Author: Ed Craddock

Mules have been around for ages. Even in the wild, a female horse can mate with a male donkey. Man has overseen the mating of horse and donkey to produce an animal that can carry more weight . They are sturdier than a horse and need less care when it comes to diet and living conditions. A horse, though, is easier to ride and a horse will follow blindly with its rider into battle. They know the bugle sound calling them into battle. A mule has much more of an ingrained sense of self-preservation and are often unwilling to place themselves in danger no matter how much the rider will try to urge them on. A charging cavalry would find themselves on an animal not as agile and quick and likely to be disobedient when trying to get them to go forward into danger.

A major characteristic of mules is that there is a mismatch of genetic material. The main way to get another mule is to mate a horse and donkey again. Mules are usually sterile. Births that come to term are rare. Sometimes a mule can get pregnant, but the embryo develops for just a few days and then dies because it lacks the genetic instruction to develop further. Mules can be useful to man for the best inherited traits from both the horse and donkey, but in the world of man, a person that takes on the characteristics of a mule is not useful to the Kingdom.

The most common trait seen here would be the inability to reproduce. This is often because of greed and selfishness. Me first. We see in the world of business and finance that a common characteristic is again greed, but also hoarding. One can never have enough. They store up for themselves treasures where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. Where their treasure is, there the heart of that one is seen. (Matthew 6:19) It seems that no amount of money is enough and anything is fair game if it will produce a profit. I find it ironic that some like Buffet and Gates who are seen as ultra liberal by the religious community, are the ones that are divesting themselves of their wealth to help others. They seem to have a better sense of what to do with stored up treasures. They reproduce through their humanitarian efforts, while others remain sterile but think they are rich.

The same with politicians. They were given the responsibility to represent our interests, but seem to only look after their own. They have set up for themselves individual kingdoms. Set for life. Misusing and abusing money entrusted to them to wisely use. They work to ensure their future from day one in office, yet fail to remember why they were elected. Some still try to stand for what is right, but it is often a losing battle and God help them if they upset the apple cart. Billions have been stolen and no one is ever held accountable. People look to social security and health care and find the cupboard nearly bare. Yet those who took an oath to represent us have pensions and health care for life. Promises have just become ways to get elected.  Seldom are they seen manifest. Again, too many people that are sterile. They only produce a culture of more people only out for themselves.

Religious leaders are not exempt from producing too many mules. They go out of their way to forge alliances with those in power. It is just as much of an aphrodisiac to them as it is to the politician or businessman. Things that happen today with the alliance of politics and the church make them seem to be interchangeable. Too many in the church have forgotten what the Lord said in Mark 8:36-37 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Too much of the gospel has been neglected. What they don’t understand or are able to reckon with, they discard. This, in too many cases, has become a business. And the common man cannot afford it. For many, I would ask, “What are you producing?” Many are more interested in having followers than making disciples. In the Old Testament, Micah rebuked all in leadership in the church and business who used social and political power for personal gain. He summed up what we are to do in Micah 6:8 when he said, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, To love mercy,  And to walk humbly with your God?” The Lord said in Matthew 23:12 “ Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

We are to make disciples whether it is in politics, business or the church. We can and should reproduce that which is seen as good. That which brings life. That which causes many to look and see what is it that compels us to be selfless and not selfish. But too many feel they are doing quite well right where they are. In Revelation 3: 17-20, the Lord tells us to buy from Him gold refined by fire. But they felt they were rich and had need of nothing. The Lord tells them they are unaware that they are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. He then offers life and He stands at the door and knocks. Hear His voice and open the door. Invite Him in. See that the ways of selfishness has no good end.

Paul tells us in Titus 2 that His grace has appeared to all men and it brings salvation teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age. We are to do the same thing today. Put off that which will only cause separation from Him, to the point you become so used to how you do things, you no longer realize the distance between you and Him. Seek Him while He can be found. He is the only way. I pray a spirit of wisdom for all. Blessings.

