Welcome! "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God" (Rom 15:7). Trust that God has a purpose for your presence here. Let's stand united in prayer, believing for breakthroughs! 
Texas' recent inclement weather brought to remembrance a couple of conversations I had a few years ago. Presuming it his place to condemn me, a fellow Christian (as he defined himself), whom I had never met, accosted me on a train citing Psalm 50:20 You sit and testify against your brother and slander your own mother’s son. Instead of arguing my case before the stranger, I simply asked: "Were you there?" As he continued to challenge me regarding MY TESTIMONY, I proposed the following question: "So you mean to tell me that the God who forgives your sins, washes you white as snow, and perhaps even favors you, despite your guilt, can't rescue me from my tormentors (including those He initially set against me), vindicate me in my innocence, and avenge me, even though He promised to do so?" That kind of stinking thinking, not only labels God a liar; it likewise frustrates His grace, which constitutes blasphemy.
Discerning that the brother sought only to condemn me, in that which he knew not; and, knowing that there was neither slander nor guile in my testimony; not wanting to further engage in a public scene, I departed the stranger's company and placed that conversation in God's hands according to 1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. While that brother could've easily chosen to meet my physical needs, per God's instructions, he instead chose, while leaving me empty handed, to misjudge me based on limited information: James 2:15-16 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16) If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?" That evening, before huddling underneath a staircase to sleep, I chose to engage in a more righteous conversation, through the power of prayer according to Isaiah 1:18 (KJV) Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD.
The prayer:
"Vindicate me O Lord. Let not those who set their tongues against me in judgement, triumph over me; neither allow those who contend with me, without cause, go unpunished; for, my case I set before Thee. In Jesus' name, Amen"
If I was so innocent, why then was I suffering so? God doesn't punish the innocent: Right? Jeremiah 49: 12 And this is what the Lord says: “If the innocent must suffer, how much more must you! You will not go unpunished! You must drink this cup of judgment! Such is likewise the experience of an Ensign. Truth is, while innocent in that part of my journey, because we have all sinned and fallen short at some point, like it or not, suffering is part of God’s legitimization process. None of us would even be here, let alone be made holy, if not for the suffering punishment of one innocent man. Jesus is the only one who is, or ever will be, completely innocent.
The snow storm served as a reminder of those conversations, not because of the event itself, but rather because of its' timing. It was almost exactly a time, times and half a time (42 months; 3 1/2 years) since God had answered that prayer for vindication. Therefore, in fulfilling my vow of gratitude, I give thanks, with continual praise and open acknowledgement of His vindication.
Joel 3: 21 "Shall I leave their innocent blood unavenged? No, I will not.” The LORD dwells in Zion!"
Though we may not always like it when God forgives, favors, vindicates, or even avenges those whom we, correctly or incorrectly, label enemy, retribution is determined by God. And because God is no respector of man, He will never allow His name to be profaned. Whether brother of the same mother, spiritual brother, or felllow countryman, the same applies to all God's people.
Luke 17: 3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, REBUKE him; and IF he REPENTS, FORGIVE him.
Recommended Reading: Psalm 50. Note - God is addressing both church and nation. The term "mother," when used in scripture also refers to nation.
.
.
Discerning that the brother sought only to condemn me, in that which he knew not; and, knowing that there was neither slander nor guile in my testimony; not wanting to further engage in a public scene, I departed the stranger's company and placed that conversation in God's hands according to 1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. While that brother could've easily chosen to meet my physical needs, per God's instructions, he instead chose, while leaving me empty handed, to misjudge me based on limited information: James 2:15-16 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16) If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?" That evening, before huddling underneath a staircase to sleep, I chose to engage in a more righteous conversation, through the power of prayer according to Isaiah 1:18 (KJV) Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD.
The prayer:
"Vindicate me O Lord. Let not those who set their tongues against me in judgement, triumph over me; neither allow those who contend with me, without cause, go unpunished; for, my case I set before Thee. In Jesus' name, Amen"
If I was so innocent, why then was I suffering so? God doesn't punish the innocent: Right? Jeremiah 49: 12 And this is what the Lord says: “If the innocent must suffer, how much more must you! You will not go unpunished! You must drink this cup of judgment! Such is likewise the experience of an Ensign. Truth is, while innocent in that part of my journey, because we have all sinned and fallen short at some point, like it or not, suffering is part of God’s legitimization process. None of us would even be here, let alone be made holy, if not for the suffering punishment of one innocent man. Jesus is the only one who is, or ever will be, completely innocent.
The snow storm served as a reminder of those conversations, not because of the event itself, but rather because of its' timing. It was almost exactly a time, times and half a time (42 months; 3 1/2 years) since God had answered that prayer for vindication. Therefore, in fulfilling my vow of gratitude, I give thanks, with continual praise and open acknowledgement of His vindication.
Joel 3: 21 "Shall I leave their innocent blood unavenged? No, I will not.” The LORD dwells in Zion!"
Though we may not always like it when God forgives, favors, vindicates, or even avenges those whom we, correctly or incorrectly, label enemy, retribution is determined by God. And because God is no respector of man, He will never allow His name to be profaned. Whether brother of the same mother, spiritual brother, or felllow countryman, the same applies to all God's people.
Luke 17: 3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, REBUKE him; and IF he REPENTS, FORGIVE him.
Thank You O LORD for vindication.
Recommended Reading: Psalm 50. Note - God is addressing both church and nation. The term "mother," when used in scripture also refers to nation.
ENSIGN
❤
.
.
