Toni V. Lee

  Should Christians support and applaud deceit/fraud if they think it will end in a desired result?  Is it ok to pursue winning by ANY means necessary?   Well, Toni, you may ask, how do you know when deceit/fraud is afoot?  When assertions have been repeatedly proven to be lies, in the words of comedian Bill Engvall, here's your sign.  How many times do folk have to be shown something is not true before they start to believe it?  I guess it’s easier to believe a lie rather than the truth when the lie supports personal desires and agendas.   Folk wearing the Christian label may not have meant to send the message that winning by any means necessary is ok, but that’s the message ringing loud and clear from their actions--spoken and posted.    I don’t care who it is.  I don’t care how it’s justified or spiritualized, deceit/fraud is wrong.  Winning by any means necessary is wrong. How am I so certain?  This… Psalm 101:7 K...

I grew up COGIC (Church of God in Christ). Many churches have moved away from the practice, but back then, worship service included giving testimonies. Almost all the testimonies included the words, “I thank God for being clothed and in my right mind.” I said it as well for we learned the “format” for giving public testimonies during the service from the older Christians. This morning, the Holy Spirit brought that phrase back to my remembrance along with a revelation of the significance of what I grew up saying by memorization—what those old warriors were trying to teach us by example. See, it went deeper than having clothes to wear and sanity. It spoke to walking in spiritual freedom from the possession, oppression, suppression and influence of Satan and his cohorts. (Mark 5:1-15). In this moment of time and current spiritual atmosphere, I’m glad I can say with conviction and understanding, I thank God that I’m clothed and in my right mind!

  With everything going on in this moment, various emotions and internal conflicts have bubbled to the surface. Some will never voice it, but certainties and faith have been shaken. I have heard several sermons this morning, but the one preached by Pastor Penny Francis (Ruach City Church, UK) resonated with me and here are my takeaways. We may not understand everything, but on this we can stand with certainty: God’s thoughts (intentions, plans) and ways are higher than ours. (Isaiah 55:8-9) His plans for us are good. (Jeremiah 29:11) The good He has purposed, will come to pass. (Isaiah 14:27) To help you resolve the conflict and crisis of faith you’re wrestling with, I encourage you to read I Corinthians 13. You will find that God has given us a very important and individual task that’s not always given the prominence it should have: charity (love). We can’t do this under our own steam. If we had the capability, we’d be hitting folk with lightning bolts and banishing them from th...

  For every post I read that called for prayer, taking authority, binding, and casting down any darkness that was maneuvering during the election result determination process, I agreed and said Amen. There’s a difference: Most of those prayers were aimed at the results for a particular candidate. I (and MANY across this nation) switched those prayers up and applied them to the process. The candidate selected may or may not be the one for which we voted, but the result of the process we covered in prayer is Biden won. Allegations of fraud were levied and shot down in courts. Courts adjusted monitoring distance specifications when objections arose. Specific cheating accusations were made, and the truth was readily revealed. Folk don’t have to say how they prayed. Post-election determination reactions are a strong indication. What now? We do the SAME thing we did when the 2016 candidate we supported won/lost. We turn the page and hope for the best.  As they did with Trump, Christ...

Regardless of the outcome of the election, I pray the next President…   Does not live in a place of lies, deception, and corruption. Does not have a heart of stone, but one of empathy for all humanity. Does not promote and instigate hate against any citizens. Does not praise and initiate violence against citizens who oppose him.  Remembers and appreciates that immigrants built this nation. Does not degrade and belittle any of the people he serves. Understands what Christianity is and doesn’t use it for personal gain while privately mocking it. Has a genuine relationship with Christ. Truly values and cares about all citizens--including people of color. Leads this nation with dignity, intelligence, and wisdom. Promotes justice and fairness for all. Works to restore the respect, tattered image, and status of this nation on the world stage.  Cultivates and strengthens beneficial alliances, not destroy them. Respects the constitution and laws of this nation. Serves with t...

After the election is decided, I hope Christians (some--not all) remember where they ditched their love so they can go back and pick it up again.