern more readily those who profess Christ but do not have the GOD glow.  They utter GOD'S Word's but the GOD glow is not present on them.  The GOD glow cannot be faked.  It comes from the inside out - it is the glory of the Lord shining through those with pure hearts and clean hands. 

Remember when Moses' face shone? 

Exodus 34: 29, 30, and 35:

And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai...that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone...

And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone;...

And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone:...  

When I watch some of the Christian programming, the GOD glow is obvious on some Christians.  Clifton Davis, who sometimes hosts TBN, has the GOD glow.  The love of GOD flows from his spirit.    

Hallelujah ! It is glorious in the place of the GOD glow!!!  

The Acts 4:13
...they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Isaiah 62:2
And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory:...

Copyright 2010

Here is the link to my e-books available on Smashwords.com https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/lioneagle

Titles:

- Warfare Solutions Loaded with the Lion of Judah

- Zest and Gusto in Christian Short Stories

- Championship Conduct - Excel in Care, Courtesy and Customer Service

Free samples of my e-books can be read on the subject site.  You don't need e-readers to read e-books. They can be read online, as well. 

STRATEGIC PLACEMENT IN THE ARMY OF GOD

Greetings -

NOTE: This is NOT to describe any class of people as inferior or superior.  It uses rank placement relative to positions NOT people.

From the Holy Bible - King James Version:
Deuteronomy 1:15
So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes. 

Presented here below is a list of ranks in the natural army organization. Source: A Civilian’s Guide To The U.S. Military, by Barbara Schading, PH.D

Commissioned Officers from top to bottom rank as follows: general of the Army (five-star, wartime use only), general (four-star), lieutenant general (three-star), major general (two-star), brigadier general (one-star), colonel, lieutenant colonel, major, captain, first lieutenant, and second lieutenant

Warrant Officers rank, from top to bottom: chief warrant officer 5, chief warrant officer 4, chief warrant officer 3, chief warrant officer 2, and warrant officer

The enlisted personnel rank, from top to bottom: sergeant major of the Army, command sergeant major, sergeant major, first sergeant, master sergeant, sergeant first class, staff sergeant, sergeant, corporal, specialist, private first class, and private

Here is what the Lord shared with me. His army of people also consists of ranks and levels of expertise, and deepness in Him. Also, He reminded me that JESUS had twelve disciples but three of them, Peter, James and John were in His inner circle. Matthew 17:1, “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain.” Matthew 17:9, “And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.” Mark 14:33, “And he taketh with him Peter and James and John,…” Luke 8:51, “And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John,…” Also, Peter and John were featured prominently in the book of The Acts such as in The Acts 3:1, 3:3, and 4:19. The Acts 12:2 states that James was killed. Peter wrote epistles. John wrote epistles and the book of Revelation. My belief is that John and Peter were spiritual generals. I believe the same about some others mentioned in GOD’s Word such as Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Isaiah.

Generals cannot win wars without privates and privates cannot win wars without generals. Every rank is necessary and vital for military actions to be successfully executed. That is true for the natural military as well as it is true for the supernatural military. All ranks work together with boundaries and limitations designated for each. Typically, commissioned officers do not frequently socialize with enlisted personnel. They work together but are not often likely to fraternize. I believe that there could be a practice of unequal yoking if generals…frequently socialized with privates…, etc.

That brings me to the question as to whether Christians can be unequally yoked between and/or among other Christians. My conclusion is yes. Please read my post and the subsequent comments under topic, "UNEQUALLY YOKED?"  Here's the link http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2010/09/unequally-yoked.html

Again here, I use a military illustration. Privates have necessary war knowledge training at required levels. But we do not expect them to be in the "Situation Rooms" with generals and those of high commissioned ranks. The presence of privates would likely be
counter-productive to the goals and objectives in such meetings.

There are commonalities to said logic relative to Christians. There are commissioned Christians, as well as enlisted Christians. We have five-star general status Christians all the way down to the rank of private level status Christians. Can Christian generals…be unequally yoked with Christian privates…? I believe so.
As in the natural army, there are, in the Christian army, common objectives for the overall good of the operations. The core ideal is to be on one accord for the established principles and goals of the institution. But the institution breaks down into specializations that are critical for purpose fulfillment in the army organization.

