In the just the past week there have been ample, multiplied opportunities to be offended at my own church. It is wearying really. But, aside from my own personal feelings and experiences, I am perceiving a deep issue in “the Church” of the Western world, and that issue is a lack of familial unity and ultimately a lack of love. Though I am a researcher, the following is of my reflections regarding this, not a study.
This perception has reminded me of an outdoor cat we had for three years, and in all three of those years did not let us touch her even once. Oh, she stayed on our property almost exclusively, ate the food we fed her, slept on the heated outdoor bed we provided, knew the name that we called her which was “Shadow”, and enjoyed the daily visits of our indoor cats. But, she absolutely never let us touch her.
When I told others about her, they would tell me heartwarming tales of elusive cats who eventually came close enough to be petted and were forever tamed once stroked by a human hand. But, not Shadow!
Regardless of her stubborn, willful ‘dementia’, I loved her very much. My family was annoyed with her at times, and thought I was crazy to still feed and care for her. But in truth, I was never offended by thoughts that she didn’t like me, nor did I ever think that I’d done something wrong to make her not like me. Actually, I came to accept the fact that I would never touch her, and never grew impatient with her misguided fear. Instead, she was precious to me. Every quirk was special. Just making eye contact with her was priceless. Seeing her lap up the milk each night made my heart sing. Yes, she was peculiar. Yes, she was silly. Yes, she was ridiculous. But she was darling to me.
Have you noticed how people are with their pets, or grandchildren if you’re not a pet person? So loving. So forgiving. So kind. So gentle. So pampering. The cat throws up in their shoes, and their owner, though disgusted, cleans it up without reprimand. The dog chews up their trash while they’re gone all day, and they scold the dog briefly and then are softened by the big sad eyes of their naughty canine. The child uses your lipstick to produce a Picasso on your bathroom wall, and though you might initially scold the little one their crying leads you to get them a bowl of ice cream. The dog is a bit nippy, but it’s because he needs a treat. The cat is grumpy, but oh, isn’t she cute? The bird squawks annoyingly, but it’s because he’s nervous and needs some baby talk. And if a beloved pet becomes lost, we put up posters, send out announcements all over social media, and call friends and neighbors to find that precious pet in order to bring them home as soon as possible! After all, it’s all about the pet or child – how cute they are in spite of any bad behavior. They don’t earn your love. They just look at you and you love them.
But, in contrast, have you ever noticed how Christians are with each other? So unloving. So unforgiving. So unkind. So harsh. So quickly offended. Someone said something or didn’t say something. Someone did or didn’t do something. Someone should have just known better. How they looked at me or didn’t look at me. How they acted or didn’t act around me. If they invited me or didn’t invite me. And if a Christian who disagreed with me or offended me or was strange disappears from church, well, then, ‘good riddance, they were trouble anyway’! After all, it’s all about whether or not they treat me well or agree with me on every topic – for they need to earn my love and forgiveness.
Perhaps, however, we need to learn something from my cat Shadow. To begin with, we Christians are an odd lot, full of idiosyncrasies, irascible tendencies and strange behaviors, insecurities, and varying backgrounds. But, like my cat (if I can truly call her mine) each Christian (including you and me) is only receptive to a point based on all of their life experiences. But their receptivity and resistance has nothing to do with anyone else. Their behavior is not usually about me. It’s not usually about you. It’s their quirk; it’s their own disconnectedness; it’s their insecurity. And just like I unquestioningly loved my insecure cat who only appeared to reject me all the time, I need to love each brother and sister in Christ and be quick to forgive. I need to more readily love them as I did Shadow, and quit wanting/requiring them to be different than they are, quit placing such a high standard upon them, quit placing on them such great expectations. And really, I need to quit taking things so personally.