Christmas of 2015, I was recuperating from by-pass surgery. I looked at the long line of staples used to close up the wound on my chest. Not where I wanted to be. I so prayed that healing would come from God supernaturally and that I would not need doctors to repair my arteries. But I reflected on my blessings and the family I have that was and is there for me. There are still things that cause health problems due to this atherosclerosis that affects the vessels in my body, but I press on and fight. I fight by means of the grace that He gives me. And I ask for liberal portions of it daily coupled with mercy and revelation. So I spent much of that Christmas in reflective prayer and sitting before him listening.

I spend this Christmas season in contemplating all that has transpired over the last year and that which I see as problematic, as so many seem to have lost sight of who it is we serve. This gift the Father had prepared for us since the foundation of the world is so easily missed in its magnitude. We celebrate the birth of His Son without fully realizing that His death was already set. He came to die for us that we, through Him, might have life eternally. Christ was not of this world, yet gave up His place in the Trinity because of His deep and abiding love for us and because there was no other way for us to be saved. The word became flesh for us.

We see it prophesied in Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6 that the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall call His name Immanuel (God with us) and unto us this Child shall be born and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. But later in chapter 53, Isaiah tells us this Child will bear our griefs and carry our sorrows. He will be stricken and afflicted, wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement that brought us peace was upon Him and by His stripes we are healed. He was born into this world KNOWING what would be the price He must pay for us. Christmas is not just about the birth. What are we missing?

Wise men from Persia followed a star to worship before the messiah. They were astrologers. Today they might be rejected by a close minded church. A man named Simeon waited his whole life knowing he’d not see death before he would see and prophesy over the Child, as did Anna, a prophetess who served God faithfully, and saw her reward. Yet with all this knowledge available, and the whole world testifying of His glory, we seem to be inundated with discordant notes. What is this? Too many in the church follow after that which offers promises, but is not the promise. That which offers the way, but is not the light. Paul warned us in Colossians 2:8 “to beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Yet so many still follow things that entice their soulish realm. You try to decide which sins are acceptable and which leader has sins that are the least problematic for you. I do not recognize this God being put forth as my Redeemer. I do not follow a God that limps! Yet too many will take on a limp and no longer even recognize it as a major spiritual handicap.

We must embrace the One that is the light and provides a path for us to walk in. Can you truly be that lowly stable that Christ can take up residence in? We are called to be His temple. What is this that you see this Christmas season? It is only Him. We celebrate Him giving us His only son. He asks that you not only receive Him but so embrace Him that you give up the right to yourself. There is no other way to be His habitation. Seek Him while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near.

This has been a trying year and it does not appear that it will abate. I pray that the God of love and peace be with you and guide you in all that you do. I pray His thoughts be what floods your mind. I pray everything that is contrary to His will for your life is taken captive to the obedience of Jesus. May the peace of God rule in your heart in all circumstances. He who has called you is faithful. I pray the Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. Walk in His blessings. Merry Christmas.

In my last posting, I spoke of three separate videos of sheep in life threatening situations and quoted from the Passion Translation of John 21 where Jesus tells Peter to take care of His sheep. In Matthew 13 of the Passion Translation, Jesus answers the disciples’ question as to why He speaks in parables. He tells them they have been given insight into the hidden truths and mysteries of heaven’s kingdom, but others have not. He says that all who listen with an open heart will receive more revelation. But those who don’t listen with an open and teachable heart, even the understanding they have will be taken from them. Tough word, but if one looks to how many are following wrong paths and teachings today, it seems obvious that their hearing and understanding has become compromised.

I spoke of one lamb stuck in a crack in the earth. That crack represented words and messages spoken by many religious leaders which have become intertwined with messages of the world and are then forced into the body, leaving destruction similar to that caused by fracking. I wrote of this in my posting of Nov 15, 2016 titled “Forecast.” This mixture of the wisdom of the world intermingled with what that of the Kingdom brings forth is a pollution that causes one to get spiritually sick. Resulting seismic and spiritual fractures can cause one to lose their way and result in great harm.