The natural army has Special Forces such as Rangers and Green Berets. They engage in specialized unconventional warfare. In the supernatural army, there are Special Forces, as well. Privates do not understand the work of those in Special Forces. They do not know the unique intricate, complex, strategic, and dangerous exploits that comprise what Special Forces personnel are assigned to execute.

There are Christians who do bare minimum – who attend church but do not know the Holy Bible and subsequently do not do it – who do not spend regular quality time in private devotions with GOD – and who do not engage in regular praise, worship and prayer. They are to be loved but would you want such with you in intense spiritual battlefield combat zones? Supernatural warfare is for the steadfastly fully armored. Are dim lit Christians considered privates? Are they commissioned officers or enlisted personnel?

Then there are Christians who are consistently hungry for more of GOD – who know the Holy Bible and who consistently do what it says – who regularly love/obey GOD and pray, praise and worship Him privately, as well as along with others in the body of Christ. Such have souls that follow hard after GOD (Psalm 63:8). Are these commissioned officers - generals, colonels, majors, and captains…for GOD? Are such of Special Forces caliber?

GOD commands us to love everybody but I do not believe that He expects us to spend unnecessary time with Christians who refuse to grow in the Lord. (Note: That does not include spouses because GOD has unique mandates for matrimonial unions whatever the spiritual status of the spouses. Also, the biological family dynamic often requires more engagement.) And baby Christians need more from those who are more spiritually mature. But carnal Christians can often be counter-productive to holy Christ-centered journeys. They can prove more damaging than
bona fide sinners because bona fide sinners frequently do not know…but carnal Christians frequently do know…yet make decisions not to do what they know. Also, what carnal Christians know is limited because they refuse to obey GOD by renewing their minds with the Holy Scriptures, and by spending quality time with Him. I am confident that all of the carnal Christians will not remain unspiritual because some of them will become fervent for the Lord. In the meantime, my advice is to beware of them because again, they can be more damaging…than bona fide sinners. Typically, we expect evil from sinners while we usually don’t expect evil from professed Christians but the reality is that that is precisely what we get from unspiritual Christians. Carnal Christians are often wolves in sheep clothing. They profess Christianity but can be toting evil and catch people unaware and unprepared for what they are “packing.” Often before carnal Christians are discovered for the unspiritual people that they are, many wounded victims have become “bloodied” from their damaging and vile practices.

We are at war, people, and whosoever mocks GOD risks becoming casualties of war. GOD is no respecter of persons. Colossians 3:25 states, “But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”

Do some commissioned/enlisted Christians “die” in battle? Yes, but hallelujah – Glory be to GOD, Romans 14:8 says, “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord: and whether we die, we die unto the Lord, whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”

Who will be instrumental in turning the world upside down? The Acts 17:6, “…These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;”

Matthew 28:9

…Jesus met them, saying, All hail...

Copyright 2010

Notes:

- Invitation: Come Flourish with Me - United, We Make Things Happen.

So many people are lonely, frustrated and depressed. PHOTO FLOURISH is licensed under Solid Journey in Washington, D.C. (license #70101848) and was created to encourage and to lift weary hearts. Please click this link http://www.flourishflavor.blogspot.com/ to view photo products, such as cards, calendars, key rings and magnets. Please purchase from the site to share with those who need love, encouragement and hope shown to them through our caring actions.

Note: - This piece, "Strategic Placement in the Army of God" is available in my $4.99 e-book titled, Warfare Solutions Loaded with the Lion of Judah. 

- FYI - You're invited to obtain my e-books. Also, I invite you to read my free offerings. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.sandrasbookdepot.blogspot.com/

You don't need e-readers to read e-books; they can also be read online.

Thank you for your consideration and caring actions.

LAW ENFORCEMENT AGAIN...

Greetings -

Today Monday September 20, 2010, I read the below stated information.

Source: www.cnn.com - dated yesterday Sunday September 19, 2010

Headline: "Eight police officers found dead in southern Mexico"

The report went on to state, "A group of armed attackers intercepted the officers in northern Guerrero Friday,..."

"A ninth officer was injured but survived the attack,..."

Source: www.dcexaminer.com - dated today Monday September 20, 2010

Headline: Police find body of NC police chief's daughter in storage facility..."

Below are excerpted paragraph's from my Saturday September 18, 2010 posting:


Law enforcement professionals will be caught unawares because the range of their training will prove inadequate against the vicious machinations formed and executed by the lawless.

