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November 6, 2026

The Holiday Season’s Chaos or Peace

We all woke up in October as the high school football playoffs were winding down, election signs were littering the landscape, heavy middle-weigh politicians were duking it out at Autumn fairgrounds, Harvest Fests were being planned and into November we all marched down to the polling places, stood in line and hoped our votes would echo our voices and choices.

We look toward Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year ball dropping out of the sky – and as Christians… hoping for an appearance by Jesus in the clouds. 

We are at the top of the roller coaster and beginning our descent. Some get scared, some are excited and some are afraid. Jesus said that in every day we can make a choice. We can struggle on our own and with the anxious thoughts that are surrounding the holidays – or we can learn to invite Him into our every moment.

Song of Solomon 8:5 – “Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?”

We must learn to appreciate the scripture… “Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts. ” Zechariah 4:6

We must learn to be as a glider – and “catch the waves of wind in the atmosphere.” 

And unless we go through the wilderness – LEANING on our beloved, we will never come out of it unscathed.

Don’t be like this guy:

Proverbs 3: 5-6:  Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

{Jesus}

November 5, 2026

Post-election

Today is the “day after” the mid-terms in America. Just some thoughts about an election that was stacked against the church and Christianity.

Matthew 22:21 – And He said to them, “Render^[a] therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

If you voted in obedience – then you did well. Some of you are feeling like the great story in the book of Judges 20:

^{23 “}(And the children of Israel went up and wept before the Lord until even, and asked counsel of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the Lord said, Go up against him.)

²⁴ And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day.

²⁵ And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword.

²⁶ Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the Lord, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord.”

Israel was “SENT” by God to this battle – and they lost. Sometimes God tests your obedience and sometimes He tests your “after obedience sorrow.”

To continue this tomorrow, but fresh today there was a word posted to FB today by Michael Pagano that I just had to share.  Take courage from the word today. Feel strength in your obedience rather than your outcome.

Daniel 2:21 “He removes kings and sets up kings.”

Romans 13:1 “For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”

Daniel 4:17 “The Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.”

So tonight, I want to remind Christians who are upset about the election results of something important: God is still in control, even when you don’t like the outcome.

Think about the book of Judges. Throughout the book, we see Israel repeatedly doing what was evil in the eyes of the Lord and what was right in their own eyes. And what happened? God allowed them to fall under oppression and into the hands of wicked rulers. Their circumstances were often a direct consequence of their own rebellion against God.

And what was the solution? It wasn’t finding the right political leader. It was turning back to God in repentance.

Now, look at our nation.

We live in a country with millions of people who profess to be Christians, yet so many live lives centered on themselves. Lives of abundance, worldly priorities, personal comfort, and compromise with sin.

Yes, many Christians stand against abortion and LGBT issues. But those aren’t the only moral issues in the world.

If you’re against abortion but have no problem with greed and love of money, you’re still tolerating evil.

If you’re against LGBT issues but have no problem with premarital sex, you’re still tolerating evil.

If you’re quick to condemn evil on the left but willing to excuse evil on the right, you’re still tolerating evil.

We cannot pick and choose which sins we’re willing to condemn based on which political party commits them.

And maybe, just maybe, God is allowing this nation to experience the consequences of what it has become. Maybe we’re so busy looking for a political solution that we’ve forgotten where our hope is supposed to be.

Too many Christians have placed their hope in politicians, political parties, and election results, as though the right person sitting in state capitals, Congress, senate, or the White House could somehow save this nation.

But no politician can save our culture. No political party can transform the human heart. No election can accomplish what only God can do.

Only the Gospel can change hearts. Only Jesus can save.

And before someone says this sounds like the opinion of someone who didn’t vote, let me make something clear: I voted.

I’m not against voting. I’m against putting your hope in voting.

There’s nothing wrong with participating in elections, caring about the direction of our country, or wanting leaders who govern justly. But there’s a serious problem when Christians become more passionate about winning elections than they are about spreading the Gospel.

Real lasting change doesn’t begin in a voting booth or in the halls of Congress. It begins when hearts are changed by the Gospel.

You want to change your nation? Start with your community.

Preach the Gospel. Love your neighbors. Help those in need. Raise your children in the Lord. Stand firm in truth. Live a life that reflects Jesus Christ.

You can have a greater impact on the people around you through faithfully living out the Gospel than you might ever realize.

And remember, in the book of Judges, the people repeatedly cried out for deliverance from their circumstances, only to return to the very sins that brought them there in the first place.

Maybe that’s something we should consider tonight.

Are we crying out to God because we genuinely desire righteousness, or are we simply upset that our preferred political outcomes haven’t come to pass?

Because those are two very different things.

And guess what?

Regardless of who wins tonight, Jesus Christ is still sitting on the only throne that ultimately matters.

He wasn’t elected. He cannot be voted out. His authority doesn’t depend on Congress, the Supreme Court, or the White House.

And maybe tonight will serve as a reminder to some Christians who have unknowingly elevated politics to the status of an idol.

Our hope was never supposed to be in Washington.

Our hope is in Jesus Christ.

{Jesus}

November 4, 2026

REVIVAL!

One of the most important messages you will ever hear – it changes lives.  It takes a first step with you actually taking the time to listen.

{Jesus}

October 26, 26

Thirsty

“I thirst…”

Today as I was walking with the Lord, I kept hearing HIS words that were spoken on the cross…  Joh 19:28  After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

He wasn’t literally speaking of needing a drink of water, but I believe He was referring to an earlier word that He had spoken…  Mat 5:6  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

The “shall be filled” translates out to something so incredible and wonderful. It is as if Jesus was speaking it,  and at the same time overlooking the horizon to a place He had seen in Heaven…  the gardens…  the courts…  the vegetation…  the fullness…  the lack of want or need.

What an incredible place that we can come to in our lives when we “do the right thing” – and when we do,  we find ourselves in the courts and the gardens of Heaven with more than enough.   Enough to gorge ourselves if we wanted to.

I will only use one example here, but I am sure you can apply it to many areas of your life.

If someone hurts you, it hurts.  Well… duh.   That was pretty profound, Pastor Mark.  Now,  I don’t know if it was profound,  but it is the reality of every day life.  Something or someone hurts us.   What that equates to is the enemy coming out of a back alley and slashes us for no reason with his sword.  Not only does he slash us,  but he throws us a sword and screams defiantly…  “DEFEND YOURSELF.”

Bottom line. He engages us.  He calls us to battle whether we want to or not.  Whether we feel “up to it” or not.  Whether we feel “prepared” or not.    It’s how he works.  It’s what he does.  He doesn’t need a reason.  He simply hates you because you are a part of something God created.

When we are taken by surprise, our flesh wants to fight back without thought.  That’s right… without thought.  And… he provides us with the weaponry to engage.  Weapons of the flesh – because he knows that those weapons are powerless against him,  but deadly to those who get caught up in the fray.

So we engage. We battle.  We use the weapons he provides.  We retaliate with anger… violence… bitterness… unforgiveness… and we destroy everything and everyone in our way trying to satisfy this “hunger” to survive the hurt.   And when we are spent and have exhausted every fiber of our being to battle in the flesh,  we lay dying,  look around and see that we have caused much destruction to everything around us.

And… it didn’t satisfy the hunger. It didn’t stop the thirst.

When we use carnal weapons it is with the delusion that somehow, it will make us feel better.  It will make us feel satisfied.  It will make us feel good.   And in fact,  we find ourselves more thirsty than ever before.

BUT if we engage with weapons on the Spirit,  supernatural means to fight natural cravings…  we can find “fullness” and “satisfaction” and “wholeness.” 2Co 10:4  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

Choice of anger or bitterness or violence or… silence as in “the cold shoulder” are weapons of the flesh and they will leave you STARVING and THIRSTY.

Back to our opening scripture: Joh 19:28  After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

That scripture might be fulfilled.   That no weapon formed against me will prosper.   That no fire will burn me.  That He will meet all of my needs.

What scripture do YOU want fulfilled in your life that hasn’t come true north?   I mean,  you quote and quote and quote and confess and confess and confess and still – you can’t see the word being fulfilled in your life.

Fun fact: You can’t quote the word and fight with carnal weapons.  You can’t say that God is your Jehovah Jireh and that He will meet your needs while you are still sleeping with your girlfriend.  You can’t continue to confess that God is your healer and then harbor unforgiveness in your heart for the ones who hurt you.  Only a thirsting after “righteousness” will bring the blessing.

Righteousness… doing the right thing in a critical situation.   Using supernatural weapons that don’t make sense to your flesh when the enemy engages you.   When you are hungry and thirsty to DO THE RIGHT THING – there is a blessing in that.   Scripture can be fulfilled and God can take you to His courts and His gardens and His “more than enough.”

You are passing through a battlefield.   You WILL grow hungry and you WILL get thirsty.  There is a choice between what you will eat and what you will drink.   And what you choose will determine either the elimination of your needs or will create a deeper need.

You have walked through the dessert. You are presented with a choice.  You can drink an ice cold Pepsi or an ice cold bottle of water.   One can quench your thirst,  the other can increase your thirst. Carbonated soft drinks are a diuretic. Drinking a soft drink will take more water from your system then they will put back into your body. The digestion process for the high levels of sugar will remove much water from your system. To replace the water lost from drinking a carbonated soft drink, you will have to drink many glasses of water to make up for your soft drink consumption.

A thirst for the correct beverage while engaged in battle is so crucial.

Long for the fullness that the scriptures you desire and that you need right now in your life can be FULFILLED. Completely filled.

{Jesus}

October 21, 2026

Tools For The Modern World

Devices

There are devices that can be either good or evil. Devices in the following scriptures mean to “interpenetrate” or “weave” or “contrive” or “imagine” or “invent.”

The wisdom of Solomon tells us that when a man lives a life away from God, he is left to his own devices. Proverbs 19:21 states, “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” In other words, man can make as many plans as he wishes and come to as many conclusions as he cares to, but it is the counsel of the Lord that stands sure.

Exodus 35:35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.

God is a giver of ideas toward an expected end. God’s thoughts toward us and TO us are for your peace (Jeremiah 29:11) and that His glory may be manifested in you and for you.  He can bless with ideas, inventions, plans, a way to find hidden treasure in the word, in the world and in yourself.  There is wealth in His plans –  wealth in your health, wealth in your relationships, wealth in your understanding of the Word and even wealth in your finances.

Deuteronomy 8:18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swore unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

But then there is the flip side of that coin and we know that satan, the great counterfeiter also gives thoughts and causes us to devise our own plans. Colossians 1:21 “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.”

Proverbs 16:30 He shuts his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

That scripture is powerful because it exposes one of the greatest vices that man can have – a vice that will always lead to destruction. It is called “fantasy” or “fantasizing”.  To do it you need to close your eyes to the understanding that it’s evil,  you need to close your eyes and hide from God, thinking He can not see you.  The second half of that verse is the action that fantasy brings – and the destruction.

Fantasy is never completely fulfilling. It is, however a portal that you enter to “DEVISE” a plan in the natural. We are sons and daughters of creators.  We are never satisfied to just make plans.  We accomplish what we plan.  What we fantasize about.  People fantasize about being on a talent show and hearing the applause and admiration of the crowd.  The devices vault you headlong into pride and destruction.

People have physical fantasies that lead to vile acts of the flesh.  It can happen in many areas of your life – from finance to relationship to forbidden pleasure to self fulfillment.  Once the enemy knows you easily go through that door,  he is relentless as he comes back time and time again.   I can’t tell you how many marriages have been broken by this or how many people have been enslaved by it.  It most certainly leads to an addiction that you cannot beat on your own.   If you are addicted to smoking, you don’t just have a cigarette.  The thought comes,  the device comes,  the plan is formulated and the craving starts.  The cravings in the mind devour you until you can not take it anymore and you grab that smoke.

It’s the same with every addiction – whether it is smoking, alcoholism, pride, anger, violence, lying, seeking attention, adultery – and the list goes on and on.

The big lie by satan is that you are not hurting anyone and not sinning if it’s only in your mind. Jesus said that to “Look upon a woman” is adultery,  and to “hate your brother” is murder.  So – of course the enemy works in your mind.  And there in the hidden recesses of your closed eyes,  you think it’s perfectly normal,  perfectly acceptable and perfectly harmless. What you do in your secret closet, nobody sees… right? You’d better think that one again.

The problem is… it is the perfect sin.

Proverbs 14:22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. Devises. What you devise. The apostle Paul devised sin – and he himself said that he became the “chief sinner.” He also devised good things and wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost to help generations down through history. Not only Paul… but I speak from personal experience.

There IS a choice. When you start thinking bad thoughts about someone or something,  you actually do have the power to go through that door where the mind candy is without measure.  Once your mind gets bloated with sin – it finds an exit through the flesh. You are fooling yourself to be the architect of a back door and think that you will never build it or use it.

Micah 2:1 Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand.  

Again… here in Micah it speaks of the thoughts of the mind in the intimate place – the deep dark place of the middle of the night… a place that the enemy has you convinced that God can not go.  It’s a lie. Do you think that he is really not looking over your shoulder in that place?

You devise your gossip, your lies and your fornication in the presence of God. Go a step further and realize that you do it openly in front of the cross where Jesus is watching you think those thoughts and commit those acts.  NOTHING IS HIDDEN FROM THE CROSS.

Paul gave us a warning to “keep under our bodies” or to keep our thoughts and actions under the control of God and in His full light. Next time you are going to sin… invite God to the party. (That saved me quite a few times in my past… ashamed to say it, but I am a human being. Thank God He who saw me at my worst – loved me best. And He loves you too much to leave you there.)

1Corithians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

A castaway. That’s good. I think for a portion of my life, my name was “Gilligan.”

One of the greatest scriptures to counteract “THOUGHT WARFARE” is found in Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

I must admit… there were times it was as simple as “getting my thinker repaired.”

Paul also says that we reconcile ourselves: Colossians 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

There is a reward to those who diligently seek Him during the time of battle. That reward is VICTORY OVER THE THOUGHTS AND THE SIN. For a true Christian, it is the one request that we hope above all would be removed out of our life. More so than healing, more so than wealth, more so than favor. “IF I could just get the victory of this sin that keeps bombarding my mind…”

You can’t blame your parents or your heritage or your bloodline… The Bible talks about where the real blame should be put and how you can effectively fight and resist the enemy.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (protection in the mind… for the brain… using God’s word to fight back)

Arm yourselves today against the idleness and loneliness of the mind. Those are dark places.  ABOVE ALL.   You need to be able to HEAR the voice of God in the battle,  you need to have your mind COVERED with the helmet of salvation and finally, you need to bring the devices and thoughts of God into the atmosphere.

You can change the spiritual climate and the very atmosphere that you are living in by speaking forth HIS Word and what He is speaking to YOU. And the nugget here is that His word NEVER returns to Him void (or without power).

Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.  (It’s a God promise…)

Remember that satan won’t bring just one thought… fear turns into FEARS and lust turns into LUSTS and these devices left to fester will ALWAYS… ALWAYS bring you to destruction. Whether it is destruction of your finances,  your relationships, your health, your welfare and most importantly – your relationship with God.

When your flesh acts out in sin – that battle was already lost in the mind. Catch it before it is too late.

I find that out loud praise… out loud prayers… out loud cries for help will change the temperature of the atmosphere. The enemy wants you silent. He wants to be the only one speaking. He hates it when a child of God begins to use the out-loud weapons of warfare.

Be careful out there. Use the correct tools (devises) for the job at hand.

Guard your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.  – Proverbs 4:23

{Jesus}

October 20, 2026

Did Someone Call For A Plumber?

Isa 43:19  Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

There is a new Spirit springing forth in many churches throughout the world.  The day of controlling and policing by people is passing away.  The feeling of the need to be an “enforcer” is a spirit – and that spirit is being cast out.  We are to esteem every man greater than ourselves.  The need to “Lord over someone” is an abomination to the Lord.

(Matthew 7:1 – Judge not, that ye be not judged. ) It is a spiritual pride that is being cast out of our midst!  Rejoice in that the oppression of one over another IS GONE!!!

Psalm 12:3  The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaks proud things:

Psalm 12:4  Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?

Psalm 12:5  For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, says the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffs at him.

Psalm 12:6  The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

It is so important that you seek the Lord for a straight path today.  When we walk in the ways of the Lord,  His presence,  power and pleasure rest upon us as morning dew.

When we are walking in His will and His way – we affect all that we touch.  I have seen it so many times,  God working with unlimited power when our walk is pure and our heart is right.

Hebrews 12:13  And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

The healing comes as we walk IN HIM.  If there is bitterness in you – if there is anger in you – if there is an unclean motive,  it hinders the moving of God’s Spirit in your life.  We can be used for the desires of His heart,  or we can sit back and watch God move through someone else.

Was there a day when God was doing miracles, signs and wonders each day?  Has there been a declining in that moving?  It could be that you have let a root of bitterness spring up. 

Are you upset that God is working through someone else?  Check your heart.  Get yourself back in line.  Humble yourself before Him and let Him take away that which troubles you that you can’t even pinpoint!

When the water in the sink takes longer to drain,  you surmise that there must be a blockage.  The same thing happens when there is a blockage in your walk… in your heart.  Let God remove all that is not Him so that the water can freely flow again.

Is there a feeling of a chill in your attitude?  Do you feel away from God?  I can remember a great evangelist saying that “if you were ever closer to God than you are right now,  you are backslidden.”   It’s time to seek the Lord WHILE He may be found!

Hosea 14:4  I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.

Hosea 14:5  I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.

Hosea 14:6  His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon.

Hosea 14:7  They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon.

{Jesus}

October 15, 2026

Boredom and Lonliness – the lack of creativity

I learned at a young age that I hated the term “bored” – because if I used it, I had parents and grandparents who followed it up with old school solutions. Beds had to be made, dishes had to be washed, farm chores had to be done – until they weaned that word right out of my vocabulary. I think it made me more creative.

I thought of many things to keep me busy. That teaching came in handy while I spent three years in Wyoming all alone. But never lonely – never bored – not because I was scared, but because I had learned all the things this wonderful life had to offer. I joked about building myself a “to do list” just in case I ever was out in the street – nowhere to go, nothing to do, nobody to see and no agenda to keep. I buried myself in music, in books, in learning, in trivia, in writing, in poetry, in photography, in learning about animals – both domestic and wildlife. I was also taught at a young age that the things we learn and the talents we gain can be so much more satisfying when we share them with people.

When I was all alone in Chicago, writing for corporate America, I would come home at night – quite alone. I refused to use the words “bored” or “lonely.” I found a nursing home who wanted some free entertainment once a week and at first there were two elderly people who came in wheelchairs and who rocked out to “Piano Man.”

I drug all my sound equipment, keyboard, stand, bench, speaker, cords, etc. every week… through the winds and snows and the pleasant weather of Chicago. By the third month, it was standing room only in their community room and I started handing out sing-along sheets for some of the songs. The elderly would come two hours early to make sure they got a seat. (One person told me… “I don’t mind… I got time.”)

Six months into the fun I decided it was the best volunteer gig I ever had. A nursing assistant came to me one night and asked me to speak to “Barney” – one of the patients who respected me and was feeling very down and felt like giving up. I was shocked… I mean… I was only the piano player. But I went to Barney and found out that he fell in love with another resident… “Doris” and they couldn’t get married because it would put them over income limits and they would have to leave. Hmmm. So… pretty much, they were shacking up. I didn’t advocate it, because I knew that was above my pay grade… but I did learn that Barney was once a postal worker in a Chicago suburb for 42 years. He missed it. He missed having purpose in his life. As I left that night, feeling a bit helpless, I got an idea. I went to eBay and found a vintage push satchel. I bought it, got together with the nursing home staff and we figured out a way for him to deliver things to the residents of his floor. Purpose restored.

He delivered until he passed.

Finding His purpose gave me great joy. Everywhere I went I looked for “projects.” In both Iowa and Wyoming I formed a band and raised money for Special Olympics. Also in Wyoming I set up a foundation to take senior portrait packages for seniors who could not afford the cost of photography. I donated my time, camera, editing and provided them with over 100 photos each in a digital portfolio. I have many other projects that I have worked on and continue to work on. Although today I still do dishes and occasionally make the bed, it’s not because I made a statement about being bored. I replaced that word with “gratefulness.” I know what it’s like to be homeless. I know what it’s like to be alone. I know what it’s like to be snowed in, wondering if anyone would ever come to find me. Now I am “retired-years old” and life gets more beautiful and exciting every day… maybe because I don’t have the years left that I had as a young man. But… a sunset on the back porch overlooking the lake with my wife and our 110 pound American Bulldog, Max – those are just parts of the collage that I choose to put together as a final wall-hanging to finish up a very full life. God’s given us so many memories in four years time.

I looked at a kaleidoscope of picutures I put together for Thecia’s birthday the other day and it takes over an hour to go through them all… they hold more memories than some couples have in a lifetime. We have been blessed and life has been full – and I wonder how much more had we been able to add had we not worked to 70.

And… working didn’t give us our memories. It was the time away from the office. It is with great excitement and anticipation that I look forward to what God has yet in store for us.

And as always… we’re too busy to get old.

{Jesus}

October 13, 2026

Assign Your Agreement

Today I was thinking about “following” in my daddy’s footsteps.  Doing what He would do and thinking the thoughts He would think.   Someone once said,  “God doesn’t have to work very hard – He just creates a lot of things with His words.”    I don’t know if all that is true,  but I do know that if we can learn to follow His speech…  The King’s speech…  then we would be amazed at how our lives would change.

To learn to:

• Speak AS He speaks (relationship)
• Speak When He speaks (timing)
• Speak What He speaks (doctrine)
• Speak Where He speaks (obedience)

I have been thinking a lot lately about healing.  About the provision made on it’s behalf… the events surrounding it’s timing… the hanging on in the midst of the battle for it…   the motivation behind it’s appearing.    When we learn “God speech” –  we can better understand and can “obtain.”

In the battle for healing that I’ve been fighting lately,  I start asking myself questions…  what is HE saying about it,  what is His timing for it,  how does HE call it forth.   The only thing I don’t know is the timing.

So… when I am engaged in the battle for my own healing…. I am looking at the strategy for the battle. 

• Yes – the truth is – God heals
• Yes – the truth is – God loves me
• Yes – the truth is – God and I have a relationship
• Yes – the truth is – I can hear His voice
• Yes – the truth is – I know His word
• Yes – I can be patient until the fruit is ripe

When you are battling – the enemy will come against you – and try to alter God’s word and bring a lie.  I challenge you to put up your list of truths against the lie of the enemy – and see how that lie will fall in the midst of your list.   Just as Satan talks you into the lie… truth will talk you back out of it.

Putting my agreement to His word and putting my agreement to what I hear is a big plus in the battle.   Though I wake up feeling weak… I put my agreement to the word that tells me in 2 Corinthians 12:10 that I am strong.  When I feel as if I can’t do something…  I put my agreement to Phil 4:13 – I can do ALL things.  When we put our agreement to something – it’s not necessarily that we “feel” it – but when we speak it – we put our agreement to it.

When you speak – you are assigning an agreement.  You either agree with how you feel or the truth which is God’s word – and those two things can be quite different.  You agree with your anger or your forgiveness.  I thought of all the years I have put my agreement with my natural man,  with my human emotion, with my carnal feelings…  instead of with my Father.  He never comes into agreement with the carnal… so why should we?

I mean… Here is the one who established a system of creation with words.  Read that sentence again… CREATED A SYSTEM TO CREATE WITH WORDS. It would be wisdom to align with Him… put your agreement with that… and forsake everything else.

Listen to what He is speaking right now into your life… into your circumstance – step out onto your troubled water with faith and put your agreement to it!!! 

Mat 18:19  Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.   (you actually could interpret that second one in agreement with you here on earth as the Holy Ghost!!!)

{Jesus}

October 10, 2026

Spirit of Adoption

I Was Adopted…

Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

One of the names of Jehovah God “Abba Father” is one of the most significant names of God in understanding how He relates to people. The word Abba is an Aramaic word that would most closely be translated as “Daddy.” It was a common term that young children would use to address their fathers. It signifies the close, intimate relationship of a father to his child, as well as the childlike trust that a young child puts in his “daddy.”

As I study this morning for something I am working on for a series that I am going to be teaching later this Spring,  I am delving again into Romans 8.  The words “Spirit of adoption” are jumping off the page at me.

The ones waiting for adoption don’t get to choose who adopts them.  It is the choice of the ones who are adopting.  We didn’t choose our adopted “daddy” –  He chose us.  I don’t know about you, but at times I look in the mirror and wonder…  WHY ME???

I don’t have the answer for that, but I am glad He did.  It surprises me though,  how so many in this life don’t realize that they are in the orphanage of the world.  When God comes and wants to adopt them,  they refuse.  It boggles my mind as to why they don’t want a family.  Why they don’t want to leave their dysfunctional, nomadic, transient and dangerous lifestyle?

It’s kind of like looking at the prodigal son at the pig trough.  Someone comes along and says…  “Hey… come away from there.  I have roast beef on the menu.”  The reply is staggering…  “Naw… I have grown accustomed to the slop and maggots”.

When God wanted to adopt me with all my flaws and all my quirks and all my baggage and all my…  yuk…  it brought tears to my eyes.  Someone wants me!  Someone wants to love me!  Someone wants to change my situation!

To say “yes” was as easy as choosing between life or death.  And like normal adoptions,  each case is reviewed and looked at personally.  We are chosen for who “WE” are – not who are parents were,  not who are siblings are,  not who are friends are.  Who WE are.

Ezekiel comes into play here.  It most certainly helps in the understanding of our adoption.

Ezekel 18:20 The soul that sins, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

It doesn’t matter who your parents were.  How bad or how good of a lifestyle they had.  The one being adopted doesn’t pay the price for the sins of your heritage!  This again speaks to blow completely out of the water that horrible heresy of “generational curse” which I have spoken about many times.  The son SHALL NOT bear the iniquity of the father – just like the father SHALL not bear the iniquity of the son.

Your salvation,  your walk,  your choices are your own.  You can’t blame your parents for the way you choose to live your life.   Oh,  yes, of course we have that same temptation to yield to anger,  lust,  kleptomania… etc…. but if your dad was weak in an area – you can’t use his weakness as an excuse to sin.  Just like… if your son yields to something – it doesn’t mean the father is going to yield to it.

“Oh my son took up alcohol as a hobby so I guess it’s a part of me too that I can’t escape.”  Bull Hockey.  Ezekiel is very clear that your choice to sin…your choice to be adopted…your choice to live…your choice to die – is simply that. YOURS.

Every generation is subject to the same spirits of evil.  It is not “more prevalent” in some families.  Just like God Himself,  Satan is no respecter of persons.  He attacks everyone with every ounce of evil he can muster.

Every generation was born in sin and shaped in iniquity.  Every generation has a choice to yield to family tradition of weakness in the flesh or setting a trend and a new course for strength.

If you live in a city of “blame,”  you travel the streets of “excuse.”  That’s where the orphanage is located.  You can’t be singing “The sun will come out… tomorrow” and continue to say “no” to the one who wants to change your address and your lifestyle and your mindset.

Ezekiel 18:21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Ezekiel 18:22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.

Ezekiel 18:23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? says the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

Ezekiel 18:24 But when the righteous turns away from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

There are two very strong points of verbiage in the preceding passage.  There are two things that won’t be spoken.  If you are a student of the Word,  you know how powerful the written and the spoken word are.  It’s a way that we record thoughts, ideas, dreams, aspirations, life or death.

The points come in the “lack of recording,”  or,  the “lack of a word being spoken.”  The lack of establishing a precedent or judgment.  The exact words I am speaking of are:  “shall not be mentioned.”

That is such a relief to someone like myself who has made so many mistakes… yielded to way too much sin…  turned to so many excuses.   IF I turn to my ABBA…  and follow His words and live in His world – all the things that I have done… WON’T EVEN BE MENTIONED.   I don’t know about you,  but for me… that takes a load off!

And, alas, there is a flip side to that coin that I must always be conscious of.  If I choose to go back to a life I lived “pre-adoption” after I have walked and lived in the light of His love, and if I choose to go back to the excuses and the blaming and the sin…  I will die.

And in that death, there is something that “won’t be mentioned” – and that is all the good things I have done.  People can say all they want… “I’m a good person” and yet for all their goodness,  if they choose to live in sin…  NOT ONE GOOD THING WILL BE MENTIONED.  Nobody will defend you at the end.  Not one good thing will be spoken of on your behalf.

You can get to that brim of hell and be screaming…  “YEAH, BUT I DID THUS AND SO…”  and you’ll only get a voice cutting off your very words…  “Yeah, we don’t care about any of that.”

Kind of like Judas trying to atone for his error to the chief priests and spouting that he was bringing the blood money back.  The answer from the counsel:  Mat 27:4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us?

In essence… WHO CARES?  Isn’t that the attitude of the worldly orphanage?  Who… cares.

I love the teaching of Christ as He taught us how to pray.   He told us… Luke 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

Ezekiel 18:30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, says the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

Ezekiel 18:31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Ezekiel 18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies, says the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

You see,  God takes NO PLEASURE in the death of anyone.  (Ezekiel 18:23 and Ezekiel 18:32)  There is no reason to turn away from someone who cares as deeply as He cares.

You may say… “What has God ever done for me?”   I will reply simply… nothing… if you don’t agree to the adoption.   A parent adopting a child from an orphanage doesn’t take all the orphans out to dinner.  He doesn’t pay for all their college educations.  He doesn’t tuck all of them into bed at night.  Only the ones that allow HIM to adopt them.

LOOTING THE MERCY SEAT (or “DON’T wear my old T-shirts.”)

One morning I was awoken out of a dead sleep and I heard the voice of God telling me… “My church is wearing bloody garments. They have looted the mercy seat. They are heaping condemnation upon their own hearts and they are forsaking their own mercy.”

I was speechless.  To make a long story short, He explained and I do my best to explain it to you.

“Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? (Who does he think he is?) Is this not the carpenter’s son? (We know who he is and what he’s done.) Where then did THIS Man get all these things?” And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.” -paraphrased from a writer named Matthew.

You’ve changed. You are not that person you used be. You are certainly not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, nor do you claim to be, but you finally have the courage to go forward and start over. Perhaps you’ve fallen or failed more than just a few times… but remember that the blood COVERS it all. And to the gallery of critics, LOVE covers a multitude of sins.

And just about the time that you change your season, your purpose and your direction where you finally begin to move forward, mark it down, someone will come out of the crowd from your past who wants to “educate” everyone about who you are based on who you used to be, what you’ve done and how many times you’ve done it.

All to stop you from doing what you are supposed to be doing now… being with who you are supposed to be with now… working where you need to be working now….

When someone says “I want to know all about you.” Be careful what you divulge. I mean, Romans 14:22 – If you have faith… have it to yourself before God. 

Some things are meant to be buried in a mercy seat under a blood covering. Which means bringing it out and revealing it – BY ANYONE is not contestible. Who are you to dig that garment out and wear it again like a winter coat when the weather grows cold or you are bored for a new outfit?

And who is that one who pops out of the crowd in a moment of your new-found favor and success… carrying that garment that was covered in blood, forgiven and buried – shrieking to the crowd, “LOOK WHAT I FOUND!”

Don’t ask me about sins covered by blood. I refuse to loot the mercy seat. If God forgets, why should ANYONE bring it to remembrance? You are welcome to judge me as I am today, and as to who I am with you now. But sorry, my yesterday is off limits. Micah 7:19

“Oh my brother, he was in prison for…” “Oh my sister do you know how many divorces she has…” “Oh that man, you know what I heard about him…” “Oh that woman, I was there when she hurt that man…” “He has such a spirit of anger…” “She has a violent temper…” “He is a drunk…”

Stop. Just… STOP.

You can either choose to forgive or remit their sins, but what you are NOT, is the court of heaven appointed historian. (John 20:23 – If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained by you.”) Love COVERS a multitude of sins. It doesn’t “UNCOVER” them – especially when they are stained with blood.

And… do you realize what “remitting their sins” means? It means you wear them. You retain them. You don’t make THEM retain them. Go ahead and call a recovering alcoholic a drunk. You just put on the T-shirt proclaiming – “I am a drunk.” And what’s worse, if you are proclaiming it – it is not covered in your life… and you will pay the price for someone else’s sin simply because you CHOOSE to retain it.

Don’t ask me how many times I’ve lied. How many times I’ve been married (or divorced). How many times I abandoned someone. How many times I’ve lost my temper. How many times I’ve screamed in anger. How many times I’ve gossiped. How many times I’ve passed out on a sidewalk drunk out of my mind.

You will taint our friendship with that. Human nature has a hard time forgetting or storing things just in case you need ammunition to use against me someday.

You will make determinations about us based on what is dead and gone. Bad Choice. Based upon what someone else said. (A lazy choice) Be mature enough to make up your own mind and trust your own heart… and make your own determinations. And if you really want the truth, GO TO GOD and hear what he thinks of his redeemed.

Well… what if you want to bring it up for perspective? That’s a lie. You can tell someone you’ve been through a fire without describing it. They don’t need it described; they are being burned by it.

You don’t have to prove to me how badly you’ve been hurt to make me want to protect you. If I love you, I will stand guard at that burial site where your hurts and self-inflicted wounds were covered. I will not let anyone unbury those things.

When that one pops his head out of the crowd to try to educate everyone, I promise to shut him up. I’ve got your back. I’ll stand guard over your honor. I’ll remind you to keep your eyes forward. I’ll love you for who you are to me today… not who you were to someone else in your yesterday.

Watch your tongues. Are you looting the mercy seat trying to educate someone about someone else? How do you know if perhaps they have changed? How do you know if their past has been buried and forgotten by God Himself? Who are you and what have you appointed yourself to do?

If we would lift up rather than tear down. If we would look forward to our own futures instead of focusing on someone else’s past, we would be a healthier people.

{Jesus}

October 8, 2026

This Property Isn’t Condemned

 Therefore… NO condemnation.

 Today I want to deal with condemnation.   When it comes from the world, it can sting,  but when it comes from within ourselves, it can open a portal for depression, oppression, self pity, regression and even suicide.  I want to look at two disciples.  One who found a place of grace and the other who established his place in hell.

Of course, I am talking about Simon Peter and Judas Iscariot.

To start,  I want to build this daily word on the foundation of this cornerstone of “maintaining” your salvation:

Rom 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;   In other words, you are not any better or any worse than everyone else because sin has attacked and conquered you.  It comes to everyone and the shame is not in the fall, but in the inability to get back up.   (Proverbs 24:16  For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.)

Temptation is the battle in the mind. (Col 1:21  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled)

Sin is a description of losing a battle.  That victory that Satan claims is toward a greater end for him.  He doesn’t care if you win or lose a battle, necessarily, but that victory or defeat gives him occasion to bring either pride and self righteousness or condemnation.  In either case,  as a Christian, we must be very careful.

We all know (including Satan himself) that pride comes before a fall.   We also know that going into condemnation can cause your soul drift into the abyss.  Since depression and oppression and condemnation are spiritual tools of the enemy,  the kind or encouraging words of man many times will not be able to stop this drifting.

Did you ever try to talk someone out of a deep depression or condemnation?  It’s like speaking to the deaf.  The only way those ears can be opened is through the WORD of God.  Remember that the weapons of our warfare ARE NOT CARNAL.

Good intentions, kind words, pity, hand holding, back rubbing and chicken soup, contrary to popular belief can not set that prisoner free.  When the enemy brings defeat, he locks the cell to an inner prison of the mind with supernatural locks that the Master lock company can not compete with.  These are as I have spoken – depression, oppression, regression, condemnation.

He leaves a back door open, however to this prison and that is the back door to hell itself – which is the door of suicide. He convinces you that going through that door is painless and full of great comfort, better than feeling left alone and in a prison where he promises you there is no end.  He tells you that going through that door will make everyone in the world feel sorry for you – which would, in your mind, be a type of revenge on those who hurt you.  Getting your last shot in, so to speak.  These are lies – and he wants your soul.

One of the first things you have to remember is that staying down when you get knocked down IS NOT AN OPTION.  The battle comes to us all – and we will not escape it.

We will never retire from the battle.  Case in point – the fight of old age and the body dying.  It is an ongoing battle.  Temptation.  Everything from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life.  It battles you every day and our adversary is relentless.  That is why Peter in his old age – still in the battle tells us… 1Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

And in every battle that you lose, you can bank on the spirit of justification to come along with the depression.  It tells you that nobody else has hurt as bad as you hurt.  Nobody else has battled as fiercely as you have battled.  Nobody else has felt what you feel.  Nobody cares for your soul.

It’s a warped and wicked battle that he fights.

Suffice to say, we’ve all been there.  The battle didn’t come ONLY before you were a Christian, but now that you are…  the stakes have just gone up in the kingdom of darkness.  Your stock in the exchange of hell just hit the ceiling.   You are now REALLY worth the investment of the time of the dark forces of the enemy.

The apostle Paul struggled with sin.  He wrestled with not being able to get the victory over that messenger of Satan. (2 Corinthians 12:8-9) Messenger in that context is very good because it partially translates out to “soldier that will take you captive and lead you away to prison”.

1Ti 1:15  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Paul also talked about losing battles in the letter he wrote to the Romans… and notice in the first verse… he was not unsaved or unlearned or religious.  He called himself… Rom 1:1  Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Now, I don’t care who YOU think you are… Paul was a SERVANT.  An APOSTLE.  SEPARATED unto the gospel.  But.  Not above the battles.  Not above temptation.  And NOT above losing battles.

After Paul tells everyone WHO he is and what his calling and credentials are… he gets to the 7^th chapter and drops a bombshell on the Christian world who think that they should be sinless after salvation and AFTER the infilling of the Holy Ghost.

Rom 7:14  We know that the law is spiritual, but I am not. I am so human. Sin rules me as if I were its slave.

Yes… “as if”  I were it’s slave.  One difference.  Slaves didn’t fight back.  They submitted.  Soldiers on the other hand FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT.

Paul goes on to say…Rom 7:15-16  I don’t understand why I act the way I do. I don’t do the good I want to do, and I do the evil I hate.  And if I don’t want to do what I do, that means I agree that the law is good.

Paul was bearing his soul to the soul of every Christian that has ever lost a battle to temptation.  If you will study further the rest of the verses in Romans 7, you will find that Paul not only struggled, but sought God to find out HOW to deal with the sin.   How do we deal with DEFEAT?

That is really the bottom line to what I am speaking today.  HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH DEFEAT?

In my book,  “A Warrior’s Heart” that I wrote as encouragement and motivation for athletes,  I had the following entry:

We need to learn how to miss our free throws 

Not from a technical aspect…  but rather, the reaction to the reality that you DO miss, you HAVE missed, and you WILL miss again in the future.

It’s not THAT you missed your shot, but HOW you missed it…

With what emotion do you treat a missed free throw… a missed shot… a missed opportunity?

With anger or understanding?  Swearing or silent contemplation?  Depression or determination? 

And remember… 

Your next shot may be determined by which emotion you choose…   and so it is with life.

It is the footsteps you take after the crisis hits.  And you can’t leave footprints to victory as your legacy when you are lying down.  You need to get up and walk.  BACK to the lover of your soul.

Peter.  Judas.  Both were disciples,  appointed by the Father, called to greatness.  Here are some of the things these men BOTH did.

Mar 6:7  And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; 

Mar 6:12  And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

Mar 6:13  And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

Peter. Judas.  They both had the power of the Holy Ghost upon them.  They both were preachers – leading people to Christ and to repentance.  They preached REPENTENCE.  They delivered those in bondage and healed the sick.  They bound up the hearts of those who were broken.

And these two great men.  Both of them.  Went to the crusades at Jerusalem…  The battle of the Passion.  Both of them were wounded and knocked down in the battle.  Only one survived.  How?

It deals here with relationship.  Peter had been the one who was broken in prayer, had transcended the realm of earth and had sat at the feet of  His heavenly father.  He had Jesus revealed to him.

Judas, on the other hand,  had a religious relationship with the church leaders.  He sat at the feet of the Pharisees and listened as they revealed Jesus to him.  If you only know Jesus by what people or pastors or religious leaders tell you – that is not a revealing and you will have no confidence in the Spirit when the crisis hits.  And trust me… YOUR CRISIS WILL HIT HARD.

Peter sinned.  He went back to His revealer.  He learned how to go the Father before the fall and thus… during the crisis – he knew His way back home.  Mat 26:75  And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

Judas sinned.  He went back to his revealers.  He repented to them.  They could NOT nor would NOT grant him absolution.  He could not find his way back home in the crisis because he had never been there.  If you look at the phrase “repented himself” the word there translates out to “a less intimate repenting”.  It could not come from his heart because his heart had not been broken.

It could not come from his heart… because his heart was selfish.  Selfish spirits of self condemnation, self pity and self serving suicide.  The ultimate destruction… he hung himself and gave away any chance for God to continue to call him to greatness.  He threw away his calling.  He threw away a chance for salvation.  He made it very clear that he aligned his heart with Satan who screams out to God… “I hate you.  I hate your gifts. I hate your gift of LIFE. I HATE YOU”.

Mat 27:3  Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Mat 27:4  Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. Mat 27:5  And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

Sin is an evidence of a lost battle.  Regression is an evidence of condemnation.  Condemnation is an evidence of a faulty or flawed relationship with your Heavenly Father.  We are again wise to look at Judges 20 and the battles lost by the children of Israel to reveal to them their true heart.

When they lost in the same battle twice, they did not give up.  They moved closer to the heart of God. Now… you do you just sit back and continue to live in sin?  That is foolishness, and if you are reading that into this message, you need to adjust your focus.  We Battle.  If we lose “hamburger hill” 20 times… we go the 21^st time… and we fight again.  Until we have the victory.

And finally…  two thoughts written by John the beloved.  Once as he quoted Jesus and the second as he continued in God’s love:

Joh 3:17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 

1Jn 3:20  For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart,

and knoweth all things.

1Jn 3:21  Beloved, if our heart (does not have the power to condemn us),

then have we confidence toward God.

1Jn 3:22  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

1Jn 3:23  And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

1Jn 3:24  And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

I am going to draw this all together with the same conclusion that Solomon gave us back in Ecclesiastes:

Ecc 12:13  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Get up.  Arise.  Shine.  Your light is come.  Battles will be won and battles will be lost in the days ahead… your response,  your reaction and your resolve will determine your next steps.  The life you save may be your own.

{Jesus}

October 7, 2026

Another River in Eden

Denial in The Garden

The main two points that I want to highlight today is this:   Peter promised he would follow Christ to prison and to death,  but could not follow HIM to the prayer room.  It is much like us today with our swelling promises and shiny Christianity that we want the world to see.

The problem with a Gethsemane prayer room is that it is in a secret closet with no fanfare, fame or fortune – and when you come out,  you don’t get the keys to a new Cadillac, but find the enemy who has come out with swords and staves ready to take you to a scourging post.  It’s not prosperity Christianity – but it’s the reality of real Christianity.

Secondly,  Christ, in His agony and having enough on His own plate in Gethsemane left His battle zone to rally the troops where they were battling and with great compassion told them that prayer was for themselves… for their strength to battle the temptations about to hit them as they came forth out of the garden.

Peter did not pray and as a result, he gave way to one of the greatest temptations of man.  Taking things into his own hands rather than trusting the Lord.  Hefting a sword in a battle that wasn’t his.   His battle was lost when the sword was taken from the sheath.  He had sadly yielded to the temptation of taking things into his own hands.

We do that as Christians with worry, jealousy, anger, manipulation, control, seeking answers from men instead of God… and on and on and on.  The video from yesterday will up later today and I IMPLORE you to sit and listen to that 45 minute teaching.  I believe it will bring you back to “true north” on your compass.

A man who does not pray has to have his own way.

Denial.

To deny someone or something is to:

1. quit on them or a cause
2. disown…  refusal to take ownership
3. contradict – take a stand against someone or something
4. reject
5. refuse to obey
6. separation from
7. departure – run away from what you know is truth
8. take a stand against
9. choosing your own will

Scriptures surrounding Gethsemane:

Mat 6:13  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Mat_26:41  Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Mar 14:34  And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

Luk 22:46  And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

Mar 14:37  And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

Mar 14:38  Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

Why did Christ implore them to watch and pray?  Why on this night did He fill them with food and take them up to a cold mountain when they had such a full day already.  What was the big deal?

I ask you what difference would it have made had they stayed awake and prayed?  What would have changed?

Would Jesus have been able to avoid the cross?  Would He not have been beaten?  Would He not have had to carry a cross?   Would He have suffered less?

I don’t think it has entered into the heart and mind of man what Jesus was asking them to do that night – or for that matter what He is asking us to do today.   I mean… the rapture is going to happen,  people are going to die,  people are going to suffer.  What good does prayer do anyway?

In this century we use prayer to get what we want.  We bring our shopping lists to heaven and demand…  confess… profess… beg…  lay hold of…  cry…  – anything it’s going to take to get us what we want.  And because we are a society motivated by greed and no tolerance for pain – we pray in the critical situations…  FOR WHAT WE WANT.

Isn’t it amazing the things we promise with great swelling pride.  And many times, those promises are made in the good times…  the full times… the anointed times… the times of great fellowship and great worship.  In times of great blessing.

It’s there – in the blessing that we must heed the words of Solomon.  Be slow to speak and quick to listen.

Peter made such a promise at the last supper.  On the eve of one of the greatest holidays of the year.  At a time when their bellies were full and there was no lack and the presence of the Lord was so real and so powerful and so… perfect.

Luk 22:33  And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

It is human nature to promise the moon when we are in times of great comfort.  It is human nature to boast of our strength when we are not facing a battle.  It is human nature to announce powerful plans before we count the cost.

And when we do these things,  we all fall short – or we end up keeping promises due to obligation rather than joy and willingness.  We find ourselves doing things “grudgingly” or finding an excuse to get out of doing what we “promised”.  (2Co 9:7  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.)

Let’s look at the night Peter offered Christ that great promise of extreme dedication.  Jesus was blessing them all with his extreme love at this most intimate time of fellowship.  Jesus was making them feel as if they had hung the moon.  They were feeling all warm and fuzzy and excited about the promises and prophecies that Christ was offering them:

Luk 22:15  And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer:   (professed His love for them)

Luk 22:28  Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.  (How proud He was of them)

Luk 22:29  And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

Luk 22:30  That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  (Promise made to them)

Such a great night.  Such great words by the Master.  Such a spiritual high.  They were eating and drinking and having their feet washed and egos massaged and they were hugging and hearing the very heart beat of one another.

It was also in that time when there was issued a great warning.  Instead of heeding the warning and being quick to listen and slow to speak,  Peter boomed forth with a proclamation of dedication.   A promise of his power.  A show of strength.  In the midst of all of his brethren he wanted to make sure everyone knew how great he was and just what he was promising!

Luk 22:33  And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.  Luk 22:34  And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

Mar 14:30  And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

In the next few hours,  Peter would show that he was not able to keep those promises because his promises were in “the wrong place”.   Misplaced passion.  He promised to follow into the prison and all the way to the cross – but the sad reality was,  he couldn’t keep the least of the tasks which was following the Lord into prayer.

Jesus didn’t ask Peter to go to prison or to the cross… but He did ask that Peter follow Him to a prayer room.

Luk 22:40  And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

Follow me to prayer.  Snooze.   Follow me to prayer.  Snore.  Follow me to prayer.  Drool.     Peter denied the Lord three times in that garden before he even had the chance to deny him in the courtyard.

We promise God so much when we can’t even promise him the least of our time,  our effort and our day in a prayer closet.   All the things you proclaim that you will do for Him…  fulfill your great calling…  tithe that great amount of mint and rue… heal the sick, raise the dead,  paint the church,  weed the gardens,  travel as an evangelist,  preach a message,  proclaim to this world that Jesus Christ is Lord of your life even if it means you will be persecuted.

And yet you can’t find the prayer room.