The adult sheep that fell into a hole was in so deep only his back feet were visible. It was drawn in by a lie that was so insidious that without intervention, the sheep would have died. That hole was the remnant of basic tenets of our faith that have become eroded by half- truths and enticements offering a better and easier way to receiving abundant life. Those tenets were like giant redwoods, majestic in their beauty and truth, cut down to make way for a new gospel which counteracts that which we read in Proverbs 4 that tells us to avoid a wrong path and not walk in a way that is contrary to His way. But that the path of the just is like a shining sun as opposed to a path of darkness that will cause us to stumble. The resulting hole left by the removal of a righteous truth left a whispering spirit that beckons to those who have become jaded by false teaching and they fall in. Only His grace and mercy will rescue them.

The adult sheep that was stuck in the mud pit was difficult to extricate. The more it struggled the deeper it went down into the mud. This mud represents all the anger, wrath, malice, hatred, distrust of anyone you consider different, racism, sexism and believing that if no one takes you to task for treating others badly, that you’ll be fine. You will not. The unrighteous ways of man may seem right to some, but their end is destruction. All these vile traits just create a hole filled with toxic mud. Until you’re in it, you are totally unprepared for how deep it is and how it will pull you down. We have seen over a year of this, and it continues still.  I am amazed that people I know to be Christians have been taken in by these lies and do their part in adding to what is written and spoken that brings harm to the Kingdom. Do you realize that this only adds to the already existing contention and division?

God has called us to walk in truth even when it may cause us to take flak for standing in righteousness. God did not call us to follow anyone that speaks that which is contrary to His teachings. Sheep truly need to be shaken. They are walking toward a fracture in the earth, a hole left because righteous truth was removed, and a pit full of mud filled with that which is anathema to the teachings of Christ. It’s time for sheep to receive a reviving slap like Cher gave to Nicholas Cage in “Moonstruck” and hear the phrase “Snap Out Of It” so loud that they just might come to their senses! Proverbs 12:1 so perfectly states “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates instruction is stupid.”

I pray all sheep know and hear His voice and the voice of another they will not follow. Blessings.

I happened to watch three similar videos on Facebook recently about sheep. In each video the sheep have fallen into a hole, a crack in the earth, or in a mud pit. Without being rescued, each would have probably died.

In the Passion Translation of John 21, Jesus is speaking with His disciple, Peter. He asks Peter if he “burns with love for Him?” When Peter answers, Jesus then tells him to take care of My lambs. Jesus again asks Peter “do you burn with love for me?” Peter answers as he did the first time and says “Yes, Lord, I have great affection for you.” Jesus then tells him to take care of His sheep. Finally Jesus asks Peter if he has great affection for Him. Peter finally answers, “Lord, You know everything. You know that I burn with love for You!” Jesus finally says, “Then feed My lambs.” In the Aramaic, it says Jesus is referring to the male, female and the young sheep. This command that Jesus gave Peter is also given to all who are in a position of shepherd, be it apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher. No matter what your position may be, the responsibility is the same.

Sheep can be quite stupid, as evidenced by the one sheep in a hole so deep only its back feet were visible. It was forcibly pulled out. The baby lamb was gently taken out and the sheep stuck in the mud pit took great effort to extricate. To me, this appeared analogous to what I STILL see with what Christians are speaking and writing, especially on social media, and they have run full steam into a pit of confusion and anger. It is unrelenting. And many Christian leaders are right there with them. Stuck in a pit of anger, being stirred up by a political and religious spirit. The blind leading the blind and both fall into the ditch. Are you aware of the spirit connected to all of this? Hate is hate. And what it breeds only brings destruction. This has been going on for over a year and it is not abating but is getting stronger.

You don’t shake a baby. That is shaken child syndrome. But those mature enough to know what the Word says need to be. Shaken sheep syndrome. And that includes many religious leaders. Who are you following? What kingdom are you building? Do you truly Burn with Love for the Lord? Do you know the awesome responsibility of caring for His sheep? If yes, then where are these words of continued division coming from? It says in Hebrews 12 that there will be a removal of things that can be shaken but that we have a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. Better for you to shake those things that have no business around you then be holding onto them when things are shaken by Him. Even Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:21, “should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” Sheep are being led to places where many can fall in a pit. We need to test ourselves to see if we are walking as He directs us.