Alert! Law enforcement is a target in ways that are, to date, unprecedented. The criminal element is determined to show strength on levels that will baffle even the most seasoned law enforcement professionals. The criminal element largely succeeds because they are “packing” hatred whose source is the Devil himself.

WHAT DOES IT PROFIT? ...MARK 8:36

Greetings -

Thank GOD for the rich people who know and serve GOD.  There are so many of them, though, who do not live for the Creator who formed them.  My desire is that more rich people become rich in GOD (Luke 12:21).  There are so many famous, wealthy, rich people who are depressed, frightened, insecure, and lonely right in the midst of people.  The rich and famous wear their public masks but some of them cry themselves to sleep.  In that circle, there are closet drug addicts and alcoholics.  Their possessions possess them.  They walk the red carpets while they feel walked on by "life."  They hunger for they know not what.  They have houses but not homes.  They shop 'til they drop, and dress in the finest while inwardly they are dry, broken, and forlorn.  They have huge trust issues because they are often manipulated for their favors.  They question who truly cares.   They seek love in wrong places and are met with devastating betrayals.      

Prayer:
Father, in the name of JESUS, please wrap Your loving arms around the suffering rich.  Please save their weary souls and forgive their sins.  Wash them with Your Word.  Visit them with Your holy glory - they need close encounters with you, GOD.  There are no predicaments for which You do not have remedies.  You fully know of their "secret" weeping, their suicidal imaginations, and their desperate empty hearts.  All is known by You.  You are not intimidated by the highest dramas or the most tumultuous situations.  You are above it all, and You bow to none of it.  Prove that, please Lord, to more of the rich and famous.     

The rich and famous also need You to prove to them that Your love is a Rock of salvation and that You can be trusted with their smallest and their greatest needs.  Show them how to wholly escape the vanities that never profit in ways that please You.   Reveal Yourself to the famous celebrities, the reclusive and the flamboyant millionaires/billionaires, the call girls, and the scores of influential people who all need to be introduced to the only true and living GOD - You - the most High!

Please, Lord, send holy people to love on the rich and influential.  Let Your holy abundant influence penetrate them to impact their lives indelibly.  Take them, in You, from introduction to relationship status and on to righteous eternal freedom.  It shall come to pass.  Thank you, Lord - Amen. 

Copyright 2010

NOT DONE BEFORE - THAT IS ONE OF GOD'S SIGNATURE STYLES

Greetings -

Today Monday September 20, 2010, I read this on www.cnn.com:

Headline: "Mexican newspaper to cartels: We do not want more deaths"

The report went on to state:
"No newspaper in Juarez has ever published an editorial directly addressed to the cartels..."

Sandra's comment:

The below statement is an excert from the Mexico prayer post that I placed here on Tuesday August 31, 2010. 

I decree here Father, on the record, that You will do works in Mexico that will create news of a holy supernatural sort, and plus some…because You are a GOD who does bountifully.

PRAYER ABOUT DOMESTIC ABUSE

Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thank you for your love, care, and faithfulness.  This prayer is for abusers, the abused, and those who can help in the matters of domestic abuse.

For abusers:  Lord, Your hand is not shortened that it cannot save; neither your ear heavy, that it cannot hear.  Father, we know that nothing is impossible with You.  Draw, please, abusers by Your marvelous love, grace, forgiveness and mercy.  Many of them have been abused themselves.  Their souls cry out for help but they do not know how to slay the demonic that resides within them.  Minister to them, please, Father and quell their inner storms.  Reach to the deepness of them and penetrate them to the core of their being and free them from their dark existences.  Your Word teaches us your realities and one of Your realities is that not all shall be saved.  I pray this prayer from what JESUS stated in John 17:9, "I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine."  Pull their miserable souls, Father, out of the fire.

For the abused:  Father, there is much pain, fear and hurt in the lives of the abused.  I call upon You, please, to rescue people from abuse.  Expose and rebuke their abusers and if they do not forsake their abuses, let justice prevail.  Save the abused and give them hearts after Yours.  Let them come to You, Lord, with tears flowing so that You can wipe their sobs away.  Bind up their wounds and let healing manifest and free them from their horrors.  Prove to them that You can minister to their every need in gigantic porportions. Teach them to forgive for indeed there is freedom in forgiveness.  Build them up Lord because for so long they have been torn down.  Send people to love on them - they need rich relationships.  Give them the hope of glory and the peace that passes all understanding.  Assure them that You are their rescuer, deliverer, strong tower, shield and buckler.  Envelop them in Your secure embrace.  