Mar 14:41  And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Jesus came THREE TIMES and found Peter in the denial before the denial came with his actual words.  Denial is not just what comes out of your mouth… but also what “doesn’t” come out of your mouth.  A refusal to prayer is a denial of the Holy Ghost to pray.  (Rom 8:26 “…for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”)

And if you can deny Him by not keeping your promise to pray… the other promises will be that much easier to break.

The temptation that Peter entered into:

Joh 18:10  Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

There it was.  It is prevalent in each of us.  The temptation to take matters into our own hands.  The temptation to defend in the flesh.  To fight with natural weapons.

It takes a very strong and spirit filled man to keep his sword in the sheath when he realizes that the battle is not his to fight.

1Sa 17:47  And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands.

2Ch 20:15  And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

Now – we know that Peter continued to deny the Lord with his words.   Once you grow accustomed to taking things into your own hands… it gets very easy to walk the other way.

Mat 26:74  Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.  Mat 26:75  And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

A lack of prayer in a person’s life opens that person up to temptation to take things into his own hands.  A life needs control.  When you haven’t been with the Lord,  you crave to have things in “orbit” – and take it upon yourself.   Spend time marketing yourself, defending yourself, updating your image, having to impute your will to every situation you come upon

We learned about Uzzah a few weeks back who took matters into his own hands and tried to control the moving of God.  He died instantly.  Abinidab and Abihu – took matters into their own hands and offered strange fire upon the altar – they also died instantly.

Taking matters into your own hands kills the “chance” for the Spirit to fight the battle.  It kills all your trust in the Lord.  You may have all the right excuses for stepping in, for moving out,  for using your own strength – but when you trust in anything but what God says – you are still walking in your own will.

Isa 31:1  Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

It is time to seek the Lord.  It is time to find a place of brokenness.  It is time to put the essential before the promises.   Prayer can keep your lips from uttering promises you can not keep… and can also give you power to keep the promises you’ve made.

We deny Him not only by what we do and say…  but by what we “don’t” do and say.

Hos 10:13  Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.

Hos 10:12  Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

Prayer is a will-killer.  It is a trust restorer.  To be strong enough to stand next to a battle that is not yours rather than fighting in it, takes a brokenness in the Spirit.

Brokenness and sincere tears are like sulfuric acid to the will.   When you take the will out of the equation…  the temptation can NOT overtake you.

1Co 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Rom 12:21  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Rev 12:11  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

“He which testifies of these things says, Surely I come quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. – Revelation 22:20

{Jesus}

Perspective

What you see can be different depending upon several factors.

 

I took a picture of this same dragonfly. You cannot see it in the first photo… you may not be looking, the object may be too far away, your lens may be focused on other things. In the second picture, you can see that it’s a dragonfly, but can’t really notice much other than that. 

In the third picture you may see more detail, and where it’s located specifically. 

In the fourth picture, you can almost see the emotion. You notice the details – like perhaps it has moved to a different branch. Depending on distance, focus, lighting, time of day, type of environment, how quick your reflexes are to snap a very nervous dragonfly, whether you are paying attention to the fact that it’s there, were you willing to take the time to get a better capture.  Seeing the things that you didn’t see before.

Today I worried about things. I was at times anxious, intimidated, depressed, looking for options and back doors to a situation I was in.

Isaiah 30:15 “For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength:

As I was in prayer I was urged by the Holy Spirit to change my posture. Change my position. Come up higher in the Spiritual realm. Be quick to listen and slow to speak.

I started looking for the lover of my soul. I longed to look into His eyes. I longed to feel His touch of his hand. I longed to hear the beating of His heart. I started to focus and my prayer moved from “God!!! Where are you???” to “Let me see you.”

He asked me what I thought to be a very pointed question as I sat and began to let Him reason with me concerning the situation. “Would you change your words, your actions, your attitude or your plans if your appointment was tonight?”

(It is appointed once for man to die… and in case you didn’t know, you are not a character in a video game – you ARE going to die. The problem is, we don’t know how soon our number will be called.)

Am I that close?  I mean if you are reading this, you are closer to that appointment than you were yesterday, and we are not promised tomorrow, but we are for at least today. We’re alive… until we aren’t. 

When the enemy comes with a lie, a circumstance, a threat or a “what if,” turn it back on him. “What if Jesus were already making plans to take me home tonight?” 

I think with a changing of perspective and anticipating our number being called – not twenty-years from now, twenty-days from now or even twenty-hours from now… but perhaps twenty-minutes from now – things would change in your life. I know that with that reasoning and knowledge – it’s already changing me. It is changing the photograph that I am taking of my situation, my circumstance and my demeanor.

Like when I was little… and called to supper – it was time to get washed up and ready to go to the table. That was my number priority.  And you know, maybe it’s not perspective alone, but perspective that changes priorities. 

Try this little trick of a perspective change when your mind becomes and anxious and racing. And then remind yourself that IF you are leaving soon, you won’t be so worried about the world view or the outcomes here on earth. We are part of kingdom… a system of divine government and “many mansions.”

Matthew 6:25-34 “So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Don’t you know you are worth much more than they are? You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.

“And why do you worry about clothes? Look at the wildflowers in the field. See how they grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon, the great and rich king, was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. If God makes what grows in the field so beautiful, what do you think he will do for you? It’s just grass—one day it’s alive, and the next day someone throws it into a fire. But God cares enough to make it beautiful. Surely he will do much more for you. Your faith is so small!

“Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’

“That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Tomorrow will have its own worries.”

 

{Jesus}

October 5, 2026

Do you have an appointment?

Luke 22:29  And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

Abide With Me

Lyte wrote the poem in 1847 and set it to music while he lay dying from tuberculosis; he survived only a further three weeks after its completion.

Abide with me, fast falls the eventide. The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, help of the helpless, o abide with me.

Swift to it’s close ebbs out life’s little day. Earth’s joys grow dim – it’s glories pass away. Change and decay in all around I see. O you who changest not, abide with me.

I need your presence every passing hour. What but your grace can foil the tempter’s power. Who like yourself my guide, my stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine oh abide with me.

I fear no foe, with you at hand to bless. Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness. Where is death’s sting, where grave thy victory. I triumph still if you abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

As I was praying this morning, I centered especially on the third verse and realized that my prayer needs to be fine tuned.   I get up and say unto the Lord, “I plead the blood of Jesus over my day… and I need your presence in my life.”   Some days I pray that His blood be upon my day.

Lyte wrote… “I need your presence every passing hour”.   When the diagnosis is terminal, the prayer changes from “be with me through the years…” to “be with me through the hours”.

We were all born with a terminal illness. We are still under the curse that sentences this flesh to die. In fact, God says in the book of Hebrews: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (9:27)

James writes: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (4:14)

Paul told us to “redeem” the time. In other words, don’t take this life you have for granted.

And finally, Jesus, in a story told of a man consumed with this world with no thought or purpose in mind other than living forever. But you won’t. Live forever.

Luk 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

Luk 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

A dying man truly prays… “Lord, be with me in this next hour.” As death approaches, the magnanimity of the situation becomes overwhelming and the prayer is “Lord, be with me in the next few moments”.

We not only take for granite each time our heart beats, but we don’t realize that we are a half a beat away from eternity. We also have been taught to be independent. We have learned to do things on our own. In some churches they even preach that God helps those who help themselves. Although many attribute that to Ben Franklin, it actually appears in early Greek drama.   And is Hellenistic in nature. (a traditional polytheistic religion and way of life, revolving around the Greek gods.)

Nowhere does it appear in the Bible, but is part of a humanistic teaching that we can do things on our own without God’s help.   But man needs God’s help in each passing moment of time, and in fact… we even need God’s help to die.

I love that great old hymn, “My Jesus I love thee” which has a line that says, “I will love thee in life and I will love thee in death.”

We are all dying. It started when you were born. You were born to die. Some will pass sooner, some later, but we will all have to walk our via della rosa. We will all have to “shuffle off this mortal coil” – as penned by Shakespeare. Peter says this… 2Pe 1:14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.

And finally, the apostle Paul says:

Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

If we are the dead and dying… we need to face it. And when we do… we shall be one that will take nothing for granted – neither the works we have done, but the works we are doing.

A man who is dead to this world must trust Him in the time frame of moments… not years. And in everything we must seek His guidance. Remember that it doesn’t say that the journey of a good man is ordered of the Lord… but rather, the “steps” of a good man. (Psalm 37:23).

Baby steps. Adolescent steps. Mature steps. Into eternity steps.   Line upon line, precept upon precept. Here a “little” there a “little.” One step at a time will I seek Him.

I think of my life as being trapped in a mine field. Jesus has the map in His hands and I must not take one step without listening to His directive.

Are you enlisting Him “one day at a time?”   That leaves too much to your own destruction. Lord… I need thee every hour… I need thee.

If your appointment with death is certain… and it is – what would you do if you knew the time of your departure.  More thoughts on that later this week.

When your time comes, you will have to respond.

Earth is simply your waiting room.

{Jesus}

October 4, 2026

Feast of Tabernacles September 25 – October 2, 2026

Look Homeward

God Getting Us Home.

As I promised yesterday, I will continue the teaching on Sukkot with “The four species”.  Again… Sukkot being one of the three required pilgrimages to Jerusalem each year – representing the period of the exodus when God was taking them through the transition to the promised land. God getting His children home.  That is the love story of Sukkot.

• Etrog– the fruit of a citron tree
• lulav– a ripe, green, closed frond from a date palm tree
• hadass– boughs with leaves from the myrtle tree
• aravah– branches with leaves from the willow tree

 

Lev 23:40 And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.

The Etrog has taste and scent. The palm tree has taste but not fragrance.  The myrtle has fragrance and not taste.  The willow has neither taste nor fragrance.  In Jewish teaching, the Etrog represents the heart,  the lulav represents the spine (soul),  the myrtle represents the eyes (mind) and the willow tree represents the mouth (strength).  With those four elements,  praise is given to God with all that is within us.   Yesterday I reminded you that  Christ gave us a clue as how to love and to survive during this exodus.   First and foremost,  we are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. (Matthew 12:30)

Everything within us.   He was sending a message to be successful in the midst of an exodus from this world and an entrance to the next.  Life is our exodus and not our destination.  Along this path, He knew there would be many pitfalls,  discouragements, battles and defeats.   The key to survival is the message of Sukkot.  REJOICE in Him and LOVE Him with all you have within you.

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.  – Psalm 103:1

The first thing God wanted them to bring to the feast of tabernacles – and to incorporate into the building of the temporary “booth” was the etrog, or the “boughs of a goodly tree”.  It represents fruit,  it represents provision, and it translates out to “highly favored”.    God wanted to remind you in this exodus from the world and ascent to eternity that YOU are chosen.

It also describes the attributes of God in that He provides and His splendor and majesty accompany you on this journey.  The Etrog was also used for medicinal purposes.  God reminds us also that He is the God that HEALS.

The lulav is translated out as “strong and tall” – and represents the righteousness of God. He is a God that can get us there without deception or our own righteousness and planning.   He is a God that MUST order our steps.  And… those steps MUST line up with His Word.  When our backs are to the wall we must NOT come up with or go our own ways.  Oh,  and there IS no retreat.

The myrtle branches are often used in wedding ceremonies. There is a strength to this tree that comes when we see it’s virtue in it’s entwined nature.   What God is saying here is that there is strength in covenant.   When you keep a vow there is strength.  There may not always be smooth sailing,  but the strength of “Marriage” will be enough to withstand any storm.  This branch represents the very real weapon of unity and that no man is an island.

The willow tree as it represents the mouth can be a very good thing or a very bad thing.  Within the mouth is the tongue.  It is a member of your body that reveals what is in your heart because of the abundance of the heart,  the mouth will speak.

Jas 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!

Jas 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

The tongue is also a very powerful tool for it wields the sword of the Spirit. It is lent to the Spirit.  It can send the very Word of God back into the atmosphere and back to the throne of grace where it can not return void.

It is a warning that with murmuring and complaining, the people were cut off from their promises in the wilderness.  As the Jews waved this branch it was a warning to them.

We are given the clues to “making it” through with the elements of the Sukkot. God is essentially saying,   I’ve redeemed you from bondage and sin by taking you out of it.

That is God saving us.   Sukkot is God “keeping” us and getting us safely home.

Your journey may be rough. It may be filled with hard times that have almost taken you out.  Whatever you are going through,  you must remember this is your exodus.  He is programming you for the next level.  He is preparing you for an eternity filled with splendor and majesty.  He is teaching you that you MUST love Him with all that is within you.  That,  my friend,  is the way through this.

It’s what your heart desires. It’s what you choose for your eyes to see.  It’s the ability to hear His voice and obey.  And finally,  it’s the words you speak.   How can it be so simple?   Easy.  We’re sheep… we’re so prone to wander…  and we’re so prone to “not quite getting it”.

Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

{Jesus}

September 30, 2026

Building a Booth

Sukkot: A Love Story

By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

• Hebrews 11:9-10

You can’t know Him by keeping the law. You keep the law because you know Him.

He pursues us and He begs us to let Him forgive us.   Why would we fight that?  Because we are not ready to part ways with our sins,  nor are we ready to live any other way.

Sukkot is a love story. It is a perusing, a rescuing, a renewing of the mind, heart, soul and spirit… and it is a picture of a loving bridegroom escorting His bride from bondage to the bride room…   from exile to eternity.

What a precious word in my spirit from the Lord yesterday on the final day of Sukkot (The feast of tabernacles or “booths”) 2014.   As I examined the story of the woman caught in the very act of adultery,  I realized that this event that was historical in nature actually occurred one day after Sukkot.  It was the essence of the Father’s heart for what Sukkot was all about.

In that event that day, God was “summing up” the meaning of Sukkot.  I guess to fully appreciate all of the goodness of that great Jewish holiday,  you would have to do extensive studies on the origins,  the traditions and the hidden secrets.   That could take a lifetime – from that feast alone.

Suffice to say, you would do well to see the video from yesterday’s service and review the information I sent you last week concerning some of the teaching points on Sukkot.  I taught on the love story of Sukkot yesterday.

The following six scriptures give us the accounts of the heart of Sukkot.

The entire nation of Israel had gone into captivity in Egypt because although they were in a strange land, they adapted to and worshipped strange Gods.  When we become engrained in the things of this world we become slaves to those things.  When Israel finally put forth a cry to worship God and Him only,  the plan of the exodus was put into motion.

1Sa 10:18 And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you:

God brought them into a land of promise after they left Egypt, but the road that led to the promises were circular in nature and the 7 day journey was extended to 40 years. They lived in temporary dwellings until they came in the permanency of their promise.

Jdg 2:1 And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.

Once in the promised land, they had a permanency of where they were dwelling,  but God wanted them to have a continual reminder of the exile and

Exo 23:16 And the feast of harvest, the first fruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.

Zec 14:16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Sukkot is the last feast. The only one of the pilgrimage feasts that God did not fulfill.  He fulfilled Passover ON the actual first day of Passover with the sacrifice of His Son.  He fulfilled the feast of Pentecost (feast of weeks) ON the first day of Pentecost with the indwelling of the Holy Ghost.

Sukkot represents the feast that will be fulfilled AFTER the last harvest. The last thing that they do at Sukkot is say this prayer:  May it be Your will, Lord, our God and God of our ancestors.  that just as I have stood up and dwelled in this sukkah so may I merit next year to dwell in the sukkah of the hide of the Leviathan. Next year in Jerusalem!  After this prayer,  the next sound that is heard is the sound of the shofar.   It echoes as they leave their place of the temporary and enter into the place of the permanent.

1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

And then, of course we shall not enjoy seven days of sukkot, but seven years in the glorious presence of the Holy Father and the bridegroom!

Rev 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

Son 2:10 My beloved spoke, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

As I have taught on Sukkot, I have often said that it is a coming away from your comfort… your convenience… your idea of permanency in this world.   An ingathering at the end of the harvest.  A coming together to restore covenant.

This holiday came after the harvest. Everyone was exhausted and had worked between 16 and 20 hours a day to gather and store the harvest. It was a time when family could actually come together again and relax and rejoice in God for providing and in one another for helping.

It was like a giant “sigh” of relief that winter would not be a time for starvation and destruction, but for security, safety and plenty to eat and drink. Families all gathered in their sukkahs and around the big bon fire for this wonderful 7 day vacation all fully paid for by the Lord – as a reward for their labor and their love. They felt like kings… or at least… king’s kids in this week of song and food and drink and fellowship!!!

IT REMINDED THEM OF WHO THEY WERE AND WHO THEY SERVED. IT HAD A REASON AND A SEASON.

Sukkot is 10 days after Yom Kippur the day of atonement.   A time for the repentance,  coming to terms with it and a completed deliverance.   After they children were released from bondage,  there was a period of exile and sanctification can only occur in exile.  It’s where God reprograms you for a new life and a new place.  He changes your environment and your mindsets.  He does many things during exile  (same occurs in fasting).

Sukkot – a release from bondage.   It is the time when the rebellious sheep heals from the broken legs so that the shepherd can carry it.  Israel went into bondage for 400 years because it was found in sin.

This feast spoke directly to provision. Jireh.  It spoke of protection.  It spoke of promise.  It spoke of peace.

It’s covenant restored after sin is relinquished. If God is married to them and they worship other gods,  it was in fact adultery.   God goes and gets them.  The God who pursues.  God forgives them.  The God who forgives.  God exiles them in order to sanctify them.  God is the God who reprograms and makes ready.  God is taking them from a temporary hovel to a mansion.  The God who provides.

He loved them enough NOT to leave them there.   He took them to a place where their hearts were made ready for the promise.  And finally –  He performed that which He promised.

Can you see the correlation in your life?   He came looking for you.  He was the ONLY ONE who came looking for you.   He begged you to let Him forgive you and took you to a life of exile where you are even now being prepared to enter one of the greatest portals of your life.  You are about to enter through gates of pearl.

Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

The woman in adultery in John 8 was caught ONE DAY after the feast of tabernacles and Christ,  in the character and authority of His Father – found her,  loved her, forgave her and taught her the love story of Sukkot.

Stones are used to erect permanent dwellings and to bring judgment and death to malefactors.   Jesus admonished them all to drop the stones and to remember Sukkot.  Not just the place where the law was given in their temporary state, but the reason why the feast was created in the first place.  The pursuing,  the rescuing, the redeeming, the cleansing,  the preparing of a place and then – the catching away…  of the Bride of Christ.

 

{Jesus}

September 29, 2026

 

Sometimes it’s as easy as saying, “fix me”

And the first step is setting an appointment. The second step is keeping it and coming into His presence with no other agenda, no other things on your mind other than touching the but the hem of His garment.

Sometimes it’s coming with wailing and tears and sometimes it’s coming in silence and thoughts. God is fluent in both. Psalm 139: ²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: ²⁴ And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

He will come looking for you.  He will find you – and reclaim you. Revive you. Restore you. Renew you. Repurpose you.

A good place to start… Fix me… and create in me a clean heart:

Psalm 51:10-15  ^“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.”

 

{Jesus}

September 28, 2026

God oversees your destruction for a purpose…

Jeremiah 31:28 And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, says the LORD.

As I sit here in the stillness of the morning and I can hear the world beginning to wake up outside my window and even now watching all things that are being broken around me and in our nation, there is a heaviness that I asked my Father about.

Many of God’s people are under attack. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and literally. Holes are appearing in these areas from the rocks being thrown by the vandals of an underworld that we can not readily see with our natural eyes. 

When the first temple in the old testament was destroyed, it was done so that it could never again be recognized as a temple and the city of Jerusalem took quite a while to rebuild… but the walls were not rebuilt. Enter Nehemiah.

The temple in the time of Nehemiah was without protection and although the temple was reconstructed first under Zerubbabel and Joshua.  It represented the core and the heart of worship with God.  First things first.  Relationship was reestablished and rebuilt.  The place of intimacy was again open for business.  The sowing of tears was in full operation.

But each mighty city had walls for protection.  And this city of Jerusalem was without walls.  Nehemiah came to rally the troops to rebuild the walls of the great city.  God was in the rebuilding of it.   They knew at that time that it represented their trust that God would be their protector.  The walls represented a much deeper thing.  It was restoring their faith that God was Jehovah-Sabaoth.

He was their “protector”.   They also learned that walls alone were not secure.  Seventy years prior, they had turned their back upon God and taken Him for granted.  They watched as their walls were breached and burned with fire and offered them no security.

Just like the scripture that says… “Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman wakes but in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)

As your walls are repaired I want you to remember never to take HIM for granted. HE is our protector and our security.  If we lose sight of that fact, or if we trust in the security of something we ourselves have built, we shall surely be invaded by the enemy.

In times of my life when things have been ripped down and burned around me, and in times when I have rebuilt that which was destroyed – I have come to realize that God is trying to remind me of Psalm 127.   He is my refuge and my strength. (Psalm 46:1).   He is my strong tower. (Psalm 61:3)

Something in you was vandalized.  No big deal?  It was repaired.  Hadn’t given it a thought?   Perhaps this is a great time to remember Him as your Jehovah- Sabaoth.  To revisit that great truth in your life that without Him – the enemy could surely pick you off any time he wanted to.   No matter how big your bank account.  No matter how big your house.

No matter how high your walls.  No matter how strong your fences.

Those things are NOT your security… and when you think they are… God steps back and allows them to fall.   David – learned much from his setbacks and his defeats.  He learned that all that was material could not be the place where he could deposit his security.  We live in a material world, but can never be protected by it.

Psalm 20:5 We will rejoice in thy salvation,

and in the name of our God we will set up our banners:

the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

Psalm 20:6 Now know I that the LORD saves his anointed;

he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses:

but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Psa 20:8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

I want you to do something “crazy” today.  Rebuild a wall of security.  Play this song on youtube and read Psalm 46 OUT LOUD…. Over and over and over…. And then listen for HIS voice.  It’s amazing,  but this is so cool!

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Psalm 46:3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Psalm 46:4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

Psalm 46:5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

Psalm 46:6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

Psalm 46:7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Psalm 46:8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

Psalm 46:9 He makes wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and cuts the spear in sunder; he burns the chariot in the fire.

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Psalm 46:11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

{Jesus}

September 24, 2026

Ministers… Count The Cost

As I was in prayer and study this morning,  I was heavily impressed to share with you a portion of what God has been sharing with me.  Keep this in mind.  Many of us as human beings are “impulse buyers”.   That’s why the business of “sales” is so lucrative.   And… even when we go in search of something we have need of,  there is always a spirit of “opportunism” present to sell us on the idea to take something bigger, better and more beautiful.   No matter what the cost.

Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

Luke 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

Luke 14:30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

The previous scriptures talk specifically about the walk you choose for Christ.  The cost that must be counted.  If you read full context,  you will see that Jesus is speaking about getting rid of your own agenda to take on His.

These two scriptures of the teaching are synonymous.  The second also proves the first which takes away the contradiction.  They speak to the same thing:

Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

A lot of Christians “pick up” crosses,  carry crosses,  adorn themselves with crosses and they are not totally in sync with what this message is all about.   The word “bear” in the Greek is as follows:  bas-tad’-zo  Perhaps remotely derived from the base of G939 (through the idea of removal);

Jesus is not telling them to go to the cross.  He is not telling each of us to carry crosses wherever we go.  He is speaking here of  REMOVING your cross.  Getting rid of the sin that would prompt a payment for it.   Getting RID of your own agenda.

It is a laying aside, or REMOVING the weight of the cross… the personal agenda… the sin:  Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

As impulse buyers in the world,  we also want to retain that in the anointed Christian community.  (and let me paraphrase that by saying this, not all we come in contact with in the Christian community are anointed.  Some just wear their own crosses.)  We see great Christian leaders standing in pulpits.  We see anointed Christian musicians.  We listen to great evangelists.  WE WANT THAT FOR OURSELVES!

We take on Christianity and ministry as the world jumps to buy a new car.  We impulse buy our Christianity without realizing that there is a great price to pay for what we want to be clothed in.

I know that I have fallen prey to this manipulation of the enemy many times in my life.  The flash of a new car.  It doesn’t even have to be new.  It just has to be different.  I go into a dealership with an honest need.  I let the salesman bring before my eyes the car of “his” choice… not mine.

Before you know it,  I am wowed by the pitch, the perks, the glitz, the bells, the whistles, the new best friend I have acquired in that salesman…  and I am signing papers thinking in my mind,  “It’s only $443”.    The salesman gets the monthly figure into your mind.  ONLY $443.  $443 to drive this fine machine.  Up until the third month of payments, you are thinking how blessed you are.  Around the fifth month it gets old.  Around Christmas time it gets downright annoying.   Something goes wrong after the warranty runs out and you call your new best friend, the salesman and he doesn’t even remember who you are a few months past the initial sale.

You put new tires, shocks, tie-rods on a car plus that LOW figure of $443!   You start looking at your payment book and realize that you will be it’s slave for another 5 years… that is 60 months… that is 1826 more days.

You get discouraged,  at times you can’t make the payments and your credit is affected… bitterness sets in.   I have been there.  I have had cars repossessed because it’s just easier to quit than to honor my commitment.

What should I have done?  I should have counted the ENTIRE cost before I entered into the contract.

When we enter into a covenant with the Lord,  Jesus is telling us… COUNT THE COST.  Before you jump into full time ministry… count the cost.  We want all the bells and whistles of the pulpit ministry, but we don’t want to make the payments.

If you can’t be obedient to your tithes and offerings,  you can’t be in ministry.  If you can’t go without a paycheck for a week or two weeks or a month, you can’t be in ministry.  If you can’t get to church because of a lack of gas money while in the secular world,  let me tell you – it doesn’t get any easier in the ministry.  We jump on the impulse express and want the title –  evangelist.  Pastor.  Teacher.  Prophet. Apostle.  But Jesus says… count the cost because the title you desire comes with a great cost.

It will cost you everything.  It will cost you your own agenda.  Your time was bought by the one who owns you.  You are no longer your own. (1Co 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.)

It will cost you your own family. (Luke 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.)  It will cost you your finances. (Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.)

We want the title without the price.  We want the car without the payment.  If the payment gets too much,  we’ll just let the bank repossess. Christianity is not a contract.  It’s a covenant. There are many in ministry that fall because they have not counted the cost.

They are the ones who agree to take on every position that is open on Sunday morning and in the sight of man, they valiantly claim the title!!  Three months pass and they are nowhere to be seen.  They signed the papers on that brand new title of “Pastor”  “Sunday school superintendent,” “Greeter,”  “Grounds Maintenance Supervisor” or whatever comes open.  After a while they find that ministry does not afford them anything easy… and they realized they didn’t have the time to dedicate to it.

They can’t prove themselves while in the secular world with just a “taste” of a ministry position, so why should God trust them in the world of full time ministry?

Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

Luke 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

Luke 16:12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?

He that is faithful in that which is least. That which is least is the life you live in the secular world.  It is a proving ground for full time ministry.  Some can’t make it there and decide that they are going to find a safe harbor or an easier life in ministry.

If you can’t find time to pray every day on that river of the secular,  don’t expect to ever find the time to pray on the angry seas of full time ministry.  If you can’t give.  If you can’t fast.  If you can’t worship.  If you can’t be available…  you can’t minister.

There IS a call to ministry.  AFTER you have navigated the waters of the secular world.  After you have proved to be a “FINISHER” there.   When you have been tried and found as pure gold there… God promotes you to tend sheep.

Jesus tells us… “Count the cost.”   Don’t purchase this vehicle if you can NOT afford it.  If you can not afford the time.  If you can not afford the finances.  If you can not afford to spend your own agenda.  If you can not afford your own family.  If you can not afford your very life.   Count the cost.  It will cost you everything.  It will entail a lifestyle change…  one that changes BEFORE you get there.

And finally… count the cost of what it’s going to cost you NOT to take the position that God wants for you and has called you to.  I know that many are called, but few are chosen.  If HE believes you can do this… then get rid of your own cross and follow Him.

{Jesus}

September 23, 2026

Peace… Only within.

Matthew 10:34-36 “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.”

Jesus came and said to the storm… “Peace. Be still.”  He cast out demonic spirits and brought peace to people tormented by the enemy. He saved men from the torments of sin and left in the cavern made by sin… only peace. 

At the coming of the Word in flesh to dwell among us, there was a birth announcement made by the angelic host – recorded in Luke 2:11-14

¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

So let’s take another look at those verses in the 10th chapter of Matthew. As for the world – the kingdoms, the politics of man, the wars that have been raging since sin took a foothold in the garden and rebellion against God bred brother against brother.

Though the angels proclaimed that as of that night, “Peace was on earth” in the form of a savior, but it was that savior who said that HIS kingdom was not of this world and that he was not sent to bring peace to the kingdoms of the earth.  His purpose was to bring peace to the hearts of the people OF HIS KINGDOM and then to take them home to their kingdom.

So when people pray for world peace… peace on earth… peace in the Middle East… unity in the divided parties… those people are just wasting their breath. So what do we pray for in the midst of the turmoil?

This is not a recipe… but an outline because we are to avoid use vain repetitious prayers.

Matthew 6:5-And when you pray, you shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

⁶ But thou, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut the door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which sees in secret shall reward you openly.

⁷ But when you pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

⁸ Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knows what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

⁹ After this manner therefore pray: Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be your name.

¹⁰ your kingdom come, your will be done in earth*, as it is in heaven. (*peace within you)

¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread.

¹² And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Not once in all of this – does he as us to pray for peace on earth. He does ask us to pray for HIS will be done in earth… specifically us and our family situations (made from the dust of the earth) and the kingdoms of this world.  

Way back in the book of Jeremiah 6:14 – They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.   There are people today even in pulpits who say that there will be peace before Jesus comes back. This is a lie.

If you’ll want to remember anything… remember the words of Christ Himself… “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”  

That you cannot deny. What you want to shoot for right now is inner peace that comes from the Spirit of God living within you – leading you and guiding you safely home. Home. There is no greater peace.

Hebrews 11:16 ^“But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”

{Jesus}

September 22, 2026

When “NOT” to rebuild

Do NOT Rebuild…

I am going to give you a passage of scripture.  If you have some time today,   taste and digest this warm bread.  Consult the Lord on what was written… and take the time to “discuss” with Him the meaning for YOUR day.  This entire text of passage is nine verses,  but today I want to dive into just the first of those nine verses.

Luke 18:35 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: Luke 18:36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.

First of all,  we know that Jesus was (actual true story…) traveling NEAR Jericho.  So the first thing we must look at is that city.   What do you remember about it in scripture?

Many know about it being the first conquest to the possession of the promised land.   A “breaking of the matrix,” if you will into the birthing place of promise.

We remember the song,  “Joshua fit the battle of Jericho.” We remember walls coming down and the city being destroyed.   We also remember that there was a command NOT to take anything out of that city except the riches that were to be placed into the treasury of the Lord.  (Josh 6:24)

What we tend to forget is a little known verse concerning the “rebuilding” of that city.  A rebuilding of what God wanted destroyed.  God wanted the last memory to be that of destruction and freedom.  He wanted no new memories of that place to “replace” what had happened on that infamous day. God gave a commandment in the book of Joshua about rebuilding that which God destroys.

Jos 6:26 And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that rises up and builds this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.

Jericho.  Let’s look at it’s name.  lunar. Moon. A pleasant fragrance. Quick understanding.  The world’s moon.  This world’s time.  This world’s sweet smell.

It was the most important city in the Jordan valley ( Numbers 22:1 ; 34:15 ), and the strongest fortress in all the land of Canaan.

So here we see in the gospel of Luke,  Jesus is not just passing through a city,  but He is revisiting a command put down by His Father, some 1400 years earlier.  Had God’s word changed?  Had the command been given a latter amendment?  No.  It didn’t.

And here we see the Son of that Commander as He views that MOON… the “lesser light to rule the day.”  He smells the aromas that have been replanted and the sins that have been rebuilt.  He sees a place that is very appealing to the flesh.  He sees a city that has been rebuilt with man’s understanding and justification.

And close to that city sits the picture of man who not only rebuilds those waste places, but desires to be there.  The man Jesus encounters has some unwritten characteristics that we really MUST look at.

We see the characteristics as follows:

• He wasn’t actually “IN” Jericho, but was close. Here was a man who chose to profit from the places of sin – all the while saying…       I’m not actually living in it.
• He was blind – but he in fact, knew where he was.
• He was a beggar. He took from the profits of an unclean area and ingested things from an unclean land.
• He was able to smell. Jericho was fragrant and sin at times can smell oh so sweet.
• He was able to hear. A very important thing in coming away from the curse.       Also a sense that will remove any excuse of ignorance. Very ironic since it was a command that God spoke in the time of Joshua that people chose to ignore to hear.
• He was able to speak. Our voices can used for good or for evil. It can also be used unto salvation through confession.

This man was in a place where his very life was hanging in the balance and the presence of God – as it got closer to him began to call to him.   With an ear that will hear and a mouth that can speak – God can take us from the brink of Hell to the realms of glory.

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

There are many “dangers, toils and snares” in this life,  but in the midst of those, a needful reminder is NOT to rebuild that which God has destroyed in your life.  When HE burns bridges,  don’t exasperate your time and energy to find a way back over to where you are not supposed to go.  Stop and realize that it was forbidden for a reason.

When you are too close to the world and it’s wonderful sounds and smells,  you can be blinded as to where you are supposed to be.  When that happens,  His presence comes and demands a choice be made.  This man made a right choice even in the midst of a very alluring place of sin.

It doesn’t matter where you are today.  It doesn’t matter if you are in the middle of a rebuilding project to get you back to the world.  It doesn’t matter how you got there.  If you are in the wrong place…  spiritually, morally, emotionally, physically – listen for His presence and when He comes close – call out.  There is nothing too devastating for Him.  There is no place that His grace can not go.  There is no place you are in, that He can’t remove you from.

Especially when you have hidden in a dark portion of the garden behind branches of fig and leaves of shame… His love drives Him to find you.   When He does…  you can either choose to stay hidden or come into the light of healing eyes.

{Jesus}

September 19, 2026

Trial by Fire

I have an application and a twist on I Peter – not changing the  text – but, looking at my current circumstance and situation now as opposed to 20 years ago and then again at 50 years ago.

I look first at 50 years ago in what I shall call my party/backslidden stage. Was it bad? Let’s just say that the Apostle Paul wrote in I Timothy 1:15 – “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”

OK… let’s take a rabbit trail. Paul wrote that verse in approximately AD 64. He was somewhere around 62 years old… and three years from death. Don’t you think that statement was bold? He said that he IS the chief sinner. Not “was” – Not “used to be.” He considered himself to be the worst of the worst and figured that if Jesus could save him, anyone could be saved. Wow.

Well… back to 1956 long after Paul was gone, I was gone and I think that I went on to claim the title of “chief sinner.” In my mind, nobody had done the things I had done. Let’s just say, by the time I was 20, I was… pretty bad. 

So now… The Christians that were looking at my life back then had validity in lumping me with those who were rioting to excess. When I came back to God in my early 20s – it was into a sect of Pentecostals who were pretty wild and crazy… in a very good way.  Oh we whooped, we hollered, we shouted, we abstained from everything and generally ticked everyone off and burned bridges so that we could never be effective witnesses. But it was fun. And we sincerely loved Jesus – but we didn’t use a lot of wisdom.

10 years ago I took a sabbatical of sorts. A vacation from Christianity. I took a long look at where I had done and what I had done. I began to separate myself from a lot of things and a lot of people. When I moved to Wyoming in 2020 at the start of COVID it marked a period in my life where I began to run.

Back to my Father. It took me a while to get back home, and in those three years I found solace under the shadow of His wings. I found that for me, He wasn’t in the earth quaking or the shouting or the whooping or the hollering. For me… it was in the still small voice.

I had PTSD. I was wounded by the enemy as well as wounds inflicted from friendly fire. Not to mention – self inflicted wounds. So it was only normal that He would come with a gentle touch and a still small voice.

And when I came back and was safely home – with the robe upon my back and the ring upon my finger, (Luke 15:11-32 – The Prodigal Son story may have been cliche’ but it was classic me.) The old friends started coming out of the woodwork wondering why I wasn’t “whooping anymore.” (or hollering… or shouting… or abstaining from everything…)

Here is the verse that fit perfectly – coming from those wild and crazy Christian friends who I refused to run with anymore.

I Peter 4:4 – Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

And it was like a fiery trial to have Christians turn away like the Amish shunning a family member. I mean… I get it… they couldn’t get past the fact that I left. They couldn’t get pas the fact that I didn’t come back to their “group.” 

I Peter 4:12 – Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

I Peter 4:15 – But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.   

Now…. I may have suffered as a sinner in sins you have listed on my wanted poster… but what about the being a busybody in other men’s matters. My matters with God. Working out my own salvation with FEAR and TREMBLING. 

And being even now like a Jonah, standing on a beach, having lived in the belly of a whale, my skin bleached white by the digestive juices in the whale’s belly, my garments changed, the experience leaving me a shell of the man who boldly dared to fall asleep in a tossing sea with no fear – standing now with no choice but to face a calling that was not my idea and feeling chilled to the bone though I am standing in the fire of a trial.

I Peter 4:16 – Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

And I may not be the Christian you think I should be. I may no longer reach the bar that you have set for yourself or your flocks. But I glorify God to just be able to heal under a shadow of wings. Psalm 57:1 – “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusts in you: in the shadow of your wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities pass over me.” 

I Peter 4:19 – Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

I worship different. I pray differently. I hear differently. I see differently. I desire differently. I walk with a bit of a limp and more of a blessing. Still… His son.

Needs no further interpretation or apologetics. Humility forged in fire yields gratitude. Find your own way home. It is and always will be a personal salvation.

Isaiah 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

 

{Jesus}

September 18, 2026

You Want The Power?

Expecting Early Church benefits with a new age dedication…

I have been teaching a summer series on tainted worship and tainted sacrifice.  In this series,  we have been examining the standards and the benefits of the early church as outlined by the New Testament writers.

I have been heartbroken by the evolution of a church that has truly walked away from those early standards, but still seek those early benefits.  The church today has been birthed in great compromise and pleasures of the flesh.  The church that has been born again in today’s generation is not the same church that was birthed in the generation that witnessed the cross and the outpouring of the Holy Ghost.

We have been birthed in compromise,  various winds of doctrine, social tolerance of open sin but condemnation of holiness, and easy distractions for pleasing and entertaining our flesh.

As the years go by,  it seems as though the cross is fading and we as a generation are walking away from it rather than toward it.  We have given way to intellectualism, logic according to the times we live in and “fast food” doctrines that are “hot and now”.  We have “honed” Christianity to find out the least amount of time we can spend on it without losing salvation.  We look for loopholes and the path of least resistance.  How far can I go in the world and still get to heaven?

As I said  on Sunday,  we saw a major hit come to the church in the late 70’s – early 80’s as we began to try to win the world by looking like the world.  Our worship took on an entertaining quality that turned our altars into platforms for “Christian” rock stars.  It was big hair in the 80’s and big hair in the church.  We tried to win the world by telling them that the church had entertainers that sounded just like the performers in the world.  We allowed those who were “gloriously saved” to come into the church and continue to play their worldly music styles,  but gave it a “Christian lyric”.

Bottom line is,  we can not win the world by looking just like it.  The scripture that was penned by the Apostle Paul is taken today with a “grain of salt”:  2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

As is this scripture from John the beloved:

1Jn 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

That kind of teaching is labeled as “over zealous” today.   Any time you begin to preach the principles of the early church,  the world hauls out the quote:  “People are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.”  Which, by the way is not scripture, but a quote from Oliver Wendell Holmes.  The Bible says, “Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Col 3:2). Actually, being heavenly minded always leads us to be more earthly good.

The enemy is a master of deception and from the Garden until now,  he is convincing himself that he is a friend who has your best interests at heart.  He comes, wanting to be your bff.   He sets himself up as a mediator between you and God and is constantly trying to bend scripture,  apologize for the harshness of God and trying to be God’s interpreter.

The enemy convinces us that the times have changed, and we must change the word to adapt to the times we live in.   Be careful…. The Word of God NEVER changes and is not only seasonal, but generational and eternal.

There are so many benefits and so much power that the early church experienced.  When you water down or taint your worship,  it affects every other aspect of your Christian walk.  When we set entertainment as the standard to fill churches in the 80’s – we sacrificed the power of God,  we developed a Christianity that didn’t take up so much of our time and we developed a flippant “speak the word – word of faith” doctrine that brought deceit, condemnation and a lack of genuine power.

Tainted worship crippled our warfare and limited our power.  As I said on Sunday,  there is a separation coming.  A separation of true worshippers and those who are still bent on finding a path of least resistance in their Christianity.

Some of the benefits of that early church included:  healing, deliverance, revival, infilling of the Holy Ghost, abounding gifts and great power.   Some churches talk about those things today but never see the manifestation.  Other churches don’t see the manifestation and so they tell us that we need to be realists adapting to the signs of the times.

If you read about those in the early church,  their zeal was unequalled.  Their dedication did not involve a few hours a week.  They did not mix the music of the night with the music of the light.  They had no time for compromise.

Today in the 168 hours we are given to change the world,  we feel that it can be done with fancy talk and less hours…  Two hours a week is just fine?  We are a generation out of balance – desiring the best of the early church, but offering a cheap imitation of it’s dedication.

This passage of scripture is very explicit.  The religious don’t want it preached:

2Co 6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

2Co 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

2Co 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

2Co 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

2Co 6:8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

2Co 6:9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

2Co 6:10 As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Today we drink coffee and tell stories.  We are an obese church who has no time for fasting.  We are a busy church with no time for tarrying in prayer.  We are a haughty church that has to be seen and affirmed with every little thing we do… and believe me, those things are very little in comparison to what Paul listed in 2 Corinthians.

Jesus said that we must be born again –  born of the Spirit.  Our problem is that we are born of the church.  If your Christianity doesn’t line up with the standards of the early church,  you won’t see the benefits of the early church.

We can not and must align ourselves with the standards that Christianity has set for itself today.  There is a spirit to entertain flesh.  There is a spirit to affirm and advance positions.  There is a spirit that wants everything but gives nothing.

There is a powerful published word that went forth as one of the last of the Old Testament prophets was passing away.  God IS speaking:

Mal 1:13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD.

Mal 1:14 But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.

He gave us life.  It’s the best.  We do our “best” to give away as little as possible and gain as much as possible.  We add a little more of the world to our Christian play lists each year – and we have wandered farther and farther from the cross and the truth of God’s word and we justify it by saying…  “It is what it is.  We are living in the 21^st century and God is more tolerant now and His word doesn’t mean what it did back in the 1^st century.  He allows more now and expects us to have more of the world in us so we can be more effective evangelists.”

The enemy uses logic and emotion to invade the chambers of the human heart and the recesses of the human mind.  We have been duped into believing that as time goes on, God requires less.

His word today?   “You don’t bring me the best you have – and you ASSUME that I will accept it?”

The best hours are spent on other things.  We give our best to the world and give to God what’s left over.  We pay for the music of this world and offer our best hours to listen and to worship with it.  I talk about the powerless of the secular and everyone looks away and counts stars as if we are all sitting at a table when the waitress brings the check.

If you want the benefits and the power of an early church,  then you must return to the price that was paid by that same church.  In fact,  I’ll go a step further.  The cost of living has gone up…  it will cost you more for those eggs today than it did back in the first century.

Can you imagine the one today who says,  “I’d love to be as sold out as Paul or Peter or John?”   Now imagine the one who says…  it will take more today than they gave back then… I want to be MORE sold out.

Now, there’s something God can work with.   If you taint your worship,  you will cripple your warfare and you will water your word.  There’s no joy in that kind of a life.

In this generation we have been birthed in compromise.  It is an almost impossible task to step up and live with the same New Testament standards.  Almost.  

Jesus said… Mark 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

All things… including living Him your best.  LIVING Him your best.

{Jesus}

September 17, 2026

Easily Offended

James 1:19 Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

I don’t know about you, but I was tragically born with a short fuse and a quick temper. Lately – I have noticed that not only myself, but people in general are “grumpier” and more “violent” in nature than the way it was 25 years ago.

I think to myself that perhaps it is just my age, but, no. It is the faces on people walking the streets, road rages in vehicles, boldness in speaking out publicly. Unfortunately we are being fueled by opposing media streams. There is nobody out there partisan or middle of the road. We are being cheered on to choose sides and to choose hate.

A few months ago I found myself screaming at the television when goaded by a particular side. I mean? Who did that help? What did that change? How did that help me grow? 

The only thing that grew was my blood pressure and the only thing that shrank was my bank account to pay for medicine to counteract the condition. Something had to change.

Somebody will come out of the woodwork boasting… “I haven’t watched TV for years!” Well Goodie for you. So what fuels your anger then? Do we not understand, Jesus did not come to take us out of this world (including television foolishness), and we are not OF this world… but we are IN it.

The problem is my reaction to it. My reaction to the lies. My reaction to the drivers on the road. My reaction to the gas prices. My reaction to the ignorant journalists and those who are living among us who have a different ideology.

My reaction is not changing the world – or even my little corner of it. My reaction is not changing my health or the health of my family when I rage. Lord. My reaction. I needed help. And I am still working on it.

And it’s hard. We have a very real enemy hell bent on wounding our souls to destruction. John 10:10 says that he comes exclusively to kill, steal and destroy… but Jesus said HE has come to give us Life and Life more abundantly.

OK… Lord I want that. I need that. I crave that. Let’s go back to the beginning. I can tell you that the following scriptures are those that I draw strength from… and the thoughts I have concerning these.

John 1:1 & 14 In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. (It’s here to help if we will just ask for help)

Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; (Don’t let the old man come up out of the grave… it’s not attractive)

Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (The patience, the goodness, the love, the goodness has died within me – but also in me is the same spirit that KNOWS HOW TO RAISE DEAD THINGS.)

Daniel 2:21  And he changes the times and the seasons: he removes kings, and sets up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Who cares who has the rule – we have our orders…. FOLLOW THEM. Obey them.)

I Timothy 2:1-4 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; (THE COMMAND IS TO PRAY! FOR ALL IN AUTHORITY OVER YOU)

² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; (Pleasing to God)

⁴ Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

II Timothy 2:3-4

³ Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

⁴ No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. (DO not entangle yourself in ANY affair of this world, sporting events, political races, traffic jams, closings, openings…)

John 18:36 – Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. (We are part of a kingdom that is NOT of this world – so quit acting like you are.)

I learned a long time ago that the price of bread  is set in heaven. So I figure that gas prices are also regulated and overseen by God. We question God instead of being grateful. (It’s all in God’s hands)

Off topic… Someone asked if I thought the rapture was going to occur in the next 50 years.  I KNOW it is.  For me. Maybe not the big one – but MY rapture. HEY… 99.9% of the church is at home… we all should quit looking for a cataclysmic event and just be ready… your rapture could come tonight.

Looking for City Whose builder and maker is God

{Jesus}

September 16, 2026

Isn’t It About Time?

God recently spoke something with sadness in His voice.  “I’ve taught my people to pray, but they won’t pray.”   From my perspective of a coach, when I’ve taught my team how to do something and they simply don’t do it – it not only infuriates me, but in their loss, I have sorrow because they didn’t do what I told them to do.

He’s given us teachers who taught us.  We have the teaching.  We have the tools.  But we don’t have the heart.  Oh God… create in us a clean heart and a right spirit. Touch our hearts and make us yearn and desire you above all things. Light a fire under us.

The following statement is from the Lord.  Your time belongs to Him.  When I heard this word this morning, I realized that the Christian that tore a garment back then (and today) was for the people, but people that tore their own heart is something only He can see.  God looks upon the heart today.  It’s not talking the talk. It’s walking the walk… and He’s waiting on you.

Joe 2:12  Therefore also now, says the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

Joe 2:13  And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repents him of the evil.

Is this your week?   Have the weeks and months and years slipped away from you?  Isn’t it time to find that place of brokenness?  Is this your week…  is this your day?  Can you hear the Lord calling you to that secret place of thunder?  Will you ask Him for tears this week?  Will you let Him break your heart this week?  How about right now.  Ask Him to create a window… tell Him how much you desire Him.  Ask Him if you can come home right now to where He is.

