Thinking about my Lord God and the kingdom coming of His eternal peace, righteousness, joy, love and perfection – and at times how I think that it’s just too good to be true. People say that if it seems too good to be true – then it probably is.

But then I think about all the ways in which it seems “too good,” and how it’s unexplainable and mysterious; too amazing for the human mind. I ponder all the differences, like why each thing that lives is “one of a kind,” no exact duplicates. Why there is both evil AND good. Why our planet earth is the only planet in the universe that flourishes with life. Why the universe has no boundary. Why security and love of “family” is so powerful, healing and rewarding, and why orphans desperately long for their own. Why sexual intercourse has two blessings: a precious baby and a “climax” of physical enjoyment. Why humans are more superior to the animal kingdom; why we can read and write, reason and invent.  Why ‘nature’ has so much wisdom behind every part for our productivity and on-going existence; why it has within it all that we need to live, be productive and inventive. Why it feels good and rewarding to help and serve others, and how depressing and hurtful it is to be self-centered and self-serving. Why we know deep down inside that God is real. People lie to themselves that God is not real, but they first had it in them from God to later reject that truth. And, why people can ‘choose’ what to believe in, even if it’s a lie and is destroying them.  Why we each genuinely have hope for eternal life in heaven, and fear of an eternal hell apart from God and all that’s good. IT’S ALL FROM GOD OUR CREATOR!

So much is unexplainable and a mystery to us, so that we will come to realize ‘by faith’ that I come from God, and will return to God. But how we return to God is what we should be very concerned about, and that we are responsible for. This “human conscience” is also from our Creator.

And, why we also KNOW deep down that we need the Savior Jesus Christ, even though most resist His Holy Spirit who comes to show them this need, and to bless them!

And, why we have “faith” as humans, while all other life does not.

“Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” Hebrews 11: 3

Faith to believe: “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. HE existed in the beginning with God. God created everything THROUGH HIM, and nothing was created except THROUGH HIM. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought LIGHT to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can NEVER extinguish it.” John 1:1-5

“For unto us a child was born, unto as a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace THERE WILL BE NO END. He will reign on the throne of David and over His Kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from THAT TIME AND FOREVERMORE. The ZEAL OF THE LORD of HOSTS will accomplish this!” Isaiah 9:6-7

Too good to be true?  Ahhh, but it is TRUE!  And I for one, LONG for Christ’s return to do all He said (in His Word) that He will do for the life eternal with Him.  SO! Merry CHRISTmas and may we all worship the LORD GOD  in Spirit and in Truth.

Sitting here this morning thinking about how my Father God never changes, never has and never will – I am so very hopeful for the future. ‘Change’ was in His design of creation, but not in the wicked rebellious ways it has since Adam took the forbidden fruit from Eve.

I change as I grow old. The world changes with its new ideas and inventions, new presidents and rulers constantly change the way we all live, but God remains the same. Everything in life since the beginning of time – changes. God does not exist in ‘time.’ We do. He always was God and always will be God over all He chooses to do. God doesn’t even change His mind. He knows all, sees all, and has His own great plan for eternal life through His own precious Son.

One thing I am thankful for are the changes in my life because of the Word of God (that also has not changed) and my love for my Savior – that I pray never changes. When I came to know Him, my thinking changed in how I see my own life and death, and how I was able to see this world with a bigger perspective; an expanding perspective that empowers me to overcome fear, anger, revenge, self-deception, boredom and feeling unimportant.

As I sit here and meditate on how privileged I am to have my Father God and His Word and Spirit in my life – that awesome security of His personal peace, joy, comfort and favor is how I want to start each day. Before I start thinking of anything else, or even praying for people – I want to consider HIM in as many ways as possible, bringing my life before Him for humble daily renewal.

Imagine how this world would be if everyone started each day this way.

Listening to a Christmas song this morning about the birth of Christ our Lord, I thought how HIS birth is GREATER than any other birth. When I think of how important and precious to us the births of our four children and 13 grandchildren are, I concluded: “what other birth, than the birth of Jesus could ever be more precious and meaningful to me.”  Sorry kids!