Indeed, perhaps this is why Jesus calls us to be quick to forgive, to be tenderhearted and warmly affectionate toward each other – in spite of our ridiculous short comings! Yes, perhaps we ought to see each other as cute, instead of aggravating. Yes, perhaps we ought to consider each other as adorable instead of unforgivable. And I want to be clear here – I am talking about the ins and outs of church life, not egregious sins. I am talking about offense, not murder. I am talking about quirks, not doctrinal error. Yes, in our day to day life, perhaps we ought to be more patient with each other, and think more of what pain or grief or other reasons that each might be going through that brought about such a response that hurt out feelings or made things inconvenient for us. Yes, we all have weaknesses, and each of us wants to be understood and loved and cared for in spite of them. Don’t we? Yes, perhaps we ought to treat each other more like a beloved pet or child instead of an enemy.
And even if someone is in error biblically speaking or is not doing something correctly, it is not for us to change them. Rather, we are to do our part in gentle correction and insight (2 Timothy 2:25), but we ought not be so impatient with them to change immediately. Change often comes over time. Change comes by the Holy Spirit. Even Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3 that some sow seed, some water, but it is God who gives the increase. So, why are we so impatient with people, when it is God’s job to change them? Let’s remember that Jesus did not run after the rich young ruler to compel him to give up everything right now, on the double quick! Instead, Jesus declared how hard it was for those who are rich and who trust in those riches to enter the kingdom of God, but then stated that “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible,” (Mark 10:27) And even more incredibly in the Mark 10 account, it says in verse 21, “Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him…” Not only does the change lie with God, but can you honestly say that when someone does not appear to have heeded what you’ve said that you have looked at them and loved them? Jesus fixed His gaze upon this man with special interest and deep love. Have you? Have you longed for them, like Jesus said of Jerusalem in Matthew 23, “37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!”?
In this life we may never agree on everything, but we must all agree on one thing – love. It is love that holds us all together like glue. It is love that keeps the Church from falling apart. It is love that keeps us from dividing into a million pieces. It is love that binds all together in perfect unity. We are not enemies. We are family. Don’t let any whispering, conniving devil of hell convince you otherwise! Perhaps if we treat each other like we do our pets, we would not need to go to personal retreats or long for revival, because we would actually be the Church that Christ prayed that we would be.
We can all say, yes, I agree with this. Yes, everyone needs to be more loving. But, here’s the deal. It starts with you. It starts with me. Someone needs to lead. Someone needs to show others how it’s done. Someone needs to love first. And that someone is you and me. (Romans 12:9-21, Philippians 2:1-8, 1 Corinthians 13) And no, others may not follow our lead. Others may get even more exasperating. And yes, in the beginning you’ll wonder why you always have to be the leader. But you must overcome resentment and not be weary in well-doing, for in the end you’ll reap a harvest if you do not faint (Galatians 6:9). We are too earthly minded, wanting our rewards and benefits now. But, this is not he aven. This is more like boot camp wherein our faith is tested and tried in the fire of affliction, and wherein we are to be bonding like soldiers in basic training. For in “the end” we will reap that harvest the likes of which we have no concept of now, for our light afflictions are nothing compared to the eternal weight of glory that awaits us (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Christians are not our enemies no matter how strange each of us may individually be, or how long it may take each of us to learn. We are on the same team. We are fellow soldiers. We are family. We are apart of one body – the body of Christ. We are the Bride. Even so, let us love each other unconditionally – even like beloved pets and kids.
Jesus is coming soon. It’s time to be ready!
Your Sibling in Christ,
Holy Light Ministries
For more on loving each other please refer to this link:
By now you all have heard or are hearing about the term “directed energy weapon”, and some of you may have even connected the dots that that just may have happened on the island of Maui. Many have noted what people have said about metal melting and charred remains disintegrating into powder and the intense heat with white flames, as well as the pictures and satellite images of the landscape with trees still standing. For more information on the suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire that incinerated Maui, please refer to the most recent video put out by Really Graceful on August 14th, and the most recent video put out by Dane Wigington on August 12th. Furthermore, there is Mary Greeley who revealed that the top emergency officials of Maui were not on the island when the fire hit. Oh the mystery of iniquity that is at work here!