Ephesians 5:16  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:17  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Mat 6:6  But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which sees in secret shall reward you openly.

Haven’t been home in a while?  Isn’t it about time you turn your heart back to Him?  Put your hand on your computer screen right now and touch the words found here… and plead with Him to give you the time… to give you the place… but most of all to give you the heart to find your way home.

 

{Jesus}

September 15, 2026

Humility before Honour

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

As I sat in my study this morning and began digging into Psalm 108,  I noticed something very distinctive about this song.  It is only 13 verses long.  Can you see it?

Psa 108:1 A Song or Psalm of David. O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.

Psa 108:2 Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.

Psa 108:3 I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.

Psa 108:4 For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.

Psa 108:5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;

Psa 108:6 That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me.

Psa 108:7 God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.

Psa 108:8 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;

Psa 108:9 Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph.

Psa 108:10 Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?

Psa 108:11 Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts?

Psa 108:12 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.

Psa 108:13 Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

Now,  we may be able to see many things within the Psalm itself,  but again, to better understand the Psalms, as I have said many times,  we need to go back to the history of the Psalmist to catch the flavor of the inspiration for the work.

This Psalm was really written in two parts.   Verses 1-5  and verses 6-13.   David wrote this in two parts at two different times.   Did he get up for a break?  Perhaps a cup of tea?

Actually,  David got a bit distracted with life and he had verses 1-5 sitting on a shelf somewhere.  The first five verses represented the immaturity and the ego of a man who had a mighty calling on his life, but needed to find a greater revelation of His God.

His song.  This song, is seen as a beautiful portrait of a brash young man who had grown into a wise leader.

Approximately 18 years from the point he started the Psalm was when he finished it!   It was the unfinished song that represents the works we start in our lives and may not finish right away.  We are not allowed to finish them the way we started them.  God wants a depth to our writing,  our speech, our praise, our prayers and our walk.  We can see a very seasoned psalmist who had learned to clothe himself in humility.

It’s the secret of every powerful leader.  To put on humility and to realize that life should not be “what we make it” – but what we allow HIM to make.

In the first five verses,  David saw himself with great honor.  “People will see how well I praise” and “I will be seen among the nations”.   He saw himself right there with God “above the heavens” and “in the clouds”  where everyone could see him.  David even makes a comment about how he will be seen “rising early” and will be playing that harp at an early hour so that everyone can see him and hear him and know how great a man he is.

Compare David’s Psalm 108 and his boast in the year 1028:  “I myself will awake early”  to his Psalm 127 written 53 years later as advice to Solomon:  Psa 127:2 “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late…”

In between the beauty of the first part of the song 108 and the last part…  life happened.  It kept him from finishing a life lived in vanity.  It was a time of teaching from the Lord.  David said… “Oh God… you GOT to hear this new song I’m writing for you.  It’s some of my best work”.   God replied… “Awesome… but I have a few things to teach you before you finish.”

In those 18 years,  Samuel his anointed teacher died,  he married several times,  he spared Saul’s life a 2^nd time, he lost everything in Ziklag,  Saul AND Jonathon died, he witnessed the unification of Israel,  the ark was brought home,  he sinned, suffered the death of a child, was rebuked for hidden sin,  won and lost many battles and was mentoring a son for the Kingdom.

The experiences brought wisdom.  True wisdom makes you humble.  He learned that Godly truth doesn’t elevate you into a seat in the clouds, but hides you in HIS holiness.

After all those experiences, God came to him one day and reminded him that he had a song to finish.  How different was the ending.  And isn’t that the way it should be in our lives when our life is a song sung to Him?

David goes back to his parchment and his first words to finish the song are… “that thy beloved may be delivered.”  That I may be saved and that above all…  it’s not what I say or do,  or how I am seen by those around me, but what YOU say…  “answer me”.   Let me hear your voice.  That’s all I need.

Many will read the following as David speaking in the first person,  but look again… it is GOD answering David concerning the battles of his life.

Psa 108:7 God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.

Psa 108:8 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;

Psa 108:9 Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph.

As God speaks these things and as David is about to go in to conquer Edom,  David realizes that the victory can come with not even one ounce of his own strength.  He has come to the full realization that PEOPLE CAN’T BE HIS HELP OR HIS STRENGTH. Or his encouragement for in I Samuel – David also learned that he needed his encouragement in the Lord: I Samuel 30:6 – “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”

We can find encouragement and comfort at times,  but the answers must always be in God and allowing HIM to lead… to fight… and to finish.  “Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.”

It’s hard to win a battle when we can’t trust in our army that surrounds us.  When we put our confidence in flesh, knowing that the battle is greater than they can shoulder.  So God has no other alternative than to bring you through a life that reveals HIM.  Love people… but don’t put your trust in them – you may be putting an expectation upon them that will crush them…  and make you bitter in the process.  TRUST in the Lord and lean NOT to your own understanding.

We are broken so that we lean upon Him.  When we lean upon Him, He is revealed.  When He is revealed…  we can do valiantly. 

May the victory songs we sing at the end, reveal more of HIM than of ourselves. Oh, and Lord… make my heart tender enough that it doesn’t take me 18 years to finish a song.

1Pe 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Psalm 60:12 “Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.”

 

{Jesus}

September 14, 2026

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Rosh Hashanah Sept. 11-13

(Scroll down to find what this new year of 5787 will hold!!!)

 

O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” II Chronicles 20:12

{Jesus is Lord}

September 12, 2026

September 11, 2026

For a full tribute to fallen hero Jimmy Lanza and my friend… my initial interview with him, his funeral a year later and the eulogy I did at his funeral – you can click on this link:

Come Let Us Reason

We let ourselves reason with so many voices. The voices of our best friends, the voices of our parents, our teachers, our mentors, Hollywood personalities, sports superstars… the devil.

But God invites us to come and sit with Him. Face to face. Friend To Friend. 

Ephesians 2:6 – And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Isaiah 1:18 – Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

John 10:27 – My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

I Kings 19:12 – And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

There is an invitation. There is a way. There is no excuse. We have time for every other conversation. I need to take more time for the one that really matters.

{Jesus is Lord}

September 10, 2026

Yonder To Worship

Essence of Worship

After a rather long night,  I spent the most wonderful morning with the Lord.  As I was putting final views on a teaching I am working on,  I was looking further at the study we’ve been in,  dealing with worship.

Here are a few scriptures that will lead me to today’s word:

Hebrews 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Gen 22:5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

We have been talking about tainted worship in a sense of what we do.  What we offer.  What we give.   We have also talked that worship is much more than singing a few songs and spending 45 minutes during church on Sunday morning.  In fact, if that is what worship is to you,  you have really missed the essence of “true worship”.

When I look at the definition of a true worshipper as described by Jesus, I see:

Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Mar 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Worship,  if I am understanding correctly, is a total devotion of an entire life and lifestyle dedicated to Him.  I think we have that idea, but have that principle, but have fallen short on the practice.

Also,  we look at worship as something we “do”.   But as I look at the first few scriptures here,  I realize that it’s also what we “won’t do”.   Where we “won’t go”.  What we “won’t say”.   What we “won’t give”.  It is a sacrificing of the things that prove our love for the world and the flesh rather than the love of God.

In the scripture in Hebrews 11:25 we see a very important first word.   “Choosing”.   It is the same concept that Joshua told the Children of Israel when they were torn between their very real world and their very real God:   Jos 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

It is a choice to worship.  It is an offering of our hearts.  If we think that worship is just singing a song in the congregation on Sunday morning (and that itself is hard for some Christians,  which makes me think of how they must really be missing it in the world, but that message is reserved for another day…) then our worship is one dimensional.

Singing a song is the easy part.  The church today has honed worship and defined it as a few songs on a Sunday morning.   What think is hilarious is “worship practice” and “worship outline.”  Leaving no room for the moving of the Holy Spirit or trust in Him that HE knows how much is not enough, just enough or too much.

The harder part is sacrificing something that is pleasurable to our flesh.  The easy part of worship is giving up a song.  The hard part is giving up an action, an addiction, an attitude, something that may really injure our flesh…  and sometimes our way of life.

David, when presented with the idea that he could “have” (without purchase) the threshing floor as place for the altar of God,  made a striking statement in 2 Samuel 24:24.  He told Araunah that he would not offer something to the Lord that cost him nothing.

It doesn’t cost you anything to sing a song.  It will cost you everything to refuse to sing the songs of the world.  It will cost you nothing to wear a cross around your neck in the presence of Christians.  It will cost you your reputation to say no to the things of this world.

True worship does not just consist of the things you give…  but the things you give up.  Passing a meal for a day.  Shutting down your social media for a period of time. Turning your computer off when a questionable site pops into your head.  (yes… it is not the rude pop ups that you can’t avoid, but the ones in your head that you entertain.)

It’s passing up the justifications of why it’s ok to sin… and the loopholes and seeking out of how much you can get away with  while still retaining your salvation.  Let’s go back to our second scripture:

“and I and the lad will go yonder and worship,”  

 

{Jesus is Lord}

September 9, 2026

Upright in the Light

 I have to ask myself this morning as I am doing a pre-flight check list…  am I walking in my integrity? I must do this Before I take this great journey for the Lord.

If we are to go into His purpose we need to bring our integrity.

It was quite a weekend with a flurry of activity… I could tell by the reports and testimonies of others, that it was battles and victories… and vice versa.  No different here at our home.  I pray that everyone had a blessed Labor Day yesterday – and that you got enough rest to propel you into the next season where you won’t have a break until November.  

In study this morning, I came across this passage of scripture:

Psalm 41:11-12 By this I know that you favor me, because mine enemy does not triumph over me. And as for me, you uphold me in my integrity, and set me before your face forever.

One thing that this scripture doesn’t promise.  That I will never have a battle.  It does say, however that IN THE BATTLE,  the enemy does NOT triumph over me… IF… IF… my life is in favor with the Lord…  and IF I have retained my integrity.

The secret is in my everyday life and not just the journey on Sunday.  I can remember that a pastor who preached a word that said, “You can’t dance with the devil in the daytime and expect him to leave you alone at night.”   What this says is very important to the question of why can’t I get the victory over the enemy.

There are certain things that “righteousness” requires.  It involves doing the right thing in a critical situation.   The enemy provides me many open doors to not only speak, but to work the works of the flesh.  TO REACT to circumstance, comments and actions of others. If I am found speaking or acting on these things,  I can lose my favor with God – and the enemy can get a foothold to take me into deeper devastation.  And I have BEEN devastated. The tragedy comes when I don’t face the truth that it’s a lack of my integrity… rather than just flippantly stating that “it’s because I am a Christian and I have a target on my back.” Which may be true, but watch out for not only the target on your back, but the lack of armor over your heart. The breastplate of righteousness.

Now… most are aware of the works of the flesh, and although I may not practice all of these,  at times, I am guilty of a few.  If I live 80 or 90% for the Lord, it’s not good enough to bring an ENTIRE victory.  It’s the little bit of leaven that will leaven the whole lump.   Now… I list the first set of “unmentionables” in Galatians,  but the set that Paul lists also in 2 Corinthians are also equal in their ability to cause me to lose favor with God and to be defeated by the enemy.

*Sidenote: Does God forsake us because he is angry with us? Not at all. It is His opportunity to teach us something. Ironic… we learn more about how much He can do when we try to take over and do the work ourselves.

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

And from Paul’s second writing to the Corinthians:

2Co 12:19 Do you think that we have been defending ourselves to you all this time? No, we say these things in Christ and before God. You are our dear friends, and everything we do is to make you stronger.

2Co 12:20 I do this because I am afraid that when I come, you will not be what I want you to be. And I am afraid that I will not be what you want me to be. I am afraid that I will find arguing, jealousy, anger, selfish fighting, evil talk, gossip, pride, and confusion there.

2Co 12:21 I am afraid that when I come to you again, my God will make me humble before you. I may have to cry over the loss of some who sinned before. Many of them have still not changed their hearts to be sorry for their evil lives, their sexual sins, and the shameful things they have done.

We are people of the flesh, raised in the flesh, shaped in iniquity.  When it’s time to change into a walk of the Spirit,  it can be very difficult.  It can be painful at times to keep my mouth shut when I am tempted to come against the anointing or the anointed – perhaps a brother that “I” feel is doing something wrong.  It can be separating to leave a group that is having a “church roast.”  And it can be scary to stand up to a bully who is never wrong and always angry.

Integrity is not only speaking the words of God on Sunday morning, but doing them all through the week – and unlike my senior mind,  forgetfulness, with the Holy Spirit checking me, is not a good enough excuse.  My advancement in the Kingdom of God…  my promotion in ministry…  my tasting of victory after a battle…  these are all things that come when I can successfully stay in the favor of God by upholding my integrity.  And referring back to my first passage of scripture,  when I ask Him to help me in my integrity,  and when I am successful in upholding it… HE WILL UPHOLD ME.  (“You uphold me in my integrity” Psalm 41:12)

I preach a lot about enemy attacks.  Those WILL come because I am a Christian…  but victories ONLY spring forth from integrity.  Defeat comes when I am found professing Christianity on Sunday and in the Monday morning shadows am exercising the works of my flesh.  If there is no peace,  if there is no joy,  if there is no calm,  if there is no victory – I really should want to check my level of integrity.

Reputation is what I achieve in the sight of people;  saying and doing all the right things.  Integrity is what I build  in the sight of God – the thing that people may never see.  Reputation can not stand the test of time,  but integrity can weather any storm.

Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

If I hold my hand in front of my lips when I speak,  I can feel that gift that was given to me…  “loaned” to me.  It’s God’s breath.  When I put words to the breath that I speak,  then I am indeed speaking into the light or into the darkness.  If I am putting dark words to HIS breath,  I am unlocking dark places in the atmosphere that I can not see.  When I speak evil or slander or gossip or doubt or fear…  I am unlocking the doors for those things to come into my life.  Job said… Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

Once I send forth a word,  I can’t call that word back.  I can certainly retract it, but I must realize that the damage has been done.  Words are very important to the retaining of my integrity.

But if I put God’s words to His breath and send them back to Him… they are returning to Him full of power.  Full of grace.  Full of mercy.  Full of victory.  “So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11.

When I lose my cool.  When I lose a battle.  When I can not find peace.  I need to find my “integrity compass” and get back on track.

My “true north.”

{Jesus is Lord}

Proclamation or Adoration

On this Labor Day – 2026, I must give GOD the opportunity to bless me with a testimony.

It’s not in our bold proclamations… It’s in our humble adorations

Some have been mercilessly pursued by the enemy.  Some of you for years have been in prisons – monitored heavily by the enemy.  And all the while,  he is sitting in your heavenly seat that was never prepared for him.  It was prepared for YOU.

The enemy is not Godly nor is he on an equal plane with God.  He has the status of an angel,  and as such,  he is a master manipulator and has made himself out to be bigger than he really is.

It is time to “submit to God” as you have been submitted to fear and the lies of the enemy.  Some are “submitted” to their vices and their shortcomings – believing them to be all powerful.

Resist the devil today.  That doesn’t mean RUN… it means STAND.  Stand up to Him in the Presence of God.   The word says that HE will flee.  It’s like the 98 pound bully who has the 200 pound strongman intimidated.   Turn on that bully.

Draw close to God.  Confess your sins.  Call for a clean heart and a single minded attitude.  INTERCEDE in the presence of the enemy…  I guarantee that he will run away – scared as the demonic spirits crying like little girls when Jesus got closer to them.

Declare that THIS is your day for liberty.  Bury yourself in the secret bosom of God and your weeping and your prayers will shake the gates of hell.  GOD will lift you up OUT of your pit… out of your sin… out of your depression… out of your self consciousness… out of your belief that you can’t and into the mindset AND HEARTSET that YOU CAN.

YOU CAN DO.   A “can do” attitude.  YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST which strengthens you.   As YOU DO… you draw increased strength.  As you pray – feel your body lifted to that heavenly place PREPARED for you.

Don’t let that empty seat in Heaven be vacant for one more hour.  Take your place in the humble prayer chamber and feel Him “seat you” and “unseat” the enemy.

Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Jas 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Jas 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

{Jesus is Lord}

Labor Day – Sept. 7, 2026

God uses all of His creation to bless us

“And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.”  Genesis 1:24-25

This morning I was up in my office praying and Thecia came up and said that a dragonfly was in our foyer and she asked if I could come and rescue it before Max, our 115 lb. American Bulldog, tried to do it.

According to lore…

Finding a green Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly resting inside your foyer is a powerful spiritual omen that combines the core symbolism of dragonflies with the energetic meanings of the color green and the specific location within your home. Because only the female Eastern Pondhawk is a brilliant, eye-popping green (the adult males are powdery blue), your visitor brings deeply maternal, nurturing, and receptive feminine energies.

Here is the breakdown of what this encounter means for you:

1. The Foyer: The Threshold of Transition: In spiritual geometry, the foyer or entryway represents the threshold between your inner world (the self) and the outer world (society). It is the space of transitions, beginnings, and endings. A dragonfly resting peacefully here indicates that you are currently standing at a doorway to a new phase of life. It serves as a gentle cosmic signpost telling you that you are ready to cross over into a period of personal transformation.

2. The Green Color: Heart Healing and Abundance – The striking green color of the female Eastern Pondhawk carries distinct vibrations: Heart Chakra Activation: Green is the color of the heart chakra. Her presence suggests a healing of old emotional wounds, allowing you to let go of heavy burdens and step into a lighter state of being. Growth and Renewal: Just like springtime, green signifies rapid personal growth, fresh starts, and the manifestation of abundance or prosperity in your household

3. The Pondhawk Behavior: Strategic Peace: Dragonflies are agile, aggressive hunters known for their swift movement. However, finding one completely at rest inside a home carries a specialized meaning: Stillness in the Storm: You are being reminded to pause, ground yourself, and find stillness. You do not need to constantly force or hunt for your next step; clarity will come in moments of quiet reflection. Seeing Beyond Illusions: Dragonflies have incredible vision. A resting pondhawk suggests that the “dust is settling” in a confusing situation, allowing you to finally see the absolute truth past any self-doubt or deceit.

I have been taking a lot of pics of what I call, “Our mosquito pest control army” here in North Carolina and they have never been skittish of me, lighting on me and near me… posing for pictures for long periods of time. Last night we had a fierce and very scary storm come through the Carolinas and this morning, she was there in the foyer.

God has used animals in scripture many times to bring messages, comfort and prophecy to His people. He talks about the white horses in Heaven speaking of their existence long after we leave this place. I think we are to open our eyes and ears to all things God has created. Perhaps he has a message or just a moment of pleasure watching his creations.

When I let her go outside the front door, I gently tried to coax her off the flat surface I captured her on. She just waved her wings and didn’t want to go… when I finally got her to go… she wanted to come back in the house… Max had a big smile on his face.

{Jesus is Lord}

September 6, 2026

What Will You Answer Him?

I had a brother who died of AIDS back in the late 80’s when the disease was a death sentence.  Did I approve of my brother’s lifestyle? No, I did not. Did I love my brother? Yes I did.

He knew that I couldn’t condone his life, but He also knew that I loved him very much. It’s not my business to change the world – or his world with my judgement.  Sin. To me it is something between God and I for the understanding thereof.

I don’t have to debate people – that is not what I was called to do. In James 4:17 it says, “Therefore to him that knows how to do good and does it not, to him it is sin.”

His lifestyle to me would have been sin. But not to love my brother – that would also have been sin. Some say, “hate the sin, love the sinner.”  But, MARK… how can you say that? Because of one scripture that makes me want to be like my Father God. “For God so loved the world…”  He gave the most precious thing He had in His son, Jesus.

Notice it doesn’t say that “God so loved the world with the exception of the gay community, those who have committed murder, adulterers, liars, etc.” He gave it all for all.

How did my brother feel about me not accepting his lifestyle? Because he also knew that he couldn’t accept mine. He told me once that he could “tolerate” me because I was honest and not hypocritical. I never placated him and he respected that because no matter his lifestyle, I respected him for being my brother.

My brother called me as he was dying and asked me to do his eulogy and to sing a song I’d written a few years earlier. I tried to argue with him, not because of his lifestyle, because saying “goodbye” would be hard enough. He said, “Get over yourself. That will be my day and it’s the only thing that I want. I know you will never honor my lifestyle, but I know you will bring to light the things that meant the most about me.”

One thing about my brother – he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind or love the unlovable. He would have given the last dollar he had so that a friend would not go hungry. I never hid God in the eulogy. Todd was the one who at one time, led our entire family to Christ. A fact I never did forget. I can remember quoting the scripture that said “love covers a multitude of sins” from I Peter 4:8.

At the end of the eulogy, I had people join hands across the aisle and sing a little chorus that my brother would sing after his conversion back in junior high… “Bind us together Lord, Bind us together Lord, Bind us together with love.”

People were breaking down all around me and I watched as my family were all broken before me – I tried to stay strong and get through it. At the dismissal, there was a long line forming from the altar to the back of that chapel in Wisconsin. I thought they were coming to see the things my mother had put out on display that helped define his life. Playbills from Broadway where he was an actor, his guitar, His pottery and his paintings that he did when he attended the Art Institute of Chicago. His fashion designs. His modeling photos.

But no. They were there waiting to talk to me. The first person in line said, “That was beautiful, my name is Bobbie – I’m dying of AIDS – would you do my funeral?  The second person, “My name is Ruthie, I’m dying of AIDS – would you do my funeral?”  It went on and on like that for over a half hour.

I did many funerals after that… and saw some good things and some very bad things. Parents who wouldn’t attend a child’s funeral due to “their beliefs” as if coming to say, “Goodbye… I love you,” would in some way insinuate a lifestyle they didn’t support.

I thought about standing in front of God one day and what if his question to me would be, “Why didn’t you love him?” There would have been no answer that would have been sufficient in the light of “God so loved the world that He gave all of Himself…”

So… what excuse do you have for not loving someone? I hope when it’s all said and done, I have no excuses – only the actions that really mattered.

The song that my brother wanted me to sing was a song I had written on my “Destiny by Starlight” CD and it was called, “Didn’t Say I Love You.”

Here is a little bit of that song:  

“How long will they be with us? When will they write their last song? When will the voices be silenced? When will they say “So Long?”  This life is but a vapor, that’s what the Bible says, but when their work is done and their time has come – a time to say “Goodbye.”

The saddest words I’d ever spoken, “I didn’t say I love you.” They slip away so quickly in the night. But if there’s a chance to hear me and you’re somewhere out there listenin’ – I just want to say, “I love you. I love you.”

I had no idea when I wrote it that I would be doing it at my brother’s funeral. Now… his salvation was between him and his God. I hope he made the right choice.

One of my brother’s modeling photos at Tropea, in Calabria, Italy.

{Jesus is Lord}

September 5, 2026

Tokens of Deliverance

Well,  yesterday before I got sidetracked with another message, I was intending to teach a bit on “ornamentation”.   This comes from a word that God gave me several years ago entitled “tokens of your deliverance”.

Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

We start with the thought that this earth and everything within it belongs to the Lord.  Although we have “deeds” for land and property,  it is ours only as long as we live.  At our death, someone else takes possession.  It is more like purchasing a rental.

I like to say that some people “recycle”.  People do most of their shopping for furniture, pictures, etc., from Goodwill.  When they die, some of those things that are special to them most likely won’t be special to our children and the items will, in all likelihood, end up back at Goodwill for the next generation of pickers.

Even when we say we “own” this or that… we must remember that we are IN God’s guest cottage here on earth and we really don’t own anything.  When we take possession of anything it is for HIM and for His purposes.

Now… this means that our entire world system built on purchasing things with  minerals and rocks.  Gold, Silver, Diamonds.  Think of it…  we exchange rocks to live.  The “richest” people own the most rocks.  These also belong to the Lord and it is merely another piece of earth that we hold on to for a while and pass on to someone else.

Hag 2:8  The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the LORD of hosts.

God tells us that while we are here, we are entitled to have things pass from the hands of the ungodly to ourselves.  Inheritance is really another way of saying that the temporary possessions of someone else has now become yours to temporarily possess.

Psalm 2:8  Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

When the children of Israel left Egypt, the Bible says they “borrowed” of the Egyptians.  In translation it becomes clear that this word means simply that they were given what belonged to someone else for their own.  If we see this in the correct context, we realize that we are taking back what belongs to the Lord.  It never was a possession of Egypt, but it was a possession of God.  When the rich died in Egypt,  in the sarcophagus was gold entombed with the mummified body.  They felt that they could take it into the next world, but sadly, it remains on this earth, buried deep in the ground which is where it came from in the first place.

Exo 12:35  And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:

Exo 12:36  And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

For those religions that preach that jewelry is of the devil, I want to swing that pendulum back to center and say that jewelry “can” be used as a prideful thing or as a “look what I have… it’s all mine… I have it and you don’t” mentality.  But here we see that God’s favor caused the ungodly to give things to God’s people that which were precious to the heathen.

As slaves for 430 years, the children of Israel had not in all that time worn jewelry.  They were slaves and slaves didn’t wear any ornamentation.  When this was given to them along with the finest garments from Egypt, it was for necessity and command… not for the sake of pride or haughtiness. When it said they “spoiled” the Egyptians, the Hebrew translation speaks the word “recover”.

God’s people were taking back what belonged to the Lord.   The things that were taken were going to be used in the building of the temple.

God didn’t give them the earrings so that the Israelite women would look good for their husbands after a long hard day in the wilderness.  God gives seed to the sower and these represented gifts that they recovered for the Lord and were going to give back to Him.  

It’s no fun going to a party or sitting there on Christmas morning without anything to give.

These “tokens” which included bracelets, jewels, earrings, crowns, neck chains were for a greater purpose.  It was for their journey.  It was for their remembrance of what God took them out of and where He was taking them.  To a land of more than enough.

Egypt – it was never enough.  The Wilderness – it was just enough. The Promised Land – it was more than enough.

I can imagine on a very hard day of wandering,  of testing,  of trials,  of hunger, of monotony… they were tempted to murmur and complain.  Here they were wearing Egyptian crowns and jewels and garments… and they must have thought… we are all dressed up with nowhere to go!

Just about then, the sun would peek out from behind the clouds and a ray of sun would hit and reflect off of that precious metal that someone was wearing.  The reflection would undoubtedly bounce into someone’s eyes… and it reminded them of where God brought them from.  Every bit of chinking bling that they heard.  Every reflection of the sun off a surface of brilliant gold.  It served to remind them.  It spoke to their hearts.  “It wasn’t such a long time ago that you were making bricks.  Now you have recovered that which belonged to God… and he’s provided something for YOU to give.”

JUST AS HE SAID.  Believe Him again and you will get to that land PROMISED.

In the book of Ezekiel, the prophet describes how God took JERUSALEM out of bondage before it was even called Jerusalem.  God created a covenant before a city was created.  God created and provided for the tabernacle BEFORE there was command to build it.

Ezekiel 16:10-13  I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with badgers’ skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk. I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck. And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head. Thus were you decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; you did eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and you were exceeding beautiful, and you did prosper into a kingdom.

They had upon them the tokens of deliverance.  A sign to all the world that this little band of rag-tag Israelites had recovered the garments and the wealth of Egypt, the mightiest land in the known world. By the hand of the Lord.  There was more than enough of the spoil to build a magnificent house for the Lord here on this earth with plenty left over to have for themselves which represented the very fact that THEY WERE THE TEMPLE – decked out with the FAVOR of God.

Something happens, though to someone who has that much wealth and responsibility.  It can cause us to be humbled, knowing it doesn’t belong to us and that we are keepers of the things of the Lord for a vapor of a life,  or it can cause us to become haughty and complacent and popular with the world.  We can use the influence and the wealth to “woo the world.”

Ezekiel 16:17  You have also taken your fair jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given to you, and made to yourselves images of men, and did commit whoredom with them…

They didn’t like to remember that it was God that provided,  it was God that owned it and it was for God that they carried it.  A danger too is for the children of the generation of those in favor with God.  That is why God established the ordinance that this should be remembered and reflected on each year.

Children have to remember that the wealth that surrounds them because of their Christian and favored parents can’t be tainted by bringing sin into the favor – or by the continuing of taking for their own possession what belongs to God.

This, though is a message for another day… children that take, take, take… or children that have learned to give, give, give.  I am aware of the embarrassment when one of my children who received without fail, a birthday gift and Christmas card each year without reciprocation, came to visit my parents and never brought so much as a loaf of bread, asked my mother…  “could I have your thimble collection when you die?’

Again… a message that deals with the children of favor not taking for granted or abusing that which God provided.  And we must never lose sight that we are on a pilgrimage delivering what God gave us back to Himself.

And finally…  the real wealth of the situation is that God sees our wealth as He compares us to silver and gold.  When we lead someone to Jesus Christ,  we are highly favored of the Lord and He gives us souls for our labor.  Those souls are not to possess or to take advantage of or to lord over.

As they walk with us in this journey and the sun reflects off of them and the flash gets in our eyes – it should remind us of where we were delivered from and where we are headed… and that these precious gifts belong to HIM.

Zechariah 13:9  And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.

{Jesus is Lord}

September 4, 2026

A gash in the flesh

Jeremiah 17:5 – Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.

Last week I published a thought for couples created by God.  Just as marriages can be so good and so sweet and so anointed – we have to remember that there is a real enemy. And he hates that union. That power of agreement. That potential to defeat him.

Write it down… he will try to get to you before you get to him. He hates fire and the thought of his end in a lake of fire. When Moses heard from God on Mount Horeb, it was from a bush that burned with fire but was not consumed.

I think about things in fire which are not burned… like Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego in the fiery furnace of Nebuchadnezzar.  And what comes from that fire speaks loud and clear. And it changes things. It changes people.

That is the good thing when a couple is forged in fire – melded into one flesh. And from that fire – when they let God speak – is very powerful and very devastating to the enemy.

The enemy’s tools are very destructive. Very devious. Very much hidden. I saw a meme the other day that said, “When a spouse speaks out loud, complaining about their significant other,  especially to members of the opposite sex, the flesh begins to bleed out. Know that you are just steps away from the death of your marriage.”

Now, I don’t know about that or the source, but I’ve seen that time and time again in my life – personally and others that were dear to me. In my opening scripture – the trusting in people to drop your burdens upon can cause a curse upon something God gifted you with.

Ephesians 5:28-31

²⁸ So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

²⁹ For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

³⁰ For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

³¹ For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

When you speak against the one created for you – and the one who has been made one flesh, you are injuring yourself. If you’ve ever done it, it comes with anger, shame and guilt – even long after the words were sent into the atmosphere and into the dumpster you called “a good friend.”

We ought to go and speak to God about it. Then leave it with Him. In His time, He will deal with the situation. But if you get impatient, if you are having trouble hearing God’s voice or you have no power to go and reason with Him as it says in Isaiah 1:18-19, then you will turn to people. Let me ask you one question? Did you hear God give you the green light to marry the one you are with? If you had faith to marry them, then where is your faith when it comes to the “day-to-day” operations?

This is the enemy’s finest moment.  And he seeks to keep it secret and behind closed doors until you secret somehow is revealed.

Protect your spouse. Cover your spouse as it says in I Peter 4:8 – Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins.

Some use this tool of the enemy to create a back door in their marriage… or a gashing and separation of the flesh. Some are bored and idle and the way of the enemy takes you by surprise until you are so deep you cannot get out. There are many reasons – but none good enough to put a knife into the one who you were joined to.

Now the good news… The Spirit of God – that same Spirit in you can RAISE DEAD THINGS.

Romans 8:11. But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you.

No matter how bad things get… even unto death. It’s never too late to pray for a miracle. If you feel your marriage waning (again a feeling sent from the enemy), if you feel your marriage is in trouble or even if you think your marriage is dead… it just hasn’t had the good grace to lay down…

The Spirit raises dead things.

Keep in mind… in the book of Jonah 2:8 “ They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.”  In other words, if you are hell bent of leaving the place you are in, you could be forsaking your own mercy.

But if you want to call on the Holy Spirit to Repair, Revive and Restore so that you can see the most incredible miracle of you life and the greatest love story you’ll ever be a part of. You have 

Again… don’t talk to people… Talk To God.

In our next few blogs, we will be talking about “Restore, Revive and Repurpose.” 

Make your marriage a three-way conversation. The Bible says to cast all your cares upon Him… not upon people.

September 2, 2026

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. -Psalm 118:24

September 1, 2026

Hello August- You Will leave us in a few hours.

Take a quiz today:

1. What have you learned in the last 30 days that you didn’t know before?
2. Have you had the best encounter with Jesus?
3. What are the three best things you’ve done this month.
4. What is your best morning memory?
5. What is your best evening memory?
6. Where was your favorite place?
7. What scripture stands out?
8. What photo that you’ve seen stands apart?
9. What made you angry this month?
10. What made you laugh this month?

I challenge you to write a good-bye letter to August. She was given to you by the Lord. You will never see August 2026 ever again. All you have is memories. Praise HIM in your memories.

{~}

August 31, 2026

One Flesh

There have been many times that I feel as if I don’t know where my wife starts and I end. I know that we have almost always been able to finish each other’s sentences and as we are getting older and the memory isn’t what it used to be – and she is looking for a word and I can name it… and vice versa.

It feels seamless. That is what happens when God truly puts a man with a woman and then is allowed to “orchestrate” the relationship.

Genesis 2:22-24 “And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”

There are cultures that have “arranged” relationships, but in this case, it is a “created” relationship. That’s what I hope you find in your life. I’ve had a lot of relationships that never worked for whatever reason, but with Thecia something was different when I met her.

We met online as we were discussing the marketing of her videos. After working with her and brainstorming with her – I started to see that the “storm” was the same in her brain and mine.

We didn’t really plan to fall in love – but it hit us very hard and we both felt it. It scared me at first and I backed off, but then realized… I couldn’t live the last chapters of my life without her.

She was created for me. Exact fits in things we go through. In the areas I lacked, she was strong. In the areas I excelled in, she was weaker. And some things – were such a perfect match that it amazes us still today.

She was brought in at the right time to make me grow. To make me learn. To teach me things. And I was brought into her life for the same things. And we have grown. We have learned new things. 

I don’t exactly know if you can search for this kind of a love… but I do know that if you haven’t found it, you can pray for a revealing from God. And signs and wonders to confirm. But most of all – it’s praying and hearing His voice.

If past relationships did not stand the test of time, they most likely were not created relationships.  

Matthew 19:4-6 “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

Now… there will be good times and struggles. The enemy doesn’t bother too much with relationships that have no power. Don’t judge your relationship by arguments, points of view or bad days.  Even though there may come a moment when you are not on the same page – in created relationships, that is not time to “jump ship.”

I believe the most powerful relationship that was created by God was the relationship of a man and his wife. It is an exemplary example of the power of agreement. When two can agree as touching ANYTHING on this earth. (And in Heaven – so in earth: Matthew 6:9-13)

That’s a powerful agreement that carries such an incredible promise.  “Anything.”

Matthew 18:19 “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.”

So God created from the beginning man and woman to be given to one another. 

Do you know why the enemy of your soul wants to bust it up? He wants to work in and of you to bring division. To get on different pages in hopes that you give up.  He doesn’t care about a decree of divorce in the courts of man, he is after your power and your ability to see extraordinary things done. And the divorce rate not only skyrockets, but young couples today are too scared to enter into that kind of relationship.

When the intimate and divinely-created couple comes together in prayer and in agreement with the Holy Spirit, an explosion of miracles is possible. Now – take it a step further. Is your relationship TWO people? I challenge you to go back to what I stated earlier. Being seamless. Becoming as “ONE FLESH” (Genesis 2:24). 

They are one. Now – if that one couple agrees with the third person of the Trinity – THE HOLY SPIRIT… that agreement has possibilities that would baffle the wisdom of the world and can literally dismantle the enemy’s plans, schemes and ideas.

Remember – “ANYTHING.”

When Thecia and I were in the infancy of our relationship, I gave her a ring. To make a long story short, it was lost a week after we got it. We literally ripped up carpet, plumbing and could not find it.

We were devastated. Until we knew that although it was just a symbol of our inward covenant, it wouldn’t stop the marriage. We ended up praying with Thecia’s sister-in-law and we all agreed that it would be found.

About 48 hours later – we found it. In a different city from where it was lost. In a place so unusual that we could only deduce that it was a miracle and one of those tests of time to see if we were going to get discouraged, think perhaps we weren’t put together by God or who knows what.

Our prayer of agreement held. So did our relationship. 

{Jesus}

 

August 30, 2026

August 29, 2026

Anticipating Tomorrow

This morning I want to talk about some of the visions and dreams that have been coming in concerning Heaven.   Testimonies are coming forth and even movies are being made.  What an awesome time that we are in.

Now,  whenever I begin to pass these on or take a look ahead toward revival or the rapture of the church or even Heaven itself,  I immediately get flooded with those who will throw out the cautions…. “Oh,  don’t look ahead when you have right now”   and  “We shouldn’t focus on coming events and miss the events of the day” and on and on and on.

And… this is true – to a point. And sometimes to a fault.

If you go back and really READ the Bible…  much is written and predicated on the “look-ahead” and if it were bad to desire what is coming,  Jesus would have told us.  What we do find in scripture is that in the end times,  Luke writes:  Act 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

When the Spirit is poured out there will be dreams and visions.  Why would we caution people not to share what the Spirit pours out?  Now… I know that there needs to be a balance between your today and your tomorrow.  That’s just healthy.   But… I’m not kidding…. When I write about looking forward to something – I get the extremists that refuse to dream.  They refuse the visions for fear of missing something.

Pro 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

People will stagnate and they will die if they are discouraged in looking ahead to what God’s got planned.   I thank God for my vision of revival… for my vision of the catching away and of course, my vision for Heaven.   It doesn’t consume me,  but it leads me forward and keeps me much alive. The older I get the more aware of the fact that I am just a half-a-heartbeat away from living here.

And… I desire what I am looking forward to.  The Apostle Paul said,  Philippians 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

Paul had a desire for what he was shown in the Spirit.  It didn’t hinder his walk here on earth,  but the desire and to share that desire was not a bad thing….  AND he didn’t keep it to himself.

When Christ Himself came to John on the Island of Patmos,  there was a striking statement presented in the first chapter: Rev 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

When the church does not promote a vision or does not share the coming events,  there can be much stagnation without anticipation.   That teaching comes from fear.  “What if it doesn’t happen?”

If Jesus didn’t want us to keep our eyes on the prize,  He wouldn’t have presented it – nor would he have had John tell the church.

We read in the gospels about the prophetic signs of the times,  we read in Paul’s writings about the graphic nature of the catching away and we actually see through John’s eyes the splendor of Heaven.

In the 21^st Chapter of the Book of Revelation we read what is recorded about that New Jerusalem and I am excited about  going.  Even in the old testament,  Abraham was not looking for a city made by men,  but in Hebrews 11 it tells us that HE was looking for a city whose builder and maker was God.

In the gospel of John,  Jesus tells us about His Father’s house with many mansions where a place is being prepared.

One thing you should NEVER discourage is anticipation when someone is looking ahead to what God has shown them.  It’s like throwing a wet blanket over a fire.  The fire of the Holy Ghost is constantly reminding us,  warning us,  teaching us and showing us the things of tomorrow as securely as He gets us through today.

I love my today… but it doesn’t stop me from anticipating my tomorrow.  I love what God has done.  I love what He is doing.  I also LOVE what He has shared about tomorrow.  Many times in scripture the tomorrow was given so preparations can be made today.

And finally…  Joshua,  standing in front of those massive walls of Jericho in the dark of night,  saw, by the light of the moon the guards on the walls and the amazing task at hand.   The angel of the Lord comes and tells him to LOOK AHEAD.   Not to look only at what was (which were massive walls and a powerful army patrolling them) … but what was to come.

Joshua 6:1 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in. Joshua 6:2 And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valor.

In those two scriptures God explains what the situation was and what the situation was going to be.   The Lord said to Joshua…  SEE.  SEE.  SEE.  See that the city was destroyed.  See that the enemy was in Joshua’s hand.

Well…  shouldn’t we really look away from that time or an event because we might want to live for an event that won’t ever happen.   And we’re fine right where we are.   Yeah… those who died in the wilderness had that same mentality as they refused to look forward,  to see a future and to claim tomorrow’s promises.  To claim tomorrow’s promises,  you also can’t forget that today we prepare.

Joseph got in trouble for looking ahead… for dreaming; for anticipating.  To get to the place of actuality,  he went through many trials and tribulations.  Some pastors would say it was because he couldn’t live for the moment.   I say that is false doctrine.   Joseph spoke his dream and he went, unafraid through the testing to get to where he was supposed to be.  The events drove him to WHO he was going to be.  The dreams drove him to WHERE he was going to be.

Speak your dreams.   Shout your visions.  Anticipate tomorrow’s blessings while you diligently perform and enjoy the duties of today. (Occupying until He comes… Luke 19:13)

Now… here’s the rub.  We are not to worry about tomorrow… but to anticipate it with joy.  “IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE.”     

“I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN.”

Both statements made by Jesus Himself.

{Jesus}

August 27-28, 2026

My Participation Crown

I am starting a two-part teaching on “My Participation Crown.”

It all stems from taking an account without accountability in my life.

In athletics nowadays we have heard a lot of pros and cons about “participation awards.”  For the one who wasn’t the best at the event and perhaps the least noteworthy. The performance did not warrant an actual “trophy of hardware,” but just a nylon ribbon with “Participation” on it. They showed up.

In my life I have won many awards, had many plaques and trophies with my name on it for things like athletics, music, writing, photography, social media, management and leadership. The Apostle Paul would have said, “I count all these things dung.”

I would love to share an article entitled, “The Closer You Get to God, the More Sinful You Feel,” by Pastor Bob Russell. It is a great start to what I need to say.

“Simon Peter had not known Jesus very long, but he had been in His presence enough to know there was something very special about Him. Jesus was such a dynamic teacher and leader that Peter was captivated by the charismatic Nazarene. When Jesus requested to use his boat as a pulpit to preach to the multitudes, Peter was delighted. He pushed out just a few feet from the dock and felt very honored to sit right beside Jesus as He taught.

When the lesson was over and the crowds dispersed, Jesus asked Peter to push out into the deeper water so they could do some fishing. Peter was a professional fisherman, and Jesus was a carpenter by trade. So Peter tried to be patient and not condescending when he explained, “There aren’t any fish in these waters right now. We’ve fished here all last night and weren’t able to catch anything. Besides, this isn’t a good time of day to fish.”

But then Peter reluctantly added, “Jesus, if you say so, we’ll try again,” expecting to prove his point. Perhaps Peter winked at his companions, who acknowledged that while Jesus was an excellent teacher, He seemed very naïve about the fishing business.

But when the nets were cast, they nearly broke because of the number of fish they instantly hauled in. “When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken…”(Luke 5:8-9).

Isn’t it interesting that the first reaction to the deity of Jesus was an immediate feeling of unworthiness and sinfulness? The prophet Isaiah reacted the same way when he saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted. “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” (Isaiah 6:5)

The Apostle Paul reacted that way, too. Paul was one of the most spiritual men who ever lived, yet he called himself the worst of sinners and a wretched man. Paul didn’t boast about his goodness. He boasted only about the cross of Christ.

Years ago, I read about a traveling salesman who drove by a familiar farm and noticed that a painter had just finished whitewashing an old barn that sat in a prominent spot near the road. The salesman was impressed with how clean and fresh the barn appeared. “That guy has really improved the appearance of his property,” the salesman thought to himself as he continued down the road.

Two days later, the salesman made the return trip just after five inches of fresh-fallen snow had completely covered the ground. When he drove past the whitewashed barn, he couldn’t get over how gray and unattractive it appeared against the pure whiteness of the snow in the background.

When people say, “I’m a pretty good person,” or, “I think I’ll go to heaven because I’ve lived a pretty good life,” it is a telltale sign that they haven’t been in the Holy presence of Christ lately. They are comparing themselves to the barnyard of this world and feel smugly superior. Actually, the closer we get to the Lord, the more sinful and unworthy we feel.

Sometimes unbelievers object to the Christian message, saying it produces guilt and condemnation. Yet far from being depressing, the admission of unworthiness produces joy. We define the reality—we are sinners, and Christ has died for sinners. We receive God’s grace—we are loved and forgiven despite our sin. We then exist authentically—we don’t have to pretend anymore. And we can admit our transgressions, confess our weaknesses, and delight that God saves and accepts us as we are.

Peter’s first reaction to Christ’s supernatural presence was, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”  But Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Don’t be afraid; from now on, you will fish for people” (Luke 5:10b). Peter was accepted and enlisted into Jesus’ inner circle of disciples, and that was the greatest feeling in the world.

No wonder Peter later wrote, “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:10-11).” – https://bobrussell.org/the-closer-you-get-to-god-the-more-sinful-you-feel/

And now, a little groundwork for “the rest of my story.” Consider it homework.

Philippians 3:7-11

⁷ But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

⁸ Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

⁹ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

¹⁰ That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

¹¹ If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Four years later – Paul would be dead.

II Timothy 4:6-8

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 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.

Best estimated guess was that he was 62 years old. 

Here I am having had 8 more years of my life and today I look back upon what I’d say was a wasted life.  Oh there were highs and lows, but the consistency has not been where I would have liked it to be.

To be continued… with a thought coming… “The OLDER I get and closer to Him in physical proximity, the more sinful you feel.”

Taking Inventory.

“My Participation Crown”

Following up with what I began yesterday… I am speaking about crowns when and if we get to Heaven. The road there:  Matthew 7: 13-14 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it.

So… yeah… I am hoping NOT to be in the majority.

Paul said that he was anticipating a crown being laid up for him – as he fought a good fight, kept the faith and finished his course.

Notice he didn’t say that he won all the battles. That is unrealistic for all who are sinners saved by grace.  Not works.

I am also convinced that we have rewards in Heaven… like the crown Paul was speaking of. Now, after all the study, the only ones who “cast their crowns” was the 24 elders. Nowhere does it say that anyone else does this… UNLESS… casting their crowns is a way to say that they bow their heads… and thus the crown also is bowed and yielded.

I certainly don’t think we will be flinging crowns literally. Billions of crowns. Yeah… no.

Going a bit further. Crowns don’t have a name or title or a list of accomplishments. In fact – there is no work that is worth of a crown. As for me, I’ve won a lot of awards and have failed at a lot of things I’ve endeavored to try. 

I am not the BEST at anything I’ve laid my hand to. There are better photographers, better writers, better singers, better piano players, better husbands, better fathers, better siblings. Anything I’ve received credit for – like Paul… I count it all loss.  Dung.  I can think of a more colorful way to say it, but don’t feel it prudent to print it here.

As far as I can see – righteousness is counting it all but loss. Counting it all dung. Continuing to fight in the fight, continue to hold on to my faith like a hungry dog fights for a bone and by HIS grace – I will endure to the end and finish. 

Even righteousness can’t save anyone. Nor the fight. Nor the faith. Nor the finishing. Nor your goodness. Nor how you treated people. Salvation comes only one way – and that is if you have been covered by the blood of Christ and the sins have been turned from scarlet to snow.

For me… the crown is not for being the “best anything.” I will receive it for participation. My participation crown. And yes, when I come before the throne I will bow the crown of my head and the crown that I wear – knowing that I did not earn it, but like salvation itself… it’s a gift. Because He loves me.

On some days I don’t know how or why, but He does.  I just know He didn’t and won’t choose me because of my profession, my title, my standing in the community, my relationship with my family. Shoot… if He wanted a photographer, he could find one better than me. A pastor? That ship has sailed. Just look at my report card… All “F’s” – at any given time in my life.

I do know He called.  And again, the reason is unclear, but HE LOVES ME.

And my participation crown will mean more to me than any other accolade or gift I’ve ever received. I’ve never won anything in my life that was worthwhile – except His love.

{Jesus}

August 26, 2026

Why the process?

Could God have created the world in one day? 