What ‘human’ birth ever resulted in a short life of 33 years of so great a purpose and work? He IS the first of all resurrections, the only way to life eternal; for He went to the cross and endured its extreme pain, with suffering and persecution before – FOR THE JOY SET BEFORE HIM. What is that JOY? All those who have and will receive Him in their hearts as their own Savior and Lord in their lives, desperate to know Him by the truth of His Word, by prayer and worship day by day.

Now what other “birth” could ever do what Jesus Christ was appointed and empowered by the Holy Spirit to do for all the people of this lost and hopeless world? Not even a government or all the world’s governments together, could accomplish what only Jesus Christ has, and still will very soon.

I know that many people see Christmas time as celebrating a baby being born who grew up to do good in our world, but Jesus Christ is so much greater!

I once walked in darkness, lived without the WHOLE truth about Jesus Christ; lived for myself; lived with questions and fears about death and what comes after, if anything. But because God my Creator Father loved me and knew me before I was formed in my mother’s womb – the LIGHT of HIS CHRIST was appointed a day for me in which I would hear what I needed to hear, see what I needed to see – so I would BELIEVE in the SAVIOR of the world. And I will be forever grateful and in His service!

“The people walking in darkness have seen a GREAT LIGHT; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a LIGHT has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. HE was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the LIGHT of men. And the LIGHT shines in the darkness, and the darkness has NOT overcome it.” John 1:1-5

My prayer is that people (walking in darkness) will have their blindness removed to see the LIGHT OF THE WORLD, as the only Savior for their life, and come to truly KNOW HIM in SPIRIT and in TRUTH; that they will hunger for the TRUTH of God’s Word, found only in His Holy Bible, His wonderful message to the world.

“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN WILL BE WITH CHILD AND WILL GIVE BIRTH TO A SON, AND THEY WILL CALL HIM IMMANUEL (which means, “GOD WITH US”).” Matthew 1:23

Why can’t Christians see that when the Lord tells us to pray for those in authority over us – so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives, that HE answers our prayers through HIS own people, and not through those who are against God and His Word? Were not inviting Donald Trump over for dinner, but rather to do what is right and just for all LEGAL, LAW-ABIDING, TAX-PAYING, CONSTITUTIONAL, CAPITALIST, GOD-FEARING PATRIOTIC citizens of the U.S.A.

Government was established by God, but the ungodly have been ignorantly and purposefully instilled to corrupt governing and use their positions to control people and take from people what isn’t their right to do so. God ordained government to have the righteous and just (by His definitions) in authority, not the power-hungry self-serving workers of inequity who would be in power fleecing its citizens and slowly removing from them their God-given rights.

So if we (Christians) don’t vote for who is upholding the ‘right’ values and preserving the ‘right’ justice system (that is in our biblical Constitution) then HE WILL HOLD HIS PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE! Trump isn’t as “godly” as we ALL NEED TO BE, but we don’t need to approve of ‘personality’ or ‘mannerism.’ We need to see through it (as God does) to what the person is set to accomplish (with HIS help) that will greatly affect our lives and especially the livelihood of our children and grandchildren.

My prayer for America’s Christians (including myself): “Father God, wake us all up to common sense/godly wisdom for the unity we need; remove our veil of self-righteousness so we can understand what YOU STILL WANT DONE FOR AND THROUGH AMERICA. May we keep in mind that PERFECTION OF ALL THINGS will come with the return of Your Son, KING of kings and LORD of lords.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.” 1 (Timothy 2:1-3)

It is very clear which candidate of this POTUS election will work for us to live peaceful and quiet lives, in all godliness and holiness. It certainly isn’t those who are clearly opposed to biblical values and policies and true justice for all, even as they say they are.

How I see it, these Christians who won’t vote for whatever reason, or who are blind to what is at stake here, are infants in their biblical faith – unable to see what they need to see, hear what they should be hearing, and understanding what they need to understand – TO DO WHAT THEY NEED TO DO AND SHOULD DO – with God’s favor on them.

