Pray

The definition of intelligence; the level of one’s mental capacity, to learn, reason, and understand. Society leads us to believe, the intelligence of a human being is essential to their success in life. But should we calculate intelligence by ones I.Q, or by the source to which intelligence is derived. Some of us gather our information from books, others from simple common sense. Whatever the source of knowledge, we are all intelligent in our own right. And though intelligence intends to give us the upper hand, ironically, it can also hinder the simplest of decisions due to the considerable amount of information gathered, or retained in our minds. Our knowledge binds us. Some say who would ever want to return to years of young; we were unable to do anything on our own. But honestly, how easy life would be if someone helped us along the way. If only the lack of intelligence would be appreciated as much as its counterpart. No science, no statistics, no experience to convolute the forefront. Just perception at its purest, and simplest form. When I see government, officials squabbling over health care coverage, it boggles my mind. Yes, there needs to be a plan, and yes, it’s probably not that simple a decision when it incorporates so many lives, but from a simple point of view everyone needs healthcare. And everyone needs it in the same capacity, and for the same reasons. Unlike gun control, where the needs can be either for protection, or for the nature of entertainment of a malice, or trivial sport. With healthcare, there’s one objective, and that is to stay healthy. And considering it is much better to give than receive…, why not let those who can give more, pay more. Or maybe in some way let it be a choice for those who do give more, that they will be rewarded, like our father in heaven rewards us when we give. I may be ignorant to the complexity of it all, but I will not underestimate my source. When I haven’t a clue, I know one source even greater, and counsel, more beneficial than any other, and it is of a spiritual aspect. When we are not bogged down by outside information derived by human intelligence, the outcome is unquestionably better certified than the latter.

We are all made different. We all have certain characteristics that make us unique. We all have a past, when combined with our characteristics, can either enhance our personalities, or degrade them. When we see others at face value, we may not be aware, the true persona that radiates from within. If masked with the essence of coal, this alone can allow our closest associates, family, or friends, to be left bewildered, and unaware of who we are, truly, on the inside. And again, no one’s perfect. But when strife seems to follow you wherever you go, it is a telltale; something is amiss. Even though we say no one’s perfect, and we wouldn’t want to change the other person, honestly it would befit them, for their whole quality of life could change for the better. If the old way of being who we are just isn’t working, what is there to lose? But then, sometimes, for some of us it is difficult to see the wrong we are doing because we are so stuck on being perfect, we can’t bear to think we could ever be wrong. We want so much to be accepted…, liked by everyone, we inevitably fall in to sin. As it is said in Ephesians 4:17-19, because of their lack of thinking, and hardened hearts they have lost touch with God. Their acceptance at any cost becomes more important than breathing. More important than the people ultimately hurt, because we are conditioned to be unaccountable for our actions. Thereby stubbornly not admitting to our callous actions. 1 Samuel 15:23 warns, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry”.

Yes, we all have a past. I asseverate, constantly, we cannot judge someone by their actions, if we have never walked in their shoes. If we did, we would then understand the person. Circumstances in our life, no one knows. Sometimes, our own comprehension of our past and its effect, as I see it, can be a catch 22. If we cannot take ownership of the circumstances and not so much, admit, but realize, how it has impacted our life, how can we convey our feelings to someone else, if do not even realize we are broken? A secret, not only to those we encounter, but to ourselves as well. Only if revealed, we are able to prompt awareness, allowing to dismiss any misunderstandings, or assumptions made on our character.

I believe because God, knew there would be times, when looking on the outside, in, we would encounter other’s, and their intentions, and believe the worst of them, God gave His mercy. And it is because of this, we must have mercy on them as well. We must continue to lift them. I, myself am finding this hard to do, and if anyone knew me, could very well call me a hypocrite. But from glory to glory, God is shifting my heart even closer to His merciful kingdom, and it is well with my soul. Particularly, for our commander in chief, I pray his soul will find refuge in some way. I know it can be difficult, if all our life, me make ourselves the center of everything. But to exalt oneself to that high a standard is to play with fire. There is only one God, of which none of us can hold a candle to His light. I pray he humbles himself. We know from Psalm 10:4, pride, leaves no room for God, so I pray all men humble themselves, and take inventory of their consciousness, when related to power. I pray they seek Jesus, and make him the leader of their pack. I pray that they seek counsel with God almighty. I know God is counseling each and every one who has misused their power, or who thinks they can, even for a minute walk on water. For if Peter had difficulty maintaining his faith, what makes them think they would not fail in their own strength. As Exodus 34:14 maintains, God is a jealous God. Worshiping anything other than Him, like money, power, or even ourselves, is not putting God first. Deuteronomy 4:23-25 warns us not to forget the covenant, and not to worship anything, in any form, except for Him, as he instructed us, because it will only anger Him. There is only one.

1 Peter 5: 1-11

Advice for Elders and Young Men

1And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: 2Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3Don’t lord it over (boss people around) the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.

5In the same way, you younger men must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, serve each other in humility, for

“God opposes the proud

but favors the humble.”

6So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

8Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.

10In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11All power to him forever! Amen.

CWB