First Quarter!

Legions of spirits of confusion, division, destruction, deception, liars, and all things opposite of all things good and righteous are running rampant in this world. Look around. We see their disciples carrying out orders. Every day, we wake up to bad news or can’t have a peaceful night of sleep because of it. Countries are at an all-time unrest. Men and women in the church are humiliating each other online and in the sanctuary by calling each other out. People regret their choices, but we can’t turn back the hands of time. Who can we turn to for help? God is not missing. So many people believe that He doesn’t exist. They believe in a demagogue and that God appointed him. They worship what they see.

I was born in the 1950s and have seen people at least tolerate each other because of race relations at that time. I also saw some forward progress in the 60s. In the past three weeks, I have recognized the conditions in the 20s and 30s when my parents were born. I foresee a return to racism, making America ashamed again but this time proud to do so. If it seems that I’m allowing my experience as a template to judge, I am. But it’s wrong. I should use history instead. Throughout all of history in the world, people have fought back against tyrannies and dictatorships. America was built on these causes by immigrants who fled their former countries for a better life. Look at the wars fought in this land and within its borders. We trend in cycles. The underlying truth is that the people stood together on the backs of their ancestors and never gave up.

This election has created significant animosity between different races and even within families. The division has become so pronounced that the phrase “I told you so” has been supplanted by “Mess around and find out.” This isn’t just petty behavior. To those who believe it is, I urge you to learn to respect differing opinions. I refer to this time as the disunification of America. This was a time when we didn’t heed the warnings from others because we placed pride over common sense. When I was growing up, we took threats seriously. If someone disagreed with you outside your home and the argument escalated to the point where the other person said, “Don’t be here when I come back,” it was wise to leave. It’s not a sign of cowardice to walk away; it’s a sign of survival. Too often, people didn’t heed that warning and stayed. Only one remained standing when they returned. Then-candidate Trump warned us, but we didn’t believe him. I’m sure we will now.

What can we do now? We have run out of excuses, and there is no need to look back. When seeking guidance, I turn to God for counsel and advice, trusting He wants the best for me. No need to rush Hm, trust Him. Social media, the news, the internet, and even our friends often prioritize clicks and views fueled by emotional biases. Emotions can cloud our judgment. Pride does not work well with humility. Our fingers are joined to one hand, arm, and body. Our states are connected to one country. We could be an influential collective if we set aside our pride and obstinacy.

While some may disagree or resist compromise, many sensible and rational thinkers have the vision we need. We must align ourselves and prepare for the midterm elections. We must replace those who refuse to compromise and elect new representatives to create change. Until then, let’s join in peaceful boycotts, protests, and demonstrations and make our voices heard by writing to or calling our state representatives. We need to reset, readdress, and regain what we have lost.

Wake Up With Prayers Every Morning!

 I want to share an excerpt from one of my morning prayers I read this morning. It's Psalm 9:13-20 New King James Version. It was appropriate seeing what our nation is going through. We need God through challenging times as well as good times. Never forget where you could have been. Give Him praise where you are now.

¹³ Have mercy on me, O Lord!
Consider my trouble from those who hate me,
You who lift me up from the gates of death,

¹⁴ That I may tell of all Your praise
In the gates of the daughter of Zion.
I will rejoice in Your salvation.

¹⁵ The nations have sunk down in the pit which they made;
In the net which they hid, their own foot is caught.

¹⁶ The Lord is known by the judgment He executes;
The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.
Meditation. Selah

¹⁷ The wicked shall be turned into hell,
And all the nations that forget God.

¹⁸ For the needy shall not always be forgotten;
The expectation of the poor shall not perish forever.
 
¹⁹ Arise, O Lord,
Do not let man prevail;
Let the nations be judged in Your sight.

²⁰ Put them in fear, O Lord,
That the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah

NKJV Psalm 13-20.

Note: Selah: Pause, Rest, Reflect

The Carpet Baggers Are Back!