Pursue peace. Walk in holiness the best that you can. Stay on the right path regardless of the  path the world chooses. Or even if Christians follow that worldly path.  Ask Him, for He will give you understanding in all things. There is anger everywhere. We need to walk away from it as it will only pull us into a dangerous place. Blessings.

Predictions of what the future will bring, near or down the road, are as ubiquitous on the internet and facebook as cat and dog videos. And many of them are just as insightful. The discord of disagreeing opinions is unrelenting. Church leaders are still trying to show how their constant and repetitive predictions were correct and are adding attachments to their forecasting. Those who disagreed with these sentiments are saying why doom is imminent because of the outcome. Yet in the midst of all these messages of gloom and bright shiny days simultaneously, one thing is still missing. The church has yet to see the role it played in adding to the hate, division, and now this bitter animosity we see, and it continues to throw gasoline onto an already raging fire. Too much of “my side won” rather than prayer for His peace. Many say that they are not saying those things, but if you stand idly by with no response when others say hurtful and divisive things, then you’re part of the problem. I know that people on both sides of the issue are making polarizing statements, but the Church is supposed to be seen as a light in this world.

This is much like the practice of fracking. People want to get oil and gas out of the ground as quickly and cheaply as they can. So they force a mixture of water, sand, and dangerous chemicals into a crack in the earth’s structure. They get their oil and gas, but in the process they pollute drinking water, and the waste water from this has no place to go. Pressure builds up and seismic activity is induced, eventually causing an earthquake. Some areas have had drastic increases in earthquakes as well as an increase in the magnitude. This is analogous to what we see some are doing in the evangelical community. They are so intent on getting their message through that they pay no heed to the measures they use to be heard and of the consequences of their methods. Christ is usually absent from the ways many have chosen to align themselves to hate and discord. The ways justify the means. They celebrate what they feel is a victory, but the way in which this has been done has brought dishonor to Him. They have listened for the voice of God in the great wind that can tear apart mountains and feel they heard Him speak in the earthquake. They saw and heard directions in the fire of chaos, but they missed what He said in that still small voice. And He is still saying things in that still small voice for what may still come. But they’re listening to the storm, not to Him.

So the forecast says there is no lull after the storm. It still rages. There will be all types of inclement weather. It will be like watching the different tracks of computer models for a hurricane and the forecaster having no idea which one is correct. They will say a weather satellite is no longer in orbit so it’s just too hard to predict what this storm will do. Try speaking to it! Tell it to dissipate! Christians need to believe and show who He is in them. Quit following those who speak great swelling words of emptiness. They are like clouds without water. Behavior contrary to the teachings of Christ produces only division and ill will. Again, come out from among them and be separate. Quit fretting over every new thing you hear. As it so profoundly says in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Blessings.

The Passion Translation in Ephesians 4:21, 26-27 and 29 says “If you have really experienced the Anointed One, and have heard His truth, it will be seen in your life, for we know that the ultimate reality is embodied in Jesus. So be passionate! But don’t let the passion of your emotions lead you to sin! Don’t let anger control you or be fuel for revenge, not even for a day. Don’t give the slanderous accuser, the Devil, an opportunity to manipulate you. And guard your speech—never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them.” And in Hebrews 12: 14-15 it says, “In every relationship be swift to choose peace over competition and run swiftly towards holiness…. and make sure no one lives with a root of bitterness sprouting within them which will only cause trouble and poison the hearts of many.”

 I’ve watched, read, and listened very closely to what Christians have been saying and writing for the last year. More and more, it just about became impossible to tell I was witnessing the words of those who were believers in Christ. I pray you take some time and reflect after this election cycle and see if there is anything you’d like to change in how you represented Him. We are supposed to walk as children of light. We will hopefully know tonight who our next President will be. We need healing. It’s up to us to pray.