For those who can help:  Father, please move upon people to help those who are captive in abuse situations.  Give sensitivity training to people to reach out to those who live in shame, fear, and rage.
Help people to get understanding about domestic abuse.  Provide people with skill sets to make major differences in the lives of those who are bound.  You are holy, Father, and You have holy people who can dismantle the wicked devices of Satan.  You have people who can do warfare against the forces of darkness.  We walk in the light and our lights need to be burning.  We are not to be as the Levite and the Priest who passed by the one in need. (Luke 10:33).  Your Word commands us in Galatians 6:2, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."  Let us do it, Lord, according to Your Word.  It is our duty as Your vessels of honor.

I decree Lord that You will answer this prayer in manifold ways with bountiful evidence to
manifest - because that is your signature style.

Thank you, Lord, - Amen.      

Scripture references:
Isaiah 59:1
Psalm 147:3
Psalm 116
Psalm 35:2
Psalm 84:11
Revelation 7:17
Revelation 21:4

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Greetings -

Do you believe that enough churches are dealing effectively with domestic abuse issues?  There are pastors and church leaders who are verbally and/or physically abusive to their spouses and family members.  Abuse victims sit in churches in silent anguish because of the treatment that they receive from their loved ones. Many of those loved ones sit in churches right beside those who they abuse.       

I am 54 years old and have only heard about two sermons that mentioned the issue of domestic abuse.  Yet domestic abuse is a major and regular occurence in numerous households as evidenced by court dockets and news reports.  My opinion is that more churches should minister effectively about this grievous stronghold.

Indeed domestic violence is a very sensitive issue and cannot be handled casually or without some expert training about the sensitivities involved.  Love, of course, is necessary in the equation but knowledge of the dynamic is crucial as is wisdom in treatment applications.  Our Lord is able to provide the suitable experts to penetrate the viciousness of domestic violence.  Let it begin in His sanctuaries.  Who will say, "Here am I Lord, send me?"

MORE ON CELL PHONES

Greetings -

I decided to do a new post on this matter. 

I watched a newsmagazine show the other night where the reporter did a segment with children from about 5-8 years old. She asked them how they felt when their parents were so engaged with cell phone usage. All of the children were displeased with how their parents catered to cell phone usage. One little girl stated that she felt that her parent cared more for cell phone conversations than she did about her.

To observe the reactions of the children, the reporter had made prior arrangement for someone to call her (the reporter's) cell phone while she was interviewing the children. Immediately, the children reacted with displeasure. When the reporter answered the phone...the children responded with groans, sighs, and vocal displeasure expressed with body language that was indicative of exasperation. The reporter got off the phone and asked the children how it made them feel when she was engaged on the cell phone in their presence. I do not remember what their responses were but I do recall that the children expressed to her that they did not like it. The parents were observing from another room. One parent stated that she would engage in cell phone usage less in the presence of her child.

I was at a church once at a Bible study and the pastor's wife, from the podium area, stated that she kept her cell phone on vibrate mode in case of emergency. My thought was what did we do back in the days prior to cell phones, when we were in church services, and there were emergencies?

I attended Sunday school in one church when it was time for the teacher to teach. She stood at the podium to begin. Her cell rang and she answered it.

My opinion is that our Lord is not pleased when we use cell phones in His sanctuaries. Now if someone is an on-call doctor...that is understandable. It is, in my view, a lack of holy reference for GOD to engage cell phones in church services. I am not even about the vibrate arrangement. I turn my cell phone off before I enter churches. Once or twice, I forgot to do so, and I felt horrible. Those times that I forgot, when it did ring, I did not look to see who it was or answer it. I immediately turned it off.

Two Christian dinner guests were at my home. One of them engaged a number of times on her cell phone while we were engaged in dinner and fellowshipping. After several of her phone conversations, I mentioned to her that that was rude. She disagreed.

One of my relatives mentioned that she and her husband transported a married couple for a long distance ride for Thanksgiving. The husband, they stated, was on his cell phone for most of the ride.

JOHN THE BAPTIST

Greetings -

Would John the Baptist be welcomed in most of today's churches?

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Greetings -

What is your belief relative to an ideal Sunday School setting?  Is your belief that the teacher should call on students for answers as happens in regular schools?  Or is your belief that the teacher should do all of the talking while the students learn in silence?  Should it be participatory where there is class engagement with questions asked by students and answers given by, not necessarily, the teacher but others who may know? 