Of course He could have… He is God. The process proves that He is also a teacher of process. To better see this, the 8th chapter of Ecclesiastes is one of my all-time favorites.

Today, let’s just look at verses 4 & 5: 

⁴ Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What are you doing? 

⁵ Whoso keeps the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment.

God teaches us process throughout our lives. And centering in on a thought I had in prayer this morning – why do we have to stay in places of grace until God is finished with the work concerning sin and things we can’t get the victory over.

The Apostle Paul asked God three times to get rid of something that was “in his flesh” – and I personally believe it was a sin that he was struggling with.

He said in Romans 7 that the things he should be doing, he wasn’t and the things he should not be doing, he was still doing. Sounds like some of us frustrated by sin. Please Lord… remove this thing that I can’t get the victory over.

The Apostle Paul addressed that in II Corinthians 12:8-9 –

⁸ For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

⁹ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

God was assuring Paul that HE was taking care of it. Paul’s will was not strong enough to “quit the foolishness.” The question again today is… why does it take so long to go from a place of grace where God is working to “completed redemption” and total freedom from that sin?

Being nothing more than religious for a number of years and wearing a church title, I was still struggling with things I shouldn’t be doing. Because of my religious position, I just kept saying, “Lord help me to overcome…” 

And then I went on to try to clean myself up. When it failed, frustration set in. God said grace was sufficient, but the sin still attacks when you are under grace. I WANTED IT GONE! All well and good… and when I had no patience to stay in a place of grace, I went out to slay it myself. 

And all I was doing was “covering” the sin with the lie that it was gone. But it was not. And it hurt every time it attacked. And what was worse, I had to keep it concealed and in hidden from everyone. Like a festering boil, it was becoming infected.

God recently said something so simple and profound. “If you try to get rid of it, the best you will be able to accomplish is to keep it hidden and away from the eyes of people. But if you really want it gone, you MUST let me finish my process to remove this cancerous killer.”

Give Him process – He will eradicate it. Trust in yourself to clean yourself and the best you can do is cover.

Kind of like a carpet that has an unforgiveable stain. You have tried many washes, fixes and cleaners, but the shadow and stain remain. You hire a carpet cleaner to come in to take care of it, he can make it good as new.

Process will bring your freedom every time. Where the word of a King is… there is POWER. Let your King speak power through His word.

Come and reason with him… though your sins are as scarlet, HE can make them white as snow. 

Notice He didn’t say “you” can do it yourself.

{Jesus}

August 25, 2026

It’s Just A Plan

Plans or Buildings?

Jeremiah 29:11  I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.

Psalm 40:5  You have done many miraculous things, O LORD my God. You have made many wonderful plans for us. No one compares to you! I will tell others about your miracles, which are more than I can count.

Many of you look at the picture and see the beautifully finished house.  Look at that house today as YOUR future.  It’s as God sees you in your finished state.  But you are not there yet.   In fact,  some of you have your future still sitting on the drawing board.

Or perhaps,  some of you are still in process – which is where I believe most of us are.  A dangerous place to be due to having all of our precious building materials open to the elements.

We won’t receive the desires of our heart when we are not about our Father’s business.  We don’t receive the desires of our heart when we are about our own agenda.  We won’t receive the desires of our hearts when we are still and willfully living in unsurrendered sin in our lives.

Psalm 37:4  Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.      

Psalm 20:4  He will give you your heart’s desire and carry out all your plans.

For the plans to turn to building – we must be on His agenda.  His timetable.  His plans for us are “carried out” or in other words…  the building begins when we quit quoting Jeremiah 29:11 and begin living in His righteousness.

We can’t quote what God is going to do for us and then continue to live in the flesh.  The plans are what He desires to do.   It’s up to you to allow HIM to carry out the plans toward building.

Some Christians are still on the drawing board.  Some are architectural plans on the shelf.  Some are partially built.   It’s like Christians that believe that deception that we can do whatever we want and still get to Heaven.   I don’t believe in or take a Calvinistic stance that tells us “once saved, always saved”.

He doesn’t call us to wear crosses – He calls us to bear crosses.  He doesn’t call us to put bumper stickers on our cars,  He calls for our lives and our living to BE the bumper stickers. When you accept Jesus into your heart it’s not like joining a country club – it’s the enlisting in the army of light and that army is under extreme attack here in the last days.

God presenting you with plans is not handing you a finished building.  He says… “This is what I desire to do in you.”   You have the power to walk into that promise… or “promised land.”   Notice that the children of Israel were not teleported into Canaan.  They had to GET THERE.   We have a map to follow.  We have to GET THERE.   We have plans.  We have to let Him build it.

Field of Dreams famous quote… “If we build it, they will come.”   God’s heart… “If you come,  I will build you.”   He doesn’t work on anything HE doesn’t have access to.  Some just need to give Him the access to their hearts and their lives.  Let the building begin.

You can’t do it.  Unless the Lord builds the house,  they that build it labor in vain.  (Psalm 127:1)  Give Him your heart… He will carry out your plans to a completed building.

Jas 4:14  You don’t know what will happen tomorrow. What is life? You are a mist that is seen for a moment and then disappears. Jas 4:15  Instead, you should say, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live (In and For Him) and (He will) carry out our plans.”

It’s time.  Time again… to seek the Lord.  And here it is again…  hope you are getting this…  Hos 10:12  Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

Rom 9:21  Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?

{Jesus}

August 24, 2026

Where Art Thou?

Are You Hiding?

As I was on the verge of the woods yesterday and the shadows began to lengthen,  I noticed that I didn’t see things as clearly as I had a month ago.  What changed in a month?

Things I used to see clearly at 9 p.m. in June,  I couldn’t see so clearly here in August.

Did it have something to do with me being a month older?  Had my eyes become older and more tired?  Perhaps.  But probably more the culprit was the lack of light in the aging of the season.  In a few days we will be into September already.

No more will we ever live in the month of August 2026.  It will be gone forever.  And with the passing of this year’s August,  the light is dimming.  A daily reminder after the summer solstice that our lives are passing quickly and the light is going.

When there is a lack of light,  we can not see things as clearly…  but when we illuminate things, we see things that we may not otherwise see.  Take a normal fallen branch of a tree.  I saw one from a distance yesterday.   As I got closer,  I saw things that I didn’t and couldn’t see from a distance.  Things I couldn’t see in the shadows.

When I got closer to it,  I felt to pick it up.  (My challenge to you today.) As I brought it closer to my eyes I saw things I hadn’t seen from a distance.  Then the Lord prompted me to take it out of the shadows into the sunlight.   As I did,  I saw amazing things.

I saw insects boring into the branch.  The Lord told me that this was the reason the branch had died and fallen.  I went to the tree and looked and saw boring beetles there too.  The Lord told me that the tree would die from something that nobody else could see.

He likened it to sin in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.  From a distance, nobody can see,  but as we get closer and illuminate life,  we can see things that are killing us – and that are killing others.  That tree can not cry out…  all it can do is take the pain and begin the process of dying.

I feel that there are those out there today who are dying in silence and in pain.  Sin has overtaken and overwhelmed you and YOU are in trouble.  There are things that you just couldn’t get the victory over and UNLIKE that silent tree in the forest,  you can call out for help…  but in your shame and in your embarrassment, you remain silent.

From a distance you look good.  You look strong.  You are losing a few branches, but it’s ok… you keep telling yourself that it will turn around for you.  But it won’t.   God has illuminated something in your life that can NOT remain.  If you want to survive, you have to ask God to remove the pestilence.

Such little beetles.  Industrious.  Persistent.  They can bring down the mightiest of the fig trees.  Gossip.  Jealousy. Anger.  Bitterness.  Lust. Hate. Temper.  And the little branches fall.  These things continue and then…  Violence.  Adultery.  Murder.  Divorce.   The bigger branches begin to fall.

You are letting things die when they need to be healed.  Hidden sin in the shadows have infestations that are destructive.  That is why God is telling us that the first step to healing is to be able to bring into the light that which is hiding.

Gen 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

God knew that the only way to heal that which was infected and dying was to bring his wounded creation into His light.  And so… He came looking for them.  He came to bring into the light, that which was hidden.

Because of an enemy that has put such an onus on shame, embarrassment…  we choose to try to hide the sin.  As it stays hidden,  he knows that it will be destructive to the point of death.

People avoid God when they sin.  Sin keeps them entangled in bondage, while shame and guilt keep them right there in the heat of it. Yet God tells us:

Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Ephesians 5:12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

Ephesians 5:13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

Ephesians 5:14 Wherefore he says, Awake you that sleeps, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

It is so important to illuminate our own sin so that God can set us free from it.  An interesting thing about sin…  if we sin and come to Him in the period of grace, He can remove it quite easily.  But if we harbor our sin and keep it from all those around us,  we start to destruct… “lose branches.”  That which is harbored in secret will be exposed to the world.  Luke 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

You will expend more energy trying to duck and cover, hide, deny, struggle, scrape, lie… than the pain of an immediate removal.  You don’t think so?  Hiding your sin is like slowly tearing off a band-aid from an open sore.

Next time you get a sliver in your hand… just cover it with a bandage.  Don’t remove it.  And then… leave the bandage on and try to forget about that foreign object.   Try to grasp things.  Try to hold things.  Try to work.  Try to play.   With every day you ignore that thing under the covering,  it festers and it becomes infected and soon the pain is intense.

Sin is a foreign object in our flesh.  It can seem very small and very insignificant, but left hidden,  it can cause an infection unto death! (Worst case scenario)

We have to be willing to let it go – we need to be willing to let God remove it. Some people struggle to see what sins they have in their life, but they know from the lack of peace and a lack of joy that something isn’t right.  If you struggle with this you need to open your ears to hear what the Spirit is speaking to you. When you spend time with God he will reveal it to you and help you through the healing process.  He will bring all of your life into the light.

If you hide from Him and reject Him then eventually your sin will destroy you, and your marriage, and your family, and your job, and your faith…  Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Freedom is a gift.  It comes by way of grace and then by your choice as you live in that period of grace.  In the belly of the whale,  Jonah had to make a choice.  In that darkness, God showed up and illuminated everything around him.  Jonah made the right choice… but I see so many bound in pride that continues to scream… “TURN THAT LIGHT OUT!”

God loves you and wants you to live in a healthy environment… with a healthy family.  A healthy marriage.  A healthy ministry.  A healthy circle of friends.

Sin cripples.  Embarrassment and shame can keep you silent and in the shadows. If you are not strong enough to take this to God…  if you are just too tired and weak from carrying this sin for years,  you must ask for help to bring it into the light.

A verse that encourages us to lean upon those who are Godly is found in the book of James:  Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

If you are hiding.  If you are beaten.  If you are at the end of a road facing a dead end.  If you are needing help.  Ask God to bring someone who you can trust.  Who you can confide in.  Who you can agree with.  Who can bring light into your situation without any judgment or condemnation.

The world says… “Don’t go toward the light…”  There is a world hiding and dying in their sins because they think that ripping off the bandage quickly will hurt too much.  Death is not their only option,  but when you are hidden in darkness and shaking from the fear, it’s so hard to call for the light.

Right now… join me.  Call for the light.  Call for the light in your life.  Call for the light in the lives of those around you.  Sound the trumpets,  blow the alarms,  expose the enemy so that he can never hurt you again.

Together we can beat this.  Together we WILL defeat the enemy.

Mat 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

{Jesus}

August 23, 2026

Renting out space in your mind to vagrant spirits

We have had a lot of freeloaders renting space in our mind and we spend far too much time having conversations with them, discussing their philosophies, listening to their logic and spending valuable time practicing their suggestions.

Two main offenders are a spirit of worry and a spirit of fear. They go hand-in-hand and play off of each other tag teaming you with such ridiculous warnings such as “what if?” and “what would I do?” They suck you in and hand the ball off to another “planning spirit” which acts like a very smart city manager for your brain. He starts the architectural diagrams for things like back doors, escape plans, exit strategies, retorts to possible conversations that are coming your way, incognito fighting, gossip that helps build the plan and excuses in case you get caught doing what he is going to have you do.

Some of you may want to reread that.

Let’s go back to the spirit of worry. Let’s see what Jesus does to confront this spirit.

Matthew 6:25-34 

²⁵ Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought (In other words… DON’T WORRY) for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

²⁶ Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are ye not much better than they?

²⁷ Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (Worry is around to stop your growth. If I even told you about how many hours in your lifetime were wasted on things that never materialized, you’d be shocked and shamed.)

²⁸ And why do you worry so much about your clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

²⁹ And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

³⁰ Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? (Boom. Right here Jesus addresses the problem of worry – it is simply a lack of faith. And what is faith? Read Hebrews the 11th Chapter – some call it the wall of faith.)

³¹ Therefore take no thought, (don’t worry about) saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

³² (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things.

³³ But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

³⁴ Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

And… if you take a good look at worry… it is championed by a spirit of fear. A spirit of fear is a motivating spirit that requires an action… like worry, like hurry, like act now. Make a plan, Do what you need to do and God will bless you.

No. He won’t. Romans 10:17 – So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Faith requires only that you take counsel with God, listen to his voice and act accordingly. While you are following 10-20 different worry scenarios and implementing all the plans that are being played out before you – your life is passing you by.

God gives one direction. One plan. And He gives it in HIS timing. No anxiety and no more wasting time in a life that is already pressed for time.

Building your faith comes from listening and do what God says. Keys to faith building so you can evict the other spirits that are not paying rent and costing you way to much time, too much sleep, too much peace, too much money, too much life.

Remember that God doesn’t give you a spirit of fear. I Timothy 1:7 – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

The Shield of Faith. 

Ephesians 6:16: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

{Jesus}

August 22, 2026

Wanting Nothing

Today is an exercise in patience and in faith. Bottom line is knowing who God is and what He is capable of  – and being able to trust in that line.

In the book of James 1:4 it says: “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Philippians 4:11-12 says says: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”

And finally… to just want Only Him. When you come to Him, He knows what you need.

Psalm 139: 2 – You when I sit down and mine uprising, you understand and know my every thought afar off. (Whether you are safe at home, in a crisis or running away from Him.)

He knows what you want. It’s not that you can’t discuss these things with Him, but FIRST… Seek Him and Him alone. Don’t walk in His throneroom with your dirty feet. Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  And then again… in Psalm 27 while the world seems to be closing in… What advice does God give when you come running into His presence and spewing all your needs and wants like a machine gun?  It is bottom-lined in the 8th verse.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

^“2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

³ Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

⁴ One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

⁵ For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

⁶ And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

⁷ Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

⁸ When you said, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.”

Set an appointment – and then don’t excuse it away with some worldly call. 

Micah 6:8: He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Remember – come into His presence as if it’s all about Him. Because it is. Come away wanting nothing – knowing He has heard the cry of your heart as your Spirit was engaged in worship.

{Jesus}

August 21, 2026

Revelation 4 10-11

¹⁰ The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

¹¹ Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

I Peter 5:4

I Peter 5:4 “And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that will not fade away.

James 1:12

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

Now it says that the 24 elders cast their crowns. It never says that we will, but it is assumed. Whether we do or whether we don’t…. the main thing is that we will be given a crown.

It will be a crown of glory.  A crown of life. It will not be a crown of accomplishment or title or position in society.  I am convinced that I am not the best in anything I have laid my hand to. My crown would be a “Crown of Participation.”   I lived. I fought a good fight. I finished the race. I have kept the faith.

I made it. Ephesians 2:8-9

⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.

I pray I make it – you will recognize me. I’ll be the one with the crown of participation. Pray for me.

{Jesus}

August 20, 2026

The most important video for you to watch today… It’s all about Him.

{Jesus}

 

 

August 18, 2026

Assign Your Agreement

Today I was thinking about “following” in my daddy’s footsteps.  Doing what He would do and thinking the thoughts He would think.   Some once said,  “God doesn’t have to work very hard – He just creates a lot of things with His words.”    I don’t know if all that is true,  but I do know that if we can learn to follow His speech…  The King’s speech…  and we would be amazed at how our lives would change.

To learn to:

• Speak AS He speaks (relationship)
• Speak When He speaks (timing)
• Speak What He speaks (doctrine)
• Speak Where He speaks (obedience)

I have been thinking a lot lately about healing.  About the provision made on it’s behalf… the events surrounding it’s timing… the hanging on in the midst of the battle for it…   the motivation behind it’s appearing.    When we learn “God speech” –  we can better understand and can “obtain.”

In the battle for healing that I’ve been fighting lately,  I start asking myself questions…  what is HE saying about it,  what is His timing for it,  how does HE call it forth.   The only thing I don’t know is the timing.

So… when I am engaged in the battle for my own healing…. I am looking at the strategy for the battle. 

• Yes – the truth is – God heals
• Yes – the truth is – God loves me
• Yes – the truth is – God and I have a relationship
• Yes – the truth is – I can hear His voice
• Yes – the truth is – I know His word
• Yes – I can be patient until the fruit is ripe

When you are battling – the enemy will come against you – and try to alter God’s word and bring a lie.  I challenge you to put up your list of truths against the lie of the enemy – and see how that lie will fall in the midst of your list.   Just as Satan talks you into the lie… truth will talk you back out of it.

Putting my agreement to His word and putting my agreement to what I hear is a big plus in the battle.   Though I wake up feeling weak… I put my agreement to the word that tells me in 2 Corinthians 12:10 that I am strong.  When I feel as if I can’t do something…  I put my agreement to Phil 4:13 – I can do ALL things.  When we put our agreement to something – it’s not necessarily that we “feel” it – but when we speak it – we put our agreement to it.

When you speak – you are assigning an agreement.  You either agree with how you feel or the truth which is God’s word – and those two things can be quite different.  You agree with your anger or your forgiveness.  I thought of all the years I have put my agreement with my natural man,  with my human emotion, with my carnal feelings…  instead of with my Father.  He never comes into agreement with the carnal… so why should we?

I mean… Here is the one who established a system of creation with words.  Read that sentence again… CREATED A SYSTEM TO CREATE WITH WORDS. It would be wisdom to align with Him… put your agreement with that… and forsake everything else.

Listen to what He is speaking right now into your life… into your circumstance – step out onto your troubled water with faith and put your agreement to it!!! 

Mat 18:19  Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.   (you actually could interpret that second one in agreement with you here on earth as the Holy Ghost!!!)

{~}

August 17, 2026

Endure or Entangle

As I was at the piano this morning,  I heard a word that I needed to pass along from the Lord.   I had planned on going a different direction, but evidently someone needed to hear this today.

2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2Ti 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

And…

2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

God is speaking to someone’s heart today about endurance.   To endure.   As I did some research on the meaning,  I found the best way to put it:  To be found standing after the devastation of the storm.   There are storms we can “give in to,”  storms we can “run from” and storms we can “hide from.”   But in the word endurance we see the characteristic of taking on the storm – full frontal and taking the brunt.   Holding your ground.

In the above scriptures we see two ideas of endurance.  One is the ability to stand in the storm and against the brutality of life.  If you are hoping to hold your ground in the spiritual realm,  you must remain focused.   A soldier on foreign soil in the midst of a firefight can not share his focus with the mortgage that his wife is having trouble paying back in the States.  To endure the moment,  you must stay focused in the moment.

We can abandon the good fight if we choose to “entangle” ourselves with the diversions.  And… trust me… the enemy can bring many diversions.

The second time the Apostle Paul uses the word endure it is only 2 chapters later, but gives a much different connotation of the word, but in essence it is the same idea.   Enduring sound doctrine.  Endurance of the truth.  Enduring the Word.

The idea is much the same as the Word itself can devastate and can be very brutal to your flesh.  It can injure your pride.  It can tear out foundational concepts that you have worked so hard to build and it will leave you “starting over” in many areas of your Christianity.  The storm of His Word can come and test whether you have built on sand or a rock.

The Word of God is a two edged sword.  It’s not a butter knife as used in soft Christian circles.  It is used to teach,  to rebuke, to admonish, to tear down… and to build up.  It will take a strong man or woman of God to stand as the “devastation” of His word passes through you.   To endure is to be found standing after it’s passed.

Pride is an ugly thing.  It is strong enough to make you hold on to things that aren’t quite right because you don’t want to admit you were building all those years on the beach.

Many turn away in today’s society because we have been not only born in sin, but SHAPED in iniquity.  In today’s church of compromise trying to remain friends with the world,  the Word is simply… “too restrictive”  “too outdated”  “too harsh for today’s standards”.    As I said on Sunday… it’s your choice.  Either the word is “absolute” or “obsolete”.

If His Word is an absolute you can endure.  If you consider it an obsolete, you will crumble.

Joh 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

Joh 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

Joh 6:67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

Joh 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

Enduring hardness as a good soldier.  Not only the hardness of the battle,  but the rigors of your training and the admonishing of your Commander-in-Chief.   I hear the voice of the Spirit echoing that question that was posed in the temple of Capernaum so long ago…  “Will you also go away?”

The Word of God tells us to pray.  It is a word given by the Spirit.  The Word is telling us to sell out,  get serious,  get ready, get moving,  be doing….   Will we say “Amen” or will we “Do” the Amen?   Will we come home or will we go away… entangled in the affairs of this life?

Someone please pass me the “Endure.”

Endure even the most awkward situations on difficult days.

{~}

August 15, 2026

Destinations

Your destinations can be altered for your good or for your destruction. It all depends upon who and what is altering your course.

In John 11 (Please read as it will help to shine light on the situation) – some of Jesus’ closest friends (Mary and Martha)  came and told him some devastating news – that their brother – a friend also of Jesus (Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters).

Everything inside him wanted to dash out so that he could lay hands on his friend and heal him. There was a bit of a problem in that God detained his son for a few days. Now, the trip to Lazarus’ home was only about 20 miles from where Jesus was – and from Jerusalem, it was only a two-mile trip.

So… we know from scripture that Lazarus had already been in the grave four days. Why the detaining? This was all done to boost their faith… to test their faith and to trust God enough to take the limits off of Him.

In Pharasitical and religious circles – their belief was that the spirit would stay with the body for three days before it departed. Jesus waited until the body was there four days… Another myth busted.  It also lends confidence and credence to II Corinthians 5:8 –  “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”

Also an interesting sidelight is that Gethsemane was the place that Jesus prayed. It was three miles farther to get to the town where Lazarus was. Kind of a nugget here to say that you can find your place to pray, but to travel into your miracle… you have to go a little bit farther.

The other side of the coin in which I am flipping today.  Your destination can be altered by your procrastination, other things that make up your world and your life. I have been noticing in prayer in the early mornings that as I get into that battlefield of Gethsemane, which is in my mind, the enemy comes to do battle.

Maybe he doesn’t come with a heart attack planned, but perhaps just as an old friend to make you reminisce about other things or questions that make you have to check that cellphone for information.

This morning I REALLY needed to be at the feet of Jesus, reasoning with HIM. Talking with Him. But there were other thoughts that invaded my prayer closet. What was the weather going to be like today? What time was the Generac technician coming? Checking my phone while praise music played in the background. Checking how the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team did last night and what time that Green Bay Packer game was going to be on tonight… thinking about Aaron Rodgers playing for Pittsburgh. Opening my eyes and looking around the room and saw some things out of place that just had to be put in order. Praying in the spirit like my autopilot as I thought of so many other things. Maybe falling asleep for a few minutes.

It is obstacles that are placed in our way – preventing us to find our way home. Nothing is as important as that morning breakfast meeting with my Father, but I can’t put the phone down. I can’t put my brain under subjection. I find it easier to put the Holy Ghost on autopilot.

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

I Corinthians 14: 2 – For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands him; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

⁴ He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself

¹⁴ For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

¹⁵ What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Bottom line… pray in the Spirit – but let your mind belong to God. Sing songs that are to God… don’t let the Worship leader sing for you. Either sing with him or sing your own words.

Let your focus be on Him. Close your eyes to this world and look homeward into the distance where He is seated on the throne. To see into His eyes, you have to close your natural eyes. To hear His voice – you have to close your natural ears. To touch Heaven, you must reach beyond your outstretched hands.

I thought to myself today – “If I can be so rerouted from going home in prayer… I’m going to miss the opportunity to go when it’s truly time.”

Let nothing alter your direction unless it is God Himself who is changing a course. Put your armor on, lace up your combat boots and GO HOME. No matter how you get there… please… just get there.

 

{~}

August 13, 2026

Fan Your Gifts Unto Flame

As I am back into a season of prayer and fasting and honing my focus for the next things in my life,  I am feeling an excitement as to what God is going to bring.  One of my top prayer warriors has been sown with weeping and tears into the fields of the eternal. Never have I seen a great seed planted without experiencing a mighty harvest here in the realms of mortality.

Something is on the horizon.  Growing up in Wisconsin,  the horizon of the farm in springtime was a flat dirt field. As the sun came up after planting,  you would see silhouettes of the crop growing up against the sky like little human figures.  From a distance, that flat line horizon would take on the form of growth, and as the wind would blow,  it would look as if the horizon was moving.

I am seeing movement on the horizon of my life.  The fields have been seeded and the crop is about to burst forth.

This morning I am studying in two different areas… or,  three if you count tomorrow’s word.  One interesting thing I found this morning was found in two scriptures and are specifically for those of you who have “cooled off” in your ministries… waiting for God.

Listen… HE’S WAITING FOR YOU!

1Ti 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

2Ti 1:6 You received a gift from God when I placed my hands on you to ordain you. Now I’m reminding you to fan that gift into flames.

You can wait and wait and wait – but you must not neglect or let that gift within you grow cold.  It’s up TO YOU to fan that gift that the flame might ignite and bust forth.  Don’t wait another 10 years telling everyone you are waiting and daring God to do something.  All that will bring you is to another 10 year reunion with NOTHING CHANGED.

You want things changed?  Change it.  I’m reminding YOU TO FAN THAT GIFT TO FLAME!

Where is the fan?  It’s in your hand…  or as it translates in scripture… YOUR MINISTRY.   Before Christ released the Holy Ghost to a state of indwelling,  the scripture talks of this fan:  Mat 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

At that time it was in HIS hand,  but now… it’s in YOUR hand.  In your arsenal of weaponry against the enemy.  It is the Holy Ghost.  It is that “Deep” calling unto “Deep”.  Building up yourselves on your most holy faith by praying in the Holy Ghost (Jude 1:20)

That is a fanning of the gifts that He put within you!  We all love to watch the beautiful fire and feel it’s warmth in winter,  but without you getting up and fanning the embers,  the flames will fade and the fire will go out.

Folks,  it’s time to pray.  Like we’ve never prayed before… IN THE HOLY GHOST.  Letting Him who is in the depths of deep call to God Himself in His depth.  Psalm 42:7 Deep calls unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

You want people healed?   You want to see people saved?  You want your family changed?  You want a career change?  You want a deliverance from the thing that holds you in bondage?

For Pete’s sake… don’t just sit there!   Don’t procrastinate.  Don’t wait until tomorrow or when it’s convenient or when you are not so tired…  TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION!

Get up and get to it.  God doesn’t move you like a marionette…  you must DO SOMETHING.   What is it that you must do???   PRAY.  From there – HE will order the steps,  set the direction, remove the chains, release your loved ones, change your life.

We don’t want to change because although we complain about where we are,  we don’t want to motivate ourselves to get up and put ourselves in motion.  And we MUST… put ourselves in motion.

Set an appointment for that first hour of prayer.  Set it.  Set it as an intense meeting with your Father.  Don’t let anything hinder you from that plan to JUST GET THERE.  JUST DO IT.  For the love of MIKE… DO IT.  DO IT!!!

Remember a job interview you had that changed your course of history?   Perhaps this is the first hour to opening an entire new world for you here in 2015.  It’s time.  Make the horizon come alive.

Don’t put your head into the sand. It’s time to put your head at the feet of Jesus.

{~}

August 12, 2026

The Truth About Flirting

This article was printed on July 31 by the Set-Apart-Girl-Team and it’s been such a hot topic and trendy in a lot of areas of the world, I felt that a Christian perspective would be good. Although this was written from a woman’s perspective to other women, I know first hand how this “art” can lead to the destruction of lives and marriages. I’ve been on both sides of that coin – and have lost things that I truly loved because of it. Keep an open mind and although you shouldn’t change your life because of an article, you should go to God and in prayer – ask Him if it’s hurting your relationship, your integrity or perhaps your future. Perhaps it’s killing someone you love – and you don’t even know it.  It can be a tool of the enemy to lead you into fantasy, uneasiness in your spirit, nightmares and will leave you open to being alone. It’s a tool that you have to agree to use – and when you open that window, you allow the enemy to come in – and although you invited it, he may not want to leave so willingly. This may be a lengthy teaching today, but it’s time to take the tools out of the enemy’s toolbox.

“Flirting – it is such a common, accepted practice. Many people would even say it is a perfectly fine and sometimes necessary way of relating to the opposite sex. Some might say that having a forward, provocative demeanor is the best way to be attractive to guys. This mindset has also crept it’s way into the church. In fact, the vast majority of the flirting I have seen in my lifetime has been in Christian circles. Even I, who grew up in a conservative Christian home where it was by no means condoned, was guilty of it more than once.

Why is it that flirting so widely accepted? Is it really as harmless as people make it out to be? 

Let’s contrast the description of two different kinds of women in the Bible. We’ll start with the “forbidden woman” or adulteress. We see that she is “loud and wayward” (Prov. 7:11), that she uses “smooth words” (Prov. 7:5), and she speaks with a “bold face” (Prov. 7:13).

Now, let’s look at the description of a godly woman; she “opens her mouth with wisdom” (Prov. 31:26), she has a “gentle and quiet spirit” (1 Pet. 3:4), and is “reverent in behavior” (Ti. 2:3). 

Although flirting may be accepted, it is certainly not found in the description of a woman of godly character – it is just the opposite! What comes to our mind’s eye when we think of a flirtatious woman would probably align more with the character of, well … the adulterous woman. Now, although most flirting does not go to that extent, it most certainly does not lead us toward godliness. The outcome of it is not greater purity, greater honor of our spouse (current or future), or greater love for the Lord. 

How do we, as women who love God and desire to please Him in our actions and words, combat this mindset of flirting as harmless in our own lives as well as in the church at large? Here are some ways we on the Set Apart Girl team have allowed God to shape our hearts and minds in this regard, and some practical things that can be done to guard against it.

Heather says:

One thing that I often heard after observing too-comfortable interaction with a guy is, “so-and-so is like an older brother.” Having grown up with one older brother and three younger brothers, something didn’t sit quite right with me about that statement. There are a couple of things that don’t match up; first, he isn’t your brother. There are ways a sister can interact with her brother that are not appropriate with guys they aren’t related to. And second, they weren’t really acting toward them like sisters usually act toward brothers. As a sister, I never tried to attract my brother’s attention by forward actions, loud and joking speech, or inappropriate mannerisms.

1 Timothy 5:1 says, “Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity” (emphasis added). Although this is speaking from the perspective of a guy, it has a lot we can apply to our own lives when relating to young men. Does flirtatiousness fit into the category of treating them as brothers “in all purity”? Our desire and motive for what we say and do around guys should be for their attention to be directed to Jesus, not to us. We should never distract them from pursuing the Lord, but rather spur them on toward Him. This is a good gauge for testing the purity of our actions and words. 

If you’re not sure how you are coming across, it can be helpful to ask a godly woman (either a peer or someone older) to observe the way you interact with young men, and hold you accountable to maintaining purity in your friendships with them. 

Elsje says:

One of the things that attracted me most to my husband, Ben, before we were married, was the way he interacted with the young women around him. His conversations in mixed groups were always marked by honor and purity; I never once saw him engage in flirtatious and playful behavior with a girl.

Remembering Ben’s pre-marriage friendships, makes me feel loved and cherished, because he was mindful and considerate of my feelings, before he even knew that he would marry me one day.

That is what we are called to as Christians. To consider others as more important than ourselves, and place their needs above our own. That is the exact opposite of what flirting is. In essence flirting is an unhealthy way to attract attention to yourself in a desire for approval from the opposite sex. When you send flirtatious texts, participate in playful physical interaction with boys, or post inappropriate pictures of yourself on Facebook, your desire for attention takes higher priority than the glory of Christ, or the purity of young men. You are placing your need for approval above the command of purity. Flirting is rooted in selfishness, and entirely without the humility that we are called to walk with. A flirtatious attitude screams: ”me, me, me!” and “take, take take!” while Christ’s love says “others” and “give.”

Flirting does not honor God, your future husband, or the guy you are flirting with. You are wanting candy, without calories; you are wanting the joy of something that is only meant for marriage, without the commitment that the marriage covenant requires.

Instead of following the world’s pattern, allow God to transform the way you interact with the young men in your life to display the honor and purity of Heaven!

Mandy says:

Sitting at a wooden table tucked away in the corner of a coffee shop, Giselle sat talking with dashingly handsome Joe. Giselle playfully toyed with her hair and gazed into his hazel eyes while fluttering hers. “Oh, Joe, you’re so smart!” She gushed and sputtered through a giggle as she bounced up out of her seat. She pranced over to the barista counter to fetch her iced chai with yet another giggle and a wink to boot. 

Let’s be honest. We all know what it means to flirt. And though this scene was very obviously flirtatious there are yet other ways that a flirtatious “available” spirit can be communicated to the opposite sex. Flirting is the attempt to allure the opposite sex by flaunting yourself – whether it be your wit, your charm, your figure, your smarts, your anything – rather than Jesus Christ. It is to behave in a manner that expresses your attraction and attempts to induce interest and elicit a response from the opposite sex. 

Check Your Motives

Why do you frequent the coffee shop on certain days at a certain time? Why do you get dressed nicely and dolled up for church? Why did you join that particular small group?

Is there anything that you are doing to “put yourself out there” in attempt to draw the eye of a guy? If so, this is a silent and subtle evidence of a flirtatious spirit. Ask the Spirit of God to check your motives and reveal any ways that you might be putting yourself in situations in attempt to attract attention of the guys around you. Instead of “putting yourself out there” trust that God will be faithful to guide this area of your life and will bring along your Handsome Man to “find” you when the time is right. (See Proverbs 18.22.)

Carry Yourself with Class

What is the antithesis of flirting? Carrying yourself with class and mind your own business. God’s Word says that we are to seek to lead “a quiet and peaceable life” (see 1 Thessalonians 4:11) and this includes the area of guy/girl interaction. Rather than joining in the game of flirting and teasing, resolve that you won’t allow your eyes to wander about to see if there are any good-looking guys in the room. Decide that you won’t allow your peaked interest to steer your heart and mind off course, but rather choose continual surrender to Christ. If your eyes wander all around and your heart is continually a-flight with overwhelming attraction, what will change when you are in a relationship? What is practiced today becomes the fruit of tomorrow. 

A set apart young woman bears the fragrance of Christ at all times and bears the marks of faithful surrender upon her life. Carrying yourself with class doesn’t mean being cold, blank, or boring. You and I can certainly carry on nice friendships with other guys – our job is to be yielded to the Spirit of God, guarded of heart, and centered upon Christ in our interactions. Prayerfully commit this area of your life to Jesus Christ and allow Him to lead your words, actions, and expressions. He will be faithful to guide you in His paths of righteousness as you trust and obey Him.

Stand Your Ground

“Here’s how to send him the message that you are attracted to him…” And “. . . if he does this or that in return, you’ll know he likes you back.” With mixed emotions of disgust and grief, I could hardly believe what I was reading as I recently leafed through a modern “Christian” book about relationships. Flirting these days is considered an art form to be studied, practiced, and perfected. It’s true, even in our “Christian world,” flirting is something that has been earmarked as a good, right, and normal way for guys and girls to interact and “test the waters.”

Because of this twisted mindset, it can seem obscure for a young woman to resist caving to the pressures of our culture, church society, family, and friends. Refusing to  “put herself out there” or “give him a hint” is seen as completely prudish. Rather than seeking advice from people that don’t hold a high standard in this area, seek out like-minded godly people who will encourage and strengthen your stance in waiting for God’s best.

Remember that you are not alone in seeking God’s best in this area of life. Though you may feel like  a tiny minnow swimming upstream in a raging river, continue on with joy and full persuasion that this is the way that God has called you. Stand your ground and hold on to God’s timeless promises to strengthen your heart – “…be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you…” (Josh. 1:9).

Honorable Interaction

Even today, you and I can be faithfully committed to the man that God has chosen for us by first being fully committed to Jesus Christ and His glory in our lives. 

Prayerfully (and as necessary, continually) surrender this area of your life to Jesus Christ. If you are faithful to surrender all to God and seek His Kingdom first, there is no need to wallow in worry about how to interact with the guys of your life. As the King of all kings moves into your heart and purifies your life, honorable interaction with the opposite sex will be an outflow and demonstration of Christ’s reign over this area of your life. 

God’s Grace Awaits

Even as set apart young women, we likely cannot claim peaked perfection in our interactions with the opposite sex. Though being set apart does not mean being perfect – it does mean fully surrendering to the One who is – and allowing His transformation and nature to take over and brilliantly shine in every area of our lives – guy/girl interaction is no exception. 

As God touches on this area of our lives and gently guides us in His purity, our required response is to yield to His pruning and ask for His grace to walk upon the higher road of heavenly honor. Upon our whole-hearted plea, God’s grace awaits to take us by the hand and lead us onward in His strength!”

-https://setapart.org/truth-about-flirting/

More about flirting from Quora and Reddit:

“Whether flirting is harmless for a Christian depends heavily on intent, marital status, and boundaries. While the Bible does not explicitly use the word “flirting,” Christian teachings emphasize guarding the heart, loving others, and avoiding lust or deception.

God forgives everything… and there is only one unforgiveable sin. So – if you find yourself starting to live a double life – or if you’ve gone too far with something that was initially innocent, ask Him to forgive and to take that from you. The enemy says it’s a personality trait and a gift.  God says otherwise – and the gifts God’s given you can be lost and taken away without ever being able to recover them again. Protect the gifts that God has given you… protect the heart of your covenant relationship. It seems like something so little and so trivial, but the Bible says beware of the little foxes that spoil the vine… Song of Solomon 2:1

And… your tongue that can be used for destruction: James 3: 5-8

^{5 “}Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!

⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

⁷ For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

⁸ But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”

“When you willingly dance with the devil in the daytime, there are no boundaries or rules and he will NOT leave you alone in the dark of the night.”  – T. Lowery

I thank God for a virtuous woman (Proverbs 31:10-31) My wife Thecia who protects my heart and has remained faithful to me in all that she does.

{~}

August 11, 2026

Dying to Self

 “When I Come to die…”

I pray that after my message on locked closets on Sunday that your personal altars are filling up and you are catching a vision of prayer and intercession – and THAT is what revival of the human heart is all about. When I went to prayer yesterday I felt that the Lord asked what I had come for.   I told Him…  I’ve come to die.

I’ve come to witness the death of my will. I’ve come to witness the death of my bitterness.  I’ve come to witness the death of my frustration.  I’ve come to witness a dying to myself.

Let us come with the thought… “not my will…”  –  God can do much.

I found this passage of scripture this morning: Luk 18:7  And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

This was put out especially because there is a doctrine circulating lately that teaches that a person who prays more than once for something has a lack of faith.   Most likely this is an extreme “word of faith” man who has jumped to another black and white doctrine of condemnation.

This scripture tells us that God avenges those who cry NIGHT AND DAY. Continual prayer… praying without ceasing… Col 4:2  Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Now… that being said… prayer for the same thing over and over without faith can lead to a “complaining” prayer… or a “murmuring” prayer such as… “oh Lord, I’ve been praying and you never answer my prayer and I am so sick and tired of praying for this…”

Luk_11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

We should “knock” or “pray” that the door to the answer to prayer would be opened. (be prepared those as to what is on the other side of that door… it may be the thing you asked for,  it may be different,  or it may not be there at all…  nevertheless the prayer was answered)

The Greek is an action language and when you see the word “knock” in it’s context here, it means to “continue knocking” until the door is opened.   Trust me… it will be opened,  but again,  as I said – you may not be prepared for what is on the other side of the door, and it may not be what you asked for.  Before you knock… make sure your heart is prepared by the Lord for the outcome to your prayer.   Someone who continually knocks for something that the Lord will not permit or grant is trying to change the mind and sovereignty of God – and you may chalk that up to a waste of time.

When God answers my request with a no, I always tell Him… “Ok,  but if you change your mind,  you know where you can reach me.”

If the answer to prayer is a “wait” – then of course I will not stand there and continue knocking… or asking… that’s just rude.   I will inquire though as to if He would like to give me a “timeline” on the project.   Again, if He tells me to be patient,  I don’t pout or get anxious or try to play any mind games with Him.   I will “check in” on the situation from time to time to let Him know I am still interested.

Finally… to debunk this devil’s doctrine about “one knock” – let’s go to Revelation 3:20 – “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

Do you think that Jesus has bought into that garbage about “a lack of faith” if you knock more than once?   Of course not.  When He came looking for me,  He kept on knocking because I had people who kept praying for me.   Does Jesus EVER knock once and leave?  JESUS IS PERSISTENT AND WE MUST BE ALSO.  Consider the whole counsel of God,  put down the extreme doctrines and books by authors who are trying to become famous with new doctrines, go to the door… and start knocking.

Paul knocked three times to have the flesh die. He remained persistent and rested in the grace until the death was “sufficient”.  Lay your life down.  He will lift you up.

Now… here’s the great news… He won’t keep you out in the cold forever, waiting for an answer… Faith is seeing the door open and HEARING HIS ANSWER TO YOU. Faith comes.   Faith comes.  Faith comes…. By HEARING!!

{~}

August 10, 2026

Correct Nutrition

A Balanced Diet

 There are many sincere preachers and teachers who prepare food for the body of Christ.

Each one prepares a different meal.  I depend upon the Holy Ghost to help me with my plate as a child looks to a parent to prepare a balance.   A little meat.  Some potatoes.  Cool greens.  A refreshing drink.  Warm bread.  Tasty dips.  And of course, a delightful dessert.

I have learned to never tell my Father what I won’t eat.  I also won’t overbalance myself with too much of one thing and not enough of the other.  I am also learning to be grateful for all the food on my plate and to not turn my nose up at something I think I don’t like.

I have told people on more than one occasion that I want to be a Master Chef… able to prepare a full and balanced meal for the people who come to this ministry. (No doughnut jokes here please…)

I like to say that one preacher I listen to is a great pastry chef to the body of Christ – and what a gift he has for quick and tasty desserts.  I can’t make an entire week’s meal, though from just the dessert tray.  Nor can I just load up on carbs or pasta.  I depend upon the Holy Ghost.

When I look back on my life,  it is not to go back or try to recreate what I have done or relive that which I once lived.  It is for perspective.

We learn and gain wisdom from experience.  I can truly say,  Luke 1:49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. The Lord is doing great things for me!  I strive for a balance in all the things I do.

To strike a great balance in your life and balanced health in your spirit,  I believe that your story must be written as John the beloved recorded the words of Christ Himself.  Rev 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

Balance in your life will bring wisdom, stability, security, peace and joy.  To achieve the balance we must have a  healthy balanced diet of the preceding verse.  We must reflect, learn and teach  from the things which were.  We must live fully in the things which are, reading the recipes from yesterday and planning the meals for tomorrow but never losing your focus of the day at hand.  And we must anticipate and desire the things which are to come.

As much as I have been talking about the “look-ahead” recently,  as a prisoner of Jesus Christ who longs to strike a balance in your heart,  I want to make sure your pendulum doesn’t swing too far in any of the three areas needed for balance.

There are some who can not come away from the past.  They live there.  They long to be back there.  Their televisions are set to the History Channel and that’s all they watch. They were “good old days” and they spend their “present” trying to recreate the past.  This of course is not healthy.  The past is to reflect upon the good memories, to find the learning points in the bad, and to gain perspective and wisdom for the memories you are making today and for the plans you are making tomorrow.

If you have burned your hand on a stove,  it was an “experience”.  A bad experience.  If you learned from it,  you have gained the wisdom to be healthy when you are presented with your choices around today’s stove or how you approach that fire tomorrow. There is room for remembering, but balance tells us that it can and must not consume us. Psalm 77:10 And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.

Today is a mixture.  It is a delightful spread of memories, teachings, ability to experience your senses which you can not experience in the yesterday or the tomorrow.  You can see things as they are happening today.  You can smell things which are cooking.  You can taste the fresh food.  You can hear a fresh word.  You can feel things that are living.  You can sense the emotions, the temperatures, the climates, the anxiety, the joys, the emotions. It is a wonderful place that yesterday or tomorrow can not afford you.

However, when you lock yourself into yesterday or tomorrow, you are shutting down your senses of today. Luke 19:9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

There are those, however that refuse to incorporate the experiences of yesterday and they also refuse to be architects for tomorrow.  Each of those gifts in your today will bring something valuable.  The gift to reflect and the gift to anticipate.  Your today is the only place, however that you can actually “live” in.

You make your memories here.  You gain experience for your wisdom here.  In my today,  I get to come face to face with Jesus Christ.  I mean,  it’s nice to have a story to tell about how I saw Him last week,  and it’s nice to be able to anticipate how I’ll see Him, let’s say, in the rapture… but oh to be actual and real and face to face with Him in the RIGHT HERE AND NOW.

And finally, as I have written this week.  The planning.  The anticipation.  The visions He wants me to write on tablets (Habakkuk 2).  The joy of being safe at home.  The bracing for a storm.  The preparation for those people coming to eat supper at this ministry.  All the wonderful things He shares so that we can use part of our day to prepare.

Without a vision you can stagnate and you can perish! Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he.

If you balance your life with what was, what is and what is to come, I believe that you will enjoy a fullness and a joy in the Holy Ghost that can cause you too to say… The Lord is doing great things for me!   Again… the secret is letting the Holy Ghost fill your plate and you eating all that has been placed before you.  At the end of your daily meal… you go and take a nap!!

“Give us THIS day – our daily bread.”

{~}

August 9, 2026

Proclamation or Adoration

I must give GOD the opportunity to bless me with a testimony.

It’s not in our bold proclamations… It’s in our humble adorations

Some have been mercilessly pursued by the enemy.  Some of you for years have been in prisons – monitored heavily by the enemy.  And all the while,  he is sitting in your heavenly seat that was never prepared for him.  It was prepared for YOU.

The enemy is not Godly nor is he on an equal plane with God.  He has the status of an angel,  and as such,  he is a master manipulator and has made himself out to be bigger than he really is.

It is time to “submit to God” as you have been submitted to fear and the lies of the enemy.  Some are “submitted” to their vices and their shortcomings – believing them to be all powerful.

Resist the devil today.  That doesn’t mean RUN… it means STAND.  Stand up to Him in the Presence of God.   The word says that HE will flee.  It’s like the 98 pound bully who has the 200 pound strongman intimidated.   Turn on that bully.

Draw close to God.  Confess your sins.  Call for a clean heart and a single minded attitude.  INTERCEDE in the presence of the enemy…  I guarantee that he will run away – scared as the demonic spirits crying like little girls when Jesus got closer to them.

Declare that THIS is your day for liberty.  Bury yourself in the secret bosom of God and your weeping and your prayers will shake the gates of hell.  GOD will lift you up OUT of your pit… out of your sin… out of your depression… out of your self consciousness… out of your belief that you can’t and into the mindset AND HEARTSET that YOU CAN.

YOU CAN DO.   A “can do” attitude.  YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST which strengthens you.   As YOU DO… you draw increased strength.  As you pray – feel your body lifted to that heavenly place PREPARED for you.

Don’t let that empty seat in Heaven be vacant for one more hour.  Take your place in the humble prayer chamber and feel Him “seat you” and “unseat” the enemy.

Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Jas 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Jas 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

{~}

August 8, 2026

Goodbye For Now

1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

They always say,  “death and taxes.”   Certainties of life.  Well… I’ve been in places where there were no taxes imposed, but truly death comes to us all.   As human beings we  have a hard time with this part of life.  Even as Christians,  where we are convinced that immortality is a certainty in the creation of the spirit of man – we wrestle with death.