 When I lived in Jupiter, FL, I had a place dedicated and bathed in prayer. As soon as I would sit there, both my dog and cat would immediately get as close as they could to the loveseat I always sat on. The presence of God would be there so quickly and they would not move no matter how long I sat there. They’d close their eyes and any external stimuli that would normally get their attention, was ignored. I’d spend time there each day. It became a place consecrated to the Lord and I’ve had trouble being able to recapture that since moving. There are things that have happened in my life that have caused me to lose focus, but this is still incumbent on me to recapture. I press on.

 In Genesis chapters 13 and 18, Abraham has an encounter with God by the terebinth trees of Mamre, which are in Hebron. He built an altar to the Lord at that place in dedication to Him. Abraham ministered to the Lord by bringing water to wash the feet of the Lord and the feet of the angels, and provided food and offering. We need a place that is just ours where we meet with the Lord. Dedicated to Him. In our hearts of course, but also a physical place where we wait in prayer. The terebinth tree was known for being a symbol of strength and power. One tradition, according to Josephus, says the tree was as old as the world itself. Angels came there. The terebinth tree had an extensive root system allowing it to remain green even in drought. All of this reflects Christ. We need to sit in His presence and listen to what He is saying. We need to be healed and refreshed from this season of ugliness. We need to repent. We need to be like that tree as it says in Psalm 1:3 “That is planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does will prosper.” We cannot prosper or do anything of worth for the Kingdom remaining like this. Find that place of solitude with Him. Plant your terebinth tree.  See how deep your roots will go.

Walk in the wisdom of God and make it your duty to make Him known. Let every word you speak be drenched with grace and tempered with truth and clarity. I pray peace and renewing in all of us. Blessings.

Pastors and prophets have for months now been telling you what they will do regarding this election. It has become commonplace to call evil good, and good evil. They cite a couple of examples of how the person lines up with what a Christian should believe but disregard so many other glaring faults that should disqualify that person. They choose to compromise contrary to God. Many of these well known pastors have brought a wolf into their congregations to fellowship with them under the pretense of introducing them to the congregation. Sheep usually follow the shepherd. They see a wolf on a leash and think maybe they are safe. He’s the shepherd, so why would he put them in harm’s way? They follow aimlessly, but a sense of unease is starting to take root. They argue with some of their fellow sheep and some walk off on their own. Usually, to their demise. Something is off but they are not able to recognize what it is with any discernment. Too much discord causes stress. Soon their wool loses its sheen and thickness. They’re still looking to the shepherd, but he is self-absorbed, and because he has stepped into an arena that caters to his own self-interest and not the flock, he is now unable to see the danger he has loosed within his own flock. Now the sheep head in different directions, as the voice of the shepherd no longer is one of truth and right standing authority. Some people look upon all of this and shake their heads in dismay. What shepherd, aware of his standing before the one who entrusted these sheep to him, would lead their sheep to drink from bitter and polluted waters? These shepherds thought they tamed this wolf, but they set him loose among the unsuspecting. For the wolf, it is now mealtime.

Still, these men who purport to serve God and look after His sheep, come up with so many reasons why they are right. I’ve spoken to quite a few people that are either on the fence regarding belief in Christ or are even agnostic or atheist.  They see this as a good reason to remain where they are. I am thankful He allowed me to speak to them in the hope something might resonate. The Lord did not tell me that His choice was Trump or Clinton. He did point me to His word and I know it did not change. He likened this to Genesis 11, when the people listened not to God but went off united on their own path. But the Lord told me that it was His mercy displayed when He confused their language so that they would not be able to understand one another. But He is not doing that now. He is leaving us to our own devices. We already do not understand each other, yet continue to rail against every precept He has set before us in an uncommon unity. When we follow things that appeal to the most vile and visceral parts of our nature, how can we expect to hear Him with clarity? Something in my spirit has been in a state of continual unrest and agitation for too long. My prayer time, for this especially, has increased. If people could truly look to see what they have willfully followed, and the hate and discord it has wrought, would they stop and realize the destruction they have brought upon the Kingdom? I’m speaking to those who say they are Christians. What have you done with the teachings of Jesus? Are you aware that this same hatred you voice against so many you openly disagree with has such a negative but forceful power to cause lasting damage? Are you aware that this same hate-spewed venom is tapped into the main root of that same spirit of hate that said to Pilate of Christ, “CRUCIFY HIM!”?  Are you no more enlightened then they were that day? As I keep saying, come out from among them!

