Jehoshaphat became king at age 35. He followed the ways of father but even went a step further by removing the "high places" of idol worship. He cleaned out worldly hinders cars. He sent out teachers throughout the land of Judah to teach the people the law and lead them in the ways of the Lord. Because of all of this the surrounding nations greatly feared King Jehoshaphat and all Judah. They refrained from going to war with them and instead, many kings and nations brought them gifts. The surrounding nations feared the Lord even though they didn't worship Him. They feared a nation that followed Him. They were at peace with them because the nation followed God. 
2 Chron 17:10 The terror of the LORD was on all the kingdoms of the lands that surrounded Judah, so they didn’t fight against Jehoshaphat. 11 Some of the Philistines also brought gifts and silver as tribute to Jehoshaphat, and the Arabs brought him flocks: 7,700 rams and 7,700 male goats.

I sit in this 103 yr old house upon a small mountain overlooking a river and see Ole' Glory resting proudly on the mantle. I hear soft rain drops touch the ground and feel breezes find their way through these pine trees that have seen so much history. The Liberty that has been won for America was paid at a great price and we are on the brink of losing that freedom, shamefully, by our own faults. The cross of Jesus stands boldly, yet meekly, representing a real liberty that was paid once, for all but it can never be lost. Perhaps if we go back to the Cross we'll figure out how to secure the Red, White and Blue once again. Happy Independence Day America! May God shed His grace and mercy on thee.

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You know what I've noticed with this coyote problem? He's been hiding out in the briar and quietly watching, just sitting and watching. He used to come around 0730h, then around 0830, and lately it's been well after 0900h. You see, he doesn't have a set pattern per say, yet he does. His pattern is that he watches all the animals to observe their behavior and the environment. When he sees that all is quiet and calm and that the animals are at peace and comfortable in the pasture, he sneaks in for the kill. Each time he gets closer to the bigger animals. He's been going after chickens, but recently he's gotten super close to the lambs. Thankfully the mama lambs are aware and run their lambs to safety.
Satan is watching the environment and he's watching us. He's waiting for the perfect time to go in for the attack, for the kill. He's watching the mamas and the daddies to see when they get complacent so he can go after their children. When we get comfortable we become vulnerable, as do our families. This is why discipleship is so important. We need to watch over one another. Men are to be the sheep dog of the family, leading, guiding & protecting. This is why it's crucial for pastors to be grounded in the Word so they can help protect the flock, not lead them to danger. We must always be alert and vigilant, and never comfortable or complacent for the Devil is out to steal, kill and destroy.

As I revisit the woman who had the issue of blood and was considered unclean I recall how unclean and undeserving I felt when I met my Lord for the first time. Just as I imagine this woman did, I literally cried out, I felt the pain in my heart and my gut. I felt so unworthy, so ashamed of who I'd become, of offending my Lord. I had an urge to run to the altar and so I did. There, I met Him. He was waiting for me with open arms. I cried out repeatedly, "Lord, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry Lord, please, please forgive me? Please, take this sin away, wipe this dirt away, wash me and cleanse me. Soak me in Your healing, redeeming Blood. My Lord, I love You! I love You! I am Yours my Lord, I am Yours!"
My Lord has been leading me ever since. Though I slip and stumble, He's always right there with His inviting, gracious hand extended. My Jesus has radically changed my life. My life is not my own, it belongs to my Lord! He forgives those who are ready to lay it at the foot of the Cross. His love, grace and mercy await you. Seek Him. Search Him. Invite Him in and be radically transformed for all eternity. Jesus is Lord! Yes, Lord of All!

For those saying it's ungodly to write in a candidate or to vote a Third-Party, you're still missing the important truth. In the end we are responsible for our actions, no one else's. Whether our candidate wins or loses is not our responsibility. How we vote is. I'd rather be judged by the world than by God. God can use whomever He chooses to work through, good or evil. My allegiance is to my Lord, not man, not candidate and not Party. I don't change my principles because the times or the world has changed. My principles are guided by an unchanging God. I don't change my vote because my pick may not win. That's called a fair weather fan. No, I'm fanatical for my Lord and His kingdom. He is in control. I will stand my ground and obey my Lord's will, not man's. Everyone will have to answer for their actions.
People keep trying to talk it out and rationalize it all they want. This is exactly what I'm referring to. My vote is no less important. My vote for Castle isn't a vote for Hillary, by that logic your vote for Trump is part of the problem. If enough people voted for the real Constitutionalist neither Hillary or Trump would win. But so many people put their faith in man and man made systems rather than godly principle.

As Believers it is our duty to unite as one and conquer darkness under the command of the Greatest Victor that ever was. We must be willing and ready to obey His orders immediately, boldly, faithfully. Put on the armor of God and ready the Warriors. Stand firm. BE STRONG! BE COURAGEOUS!! 
Joshua 1:8 This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. 9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”