These events and stories of people—in no doubt, are very important to our world and to our human history. Many people have been impacted by them, and will continue to be impacted them many years from now.  Personally, I have been fascinated, and perhaps been impacted, by Steve Jobs’ story in how he was a true innovator of technology. Indeed, we can all think of how each of these events and individuals has impacted our lives to a certain degree.   

As I reflect on all of these events, my mind wonders about what God and all of heaven think about all of these so-called “headliners.”  Will these events and people be on the front page of their heavenly herald?  I doubt it.  I think that the news that will be at the front page is the news of people who have reached their lowest point and have cried out to God for His saving grace and deliverance!  The news will revolved around people who are turning from their sins and turning toward God.  Perhaps, heaven’s newspaper is called “Redemption Herald.”  Jesus said in Luke 15, verse 7, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” 

What about those who have died for their faith this year that we have never heard about?  Will they be on a special section on the front page?  Yes, I believe that they will be acknowledged before heaven and be given a great reward.  The Apostle Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4, verses 6 and 7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”  Two notable Christian leaders, John Stott and David Wilkerson, come to mind who also died this year with little media attention.  In the world’s eyes, they were “just Christian leaders,” but in God’s eyes, they were men who were used in a mighty way to teach the Bible, and bring people to commit their lives to Christ.  

If there is a top ten stories of 2011 in heaven, I doubt that it will be the same as that of the world’s ‘Top Ten.” It would probably be stories that we have never thought about, or even heard of.  The more I think about such things, the more I feel so small and insignificant and the more I see how big and how mighty God is.        

Oh how I love to see history unfold in front of my eyes! 

Considered to be the least probable to be even considered a powerhouse in the Democratic Party, the Junior-Senator, Mr. Obama, made his voice known, and the American people heard and voted. Who would ever thought that America will see this day ushered into history when it’s people voted for an African American man into the most powerful seat in the White House. Tomorrow, Barack Obama will be inaugurated as the 44^th President of the United States of America.

His path to the White House was certainly not an easy one, especially in light of what the Conservatives had to say.  Conservatives had to analyze his work experience, personal history (birthplace and religion), senatorial voting record, and his political philosopy which borders socialism. 

Furthermore, many Christians believed President-Elect Obama was not the right man for the job due to his liberal political agendas and ideologies which stood against many biblical principles.  For example, his proactive stance on the homosexual agenda, allowing federally funded embryonic stem cell research, and funding abortion on demand, just to name a few.  But amidst these issues, America’s socio-economic and geopolitical landscape have shifted to one that upholds and celebrates tolerance and globalism, which may or may not be a good thing.  America’s climate was ripe for President – Elect Obama and his leadership.  

So today, we face one of the greatest event in American history!  We must pray and hope for the best for this coming Administration!  We must submit to the authority that God has preordained! (Romans 13). 

President – Elect Obama, in my view, is a pon in the mighty hand of God!  God is sovereign and is in control!  For example, God used Cyrus from Persia to rescue and deliver His people Israel from their captivity in Babylon.  Cyrus—a none Jew and a pagan worshipper, was used by the living God to help the people of Israel go back home. He was an instrument in God’s hand! Obama will be used by God in such a time as this to fulfill a purpose among His people.

Let us observe history (His Story) unfold.

Oftentimes, God uses radical events in history to draw His people unto Himself.  His main goal is for His people to humble themselves, trust and obey. 2 Chronicles 7: 14 says, “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their land.”

We must, with fervor, pray all the more for Mr. Obama’s spiritual journey, for wisdom in making the right decisions for this great country, and for his family!  This is our obligation!  May the Lord strengthen and guide our next President of the United States of America! 

To celebrate or not to celebrate, that is the question.

There has been an ongoing battle of ideologies in our culture regarding what it means to be tolerant.  During the holiday season, the western world and those countries which claim Christianity as their national religion, celebrate Christmas. Unfortunately, a segment in our society, primarily those of other faiths, secularists and humanists complain that celebrating Christmas is not fair, that it’s exclusive and not inclusive. 

Although the media will tell us that this particular cultural war is over and done with, there is still today those who resist Christmas, and have made it clearly known. 

Tolerance in our society means that we don’t want to offend and hurt people’s feelings.  Because of this, this generation is starting to give in to the nonsense of being tolerant. The evidence is clear. To say “Merry Christmas” is to affirm one faith over others. We are told through company and corporate policies that in order to have a resolution in this matter, we are to be neutral, which means, we are to say “happy holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.”   We now have happy holidays posters plastered everywhere, holiday trees on sale, and holiday school plays invitations. 