Jesus knew all things, including the sorrow that death brings.  Even for the believer. John 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

I can still remember the night at a little bit after 3 AM EST, my mother was taken by angels and escorted immediately into the presence of God.  We assume they came with a cup of iced mocha coffee – which was a delicacy that she could not have since her stroke left her without the ability to swallow.

And sorrow continued to a deeper level for my family, her friends and all that knew her.  I know that we are to take comfort in the words…  “but I will see you again”,  but when such a large hole is hollowed in the human heart,  it takes a while for it to heal and we are meant to grieve.

My mom was one of my top prayer warriors on our international prayer list – and through all the adversity of her life,  she was being formed in Christ and being prepared for her journey last night.  She was a Christian and not only a believer,  but told us that she had seen Jesus while she was in the hospital and told her that HE was going to come in the middle of the night and take her with Him.  It might sound crazy to some,  but it happened just like she said.

The grave didn’t collect my mother as a trophy and death didn’t have any power over her.  Some say that she lost her battle with cancer or the stroke, but I choose to tell you that she WON her battle – and as a promise given by Christ Himself – she got her crown.  (“…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Rev. 2:10)

And… no doubt that cup of iced coffee – among other things.   She is not dead – she is in a different place – and I have not lost my mom,  but rejoice as my number one prayer warrior has taken on a Heavenly assignment.  To be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord.  (2 Corinth 5:8)

1Co 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

1Co 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

Her battle to the end was leaving family and friends.   As the Apostle Paul described it… between a rock and a hard place.  Having a desire to be free from the pain,  but not wanting to impart a sorrow when a loved one passes through.

Php 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

Although I have some wonderful memories of mom – even in this past year,  I think she always fought to see us kids… “just one more time.”   One of her favorite movies… “Once Around.” My family knows what I am talking about.

I believe that as she passed last night,  she was clinging to this scripture:

1Th 2:17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

I know that we all will face death as a cycle of our own lives.  It touches us all in not only our own bodies, but in the bodies of our loved ones.  Mom really believed that she was going home… and as my brother and sister can attest to… mom was always right.

I believe she was in this case.

She was the one that read, without fail, every word of the day that I sent out – and replied with comments, questions or corrections.  She always responded when someone needed prayer.   She visited our Streetfire website daily and though she could not physically get out to church,  our weekly video came into her home without fail – and without fail, she listened to every word.

Each night she would be under her headphones and would worship.  And when she was in the hospital after the stroke, we witnessed her in her hospital bed, lifting her good arm to Heaven and singing along and making those songs her prayers and her worship.

Recently she sent me these scriptures and I believe that she wanted me to pass them on at her “home-going”.   This morning – reunited with her loved ones and no pain.  On to her next steps.  Love you mom.  Good bye… for now.

2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

2Ti 4:8 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.

This would be her word to you who want to see her again –

2Ti 4:9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:

{~}

August 7, 2026

On Where You Stand…

Sometimes you just simply can NOT get the victory over a sin that keeps taking you down. It may be temper, anger, lust, jealousy, hatred, murder or whatever it may be. (Sin: You know better and don’t DO the better thing… James 4:17 – ¹⁷ Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”)

Sin continues in you – and when you are about to give up and are “on the spiritual ropes” just moments away from being knocked out, you must realize that the continual battering by the enemy is because he wants you to believe you have gone too far.

That is usually followed by “going too far.” Some turn to a bottle, some to drugs and some to even finding an exit from this life. I have a scripture today that you really need to ponder and consider a little teaching I gave back in 2018.

You may be in a place of grace rather than a place of sealed redemption. But… what if I am still sinning and I can’t stop and then I die?  God will always offer forgiveness and he said that new mercies come each morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23 – “It is of the Lord‘s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”)

Now… what if we sin after we have been forgiven? That does happen. In Matthew 18:21-22 “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus said unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”

Peter thought forgiving seven times was very generous, since religious rules at the time taught forgiving only three times. Jesus flipped the limit. He used 70×7 to teach that a person’s heart should always stay ready to forgive. In Bible numbers, seven means completion or perfection. Multiplying it out means an endless loop of grace, matching how God forgives people. 

If Jesus is telling us to forgive like this… endlessly… then – How much more does He follow His own written word? 

Now – I believe that it’s true… God will bring you to completion – because of His faithfulness. But we must look at the other side of that coin as well. If you are just trying to sin a little bit every day and say that God allows it? No. That is dangerous middle ground. You have to WANT to be delivered and set free. There has to be a remorse for the sin committed – whether it’s one time or 490 times. 

Each time you fall into that same pit… you have to know that God is working to bring you into a completed redemption. Until that is done, you are in an uncomfortable place of grace. And trust me… He can make that place pretty uncomfortable so that you are willing to have Him effect a change.

The belly of that whale? Grace. And each day that Jonah fell into the sin of not being obedient, God was working, but there was consequence.  Perhaps one more fish dinner would push him over the edge and into the light.  At least he did not die in the sea. God would not allow that. But he did send a pretty uncomfortable situation. I mean…. really… he could have landed on a beautiful and tropical island, but discipline is not always pleasant.

Bottom line… I don’t care how many times you fell into the same pit. Are you ready to let Him begin the process of deliverance? Are you ready to let him begin the completion in you? It is you that has to welcome it, crave it and pray for it until the work is done and you have your scarlet turned to snow.

A friend of mine said once that forgiveness from God is like a get out of jail free card, and although similar, the more times you fall into that prison… the longer you have to stay there to really appreciate how heinous the sin was in the first place. God has a special rehab designed just for you. Aren’t you sick and tired of being sick and tired? 

Lord, take me by the hand and give me the desires of my heart. Scarlet to Snow. It’s what I want… It’s what I need. Amen.

{~}

August 6, 2026

Beware of the leaven…

It’s sometimes the small seeds that can be invasive and destroy other plants.

I want to start in Matthew 15: 36-39 (the end or, the last thing before the disciples make their next move.)

³⁶ And He took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and broke them and gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

³⁷ And they all ate and were filled. And they took up of the broken pieces that were left, seven baskets full.

³⁸ And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.

³⁹ And He sent away the multitude, and took the boat and went into the coasts of Magdala.

What a powerful miracle that was witnessed by over 4,000 people… AND the disciples. The crowd partook of the miracle – the disciples delivered the miracle.

It would have been wonderful had we not had to go into Matthew 16. The next thing that happened.

Matthew 16:1 – “The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and testing, desired Him that He would show them a sign from Heaven.”

Are you kidding me? It reminds me of what’s going on in America right not… in the midst of miracles, they open their big mouths to cause division, doubt and confusion.

Now let’s see how those seeds planted into the minds of disciples took root.

Matthew 16:5-12

⁵ And when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.

⁶ Then Jesus said unto them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.”

⁷ And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have taken no bread.”

⁸ But when Jesus perceived this, He said unto them, “O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, ‘because ye have brought no bread’?

⁹ Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

¹⁰ Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

¹¹ How is it that ye do not understand that I spoke it not to you concerning bread, but that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees?”

¹² Then understood they that He bade them not to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Then Jesus asked…

Matthew 16:13-18

^{13 “}When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

¹⁴ And they said, “Some say that Thou art John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

¹⁶ And Simon Peter answered and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

¹⁷ And Jesus answered and said unto him, “Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father who is in Heaven.

¹⁸ And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Bottom line… the greatest miracle the disciples ever witnessed was being erased by doubt. Doubt is not faith. How did the doubt come in?  They listened to the voices of the Pharisees and Sadducees.  How do I know this?  Christ said… “WHO do MEN say that I am?

The disciples said… “Some say… you are just a man.”  The enemy wanted to remove the possibility from their minds that Christ was deity. 

You can see and witness and experience miracles in your life, but mark it down, the voice of the enemy will come planting invasive seeds into your mind. The logic of man. The foolishness of man. The gossip of man. The lies of man.

The only way you can overcome is what Christ told Peter… A revealing from Heaven – not man can build a faith so strong that the gates of hell can not prevail.

“UPON THIS ROCK…”   The rock was a revealed revelation from God in heaven. If you have a revealed relationship so strong that even the gates of hell cannot prevail against you! If you have a revealed relationship, the miracle can never be erased or taken from you.

PRAY.  Hear from God. Before, During and especially after the miracles in your life. 

Bradford Pear Seeds yield beautiful flowers and colors, but the tree is invasive: Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana) trees cannot produce viable seeds on their own, but cross-pollination with other pear varieties creates fertile seeds that birds spread widely. Most users on Facebook agree that these trees are highly invasive and problematic, and planting them is discouraged.

Beware of what is planted in the garden of your mind… no matter how good it looks.

{~}

August 5, 2026

The Bakery is OPEN!

There was a little bakery that opened on May 14, 1462  that was so popular that it fed millions each day. After one day… unlike McDonalds…  they should have had a sign that said, “two million served.”

Oh, and by the way, it was 1462 BC (source: Reese Chronological Bible). The food was so good that people loved it… until they began to yearn for the foods of their past while enslaved. (They hated that too… as food eaten in bondage is never as satisfying) Their appetites began to remember and suddenly, the thing that God provided wasn’t good enough any more.

It was the first time since before the fall that food was given that was actually prepared in the culinary genius of the Master Chef. (Before Adam and Eve sinned, the seeds that were grown in the garden were the seeds of Heaven. After the fall, the ground and everything in it became cursed.)

Anyway… you can read more about his special bakery in Exodus 16 (where the people were hungry and in Numbers 11 where the people wanted more.)

In the hunger betwixt the oasis of Elim and in the Desert of Sin, God said “I’m gonna make it rain!”

But what He was about to do was open bakery of Heaven to the nation of Israel. “…the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you” – Exodus 16:4. Bread from Heaven. Can you imagine eating something other than what you’ve tasted from the kitchens of Earth?

It was as described in Exodus 16:31, “³¹ And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.”  Oh, and it had a short shelf-life – unless you got the batch sent at the end of the week… then you could make it last two days. (Read Exodus 16 for the definition and serving instructions)

To be able to compare it to anything here on Earth, perhaps the “Bit-O-Honey” candy bar would have come closest… but our generation will never know since we’ve never actually tasted mana from Heaven.

All we know about it was that it was a super-food that sustained them as they traveled through the wilderness for 40 years. The perfect pairing for “wandering.” I imagine it was SOOOO good.  The people actually went that entire first year trudging through the wilderness eating the delicious honey-wafer bread with just a zest of citrus… until they began to remember Egypt. They went back to the past and thought that it MUST have been better than this “trudging.” Eventually they started to complain and then began to pick at everything. The climate, the heat, the “trudge” and then took a poke at God Himself as they were not satisfied with what He was giving anymore. In times of anger we attack even those who have our best interests in mind.

I often wonder if I really like a food, could I even get sick of it? I mean… my wife is a culinary genius and there are a few things she makes that I am sure I could eat every day of my life.  But from the ovens of Heaven? And knowing God, He could have changed the taste for variety sake. I’ve often said, when (if for some) we get to Heaven and eat of the trees in the garden – it must be a virtual plethora of tastes.  One piece of fruit, I imagine could even be warm and sizzling and taste better than the best ribeye steak imaginable – without having to kill the fatted calf. Again… my opinion, but taking God out of the box of my own mind, there must be more incredible things that we haven’t yet imagined.

And… if you will read deeper in Exodus 16, it was delivered every morning except Sundays. Because they were closed on Sundays. I mean… did Uber eats get its idea from Exodus? And that delivery driver never had to ask for an address even though they were on the move every day.

Now, some scholars who have a lot of book learning, men teaching and a lack of prayer time have explained it away as “mana really existed on earth.”  Forty years of travel and the mana was everywhere???  How come it only came where they camped for the night?

And when the people died? It wasn’t from a lack of nutrition or a lack of sustainable food to their bodies. It was their unbelief, but I wonder how that could be as they pulled up to the dinner table every morning, noon and night. When the mana hit their taste buds, it must have popped on their tongues. And yet they didn’t believe. 

Some don’t believe – even after all that God has provided. The provisions obviously can’t guarantee that you’ve punched your ticket to Heaven. Only believing can do that.

Matthew 5:36 – Jesus said… “Be not afraid, only believe.”  It is both the simplest and hardest thing you will ever have to do.

One day I may have to tell you about the winery in heaven that was delivered to Cana for a wedding. They all said it was “the best they’d ever tasted.”

Well…. duh.  

{~}

August 4, 2026

Today’s word… it is you partnering with God and reading aloud Psalm 118

Psalm 118

August 3, 2026

“My People Are Afraid To Love”

I am sure that there is going to be more given to me on this topic,  and I probably should wait until I get more on it,  but I am excited at the prospect of what He has been “brewing” in my spirit for the past few days.

I hear in the gentle winds of Heaven again this morning,  “My people are afraid to love”.   That is an interesting statement and concept…  “afraid to love”.   Lord… give me the full version of what this means!!

I will open with a scripture to begin the discourse:  1Jn 4:18  There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has torment. He who fears has not been perfected in love.

There is no fear in love.   When we are able to love – it is only because we have overcome fear.  Why would anyone be afraid to love someone?   Fear.  Fear of rejection,  fear of guilt by association,  fear of losing something within ourselves – like self esteem,  fear of being made fun of,  fear of being mocked,  fear of being shunned.   These are all fears brought by the enemy when “love” is not only a possibility,  but a command.

I can think of several examples…  When you love your father and your mother hates him – it jeopardizes the relationship with your mother…  so you either love under cover or choose not to love at all.   Or, perhaps loving someone who has a serious illness…  fear that it would take so much of your time to care (or to show love).   Loving someone of a different denomination or ideal or persuasion in the midst of a zealot in your own family – fear of violence and persecution breaks out.  I know of  someone whom I loved greatly that died – and that one was not loved by some of those that are still alive – I find myself trying not to even speak about the one in the presence of those living.  

I also had a friend who once went to prison because of a sin that was very grievous.  To say I loved him or that I wanted to visit him was like speaking blasphemy in the presence of the religious and self-righteous people. 

Fear keeps us from loving.  We need to understand that just because we choose to love someone – it doesn’t mean we adopt or condone their sin or that we have chosen sides to love one greater than the other – it just means we’ve adopted God’s character to love in the midst of the adversity.

To choose not to love because of fear. This IS a spirit.   To be prompted by the Lord to love someone unconditionally and with all of our heart is a Godly characteristic that is fought with great effort by the enemy.  I think the greatest example is found in two places at the day of the salvation of man.

Mat 26:74  Then Peter began to curse. He said, “I swear to God, I don’t know the man!” As soon as he said this, a rooster crowed.

Mat 26:55-56  Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Why do you come to get me with swords and clubs as if I were a criminal. Every day I sat in the Temple area teaching. You did not arrest me there. But all these things have happened to show the full meaning of what the prophets wrote.” Then all of Jesus’ followers left him and ran away.

Everyone wants to be loved and accepted… all the time…  but when you choose a path to love,  this will not always happen.  The enemy will come with “swords and clubs” as if you were a criminal.

To love is never an easy choice – and to follow that choice with an action of proclamation or action itself is just an inkling of what Jesus went through when He chose to love.   God chose to love and they crucified His son with malice.   Jesus chose to love and they ran from Him.  The Holy Spirit chooses to love and people say “it’s not from God”.

Today – when you are presented an opportunity to love…  count the cost and realize that to love always comes with a battle.

1Pe 4:11-13  If your gift is speaking, your words should be like words from God. If your gift is serving, you should serve with the strength that God gives. Then it is God who will be praised in everything through Jesus Christ. Power and glory belong to him forever and ever. Amen. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

{~}

Hello August!

{~}

July 31, 2026

Achieving Your Destiny

 This morning I want to review something I left you with a while back as I closed the book on the church at Ephesus.  A church where “potential” was in it’s spiritual DNA – but remained in the shadow of a pagan temple because it had left it’s first love.  

The key to achieving your destiny and reaching your potential is “working faith” – and faith can only work by LOVE.   This church had walked away from it’s love because it was too busy competing and trying to become like the mega church in it’s community.

In the end,  the temple of Diana became one of the seven wonders of the world and even it’s ruins remain…  while the church of Ephesus drifted away into oblivion and even it’s ruins were destroyed and covered by time… buried in the dust of the earth.

We can lose sight of the essentials when our eyes are on natural things.  (repeat that out loud)

You can accomplish all that God has called you to…. IF you keep in mind that the things you do, must be IN Him and not FOR Him.   In your church sing TO Him not About Him.  Take time WITH Him – don’t just read ABOUT Him.  You must return to your first love as often as you return to your daily dinner table.

God is all about the family eating together at the supper table.  (Luke 14:16-24) We read yesterday about the great supper and those who excused themselves because of the:  lust of the flesh,  lust of the eyes and the pride of life.   Those three things will cause us to make excuses as to why we can’t come to supper.   But I know that this very hour,  that clarion call is going forth like a dinner bell to the earth… Luke 14:17  And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come;  for all things are now ready.

Come; for all things are now ready.

Come; for all things are now ready.

Come; for all things are now ready.

When we return to our first love and to His table – we can surely reach the potential He put within us and we can achieve the destiny He intended for us.

Come when He calls and you’ll surely be filled.  Let your prayer be today and every day as you go to His feet….

 Open my ears so I can hear YOU. (Isaiah 29:18)

Order my steps. (Psalm 37:23)

Give me courage to take those steps. (Joshua 1:9)

Let this path be well lit with your word (Psalm 119:105)

I desire my love to be constant, my anointing to be full and fresh and that your presence in me be powerful.  That I accomplish all you have called me to.

Faith can not “work” except by love.  And without faith that is alive and working, it is impossible to please Him.  Ephesus lost its ability to go forth into what God destined for it. 

Now, my God, let, I beseech you, let thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. (II Chron6:40)

{~}

July 30, 2026

Evidence Of A Living God In Us

The enemy always has scheduled the most vile and intense plans for us as Christians.  In Psa 34:19  it tells us that, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivers him out of them all.”

As children of the most high God, we need to focus on the promise – not the problem.  We need to meditate on “what thus says the Lord”.   But it’s hard at times, isn’t it?

As the enemy inflicts more pain, more threats, more discomfort, the human body rebels at going to a place in the spirit.  It is natural to think of ways and means to get out of the trouble.  We are children who have been taught to focus on the problem and stay focused until we figure a way out.

In pain, in turmoil and in tribulation – as people who are “born again” – we must retrain our minds and our focus to step into the spiritual realm.  We must focus on the promises of a God we can not see rather than a problem that is attacking our flesh.

This morning I was visiting the book of Daniel and a scripture really stood out:

Dan 3:21  Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

Here were natural men – wearing the garments of the natural… “bound in their natural garments” – and placed into a situation that was very real, very natural and very threatening.  The intent was that they were not only to be killed, but the intention was to burned them to ash.

According to John 10 – the enemy comes with no other purpose but to kill.  To steal.  And to destroy.

As we continue the story in Daniel:

Dan 3:23  And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

They were cast down.  The Bible says they “fell down” into the middle of the trial.  But these men were called of God,  ordained of God,  purposed of God and strengthened of God.

Dan 3:25  He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

These men – in the midst of one of the darkest trials in their life – called upon the Lord and Jesus was there.  As He appeared to them, He also appeared to those who threw them in the fire.  We must never forget that when we have Jesus walking with us in the midst of a trial,  the world will see that same Jesus in us – AND in our trial.

In the trial – the world sees us “cast” or “thrown” into the fire.  They see us as we “fall down” into the heat of that tribulation.   If we focus on,  gather in the name of and call upon Jesus – He comes into the trial with us.    The world will then see us “arise”, “walking” and “loosed.”  They will see the evidence of a LIVING GOD… not a fable or a character in history, who was simply a “good man.”

Do we show Jesus alive and walking with us today?  Some of us show it in church or with our Christian friends,  but what do the people on your jobs see?  What do the enemies that threw you under the bus see?  What does the world see and hear when you are in the dire fire of your affliction?

II Corinthians 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

People are reading you like a book.  And… others will ask what THEY are reading.  We can portray the living Christ or we can portray a form of godliness while denying the power of His reality.   Someone’s watching, or should I say… shhhh, someone’s reading.

{~}

July 29, 2026

Into the chamber

We used to sing an old  hymn called “Into the Chamber.”

Into the chamber, be free Holy Spirit. Speak to me gently as I close my door. Heavenly lover, let thy presence hover – Shekinah unending is all I long for.

We used to sing that over and over as we felt the Holy Spirit begin to move in each of us in the church. Revival broke out in Wisconsin as were singing that song. Partially because there was unity among us, partially because I was just learning to play piano and it’s only one of a handful of songs I knew how to play, but mainly because God chose it as His time to move without the interference of man.

And move, He did. As I was talking yesterday about “God, let it snow in all the regions of my heart,” I want to expand on that today.

Intercessory prayer is a dedicated time to do NOTHING but to be in His presence and give Him your all. Give Him your heart once again. It’s learning to close your eyes and your resources to the things of this world and let the Holy Spirit take you by the hand and take you to the throne of God. I often ask the Holy Spirit to take me home because I don’t know how to get there on my own.

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16

Come face to face with him seeing into His eyes with your spirit. At that point just worship Him… with song in the Spirit and with your own understanding. Ask Him questions. Reminisce with Him about all you’ve been through together. Converse is not just you talking, but you also listening.  (“My sheep can hear my voice and they follow me” John 10:27 and John 10:4 “And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.)

Come to the point where you let Him bring you to tears as you realize you are in the presence of the one who created you and the one who’s never left you. Feel Him put His arms around you. 

If this is a “changing” or “cleansing” visit – don’t hide anything. Tell Him what is troubling you. What you can’t get over. What you can’t get the victory over. What you want to release to Him. Ask Him to perform heart surgery on you and take out the toxic. 

Now… it may be instantaneous, but it also may be a process of healing and it takes time… but LET him continue to work in and through you. (Philippians 1:6 – “being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the Day of Jesus Christ.”)  Let HIM do the work – you just be willing and very mindful of what He is telling you to do. Partner with Him to accomplish great things.

And yes… Lord, let it snow in all the regions of my heart.

If you love Him, give Him the best.  That sin that you are hiding – that area that belongs to the enemy. If you want to bless God – give Him that precious thing. So precious that you hide it. You protect it in secret. But… He knows that it’s there. Release it now. It’s one of the best gifts you could ever give Him. It’s something He doesn’t have that only you possess. That heinous sin.

Heart surgery. Go under His laser of light. Love Him with all of your heart.

 

{~}

July 28, 2026

Let it snow in all the regions of my heart

In Psalm 19 – 

⁸ The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

⁹ The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

¹¹ Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

¹² Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

¹³ Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

¹⁴ Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

The heart is where things are kept safe and some of those precious things are kept hidden. 

Some are good… some are, well, not so good. David said in Psalm 119:11 that he hid “God’s Word” in his heart so that he might not sin.  That is all well and good, but some precious things to us are also sin. In Hebrews 11:25 the writer says that sin is pleasure… but only for a season. 

The pleasurable things that we hang on to – we tend to hide because they are not conducive to a Christian lifestyle or your Christian friends. Only when your friends who are “questionable” come around do you unlock that chamber of the heart and share your treasure trove. You will also find yourself opening it if you are bored, hurt, angry or just plain rebellious.

Back to Psalm 19. Plain and simple, by God’s statutes and commandments we are warned against those things precious to us but heinous to Him. David asked to be cleansed from “secret faults.” Translating the Hebrew word nishtaroth (hidden or concealed things) and shegioth (errors or inadvertent mistakes).  He also goes on to ask God to keep him away from “presumptuous sins.” THAT refers to intentional, high-handed acts of sin done in bold defiance or pride against God’s known will, rather than mistakes made in ignorance.

Other things that come to play in this scenario are God’s interpretation of our human heart.  Jeremiah 17:9-10 

⁹ The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

¹⁰ I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings

So.. that is why I question people who remain in secret sin and say aloud… “God knows my heart.” Yup. He does.

In Ezekiel he gives a promise to those who are willing to change: Ezekiel 36:26-27

²⁶ A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

²⁷ And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Now… let’s cap this all off with the practical.  Isaiah 1:18 – Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Our prayers need to release the precious to the Lord. The hidden. The heinous. We need to come and have a “sit-down” with Him and talk.  Reason. Pray… Let it snow in every region of my heart – and when deliverance comes in the deep freeze, you will have wool to keep you warm.  (For extra credit… look up some of the words of this teaching in a Strongs Concordance.  Words like “scarlet” and “crimson” and “secret faults” and “presumptuous sins. They will bring even a greater insight to this word.)

Let it snow, let it snow… LET IT SNOW.

I am leaving you the perfect music to sit with HIM face to face. You can ask Him for the desires of you heart… but then listen to what His plan is for you. Make this year the year that you go from scarlet to snow.

 

{~}

July 27, 2026

This morning this Psalm came to me…

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: you anoints my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

I can’t help thinking that when Christ was on the cross – he was reciting the 22nd Psalm which preceded this one. So many think that Jesus was speaking to his heavenly Father, but He was remembering a Psalm. He was certainly not interpreting his suffering and he would never accuse His Father of forsaking Him. That’s just ludicrous. 

Some say that “God can not look upon sin.”  Hello… he looks upon it every day and then he hears it described as you are forgiven from it.

God said in Deuteronomy 31:6… “I will NOT fail you or forsake you.”   So if Christ is saying that as a statement or a feeling in the predicament He was in, He would have called the word AND His Father a liar.

David said it in his human form – and after this Psalm and Psalm 23 – he ascended to his throne in Jerusalem. I believe Christ was quoting the Psalm – remembering the entire Psalm – though unfortunately only the first part was recorded.

In verses 24-27 it goes on to state that God would never hide his face from him. It also goes on to look into where everything will conclude – in Heaven.

So, Christ not only remembered his ancestor’s written words, but remembered that after the writing – David ascended to the throne. THAT, my friend is what Jesus was trying to do;  to look to the end of that Psalm and realize that in just a matter of a few days he would be ascending to His throne.

Sometimes looking at the end of the matter can get you through the path you are on.  At times I look at the tasks ahead of me and then say out loud… “Next week at this time, I will be safe in my own home.” Or when I am traveling in a car and the destination is still a ways away, I can say… “At this time tomorrow I won’t even remember the drive – I will be with my family.”

Jesus never doubted the Word because He was the Word. And He was a few moments away from ascending again to the place he had vacated 33 years earlier. There was no question in His mind as to the integrity or the truth of His Father’s words.

Psalm 23…  Jesus knew His calling and His ministry. He chose it full well knowing that it was going to take Him into the valley that we will all walk through. Though He walked through it many times when His ministry began, there was an appointed time for Him to come face-to-face with death.

Make no mistake, there is a shadow of the spirit that looms over that valley. When we face it, will we be quoting – “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: you anoints my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.“

Or will we fear because we have never known or accepted Jesus. If you can’t come face-to-face with Him before you hit that valley, He will take to you to the place He has prepared for you. But if not, you will come face-to-face with a force that will take you to a place you do not want to go.

We can choose our escort. The angels of God or the angels of the damned.  Choose wisely my friend – your heart is just a half a beat away from that valley and the sun is going down.

Time to turn your heart toward home.

{~}

July 26, 2026

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July 25, 2026

Nothing Can Separate Us

A Separation, But Not From His Love

As I was praying this morning and am preparing to go and walk with Him… I am feeling that there is a great excitement… and something powerful is upon us!

Here is what I was reading this morning in the Word.

Rom 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifies.

Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemns? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Rom 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

It is a two-edged sword… first a warning to those who set themselves up as judges and critics in the body of Christ.  Secondly to you who have been judged… whether fairly or unfairly – it is God that brings the justice.  Not man.  NOT YOU.  Not ME.

And through all of what we walk through on this earth,  these scriptures assure us that no matter what we face,  what we walk through,  what comes against us, or whatever deeds we do in the body – whether good or bad…   there is NOTHING that can separate us from His love.

He brings a powerful reminder this morning to someone who is reading this that has been convinced that you are sitting in defeat.  You, in fact,  are NOT defeated,  but are MORE than a conqueror.

Because of this love.   Now… that being said…  there are certain places that your sin has prevented you from going and certain blessings that you can NOT possess due to the nature of your unbelief,  your sin or your lack of obedience.

But even in missing the boat, so to speak concerning places He WANTED you to go…  even there – you can NOT be separated from His love.  And that’s quite unsettling for a Christian – especially if he is backslidden.

You are not in the place you should be,  you are not doing the things you should be doing,  you are not in the mindset that will get you through… and yet.   And yet – His love can not be separated from you.

I hear so many people say… “Would a loving God send people to hell?”   Well… first of all,  hell is a place that we decide to go.  We make our choices and purchase our eternal Real Estate with the life we live here on earth.

The scripture says… “…if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.”  (Psalm 139:8)  Notice it DOESN’T say…  if he makes my bed in hell.  We are people of free will and free choice.   Even where we go doesn’t stop Him from loving us.

That may be a bit hard to wrap your head around.  These passages of scriptures remind us that we will NEVER be able to use the excuse… “nobody loves me” or “God didn’t love me”.   It’s kind of like a friend of mine who lived in Pontiac.  He crossed over to a life of gangs and violence – and even though his dad did not condone the activity, warned him of the activity and tried to get him out of the activity several times,  he couldn’t stop the insanity.

Through it all,  his dad was disappointed, saddened, frustrated, angry… but never once stopped loving his son.  This young man’s life ended on his knees and was shot point blank in the back of his head – “execution style” so that the front of his face was not even recognizable to his family when they came to identify the body.

At the morgue his father never stopped loving him.  The father is convinced that his son made his choice to purchase a place in hell.  Still he loves him.  Though the son was gone since 1987,  he loved him until his own death 24 years later.

If you have made choices or carried attitudes and mind sets that have kept you an arms length away from your promised land… or,  your “promises”,  it will be on you… not upon God.   He sets the boundaries and uses a powerful little word in scripture… “if”.  Your path is conditional even though His love is NOT.

2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

And

2Ch 7:19 But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;

2Ch 7:20 Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.

One thing is sure in these passages.  His love can not be separated from you.  You see,  God is not willing that any should perish.  He doesn’t take pleasure in enforcing the rules and guarding the boundaries when you have made bad choices… but He does take pleasure in those same boundaries and rules when they keep His creation safe.

God will love you in life.  God will love you in death.  That is a wonderful feeling in heaven, but an incredibly horrible scenario if you are in hell.  To be separated from someone who loves you is one of the worst feelings on this earth.  I can’t even imagine what it would be like through eternity.

Knowing that God loves you – it should really cause us to take a new look at this scripture:  2Co 6:2 (For he said, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Your actions will never remove his love… but they can remove His presence.

{~}

July 24, 2026

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July 23, 2026

Wait for it…

Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. Isaiah 43:1.

Soon. Very soon… someone reading this is about to experience a season of new beginnings. Some have been through things in the natural and in the spiritual realm that have shaken you to your very core. Financial floods, physical fires of ill health, relationships that have gone south, people who have walked away from you for no Godly reason.

You have grown weary, but you have not given up on God. You have not given up hope and you have kept the faith – though it’s hanging by a thin thread. Like Jehoshaphat in the valley surrounded by the enemy you have said, “Lord I don’t know what to do, but I will keep my eyes upon you.”

Get ready. In my spirit today, there are two verses of scripture from Isaiah as a gift to the ones who have waited so long; not given up; and not given in. You have been found at the feet of God at His throne.

“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”  Isaiah 43:18-19

Sometimes the enemy attacks and we don’t understand how he can get away with the injustice. But God sees.

First words out of his mouth in this first verse of this scriptural passage is “FEAR NOT.”

Now… trust the process. Follow the steps.

1. Do not fear… only believe 2. Don’t dredge up the past – it has no business in your future. 3. The way may be through a wilderness or a desert – but there will be a path and the flowing of a river. 4. Stay close to God – don’t let your spirit leave His side or His throne. 5. Be grateful. 6. Don’t second guess God – it may not be what you imagined… but it is what He has ordained. 7. Rest in the moments of peace He gives you and… 8. Get excited – speak the vision out loud – shout your praises – cry out to Him with all your heart.

Follow the path and follow the river – this is a new beginning.

You shall mount up with wings as eagles.

{~}

July 22, 2026

“This thing is of me”

When fallen leaders are restored and full restoration has been made toward calling and purpose, there will be cracks that will not easily be repaired. One ability that agape love has is to look past the sin while human love has the tendency to stay transfixed on the sin.

People that can not look past the sins of others have a sin hiding within themselves that has not been dealt with. It’s one thing to shy away from the one who has fallen into sin, but to eye the sin that is under the mercy seat is dangerous.

“But, they’ll never change. They fall into the same sin – again and again… and suddenly they are restored?”

Some people take longer to learn lessons. Some fall to failure until the learning has been secured and understanding is complete. Not only in one area of their lives, but many areas.

In Jeremiah 13 God speaks to those who are dealing with those that fell into grievous sin… again. “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil.”

Now, if you stop at the end of that verse you are hearing that God says, people can not change. But you forget that with God – all things are possible.

Jeremiah 14 shows an angry God and what the sentence for sin is. Then our just God does something wonderful – He listens. He remembers the word that He spoke to Isaiah… (1:18-19) “Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:”

From scarlet to snow. Agape love adapts. It accepts the forgiveness of God for others even as it accepts it for oneself.  You may have a hard time forgiving yourself but not others. The human love tends to forgive and love oneself, but can’t accept the forgiveness for others.

Jeremiah 15:19-21. God’s grace comes alive, swift and powerful.

“Therefore thus says the Lord, If you return, then will I bring you again, and you shalt stand before me: and if you take forth the precious from the vile, you shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto you; but return not unto them.

And I will make you unto this people a fenced brazen wall: and they shall fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you: for I am with you to save you and to deliver you, says the Lord.

And I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you out of the hand of the terrible.”

God tells those of us who have fallen off of our horses to get up again. This may happen more than once… And He says that the path after the transgression will not be easy. You will not have fellowship again with some of those who once loved you more than air. Penance? Perhaps. Reminders of what happens when you go off the rails? Maybe.

David comes to that point in Psalm 55 where his sin was too great for his friends and family to bear. His restoration was laughed at. His ministry and his power were no longer valid.

^“For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was you, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.”

Someone who could only remember David before the fall. After the restoration, the eyes still fixed upon the scarlet rather than the snow.

David’s kingship would never be the same. The sin split the nation. Not just David’s sin, but the sin of not granting salvation and restoration. And God doesn’t restore a man or a woman to take a lesser position. His calling is greater than the sin.

The one who sinned – when fully penitent feels every bit of the pain. All the way down into the bone and the marrow and into a heart that remains bruised. David said in that same Psalm – verses 4-7: 

“My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness.”

To go back to be King was not David’s first choice. Being an apostle was not Peter’s first choice as he would just rather be a disciple doing what he does best… fishing. But on the day of Pentecost he fully realized that the calling was greater than his pride, his shame, his guilt or his sin. He was a fisher of men catching more than 153 fish – with 3,000 people giving their hearts to God. The fish in Galilee was deemed a miracle – but just 5% of what God was about to do for him.

It’s not easy to come back from failure. It would be easy to just wander off and live incognito. It would be easy to just pray to go home. But again… the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.  (Romans 11:29)  Although your unrepented sin can blot your name out of God’s Book of Life… it can not remove your calling.

Now, back to the title of today… we go to I Kings 12:21-24. David’s own grandson who once walked hand in hand with his childhood hero now became the enemy and sought to kill his grandfather because of what he’d done.

“And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah, with the tribe of Benjamin, an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against the house of Israel, to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam the son of Solomon.

But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,

Speak unto Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and unto all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the remnant of the people, saying,

Thus says the Lord, ‘Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me.‘ They hearkened therefore to the word of the Lord, and returned to depart, according to the word of the Lord.”

After the day of Pentecost the disciples were preaching. I have three key phrases from Acts the 5th chapter. 

From the naysayers: “Did not we directly command you that ye should not teach in this name?”

From Peter and the Apostles: “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.”

From Gamaliel – a doctor of the law: “And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.”

Encouragement to those with a calling. A word to those who don’t yet have the ability to embrace the snow.

{~}

July 21, 2026

In an update for what I said a few days ago from Zechariah 4:6, I want to share something that the late Billy Graham gives in the ammunition from God. Go to Youtube and search for Billy Graham zechariah 4:6.

Sing this in the spirit and with your understanding. 

{~}

July 20, 2026

What a day that will be

We are coming to the end of the age. Heading for the great tribulation and the last moments in a fallen world before the enemy and his angels will be cast into a lake of fire for all eternity.

^{Rev. 12:10} And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

^{Rev. 12:11} And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Matthew 25:41 also supports this: “Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”

But until that time, the “accuser of the brethren” will just keep spreading his lies – the most devastating being those told to your own mind when you are all alone.

“You are a failure. You have left a lot of bodies in your wake. You are going to have to pay your own price for your sins; God has departed from you. You are too fat. You are too thin. You will never get married. Your past will catch up with you. God forgives only a select few, but your sins are so heinous that they can’t be forgiven. You will get cancer and die. You will get dementia and forget everything and everyone will forget you. You will die alone.”

He comes with his doom and gloom and being the ultimate salesman, he has a way to convince you until he invites his spirits of depression and self pity to come to “calm” you. Yeah right.

I will never forget going to a car dealer when I was just a senior in high school. I went in there feeling like I would negotiate the best deal. That 1965 Plymouth Fury ragtop was pretty impressive and had a price tag of only $1900. By the time that sales force got done with me, I was weary, beaten and defeated. I left there with not enough money for all the taxes, destination charges and extras that just “had” to go with that sweet deal.

I went home and got myself psyched up to talk to my dad. I said, “Dad, I found the perfect car for me. It has only 160,000 miles and I can get it for $3200! But they said I needed you to co-sign.”

All he said was… “Let’s go.”

When we got there, I was told to wait in the car while he went in to finish my deal. By the time my dad got done with those sales people, the owner of the company was summoned and about an hour later, he walked out with the keys to the car. He paid a total of $1500 that came with a 6-month warranty, got an oil change included, a full tank of gas and … oh yeah, he had them wash and wax it.

Whenever I was in negotiations with the devil after that, the spiritual application was to include my spiritual Father in heaven in all dealings. He gets deals you can’t even imagine… and most of the time I know it was yet another miracle.

Counteracting the accuser when he wants to lie to your mind. Always find out what God is saying and when he says “you are sick and going to die,” tell him that your destination and the timing for your departure are in God’s hands. When he tells you that you are going to get sick, speak the word in Psalm 91:10-12 that says – “ There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” 

When he tells you that you are worthless… remind him that you are a child of a king.

Now I know that this will sound like a three-step process… but plan your work and work your plan!

Philippians 4:6-8 “ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

I love that… “THINK” upon those things. The ammunition of the mind. Don’t listen to the accuser and let him reason with you. Begin to resist him with the Godly things you THINK UPON.

{~}

July 19, 2026

Two days ago my wife came to me and told me about a supernatural moment that happened to her that really touched her heart. It touched mine as well.

“I was coming out of the closet,” she said. (Not realizing that where she’d been was a place scripted for greatness in a person’s walk with God.)

In Matthew 6: 6 it says, “When you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which sees in secret shall reward you openly.”

“All of a sudden I felt something; like a feeling that just came over me and I stopped,” she said. “Everything was all tingling. I knew that something was up. Then it was like I heard Him say to me that things were about to change and I was about to walk into a destiny meant for me all my life. I don’t know what that is, but I felt his power and peace and was covered with happiness.”

What she didn’t know was that I prayed that morning and asked God to bring her joy. So… it double-blessed me.

Now, Thecia and I have been surrounded by signs, wonders and miracles ever since we met. We didn’t meet in person, but kind of fell in love with each other from a distance. We learned so much about each other – in those long phone conversations… me in Wyoming and Thecia in Florida. I can truly say I fell in love with her spirit before I even had my eyes upon her. To make a long story short, a fiery and charismatic Catholic met her soul’s counterpoint in an also fiery and charismatic Pentecostal. 

Unusual and brilliant things in another realm that touched the natural realm we were walking in. We have often prayed together in places that didn’t feel right and on more than one occasion we have anointed our doors and windows of the house with sweet incense, anointing oil and OUT LOUD prayer.

So – back to this week, and she continued.

After that word from God, I went about my day and everything was going wrong. I was dropping things, forgetting things – and on days when I would get unusually angry – this didn’t bother me – although I knew it was a jealous enemy who didn’t appreciate me getting anything from God.

I stopped and spoke directly to him. “You think this bothers me?” I just laughed at him and said you are not welcome here nor has YOUR visit has not disrupted me or the God in me.”

I preached a message once about “When are Battles likely?” Although they can come at anytime, one of his favorite times to come and wreak havoc are right after a victory. An encouraging word from God – especially one that speaks of destiny is a definite victory.

After victories come, you can celebrate… cautiously. Don’t, however, rest on your laurels. 

A great example is a word that God gave to Jeremiah concerning him and the rest of those who were about to go into captivity. It is found in Jeremiah the 29th chapter – beginning with verse 10:

¹⁰ For thus says the Lord, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

¹¹ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

¹² Then shall you call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

¹³ And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.

¹⁴ And I will be found of you, says the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, says the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.”

The enemy which once held all of us is not happy relinquishing such precious treasure – and seethes with anger any child of God which is being blessed. He comes like Peter wrote in I Peter 5:8: “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walka about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

We would do well to follow Thecia’s lead. Tell the enemy to hit the road and that he’s certainly not welcome. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

{~}

July 18, 2026

Fallen In Wisdom

Your Faith Will Not Stand In The Wisdom Of Men

I can remember a time in worship…

The house had begun to cool down from the day and as dusk came streaming through the windows,  there was an obstinate spirit that came to trouble the worship.  It was a first for our little band of warriors, although I had seen this many times in the past 38 years of ministry.

As more and more people gathered in the foyer where the young girl had been slain in the spirit, you could feel the angelic presence… and although each room in the house was quite cool and comfortable,  the minute you stood in that space, you felt heat as if a furnace had been turned on – and people came away from that room drenched in sweat.

It was a spiritual battle that left a natural manifestation of room and body temperature.

Now,  before I go into this next paragraph, let me preface it to say that most if not all of you have ever seen a demonic possession.  You have seen flesh manifest and have been under false teaching concerning possession, but you’ve not witnessed it.  So many in the church today have fallen prey to deliverance ministries that are false in their teaching and some preachers have grown very rich from the literature to the simple minded who want a quick 10-step method of how to.

Those of us who have witnessed it and have wept in the presence of actual deliverance just shake our heads at the ignorance.  Ignorant people who can not line up any of their actions from the Word of God, but skew the original translations with “Bible interpretations” and men’s accounts of inflated and exaggerated stories.  Look at me and tell me you’ve seen an actual possession… I can tell in your eyes if you’ve ever ACTUALLY been through that battle.

I would do a full teaching on what is possessed vs what is oppressed,  but will not at this time spend that kind of time.  Suffice to say… if you’ve read a book or two on the subject, you don’t know what it is.

I looked at the situation that was occurring that night and remember some intense insights from the Lord.  Was she possessed by a demonic spirit?  I knew that this could not be true since the woman was at one time growing very close to the Lord and was covered by blood.

So what was this,  Lord.  As He began to explain it to me,  the understanding brought more peace to the situation.  I can liken it only to a young girl in a crowed bar room that meets the wrong kind of men.  Cowards that can’t make this woman do as they wish.

Cowards that can’t “charm” the young woman for sexual favors…  until…  she leaves her position for a brief moment to go to the restroom.

One puts something into her drink.  (Now… the alcohol is something she does willingly, but the drug is not a willing act).   Suffice to say,  when she drinks of the coward’s nectar, she is powerless in their presence.  It’s not one man, but many that take their liberty.

They do not enter into her, although they have penetrated her flesh with both a drug substance that is unknown and then later, a part of themselves.

That night,  under the influence of drugs and addiction, the enemy was literally using the woman as a puppet.  Again… not from the inside as in a “possession”,  but from the outside as an “oppression”.  When we are drugged by sin,  we will fall prey to the enemy’s wishes.  Soon our Godly speech is slurred,  our bodily functions are skewed and we fall to the predator who beats the body without mercy.

There are several spiritual drugs we can “willingly” take…  gossip, anger, vengeance, adultery, judgment, unforgiveness, pride, fear.  We can easily become addicted to the sin that the Apostle Paul says  “does so easily beset us”.  (Hebrews 12:1) The sin can easily take us down to a subhuman realm.  Once we begin to take them in, only a divine intervention can clean us out.

I have seen drugs and alcohol as they begin to leave a body.  And when do they begin to leave the body?   Immediately.  They are foreign substances.  The body tries to reject each one and will put itself in a kind of shock to try to prevent the pain.  There is shaking,  there is convulsing,  there are blackouts,  there are spastic movements,  there is slurred speech, there is sickness and in extreme cases, diarrhea.

When you take in your drug of choice,  no matter what that is… if you are a child of God,  it begins as “pleasant” to your flesh… but “foul” to your spirit.  It will alter your walk with God and will also alter your walk in the flesh.

We witnessed that night a severe drug addiction that needed divine intervention.  When God began to step in and clean the situation,  there was resistance both from the demonic presence that had drugged her and from her own body which had become convinced that the drugs were needed to stop the pain of her life – the pain of her situation – the pain of her hopelessness.

We resist God’s wanting to burn bridges in us because we are afraid of the pain that the rehabilitation will bring… and we are afraid of the lingering pain that we have to face without hope or without medication.  Sometimes, it’s simply the lingering pain of a life running from God,  a situation that created painful circumstance, memories of destruction.

You can’t live on the ingestion of bitterness.  You can’t exist on the ingestion of gossip.  You can’t have divine intervention when you refuse to release the anger.   It’s like telling God that you want Him,  but not in all areas of your life.  You want to retain your drug addiction during the week,  but on Sundays you want to be a Christian.

That causes such a division in your own body… and a house divided against itself… CAN… NOT… STAND.   (Matthew 12:25).

Now… the scripture I brought to that situation which was very strong in my spirit was found in II Chronicles 20:13…  especially the first seven words of that verse:    And all Judah stood before the LORD. (seven words – a resting phrase in scripture)

Judah is praise.  True worship that resides inside of you.  It is a part of the spiritual DNA which you were created with.  You were created in the midst of ALL of God’s STANDING JUDAH.

Praise and Worship as weapons… it simply doesn’t make any sense that something this simple could work against the enemy attacks – and yet, when you stand with ALL of your JUDAH…  it will cause your FAITH to STAND.

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. I Cor. 2:5

If your logical mind… or your divided mind… or your sinful mind is given a voice,  given a place within you… you are divided from the one who created you. All your Judah can NOT stand before the Lord.   And if all of your Judah can not stand… neither can your faith.  And faith without works is dead.

We can be as dead men when we dose ourselves with sin.  We can become puppets and prisoners of the enemy with little or no power to resist him.

Folks, he comes as a serpent.  A slimy drug dealer who first offers you “free drugs that will be freedom from your problems.”   He comes only to steal,  to kill,  and to destroy.

When your praise is stolen,  you are a soldier on the front line of a battle without a weapon.  He doesn’t kill you right away… he parades you around for the mocking of God.  He puts you on an altar of his strange fire.  Then he removes any trace of goodness that your life accomplished… and destroys any memory of the good.  Sometimes, sadly, it’s the last desperate act of a man that anyone remembers.

Don’t be fooled when he tells you that your “dosage” is safe.  If you are a Christian… it may start with one drink.  One hit.  One pill.   It’s with the first shot that the enemy engages an entire army to battle.  Don’t be fooled… if you have given your life to Christ,  there is a plan out there for your future from God, but also a planned destruction from the enemy.  Sometimes the opening is as small as the pride you have that says you can handle the first dose.

Taking a shot of anger?  A hit of gossip?  A toke of bitterness? A drink of lust? A pill of pornography?  Can you really give the enemy that little opening?  How strong do you think you are?

We saw a young girl who just a few years earlier was weeping at an altar and proclaiming that she was a victorious soldier of Jesus Christ.  We watched that night as the army of God had to do a recon mission to recover the body.

