How King David Protected His Citizens and Emissaries

[Victor Hafichuk]

People, if you want to know how a righteous nation should act against aggression toward its citizens, take a lesson from King David of Israel as recorded in 2 Samuel 10. The way American soldiers and diplomats have been treated under Carter, George Bush Sr., George W. Bush, Clinton, and Obama has been foolish, spineless and shameful.

If Americans can't trust American government, it is a sad, insecure day, indeed.

May President Trump change all that, swiftly and decisively. No more American hostages by Iran without severe consequences; no more Benghazi betrayals by the likes of Obama and Hillary Clinton; no more betrayals, sedition, and treason in high places or low. God grant Trump the power and authority to restore law, order, decency and respect for America both without and especially within.

God is showing mercy on a wicked nation. Let that nation, America, repent and realize that God is being merciful and that it had better smarten up or be trashed even more than it has been by the Obamas, the Clintons, George Soros, and all Leftists/Globalists.

Let America get behind the man God has mercifully set in place for the sake of Truth and Justice-loving peoples.

The same goes for Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israel have had their hands tied by America, the EU, UN, Muslims, and Leftists. Israel, isn't it time you were free to deal with your enemies decisively, effectively? No more deals like 1027 convicted murderous criminals traded for one prisoner, thanks to the foolish and ignorant thinking of do-gooders like Gershon Baskin and the lates Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin. Israel, stand up. Read 2 Samuel 10 and do accordingly. You now have your open door with President Trump to do so.

Let Canada also be purged of all evil. May there be a great housecleaning. Out with Liberals; out with corrupt Conservatives; out with George Soros and all Leftists; out with Muslim decadence and wicked design to destroy. God have mercy on Canada; nevertheless, if Canadians wish to live in sin, then do what You must, Lord; do what You must.

Isn't it time for the Kingdom of God to be established on earth? How does that work except that people are turned to believe and to do the right?

[Terri Cabreros]

Amen! Amen!
Thank You, Lord!

[Michael Demerling]

Dear Victor,

I did read the story in 2 Samuel 10. It is interesting how it all unfolded and Israel was protected by the Lord through King David.

It would be wonderful to have God fearing leaders who had our best interest at heart. Instead in Canada we currently have the Prime Minister from Hell and his blind politically correct Liberal party followers.

I too am ready to see the Kingdom of Heaven implemented here on earth according to the Lord Jesus Christ.

However I think it fascinating how many sides came together in Canada to voice their opposition to motion M-103 about Isalmophobia. One of them an atheist in Mississauga, Kevin J. Johnston, found some allies at Rebel Media and Canada Christian College who shared his dislike of Islam and Prime Minister Trudeau.

https://youtu.be/RRF-pOkbtp4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Kevin J. Johnston believes that Prime Minister Trudeau, among others, is guilty of treason and reads the Canadian Criminal Code about acts of high treason to justify his claim:

https://youtu.be/lNo8IcLFBjs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

What could the Lord be doing here?

Sincerely,
Michael

[Tang Williams]

Amen, thank you Lord!

[Darrell Kane]

Amen Victor! Every black or minority I talk to at work, does not hesitate to express their dislike for President Trump.God has shown me how evil blacks are,then having the audacity to play the victim.They see no good in Trump they continue judge with unrighteous judgement. I see Trump as man appointed by God to deal with sinful Americans. I feel so blessed that God has opened my eyes to see his sovereignty it makes living in this evil world not easy but restful being confident God's will be accomplished and never fail. Praise God!

[Victor Hafichuk]

The Lord is in full control. We all need to do what we're given to do, and not be slack. This is the Day of the Lord, great for the righteous (those who believe/obey) and terrible for the wicked (those "living carelessly in the isles").

[Isaiah Dillard]

I do not support any political parties, as the whole system is corrupt, wicked and evil (which is a reflection of our country). Anybody that is placed in office must be a serpent. With this said though, God is the God over ALL flesh and He is in control of everything. Trump is not a man of God, but he is who God selected to be President of this nation. No matter who is in office, I will honor The Lord through HIs word by being subject to whomever is in authority.