Along with the videos above are these of Many Fish’s “Maui Fire “Anomalies” Keep Adding Up. Put on the Full Armor of God!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thg0KYiE7uw which reveals that there has been since 2011 an ongoing Smart Grid project between the U.S. and Japan regarding Hawaii, and most recently there was a book published August 10th just 2 days after the fire entitled, “Fire and Fury: the story of the 2023 Maui Fire and It’s Implications For Climate Change”; and Really Graceful’s Part 2 of “What the Media Won’t Tell You About the Maui Fires,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfXfS3mUo3Q that reveals more strange details that are unfolding on the island of Maui right now, including the fact that residents whose houses did not burn have to get passes in order to leave their houses for food, water, or to go anywhere on the island. Without a pass, they could lose their home. Strange things.
But, whether this military weapon was used or not, I want to encourage us all to pray for Maui, for the Christians there specifically that they will shine for Jesus even if they lost loved ones, and that they will not lose the faith nor heart nor hope at this inexplicably horrific time. And may they live out the Gospel, speak the Gospel, and extend the eternal hope that they have in Christ. May they indeed not grieve as others grieve. May they not be bewildered. May they not be confused. May they think clearly and see clearly the plan of God in the midst of chaos. May they not hide their lights under a bushel, but set it upon a lampstand for all to see. Please, please remember to pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ, and do not let up. They need it now more than ever.
I also want to remind Christians, that God is still sovereign. Does God know about evil and diabolical plots in the world right now, including the WEF? Yes. Psalm 2 states that very well. And it goes deeper than that, for God often uses those diabolical plots of mankind both for judgment and for His glory. Like Joseph told his brothers, what they intended for evil God turned for good and the saving of many lives (Genesis 50:20). Too many people contend that God was merciless in wiping out the occupants of Canaan and by using the Israelites to do it. But, our God is not merciless. Lamentations 3 powerfully states, “22Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.23They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness…32Though He causes grief, Yet He will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies.” Please note, God causes the grief, but this does not change the fact that He is merciful.
Indeed, the Bible states that God IS LOVE (1 John 4:8). He does not merely love, He IS LOVE. And our God does NOT CHANGE (Malachi 3:6). He remains the same. So, when we see something in the Bible or in life that we do not understand, we must NOT EVER question who God is or falsely accuse Him. But, He as LOVE itself is also just and holy, and in Scripture it is related that He does things that we do not understand: like the sending of famine, pestilence, war, and beastly attacks. These are what the KJV calls God’s “four sore judgments” on people groups and nations who have rejected Him as demonstrated through the example of the nation of Israel (Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 and Ezekiel 14). And God’s judgments in Scripture are often carried out by people. Just read the book of Judges for an example, as well as Jeremiah, or even the book of 2 Chronicles and Joel to name a few. And don’t forget the book of Revelation wherein God uses the four horsemen of chapter 6 to carry out His four sore judgments on a world that has rejected His Son Jesus Christ, and these are followed by the wrath of God. God’s plan always prevails (Proverbs 18:21) for He is sovereign over all, and all He does is righteous (Job 1-2, 38-42).
Though the emergency warning sirens did not sound on Maui, God’s emergency warning system is sounding worldwide via catastrophic flooding, horrific blazing, fiery infernos, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes in nation after nation, devastating hurricanes, destructive tornadoes, increasing wild animal attacks, wars and rumors of wars, inflation of prices in grocery stores and gas pumps, the wiping out of crops needed to survive, the needless killing of cows and chickens and other livestock, even via government leaders who hate their own people ruling over them, and the list goes on and on and on…
And the answer is still the same as 2 Chronicles 7:14. But why do we need verse 14? Verse 13 tells us WHY. Verse 12 tells us WHO is talking. So, let’s begin with verse 12 and 13 and end with 14. “12Then the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: “I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice.13When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 14if 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.”