Since we live in a post modern and post Christian world, America has lost its grip on its identity (we have forgotten our Judeo-Christian foundation and values).  And so for Christmas, it feels we’ve turned in our shiny gold, bright red and deep green banners for plain and simple black and white ones. In general, people are confused whether to say “happy holidays, happy Hanukah, happy Kwanzaa, or Merry Christmas” in America.  In the name of tolerance, we are not tolerating anything anymore, which is a perfect recipe for a societal implosion.  America is in a similar path to how the mighty Roman Empire fell. 

Why is Christmas the enemy?  I don’t know about you, but I believe that any celebration that promotes giving, hope, peace, and goodwill to men is always a good thing.  Christmas time is especially needed in a world that is burdened with poverty, evil and injustice.  People ought to be happy that we have a time in a year where we could be with family and friends and perhaps exchange gifts.  It’s a wonderful tradition that we ought to keep.  It’s a plus; it’s never a minus! 

Even the renowned Oxford Professor, author and atheist, Richard Dawkins, stated that he is a “Cultural Christian.”  He likes what Christianity represents and how it has influenced our world. Why don’t people who have resentments regarding Christmas do what the secularists have done in decades—celebrate Christmas with Mr. Santa and Rudolf the red nose reindeer. 

When I was young, I didn’t really care about what Christmas stood for or who Santa Clause was, the only thing that mattered was how happy people felt during this time of the year, and of course what I got for ChristmasJ  So, don’t be fearful of Christmas; embrace the reason for the season!  Feel good about it and on top of your heart, proclaim it!  Merry Christmas to you and have a happy New Year!   

A week from now, the next President of United States will go through a thorough orientation of his new responsibilities.  He will get a brief on all pending tasks and policies that need his signature and attention. Above all, he will finalize his new administration. 

Starting fresh with loyal teammates is the greatest gift a leader can get.  Selecting your teammates and employees can lead to greater productivity and success.  Unfortunately, many companies and corporations do not have this flexibility to clean the slate and start anew when a new CEO or Department head is appointed.

 Considering that this is how the Administration of the President is setup, I am confident that the next elected President will have much success. When corporations place new leaders in appointments with a preexisting leadership team and employees, these new leaders face two formidable foes: gaining loyalty and leading with confidence.  It would have been much easier for these appointed leaders to start with a clean slate and select his or her Administration, but that is not reality in majority of cases. 

How does a leader in the corporate world win and lead his or her preselected teammates?  I believe that time is the key ingredient to building a successful team. Spending quality time with your teammates—getting to know them to gain their confidence, will give you an edge in a long haul.  A top-down mentality to motivate and mobilize your group will get you so far.  Gaining their confidence through spending quality time with them will get your team over the edge.  The old saying is true, “people don’t care what you know, until they know that you care.” 

The next President of United States is certainly blessed with choosing his leadership team—his next Administration.  Pray that he chooses the right leaders for the right positions. 

How many of you will be celebrating Halloween?  How many of you will be going around with your kids dressed up like ghosts or some kind of monster, and accompanying them house to house ‘trick or treating’ and getting candy? 

If you ask a Roman Catholic parishioner what this holiday means, they would probably say that it’s the celebration of the memories of loved ones who have died.  This is true considering what Pope Gregory the 4th did in 835AD when he attempted to “Christianize” a pagan festival called Samhain by moving the ‘Feast of all Saints’ from Spring to November 1^st.  The Festival of Samhain (the lord of the dead) being on October 31^st became the day right before (All Hallowed Eve) the day of the revered Catholic ‘Feast of all Saints.’ 

We don’t really hear about the Feast of all Saints in America today, but it’s alive and well in the Hispanic world.  Mexico calls it ‘the Day of the Dead.’ I personally think they take it to another level by dressing up like the dead and participating in eerie processions………….very spookyK

 So what we have here is a combination of a Pagan festival and a Christian holiday.  It looks, feels, sounds and smells like a compromise to me.  No wonder we have so much confusion today as to what Halloween means.  One thing is for sure, someone is making money from selling skulls and cross bones, and oh yes, with some Hershey’s chocolates on the side.   

With this brief historical backdrop, Christians face a dilemma: to be or not to be! 

Obviously, there are three ways Churches today approach Halloween: There are those churches who say that there is no problem with the holiday; they put on masks and go trick or treating, and eat lots of candy. The second group say ‘absolutely not!’  There is no way they are going to celebrate this holiday because of its demonic influence.  And then there are those who find a middle ground and celebrate the holiday by modifying some of its aspects.  For instance, they dress up like biblical characters and even change the name of their events to either Fall carnival or harvest festival.       