Romans 13:1-2 (KJV)
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

With that said, I praise God for using Trump to step up and fight against these ridiculous transgender laws and making the right decision with transgender in the military. Thank you Lord for giving Trump enough sense to cut this garbage out. It is well said by Trump: "Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail."

[Ronnie Tanner]

Hi Isaiah, you're right, President Trump is in a war, and as he said of himself, and I don't believe he did so arrogantly, "I alone can fix it." I believe he knew he was the man for the job, and yes, he was put there by God, against all the odds, naysayers, experts, media, and political giants.

You mentioned in your comment:

"Anybody that is placed in office must be a serpent."

Perhaps you were only referring to the US, but has any worldly empire been without corruption? Consider Daniel, who had faith and was placed by God to serve in authority within the Babylonian system:

"Then the king made Daniel great, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over all the province of Babylon, and chief of the prefects over all the wise men of Babylon" (Daniel 2:48).

And Joseph, made ruler over all the land of Egypt:

“And Pharaoh said to Joseph, See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand. And he dressed him with fine linen robes, and put a gold chain around his neck” (Genesis 41:41-42).

God can and does whatever He wills, and He can select one of His own to serve faithfully in the systems of this world - no problem at all for Him.

Yes, President Trump isn’t a believer, but can you say he hasn’t been raised up to withstand the corrupt system at the precise level ordained by God? Wasn’t this man opposed by that system and is to this day, attacked like no other in memory?

Victor added a note regarding addressing President Trump:

"I think it would be duly respectful of Isaiah to address the President as “President Trump” and not “Trump.” Different for Obama or any evil ruler. Trump isn’t evil and deserves respect, at least for now; Obama deserves nothing good of any kind."

Ronnie

[Isaiah Dillard]

Ronnie,

To clarify on the quote "Anybody that is placed in office must be a serpent", you are correct, my reference was in regards to United States Presidents. Thank you for pointing that out.

In reply to brother Victor,
Out of honor of God's Word, it is best to reference as President Trump. Thank you for pointing that out and giving correction, as I will apply moving forward.

The one thing I will disagree on, is that the same reference shouldn't be for Obama or any other ruler that is evil. Even in Daniel's time in Babylon, under the wicked rulership of king Belshazzar, Daniel referenced him as king, despite the judgement that came upon his wickedness. Despite all the abominable policies Obama released, specifically abortion, homosexuality and transgenderism: He was still selected by God to be President of the country, just as God selected good and evil rulers throughout the reign of Israel. As mentioned in the previous post, I am thankful President Trump is putting block on this sick sexuality agenda.

[Tom Babcock]

All day yesterday while driving, the Lord impressed me with the words: 'it is not in man to direct his way,' and it is found in Jer 10:23 (MKJV): 
"O Jehovah, I know that the way of man does not belong to man; it is not in man who walks to direct his steps".

[Tom Babcock]

I should add that the reason this Scripture concerning 'not in man' came yesterday was first personal, to ponder Him who is the Owner and helping to abandon plans of my own.

[Victor Hafichuk]

Isaiah, I can understand your disagreement about how citizens ought to conduct themselves with all rulers according to Romans 13:1-5. However, what I see the apostle Paul talking about is that when the Lord wields the sword of judgment against offenders, they need to suffer just and unjust judgment, like and recognize it for what it is or not. And they WILL suffer it; they really have no choice because it is ordained of God.

It's a different story for those who have understanding in Christ, to whom Paul is speaking, though they need to respect and pay due honor in good and lawful things required by a ruler, whether he be good or evil.

Scriptural examples of men of God dishonoring wicked rulers:

"And Elisha said to the king of Israel, What do I have to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother. And the king of Israel said to him, No, for the LORD has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab. And Elisha said, As the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, surely if it were not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward you nor see you" (2 Kings 3:13-14 MKJV).

How did the prophets and the righteous view Jezebel (the "first lady" or queen)? How did the priesthood deal with Athaliah, who cried "Treason!" when they withstood and slew her? Do you think Obama gained the throne innocently? Think again. Trump won handily, miraculously, honorably, perhaps in some instances, ruthlessly (not saying), but honestly.