No matter what the evil intent may have been behind the Maui fires, nor who may have started them, or how they may have started, or what technology they have for geoengineering or directed energy weapons or HAARP or the vaccine whatever else they have up their arsenal sleeves, our holy God Who is LOVE is in control, and His plan will prevail. No matter how successful the enemy may think they are right now, I remind them of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 – you are mere men, and in one millisecond you in your pomp and glory will be brought to nothing. Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God’s sovereignty. Will you? If not, here is your Psalm 82 reality check, “1God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods. 2How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked? Selah 3Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. 4Deliver the poor and needy;Free them from the hand of the wicked. 5They do not know, nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are unstable. 6I said, “You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High. 7But you shall die like men, And fall like one of the princes.” 8Arise, O God, judge the earth; For You shall inherit all nations.”
We are indeed in the last of the Last Days. And as Christians, I remind us of yet another thing – Jesus encouraged us not to be afraid (Isaiah 41:10; Luke 21:9), to not be distracted by the cares or pleasures of this life (Luke 21:34-36), and that when we BEGIN to see all these things unfolding that we are to get up and lift up our heads and eyes for our redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28)!!!
Jesus is coming SOONER now than yesterday. Let’s be ready!! Maranatha!!! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!!! The Spirit and the Bride say, “COME!!!”
The Lord just revealed to me one way to apply the strange topic of meat sacrificed to idols in our daily lives. I have been interested in this topic and studied it off and on for 15 years since taking a class in seminary on the Biblical book of 1 Corinthians. But this last week its importance to me has risen exponentially and become front and center in my mind and heart because of its impact on the body of Christ. As I have over the last few days read and re-read, done Greek word studies and considered various commentaries on 1 Corinthians 8-10 as well as Romans 12 and 14, I asked the Lord to show me what this all looks like in modern life, in the here and now. And the Lord answered.
Within minutes even seconds of asking that very question, the Holy Spirit reminded me of a situation in my own life wherein I had done most everything right regarding a bill I had at a medical office. I had made out a check and sent it, and they had received and cashed it. However, after about a month went by I upon checking the transactions of this particular bank account, I realized that their check had not come through. And since I only put enough money into that account to pay bills and at that moment it was down to zero, I quickly transferred some funds in order to cover the check if it were to finally come through.
At that point, I straightaway called the medical office and asked them about it, and I was assured by them that my file there was marked paid in full.
But this was not the end of the story, for the check had not gone through at all because there had been insufficient funds in that account. So, I sent another check, and requested that the “bounced check” fee be waved since I’d communicated with them, they’d said everything was fine, and when it wasn’t I’d rectified it immediately.
However, instead of doing the courteous thing, the doctor’s office started sending letters saying I’d not paid my bill and that it was now past due. I wrote them back saying I had paid for services rendered, but was still not wanting to pay the “bounced check” fee and explained why once again. I even called and left voicemail messages for them regarding this. And they’d send another letter saying I’d not paid and that I owed, etc. Finally they stated they were going to send the bill to collections if I did not pay, which they could not do because the amount owed was too small to go to collections. So, I did nothing. I’d already stated my case, and they were not listening. It was then that they sent their final letter stating that I could not longer come to their medical office until the bill was paid in full.
All this back and forth was for $40. That’s right. $40.
I was in the right. But they too felt themselves in the right. When everyone is right, whatever shall we do?
And this is exactly where my study and meditation of both Romans and 1 Corinthians comes into play. For in those passages the Lord makes it clear that those who feel themselves to be right regarding various issues are to lay aside their rights and liberties for the sake of not offending others and for the sake of the Gospel.
Now I want to be clear, this surrender of rights and liberties does not have to do with surrendering the foundations of the faith nor sound doctrinal issues nor Gospel truth. We are not to compromise Biblical truth for the sake of peace. We are not to compromise who Jesus is, what Jesus said, who God is, who the Holy Spirit it, who the Church is, nor the topic of salvation for the sake of not offending (The book of Acts is a good example of this). “15For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?” Indeed, the nature of the Gospel is to offend. Just think of what dead rotting flesh smells like. Well, to some people, Christians smell like dead rotting flesh. We are foul to them. Even Jesus even said that He was a rock of offense. As 1 Peter 2:8-10 states, “…to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” 8and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” “As it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” (Romans 9:33). Thus, the application of what I’m saying today has to do with disagreements that have nothing to do with salvation.