My belief is that it should be participatory with exchanges between the attendees, including the teacher.  I do not picture JESUS teaching and doing all of the talking.  I believe that He was receptive to and answered questions when He taught during His years on earth in flesh form.  Sure, the teacher should facilitate, and aim to keep communications orderly, but shouldn't students be requested to give answers and to ask questions?  After all, it is school.  Isn't student participation a way to determine whether the students are getting it?

A RE-POST - LAW ENFORCEMENT SPIRITUAL ALERT

TOPIC - PROPHECY FULFILLED 

GREETINGS -

1. This is a posting of an e-mail...relative to a prophetic message that the Lord gave me on Resurrection Sunday 2009.

2. After I wrote the subject piece and subsequently
e-mailed it, this was posted online on Sunday December 13, 2009 on www.foxnews.com "Spike in Number of Cops Killed by Gunfire in Line of Duty."

Today I read an online article from www.dcexaminer.com titled, "Law Enforcement deaths rise nationwide." In said article it stated that "There has been a 43 percent increase in the number of officers who died on duty in the first half of 2010 compared with the same time period last year."

Please read below the April 13, 2009 prophetic message that the Lord gave me before the news media published the subject reports cited above. Thank you

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


COPIED FROM E-MAIL ACCOUNT:
From: actsofglory@hotmail.com
Subject: Law Enforcement Spiritual Alert
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 09:58:16 -0400

LAW ENFORCEMENT SPIRITUAL INTELLIGENCE ALERT

The prophetic word that was dropped relative to those in law enforcement –

As was expressed, the opposition against law enforcement personnel shall increase. Many in the subject profession are not near ready for this new wave of evil that is soon to display and demonstrate hatred against the law. Nothing in the natural is prepared to contend with the diabolical evil that is poised to launch against the law enforcement community.

In the natural realm they are out-powered by the wickedness of Satan and his legion of devils. This is not a flesh war. It is a spiritual battle that will cause grown men to sob in despair. The so-called men in law enforcement are ill-prepared for the army who will do battle for the kingdom of Satan. The devil gleefully anticipates vanquishing the power of those in the profession of law.

Alert! Law enforcement is a target in ways that are, to date, unprecedented. The criminal element is determined to show strength on levels that will baffle even the most seasoned law enforcement professionals. The criminal element largely succeeds because they are “packing” hatred whose source is the devil himself.

Tried and true methods will certainly diminish in effectiveness. The level of this “beast” requires measures that have yet to be developed….

Law enforcement professionals will be caught unawares because the range of their training will prove inadequate against the vicious machinations formed and executed by the lawless.

At present, law enforcement does not have “ammunition” to conquer in the battles that originate in the invisible, and later manifest in the visible atmosphere, and environs. The criminal element has the advantage because….

What is the answer? Not what but WHO? God and those He sends to provide vital spiritual intelligence to quell the storms in places that are vulnerable due to pride, fear, compromise, and corruption.

Only the power of God can execute what is necessary to deal crushing blows of defeat that will most certainly significantly impact those who dare defy the laws of our lands!

The answer is God….

To obtain…His conditions must be met.

Meet, and submit to God, the Most High, and he will meet, and provide the solutions….

Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

NOTE ADDED TODAY SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2010:

Of course, there are holy warrior police officers and others in law enforcement who have relationships with our Lord.  Thank GOD for them and also GOD is to thanked for those in law enforcement who are not Christians.  Those in said profession who walk as heirs of GOD and joint heirs of JESUS CHRIST are doing spiritual warfare indeed.

The Spiritual Alert that the Lord spoke on Resurrection Sunday April 13, 2009, is to have it on record for various reasons.  One main reason is so that it will be better known that there is a most High GOD Who rules in the kingdom of men who speaks His Words to whosoever will...!  It is in our best interest to heed what He speaks because His Words never return void.  

Daniel 4:17
...to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men,...

Isaiah 55:11
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

SECOND NOTE TODAY, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2010:

After I posted this today, I went to www.cnn.com and found that two sheriff's deputies and a civilian were shot and wounded in Texas.  Excerpts from subject report: "...the man has a history of not liking law enforcement. He doesn't like what it stands for in general and sees it as a threat to his rights. 

"Investigators are "huddling to figure out what to do about this guy,..."

"He reportedly stole an officer's car and was using the police radio to threaten deputies."