How did Moses and Aaron speak to the Pharaoh?

How did Jehu deal with Ahab and Jezebel?

You err in comparing Belshazzar and Obama. I'll let you think and pray on what is the difference, though at first sight, you don't see a difference, which is great.

As a man of God, I honor President Trump; I do not honor Obama; Obama is odious to God, though God has placed him in the position he has been in to judge Americans who have been odious in their ways to God.

As a Canadian citizen as well as a man of God, I honored former Prime Minister Stephen Harper (and still do); I do not honor Justin Trudeau. The latter is vile in all his ways. I will obey in good and reasonable things and teach others to do so, respecting the office, but I will not honor the man; he is not a man; he is a devil. Same with Obama.

Isaiah, you are quick to judge and to condemn, trigger-happy, cocksure that you know and understand in some things, if not many. You are proud and opinionated. You need to step back, put away assumptions and presumptions, ask counsel, and then make judgment with knowledge and discretion. The Lord resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

[Paul Cohen]

Belshazzar honored Daniel, even though the interpretation Daniel gave of the words was negative for Belshazzar’s rulership. That’s not the act of a wicked ruler, is it?

“Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom. In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain” (Daniel 5:29-30 KJV).

[Mike Scott]

Victor, you are mistaken and I want to enlighten you, as your spiritual discernment took a left turn somewhere and needs to be corrected so to perceive the likely truth of your statement. I assume you seek the truth in all things? (which discovering can at times be an arduous task.)

Because I"m always concerned with removing the gray, to uncover the truth the best it can be found, least "I throw my pearls before swine" as you seem to have done here by, well, giving your honor to a raving demon posing as an honorable man! please don't be so gullible victor, don't be so quick to dismiss what some pawns of Satan will be quick to label "conspiracy theories"

"As a Canadian citizen as well as a man of God, I honored former Prime Minister Stephen Harper (and still do)"

For starters, this man is complicit in the cover up of murders and disappearance of thousands of Indigenous Canadian Indian women. This is fact! This man is a complete abomination before God and likely a Luciferian child raping predator along with his cabinet minister Council, Denis Lebel. His group has been caught in the act of child sacrifice in Quebec. it comes as no surprise police investigators show up dead when dealing with these type of powerful figures.

“

Cardinal Lacroix, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Denis Lebel, the Ninth Circle and it’s mafia arm Ndrangheta are already under investigation for the planned sacrifice of two children in Westmount Quebec on Aug. 15 and the Sept. 28 death of Head of Ottawa’s Human Trafficking Division Kal Ghadban, plus were considered prime suspects in the October 22 shooting of soldier Nathan Cirillo in Canada’s capital,” said Annett. “Our sources come from the Ottawa police, Interpol operatives, journalists in Rome and members of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, European Parliament and Jesuit Order in Rome.”

http://www.telesurtv.net/english/opinio ... -0001.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://aptnnews.ca/2015/06/02/pm-harper ... s-peoples/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://childabuserecovery.com/child-sac ... en-harper/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Victor Hafichuk]

I'd like others to have a go at this from Mike Scott before I reply, if I reply, Lord willing.

[Victor Hafichuk]

Further to Paul Cohen's valid comments on Belshazzar.

Belshazzar was the duly appointed leader of Babylon, the son or grandson of Nebuchadnezzar whom God set up as the head of gold, the greatest empire ever on earth. Belshazzar he stepped way out of line when desecrating the remains of Solomon's Temple in Babylon, though I don't believe he knew what he was doing.

However, it was the appointed time for God to be moving on from the golden head of Babylon to the silver shoulders and arms of the the Mede and Persian empire as represented by the image in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. God gave him this dream and He gave Daniel the interpretation (see Daniel 2).

Obama, on the other hand, was a liar, murderer, and thief who stole the presidency with the help of wicked power brokers like the ruthless George Soros, the nefarious Clintons, and despotic Leftists seeking globalization and subjugation of mankind. Obama is Muslim and Muslims are here to kill the United States and the world as it is, not to save or benevolently rule it. Big difference.