But, when it comes to all else, we are to actively pursue peace with all (Hebrews 12:14), for we are to “if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). And we are to make sure that the Gospel is not defamed by anything – not quarrels about who’s right and who’s wrong (James 4:1-10), not striving to be proven correct, not dragging our fellow Christians to non-Christian courts (1 Corinthians 6:1-8), not even attempting to persuade those you disagree with to your side of the argument (Romans 14:1). Quit trying to be understood. What is it about us that always wants to be understood? Pride? Absolutely. It is our pride that arises in all things wherein we NEED to be understood and justified in our position.
But, the Lord says in 1 Corinthians 10:31-33, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many that they may be saved.” For, “…if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another… 21It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.” (Romans 14:15-19, 21-22). “13Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” (1 Corinthians 8:13).
It’s not about us. This life is not about our pleasure, nor our being right, nor winning arguments. It may seem good to win, to enjoy, to be right, but if it is spoken of as evil by another what good is it? If you win the argument that you can go to whatever Christian concert you want to attend regardless of your wife’s warning about its heresy, enjoy a glass of wine regardless of your Pentecostal friend’s objection, eat pork regardless of your Jewish co-worker’s concern, or not pay a certain payment to a medical facility because of semantics and principles, how is this edifying? How does this benefit your wife, your friend, the bookkeepers of the medical office? In fact, your rights make you look selfish, not loving.
So, as I was praying and meditating on 1 Corinthians and Romans and on how it might look today, I was struck in the heart by the knife of the Holy Spirit’s conviction regarding the situation at the medical facility. Though months have passed and I had all but forgotten it, the Holy Spirit had not forgotten and used it to teach me a practical lesson regarding meat sacrificed to idols. Plain and simply and very succinctly, I am to lay aside my right to be heard and understood. I am to lay aside the fact that I am right, and am to pay the fee.
Does this make my position with the doctor’s office wrong? Does this mean that they are vindicated in their position? Though this may indeed make the other person, or in my case the doctor’s office, feel like they were finally proven right, truly and oddly enough, this does not make them right and me wrong. It is clear from the passages of Scripture that one who is completely right and is absolutely strong and knowledgeable is called on by Christ to set aside their “rightness” and their “rights” for love’s sake and for the Gospel’s sake.
Just think of Jesus. Think of His eternal position in glory, equal with the Father, seated in heavenly places with a name, rank, and great authority. Think of Him as Creator God. (John 1; Colossians 1-2; Philippians 2; Hebrews 1:3). Then reflect on Him setting aside His rights, His privileges, His liberties…. For what? The Gospel. Our salvation. Was Jesus proven wrong when He set aside His rights? To any worldly onlooker from age to age it would appear so. Nevertheless, Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient even unto death on the cross (Philippians 2), who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame (Hebrews 12).
And we are to follow His example by taking up our cross and dying to our flesh, by dying to our pride that wants to be right and be justified in our rightness. Because our “rightness” does not matter. If “rightness” mattered then Jesus would not have been crucified. We would have been. If rightness mattered then Jesus would not have said to leave you gift at the alter and go to make things right with an offended brother (Matthew 5:23-24).
Love matters. Edifying one another as Christians matters. Laying aside our “rightness” matters because in so doing the Gospel wins. Sometimes being wronged and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) is what Christ calls for in order for His name to be gloried (1 Corinthians 6:7).
This is beyond HUGE, especially to any American Christian who is all about their rights. But, Jesus calls us to be transformed by the renewing of our warped minds (Romans 12:2), to be changed in our worldly thinking, to be conformed to His image and likeness (Romans 8:29). Our witness of Christ is of pivotal importance here, not us being acknowledged as right.
Does not my witness for Christ in that medical office mean more than $40? They obviously do not care about losing a patient, but I MUST CARE about them not being offended. It is more important to Christ that I not offend in this matter than that I be right in this matter.
And so, I am sending in one more check to that doctor’s office to essentially pay the “bounced check” fee regardless of what the office is calling it and regardless of whatever their attitude might be. By doing so I am not admitting that I am wrong, nor am I affirming that they are right. How they interpret it is between them and God. I cannot control their response. Rather, and most importantly, Christ is being glorified by my obedience.