Whatever you decide this Halloween, be sure that your perspective is to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

The beautiful thing about God is that He looks at our heart’s motives and intentions.  He has given us His Spirit so that we can make the best decisions for us and for our family.  Ultimately, it’s up to the Christian’s conviction! 

 Here are a couple verses to consider when making decisions for you and your family during Halloween:

1 Corinthians 9:22-23: 22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

But be careful……….

2 Corinthians 6:14-17 says, “14Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”17“Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

Happy All Hallow’s Eve to you too!

This devotional was written by my brother in law……enjoy.

(Taking my cue from Elizabeth Gross)
Though we did not have staff meeting yesterday…. here is some much needed encouragement and strength (and if you don’t need it…. I’ll take your dose and add it to mine)!!!

I drove to work bright and early on Monday morning (5:10 AM…. fired up….) ready to attack the week and all of our project and church plant challenges with tenacity. I was ready. I had a plan. I wanted to execute that plan…. in my own timing.

Due to the PSN meeting at Leeward… I set up my computer in my normal temporary Leeward work station (preschool office) and powered up. Still…. all smiles.

Uh oh.. No Leeward connection, network down. Who unplugged the network upstairs? Why do “they” do that!!! Upper Room?? Grrr. Maybe the Ambassadors?? Grrr.(usual suspects) Grrr. Maybe it was an accident by one of the kids…..cute baby Kyla. Awww. I don’t care!!! Grrrr. No problem… no harm done. Go upstairs unlock Fort Knox, metal gate, chapel door and check all of the plugs (on my hands and knees). Reset. Lock up the fortress and go back to the Preschool. Still no connection. Ahhhhhh!!! Frustration…. time is ticking away and I am not being productive!!! Great idea…. I climb the wall, I am now standing on the counter and check the power of the connection above the copy machine….. all lights are blinking. Oh well…. I’ll just work in draft mode… but I can’t connect to “local” and the stuff I’d been working on is not there. It’s too early for phone calls…. so I’ll do some paperwork. But now …. I hear every preschool child and teacher’s conversation. They are so loud!!! I can’t focus…. I need a hit of LN (Lotus Notes.) and I need it now!!! I check upstairs a second time…..go through the entire process… and lock up…. still nothing. Network Down.Okay…. I’m outta here… breakfast will make me happy!!! Quick drive to Safeway…. no wallet. Noooooo!! No wallet!!! Noooo!! No food!!! : ) Imagine me….. without food :  ( Grrr. Now I am grumpy. Breathe boy. Close your eyes and take a short nap. Short. Baaaaam…….. ONE HOUR later….. and the car was on (shoot… gas is expensive) Noooooo!!!! Drive back to the Corps. It is now 7:00 AM
I try again…. for a third time (unlock, check power, lock the big gate)…. and run into Captain Debbie on the way down. I tell her… the network is down. She says to check upstairs. GRRRR!!!! Why didn’t “I” think of that!!!!?????

As I sit and grumble and despair about my horrible start… to the week…..and waste of time… beating traffic from Ewa… to get nothing done…. I see her say good morning to everyone, say hi to staff and kids, check on the food prep, etc. … then she goes to her computer and starts to do some work. Interesting…. I don’t hear her grumbling. Why doesn’t she get mad and share my frustration??? She continues to work… still nothing.

I take a deep breath…. and finally say a prayer. As I’m praying and hugging my computer on that very cramped desk in the preschool…. I realize (with my fingers on the back of the computer)………
I DID NOT PLUG IN THE NETWORK CABLE FROM GAIL’S COMPUTER INTO MY LAP TOP!!!!!!!  (sitting there…. trying to do work…. and I’m not even plugged in. Literally)

I started the week as the human form of that unplugged lap top. I wasn’t plugged into Him. I didn’t take time to pray in the morning, nor worship with loud and inspiring Praise and Worship music in the car on the way to work, nor did I encourage others with praise or a greeting when I got to work. I was expecting to work and get the job done. Period… on Bram power. I was expecting to get things done…….without being plugged into Him. So weak! I lasted about 3 hours!

“It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.” (Psalms 18:32) We draw strength from God’s power, like a lamp draws power from a socket. He is our source of strength. “The LORD will give strength unto his people;” (Psalms 29:11a) With the force of God’s power, we can do incredible things for Him. The heroes of the Bible like Noah, Moses, Joseph and others all understood the concept of drawing their strength from God. These heroes of faith have one thing in common; they developed a relationship of faith and trust with God. They sought Him in prayer, listened for His guidance and followed His direction. They also were faithful to praise God.