As Paul pointed out, Belshazzar, in his corruption, still honored Daniel. Would, has, Obama ever honored any man of God? Instead, he has highly glorified debauchery and sodomy publicly, oppressed the people with Obamacare, mocked the Scriptures and Christians, mercilessly opposed Israel, deceitfully exercised powers he had no right to, sunk the US in astronomical debt, raised to boiling point the conflict of blacks and whites - the list goes on.

Yes, it is God Who raises up rulers and nations and takes them down, both good and evil, but Belshazzar is not to be compared to Obama.

Now President Trump is sacrificing himself to turn things around, as granted from above, as appointed from his birth. What did Obama do but prepare a mess for Mr. Trump to wrestle with? And to this day the bastard, Obama opposes all good that some decent and reasonable folk are trying to restore. I don't believe Belshazzar was anywhere near the wickedness of the scumbag of the ex-president and his murderous cronies like Soros and the Clintons.

More could be said. Let it be known God is judging America by evil through Obama and is showing mercy by President Trump. For how long or to what extent, I don't know, but I'm hoping Mr. Trump will prevail in his directions for the sake of Americans and those who turn away from iniquity to righteousness.

God damn, as He has always done, those who don't repent.

[Michael Demerling]

Hi Mike Scott,

Since this is your first post and you seem very interested in the topic of Indigenous people and the abuse they are suffering, I wonder what your motivations are?

Are you Indigenous, where do you live in Canada? Are you a SJW (social justice warrior)?

Much of what Indigenous people suffer is from the wrath of God. They are immersed in sin and don't repent. Instead they play the victim and cry with crocodile tears instead of taking responsibility for their rebellion against the living God.

The things you accuse Stephen Harper of doing or not doing you are also accusing Jesus Christ of. After all it is Jesus Christ who is judging many of the Indigenous people of Canada and bringing them under wrath. So your issue, Mike, is with Jesus Christ not Steven Harper.

And for the record Pam Palmater who wrote the article, in your first link, is critical of the current Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau for his lack of action on his promises about First Nations people. Pam Palmater is a SJW and loves her own righteousness. Therefore her testimony is invalid since she does not fear God or keep His commandments - but rather opposes Him strongly.

Sincerely,
Michael

[Isaiah Dillard]

Victor,
Forgive me for speaking too soon in ignorance.

Paul,
Thanks for giving better understanding and the feedback. I've never been one to keep up with politics greatly. Thanks for the correction, which doesn't always feel good but is necessary as I did jump the gun too soon and I gotta chill out.

Since my knowledge in political leaders are minimal, and my family is constantly talking about how bad Trump is and how he doesn't do for the poor, but then will say Obama does and he helps people: Would you be able to provide me factual information to share so I may be better educated?

Thank you brothers

[Paul Cohen]

For starters, this man is complicit in the cover up of murders and disappearance of thousands of Indigenous Canadian Indian women. This is fact! This man is a complete abomination before God and likely a Luciferian child raping predator....

Mike Scott, that is not a fact about Stephen Harper. It is an outrageous accusation without substance or verification in the articles you've cited or from anywhere else. YOU are the demon posing as an honorable man. You're Satan's minion, coming with false accusation and topping it with sensational speculative slander.

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16 MKJV).

The vileness is yours. You are deeply in sin.

[Victor Hafichuk]

Isaiah, you are forgiven.

Factual information is good and necessary; it is imperative; I ask that Ronnie, Paul, and Denn supply you with some good newsletters and other sources to inform you.

That said, I think it's more important that you have the heart to discern between good and evil or no amount of "proof" or information will suffice. How many are given the Bible, THE Jam-packed Document of Truth, yet don't have the heart to receive Its Essence? They either don't believe what the Bible says at all or twist the Contents to suit their agendas. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"?

It's the same with anything. It's not what's under the microscope, which is open to interpretation, it's about the examiner. You need to ask the Lord for His guidance and enlightenment; only then will you see clearly to judge.