    After the Civil War, people from the North moved to the South, akin to snake oil salespeople. They sought ways to take advantage of vulnerable Southerners. They were con men who talked fast, thought quickly, and got rich off the poor man. They were called Carpet Baggers because their bags were made from old carpets. They were cheap then and still are.

    Some individuals have evolved into billionaires who now hold significant power in our country. They spend millions to support their chosen candidates but expect to influence decisions in return. Although not elected, their appointments allow them to make choices that affect millions. What kind of government have we become? We are not a banana republic dependent on limited resources, yet our government sometimes appears unstable. We, the people, have been bought, sold, and enveloped in unlimited contributions and deception.

    Unfortunately, we can't pray to and serve the same God, the Holy Spirit. We may struggle to stay consistent, and we all go through seasons when our prayer lives falter. Let's not be discouraged during those times; instead, keep persevering! Successful people consistently do what others do only occasionally. Don't be an observer in the Coliseum cheering for the downfall of others. Pray for them. Today, the false guise that religion is under attack is misleading. It is the poor and vulnerable as the rich get richer. We don’t have the common sense that it is a war of classes, generations, and white guilt from the older generation who doesn't want to discuss it. They never had, but they were tired of hearing it. Look at the churches losing members. Some of their pastors are bringing up racial equality and understanding too much. The old folks don't need those memories. They are too busy bringing the Jim Crow days back when people knew their places. Few people are willing to sit together and have an honest and respectful conversation about racism. If admitting that it exists, it acknowledges that white supremacy exists, and that's why there's a separation in this country. That would require changes all around. It's easier to maintain the way things are. Radical changes could do more harm than good to some people.

    We can agree to disagree on the notion that the world is not yet prepared to embrace the divine. This perspective is firmly rooted in my belief; since the fateful moment when Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden, sin has taken a deep hold within the hearts and minds of humanity. I would further assert that when Lucifer and his followers were banished from the celestial realm, Earth transformed into a battleground for evil, forever stained by their rebellion. Satan could not accept God, and man has followed Satan. Even those holding religious positions have followed secular behaviors rather than separate themselves from church and state. It’s more lucrative that way.

    The prophets are no more, and the love of God seems absent. Humanity has become enamored with itself and its accomplishments. There is no one to be a voice in the wilderness to tell us to repent and that the Lord is returning. True Christians must strive to stand apart and resist conforming to this world. We are here only temporarily; our eternal life belongs elsewhere. Regardless of how much wealth and glory we accumulate, only our names will be remembered, and even that will fade into memory. 

Tragedy In The Atmosphere!

Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the nation experienced a tragic air collision that deeply affected travelers. The incident occurred at Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington, D.C., where an Army Black Hawk helicopter with three crew members collided with a passenger plane carrying 64 individuals. Many passengers were associated with the U.S. Figure Skating Association, returning to Washington from a skating event in Wichita, Kansas. Among those on board were celebrities, young skaters, and others eager to reach their destination. Sadly, it was announced that there were no survivors. Our hearts reach out to their loved ones with prayers and love for their loss.

Instead of showing any façade of sympathy, the leader of this country blamed the collision of DEI Programs. At times like this, Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion were the only things on his mind. No kind or encouraging words, just blaming a silent voice that can’t speak. He had already abolished several federal programs, with the states and corporations following suit. He wants the position but refuses to be responsible for it. this a tragedy on several levels.

I now know he is President for some people, but not all. If he were for everyone, at least one person in his administration would stand up. Instead, they support his lies and distractions. Remember this: Beasts eat their own. Sooner or later, they will turn on each other. I question who is using him. Is he that deceitful?

No Assumptions, No Judgements!

    I am experiencing some troubling feelings, and I know I’m not alone; many others likely feel the same way. I’m not sure where to begin. I stopped watching the news because it was filled with chaos, confusion, and disorder. America has chosen, and now we must all face the consequences. It’s too late to turn back time. A divided nation will fall. America was divided during the Civil War, and there are still generations who prefer to remain separated and believe that the war is not truly over. I can't assume, and I can't judge others. I don't have to condone their behavior, either.