Notice there were a lot of “I”s in the first paragraph….. a clue that a disaster is about to happen…. or I am about to make a fool of myself. Like when I brought two shirts to change into for the Si Kit Cha tournament so I would match the trophy when it was picture taking time. (no joke….. ask E.Gross) I’ve been eating a lot of good tasting humble pie recently …. and boy have they been big pieces.

God is good… and I know that I need to draw on him more and more and more…. to accomplish what He wants me to do… and to draw on His strength and be ready to accept His perfect path for me.
I don’t know how Captain started her morning. I did not ask her. And yes…. I was too embarrassed to share my story…. but the point is… I know how I started mine. Here’s the good news. I am still ambitions and as competitive as ever…. and when I am plugged in…. I know I can do “incredible and amazing things for Him”!! Our entire team should feel like that. Try to stay plugged into Him. Recharge if you need to… in whatever way you need to. He’ll give you what you need… in the right portions for you. His strength is perfect.

By the way… My wallet was in my back pocket. Haaa!!! I felt very small. Funny and sad…. all at the same time. Hopefully, the last piece of humble pie for awhile. I’m pretty full.
Blessings,

Bram Begonia

So we have two types of obligations in our hands: national obligation, which we have looked at briefly, and spiritual obligation.  Spiritual obligation to our nation comes from the word of God.  Jesus said, “give to Ceasar what is Ceasar’s.”  In Romans 13: 1-7 we read, “Obey the rulers who have authority over you. Only God can give authority to anyone, and he puts these rulers in their places of power. People who oppose the authorities are opposing what God has done, and they will be punished. 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. You must also pay your taxes. The authorities are God’s servants, and it is their duty to take care of these matters. Pay all that you owe, whether it is taxes and fees or respect and honor.

Whoever becomes the President is in God’s will!  God is sovereign; He is in control!  So the next step for us is to have an opinion, get involve, and vote your conscience!

It intrigues me that all of our founding fathers—90 of them, never used nor ever mentioned the phrase “separation of Church and State.”  If you don’t believe me, please see the Records of Congress at any Public Library. 

Ironically, 69 percent of Americans surveyed today, stated that ‘separation of Church and State’ is found in the Constitution under 1^st Amendment.  So what does the First Amendment state? Here it is: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” 

Our founding fathers wanted to state once for all that the new government of the United States shall not force one religion upon its people.  Whether it be Catholics, Protestants, or Anglicans, the U.S. was not to fall into the trap of Great Britain having a national exclusive church—the Church of England. James Madison on August 15^th  1789 stated, “The purpose of  the 1^st Amendment is to prevent the federal establishment of a single establishment.”  In other words, Religion and its various expressions need protection. 

Thomas Jefferson who was credited for introducing that phrase—separation of Church and State, was not part of the 90 founding fathers who initially wrote and ratified the U.S. Constitution. He was in Europe when some of these events took place.  He was known as an ‘Anti-Federalist.’ He just wanted the U.S. Government to focus on three things: international relations, border security, and delivering mail. 

Because of his stance as an anti-federalist, he became a prominent figure in the Danbury Baptist Association’s eye.  Twenty-eight of the twenty-nine Baptist ministers in this Baptist Association didn’t want the Federal Government to be too powerful.  They didn’t even like the First Amendment, because it mentioned ‘religion—something that they feared the U.S. Government might misunderstand and interpret it wrongly in the future.   And so, Pastor Nehemiah Dodge wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson to compliment him on his political ideology, as well as share some of his concerns about the First Amendment. 

Thomas Jefferson then wrote a letter in response to Pastor Nehemiah Dodge. Oh by the way, this was “15 years after the Constitution, along with the Bill of Rights, had been written and ratified.  In the letter, Mr. Jefferson wanted to assure the Danbury Baptist Association that the U.S. Government, specifically under the 1^st Amendment, cannot and will not regulate and/or control the church. 

Mr. President

To messers Nehemiah Dodge, Ephraim Robbins, & Stephen S. Nelson a committee of the Danbury Baptist association in the state of Connecticut.

Gentlemen

The affectionate sentiments of esteem & approbation which you are so good as to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist association, give me the highest satisfaction. my duties dictate a faithful & zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, and in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more & more pleasing.

Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man & his god, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, thus building a wall of separation between church and state. Congress thus inhibited from acts respecting religion, and the Executive authorised only to execute their acts, I have refrained from presenting even occasional performances of devotion presented indeed legally where an Executive is the legal head of a national church, but subject here, as religious exercises only to the voluntary regulations and discipline of each respective sect. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.