[Oneil Richards]

Decisive and to the point. No lay lay or pc foolishness.

[Paul Cohen]

Paul,
Thanks for giving better understanding and the feedback. I've never been one to keep up with politics greatly. Thanks for the correction, which doesn't always feel good but is necessary as I did jump the gun too soon and I gotta chill out.

Since my knowledge in political leaders are minimal, and my family is constantly talking about how bad Trump is and how he doesn't do for the poor, but then will say Obama does and he helps people: Would you be able to provide me factual information to share so I may be better educated?

Thank you brothers

Isaiah, Obama “helped” people by giving them money that belonged to others. It’s called “socialism.” It didn’t cost him to be generous with other people’s money while it bought him votes. Pretty slick, eh?

But was Obama doing the poor any good? No, he was poisoning self-initiative and personal responsibility. He’s been a great enabler of the victim mentality, destroying the nation from within by coddling parasitic behavior and a sense of entitlement. Mitt Romney said these words about running against Obama at what he thought was a private event during the 2012 presidential campaign (the speech was released to the public and greatly damaged his campaign among people like your family):

“There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it — that that’s an entitlement. And the government should give it to them. And they will vote for this president no matter what. … These are people who pay no income tax. … My job is not to worry about those people. I’ll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives.”

The books of Dinesh D’Souza and his two documentaries on Obama are very informative and would be helpful showing you where Obama has come from and what he’s been doing. We can’t vouch for everything presented by D’Souza, but that goes for any source of information in the world. Like Victor said, you need the Lord, His guidance and enlightenment to perceive the truth and its application.

For more general information on current events in the political world with some interpretation and analysis to help you get oriented, we have used the following resources:

Dennis Prager - https://www.prageru.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Melanie Phillips - http://www.melaniephillips.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The Rebel - https://www.therebel.media/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Sean Hannity - http://www.hannity.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The Angry Patriot - http://www.angrypatriotmovement.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Matt Walsh - http://themattwalshblog.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Bill O’Reilly - https://www.billoreilly.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Seek the Lord above all, and trust Him for giving you what you need as you engage with your family and others. It’s not your responsibility to answer or convince anyone on anything, but only to be faithful to the Lord in what He gives you to know and do. Doing that will bring peace.

[Isaiah Dillard]

Paul and Victor,

That helps shine light on the situation, and you are absolutely right: The most important thing is The Lord shining His light and guiding me, to view through His eyes.
I also got the email from Victor with material and I will ask for the Lord's guidance while going through it this week.

Thanks for everything brothers. The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you

[Joseph Harris]