America is in the horrible mess we’re in because of God’s people over the decades lacking wisdom, courage, self-sacrifice and active faith in God’s Word. God have mercy on us! Raise us up to be what YOU want us to be in this nation that YOU started through men and women of great faith and the power from YOU to overcome their enemies, within and without. In Jesus’ Name!!!!

Being a Christian, and living in a Nation that is not God-honoring, I can learn from Daniel's example in Daniel chapter 6. When the high officials of the kingdom Daniel served in decreed that no man should petition to any god other than to King Darius or else they would be killed, Daniel went to his house, got down on his knees and prayed. Giving thanks to God as he had always done. He didn't run around shouting his defiance or vengeance. He didn't cry out in anger. He simply prayed. Yes, his disobedience to the king's decree caused him to come face-to-face with death. But the God whom Daniel continually served, decreed life and not death, and rescued him. 

The truth is, I cannot expect America to become God-honoring, although I pray our government will. I cannot even 'hope' that this nation will turn from its evil ways.  I can't expect that I won't be attacked in some way for my faith in Jesus Christ. But I can remain faithful to the Lord my God who has been perfectly faithful to me. 

My hope is not in America becoming a Christian nation that honors God, like it used be in the beginning. My hope is in an eternal perfect Kingdom that is coming;m aybe not today; maybe not in my lifetime. But, it IS coming, because the God of the Bible has declared it! 

Matthew 24:4-14 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 1and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."(End of Dori's article)

The "end" is the return of the Lord to reign on earth for one thousand years to conquer all evil and rebellion once and for all, and to restore all things created that God once called "good."  Hallejujah! 

“Can a corrupt government (throne) be allied with You Oh God – a government that brings on misery by its policies (decrees)? "The wicked band together against those who live by Your laws, and they condemn the innocent to ruin and to death. They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting. They oppress and crush Your people. They kill and murder and think You don’t notice or care! 

“Take notice all you senseless ones – all you fools! When will you become wise?

"Does He who fashioned the ear not hear? Does He who formed the eye not see? Does He who disciplines nations not punish? The Lord knows all human plans; He knows that they are futile. 

“You Oh God, are the fortress of those whom You deem righteous, of those who look to You as their Rock of all ages, the Rock in whom they take refuge. Blessed is the one You teach from Your Law; Your Law is above all laws! 

“You grant Your people relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked. For You will not forsake Your people. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy! When I said, ‘My foot is slipping!’ Your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. I called to the Lord, and He answered me. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.“You, Oh God, guard the lives of Your faithful ones and deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Your light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. 

“The Lord has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness to the nations! Therefore, no one will stand before Him with any excuse. He has revealed His love and laws. From everlasting to everlasting - He is God, and there is no other. 

“Your holiness, Oh Lord, adorns Your house for endless days. You love true justice, and Your equity is full of Your pure wisdom. Your rulings, Lord, stand firm; Your supreme equity overthrows the proud and arrogant. Your Supremacy was established forever. 

“The Lord is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth! Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve. How long, Oh God, how long will the wicked be jubilant and get away with their acts of evil? Judgment will again be founded on God’s righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it. You Oh God, You will repay the wicked for what they have done and destroy them for their wicked rejection of You. 

“The Lord reigns, He is robed in majesty and armed with strength. By His wisdom the world is established, firm and secure. Your throne, Oh God, is from all eternity. For the Lord is the great God above all gods, the great King above all kings. In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The seas are His and His hands formed the dry lands. He is Creator!

“Come, let us bow down in worship, before the Lord our Maker! Sing to the Lord, praise His Name; proclaim His salvation day after day. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods; for all the gods of the nations are worthless idols. Those who worship idols forfeit God’s love and the grace that could be theirs. 

“Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for HE COMES, He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness. Therefore, hate that which is evil; for those who love the Lord hate evil as He hates evil. Hate what faithless people do, have no part in that which is perverse. 

“The children of Your faithful ones will live in Your presence; their descendants will be established before You.

“Praise the Lord, Oh my soul; all my inmost being will praise His Holy Name!”