Should We Talk Religion and Politics?

Recently a friend posted on her social media a question:
Should we talk religion and politics?
Many people responded differently, some tiptoed around the topic saying they kept silent so as not to offend or argue. Many would rather walk away and not engage.

Of course, I responded, "Not me. Religion and politics are my favorite topics."
As Christians, we must engage in the culture not retreat from it.
How can we expect to impact the culture for the Kingdom of God if we retreat?
The prophets of the Old Testament did not retreat from the culture.
They confronted it, speaking God's truth in love as directed by the Holy Spirit.
John the Baptist confronted the culture and sin of the King.
Nathan, the prophet, was sent by the LORD to confront King David over his sin with Bathsheba. King David repented of his sin and turned back to God.

Confronting the culture and speaking truth will cost us something. It usually cost the prophets in the Bible their very lives.

In America, we still have the freedom to speak out. But, the cost is getting greater. Christians are losing employment, conservatives are being thrown out of restaurants, and widows of 911 heroes are being cursed at on the streets. Should we, as Believers, retreat?

NO, God forbid.
We have to be like the prophet Nathan, in faith and led by the Spirit of God to speak to those in authority confronting the sin that is destroying the souls of our fellow people and our nation. For if not us, who? For is not now, when?

But we must be Holy Spirit filled. The battle raging today is not between flesh and blood but spiritual in nature. Why do you think that groups of witches are casting spells on judges and our government leaders? If the witches know that the battle is spiritual and they are using spiritual weapons, shouldn't God's people also be using spiritual weapons of warfare?

What are the spiritual weapons we should be using?
PRAYER!!! That is the greatest weapon. It is the very power of God being unleashed on this earth yet Christians will neglect it. It's time to pray fervent and effective prayers. The fervent prayers of the righteous avails much. (James 5:16)
WORD OF GOD - the sword of the Spirit.
We need to be praying scripture and releasing the Word of God into the atmosphere to combat the spiritual enemies raging against righteousness.
We must stand. It is not the time for Christians to be silent. We must stand for truth, justice, and righteousness. We must exercise our privilege and right to vote.
That is our voice!
This coming election, it is imperative that all Believers and Followers of Jesus Christ pray over our government leaders, our nation, and this election. Pray against fraud and demonic influence. Pray that God intervenes and has mercy on our nation. Pray for righteous men and women to take positions of authority so that we can live peacefully. And come election day, show up and vote. Cast and pray over your ballot and then we stand back and watch God work on our behalf. To Him be all glory, honor and praise.

Proverbs 29:2 When the godly are in the authority, the people rejoice. When the wicked are in power, the people groan.

 I Timothy 2:1-2 - 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. 

Christians, will you join me from now until November 6 to pray for our nation and over the election and will you stand with me and cast your ballot for Biblical standards and righteousness? For the sake of my nation, family, friends and for Israel, I pray that you will.

Love,
Yolanda

Sally Sass Goes to School

I'd like to introduce you to Sally Sass.
Sally Sass is off to school, but there is just one little problem.
Sally Sass is used to being The Boss!
If she doesn't get her way, she gets cranky and cross.

Sally Sass is the newest character in my and Deborah's children's book.
Sally Sass is especially close to our heart. She is based on a multitude of students we have had over the years. It seems that every year in our classroom we have a Sally Sass to contend with. And, I'm sure that every teacher out there can relate and pinpoint a Sally Sass in their own classroom.

These Sally Sass students make us better teachers. It's not easy but it is true. They take extra patience, consistent discipline and guidance, and most importantly God's Golden Rule to be modeled and explained to them.

Such a simple Biblical principal:
Treat others as you want them to treat you. Matthew 7:12 (CEV)
Yet, such a difficult principal to live out, even for us adults.

As we see people in today's society treating each other with disrespect, violence, cruelty, lack of civility, and selfishness, it's no wonder we have created so many Sally Sass children. Look what the adults around them are modeling in their homes, neighborhoods, sport fields, media, and government offices.

Deborah and I can't change the world, only God can do that. However, we can use our God given talent and calling to change the life of one child at a time. If we can model God's love to one Sally Sass and teach her how to become a friend, then when that Sally Sass grows up she will remember to treat others as she would like to be treated.

Our motto is "The World teaches me first. Be 2nd." We are creating a book series that promotes this "BE2ND" attitude. The Manners Heist and now, Sally Sass Goes to School were created as resources for parents and teachers to teach the value of the Golden Rule.
Will you join us in this endeavor?
Do you have a Sally Sass at home or in your class?
Our prayer is that this cute children's book will be a tool you can use in your home or classroom to teach that it is OK to be 2nd. We don't have to always be first. It's not our way or the highway. We get what we get and we don't throw a fit. It's treating others as we want to be treated.

It's time to bring back common courtesy, civility, and respect for one another.
Our new book is available on Amazon and we hope it blesses you.
Sally Sass Goes to School

Love,
Yolanda