Hi All –

I want to express my appreciation for the “Words of Life” being shared from all connected here.
Although, I thought it might be the correct time to share my thoughts when there has been an ongoing discussion about leaders whether governing in America, Canada or elsewhere.
Having blood traversing through my veins from Negroid, Caucasian and perhaps others as well. I would to pose this question to any who would like to respond. If you heard someone say an offensive remark concerning your ethnicity would you be offended even for a brief moment? Several examples of an offense that I'm referring to is if someone were to say to a person who had Jewish lineage the “Holocaust was a hoax” or if a Native American was told “it was perfectly fair” for the European settlers to remove your ancestors from their land and take possession for themselves by any means necessary.
The reason I bring up those examples is when I hear stereotypical comments being made about my ethnicity, my initial response is a personal outcry for a brief moment then I realize as a believer I should be immune(never taking it personal) to such derogatory comments. Of course never to allow bitterness or resentment to take root. My desire is to walk in faith adhering to His direct instructions as well as from those who have had a genuine conversion and filled with His Spirit.
It's certainly a fact there are individuals conducting themselves irresponsibly when it comes to enforcing the laws of the land fairly for all. Those of my cultural hear continuously how individuals are being profiled and targeted using algorithms to predetermined where geographically and which ethnic groups are more likely to commit a criminal offense.
My first assumption was that's a marvelous technology to use by law enforcement personnel to help reduce criminal activity monitoring suspicious behaviors 24/7. To my surprise, my son had his first time experience just a few nights ago after putting petrol in his automobile. He told us he was leaving the petrol station when two Texas highway patrol cars pulled alongside and behind him with flashing lights and sirens(which could make anyone's heart rate increase)about ½ block from the petrol station. The officer inquired of him where he was coming from and going and then asked “did he have any weapons or drug paraphernalia inside his vehicle” which he emphatically stated absolutely not! When my son inquired of the officer why he was being stopped he was advised to remain quiet and motionless. After running his DL through DMV and finding no reason to detain him further he was given a citation for not wearing his seat belt. Like most newer models an alert will notify the driver if the seat belt is disengaged. The time of this occurrence was around 10PM which would be difficult for anyone to ascertain if someone is wearing their seat belt or not particularly when seated inside the auto with lightly tinted windows. As a parent its somewhat unsettling and a believer to know when persons of color, particularly your own child is stopped by law enforcement personnel for the possible reason of profiling. With social media streaming recent incidents of these interactions with law enforcement personnel not using wise judgments, as my son was talking to us on his cellular I asked the Lord to extend His mercy and grace! I’m continuing to learn by faith the Lord is “in control of all” no matter what our minds may perceive. My son asked the next day, if God knew I wasn’t breaking the law and was in no need of correction why should I now have to be inconvenienced appearing in traffic court spending money and time I could be using elsewhere defending myself for an undeserved citation?
Rulers are a threat to evil people, not to good people. There is no need to be afraid of the authorities. Just do right, and they will praise you for it. After all, they are God’s servants, and it is their duty to help you. If you do something wrong, you ought to be afraid, because these rulers have the right to punish you. They are God’s servants who punish criminals to show how angry God is. But you should obey the rulers because you know it is the right thing to do, and not just because of God’s anger. Romans 13:3-5 (CEV)
He told me he was a little fearful while waiting for the citation to be written and he didn’t want to end up being another senseless statistic. As his father, I don’t want to instill a sense of fear or uncertainty in my offspring when interacting with law enforcement personnel. Although, I could tell this incident did frighten him somewhat. Would any have any counsel from the Lord or wisdom that I could share with my sons or his acquaintances should a similar incident occur moving forward?
Don’t be afraid of terrors at night, arrows that fly in daylight, or sickness that prowls in the dark, destruction that ravages at noontime. Even if one thousand people fall dead next to you, ten thousand right beside you—it won’t happen to you. Psalm 91:5-7(CEV)
We are a society governed by visual and auditory imagery that cannot be denied. It’s how we assimilate that information and use it for righteousness.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3(KJV)

When Obama was sworn in office as the President of America, as a person of color, I was gleaming as others who may have experienced various degrees of being ostracized, dehumanized and oppressed thinking a day of reckoning has finally come. Of course as the Lord began to unfold Truth through His ministers concerning the character of this person…Obama is not a hero or an example to emulate if one stands for the righteousness of the Lord. Extended family members and co-workers who live and breathe politics were at odds with me when I refused to cast my ballot telling me I will regret not being a part of history making and even accused me of being a sellout and turning my back on my ethnicity. Many were and still are duped into believing he was their answer to bringing change if elected...no significant achievements and very little positive results after eight years of opportunity rather sad!
You must have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3(CEB)
Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods. Joshua 24:14-16(KJV)
Before I was graced to come into agreement with His Truth shared here, I was numbered among the deceived as well. I am so grateful and thankful to partake of the spiritual manna here and being offered the grace to walk it out. Victor described Obama as odious – deserving hatred or a strong dislike, unpleasant, repulsive, detestable. Had I heard Obama being described by those terms before I came to know the Truth, I would have thought all those associated here were of a supremacist cult. Exposing personalities and current events for who and what they are through spiritual discernment and not sinful (man's opinion) is why I’ve come to support and defend this ministry ordained by the Lord himself. My stand for the Truth has certainly caused an alienation and a kind of hatred towards me when I speak out favorably that President Trump is God’s man for this hour(the majority are persons of color) believe I’ve lost my carnal mind(thank you Lord!)
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. Matthew 12:33-35(KJV)
With many translations available to many…as Victor stated – How many are given the Bible, THE Jam-packed Document of Truth, yet don’t have the heart to receive Its Essence?
I respect and adhere to the wise counsel that flow from those the Lord has assembled here. Should the Lord desire to chastise me openly before all for sharing my concern, I will accept by His Grace in a spirit of humility. My desire is to be set totally free from all bondage's and be transparent before others not harboring any subtle ill will when I hear or read anything that may be considered an offence!
Then said Jesus to those Jews who believed in Him, “If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32(JK21)