How long has it been since you have been broken at an altar or cried yourself to sleep in a hopeless place? How strong do you “think” you are?  How long do you think it will be before the enemy “roofies” your sin and takes you out of control?

As Jehoshaphat did with his armies in II Chron 2 when he realized that the battle was bigger than he could handle… O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

There will be another battle fought in that same valley that Jehoshaphat was found.  It is called the valley of Armageddon.  In that battle… Christ will come with ALL of His Judah standing with HIM. As for me and my house, we want to be in the number of that Judah.

You are either coming into the dark night of your soul or heading into the warming sunlight of the Lord. Where are you today? If you are reading this, God is telling you that you still have a chance to change your direction.

{~}

July 17, 2026

What We Don’t See

There are more with us…

At times we may look and feel overwhelmed, but just recently, I had a dream (more of a nightmare) that reminded me that there was indeed a battle and though it looked like I were outnumbered, outmanned, outsmarted and out maneuvered,  I have nothing to fear IF I choose to look with spiritual eyes.

As I drifted into a dream last night, it involved an intruder into our home. She was scary. As she came, I can remember taking something and absolutely crushing her face. I know… quite gruesome. But it didn’t kill her. She kept coming back and the last time as I ran to get the door locked, she came through the glass sidelight of the front door and with a creepy smile she said, “you don’t have a key to keep me out of this door.” It was beyond scary and although I woke myself up a few times, I would drift back into sleep and into the same scenario.

I couldn’t see how to defeat this. The last time I woke up, I realized that if I went to sleep again, she would come again. To kill my family, to steal my goods, to be able to have her way. She came with a smile that caused fear-bumps to rise and with a supernatural power. As I lay awake, frozen in fear, I wondered what I wasn’t seeing and what God was trying to tell me. And most of all… how can I make this stop?

I listened.

The word was clear and strong. “It’s not by might – nor by power, but by my spirit.” Zachariah 4:6.  This was a spiritual attack on my household, perhaps on me, perhaps something else. Whatever it was, it caused great fear – and God said to counteract it with the Word – spoken by the Spirit. Praying in the spirit is the cloaked depth of the Spirit touching the hidden depths of the heart of God.  Deep calling to deep.

It worked. The Psalm He gave me was 42:7-9  Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”

We must call upon Him in times of crisis. In times of great fear that make us want to make God seem a million miles away and quite powerless. We must pray in the Spirit – and let Him bring that battle to the deep places of God. When He speaks a scripture… we must speak it out loud. It is kryptonite to the enemy. We can’t do it in our own spirit. In my mind I smashed that demonic presence – but it came back. Only when I spoke from the depths of God’s heart did it immediately depart along with all my fear.

I am also reminded of another servant who was stopped in his tracks because of fear. Let’s watch what happened.

2Ki 6:15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! what shall we do?

2Ki 6:16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

2Ki 6:17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

He saw angels in another realm but standing at the ready on the natural mountain.

Now… our spirit can see.  It has eyes, a mouth, ears, sensory touch, sensory discernment, and so much more.   If we can allow our spirits to control our movements,  we would be amazed at what we see God doing around us.

The first key in an overwhelming situation is to eliminate the fear.  In other words, shut down the functions of the natural man as well as demonic presences.

You then you have to believe what God says and what you can’t see with natural eyes.  (Like the scripture that tells you that He is an ever present help)

The next step in the grand parade of spiritual warfare is prayer!  You have to make yourself available to pray.  It helps shut down the natural man and bring to life the spiritual man.  That same spirit that raised Christ from the dead… DWELLS IN YOU! (Romans 8:11)

Finally you need to believe in what God has shown you… and most important – you must not only speak about what you’ve seen,  but stand upon it when you return to the natural realm!  You see,  you can’t have visions and dreams from the Lord and then go to battle forgetting what you’ve seen and heard.  (“Yeah, I know what I’ve seen, but that was then and this is now and I can only see the problem”  –  PUUUHHHHHLLLLEEEEEAAASSSEEE!)   You can’t fight a supernatural battle with a natural outlook.

No matter what you are being overwhelmed with today…  follow the steps I’ve outlined and stand firm in the battle.

Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And… my kicker for last night’s attack…

Ephesians 6:17-18 “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

How can we fight what we can not see? How can we fight that which continues to intrude? How can we pray with words and a language we can’t understand?

I Corinthians 14:2 “For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands him; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

I Corithians 14:14-15 “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

We are fighting battles we cannot see with weapons we cannot logically understand – to defeat a supernatural foe who is unbeatable IF we fight him by our own devices. Faith still… and always will come by hearing. (I Corinthians 5:7 – For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Now… you have a friend that can “pray in an unknown tongue.” All well and good, but in the middle of the night when the demons come in the depth of darkness… why don’t you ask God for the baptism of the Holy Ghost for yourself? Spirit-Filled. God’s given you your own personal prayer language – it would be tragic to go all your life not receiving this all-powerful gift. 

Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition!

July 16, 2026

Game Changer

The passing from darkness to light. When you can effectively do this, it is a GAME CHANGER.  When you can switch playing fields,  it can also change the boundaries.  For instance… when you take the football game inside to a gymnasium it is impossible to play the same game that you played on the turf outside.  The boundaries have changed.

The boundaries of the natural realm are unlike the boundaries of the supernatural realm.  I began with II Corinthians 4:18 and talked about the ability to “see” the things which are “not seen.” In other words,  having the ability to see in the dark with illumination… or, turning darkness to light.

If you have the ability to turn darkness to light,  you can maneuver through the path you are traversing.  Now.  Biblical example.  I used a well familiar point of scripture that was an “accurate” and “historical” account of an event.  It was the account of the storm on Galilee and Peter walking on the water to Jesus.  It amazes me that so many people think that’s a dream or something that was created as a cool story.  It was a historical fact.  Just as the Civil War happened and was recorded,  this happened.  Though we didn’t witness it or have relatives that were witnesses,  we have a historical recording.

How many people think that the Civil War never happened?  Nobody.  So why do we puzzle over scripture that is fact, and was, IN fact recorded not only Biblically, but in the writings of the historians of the time.

That being said,  this is an evidence and a historical fact of two men who entered into a different realm and changed the boundaries.  In this case, boundaries kept them safe.  The realm of the natural had the boundaries of the boat.  If they stayed within the boundaries of the port and starboard,  they could have a good chance of surviving.

Jesus, on the other hand invited Peter into the vessel of the supernatural.  If he stayed between the port and starboard there, he could walk there with the savior.  The boundaries to walk there are made up of faith.  Peter left the boundaries of the faith that protected him and sustained him,  and he fell into the sea.

When we choose to follow Christ,  many times it involves the journey through natural storm.  It is there where He teaches us to change our boundaries and change our realm.

This life can be a dangerous journey if we don’t choose to change our boundaries.  How can this be done?  With following the same steps as Peter.  1.)  Through any storm that HE sends us through, we must KNOW that we can make it or He wouldn’t have sent us. (Remember it was Christ who gave them a directive to GO TO THE OTHER SIDE – Matthew 14:22).  2.) When the battle rages and engages which it will to a Christian that is being obedient,  you must not give up.  Stay Your Course.   3.) Christ will come and the thing you must do is not only recognize His presence, but acknowledge His presence.  4.) Ask Him for confirmation in the course of the battle.  (Jesus, if it is you, invite me to where you are)   5.)  BOOM.  Break through into the safety (that’s right… I said SAFETY)  of FAITH.  6.)  Keep your focus on your destination and not the circumstances of your journey.  Or, to put it a different way, stay focused on the light.

I am going to go into a bit more on light this week.  Light illuminates and allows you to navigate through darkness and storm.  One of the things light doesn’t do is change the circumstance or the storm, but allows you to walk THROUGH it.

For instance.   You wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.  You realize that you shouldn’t have drunk that entire “big gulp” of Pepsi before bedtime.   And… now the journey begins.  You begin to navigate your journey to the bathroom in the dark. (Because it is your house and you know it by heart)  You learn many things here.  You learn that your “big toe” was given to you by God to find furniture in the dark.  You find that your voice was provided to curse furniture in the dark after your big toe finds and locates the furniture.  You find out that your spouse was provided for “just that moment” to rebuke you for waking up everyone in the house because “nobody is interested in hearing about your discovery of furniture” at 3 a.m.

But… if you turn on the light.  You find that navigation is a snap.  What changes when light comes?  Does the furniture all go scurrying back and forth out of your way?  Does your bladder miraculously empty?  Are you instantly transported to the bathroom? Does the toilet seat miraculously go up or down depending upon your gender?   NO.  No. no. Light doesn’t change circumstance.  It causes you to be able to navigate through it.

You still have the winds and the waves.  You still experience the tiredness of fighting the storm.  You still have a distance to your destination. These externals didn’t change for Peter… but the impressive thing was… Peter for just a moment learned how important it was to turn the light on.  To “shed some light” on the situation.  To focus on the LIGHT OF THE WORLD.  (John 9:5)

Peter for a moment changed the boundaries.  Peter for a moment found a game changer.  Faith is not the denial of storms or even at times the elimination of them.  It is the safety and focus that brings you through them.

And… oh, yeah… Jesus not only tells us that HE is the light of the world, but in Matthew 5:14,  He tells us:  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  We can also look at this in a new way… the dark city, like powers and principalities, that is risen above you can not overtake you or surprise you or ambush you if there is light there.

Mat 5:16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

It is a “good work” to walk into the supernatural realm where the things of the natural can not devour you!   So… let your light shine… and let your light SO shine.

{~}

July 15, 2026

Done and Done!

The Five “D’s” That Yield Deliverance

This morning I received a wonderful letter from a man who has been imprisoned in Michigan for 37 years.  I have been believing for his unconditional release for some time, and I am declaring a miracle for him this year – even without his knowledge.  God is Working on a release.

Some reading this word today are in prisons too.  Certainly not State or Federal incarceration, but prisons of the enemy which are every bit as dark and discouraging at the natural prison.   Some to vices and sins that have literally bound you by bars of condemnation and despair so that you can not go forth in the calling that God has called you to.

I want you to read a scripture with me that will DECLARE, DEMAND, DISCLOSE and DEFEND by DEMONSTRATION.   I call this the “five D’s” of grace.  And as we stand with Christ and DO what He DICTATES… He brings DELIVERANCE.  Five “D’s”  –  By Grace We Stand.  By Grace We Move.

Gal 5:1  Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

This scripture above all is something we must be able to do…   But don’t just skim it… read it again – those of you who say… “Oh, one day I’ll be able to say it…  some bright and sunny day when I am not in this predicament… when the Lord delivers me – then I will surely read that scripture.”

Ok… you didn’t get it.  Read it again.  It is speaking to one is still in bondage.  What?  Listen.   We must use the 5 “D’s”  when we are in the prison… not after we get out.  Paul speaks of “doing something”.   The first four “D’s” will enable you to take action… DEMONSTATE.    Paul’s first word is “Stand”.   Action.   To take that action when we are still in the problem and the bondage takes a strength that only God can give you.

Does Christ make us free when the prison bars open?  NO.

Look at that sentence…. “Christ hath made us free”.   The prison bars were opened long before we were even incarcerated!   He promised our freedom in the Old Testament before Christ came and the freedom was gained at Calvary.  That’s when you were released.

To realize that you must Declare.  You must Demand.  You must Disclose.  You must Demand by Demonstration.  And remember that first four things are done in the courts of Heaven so that you can take action in the courts of the flesh.  The court where the accuser has his power.

Declare 

nâgad and dâbar  A right to stand boldly and without fear – Subduing the enemy by speaking your words

Jos 20:4  And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.

Psa 9:11  Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.

Demand –

sh^e‘êlâ’ :  Rendering a decision or demand by Holy law – requiring that those who hear MUST obey.

Dan 4:17  This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

Disclose –

gâlâh –  To take something into captivity;  removing yourself from captivity by incarcerating your fear and your thoughts and imaginations that are not of God.  To speak without fear the truth in disclosing your sin and being accountable for it.

2Co 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Isa 26:21  For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.

Defend –

gânan – to put a hedge around that which belongs to God.  Acknowledging that God protects and stands up to defend His own.         When we go to prayer and He increases so that we decrease,  we have demonstrated.  When we stand boldly without fear,  we have demonstrated.  When we stand in the courts of the unjust,  prayed up, packed up and ready to go up… we demonstrate!

2Ki 19:34  For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.

Isa 31:5  As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.

Demonstrate:

bârar A decision was not only made, but an action was taken.  Faith needs an action to make it live.

Ecc 3:18  “I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them,…”  (an example of God taking action!)

Do you remember that a few weeks ago I brought forth the image of Christ standing?  That means something is about to happen as the Son of God begins to move. I told you that whenever you see Him stand up in scripture, something powerful was about to  happen.

When we stand with Him… we change our position.  We change our posture.  We no longer lay in the dark prison chamber,  but we rise in anticipation of what God is about to do.  When Paul and Silas were in the inner prison,  they demonstrated the 5 “D’s” and God was moved to action.

Act 16:25-26  And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.

They had come to realize that their liberty was NOT when the doors were opened, but BEFORE the doors were opened they were set at liberty.  Wonderful thing about being a Christian confined.  We have access to portals that will take us into heavenly places.   We can not be bound when in fact our prayers can take us to places where our incarcerators can not go.   Paul and Silas had teleported themselves to a place where their hands were not tied,  there feet were not shackled and their voice was not silenced.

They joined a “barn dance” in Heaven and the beat was so catchy that the Lord Himself started to stomp His feet and as He did,  the foundations of the prison were broken.  Foundations of the prison.  That in itself is a strong and powerful statement.   Couldn’t God have just opened the door?  Why did He have to ruin the whole jail?  Ah… because it held ONE OF HIS OWN and so that THAT prison would never be used again to hold His precious loved ones.

They declared the word of God.  They demanded the edicts and laws of Heaven. They put their pain, fear and unbelief into captivity by disclosure.  They defended in prayer.  They demonstrated in praise.

It doesn’t matter what your situation looks like or sounds like or feels like… Can you demonstrate in that place?  When you can… your 5 “D’s” yield God’s ONE “D”.

Deliverance.

But you shouldn’t be surprised… read this text, but especially the highlighted portion.

Before they happen – God already knew and delivered.

This is what God is going to do … for you:

Isa 42:6  I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

Isa 42:7  To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

Isa 42:8  I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

Isa 42:9  Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

{~}

July 14, 2026

July 13, 2026

Our Purpose in Worship

Created to be a skilled musician…

We have been learning some incredible new insights on praise… as a key to an unlocked door,   as a weapon against the enemy,  as a covering for protection to name just a “few of my favorite things.”

This week I am going a bit deeper and we are going to be looking at the infamous, one time appointed worship leader created by God.  He was created not only to worship,  but to lead all the worship of Heaven.

It was a perfect fit.  He had perfect pitch.  Perfect instrumentation. Let’s look at a portion of scripture that deals with how God described him to Ezekiel.

Eze 28:13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

Eze 28:14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

Eze 28:15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.

We have not only come into a time in history where the enemy is becoming desperate, but more vile as he is sensing that his time is short.  One of the things that we must remember about him is that although he is the father of narcissism, (narcissistic: having an excessive or erotic interest in oneself and one’s physical appearance)  he is also trying to remain anonymous.

Most of the world does NOT believe in him,  and if they do, they take him and his minions very lightly.  As a Christian, we must realize that we are being fully engaged in a battle with him and his darkness.

One of the more intelligent things he does is play to his strengths.  He uses what he was created for to influence a creation that he is hoping to tear away from their creator.

Music is a powerful weapon and the enemy has continued to turn it against God Himself.

It is a testimony to the enemy when we sing, dance and rejoice in his music. He is the golden calf that we rally around with any music that does not worship God.  And when God is not worshipped through music,  the enemy IS.

Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

The lie is that it is harmless.  It is just good clean fun.

The reality is that it “entertains” and “seduces” and “provokes emotion” and “moves one to action” and “stirs memories”.

It has had a profound effect upon you.  It has surrounded you during both good and bad times in your life.  It was a friend when you had no friends.  It was good company when you felt alone.  It was a gift you gave to someone.

If it were not addicting…  if it was harmless…  if it was just good, clean fun – then why does your flesh rebel when others talk about ridding your system of it?

Remember that the enemy was created as the perfect musician.  Add to the fact that Jesus called him the father of lies and you get a very wicked weapon in the hands of his disciples.  The enemy longs to be right.  He longs to be worshipped.  He longs to have all power over you.

As I said… he plays to his strengths and his strengths are in music.  He has created music of the flesh,  music of the night,  music that is systematically placed in every day of your life.

He not only knows how to write the perfect song,  but creates music that was at one time intended for personal worship toward God.  He knows perfect chord progressions to make the human heart weep.  He knows perfect rhythm patterns to make human feet to dance.  He writes perfect lyrics to bring tears to human eyes…  all with the incredible sales ability to tell us that it’s harmless.

It’s just entertainment.  True worshippers start to fall away from the entertainment of the flesh and as we get closer to God we begin to see with spiritual eyes and desire music that is “powerful” and not “harmless”.    Worship that brings anointing (an anointing that can break every yoke – Isaiah 10:27) BREAKS things.  If music is “harmless” –  and can’t have the power to set darkness on it’s heels… then the “anointed cherub” is ok with that.

But we should never be.   We say we want more in our lives.  More power.  More joy.  More anointing.  More of God.   That comes with “breaker” music.

Remember when you stopped playing that certain video game because one day you woke up and realized that there was no purpose to it?  There was no future to it?  There was more to life than all time you’ve wasted?

It’s the same with mindless music.  God wants so much more for us…  but like children we cry and rebel because we think someone is taking away our precious music.  Music that in fact is not very precious at all.

What are we hanging on to?  Why are we hanging on to it?  If it’s no big deal,  then why does your flesh fight to give it up?  We find ourselves fighting to hang on to the ungodly and the mundane and the powerless… and we have aligned ourselves with a darkness that has us convinced that we MUST not let go of it.

We are in the fight of our lives with an enemy that plays to his strengths.  Be careful that his strengths have not become your addiction.

Let your worship be simple, pure and honest.

Let it flow from the broken places in your life.

July 10, 2026

The immutable and faithfulness of God who has always been the same and always will be. An incredible fact is that He is not afraid of the truth. To speak it, to reveal it, to always live in it – no matter what.

If He speaks something to you and you know it’s Him and that word has been confirmed with signs and wonders following – you can be absolutely sure of that word being the only absolute in your life.

Numbers 23:19-21 – “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.”

Many people testified as to miraculous things that have happened this past week, and if you’ve received a miracle,  no matter how insignificant you think it would be to others,  PUBLISH it.  Give God the glory for even the little things… for in doing so, you are planting the seeds of your miracle and the harvest will be a field of revival.

When they ask God in scripture,  “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?”  (Psalm 85:6)  They were praying for revival.  It wasn’t just for themselves but the word used is “us”.  Now… that being said,  I must state that in Job 42:10 – He speaks of the release of his bondage when he prays for his friends.  If you are desiring revival,  ask for it come into your own heart first… but don’t forget to pray it into someone else’s heart.

I am declaring today that as for me and my house we are praying… Lord, revive us again!  Bring your revival to our church, our community, our county, our state, our nation! I thought about a word that churches use that may not be as they think.  Their hearts are right, but the terminology is not quite plumb with God’s word.  That word is “visitation”.   I know that I myself have used this word incorrectly in the past and it’s worth at least a look this morning.

I will use both context from the Old and New Testaments.

Jer 10:15  They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.

And

Luk 19:44  And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.        

In all the contexts that use this word “visitation” it is not a pleasant thing, but speaks of a day of reckoning.  A judgment day, if you will.  I don’t think it’s a mistake that God uses it in this context, seeing as He is desiring a “habitation” in us and not a “visitation” with us. Again, I will give some scriptural examples of “habitation”.

It is translated in the Hebrew as a beautiful place to live and call home.  In the Old Testament, they built a tabernacle where man could meet with God.  In the New Testament, He built a tabernacle in us where He would forever reside.  A beautiful home in us.  We ought to desire a habitation rather than a visitation.

Exo 15:2  The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

Psalm 71:3  Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

Ephesians 2:22  In whom ye also are built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Psalm 11:4  The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

Joh 17:24  Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for you loved me before the foundation of the world.

Psalm 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel.

So, it stands to reason that God has created in us a place that He calls… home.  If we are living in the same dwelling as the Lord,  why do we not acknowledge Him?  Why do we not take time to sense His presence?  We act as if He were a million miles away or that perhaps He can’t see what you are doing…  and when all of a sudden a wave of consciousness hits us,  we think that all of a sudden God just showed up… but He’s been there all the time.

He visited me. I had a visitation! That IS sad.  He desires to live with us and yet we have no problem just calling Him a visitor or a guest in our home.  He told us that He would be a friend that sticks closer than a brother… one who would NEVER leave us or forsake us.

Pro 18:24  A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

Psalm 23:6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Hebrews 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

The creator of the Universe has chosen to dwell with us.  The least we could do each day is to pray that we are more conscious of Him and more aware of His presence that is scripted to be our refuge and strength, and a very present help in trouble.

He is my heart and my home.

{~}

July 8, 2026

This is a hard word today… a hard truth. If you want milk… this meat may be too much. But… perhaps I should speak even as the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians: “I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.”  And then goes on to say in verses 18-21 of I Corinthians 3:

^“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;”

There are some places we should not go. There are some people we should not associate with and the bottom line for both are the divine providence of God. Have you followed divine providence? Are you listening?

People may give us much advice as to our calendar appointments and who we need to touch base with, but God sometimes has a plan and a reason that we can’t understand with human reasoning. And… we don’t always understand the motives of the heart.

We have been talking about the transfiguration. In the chronological dates of scripture, it was about a month before Jesus refused to go “into Jewry.”  A place in Jerusalem.

I want to cite John 7 which was the first part of October in that year. (The Reese Chronological Bible)

“After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.  (There are places I will not go and people I will not see because of their hatred and malice and again – to hate is to be equated with a murderer. John 3:15 “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer:” I will not subject myself to the scrutiny of those who wish to criticize or throw mouth rocks to injure and to kill. Oh… but Mark… you are a preacher. Oh but dear reader… HE was the savior. And it wasn’t the only time. When he was called to go to the bedside of a sick friend… he did not go. When his mother was worried about him and wanted him to come away from the fray, Jesus said in Matthew 12:48-50 “But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Let it be known, I will never be guilted into going somewhere I am not welcome or where it is to do harm. And what did Jesus initially tell his disciples when they wanted to honor their Father at his funeral? Matthew 9:60 “Let the dead bury their dead.”)

(John 7:2-3) Now the Jew’s feast of tabernacles was at hand. His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. (OK. I could preach on this verse alone for hours… but I won’t. But it was the people closest to him who tried to dictate his path, his calendar and a logical reason for it. A command to the Son of God… hmmm. Interesting. They probably said he wouldn’t go because of fear or pride… or tried guilting him. It didn’t work. He wouldn’t go.)

⁴ For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.

⁵ For neither did his brethren believe in him. (This is a harsh but true reality. They started to believe the rabble and the human voices. This is stark because just a month before, on the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, John and James all heard the voice of the Father say, Matthew 17:5 – “While he yet spoke, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. HEAR. YE. HIM. Notice it didn’t say… “listen to your own hearts or listen to what the people are saying or listen to a voice of logic.” This was the Son of God. But even after what they heard… they did not believe in him. And when someone doesn’t believe what you say, you can handle that… but when they no longer believe in you – that breaks a heart.)

⁶ Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. (Or simply stated, Jesus points out that any time is right for the world, but his own timing requires divine purpose. And… if you are a son or daughter of God – then – you too require divine purpose for all your engagements.

⁷ The world cannot hate you; but me it hates, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

⁸ Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come.

⁹ When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.

Jesus was given to prayer. Given to the mind of the Spirit. Given to the heart and directives of His Father. What I love is that those who were close to Him couldn’t VETO his decision. Let every direction. Every choice. Every engagement – be divinely inspired. Don’t even trust your own heart (Jeremiah 17:9 – The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?) or sentiment or obligation or human reason and logic.

Here’s a word from the Father that you can take to the bank in Heaven.

Isaiah 55:8-9  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

{~}

{~}

July 7, 2026

Jesus experienced many supernatural miracles while he walked on the earth as very much God and very much man. A few situations come to mind – other than the many miracles he did was the ability to hide himself from those who sought to kill him.

“Then they took up stones to cast at Him; but Jesus hid Himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.” – John 8:59

Quite a feat within a packed temple and raucous crowd – to simply have the ability to pass – seemingly invisible and out of harms way. 

Do you remember what happened in that first part of John the 8th chapter? You will read that the very first verse is the most important precursor to the events of that day. It said that he went to the Mount of Olives. Prayer was the place where He received instruction and “saw his Father prepare him for his day the events that would once again – give proof of his deity.”

The first encounter was the teaching in the synagogue. And then came the ambush. The scribes and Pharisees brought the woman whom they claimed was caught in the very act of adultery. Notice two things here: the man who was also caught in the act was not taken, and many find it hard to believe that the woman was caught in the very act – when Jesus was teaching in the temple.

Were they not supposed to be “IN” the temple? Also… it’s not scripted, but I wonder which “mole” the Pharisees used and paid to go into the prostitute?

It was a setup. An ambush – not unlike the same tactics that the enemy uses on us each day… perhaps not in an adulterous situation – but in other situations.

Jesus was then asked by the Pharisees to  pronounce death. Jesus, remember created one of his most incredible writings as he scripted in sand. (Sand… just rocks that had been broken over the years.)

“So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”  – John 8:7

The stones dropped. And no sooner than the silence fell and the drama seemed “over” – the enemy doesn’t go down without a fight. Moments later Jesus was questioned and publicly interrogated as if the shots were coming from a machine gun.

Christ came to the end of that episode by revealing, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” The name God revealed for Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14 – “And God said unto Moses, “I Am That I Am.” And He said, “Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, ‘I Am hath sent me unto you.’”

And watch this…  the same stones that they had dropped… that had not grown cold from their hot and sweaty hands were once again picked up as they spared the sin but ached to kill the truth.

It’s just too easy to pick up stones for offenses around you. And if you get into that habit, you will find there are too many stones and so little time.

Bottom line… they had to drop the stones once more as they couldn’t find their target. He had faded away into his purpose – into a supernatural realm. 

It’s hard. No. It’s impossible to worship God with holy hands raised – while holding stones. If you have them in your hands today… feel the freedom as you hear them falling to the ground.

{~}

July 6, 2026

Traditionally we are now past the halfway point of summer. Soon we will be seeing the stores filled with new school supplies, warm coats and stadium blankets. But until that time, let’s live one day at a time – and especially in the “today.”

I was pondering some of the recent things I have been reading – and it amazed me that Moses, a man chosen by God to lead the children of Israel out of bondage, was not perfect and remained chained to his flesh until it eventually spelled his “time out” imposed by the Lord.

Numbers 20:12 “And the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron, ‘Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.’

And with that word, Moses was done. He had gone to the well one too many times… pun intended. In the new testament we know that Moses and Elijah met with Christ on the mount of transfiguration – representing the “law” and the “prophets.”

We have talked about God showing through a new leader – Joshua, that it would take a new kind of spirit to defeat the obstacles and spiritual powers in the promised land. It would take a spoken-word ministry. The walls of Jericho would not come down by beating them with sticks and stones. It would take God’s people speaking God’s word in God’s timing.

If Moses, indeed did represent the law, then this is showing a very powerful prophetic word in that time. The law could not bring them into the promised land. It was not strong enough. It was not perfect. It would take blood. It would take covenant. It would take nothing less than a living God.

This bears witness in Hebrews 7:15-19. “And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there arises another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifies, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

Now… an added thought. Did God banish Moses to hell for all eternity? Did God finally “have enough” of that Mosaic temper? Also – God teaches by consequence, He gathers by mercy and grace.

The very fact that Jesus was speaking with Moses and Elijah – they were not banished at that point long after their departure from the earth. They were, in fact – in the presence of both The Father and the Son. (The disciples saw Jesus, Moses and Elijah, but they “heard” the fourth person in that conclave. He spoke not only of His son, but gave a command to those three disciples… to “LISTEN.”) Jesus really was the son of God… He really did have a Heavenly Father in a place that human eyes could not see. He wasn’t crazy.

Kind of cool.  When faced with Jericho – God stepped in and said very clearly – “SPEAK” and when His son was about to reclaim humanity, he spoke again, very clearly – “LISTEN.”

And still today… Faith comes by hearing.

Listen. Then Speak. Then Watch as your sky of impossibility changes color.

{~}

July 5, 2026 (summer is traditionally now downhill…)

What Price Freedom
by Paul Harvey
The question often has been asked, “What happened to those men who signed the Declaration of Independence?” Paul Harvey, noted radio commentator and writer, answered the question in an article entitled, “What Price Freedom?” Here’s what he found:
“Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army. One of the signers had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six fought and died of wounds or the hardships of the Revolutionary War.
But what kind of men were they, these men who boldly wrote their names to the Declaration that lit the fires of liberty in souls of men throughout the world?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists, eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large
plantation owners, men of means, well-educated.
Their security, their incomes, and their worldly possessions made them substantially well off.
But they signed the Declaration of Independence even though they knew the penalty would be death on the gallows, if they were captured.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes…and their sacred honor. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy.
He sold his home and his properties to pay his debts and died in rags. Thomas McKean was so hounded by the enemy that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers or both looted the properties of Ellery Clymer, Hall, Walton, Gwinnett,
Heyward, Rutledge and Middleton. At the Battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr. noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. The owner quietly urged General George Washington to open fire, which was done. The home was
destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. His grave is unmarked and unknown.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died
within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their
thirteen children fled for their lives. His fields and his grist mill were laid waste. For more than a year he lived in the forests and caves, returning home after the war to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.
Morris and Livingston suffered similar fates. Such were the stories and sacrifices of the
American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. These were soft-spoken men of means, wealth and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more.
Standing tall, straight and unwavering, they pledged: ‘For the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.’”

{~}

July 4, 1776 – July 4, 2026

Dare To Disagree With Your Enemy

I want to talk a bit about our authority as believers.  Most times in our life, we do not use the authority we’ve been given.  We forget that we’re the head and not the tail.

 In Luke 10:19 Jesus tells us that we have power.  Power over ALL power of the enemy.   So… why do we not use that authority that we’ve been given?

 Luk 10:17  And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

Luk 10:18  And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

Luk 10:19  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Luk 10:20  Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

 I see something kind of interesting in Mark 3.  If Satan is divided against himself, he can not stand.  If Satan is divided within your mind which is where most of us give him access… he can not stand – and I love the ending words of Mark 3:26.  “… he can not stand, but has an end.”

 If you are being pursued and overtaken by the enemy,  you need to bring something inside that he can’t agree with.  If Satan can not agree with you – it will cause a division and a battle.   According to our authority – we have power over all his power.

 Satan can not agree with God’s word.  He may be able to agree with man made doctrine,  but he can NOT agree with God’s word.  We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the WORD of our testimony… or HIS word working in us.

 Another thing the enemy can’t line up with is true worship – when it’s done in spirit and in truth.  When we find ourselves doing more than just singing songs.  Satan loves a sing-along, but He can’t abide true worship.  He does not want to remain in a place where true worship is taking place.  Our authority is one thing,  another thing is to actually exercise it.

 Five steps in exercising our authority:

 First and foremost – your life must be right.  You must not only know you a child of the King, but you have to BE royalty to have the authority in that kingdom.  To be able to exercise your authority – you must be within your jurisdiction.  You can’t live in and for the world and in the same breath try to use your spiritual authority.

You can’t be a “double agent” in the things of God.

Secondly –  You must be taking time for true worship.  John 4:24 tells us that the “true” worshippers must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Have you entered His gates with thanksgiving in your heart and have you entered His courts with praise?

Third – You need to be able to find a place in prayer where He will give you direction as to taking your authority,  the timing of the commands and what weapon will be used in eradicating the vermin.  Jesus said that He could do nothing except what He’s SEEN the Father do.   Jesus experienced the healings, but He saw those things FIRST in the spiritual realm… on His knees. 

Fourth – Go and DO what God has directed you to do.  Follow His instructions to the LETTER.  You must obey His commands and His timing for your authority to become power.  Some get to this step and then step back due to fear or circumstance.  Be bold and be strong – and remember that the perfect love of God will cast out all fear.

Fifth – Your motivation is VERY important.  Jesus reminded the 70 not to rejoice in the fact that they had power over the demonic realm – but to rejoice in that they were children of the King and that their names were written in Heaven. (Luke 10:20)

Would you be willing to have a prayer ministry if you never got the credit for praying for the one who got the miracle?   It deals here with your humility – and exercising your authority not  to receive the fame and praise of man – but because you love your Father and lived for His praise.

Joh 12:43  For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

 

{~}

July 3, 2026

The First Church of the Lost Power

 The Stripes Did Not Lose Their Power in 58 AD, neither did the blood lose it’s power!

As I am up in what one would call, the “wee” hours of the 9^th of April, I came upon a passage of scripture that I had not only read, but preached on several times. Interesting thing about scripture… it can mean something completely different based upon the circumstance in your life, the maturity you’ve grown into, or the intent to which God sends it.

The Holy Spirit spoke to me one day when I was very young and thought I knew everything. He told me that if I read just one scripture each day for the rest of my life, I would never come to the height or breadth or width or full understanding of that verse. The word is alive. It, for a lack of a better term, evolves though it stays the same. It is a growing, living organism. That word “became flesh” and dwelt among us.

You can preach the same verse multiple times and it can take on a different flavor each time. Psa 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

So… on this day, here in 2014 it is not surprising that I see something new and exciting in an old passage of scripture.

Luk 5:17 And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Luk 5:18 And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. Luk 5:19 And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. Luk 5:20 And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

Equally interesting is verse 21 that scripted the reaction of the scribes and Pharisees. A paralytic man is healed in their presence and they “began to reason”. And from their reasoning, they formed questions concerning what Christ had spoken… totally blowing off the fact that a paralytic man had just been healed and was now walking among them.

A miracle was walking among them. And they missed it.

You see, people today are doing the same thing. His power is present to heal – and that has never been prophesied or scripted that it would end. In fact, Jesus said that “IF you believe, these signs shall follow” (Mar 16:17-18 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.)

If there are “not” signs following you today, you better check your “believer’s status”. There are healings going on all over this world, and yet a man of man’s degrees writes a book of “reason” and “logic” and we turn our eyes from what we see to what we hear. Pompous men who speak against the gifts and the Holy Ghost are, in my opinion, walking on very dangerous ground.

You see, men can create a climate that is clinical and cold and with their unbelief they can be a leavening to an entire culture-lump. The very elect could be deceived. And because they have said… “we will not allow the moving of any Holy Ghost here” – God naturally proves them wrong and heals someone else… but not them. Their anger is stoked now with bitterness because they are proven wrong and healing has never come to them, so the “reasoning” is that God does not heal. Of course not… you’ve created a no-God zone, and the sad part is – you’re taking bread out of the children’s mouths.   It was Jesus who told us that healing was the children’s bread. (Matt 15)

If any of these men ever had a cold… then let’s call it like it is. They were sick. After 10 days the cold “runs it’s course” and that man is “all better”. Let’s again… call it like it is. That man was healed from his sickness. If Jesus doesn’t heal today, they who healed that man from his cold?   Are you going to attribute that gift to Satan or medicine or man in general or nature? Let me just say that I won’t stand too close to you in the next lightning storm.

The blood will never lose it’s power. It didn’t lose it’s power in 33 AD… or 58 AD or 2014 AD. That blood STILL has the power to save, deliver, heal and set free. How dare they come against the blood.

But… I have to remember that it’s not my job to defend God… but it is my responsibility to love Him. He will more than take care of those who have become enemies of the cross… having a FORM OF GODLINESS… but DENYING THE POWER.

Now we all know that faith comes by “hearing” – but if what we are “hearing” comes from the mouth of men instead of the mouth of God, it can be tainted and skewed. Faith COMES by hearing – but that faith without works (action) is dead. It’s paralyzed just like the man being lowered into the place where Jesus was.

These were not men who just “spoke” the word of God… they were men who acted upon it. And when our faith becomes active… something very wonderful happens.

It is something that is not just heard… but it is “seen”. Look at Luke 5:20 and notice the power when Jesus “SEES” our faith. Our faith comes by US hearing… but the faith takes on a new realm of power when HE sees it living. When HIS word LIVES – that which is dead and decaying… comes alive.

What a great illustrated sermon on faith using a man who, for all intents and purposes was watching his flesh die right before his eyes. What does Jesus Christ, the resurrected, the ascended, the Lord of Lords see in us? (Will the son of man find faith on or in the earth when He comes to your circumstance and situation?) (Luke 18:8)

Will He speak a word of healing and forgiveness when He sees your walk in faith? The act itself didn’t generate healing.   He was a paralytic when they carried him to the temple, he was a paralytic when they began removing the roof, he was a paralytic when he was being lowered into the temple.   It was at the WORD of Christ that this man was healed… AFTER Jesus “saw” faith in action.

Do your actions catch the eye of the Savior? Do your actions prompt Him to comment? If they do… faith came by your hearing, faith moved by your obedience, faith was noticed by His seeing and miracles came by HIS speaking.   We can’t move mountains when we randomly speak whatever comes into our heads. We can’t quote scripture like we are spraying the room with machine gun fire. It is ONLY when we are speaking by the Holy Ghost who has not only seen our faith, but speaks to the Father on our behalf. The circuit is thus completed and the power miraculously brings light.

If we were to go back to be able to see the background of that initial passage, we may see a great love between friends. We may see the tears on the invalid’s behalf. We may see the prayer that went forth and the direction that God sent them.

God told them to go to the show without tickets. They walked into the realm of the impossible because they believed. They obeyed. They “KNEW” that it would be a done deal…. IF they could only take what they heard and bring it into the sightline of Jesus Christ. Then there’s a chance. A good chance. A great chance. LET HIM WATCH YOU WALK INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE. He will speak to the thing you have done.

{~}

July 2, 2026

Places where even Jesus wouldn’t go…

“After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.”   – John 7:1

{~}

July 1, 2026

The Battle For Holiness

The words I am hearing today are: “whirlwind” or “tornado”  – when a warm front meets a cold heart – and God just simply has His way. I ache for this.

We are getting to the point where we are learning to use the weapons of the Lord – and one of them is the dance.  The enemy hates it.  He’ll let you or, I should say… will encourage you to dance in the world at social gatherings – and then when we get to church,  the enemy wants you to feel shame in the dance before the Lord.

But in  Psalm 149:3, it says –   “Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the tumbrel and harp.”    LET THEM.  To the powers and naysayers of darkness – it’s time that we bust through the shame – eliminate the embarrassment and proclaim… LET THEM PRAISE HIS NAME IN THE DANCE!!!!

The Dance is a weapon of God’s vengeance – and it will put the enemy in chains and fetters of iron!!  We sing… “As the Spirit of the Lord moves in my heart, I’ll dance as David danced”  – and it’s so funny because we sing it in churches where there are no feet moving.  Dance is defined as something where movement of the body is performed.  To move your feet.  How many have seen dancers dance without moving their feet???  I love the song that says that the dancers will dance upon injustice.  The injustice is the enemy bringing shame to those who praise in the dance!

When we do… (move our feet) – it is fulfilling prophecy in Genesis that we will “bruise Satan’s head.”   Oh Glory to God!!! 

Now… early this morning as I am watching and meditating on the Lord,  I hear a clarion call from the throne of grace that there is a battle raging in the heavenlies.  It is a battle for holiness.  The enemy doesn’t care if the church is righteous – he just doesn’t want it holy.  Righteousness and Holiness are two very different things.

There is a difference between righteousness and holiness.  As we study the church at Ephesus, we find a church that is staunchly practicing righteousness and performing righteous acts… but there is no holiness there.  And without holiness they are in danger of losing their day.  Their day to eat from the tree of life.

In some churches,  holiness is defined as how one dresses or appears on the outward  (categorized by the eyes of man) – but God is looking for holiness – and that is only found in the heart.  “…for the LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” I Samuel 16:7

There was a King named Amaziah who ruled and reigned in Israel for 29 years,  and his appearance was very good.  (Kind of like a portion of his name… he was amazing.) His acts were in the right place.  He did and said all the right things… being a righteous king…  BUT – He lacked holiness which is of the heart.

2 Chronicles 25:2  And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.

David referred to this area of a man’s maturity as “presumptuous sins” –  hidden in the heart – and far from the eye of man.   Sins that hide there can be jealousy or bitterness or lust or gossip or perversion or anger…  the hits just keep on comin’!

When God has you doing all the right things…  that is a very good place to be – but not the place of a finished work.  He will then go forth and deal with the hidden sin and the perverse thoughts and the illegal motives – the place of holiness.  If you are the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 3:16) then the holy of holies… or “the place where holiness dwells” is deep within your heart. It demands excellence.

And thus… the battle for your holiness.  Definition of a “shame” is doing everything the right way but with an errant and hollow heart. Or simply – wrong motives.

Now… this is an area that man can not see or deal with.  We can fool people with our actions,  but our intents and motives and thoughts of the heart are only seen of the Lord.  And trust me… He does see them.  Whether you want to live in the denial or not… He does see them. 

Ask the Holy Ghost to come and reason with you concerning holiness. 

Leviticus 20:7  Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. 

1Peter 1:16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

To accomplish and fulfill those scriptures,  your prayer must be as David’s prayer:  Psalm 19:13-14  Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

On some days I fall short. It’s like my mouth is not saved because I parrot the words that the enemy wants me to speak. I’ve lost skirmishes in the mind and then surrendered in the battle. Lord, save my tongue, let my mind not consider the words of the enemy and restore to me an innocence I once knew.

A watchman will warn you ahead of time… and the word that I hear so loud and so clear AGAIN is that there is a battle in the heavenlies for your holiness.   Be alert and vigilant…  the battle lines are forming and the enemy has long ago begun to engage in battle. When you awake in the morning – tell yourself… there will be ambushments set for you.

Ephesus had no light on it’s wick – and there was a real threat of losing their salvation.  Blood needs to cover both your deeds and the thoughts of your heart.  You may be angry and you may bite your tongue and feel proud of yourself that you didn’t say  or do the wrong thing… but the very fact that it existed in your heart is a red flag that a presumptuous sin is lurking…  and that a sin running rampant has not been covered with blood… yet.

Time to trim the wick and light the flame. It’s dark. And like going to the bathroom in the dark – sending your toes out ahead as scouts to find the hidden furniture – you are sacrificing some important members when you could just flip on a light switch.

{~}

June 30 – your last Tuesday in June. The only time you will see 6/30/2026 ever.

A good thing for today… spend 52 uninterrupted moments in prayer and worship. Let HIM speak to you heart in the silence:

 

{~}

June 29, 2026

 From Image to Thought to Action

Another cool morning to wake up and smell the herbs in the garden. 

And again… this IS the day that the Lord has made and not one of us can dispute that word.   We do find ourselves disputing, however,  the back half of that verse that says… Psa 118:24  This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Now… it doesn’t say we will be glad “for” it….  But “in” it.   And while we are going though it,  we WILL rejoice.   Oh boy… that is easier said than done.   What we need to realize is that God has a reason behind everything we go through.   He has a purpose behind every adversity and every comfort.   Seeing through a dark glass makes it hard since we only see a portion of the purpose. (I Corinthians 13:12)

So then – the sixty-four million dollar question for your faith today?   Can you rejoice and be glad “in” it.   Some of us are “in it” up to our ears.

I think that one major opposing factor to our praise is that we tend to want to withhold it until we can understand a bigger picture or until the sun actually comes out from behind the cloud.  We want to be able to lean upon our understanding of the situation before we commit our praise.  We are human beings that are constantly having our security threatened.

The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10) and he is skilled in the art of warfare.  There is a supply line within man.  From the gates that enter the human body,  supplies are delivered to the heart where the manufacturing goes forth. 

From images we see, hear, smell, taste, touch and sense,  there is a mysterious metamorphosis of those images processed into “thoughts”.   Those “thoughts” enter into the mind of man.   At that point,  the supply line goes to the heart.   This supply line is very important for what we will manufacture and what we will build in our lives.

In times of war,  one of the main threats is the threat of being cut off from supplies.  In the art of war it is said:  “Like the major arteries in the body, the line of supply is the lifeline of a modern army. If an artery is blocked, cut, or damaged, the body dies. If a line of supply is blocked, cut, damaged, or tainted, the army can no longer function. Soldiers and animals starve or die from limited or tainted supply; their weapons are useless for lack of ammunition, and even the clothes and shoes they wear fall apart.”

Who controls your supply line is the one who controls the path to the healthy heart. If it is the enemy – he can block all blessing, bringing fear, confusion and hopelessness. But if the Holy Spirit controls the supplies coming to the heart, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17)

You fight with an unfair advantage… the advantage of God’s power.

This is why the Apostle Paul said, the battlefield is in the mind. That’s where your enemies find a portal. “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works…” Col. 1:21

How do we fight this? One of the keys is found as Paul is writing to the Philippians 4:6-7 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

So… remember – you can’t outwill the devil. You can’t do this by yourself. You MUST ask for help in that all important battle. There is a rumor going around pulpits and pews as an errant preachers proclaim, “GOD helps those who help themselves.” 

It is not, however found in the Bible. It was published in Poor Richard’s Almanack in 1757 by Ben Franklin, who no doubt must have studied Greek Mythology. HEAVY on the word Myth-ology. 

The concept originated in the 6th century BC in an ancient tale. In the story “Hercules and the Waggoner,” a wagon gets stuck in the mud. When the driver cries to Hercules for assistance, the god replies, “Get up and put your shoulder to the wheel. The gods help them that help themselves.”

That wasn’t our God, by the way. This is our God:

“And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord‘s, and he will give the enemy into our hands.”  I Samuel 17:47

Cast all your big things upon him?  No. Cast some of the cares that you can’t take care o yourself upon him? No.

HE said through Peter in I Peter 5:7: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Lord… I need you in every situation.

{~}

June 26, 2026

When the rock won’t budge

Whoso keeps the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment. Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him. – Ecclesiastes 8:5-6

We are people who don’t like being in a rut, but we are also stressed when change needs to occur. When God begins to effect a change, the wisdom is not conventional. It does not always follow logical paths. At times, the more impossible the journey seems and the more ridiculous the directive from God, the greater the miracle occurs. Such as The Red Sea, Being thrown in a pit by your family (today we call it being thrown under the bus) and finding the DNA of a prostitute in Christ’s lineage.

Take another look at that first scripture and notice two words written by the wisest man who ever lived. When your purpose is directed by God, it will involve the perfect timing of God and according to the Hebrew word “shaphat” for the word judgment, it means “the right (or righteous) way to do something. In other words, “the fitting manner and timing to resolve a matter.”

Notice, it doesn’t say the logical way to resolve a matter. “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.” 

When God directs or commands, the instructions don’t always make sense. As we continue from our teaching from June 21, 2026 on our page “fresh blogging 2026.”

When God told Moses to “speak” to a rock that it would bring forth water, he knew that the icy nature of the children of Israel toward him made him feel as though he was on thin ice. Of course he would instead have a better idea and use a rock to crack the rock (two times) so that the water could come forth.

Many times we don’t want to look stupid in front of our friends, family and certainly not our enemies. We let our fear dictate or alter the path that God gave us to walk. Moses had that weakness in his life, sensitive to criticism and giving in to the spirit of fear.

God finally had enough and forbid him from going into the promised land. The children of Israel were about to face an impenetrable obstacle. One that couldn’t be knocked down by sticks or rods. God wanted a leader who would introduce them to a spoken word ministry. 

You see… the nation was about to go against another rock that stood in the way of God’s promised land. A nation that carried the ancestry of Jesus. A place that would eventually be the place where the blood was shed for all of mankind. So, yeah… it was that important to follow directions.