It is said that if God’s people will humble themselves and pray, seek Him, and repent, He will forgive and heal this land. It is never too late. I pray as Paul did in Rom. 15:13 “that the God of hope will fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Blessings.

I have been receiving messages on Facebook, constantly reading Christian views on what they feel I’m required as a believer to do, or having people start conversations as to why I must vote a certain way. The fate of the world is hinged on this election. I opt out of their conversations. Yet the closer we get to Nov 8, the more I hear from others that I must cast my vote for Trump to protect the 2^nd amendment or free speech or state’s rights. Please someone get a copy of an 8^th grade civics book to find out what measures one has to take to change an amendment. As to religious leaders being worried about losing their tax exempt status if they say the “wrong” thing, try preaching the kingdom and see if that produces different results. Quit trying to align yourselves with people of power no matter who they are. Come out from among these people who will say anything to get your support, and be separate. (more on this in a future post) When I tell the few people I share my views with that I am writing in a candidate,  I’m harshly met with how I will be responsible for the future balance of the Supreme Court.  You’re trying to put that on me? When that clown car drove up to the circus tent and they kept getting out, you had 16 choices. But the 17^th clown got out and he was the one with the bucket, threatening to throw water on everyone. You all laughed. But it turned out to be toxic waste. And instead of being horrified, you followed him and ate up every horrible thing he said and did.

Now you say I must choose the lesser of two evils, and for evangelicals, that is Trump. That’s not scriptural. Duet 30:19 says, “I set before you life and death, choose life.” Josh 25:15 says “choose who you will serve. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Gal 6:8 says “sow to the flesh and reap corruption or to the Spirit and reap eternal life.” We can follow Christ or not. We can believe or not. We are not to believe that choosing the lesser of two evils is right. Rom 3:8 says, “And why do evil that good may come from it as people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.” And it says in 1Thess 5:22, “we are to abstain from every form of evil.” I cannot profess one thing and follow another path set by man. I have enough trouble doing what is right to consciously follow a lie.

Please do not mistake this for a partisan rant. I’m an independent and always have been. I supported both Reagan and Bush41. I try to follow what I believe is right and I am in deep prayer on this. But when those who identify themselves as Christians and support a person who denigrates a war hero like Senator McCain, or a hero who died for this country but happened to be of the wrong faith according to some, who encourages violence, is comfortable maligning anyone who disagrees with him, is racist, hateful, arrogant, xenophobic, has a history of cheating contractors he agreed to pay, refuses to commit himself to learning what is necessary to know as a leader of the U.S. , or has the temperament of a spoiled brat, then you need to step away from a person like that. And though politicians are known for lying, he has made it a new art form. But even with all of this, his treatment of women from things he has been heard saying, to name calling, to threatening to sue those who have testified publically to what they said he did, to a lascivious look at a little girl and saying he’d be dating her in ten years, is more than I can stomach. I’d rather see the Republican party implode and learn from its mistakes.

A pastor I know wrote, “We the church have a much higher call than one presidential election. We have to stand for righteousness no matter the cost.” He also asked, “Church, what happens if you gain the Supreme Court but lose your soul?” I know this is a troubling time, but we still have to show who we are in Christ. The Lord said through his prophet Micah in 6:8, “What does the Lord require of you but that you do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with the Lord your God.” We have to follow His precepts no matter what is going on around us. Trust Him no matter the intensity of the storm. Just like Abraham, “contrary to hope, in hope he believed.” Blessings.