Joseph –

[Michael Vavases]

Joseph,

First off, and this is just a minor quibble, but would you mind in future posts taking a bit more care with how your message is organized? Some more line breaks or paragraphs would be nice, and perhaps separating the Scriptures you cite from your own thoughts as well. It makes it easier for people to reply to and even read your message. With that out the way, I do have a couple of responses to your questions to share.

First, you ask, "If you heard someone say an offensive remark concerning your ethnicity would you be offended even for a brief moment?"

Personally, I would say "no" to that, either before or after being a believer, although there might have been some self-righteous indignation. Perhaps my opinion there isn't so credible to you, though, since I am Caucasian.

Really, though, isn't that kind of offendedness going to be a result of pride? Why do we ever take personal offense, if not for pride? But there is a difference between that sort of offendedness and being offended in the Lord. You go on to describe someone offending a Jew or Native American with comments denying the Holocaust or supporting displacement.

Well, Holocaust deniers do offend me. I think it is a despicable thing to suggest the Holocaust didn't occur, and indicative of a person who simply hates Jews - not a good sign at all for anyone as far as one's spiritual state goes. And didn't the Native American's deserve to be displaced? Were they not barbarians, impenitent souls guilty of terrible crimes before God? It was fair. I suppose we could say that that is another matter altogether, but really, for you to group those sorts of things with your son being pulled over by a policeman seems to indicate to me that you resent that kind of authority, and choose to defend your son's attitude about the matter, which I believe to be wicked.

You go on to say "when I hear stereotypical comments being made about my ethnicity, my initial response is a personal outcry for a brief moment then I realize as a believer I should be immune (never taking it personal) to such derogatory comments."

It sounds to me that your initial outcry is your true disposition, and that you are depending on your own power to "not take it personal" instead of looking to the Lord to fix the root problem. If you are siding with your son over a simple matter of being pulled over, even if only a little, doesn't that seem to indicate to you that your attitude is wrong here? Do you still take pride in your ethnicity, or hate those of other skin color in any way? Being honest with yourself and with God about those things is step one, and crucial.

So, about what happened to your son: do you see the wickedness of saying something like, as you say he did, "if God knew I wasn’t breaking the law and was in no need of correction why should I now have to be inconvenienced appearing in traffic court spending money and time I could be using elsewhere defending myself for an undeserved citation?"

In essence, he was saying "God is inconveniencing me. What's more, I don't deserve to be hassled by those in authority who are out to serve and protect." Heaven forbid the Lord inconvenience anyone! I wonder if Peter or Paul felt the same when they were imprisoned for doing no wrong.

So really, your son did deserve the citation, even if he wasn't guilty (you don't say that he wasn't, either). He doesn't respect authority, and apparently still takes pride in his ethnicity, or he wouldn't be having these conversations with you and, sadly, receiving your sympathy. Again, though, the problem isn't solely his. You and he share the same spirit in this, one of pride and offendedness where neither is warranted.

That said, I am not saying that there aren't instances of police abusing their power, profiling people, etc., but we need to keep in mind that these kinds of things don't necessarily happen unjustly. All is determined from above, and either deserved or necessary for the greater good.

- Michael

P.S. It occurs to me after reviewing my post that your situation reminds me greatly of Kelechi's, a man who was here for a while but left abruptly after being confronted about his racism. I don't know which Sabbath meeting transcript that is, but if someone could provide a link to that it could prove helpful to you.