    We know that history repeats itself. This isn't the first time the world or any country has seen disorder. Let's go back before Christ. They thought Herod was horrible. Oh, yeah, let's go back even further. Nebuchadnezzar wasn't kind either, but each time. There's always been a leader who was evil and had no respect for God, man, humanity, or righteousness. Roman Emperor Nero was a scoundrel who lived a partying and extravagant life and was said to have set fire to Rome. He persecuted Christians. We have had dictators in the world who tried to exterminate the Jews. Many hailed the idea of supremacy and superiority. But, in the end, they had to face the cruelty of mortality and the wraith of God. Yet, the common thread for these hateful accounts was separating the rich vs the poor, Minority vs Majority, Supremacy vs Inferiors, and Religion vs. traditional religion. Our world continuously seeks ways to separate itself from the divine order. And we haven’t learned our lesson yet, because we still seek money, power, and authority. Nothing ever good happens when our emotions drive us to use retribution and revenge against others. Prepare for the backlash. One must be fair, honest, and truthful when leading and serving the people. Jesus Christ taught us that, at least, for those who choose to follow Him. 

    Our integrity and moral compasses have changed with the times. People once viewed as pillars of the community are now seen as counterfeits who lack standards for standing up for their beliefs. We all have a price, but how much and far are we willing to sell ourselves for and go? The “selling of souls” has been the trend since last year in anticipation of what’s ahead from our new government. There will be a collection on a day they will not expect. “Therefore, keep watch because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” Matthew 24:42

 

Great Job Coach Prime!

    Let’s discuss something good and decent for a change. It may not be much, but it’s worth discussing. It may have some negative connotations, but it’s factual and truthful. Let’s get started.

    I found this article in the news on the Athlon Website: Average GPA of Colorado Players Under Deion Sanders Turns Heads. Max Escarpio wrote it on January 14, 2025. My apologies. I couldn’t hyperlink the story. This website requires a subscription, too.

    Some of you sports fans might know about Coach’s Prime record at Colorado University. He talked a big game the first year and had a 4-8 year. The second year, the Bisons went to the playoffs, lost, but had a 9-4 season. He turned the program around, but that is still not the focus point.  I would argue that he still didn’t get any credit for doing this feat. Most new NFL coaches are fired the first year, the black coaches.

    The point is in the title that Max Escarpio wrote about. It’s about an above-average 3.0 GPA in team history. An excerpt from the article states, "I’m judged on a different scale," Sanders said, per W.G. Ramirez at the Associated Press in July 2024. "My wins are totally different than your wins. Your wins, you just judge football, that’s why I start out (talking about) education and academics and so forth. I have to give you those things so you understand there’s a greater scope."My wins are different. We have to win in every area. “…That’s the way we’re judged." It's a fact, Coach, so true!

 

    Even in Coach Prime’s first year, it was about the GPA. The team averaged a GPA of 2.9. I have a few things to comment on. 1)This article was not mentioned in any major news media. Why is that? Is it not damaging enough? Is Coach Prime also educated-minded, thinking of his players’ futures about life without football? What’s the profit of writing about that? 3) Double standards are prevalent in today’s society. Black people not only have to prove themselves in the boardroom but also constantly prove themselves by living. We are judged on so many levels; it doesn’t make sense. 4) Could it be the writer was bent on finding bad news, discovered something good, and it was too late to submit his report? We will never know. 5) Give Coach Prime compliments about what he's doing. Why don't you write about other football coaches and their teams' GPAs?

 

    I realize that the media perpetuates division by promoting negativity through its many platforms. It's about the money and kissing the shareholders' rings. It’s about keeping another man (group) down. There's no excuse for that.

 

Thank You For Your Amens and Ponders!

    Amens are meant to be a solemn expression of faith at the end of a statement. “So be it.” I am sincerely grateful for yours in the comments. May God enlarge your territory. May His Hand be with you and your family, keeping you from harm and pain. This paraphrase is from Jabez’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 4 9-10. Blessings.