There was no man who could himself or his friends have enough “sticks” to beat against walls to bring them down. They would come down as God said in Joshua 6:5 “…all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat.”

And because they were complainers, the new leader who wasn’t afraid of the people nor the obstacle since he had been there exactly 40 years to the day when the walls would come down, he instructed the people on the “unusual path” to walk it in silence.

How many times have you been led to do something – and for whatever reason, you went rogue and did things your own way. It could have been from fear or the talk of people or the lack of logic in your own mind.

So faith needed to come alive. Faith that comes by “hearing” the voice of God and obeying no matter how ridiculous it seemed. And… don’t listen to the voices around you – so Joshua said… Don’t talk… just walk. Don’t question… just praise. Don’t look at the Jericho walls, look at the Heavenly Father.

But. After the first day of walking around the walls, in battle array, the priests in their heavy, holy garments – some bearing the ark of the covenant, others bearing trumpets – nothing was changing.  

Not one brick cracked. Not one Canaanite soldier on the wall was scared or intimidated and undoubtedly they threw down some pretty nasty barbs and comments at the procession. They were most likely laughing at the Israelites. 

They got done with the 3.1 mile trek that most likely took a long time given the weight of the ark and the fact that they couldn’t run, but had to “walk.” It was their first day, so perhaps they had a little adrenaline, a little excitement at what was going to happen, perhaps they had a story to tell their wives and children when they got back to the camp, but… nothing.

And the second day they compassed the city once, and returned into the camp: so they did six days.  – Joshua 6:14

I believe that each day you obey without “evidence” – time has a way of making the purpose seem like a waste of time. Lining up the seventh day, Joshua says we’re going to change it up. Finally something new. Perhaps we can hit a wall with our sticks or trumpets or find an opening in the walls that we didn’t see before.

Joshua says, “Today. We are going to march around the wall seven times!”

What? How much more ridiculous can it get? How much worse can it get?

Now, we know the ending. The walls fell with praise music and shouted words of God’s power. But – in those six first days and the last six laps – NOTHING new under the sun.

Have you been called to a purpose that seems illogical and without wisdom? Walls of circumstance that mock you with an unwavering strength? Have you quit too soon. Were you influenced by the enemies in your mind or the talk of those pharisaical spirits surrounding you, questioning you, ordering you to quit?

You may have cheated yourself out of trip to your promised land. You may have given up on your miracle that would have changed your life. Perhaps now you are getting closer to accomplishing your purpose – but the weight of the promise not coming soon enough has you considering an exit.

Timing. Judgment. Purpose. Could He have created the world in 1 day? Of course He could have. He’s God. But He taught us process because He is a God of process. 

Your words will either be used to work against your purpose or to propel you closer to it.

{~}

June 24, 2026

“And it came.  To pass.”

If you’re walking through a season that feels heavy—whether it’s loneliness, grief, fear, disappointment, or just a deep sense of weariness—I want you to hear this and hold onto it:
This will not last forever.
What you’re feeling right now is real. The hurt is real. The tears are real. And God is not asking you to pretend otherwise. He sees it. He understands it. He cares more than you know.
But even in the middle of all this, He gently reminds us that this moment is not the end of your story.
In the New Testament book of James, we’re told to count it all joy when we face trials—not because the pain is good, but because God is doing something through it. Even when life feels like it’s falling apart, there is a purpose unfolding that we may not yet be able to see.
God never promised a life without storms. But He did promise that we would never have to walk through them alone.
Sometimes it feels like you’re standing in the fire, wondering why things have gotten so hard. But just like a blacksmith uses fire to strengthen steel—not destroy it—God can use these difficult seasons to shape and refine us. The fire is not forever; it’s part of the process. And as hard as it is to believe right now, what you’re going through today may be preparing you for something greater ahead.
When those quiet thoughts creep in—telling you that nothing will change, that the pain will never lift, that this is how it will always be—please remember, those are not God’s promises.
God says He will never leave you. He says, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”
He reminds us that even in the hardest things, He is working for good. It’s so easy to mistake a difficult chapter for the whole story.
Joseph had years of betrayal and prison before his purpose was revealed. Job lost nearly everything before restoration came. David hid in caves before he became king. Even Jesus endured the cross before the resurrection.
Friday looked like the end.
But Sunday changed everything.
That’s how God works.
Your pain is a chapter—not the conclusion. Scripture tells us that weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning. And even when the night feels long and endless, morning always comes. It’s part of how God designed this world.
There may be days right now when you don’t see what God is doing. Maybe you don’t feel His presence the way you used to. Maybe all you can see are the problems right in front of you.
But often, God is doing His deepest work in places we cannot yet see.
Like a seed buried in the ground—it looks lifeless on the surface, but beneath it, something is quietly growing.
The same is true for you.
You don’t have to figure out the next year, or even the next month. Just focus on today. Ask yourself, “What’s one small step I can take today?”
Sometimes faith doesn’t look like big, dramatic victories. Sometimes it’s simply getting out of bed.
Saying a quiet prayer.
Taking a walk.
Reading a few verses.
Reaching out to someone.
Choosing, even just for today, to hold onto hope.
Those small steps matter more than you think.
We’re reminded not to grow weary in doing good because, in time—God’s time—there will be a harvest. Growth doesn’t happen overnight. There’s waiting. There’s uncertainty. There are days when it feels like nothing is changing.
But beneath the surface, something is happening.
And if your heart feels broken right now, hold onto this: God is close to the brokenhearted. Closer than you realize. Sometimes He is nearest when He feels the farthest away.
So if today is hard, just hold on.
If you’re hurting, hold on.
If you’re discouraged, hold on.
If you feel alone, hold on.
This storm will not last forever.
The pain is temporary.
God’s love is not.
The darkness is real—but it will not overcome the light.
Just keep going, one step at a time. Keep praying, even if the words feel small. Keep believing, even when it’s hard. One day, you’ll look back and see that the season that almost broke you was the very one that shaped you.
And you’ll realize something powerful:
God never left you.
He was carrying you all along.
This shall pass.

{~}

Yesterday was Father’s Day…. First and foremost… Happy Father’s Day to my precious Heavenly Father.

To my earthly father – and unto the Lord… honoring my mother and father.

Happy Father’s Day 2026

To my father – a tribute:

Thank you dad for all you gave me and taught me and meant to me. 

From teaching me to tie my shoes to tying my tie. Being my chauffer before I could drive – and then teaching me to drive. You threw me my first baseball… you put a “first worm” on my first fishing pole… You got me addicted to Popsicles very early in life and drove us endless miles through the night on summer vacations or to summer camps. You were there when I was “tapped out” into the Order of the Arrow and before that we were “Walking Deer” and “Running Deer” in Indian Guides. You were there when I hit my first points in basketball, caught my first pass in football and aced an opponent in tennis. You were at every band concert, you sang to me each night before I went to bed and sang with me in front of the congregation when I pastored my first church. We both played the baritone and then got a bigger car so that you could lug my tuba around to camps and competitions. You worked so hard for so many years to make sure we had everything we needed and a lot of things we wanted…

All my love… until we meet again.

{~}

June 21, 2026 

A beautiful and warm sunny Saturday in North Carolina. 

Today I am aware of those who are called to do something special… important… perhaps extraordinary. Perhaps life changing. There are some who just starting out in a called journey. And after the first day – you have learned many things about what you are set out to accomplish.

In the book of Joshua it was an entrance into the promise land and the great obstacle that stood in the way was the city of Jericho. An old established city with a great and army that fortified seemingly impenetrable walls. A city four-square… it was approximately 3.1 miles to go completely around the city. Outer walls: Built on a sloped earthen embankment, this defensive mudbrick wall was about 6 feet thick and stood 20 to 26 feet high, resting on a stone retaining wall that was 12 to 15 feet high. The inner walls: At the crest of the embankment, an even more substantial inner mudbrick wall was built, measuring approximately 12 feet thick and also 20 to 26 feet high.

Quite impossible? But with God – all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)

I want to start with just a simple verse in Joshua 6:14 It was a time of “covenant” or “promise.” It was given of God. It was promised even before God laid out the instructions for conquer. (Joshua 6:2)

Before I give you this word and the practical application of how YOU can defeat an enemy and an obstacle in your way, in the next few days, I want to preface it with a bit of background information. 

The promised land was promised while the children of Israel were still in Egypt. The leader was a murderer. A man who was called a “bloody husband” by his wife. A man born into royalty and entitlement. He became a wanderer and nomad before God came and spoke to him in a burning bush. 

Moses.

He led the children of Israel out of Egypt through many miracles including a Red Sea that took down the leader and army of a powerful nation. He saw where God had passed. He heard the audible voice of God. In Exodus 33:11 it says that God spoke to Moses face to face as a man would speak to his friend.

Yet, for all of this – Moses was not allowed to lead the children of Israel into the promised land because of one “seemingly little” indiscretion.  Numbers 20 gives you the whole story, but the scripture that pronounces sentence on Moses is found in Numbers 20:12 – “And the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.”

Simply stated, God told Moses to “SPEAK” to the rock so that the water would come forth to a thirsty people.

Instead of “speaking” to the rock, Moses, a man at times of impetuous temper took his rod and smote the rock twice. And the water came, but it was not the way God wanted it. He wanted to show them another miracle and Moses prevented that from happening.

You see… the nation was about to go against another rock that stood in the way of God’s promised land. A nation that carried the ancestry of Jesus. A place that would eventually be the place where the blood was shed for all of mankind. So, yeah… it was that important to follow directions.

There was no man who could himself or his friends have enough “sticks” to beat against walls to bring them down. They would come down as God said in Joshua 6:5 “…all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat.”

From the obtaining of the promise – it wasn’t to be by might, or by power – but by his spirit. (Zechariah 4:6) The enemy could not be defeated by the power or the might or the anger of man. It was to be a spoken word ministry. By words God created everything. 

He wanted his leaders to lead with the word of God. Do what God says. Speak what He says. It was to be a reminder and a new beginning – coming into a land that was once created by a word. Now again – entered into by a shout; the voice of man as the vocal instrument of God. A spoken word ministry. A spoken word salvation. A spoken word warfare.

Now we can go back into the actual plan and the journey and the first steps into the place of promise. Toward the delivering of the child whose womb would carry the seed of salvation. The birth of Jesus. The death of Jesus. And once again – entering a new promise delivered through a Word.

John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

John 1:14 “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. – John 14:2

{~}

June 20, 2026

Yesterday we spoke about fiery darts. We continue:

In ancient warfare, fiery darts (flaming arrows or javelins filled with combustible materials) accomplished four main things in battle:

• Igniting structures: They were primarily used during sieges to set fire to enemy wooden structures, siege engines, and tents.

• Forcing shield drops: By landing on soldiers’ shields, the flames forced troops to either abandon their defenses to put out the fire or risk being burned, creating vital openings.

• Causing panic: The sudden bursts of fire and smoke created psychological terror and disarray among enemy ranks.

• Deep piercing damage: Specialized darts (like hollow reeds filled with flammable liquids) were designed to shatter upon impact, splashing burning material onto a soldier’s armor.

Because these incendiary weapons were so common, armies adapted their armor. For example, Roman soldiers would soak their large wooden shields (scuta) in water before battle so that when a fiery dart made impact, the flames would immediately be extinguished.

Today, the phrase is most famously used as a metaphor originating from the biblical Armor of God passage in Ephesians 6:16. To learn more about how to defend against these metaphorical attacks, you can do some study with the help of the Holy Spirit – to see the spiritual applications.

 

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” – Ephesians 6:16 (Multiply this by a legion of demonic spirits – all wielding the fire and the power to steal, kill and destroy as described in John 10:10)

{~}

June 19, 2026

There are two scriptures that you should pack for your daily journey. Which, no doubt will contain some battles if you are an intimidating Christian to the enemy. Hide them in your heart.

When?

Before the first step into the path. Before the first fiery dart is tossed your way. Before the snake comes out of the woodpile. Be prepared with ammunition. A word from God was enough to create a world and a universe. In the next few weeks we are going to talk about how important a spoken word can be. To bless. To worship. To encourage. To every moment of warfare.

And… it’s also a great time to begin to memorize and store up. 

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” – Luke 10:19

“They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” – Mark 16:18

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” – Ephesians 6:16

Jesus talks about power. Giving it to YOU. Power that is greater than all the power of the enemy. NOTHING shall hurt you.  You can “take up” serpents. In the Greek translation and then back to Hebrew, it means “to remove.” (Sorry to those who parade around holding snakes in church services…. I might advice a little more study of what the Word of God really says.)

Notice Paul doesn’t say “take up” the shield of faith. He says “taking the” Power to extinguish the enemy’s fiery darts. An arrow centers on a certain point. Fire has the power to spread beyond the arrow’s destination.

Tomorrow we will look at fiery darts. What they are. How and why they are used and more importantly – how to extinguish or “to quench” them. Think about it before we get there tomorrow morning.

{~}

June 18, 2026

Wearing the colors

When you are a part of the army of God, you wear the colors. The color of integrity, honesty, faith, boldness, love, joy, peace, patience… and so many more in the coat of many colors. 

The spiritual armor of course going into battle array is found in Ephesians 6:11-18 and is described by the Apostle Paul as: ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; ¹⁵ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: ¹⁸ Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

There are many articles of clothing that a Christian will wear and are proud to display the colors and the fact that they are soldiers in the army of God.

The same demonic spirits, however, that were found in the courts of the high priest the night that Jesus was taken are still hard at work in the world today. They are brutal and fight to make you embarrassed. They make you hide your colors. They make you betray your calling. They make you afraid. Remember Peter. Incognito in the courts of religion. And they follow you into the world. And suddenly you go incognito in the courts of your past, your pagan friends and family. 

Someone comes out of the woodwork when you have made a new commitment to Christ and that someone makes you want to change your garments. So many are afraid of a new Christianity that calls for them to burn bridges. Change your language. Change your colors.

All too soon, you bow to a tainted integrity, you lose your faith and you lose your voice and your love all the beautiful things that God has clothed you in. A man who has not bought into the whole “Christian walk” yet – and this may be a new Christian or an old veteran, may discreetly take off his wedding ring. It is a color of commitment. A color of the power of agreement. Certainly these circumstances come to change your colors… but look deeper – they come to eliminate your power.

The power of the agreement in marriage comes from a man and wife unafraid to love each other openly and also when nobody else can see. (Matthew 18:19) The night of the betrayal Peter’s power was stripped by guilt and embarrassment and fear. 

What comes out of your mouth about your spouse to a flirting friend or ex-girlfriend who has tried to come back into your life? Or to a family member who says, “Oh, so you’re one of those Holy Rollers now?” Or even as innocent as a text from a stranger that comes with praise and adoration for you?

Be careful, you may effectively hide your colors from the world, but you cannot hide them from God. You may think that it doesn’t make a difference if nobody sees, but you may be losing that power of covenant – and in fact, losing the relationship you have gone to extensive means to hide.

JD Vance, the Vice-president of the United States has been thrust into the public eye. He is in a fight for a political future. Some would tell him to keep his Christian colors hidden, but instead, he comes out to the world with a book called, “Communion. Finding my way back to faith.

As a Marine he was not ashamed to walk in the colors of the corps. As a husband he is not ashamed to walk in the colors of husband and father. As a Christian he is not afraid to tell the world of his love for Jesus Christ.

It doesn’t diminish his chances for advancement or success – but his colors close to his heart give him greater power. It’s not just wearing the colors when he is surrounded by Christians, but recently he has made his proclamation of faith in the company of some of the most vile people who call themselves Americans. 

Over the back fences and in back alleys where you meet your chance to speak against Christ, your wife, your family and your own dignity. Speak boldly. Speak powerfully. Wear your colors proudly.

If you do… your power will prevail.

{~}

June 17, 2026

The Present… It’s a Gift

I received this one morning while in prayer an old familiar pair of scriptures. Very dear to my heart, they have visited me many times in my life and like an old friend, they came to call upon me again today:

Mat 6:33-34 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

They apply today in the light of where the church is heading. They come as a breathing of God, gently as a reminder of what His purposes are. The bottom line is that we can’t get the cart ahead of the horse, and we can’t look for the events of tomorrow without giving Him our today. We can’t live in the promises of tomorrow when we haven’t lived in the reality of today.

2Co 6:2 (For he said, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Many have been talking of and looking forward to an actual event of revival as promised of the Lord, but it is senseless to live in tomorrow’s revival when we have not labored in prayer today.

There is an earthquake coming in the diversity of the church. I can feel the fault line shifting and moving from underneath our feet – and there is coming a great separation in the church. There will be those who will be moved by the shaking and will run and they will panic. The others will me moved by the shaking and will fall to their knees and they will be broken. It is the brokenness that will usher this great move… a move that will cause the earth that is called man to quake and to break and to change and to move.

Mat 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Hos 10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

God is again stressing here  this morning. Your week may be almost done. Have you instructed others to pray for you or have you taken the time to pray? Have you been found wanting or have you been found praying. Have you offered Him your complaining or have you offered Him your tears? Have you been found in the hardness of the earth or have you fallen on the stone in brokenness?   It’s time.

Not a long word today… but a sure word today. Today. It’s time. Today. It’s time. Seek ye first… today… the heart of your Father. He is speaking many things this week… have you taken the time to listen?

He that has an ear… hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.

Psalm 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

{~}

June 16, 2026

Worship, Warfare, Word

God is about to send a new revelation concerning worship in this country and He is about to reveal the profane in the tribe of Judah… on the platforms of praise that have been tainted by the entertainment of the world and those seeking their own fortune through the holiness of what Judah was ordained to be.  Judah will be given a new discernment for what is holy and what is tainted and profane.  And the choices made will be critical changes.

I believe that in the world that God created that was ions before Earth, there was a huge creation of angels.  As we find in scripture, there were 3 archangels.  Satan – the archangel of Worship,  Michael – the archangel of Warfare, and Gabriel, the archangel of the Word.

I believe that these three beings were important in that they were created in the likeness of the trinity.  Certainly not in the same parallel, but isn’t it funny that somewhere along the line, Satan missed the memo and thought himself on that same latitude. 

Isaiah 14:12  How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

Daniel 10:13  But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

Luke 1:19  And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

There was a three fold cord in heaven…Ecc 4:12  And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Ezra 46:2  And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate without, and shall stand by the post of the gate, and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then he shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut until the evening.

Worship opens a portal to the battlefield.   Warfare takes over so that the word can come forth and can be delivered from man to God. 

 It is process like everything else in scripture.

If the enemy can conquer or taint the worship,  then the warfare and the word beyond the portal are moot points. 

John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Revelation 3:7  And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things says he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that opens, and no man shut; and shut, and no man opens;

In the old testament, the Prophet Oded prophesies restoration.

The king took courage from the Word, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah  (purifying the worship) 2Ch 15:8  And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD.

The altar before the porch of the Lord was renewed.  This is of great significance.  If you go back to the fall of Satan himself,  it was because of his pride.  And when he left, I can imagine him flippantly asking God,  “Who are you going to get to worship you NOW?”

I believe that God paused only a moment and told the enemy… “If I desire,  I can have DUST worship me.”   As Satan walked away scoffing,  God went forth and created man from the DUST of the earth.   As this precious creation, we do in fact have the privilege to worship God.  And that is what it is – a privilege, not a duty or a law or a job.

And so men occupy that vacated office of an archangel.  And that is why the enemy fights worship so fervently.  He will do anything he can to taint it,  to make it a show, to use it to entertain or to build a platform upon which the singer can say, as Satan himself… “LOOK AT ME!” 

The very fact that the enemy hates it so much is not just because we have taken his place,  but we must realize that the place itself must be very powerful or the enemy would not bring such destruction against it.

2Chronicles 15:15-16  And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about. And also concerning Maachah (depression) the mother of Asa the king, he removed her from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove: and Asa cut down her idol, and stamped it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron.

2Chronicles 16:1  In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.

Jeremiah 7:2  Stand in the gate of the LORD’S house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD.

The enemy wants his position back.  His misses his office.  He wants you to worship him as he worships himself.  His worship is deluded. 

Matthew 4:9  And he said unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.  (open a portal to let the armies of Hell bring their word)

It can give you tingles and tears and fire and explosions, but in true worship – it is not the worship on the center stage, that is seen, but rather, the one who is being worshipped.

The music of the world has tremendous power to make you sentimental and emotional but only true worship can get take you safely home.

{~}

June 15, 2026

Isn’t It About Time?

I can remember a night in prayer when God spoke something with sadness in His voice.  “I’ve taught my people to pray, but they won’t pray.”   From my perspective of a coach, when I’ve taught my team how to do something and they simply don’t do it – it not only infuriates me, but in their loss, I have sorrow because they didn’t do what I told them to do.

He’s given us teachers who taught us.  We have the teaching.  We have the tools.  But we don’t have the heart.  Oh God… create in us a clean heart and a right spirit. Touch our hearts and make us yearn and desire you above all things.

The following statement is from the Lord.  Your time belongs to Him.  When I heard this word this morning, I realized that the Christian that tore a garment back then (and today) was for the watching eyes of the people, but people that let their own heart break is something only He can see.  God looks upon the heart today.  It’s not just talking the talk. It’s walking the walk… and He’s waiting on you.

Joel 2:12  Therefore also now, says the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

Joel 2:13  And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and reconsiders him of the evil.

Is this your week?   Have the weeks and months and years slipped away from you?  Isn’t it time to find that place of brokenness?  Is this your week…  is this your day?  Can you hear the Lord calling you to that secret place of thunder?  Will you ask Him for tears this week?  Will you let Him break your heart this week?  How about right now.  Ask Him to create a window… tell Him how much you desire Him.  Ask Him if you can come home right now to where He is.

Eph 5:16-17  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Mat 6:6  But thou, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which sees in secret shall reward you openly.

Haven’t been home in a while?  Isn’t it about time you turn your heart back to Him?  Put your hand on your computer screen right now and touch the words found here… and plead with Him to give you the time… to give you the place… but most of all to give you the heart to find your way home.

{~}

June 14, 2026

June 13, 2026

When God unleashed the devastating waters of the Great Flood to destroy a corrupted earth, He gave Noah highly specific architectural instructions to build the Ark. Genesis 6:14 commands: “Make yourself an ark of gopher wood… and cover it inside and out with pitch.”

To the modern reader, pitch is just waterproof tar. But the Holy Spirit hid a linguistic masterpiece in the text. The Hebrew word translated as “pitch” is Kopher. Everywhere else in the Old Testament, Kopher is translated as “Atonement,” “Ransom,” or “the price of a life.”

The Ark was the only safe haven from the terrifying wrath of God’s judgment. But the wood alone did not keep the deadly waters out; it was the Kopher (the Atonement) applied inside and out that sealed the vessel.

June 12, 2026

There is much to be said for perseverance.

Perseverance is the steadfast pursuit of a goal and the ability to maintain continued effort despite difficulties, delays, or setbacks. Often referred to as “grit,” it is the tenacity to keep trying until the end, even when a task is incredibly hard.

In my life I have had many fine ideas. I have had some great startups. Some great victories and some epic celebrations.

Unfortunately – like a starting pitcher in baseball who grew tired in the late innings, I haven’t been known as a legendary “finisher.” In education, in projects, in ministry and in relationships.

When God told Joshua and the children of Israel to march around the walls of Jericho for seven days; the first six days they marched around the city one time each day and were without seeing as much as a crack in the impenetrable walls.

On the seventh day they were to increase the aerobic activity to seven trips around the city followed by the blowing of trumpets and shouts of victory BEFORE the walls fell. And it’s when those “circumstances” yield silence and crickets that the enemy does his best work.

Now in Joshua 6:2-5 God gave a directive. Instructions. Ridiculous instructions if you are thinking with the logic and wisdom of man. It was here that God was going to introduce a spoken word ministry after great obedience and perseverance.

After God gives the directive, Joshua – knowing the people and what their reaction may be – said in verse 10: “And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout.”

There is something to be said for a leader that says, “When the enemy lies to your mind, don’t parrot his words, don’t voice your impossibilities, don’t tell everyone how ‘stupid’ or ‘fruitless’ or how it’s just a waste of time.”

To finish a task given by God – speak only what He says – WHEN He says. Anything spoken out of time or anything negative in a realm of the impossible can shut down the work.

“This is stupid. Maybe I didn’t hear from God. It’s been so long and nothing has changed. I may as well quit and do something else. This is brutal and I’m tired. Why would God do it this way? Maybe I need to go and formulate a new plan. We’re going to lose all of our helpers.”

Those may be a few words that I have said in the heat of battle – that caused me to lose the war. Perhaps you have a few of your own. What should be resonating in your mind right now, is… “nor make any noise with your voice.”

Quitting with your words will cause you to quit with your actions. It’s a day to speak a positive word of God. Hebrews 12:24 – paraphrased… “His blood speaks a better word.”

When God tells you to speak into the impossible, and you do it without hesitation or questioning, the word from the throne will always come back as… “all things are possible if you only believe.” (Mark 9:23)

{~}

June 11, 2026

When the former evangelist Jimmy Swaggart fell and then fell again, people who had him on a pedestal were shocked, wounded and many wanted to backslide. If people only knew the legions of the damned assigned to those preachers who had paid the price in prayer and who had been elevated to that kind of status, they would have had him on their prayer lists rather than their pedestals.

“Could you not stay awake and pray with me one hour?” – Matthew 26:40

I must admit, the good that Swaggart did was a bit tainted and many no longer listened to him. For a while I distanced myself, but after his return to the Father, I had to quit being the prodigal’s brother, repent, and come into the welcome home celebration.

With no judgment, no reminding him of his sins, no questions, no reservations and no guilty mud pies to his face or behind his back. I loved him unconditionally and was reminded by the Holy Spirit that “love covers a multitude of sins.” – I Peter 4:8.

And of course Peter would know just how good and how deep that verse ran through his veins – but coming to that point to receive that kind of love is not easy. Christ has a special ministry to those who are in His army. A ministry that self-righteous people or those who never walked in ministry will ever be able to feel.

It’s a fearful thing to stand again in front of an “old” crowd who have become skeptical because of sins committed while in ministry. When they do return – know that they face fears and scrutiny that most of us will never know.

How does the Father treat them? He comes running with arms wide open. He spreads the news to friends and family, He rejoices with a celebration and a time of communion, He puts the ring on his son’s finger to conduct family  business and/or ministry once again.

We would do well to read Luke 15:11-32 once again.

{~}

June 10, 2026

It Must Be Personal

I had a chance to do something that a lot of preachers my age never get to do today.  I got to watch a man preach who spoke the words that were instrumental in getting me to Christ.   It was after a Billy Graham crusade in 1971 that I gave my heart to God.  It was a crusade that was surrounded by protests from a self proclaimed “hippie” culture and it was a crusade where Rev. Graham preached amongst boos from those protesters.   When the protesters that night tried to take a small gathering to the stage,  a group of “Jesus people” linked arms and caused the protesters to disseminate as their chant of “JESUS” caused the protesters to be overwhelmed and very powerless.  They just sort of “disappeared” back into shadows. 

“At a Chicago Graham crusade in the summer of 1971, Jesus People surrounded disruptive demonstrators, praying for them, and chanting the name of Jesus to drown out their blasphemies. Later in the crusade a young suburban Chicago discipleship-group leader, Ron Rendelman, passed along the message: “Tell Billy Graham the Jesus People love him.”  – Christ Armstrong; Christianity Today

It was a violent time in America – under that 60’s banner of “peace” was tremendous hatred and violence in a generational war that this country had never seen before.  I believe many young men and women were called from the midst of that conflict to become soldiers of the cross.  I was one of them.

It was early June, 1971.  My family and I took a church bus from Milwaukee to Chicago to attend the crusade.  Looking back now,  it was a defining point in my life.  I had gone on from there to teach vacation Bible School to elementary kids during the summers and we went to Elmbrook Church where Stuart and Jill Briscoe were just taking over what would eventually be one of Milwaukee’s first mega-churches. 

June 9^th.  Four years later –  just four short years later… and to the day…  I was having surgery to repair a broken neck which had almost and certainly should have taken my life.  It is amazing what time can do – with it we can grow in Christ or we can travel away from Him – but He always has a way of bringing us back to the exact place in time where we first started. I ran, but He came looking for me.

I heard Billy Graham preach a fiery message that morning about the cross – and how it’s an offense to the sinner because it reminds them that they are going to hell unless they yield to it.  The cross – in it’s day was filthy and wretched and symbolized one of the world’s most vile ways to punish, torture and take a man’s life.  Isaiah said of Christ on the cross… there “is no beauty that we should desire him.”  (Is 53:2) Contrary to popular belief,  the crucifixion was so nauseating that only those who were hired or those who were vile could even bear to watch it. 

It was not a place for public spectacle – and in fact the place of crucifixion was taken away from any public contact.  To have a family member crucified was of the utmost disgrace and if you came to watch, you wouldn’t want to get close due to the smells of the bodily fluids and wastes and rotting; the screams of pain and terror and the cursing of the demonic spirits that had inhabited those soon to be lifeless bodies.

The Bible said that “There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;   It was not a place where anyone would desire to be – and yet,  Christ went there willingly… for us.  

As I spoke about in a men’s conference a few years back, about Nehushtan, I feel that you must link the old testament snake on the staff to the new testament’s account of the crucifixion.

A very important message on facing and admitting our sin. We must attend our own trial and we must bring all the evidence that will fully convict us.  We must prove our own guilt.  We must be found completely guilt with our confession.  We must receive a death sentence because that is the wage of sin.  Finally the crucifixion… we must watch Him pay our price.   This should not be easy for you.  It should be an offense.  It should turn your stomach to the point of sickness.   It is a cross experience that makes what He did,  very personal.  We can’t just continually come and bring a garbage bag full of sin in a darkened back room and tell Him to just take care of it.

Go to your concordances and realize that nobody worshipped at the cross except the Lord…. And He became the sacrifice…  and we didn’t offer Him… He gave Himself, because we were guilty and someone needed to pay a price.  We need to again go to the cross not to offer Him – but to surrender our sins and to let Him offer Himself for us.  And we need to witness it with a burning ache in the pit of our stomachs that will bring true repentance and Godly sorrow.  It should never be portrayed as an “easy” place to go.  It will cost you something.

I gave Him the rights to my life in 1971 – but didn’t live for Him.  I begged Him to spare my life in 1975 – but I didn’t understand the price.  I preached one of the longest recorded revivals in Wisconsin history, and in the midst, on June 9, 1985…  10 years after I should have died, I was preaching. Grace is an amazing thing.  

Still I went from that place not fully understanding what it would take for me to get through this life without the ravages of sin.  Here I am having gone up a mountain called “70” – and I pray each morning that I never get too far from remembering my best friend who died in my place.  

Today, June 9^th came to visit me again as it does every year – and it’s my day for “inventory” and “reflection” and what will happen on that day will, I believe, be reflective on how I’ve proceeded to change my daily “reflections” and my time with Him. It’s been 51 years of trial and error, failing and retaking tests and learning more than my minute mind can handle at times.

The message of the cross is harsh.  It’s uncomfortable.  And it’s like someone buckling you in because of the amusement you’ve chosen to ride.  The tighter the “snug” – the safer the journey. 

It’s not just repeating the sinner’s prayer. It’s going to the cross and waiting there until He is finished. It’s watching every drop of blood fall to the earth and realizing that I am the reason He is there. And you are the reason He was there. He purchased a ticket home for you and for me.

{~}

June 9, 2026

Psalm 41:11-12 By this I know that you favor me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me. And as for me, you uphold me in mine integrity, and set me before thy face for ever.

One thing that this scripture doesn’t promise.  That I will never have a battle.  It does say, however that IN THE BATTLE,  the enemy does NOT triumph over me… IF… IF… my life is in favor with the Lord…  and IF I have retained my integrity.

The secret is in my everyday life and not just the journey on Sunday.  I can remember that a pastor who preached a word that said, “you can’t dance with the devil in the daytime and expect him to leave you alone at night”.   What this says is very important to the question of why can’t I get the victory over the enemy?

There are certain things that “righteousness” requires.  It involves doing the right thing in a critical situation.   The enemy provides me many open doors to not only speak, but to work the works of the flesh.  If I am found speaking or acting on these things,  I can lose my favor with God – and the enemy can get a foothold to take me into deeper devastation.  And I have BEEN devastated. The tragedy comes when I don’t face the truth that it’s a lack of my integrity… rather than just flippantly stating that “it’s because I am a Christian and I have a target on my back”.

Rejoice in your battle today knowing that it won’t prove you to God… but will prove God to you. These are the times that will change your life, purify your soul and heal your spirit.

{~}

June 8, 2026

“Let there be laughter.”

     And God Laughed…

 I said, “We need Fast Horses.” And God laughed.

Hear ye Oh FAT people in the army of Go God. It’s time to lose weight. Wow. That was insensitive! Or was it? God puts people on diets not to torture them or for them to look good, but to BE HEALTHY. You are not “fit” for battle.

When you do it your way in the battle… God says “The only thing that will be left of your army will be a flagpole on a hill.” What hill.” What a terrible picture that paints. God is so good at painting pictures with His words!

I came across in a further private study of the book of Isaiah some very interesting Scriptures that I believe someone needs to hear today. It deals with the present battle that we are in. Some are facing sickness, some are having trouble maintaining what God has given, some financial ruin, some the loss of loved ones to the world. Whatever the battle, I pray that this will bless you today.

First and foremost – this battle is the Lord’s. He has engaged the enemy and the enemy is trying to show himself strong. But here is a promise to those of us in the battle today:

Isaiah 30:20-21 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Notice that it tells us that the LORD puts us on a bread and water diet at times. This I believe is to humble the flesh and the spirit that are carrying too much weight. And remember that we are to “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,” (Heb. 12:1) God will 12:1) God will help us “get healthy” in Him.

It is the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, and like every diet, and food may look good on the brochures, but it tastes horrible. 

There is much to be gained when you enter into this diet. And the thing that is gained is the weight of His glory. Some of you are on this diet right now and don’t even know it. Some of you are on this diet and know it. In either case – it speaks of denial. When you deny something… something more important is gained.

It’s like being presented with the opportunity to sin when nobody is looking and you are assured that nobody will find out. If you practice denial here, there is great weight to be gained in your character. And character will give you strength to stand the test of time. This diet also yields great reward. When we enter into this denial of self – and go where He tells us to go, we are promised “sight” and “hearing” to stay our courses!

Oh the joy to hear a sermon or a message and not miss most of it because your minds have wandered off to another area of your life that has troubled you. Oh the joy to hear clearly the word of the Lord that specifically instructs each one of your next steps. These are the rewards of those who are on the bread-and-water diet.

Now… when I talk of listening to a message in church or on YouTube, there are many distractions in your mind. You can suddenly find yourself trying to figure out how to pay your mortgage or what you’d like to eat for dinner that day or any number of about a million mind trails. But God tells us the solution is in focus. Focus on Him. Coming “back” to Him and His teaching.

It’s not in panic of situation. The following I found to be extremely interesting because I have done this a million times. The battle shows itself strong and threatening and right away we try to calculate in our minds how we are going to counteract it. How we are going to fight it. And in some cases, how we are going to run from it!

Isa 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

Isa 30:16 You say, “No, we need fast horses for battle.” That is true–you will need fast horses, but only to run away because your enemy will be faster than your horses.

Isa 30:17 One enemy soldier will make threats, and a thousand of your men will run away. And when five of them make threats, all of you will run away. The only thing that will be left of your army will be a flagpole on a hill.

God tells us that the solution is to return to Him in prayer, in fasting, in study, in hearing His voice.  He tells us that IN those things we will have confidence, and confidence will be the strength you need to defeat any foe.

But we tell God… “I have prayed and it doesn’t work. I have fasted and I am only hungry – not empowered. I have studied and the voice sounds like the grown-ups on the Charlie Brown specials.” And… because you either haven’t tried God’s diet or you haven’t given it time to process, you quickly jump to your own conclusions, solutions and implosions.

I love God’s solution. Return + Rest = listening, focus, faith, confidence and strength to be victorious. I mean… it’s God’s battle. Why would you counsel HIM as to the plan for victory. His plans are not carnal nor are they logical… and yet they are effective!

Some great words to live by WHILE you are dieting on adversity and affliction:

2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;)

2Co 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

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June 6, 2026

A morning word for that your path will be bright and encouraging today. Let the Holy Spirit deliver this with a personal touch and as you just… listen… Let Him speak into your heart.  

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the Lord your God…” – Isaiah 43: 1-3

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June 2, 2026

A very simple word on this second day of June… Brought to you by

Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

“His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” – John 2:5

There are times when we really must obey His voice. To understand that sentence, you must first and foremost be able to HEAR his voice. 

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” – John 10:27

So… stop saying… “I can’t hear his voice.” When you say that you play right into the devil’s hand. You are in essence speaking to the world, “I am not one of His sheep.”  

You just may not be listening.

And the moment you step out in faith, having heard Him, you are tested on every level. You begin making statements like, “Maybe I didn’t hear Him,” or perhaps, “If I would have really heard him, I would have seen a better outcome.”  When you obey – the battle begins. For your words, for your pride, for your reputation. 

“God hurt my feelings. God didn’t hear me and I certainly didn’t hear him. My pride is wounded.”  And… thus the problem. He doesn’t want your pride wounded –

He wants it eradicated. Oh… and He also wants your reputation.

 

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JUNE 1, 2026

A blast from the past. I believe that when you have lost something, you are always encouraged to retract your steps. We don’t look back to long to be there… it is gone. But we can look back and remember for perspective. As I look back and see something that I recorded alm0st 9 years ago – I remember. I catch some perspective on where I was was and now, knowing the path that ensued – I thank God that He brought me through. Perhaps you will glean a word from that day back in September of 2017.

And I challenge you today.  Look to the now. Plan for a future. I know He does.

Your word from Him today from Jeremiah 29 has special significance for me… just turning 70 years old. It was so encouraging. Lord help my unbelief.

For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.  Jeremiah 29: 10-14

For someone today… but not for everyone. Words from God should never give you direction, but confirmation as to what He’s spoken to you in a moment of prayer.

Now… this IS for everyone…. O taste and see that the Lord is good!

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Sunday May 31, 2026

 

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WHEN YOU SEE GOD FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME…. It WILL BE SIMILAR: Click:

 

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Thursday, May 28

The Battle For Holiness

We are getting to the point where we are learning to use the weapons of the Lord – and one of them is the dance. The enemy hates it. He’ll let you or, I should say… will encourage you to dance in the world at social gatherings – and then when we get to church, the enemy wants you to feel shame in the dance before the Lord.

But in Psalm 149:3, it says – “Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.” LET THEM. To the powers and naysayers of darkness – it’s time that we bust through the shame – eliminate the embarrassment and proclaim… LET THEM PRAISE HIS NAME IN THE DANCE!!!!

As a precious sister in the Lord read that yesterday – it bore witness to what the Spirit was saying to the church … The dance is a weapon of God’s vengeance – and it will put the enemy in chains and fetters of iron! We sing… “As the Spirit of the Lord moves in my heart, I’ll dance as David danced” – and it’s so funny because we sing it in churches where there are no feet moving. Dance is defined as something where movement of the body is performed. To move your feet. How many have seen dancers dance without moving their feet??? I love the song that says that the dancers will dance upon injustice. The injustice is the enemy bringing shame to those who praise in the dance!

When we do… (move our feet) – it is fulfilling prophecy in Genesis that we will “bruise Satan’s head”.   Oh Glory to God!!! 

Now… early this morning as I am watching and meditating on the Lord, I hear a clarion call from the throne of grace that there is a battle raging in the heavenlies. It is a battle for holiness. The enemy doesn’t care if the church is righteous – he just doesn’t want it holy. Righteousness and holiness are two very different things.

There is a difference between righteousness and holiness. As we study the church at Ephesus, we find a church that is staunchly practicing righteousness and performing righteous acts… but there is no holiness there. And without holiness they are in danger of losing their day. Their day to eat from the tree of life.

In some churches, holiness is defined as how one dresses or appears on the outward (categorized by the eyes of man) – but God is looking for holiness – and that is only found in the heart. “ … for the LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” I Samuel 16:7

There was a king named Amaziah who ruled and reigned in Israel for 29 years, and his appearance was very good. His acts were in the right place. He did and said all the right things… being a righteous king … BUT – He lacked holiness which is of the heart.

2 Chronicles 25:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.

David referred to this area of a man’s maturity as “presumptuous sins” – hidden in the heart – and far from the eye of man.   Sins that hide there can be jealousy or bitterness or lust or gossip or perversion or anger … the hits just keep on comin’!

When God has you doing all the right things … that is a very good place to be – but not a place of a finished work. He will then go forth and deal with the hidden sin and the perverse thoughts and the illegal motives – the place of holiness. If you are the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 3:16) then the holy of holies… or “the place where holiness dwells” is deep within your heart.

And thus… the battle for your holiness. Definition of a “shame” is doing everything the right way but with an errant and hollow heart.

Now… this is an area that man cannot see or deal with. We can fool people with our actions, but our intents and motives and thoughts of the heart are only seen of the Lord. And trust me… He does see them. Whether you want to live in the denial or not… He does see them. 

Ask the Holy Ghost to come and reason with you concerning holiness. 

Leviticus 20:7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. 

1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

To accomplish and fulfill those Scriptures,  your prayer must be as David’s prayer: Psalm 19:13-14 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, transgression. Let my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

A watchman will warn you ahead of time… and the word that I hear so loud and so clear AGAIN is that there is a battle in the heavenlies for your holiness. Be alert and vigilant … the battle lines are forming and the enemy has long ago begun to engage in battle.

Ephesus had no light on its wick – and there was a real threat of losing their salvation. Blood needs to cover both your deeds and the thoughts of your heart. You may be angry and you may bite your tongue and feel proud of yourself that you didn’t say or do the wrong thing… but the very fact that it existed in your heart is a red flag that a presumptuous sin is lurking … and that a sin running rampant has not been covered with blood.

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Wednesday, May 27

I AM HEALED

Today’s blog is especially near and dear to my heart. I will start by asking you to listen to this worship song as it is my heart today.

For those who have not been a part of some of the more private moments of my life of late, suffice to say – I have been through some times when I felt like the devil’s punching bag in these last two years of a 10-year journey through returning to ministry.

I have had seven surgeries in the last 18 months which included knee surgery, hernia surgery, and stomach surgeries.

My stomach problems began getting really bad toward the end of March. By April I could not go a week without severe pain and vomiting. Finally, I could not keep anything down. My wife emptied vomit bags and cleaned up floors when I could not get to the bathroom in time. To say she was a kind of Florence Nightingale would be an understatement.

I asked her if she was my guardian angel and she said that she was my wife. A title that means so much more to her.

We finally set an appointment with a surgeon, Michael Valenti who has expertise in treating mastectomy, colonoscopy, upper GI endoscopy, among other conditions. I was scheduled for an endoscopy May 6, 2026, at 7 a.m.

The procedure did not take long and after it was over we had some disturbing news. There was a blockage and we were being sent to Raleigh, North Carolina to consult with Dr. Vitri who is a surgical oncologist. We were told that we most likely needed to have a partial gastrectomy which would entail the removal of half of my stomach, cutting away of some of the intestine and a rerouting of the food tube from the stomach to the small intestine.

That afternoon I was resting and recovering from the anesthesia. I really wanted to watch the 700 Club. It was more of a “nudge” from God. As I found it already in progress, I was interrupted by a phone call. By the time the call was finished, the program had ended.

I knew that they aired the program several times during the day and thought perhaps I could catch it at a later time. I scrolled through the channel guide and found that it was about to air again in a few minutes on another Christian television network.

The 700 Club is a show with a Christian perspective on world events, miracle stories and great encouragement – even going so far as to pray for the television audience – and many times being moved by the Holy Spirit to give a word of knowledge and healing.

I had been touched by the program many times in the last 40 years and it has always been a safe harbor for me.

Toward the end of the program Gordon Robertson and Ashley Key took time to pray for the audience. At first Gordon had a word from God for women who could not have babies and immediately I thought of one of our own family members who needed a miracle.

Then Ashley had a strong word for the Lord about someone who was having some “severe GI problems” and I began to tear up as I knew the word was coming from God just for me. From that moment on there was no nausea and I never again had food come back up.

We kept our appointments with the surgeon and the gastroenterologist, Dr. Praneet Korrapati. Yesterday was another endoscopy. To make a long story short, it was the confirmation we were waiting for. There would be no surgery. The small intestine opening was stretched, the one ulcer was nonexistent and the second was, as he said, “healing itself,” although we know that the change was immediate after the word from God and we knew we got our miracle.

God not only heals, but He loves us enough to restore our purpose, our calling and our ministry. To heal – we are also forgiven.

He also moves in us for His glory and to prove Himself to those around us who may not believe in a miracle-working God.

“Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.” – Matthew 9:4-6

Thank you to all who were praying for me. God heard you.

Here is the actual word given to me on May 6 from God through Ashley Key:

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Tuesday Today

I received this morning while in prayer an old familiar pair of scriptures. Very dear to my heart, they have visited me many times in my life and like an old friend, they came to call upon me again today:

Mat 6:33-34 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

They apply today in the light of where our nation is heading. They come as a breathing of God, gently as a reminder of what His purposes are. The bottom line is that we can’t get the cart ahead of the horse, and we can’t look for the events of tomorrow without giving Him our today. We can’t live in the promises of tomorrow when we haven’t lived in the reality of today.

2Co 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

We have been talking of and looking forward to an actual event of revival as promised of the Lord, but it is senseless to live in tomorrow’s revival when we have not labored in prayer today.

There is an earthquake coming in the diversity of the church. I can feel the fault line shifting and moving from underneath our feet – and there is coming a great separation in the church. There will be those who will be moved by the shaking and will run and they will panic. The others will me moved by the shaking and will fall to their knees and they will be broken. It is the brokenness that will usher this great move… a move that will cause the earth that is called man to quake and to break and to change and to move.

Mat 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Hos 10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

God is again stressing here on this Tuesday morning. Your week is just begun. Have you instructed others to pray for you or have you taken the time to pray? Have you been found wanting or have you been found praying. Have you offered Him your complaining or have you offered Him your tears? Have you been found in the hardness of the earth or have you fallen on the stone in brokenness?   It’s time.

Not a long word today… but a sure word today. Today. It’s time. Today. It’s time. Seek ye first… today… the heart of your Father. He is speaking many things this week… have you taken the time to listen?

He that has an ear… hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.

Psa 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

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It’s Memorial Day 2026. So many thoughts flooding into my mind as I head to my Gethsemane.

Relatives and friends who served in battle this past 250+ years to defend us. From the Revolutionary War all the way to where we are in a very fragile world. Traditionally the beginning of summer.

But again – I head into my prayer room with one major thread running through my tapestry… Lord I just want to be broken in your presence – feeling your increase and my decrease. When I am broken at your feet and in that state… I don’t ask for anything stupid.

I have been hearing Psalm 37:4 as of late. A Scripture that was given to me early in my ministry that helped me with courage to face my fears and continue on toward a destiny that would at no point ever be easy.

So many failures – but also so much learning… and many more miles to go before I sleep. It all shaped me. I would like to mention this morning how important it is to have a wife that stands at my side and has not left when the challenges came.

When we found each other we were not really “perfect Christians,” – but really that is a misnomer anyway. All I know is that I saw her in a dream two times in three months – five years before I met her. And when I did see her the first time… goose bumps.

Now I don’t know the spirituality of those bumps, but something in me resonated with the Scripture found in Genesis 24 when Isaac and Rebecca first saw each other. In one translation it says, and I paraphrase, that Isaac was coming from Beer Lahai which translates out to well of the Living One who sees me.” He had been thinking and meditating and praying. He looked up and saw a camel train coming. Then Rebekah lifted her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from her camel; for she had said to the servant, “Who IS this man walking in the field to meet us?” The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took a veil and covered herself. And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife.

Much longer story to all of this but not today.