I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection and blessing of the common Father and creator of man, and tender you for yourselves and your religious association, assurances of my high respect & esteem.

(signed) Thomas Jefferson
Jan.1.1802.

So, all of these to say that ‘Separation of Church and State,’ was never a part of the Constitution, nor was it a part of the ideological vocabulary of America’s founding fathers. 

Sadly, today we have some people in the Judiciary system and in Congress who are redefining and revising America’s history.  They have taken this phrase—‘Separation of Church and State,’ twisted it and propagated their political and secular agendas, whereby creating policies that run contrary to Thomas Jefferson’s intent. 

Here’s the irony of it all: Some of the U.S. Government officials have put Thomas Jefferson on a pedestal and given him all the accolades and authority for creating this so-called ‘Constitutional foundation’ of separation of Church and State. Yet, Thomas Jefferson mentioned this particular phrase only once (no record of any other time that he used this phrase) and on top of it all, he has never participated in the process of putting the Constitution together. I don’t know about you, but if someone takes advantage of me and misconstrues or worse, manipulates my words to further his agenda, I would be very upset. 

Well, I can only attribute the confusion of this phrase to three areas of why it keeps on thriving in our society: misinformation, ignorance of history, and lying.  The first two are easily redeemable, but the last one needs prayer.  Those who lie to further their agenda, which involves taking God completely out of society, are following someone who from the very beginning, rebelled against God and His Kingdom.     

Here’s what Jesus said about this person:  “The devil was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44.

For more information about protecting truth in American History: www.wallbuilders.com  

wallbuilder founder David Barton Rocks!

Can you imagine a preacher saying this in a revival meeting?

“The woman was standing in the back of the room when the faith of God hit the meeting, and her tumor exploded out of her right leg, slid down her leg onto the floor! (audience applause)

I said, “God! I prayed for like a hundred crippled people. Not one?” He said, “That’s because I want you to grab that lady’s crippled legs and bang them up-and-down on the platform like a baseball bat.” (audience laughter)

I walked up and I grabbed her legs, and I started going, BAM! BAM! I started banging them up-and-down on the plat[form]! She got healed!

And I’m thinking, God, why is not the power of God moving? He said, “Because you haven’t kicked that woman in the face.” (audience laughter) 

And there is this older lady worshipping right in front of the platform. (audience laughter) And the Holy Spirit spoke to me–the gift of faith came on me–He said, “Kick her in the face with your biker-boot.”  (audience laughter)

I inched closer and I went like this [He performs a kick with his right leg and yells] BAM! (audience laughter) And just as my boot made contact with her nose, she fell under the power of God.

………and you think this was over; just imagine what he said next. 

I don’t know about you, but if this so-called prophet kicks me in my face, I would probably loose it and do something that I would regret….just being honest here. So, you don’t believe that this FALSE REVIVAL actually took place, just click and watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhpFbjfmK6E

Indeed, we are living in a nation that is filled with ‘counterfeit christianity.’ We have to be on guard at all times!  Acts 20: 29 & 30 says, “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.”  The Apostle Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 11: 14, “No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 

Let us keep watch; there are many false prophets on the prowl! 

 There are few real men among us these days who have determined hearts like these mighty Spartans.  The sad thing is that most men in our comfortable society are passive, nonconfrontive and complacent, especially towards what is right and true.  Just look around you and watch the news.  Most men have lost the zeal and passion to be warriors for the Lord!  For social justice and societal stability, where are the leaders who fear God?  For corruption in government and in businesses, where are the investors with integrity? For wounded women and neglected children, “where are the protectors and breadwinners?”  Where are the warriors who will fight? 

During the Men’s Camp at Camp Arnold in Eatonville Washington, every man was challenged by the Word of God to “Keep it Real.”  In order for us (men) to effectively stand and fight,  we must first surrender our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ!  This involves opening up our lives to him-to be transparent, and telling him all that is in our hearts. Revealing our hearts may mean that we sacrifice that one thing or multiple of things that hinder(s) our relationship with the Lord.  When the channel is cleared between us and God, we are able to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.  All of these point and help us to know who we are, and whose we are! This is our “Position in Christ.” 

In knowing our position, we are able to stand firm and steady-like those courageous Spartans, and fight the battle!  God doesn’t want weaklings and fakes!  He wants real men with real hearts serving and worshiping Him!  Are you ready to stand? Are you prepare for battle?  We will win this battle, because the Victory is from the Lord working through us!