I have never been more disheartened with what I see from fellow Christians that are involved in the terrible state of affairs over this current political cycle. The vitriolic spouting of words filled with hate and anger amaze me. Each election gets worse. Granted the shape of the world is also deteriorating at a seemingly breakneck speed, but as Christians, your light is supposed to shine rather than be extinguished by a miasma of political vapors. You are to guard your heart for out of it springs all the issues of life. We who are spiritual should judge all things but we are told by the apostle Paul to imitate Christ. I do not see that. Your faith should be in God not the wisdom of men. At what point do we stop and say, “Is this who I am, is this the person that represents my beliefs?” I hear demonic and sensual dialogue masquerading as wisdom. Words fueled by anger, wrath, malice, filthy language, hatred, dissension, jealousy, backbiting, and selfish ambitions. And Evangelicals rally around these sentiments raising their voices in support! Come out from among them and be separate! You are to show Christ in you and your love for your fellow man. I am not professing an exaggerated example of turning the other cheek as if all will work out. But I am saying that you have the mind of Christ and with that you should expect to be led in the Way you should go and not be led by man. There is a way that seems right to man but in the end is the way of death. The words of their mouth seem smoother than butter in how they entice but war and division is in their heart. I find it astonishing that the same people that purport to follow the teachings of Christ and have the word readily available to them and supposedly within them, fall prey to those who easily lead them away. Who has bewitched you!!! The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells within you. Yet you are enticed by clouds carried by a tempest spouting great swelling words of emptiness and with promises that you know will not be delivered and are fueled by jingoistic fervor all the while saying this will lead to liberty but is actually leading you into bondage. We are to be examples of whom we serve. When hate, anger, lies and dissension reign, then that is what enters us. We become what we behold. And with that this is how we are seen by those who already step back from Christ. We are the first thing people see when they look to Christ. Is it any wonder that Ghandi said “I could believe in this Christ if it wasn’t for you Christians.” There is more at stake here than just who wins this coming election. Your very essence is involved. Again, guard your hearts. And gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

When I was about eight years old, my mom took my sisters and me by train, from Norfolk, Va. To Kinston, NC. If I remember correctly, my youngest sister was just a baby. They were all in one row and it was too crowded for me to fit in. So I sat in the row directly behind them. The rows held about three people each. Sitting in my row next to the window was a young black lady probably about 30 years of age. She seemed to keep her focus on what she saw from the window view and not on who she just saw sit in the same row as her. At this particular time in our nation, especially in these states, this was not usually done. The oldest of my sisters asked my mom if I had to sit there. She was only four but knew enough as to how the social mores worked. I told her and my mom that I was fine. When she started to say something to my mom a second time, I repeated what I had just said, but this time harsher and showing a look of anger. My mom said it was fine.

 The young lady, though, had a different look. She had a look of controlled defiance, but also looked genuinely upset. I’m sure, looking back on this, that this was not the first time this had happened to her, but now with a little boy! All because I was white, she could have been forced to change her seat. She sat in that seat until her stop without a word or a glance. I, on the other hand, was embarrassed to the point that my face was flushed and hot. I didn’t do anything wrong, but I was ashamed. The fact that anyone had that kind of power, especially just because of the color of your skin, should cause you to feel shame. As she got up to walk past me when she got off, she glanced at me. The look on her face had not changed. Impassive. Stoic. Yet her eyes betrayed the hurt she was hiding. How long would injustice like this continue?

 I never forgot this episode in my life. Maybe, and hopefully, God was using this to instill something in me that I’d never forget. If you can’t show Christ in you, how can you effectively represent Him in any way? I, and all of us, fall short of His glory and can so easily be terrible examples of a God that says we are all His children. It does not take someone to preach a prophetic message to get people to realize what is happening in our world today. Turn on the TV. Read a paper. Listen to some of the vile things said by people within earshot or just spouting an opinion and finding nothing offensive in what they say even though it is littered with filth. Colossians 3:8 says “put off all anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language from your mouth.” But it also says in Matthew 12:34, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” If wrong thoughts are in you, they will eventually come out. Guard your heart with all diligence for out of it springs all the issues of life.