Suffice to say – this morning a lot of water has flowed under our bridge. This morning Thecia was up early as usual and heading up to our office/worship room/prayer room where she had to get some work done.

I told her that I could go and pray downstairs, but she insisted that I stay and pray. I don’t know if it helped her more – or me. As I got down to pray after three days of brutal battles to break through in prayer – I hit my knees and as Jack Hayford once told me… “There are some days when it feels as if you are hitting a brick wall in prayer, and other days – it’s like a gully-washer.”

It was a gullywasher with my incredible wife and faithful dog there in the “man cave.”

Now, the Bible says “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” – Matthew 6:6

In my spirit I could see her still huddled over her computer, tippy-tapping away, but it was as if her spirit came out of her body and came behind me, closed that spiritual door and stood guard there – acting as a prayer block so that I could find an unencumbered way as the Holy Spirit took my hand and he took me boldly to the throne of grace where I found mercy to help: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

She said – “I’m not afraid to battle in that realm anymore.”

The power of agreement between a man and a wife to accomplish a purpose, a destiny, a legacy … “I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 18:19.

That’s why the enemy hates a couple that faces their challenges together. That prayer of agreement is so powerful in defeating the devil. GOLDEN.

Anyway … I not only REALLY, REALLY like my wife, but I love her with my whole heart. We are not perfect people. Never have been – but we are perfect for each other. And in our time together we have seen some amazing transformations, and some incredible miracles.

Stay yoked. On this day when we remember those who fought shoulder to shoulder with their comrades-in-arms… remember how powerful the union that God puts together can be. If you let it.

Dedicated to my wife this morning… and don’t be afraid to read ALL the words in this YouTube video:

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Personal Pentecost

Has YOUR day of Pentecost fully come?

This morning I am not afraid to take a stand for the moving of the Holy Ghost. I will not feel embarrassed or guilty because He uses me for miracles, signs and wonders or performs them in me… me… only a sinner saved by grace.

I am not afraid to come against blasphemous teaching by the powerless preachers of the world who speak openly against the Holy Ghost and God’s people who have been labeled as “Pentecostal.”

It was prophesied by John the Baptist that the Holy Ghost would baptize with fire, and that prophecy came to pass in Acts the 2^nd chapter.   This fire that was kindled on the day of Pentecost still burns brightly in the churches that welcome the Holy Ghost to have His way.

And since God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost are the same yesterday, today AND TOMORROW… that miracle working power has never ceased.

Are there excesses in the Pentecostal churches? Of course. Just as there are in the Baptist church and the Catholic church, to name just a few. But to attack an entire denomination because they have received the promise of Pentecost speaks to their ignorance.

Fire was sent from Heaven. It creates a warmth in the hearth of our hearts. It burns up the chaff in our lives. But these pompous, dead, teachers of the law hear the word “Pentecostal” and start showing slides of houses engulfed in flames and call an entire generation of people – “arsonists” of the devil.

Just as they said that Jesus cast out devils in the name of the Devil.  It’s preposterous.

There are those who are prone to excess, but it’s the focus upon these and damning an entire believing body that I believe is not pleasing to Jesus and what He promised us. And the promise was not only to those disciples at Pentecost. The Bible is clear that the promise was to “all who are called”.

And because someone has a chimney fire that destroys a home, it is not wisdom to eliminate all the fireplaces when they were, in fact given for our benefit.

A prophecy by John the Baptist. It was  a powerful Baptist who proclaimed the Holy Ghost and that there is certainly a baptism of fire.

Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Those modern day teachers of the law have a form of Godliness, but are denying the POWER of God. These men who are lacking the passion and the power, write a book and add to the scriptures the fact that the “sign gifts” have ceased. Do you know how dangerous it is and how profane it is to add and speak that to scripture that NEVER SAYS IT? Do you know how dangerous it is to take away the words of the book of prophecy… or, the promises given to His children?

Rev 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

And when we speak of God doing great and mighty miracles in our lives and how God still fills us with the Holy Ghost and causes us to speak in tongues… oh, here we go… some theologians start screaming “GLOSSILALIA! GLOSSILALIA!”. First of all… if you attack this gift, you have to teach from the entire book of scripture. Mark 16:17, Acts 10:46, Acts 19:6, I Corinthians chapters 12, 13 and 14, Isaiah 28:11, Romans 8:26, and Jude 1:20.

Read them. The various types and circumstances where tongues are given as a gift to all who have received Christ as their savior – This gift is for you if you are a believer.

Act 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.Those who are speaking out against the moving of the gifts today are numbering themselves with the same spirit that invaded the streets on the day of Pentecost. It hasn’t gone away… that spirit is still prevalent.

The explanation is that these 120 people in the upper room started going amongst and speaking to the crowd and that’s why this special one time gift was given… so that they could understand and be converted to Christianity.   That is false and anyone that teaches that is not only teaching a false doctrine, but is ignorant.

Let’s explore a few given facts from the scriptures.

First of all, there was a celebration that day in Jerusalem called “Shavuot”. This was one of the three pilgrimage festivals, this one in particular commemorating the day that God gave the Torah to Israel. On the day that the law was celebrated, God poured out a work of grace. The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinth 3:6)

The 120 were shut in, fearing the wrath of the Jews who were persecuting those who were proclaiming Christ. They were not out among the crowd. They were, however speaking so loudly that you could hear them from the street.

They were not prophesying. They were PRAYING. All in the prayer language that God gave them. They were not talking to the crowd, they were talking to God and God was talking through them – and some in the street over heard them. (They were hearing praise and prayer for the wonderful works God had done. They weren’t receiving individual salvation messages in their own tongue. That message would be delivered later by PETER IN HEBREW.)

It was, and I won’t apologize for this to those who preach against the power of God for our time, a Pentecostal prayer meeting. It was like the prayer meetings they had in the Old Testament, but now each had a different language – God was sending them forth to the nations!

Ezr 3:12 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:

Ezra 3:13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off. (An early form of intercessory prayer – with groanings that can’t be understood through the ears or with the logic of men – but only by the Spirit of God.)

The men that gathered outside of that upper room were LIVING THERE. Act 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

These men were not only living in Jerusalem, but they were “devout” men who were religious and who could judge between the profane and the genuine. They were JEWS. They came back to Jerusalem to live after the Diaspora… after the Jews became independent within the reign of Rome.

Although they were part of the generations of Jews dispersed to foreign countries during the period of captivity in the intertestamental period, they were now back in Jerusalem.

All never gave up their national heritage NOR their national tongue which was Hebrew.

Although some were born in captivity of such places as Parthian, and Mede, and Elam, Mesopotamia, Judaea, and Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya Cyrene, Crete and Arabia, they were JEWS. Yes, being raised in a strange culture and even being born into a strange culture, they never were allowed to forsake their tradition or their national language.

They spoke Hebrew. They didn’t need to hear the foreign language of their birthplace to hear the gospel. What WAS strange was that those in the upper room were NOT all praying in a Hebrew tongue. The meaning here was that God was a God upon all the Jews – wherever they were, wherever they grew up.

They weren’t given an understanding of the different languages being spoken, nor did they understand what the message was for that they heard in their birth tongue – again – different from their heritage tongue. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? (vs 12)

Peter stood up and delivered the message that day… IN HEBREW and they all understood. Peter was interpreting what was happening. An interpretation to the tongues that God had given. Tongues of men and angels.

Tongues are a spiritual gift. All of these received that spiritual gift that day. This gift was promised to ALL who received and ALL who were called. Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

God did not stop calling people after the death of the disciples. To speak or teach this is complete and utter nonsense.

This is what happened on the celebration of Shavuot. When the day of Pentecost had FULLY come:

Act 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Now… I hear the different denominational preachers proclaiming that we are in the last days. Although I have heard that all my life… “Jesus is coming soon”, I look around at the signs of the times (yeah… the signs of the times… the signs that Jesus proclaimed – and NO they did NOT cease with the death of the apostles) and know for sure… we are. There are earthquakes, nation rising against nation, wars and rumors of wars… and…. THE HOLY GHOST. In exactly which chapter of scripture do you find that ANY of the signs will cease?

NOT ONE.

We are in agreement then that these are the last days.

So, ok, Mr. Obvious, let’s go back to Acts and find out when the signs, wonders and miracles will occur. It doesn’t say, “and it shall come to pass until the last disciple dies”.

Act 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

(Those who are afar off… translated out to: PLACE, TIME, OR PURPOSE.)

Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Being Born again is a miracle. If miracles have ceased, then how can men be saved? The stripes that Christ bore DID NOT HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE. The blood that He shed DID NOT HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE.

You don’t have signs, wonders and miracles because first of all you don’t know what they are – including each breath you are given. You have taken for granted the wonderful works of God and are so busy trying to fight against the moving of God’s Spirit that you don’t have time to study the scriptures. IF you are truly a man or woman, called of God, on your face, weeping between the porch and the altar – then truly the Holy Ghost will have his way.

If you are not witnessing and being a part of signs, wonders, and miracles of the Bible… you have fallen prey to a false spirit of unbelief. This scripture explains WHY they don’t happen to you. WHY the don’t happen in your church.

Mat 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

As for me and my house… as for me and my church… we will not only seek the Lord, but we will BELIEVE what God has told us. We WILL be baptized in the HOLY GHOST. We will BELIEVE. These signs SHALL follow us.

Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Mar 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

God is my Jehovah Jireh… HE WILL PROVIDE HEALING FOR ME. He has never ceased being Jehovah Rapha… The God who heals me.

As for trying to prove the existence of God and defend Him when He wants to move outside of some religious and powerless box, I have been called to better things. I pray that God does whatever He needs to change your heart… and as for me… I must follow the advice of the Apostle Paul.

1Co 14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

Feel free to share this with anyone who is minimizing all that God is doing and wanting to do here in these last days.

The Dove Came in the fire.  Let Him renew that in you today:

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Do You Know “About” Him?

 Religion or Relationship?

I feel like a roller coaster that is just cresting the first chute!  I feel an excitement in my spirit as we are heading into spring! Tomorrow is Penetecost Sund and it always speaks of a new beginning and a going forth of the reason and logic our our yesterdays.

Today in prayer, the Lord has given me this scripture to share with you for your day:

Act 9:1-5  But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.  And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”  And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

Notice something interesting about the punctuation in the text?   It has quotation marks.  That means someone said it.  Someone was speaking.

I am going to tell you right now… if the only time you know about Jesus speaking is in the LOGOS or in written form,  then you do not have a full Christian walk – nor do you have a full Christian relationship.   True Christianity is based upon taking the quotation marks out of what you hear from Jesus.   If He speaks to you personally, you will not need the quotation marks.

Too many sit in churches and hear the stories of Jesus.  In holiday seasons – those who know Him and those who know “about” Him will sit in churches all over the world.  Quotation marks and listening to His stories may give you a warm and fuzzy feeling… but to hear His voice will be life changing.  How about it?  Shouldn’t THIS be the year where all the stories you’ve heard become true?

Haven’t you listened to stories about Him in church and mockers outside of church telling you who He is and isn’t???  Are you your own person today?  Why don’t you judge for yourself.  Instead of listening to others tell you about Him,  how about going directly “TO” Him.  Instead of using mediators in your life… how about approaching Him face to face.   Tis the year for special seasons.

If I walked into a room and everyone was telling “Mark DeLap” stories, some would be biased pro… some would be biased con.  If you would come just to listen to the stories about me, I would be disappointed.  I want to address you.  I want you to address me.   I want to tell you and show you WHO I am.  I need that interaction with you…  so it wouldn’t feel like I was at a memorial service, but a gathering together. Get my side of the stories.

Churches that gather and sing “ABOUT” Christ rather than “TO” Him… Bible studies that tell stories about Him instead of sharing with Him there gathered in the midst of two or three.  Those are funeral services. Memorials.  As I said a few weeks back,  Jesus is ALIVE and we must not only treat Him as such, but we need to LIVE in that ascension!

I dare you to be as Saul this morning.  “Lord if you are real… then speak to me”.    Speak to my heart Lord Jesus and then let me ask… “WHO ARE YOU?”   Saul was as many in Christianity today.  They are religious, but have no relationship.  If he is your friend that sticks closer than a brother, then why continue to live your days as if he were the white elephant in the room.

Who are you Lord?

Talk to Him. Give Him audience. Step into His presence. Let Him change your name… from Saul to Paul.

The answer you hear could change your life… and take your “awakening” to a “celebration”.

I always think of the angels as Realtors appointed by the Holy Spirit wanting to show us property in heaven that would be JUST PERFECT for us. Affordable – and the owner is a very giving God.

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On the 19th of May… God wants you to know that He certainly feels the pain from the wounds you have felt.

How King David got through it….

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.

Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness.

For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him:

But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

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Today is the National Day of Prayer and Rededication

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 sin and heal their land. ¹⁵ Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place. II Chronicles 7:14-15

It’s going to take THIS kind of prayer…

^“And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”  – Luke 22:40-44

Will we pray as Jesus prayed?

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;  – Hebrews 5:7

Stray or Pray

Can You Pray From The Comfort Zone

Brokenness in His presence involves a type of prayer that is not readily accepted in the church any more. Not broken because there is great sin, or because you are in great peril, but because a natural man standing in the presence of a supernatural God will bring a breaking up of the fountains of the deep within us. It will cause us to be broken.

When the apostle John was in His presence, he couldn’t stand up…. and felt as if his flesh was dead. (Rev. 1:14) Also in that presence, John was broken in Rev. 5:4 when he proclaimed… “I wept much…”   So much for those who say that there are no tears in heaven. If there weren’t tears, what is God wiping from our eyes?

Here on earth I am convinced that God is wiping not tears, but cobwebs from our eyes. The church has lost the ability to cry. It’s gotten too busy. It’s gotten too comfortable. It’s grown away from a relationship into a type of religion that fits it’s busy new millennium schedule.

Some younger people in the church that have been birthed into a lukewarm religion actually speak out against this type of prayer. They call it emotionalism. The say it’s not needed. They say that it’s a new time and a new generation and God certainly wouldn’t have us take that kind of time in our busy lives. It’s shocking how the enemy has come and deluded the word to the point where we can no longer believe scripture.

Now… don’t get me wrong… tears CAN come from and through great trial and affliction, but it’s a means to an end. That end is to be in the presence of God. When we are afflicted, when we need, when we hurt, when we are in crisis, we gravitate toward God.

Exo 1:12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

Psa 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

I told you last week of my early beginnings in ministry, and how it was launched through much prayer and intercession. We were a part of the old Minneapolis Evangelistic Auditorium. Pastor Russell Olson did not request prayer and intercession…. He demanded it.   The prayer room was amazing. It was huge… about 50 ft long by 50 ft wide, and all the walls were painted to look as if you were in the middle of the Garden of Gethsemane.

As I said, if you came out of the prayer room looking like you were ready for Prom, Brother Olson would say… “you didn’t get through” and would send us back down until we got through. Getting through was a term for being in the presence of God and being broken. Oh, the sounds were incredible coming from that basement sanctuary on 14^th and Nicollet.   People crying out to God. People coming out of there with red eyes, mussed hair, disheveled clothing. It looked like they had come out of a battle. And they did. There were people there that did battle in the realms of the supernatural.

We have to explain here in this generation what was “normal” to us back then. We knew the importance of being broken in His presence. We knew that lives depended upon it. We knew that God’s presence came in the midst of it. Today the churches are enamored with eating chili-dogs because they have never tasted steak.   What happened?

I got an insight to this while in prayer this morning. I went back in my mind and revisited the prayer room in Minneapolis. It was the place that God first spoke the name “Streetfire” to me. It was the place where I had first learned to weep until I had no more power to weep.

And in that place I was surrounded with old “pillar” saints – two of which came out of the Azusa revival.   Although they looked frail and old, their prayers were powerful and full of the thunder of tongues and I was amazed that THAT kind of noise could come out of those sweet little bodies.

When they sensed that I was having a hard time in the battle or breaking through into intercession, they would quietly make their way over to where I was laying on my face. As they began to pray, quietly at first, so as not to give me a sudden heart attack… and to reassure me that God had called in the reserves to help me.   Within a short time, they seemed as loud as freight trains next to me and my body would shake, and I would be ushered into the presence of God where I would weep and pray in the Spirit uncontrollably with the shaking.

Revivals come and go. Exciting when they come upon a group of saints, and sad when you feel that glory cloud moving on somewhere else. The epitaph of Azusa is recorded as follows: “By 1913, the revival at Azusa Street had lost momentum, and by 1915 most of the media attention and crowds had left. Seymour remained there with his wife, Jennie, for the rest of their lives as pastors of the small African American congregation, though he often made short trips to help establish other smaller revivals later in life. After Seymour died of a heart attack on September 28, 1922, Jennie led the church until 1931, when the congregation lost the building.”

I asked one of those precious saints why revival had ended at Azusa and she said with a sorrow in her voice, she said, “oh, you know… people just kinda went on with their lives and they let other things take the place of their prayers.”

These precious saints at Azusa never saw another revival like it. As one who has been in the middle of a God-ordained revival, I too grow sad when I think of it and how it ended way too soon; and I haven’t seen anything like it since.   It wasn’t that God didn’t want to stay – but it was the people who moved on and away from that closeness. And I am a part of that people that learned how to put God on a back burner.

When revival ends… it’s because Christians no longer need. Those who were instructed to pray are falling asleep, warm and comfortable and thinking that they have all of God that they need.

It reminds me of a rebuke to the church in Revelation 3: “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:”

I think of the disciples in the garden of Gethsemane the night that Jesus was taken. Jesus had come and implored them to pray, but eventually after Christ Himself witnessed that they had not realized the need any more to pray, He left them.   One of the scriptures that I think should chill the church to the bone is found both recorded by Matthew and Mark: Mat 26:45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Here were men that had been in extreme revival and had witnessed massive healings, deliverances, miracles.   They had seen it all. They had attained to “disciple” status and walked with the King. Certainly they had earned some “me time”. Certainly they deserved some “down time”.

As they took for granted that great gift of the Holy Ghost… as they took for granted the need to be in the Father’s presence… they grew lax in their calling.   I mean… they HAD ATTAINED. They learned how to pray! So, they could pretty much do it any time they wanted and they had plenty of time, so if they missed a day, big deal… it was in the cupboard if they needed it.

It’s hard to walk away from prayer for a day when prayer has been your daily lifestyle. The hardest day to go through is that first day when you justify why you need some time off. After that, it gets easier and you walk faster away from the labor. Pretty soon your creature comforts swallow the entire notion of needing to pray.

You no longer want to think about other lives in the balance when you quit. You no longer want to think about your children you’ve been covering. It is a very selfish spirit that comes to justify your run from the throne and your descent from the call. It is a very seducing spirit. It makes you promise God that you will find time later… and in that later time, has other plans for you.

And revival tarries as we are lulled to sleep by a seducing spirit that convinces you that God loves you anyway and He fully understands and excuses you from the discipline of prayer…. Much less the pressing in to brokenness.

Can we pray when we have everything we need? Can we pray effectively from the comfort zone? Can we pray when our secular world has worn us out?

2Th 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

2Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first,

Do you not feel this? Can you not look around at the churches lounging in the manmade lukewarm swimming pools? If you are falling away… you are ushering in “that day”… the day of the coming of the Lord.

He comes to us today as He did in Gethsemane and they took Him for granted. Their spirit was willing but their flesh was weak.

And just as He did in Gethsemane… He will, with no time left say to this sleeping church… “Sleep on now. Take your rest”.   The church of Jesus Christ that is still alive and well and on fire NEEDS NOT to Take their rest… but they need to take their stand.

I can’t explain to you how important it is to be one that is found broken in His presence every day. Prayer should not be a once a week work… but a lifestyle that you are dedicated to, in order to prove your calling.

2Pe 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

You may think that I am on a tangent… you may think that I have gone overboard in this area. But you need to realize that I am responsible to do everything in my power to get you to God. Not to build a church. Not to lift up a man or a ministry. Not to build a kingdom.

I simply need to get you to God. I simply need to get you into His presence because a moment in His presence can do more than all the moments I could give you.

Simply. A task that is overwhelming in a society that no longer calls for tears.

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“Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” – Psalm 37:4   And … YOU LORD are the desire of my heart. Let me get closer to you today.

What We Don’t See

There are more with us…

At times we may look and feel overwhelmed, but just recently, I remembered a  dream that reminded me that there was indeed a battle and though it looked like we were outnumbered, outmanned and out maneuvered,  we have nothing to fear IF we look with spiritual eyes.

2Ki 6:15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots.

And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

2Ki 6:16 And he answered, Fear not:

for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

2Ki 6:17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

Now… our spirit can see.  It has eyes, a mouth, ears, sensory touch, sensory discernment, and so much more.   If we can allow our spirits to control our movements,  we would be amazed at what we see God doing around us.

The first key in an overwhelming situation is to eliminate the fear.  In other words, shut down the function of the natural man.

You then you have to believe what God says and what you can’t see with natural eyes.  (Like the scripture that tells you that He is an ever present help)

The next step in the grand parade of spiritual warfare is prayer!  You have to make yourself available to pray.  It helps shut down the natural man and bring to life the spiritual man.  That same spirit that raised Christ from the dead… DWELLS IN YOU! (Romans 8:11)

Finally you need to believe in what God has shown you… and most important – you must not only speak about what you’ve seen,  but stand upon it when you return to the natural realm!  You see,  you can’t have visions and dreams from the Lord and then go to battle forgetting what you’ve seen and heard.  (“Yeah, I know what I’ve seen, but that was then and this is now and I can only see the problem”  –  PUUUHHHHHLLLLEEEEEAAASSSEEE!)   You can’t fight a supernatural battle with a natural outlook.

No matter what you are being overwhelmed with today…  follow the steps I’ve outlined and stand firm in the battle.

Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Get up, get dressed and get ready for the battle.

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Just because you lose a battle doesn’t mean you lost the war. It doesn’t give you license to feel sorry for yourself; throw your arms in the air and give up. There is a real enemy out there and to find victory, you must find a supernatural presence to fight in this war.

You may have had a string of losses. It doesn’t matter. HE is an ever-present help.

From the sixth chapter of Ephesians today… a familiar passage of scripture:

¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

^{Colossians 1:21} And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled

He has not only identified the enemy… but where he has set up an encampment for battle. Every day we battle it is an “evil day.”  And when we get beat – it is insult to injury.

I don’t care what the spirit of addition has in his bag of tricks… pride, anger, lust…

YOU CANNOT FIGHT HIM IN THE NATURAL REALM.

You can scream at him… swear at him… threaten him; it will make the enemy laugh as he takes an upper hand.

One thing to start with today. Praise. Worship. Thanksgiving.  Then follow that up with a right hook from the Holy Ghost.

Pray IN the Holy Ghost. Jude 1:20 – But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. – Romans 8:26

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Today was a good day in prayer. I felt a deeper intercessory and travail than I have for years. It is time to fight for your soul.  I was listening to the following prophetic worship with Jason Upton. Here are som highlights from a session that just completely wrecked me.

“He holds us with His heart. He’s a God that sees right where we are…”

“Sleep when He sleeps… (the boat in the storm) Arise when He arises. Pray when He prays.”

“You can believe He can raise dead bodies, but you can’t trust when everything begins to fall apart in your life – so He can make all things new.” So He can put you back on a potter’s wheel and heal the scars and the cracks.  Let it crack… let it break before Him.

“Change comes when we have enough confidence to let everything fall apart. Come into the only safe place when that happens… at the throne of grace to help in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16…. please read it – again and again.)

“We gotta let go. If He’s big enough to raise the dead, to heal the sick… why won’t you let Him be big enough to deal with your running or your failure.”

Let Him take that crutch of religion and replace it with real honest-to-goodness relationship. The kind where you come into His presence and hold you until the storm passes.

Here is that video. Keep it. Listen to it. And as many times as you listen… still you will find something new in it. Something new from the Holy Spirit. 

Do you want the peace you lack? Do you want to eliminate worry? Do you want real joy? Do you want to eliminate lonliness? Do you want to feel loved? Aren’t you hungry for a fresh crop of ripe fruit?

Galations 5:22-23 – ” ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

 

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Please go today to view our newest page: “The Well Where He Found Me.”

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It is more important than you know to get to Him TODAY… as quickly as you can.  

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Yesterday was Mother’s Day and I wanted to take a moment to honor my wife and as a strong woman of God. If you haven’t seen her lately, she’s changed and become empowered by the Holy Spirit of God. She is my ultimate picture of scripture come to life in Psam 31:10-31. And also to fulfill scripture, from Proverbs 31:28… “her husband praises her.” And… it is a good thing when a husband loves and praises God for his wife. One of the most powerful “agreements of two” as created by God.  It’s why the enemy hates marriage so much. We are better together and can accomplish so much for His glory. She is a man’s helper chosen to fit by his side. Thecia told me one time that she wanted me to learn a song by Ronan Keating entitled – “When You Say Nothing At All.” So… this is for you today and for always.

 

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Let the weak say I am strong

This morning I had a line from a song that came from a scripture…

 “… if I can see it, I can do it.”    Many times, even the secular comes from an influence of God’s hand and God’s word.

It is easy to say that God is doing great things when we can see the things He’s doing.  During the deliverance from captivity in around 539 BC, we see it written in the Psalm 126:1-3: When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

Today as we move farther and farther away from the literal cross and closer and closer to a literal eternity, the enemy really doesn’t want us to be able to tap into the spirit.  It must be a catch 22 for him.  He wants to be noticed and glorified, but at the same time, he doesn’t.   His glory comes through the flesh of man and through the fall of man.

As time has passed and science and logic have come to the forefront, there is a majority of people in the world who have a hard time believing in a supernatural realm.  They fail to realize that there are two worlds coinciding and that very soon these two worlds shall collide.

Because we are a people that are governed by our five senses and have learned to be comfortable with those senses, we have a sense of accomplishment in them.  We feel no need to go outside our realm…  until… a crisis arises which we cannot understand, nor do we have any answers for.  It is a crisis where our senses are keen to the problem, but there is no comfort from anything we are equipped with.

These limited senses do not have the capability of seeing into or believing into the future.  What have done, is mastered the art of hindsight.  We can see where God has been, how He’s worked, miracles that have occurred, things have been accomplished with no logic or reasoning – and when all reason and logic have been exhausted, then and only then do we

spout a statement like… “Maybe there really is a God”.

The children of Israel were standing before an impossible and angry sea in the middle of a dark night.  The cloud that was before them removed itself and went behind them as a protection from their past which was even then at the door.

I am very sure that those people who had seen miracle after miracle were saying, “yeah, I know what God did before, but what about this time?”  There it is.  The failure to walk in a supernatural realm until the miracle occurs.

Before the miracle occurs… be careful what comes from your mouth.

There was not one person standing before that sea proclaiming that they were going to go through it and not get their feet wet.  They were a huddled mass of wet mess – fearing for their lives and crying into the night air.

Suddenly Moses stretched forth his hand.  His bony old natural blood-filled hand over the sea.  At least, that’s what everyone saw.  But his hand, when moved by the word of God caused each and every one to move into a supernatural realm.

And they walked in the midst of a miracle.  Trouble on every side in the form of angry waves perhaps some 60 to 70 feet high. (that much water displaced for 6 million people had to stack at least that high) I don’t believe the Bible records one word from one of those millions of Jews.  Not one word of praise. Not one word of worship.  Silence.

And then… as the last Jew was coming to step into the land of Midian, the dawn broke and it was written: Exo 14:24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians.

They watched in the midst of silence as God replaced the water.  One thing you must know is that the enemy cannot walk in the midst of your miracle!

And what was really revealing to me happened not as this frightened band of senseless people who only relied upon their five senses walked through their silence, but what happened afterward.

In the 15^th chapter of Exodus and the first verse… look at the first word of the first verse.  The word is: “THEN”.   Then and only then did they begin to sing and praise and worship.  Oh, they had a Pentecostal praise gathering.  Dancing.  Singing. Telling of how God “had” triumphed gloriously. They said in the second verse… “The Lord IS my strength and song…”

Where was that dance in Egypt?  Where was that song during the long night of deliverance?  Where was that proclamation of God being called “LORD” as they crossed on to foreign soil?

Oh, we will cheer God on after the fact, but what about right now – when you are still in Egypt?  What about right now when you are in the longest walk of your life through a darkness that seems to span eternity?  What about the ability to jump your five senses and see into the five senses of the Spirit realm?  What about the ability to call those things which are not… as though they were?

We can jump all over those poor Israelites for not cheering in the midst of the miracle, but look in the mirror and see that we are related.  We have their eyes of fear.  We have their mouths of unbelief.  We have their hands that hang down.  We have their mouths that only taste the bitter.  We only hear the clanking of enemy armor.

Rom 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickened the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Faith is still the substance of things HOPED FOR and the evidence of things NOT SEEN. (Hebrews 11:1)

Blessed are they who can believe before the miracle… 

in the midst of the miracle… and after the miracle.

(yes, it is important to believe AFTER the miracle – because there are those who attribute it to a logical circumstance)

Jesus, after He ascended to Heaven and spilled His blood on the mercy seat came back to let his disciples know that “the coast was clear”.   He wanted to rejoice with them that salvation had been secured and that one had crossed over on dry ground to Heaven… making a way for all others including them.

How His heart must have broken when He returned, just as He said, and Thomas was still speaking out of his five natural senses… “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.”  (John 20:25)

Thomas did eventually believe.  He eventually got to the other side of his sea and saw the enemy destroyed.  He eventually believed it was true.  But not because of faith.  Not because of his ability to walk in the Spirit.

Joh 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Yes, we can jump all over Thomas, but again… look in the mirror…

many of us are related to him too.

We are like the Jews in Psalm 126 – we rejoice after the deliverance. “Then was our mouth filled with laughter and our tongue with singing.”

I believe that God is looking for someone to bless.  Someone who will stand on the shores of their Egypt with the past and the darkness threatening them… who will be dancing… who will be singing…  who will be proclaiming WHO GOD IS.

God is working.  Whether you see Him or not.  Whether you see evidence or not.  He’s working and He is worthy of praise.  I know that I use this scripture many times,

but again, we must be people who can dance before the ark gets home. 

We must be able to sing from inside the prison. 

And we must be able to proclaim in the darkness that He is the Light.

There are five natural senses.  There are five books in the Pentateuch.  I believe it is no coincidence that God is telling us that we can escape our five senses that hold us captive and prevent us from the freedom we can experience in the parallel realm.

Hab 3:15 Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses,

through the heap of great waters.

Hab 3:16 When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.

Hab 3:17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:

Hab 3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.  Psalm 18:2

{~}

(A BLAST FROM THE PAST – Concerning GRACE… sometimes an uncomfortable place)

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The Seventh Man at the Well

From broken covenant to the true Bridegroom, a pattern hidden in plain sight

By Lisa Bearinger – May, 2026

This morning, I was chatting with a dear friend, as we do every Friday. We have a standing Friday morning appointment, and included in that time is always a biblical reading of some kind. Currently, we are in John chapter 4, beginning around verse 16.

As we read through the passage, something began to stand out to me, and that was the presence of numbers woven into the text.

Now, I am not someone who focuses on numerology. However, I am someone who understands that there is nothing coincidental in the Word of God. Numbers, pictures, idioms, and patterns are all things our Father uses to draw our attention. When you begin to see this, you realize that there is nothing random in His story. There are no accidents.

The Word of God is powerful. It is sharper than any two edged sword, dividing between flesh and spirit. And so, when something stands out, it is worth pausing and asking why.

I want to share with you what we saw.

In the middle of John chapter 4, beginning in verse 16, we enter the account of the Samaritan woman. We step into the conversation already in progress. Messiah has already begun speaking with her. But what begins to unfold is the revelation of her life, specifically the number of men she has been joined to.

She has had five husbands, and the man she is now with is not her husband.

What struck me was the number six.

In my own journey and study, the number six consistently points to man, human effort, human striving, human incompleteness. And here we find a woman who has lived in that pattern. Broken covenant, mixture, idolatry, and searching, always searching, but never fulfilled.

At this point in the conversation, she is already surprised. She recognizes that Messiah is a Jew, and her response reflects that awareness. It is possible that something in His appearance identified Him, perhaps His garments, such as a tallit or tzitzit, which were visible markers of a Jewish man. Whether or not that detail is necessary to the text, what is clear is this. She knows He is different, and she is already questioning why He is speaking to her at all.

So Messiah says to the Samaritan woman, If you knew who was speaking to you, you would ask water of Him.

It is a complete reversal of everything she has experienced.

He is not asking anything of her. He is not requiring her to behave a certain way. There is nothing limiting her ability to speak freely and openly with Him. And it is such a beautiful picture when you pause and recognize what is happening.

She has just moved from six men to a seventh.

To a true Bridegroom who is standing in front of her.

As a result of their conversation, the Samaritan woman leaves her water jar, her pitcher, her bucket, whatever it may have been, and she runs back to her village. She goes straight to the men and says, Come and meet a man who has told me everything about my life.

And the Samaritans come out to Him, and they compel Him to stay with them.

Now here is another number.

It says that He stays with them for two days.

Again, my mind immediately goes to the book of Hosea, where Israel is described as being in mixture, idolatrous. We see this in the picture of Gomer, the harlot whom Hosea takes as a wife, and who continues to run after her lovers, chasing after what she believes are her pleasant things, playing the harlot again and again, until one day she is brought back and receives Hosea’s love.

It is a picture of Messiah, after divorce, able to reunite once again with His bride.

And the scripture that comes to mind is this.

After two days He will revive us. On the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His sight.

So when you listen carefully, the Samaritans, who are intermarried, intermingled, and despised by brother Judah, are in this moment being encountered by the Bridegroom Himself. The One who has come to ransom both Jew and Gentile.

Hosea also tells us that there would be such intermingling among the nations that identity itself would be lost. You will no longer know who you are.

And yet here, something remarkable happens.

As He speaks to the Samaritan woman, she recognizes Him.

She knows that He is the Messiah, the Christ.

A Gentile woman recognizes Him.

She runs and calls her village, and they too come, and they recognize Him as the Messiah, as the Christ.

You know, the Gospel of John is probably my favorite gospel.

As we continued reading in chapter 4, even more numbers began to emerge.

The next thing we encounter is a nobleman, likely a Jew, because Messiah responds to him with something along these lines. Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.

And yet, after the exchange, Messiah simply says to him, Go your way. Your son lives.

And the nobleman goes.

He leaves by faith, without needing to see a sign, without needing to witness the miracle with his own eyes. He believes the word that was spoken to him.

And that, in itself, is a picture of how we are called to live, by the Word of God, walking by faith.

This is the second miracle in Galilee. The first was in Cana, where water was turned to wine. Now we see this one.

And again, a number appears.

We are told that the boy was healed in the seventh hour.

I would love to spend more time over the next few days expounding on these things. But more than anything, I want to share this with you.

If we will slow down, if we will recognize that nothing in the Word of God is there by coincidence, and if we will meditate, we begin to see patterns, connections, and threads that weave together a much greater story.

It truly took my breath away today.

I have always believed that the Samaritan woman is a picture of the bride in need of restoration, a bride who broke covenant, never the Bridegroom.

And yet, in His faithfulness, the Bridegroom appears and calls her back.

And what moves my heart so deeply is this.

She responds immediately.

And as we have walked in this restoration, we have come to understand something difficult. Brother Judah has not always been able to recognize us or embrace what we are seeing.

Because even though many have recognized Messiah, not all have embraced restoration, a true return to Him and to His commandments.

So when brother Judah looks at us, at we who are like the Samaritans or the Gentiles, and hears a Torahless gospel, they cannot hear us.

There is a disconnect.

And later, we even see that the Samaritans resist going to Jerusalem. They want Messiah to remain with them. But He sets His face like flint toward Jerusalem.

And we remember what He said to the Samaritan woman.

You worship what you do not know. We know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.

That is a profound and weighty statement.

But equally profound is this.

The hour is coming when you will neither worship the Father on this mountain nor in Jerusalem, but the Father is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Even so, His Torah is eternal. His Word is life.

Come home, prodigals.

Taste and see that He is good.

Every word He has spoken is more precious than silver or gold and sweeter than honey.

Taste and see, Yahweh is good.

Selah

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Jesus said in Matthew 21:13 – And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”

It’s a day when our nation is banding together and the mighty army of God is going to proclaim this year II Chronicles 7:13-15

¹³ When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, ¹⁴ 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 sin and heal their land. ¹⁵ Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.

Now… there is so much more promise AND warning in this chapter. It carries great weight because God is speaking directly. When we grew up and your brother came to you as a “go-between” and told you… “Dad said…” it could have lost something in the translation, but when you looked up and Dad was standing there… you could take that direct word to the bank (or to the woodshed – depending on the message.)

So… Here is what came AFTER that 15th verse: From Dad directly.

¹⁶ For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually. ¹⁷ As for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments, ¹⁸ then I will establish the throne of your kingdom, as I covenanted with David your father, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man as ruler in Israel.’

¹⁹ “But if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods, and worship them, ²⁰ then I will uproot them from My land which I have given them; and this house which I have ^[g]sanctified for My name I will cast out of My sight, and will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples.

²¹ “And as for this house, which is exalted, everyone who passes by it will be astonished and say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and this house?’ ²² Then they will answer, ‘Because they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and embraced other gods, and worshiped them and served them; therefore He has brought all this calamity on them.’ ”

2026delap

From Scarlet to Snow

I came across a scripture from the Old Testament that promised and assured salvation. A loving God was speaking to one of his prophets that he loved. It was Isaiah.

But how could salvation be promised in the OT? To fully understand that, we must remember that He is not “I was” but is “I am.”

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.

I think that there is a song brewing.

God is in the “reasoning” together when we are frustrated with sin. It is the thing that most Christians hate worse than anything – not being able to get the victory over it. He puts us in a place of grace and then tells us that His grace is sufficient until the process of deliverance has been accomplished.

And when we let Him faithfully complete that thing that he began in us, we yield with patience to process. We rest in the soft and quiet words of the “end of the story” which is simply and lovingly…

From scarlett to snow.

So… as for me as unperfect as unperfect can be … still in some “construction areas,” I wait inside the belly of that whale of Grace.

2026delap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IhUekpDNPo&list=RD0IhUekpDNPo&start_radio=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HWTVk1_IiE

 

Is God Changing Your Season Without Notice or Reason?

How is your heart today? I know that in the natural, the weather is always changing in North Carolina. I know that God can change your “spiritual weather”.   Whatever it is that is troubling you today – God is fully awake and fully aware.

Psa 121:4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

I know that there are times when we want to question whether He understands or sees what we are going through, but rest assured – He can bring a warm rain in the midst of your winter… and He can change your seasons.

Dan 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

The problem in any situation are thoughts of fear. The “what if” and the “what about” and the “what will happen” and the “what up”. They rob us of the peace that “surpasses” our own understanding. You see… it’s not enough to have you walk through something – we are humanity that needs to know why, for what reason, what is happening, what is going to happen.

Sometimes we need to be content to just keep walking when He has commanded us to go forward. WITHOUT His explanation or sharing with you the master plan or the architectural drawings.   That is walking by faith and not by sight.

Most of us though, will be willing to do what He’s planned for us ONLY if He tells us “why” and “when” and “how” and “who” and “what”.   That is where we fall short. That is where we stop short of our destiny and His desire. Isa 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

Many are willing, but won’t be obedient without a reason and unless they get some answers.

Do you know what? Sometimes there just simply ARE no answers.  And the reasons remain hidden in God. Why? There you go again with the questions… lol.

Exo 14:15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

Here were the children of Israel – their backs against a wall. In a very precarious position as they were in the middle of a God ordained exodus from their yesterdays.   In Egypt they had schedules, they had organization, they knew why they were going to do what they were going to do. They were slaves, but at least they knew the reasons and the purposes.

Now it was different. God was teaching them something new. Walking without knowing why. Going without knowing where. Simple obedience. Without that as a foundational cornerstone, there would be no need to build the rest of the building.

God told Moses to tell the people to go without shining a light on the plan. Because Moses himself didn’t KNOW the plan.   And by faith… he went. And by faith… they followed.

These were not just mindless lemmings. They were children of God who could hear God just as clearly as Moses. I believe they had discernment. I believe that they too heard that voice of God telling them to “GO FORWARD”.

In the situation of your life right now… in the situations of my life right now as a leader – the prudent thing is to hearken diligently to the Lord. To listen carefully for His voice. To walk when He says to walk. To leave when He says to leave. To stop when He says to stop. To pray when He says to pray.   ALL without having to have a reason.

Do you know why I don’t have all the answers? Because He hasn’t given them to me. Do you know why we are all going through what we are going through right now? If you say “yes” – then good for you… because I don’t.

You may have been going through a dark night by faith. Just as some were angry with Moses because he didn’t have all the answers and all the reasons and all the purposes… some may have gotten angry with you.

Refuse to panic as Moses did and tell the people to “STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD”.   As he did that, he was rebuked by the Lord. What made sense to tell the children of Israel, didn’t make sense with God’s plan.   And God stepped in and said… “GO FORWARD”.

We are going forward without much light on this journey.   What we do have, though – is a promised land. A destination. An assurance that however we get there… as long as we’re obedient, we WILL get there.

And I would caution you – if you are offended that I don’t have the insight or the answers, then you are NOT seeking the Lord. If you are not happy with the direction we are heading, then again… SEEK THE LORD. Listen for His voice.   If He is telling you to move on with us – then move. If He is telling you to turn back, then turn back. If He is telling to you go somewhere else, then by all means…. Go somewhere else.

Abraham was another Patriarch that had to learn to walk by faith, and I assume that is what God is trying to teach me at this point in my life. To refine my faith, to test me to see if I am not just willing, but obedient.

Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Abraham WENT. Not knowing where he was going! Not knowing WHY he was going. He simply… went.

The promises get me through and the promises will see me through. I know that if I stay broken before the Lord and remain with a heart of humility – I will be able to go without fear.   He gives us the end of the story. He gives us a “book of Revelation” for whatever situation we are going through.

How we get through the journey to the end, can at times, be a mystery. Suffice to say, we need to be content to know that HE WILL GET US THROUGH…. Even without knowing how He’s going to do it… or why He’s doing it the way He is.

Psa 34:18-19 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

The last chapter of any book I go through is found in Psalm 34:19…   The last personal line of any story I walk through is: THE LORD DELIVERETH “MARK” OUT OF THEM ALL.

The bottom line to this current book of our Bible – we are His. We are walking through a great darkness. He has told us to keep walking and keep pressing in.   He has told us to go forward.   If He has told YOU something contrary to what He’s told me…. Then perhaps it is time that we part ways.

And finally… one last Patriarch… Joshua drew a line in the sand and told the people… “make your choice”.   If what God has told me to do is not in line with what you want to do… then make YOUR choice.   Joshua didn’t FORCE anyone to follow him or stay with him or worship as He worshipped. He told them… seek the Lord and make your choice.

When I have direction… I will let you in on it. When I have answers… I will let you know what they are. I will not, however make up something just because you are afraid of the journey. As God shares with me and He releases me to speak… rest assured – I will speak. Joshua finished with a strong statement… “as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15.

He may be changing your season. He may be bringing rain in the middle of your unusual weather patterns. He may be changing your direction.   And…. He may not give you His reason for doing so.

 Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

 

Worship with me today:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWZBTBeOpFs

 

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Meekness and Weakness

The lion of Judah. The lamb of God. Notice that you will never see the possession change. It can not be found… The lion of God or the lamb of Judah.   Now, THIS has great significance in the story of redeemed creation.

Let’s review this a bit further. In the Old Testament, and the first time we see Christ as a lion is found coming forth from the mouth of the prophet Hosea when he is speaking a prophecy of the end times. It appears in the 5^th chapter – truly a book of grace. It speaks of a church and of a world who want to retain their sin and at the same time, retain their religion. A church that worships on Sunday and sins on Monday. (Hos 5:6 They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them.) It is to this specific group that Christ appears as the lion.   And it speaks of the lion who departs as the trumpet sounds (Hos 5:8 Blow ye the cornet in Gibeah, and the trumpet in Ramah: cry aloud at Bethaven, after thee, O Benjamin).

Hos 5:14 For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him.

The above scripture is in direct reference to a catching away. It also then speaks of Christ as the lion in the Old Testament even though it is referring to a New Testament occurrence. You see, Christ sat on the throne with His Father from the foundations of the earth. He always was the lion of the tribe of Judah. The head of all worship – both receiving and the institution of offering.

He was seated upon His throne as the Lion when the following events occurred on the actual timeline of history:

Luk 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, and Luk 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Jesus looked on with His Father from Heaven as their messenger delivered “word”.   Ah… a messenger delivering “word” as deity watches from a distance. That gives me chills.

These were recordings of actual historic events in Heaven and in earth. I want you to see carefully the next moments in the timeline…

Luk 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Luk 1:39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

Mary agreed to the purpose of her life. Agreement, however and willingness are not enough. She “arose” and “went” into a high place QUICKLY. A place of Judah (praise).   A place of worship.   A place where that “lion” of Judah received all the honor, all the glory and all of the praise. And in that place as the lion was receiving the worship from a lowly but chosen handmaiden, HE arose and went quickly to meet her in her very heart of hearts and literally to the womb that would hold redemption.

As she went into Judah… Judah came into her.

And in an instant… in a moment – can you see on that timeline of Heaven, the Father turning His head from the events of the earth to the throne of His son. And His Judah was gone. The throne for the first time… ever, was empty. The scepter and the crown of the lion were lying there motionless on the seat.

Christ laid down His lion to become The Lamb.

It was prophesied through another historical story in Genesis:   Gen 22:7-8 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?

And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

He came to earth and at his appearing, He wore the garments of a lamb: Luk 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Articles on Roman clothing and cloth towels state: “Typically, Roman garments and cloth were made of wool. Only the affluent would have garments of linen.”   Christ was wrapped in wool cloth. The garment of a lamb.

John the Baptist recognized Jesus as a lamb: Joh 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

As He was preparing to leave this world and before His “departing” (Hos 5:15 I will go and return to my place) He was wearing the garments of a lamb and teaching His disciples that His entire life was purposed in the laying down of His Lion and taking up His lamb.

Joh 13:4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, (a Roman cloth most likely made of soft wool) and girded himself.

Joh 13:12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

Joh 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

In the end He was instructing them concerning their garments, their purpose and their character.

It is so intense to see that Jesus didn’t have to empty the armory of Heaven to defeat the enemy. He didn’t need to come to earth with guns blazing and all the power at His disposal. 1Co 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men; (created beings… including angels).

The weakness of God. Now we know that there is no weakness in God… but this means – “the very least amount of energy and power that God could exercise.”   Jesus was teaching us this very valuable lesson in displacing and defeating the enemy.   It is not in our own strength or in the strength or presence of ten thousand angels or in the termination with extreme prejudice.

The enemy was not defeated by the Lion, but by the lamb.   The Apostle Paul said, “when I am weak, then am I strong.” II Corinth. 12:10.   And Jesus, perhaps in His most profound illustrated sermon, told them, “you should do as I have done to you.”

In the coming weeks I am going to be launching forth with some study and teaching on “weakness and meekness” to displace an immoveable foe. Together we will explore ways to get “us” out of the way… to remove ourselves from thrones of our own power… to lay down our lion in order to pick up our lamb.

Joh 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

And… one last look today at the end of the book.

In the book of Revelation after Christ’s ascension we see that He once again takes the crown and scepter and majesty and power of the Lion. The Lion had prevailed even in the midst of taking on the office and purpose of a lamb.

Rev 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

And I find it interesting that in verse 5 He is seen by the elders as a Lion, but in the 6^th verse, John who was a part of that “tribe” would ever see Him as The Lamb. And from that point forward, Christ in the book of Revelation would no more be referred to as a Lion, but would be recorded 28 more times as “The Lamb”.

Rev 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

And who are we?

Rev 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.

Lambs are not married (or joined to) lions.   They are with lambs.

Go to our Worship page today with me today: (Awesome worship for your day)