Let us remember Jesus, “who being in the form of God did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8). And this same mind, this same heart, this same humility, this same lack of pride, this same great love is to be in us toward one another – Christians first and the watching world as well for the sake of the Gospel that they might be saved.
Does this all seem upside down and backwards? Well, it is when looking through the lenses of this competitive world! And really, we Christians may feel very dizzy while God slowly turns us right side up! We are citizens of heaven now, and as such we are not to look through the glasses of this world – or the spectacles of our national pride either. So, let’s put on those heavenly spectacles and begin to see things God’s way. And God’s way, no matter how dizzying, is always right side up!
Humbling myself beneath God’s mighty hand (1 Peter 5:6),
Something is happening in Asbury College and now other colleges. There are those who applaud it, saying it’s about time. There are others who don’t give it the time of day. There are those who are watching it carefully to see what will come of it. There are others who never like moves of God and say it is not of God and steer clear of it calling it strange fire. And still there are others who believe it is not a genuine move of God but was started by the leadership and followers of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR).
Before continuing, I want to insert a slightly personal note. I am no longer on the worship team at my church because of NAR influence via Bethel Church Redding. Because so many Christian musicians today see Bethel as unquestionably Christian (Jesus Culture and Bethel Music), their music has infiltrated a majority of churches and Christian radio stations in America. Also well-known worship singers find no fault with them and sing on the same stage as Bethel worship leaders and even teach in the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry. Last June while still on my church’s worship team, I requested that a song be changed because I could not in good conscience sing it while leading in worship, and even gave them an article regarding Bethel’s unbiblical practices and doctrine in the hopes that they would understand (https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2022/04/08/do-not-be-deceived-an-angel-of-light/). But instead of them being appalled by the information or at least being open to talk about it, they avoided me, and for months have no longer invited me to be on the worship team as the song leader. Furthermore, one of our four councilmen sees the NAR prophets as legitimate and even invited a man who welcomed Bethel soaking music into our sanctuary. So, I am more than familiar with the NAR, and am more than aware of their far-reaching tentacles.
Planned, Emotional, Experiential
Now back to Asbury. From what I can assess, some are reasoning that one needs to steer clear of what is happening at Asbury and now other colleges because it was a “planned” event, is emotional and experiential, and may be associated with the NAR (this NAR link I’ll address later). To the rest I would respond with a question: didn’t the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 happen during a “planned” event? It did. It happened on the planned day of Pentecost when Jews from everywhere had gathered from the nations. Jesus had told the disciples to “tarry” in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit who would be sent from the Father. So, 120 of them waited in the upper room for a 10 day prayer meeting that culminated in the incredible outpouring that shook Jerusalem and then went to the uttermost parts of the earth.
Furthermore, wasn’t it emotional and experiential? It was. According to the text those 120 who received the empowering of the Holy Spirit were bubbling over abundantly and speaking forth the marvelous works of God, and thus some in the crowd believed they were drunk on new wine while others merely stood in awe. Indeed, this was a moment of great, even inexpressible joy, in other words, it was emotional.
Speaking of another “planned” and emotional experience wherein the ark of the covenant of God finally entered the city of David, according to 2 Samuel 6: 14-15, “David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet.” Talk about emotional. Talk about exuberant. Talk about genuine. Talk about indecorous and improper!!!
Speaking of yet another “planned” and emotional experience on the day of Yom Teruah when all the people who had returned from Babylon were assembled for the reading of the law it says in Nehemiah 8:9, 11-12, “And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law…So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them.”
Just hearing the word of God had the people emotional, deeply grieved and repentant. But, they were instructed by their leadership that it was not a day of grief but of joy. Their leaders did not tell them to express no emotion, but rather told them to turn their grief in to great joy. Thus, they went forth in a festive attitude, and they “rejoiced greatly”. This rejoicing was not done quietly, but with great loudness and grew in magnified volume among the throng of God’s people. And for days, even weeks, they celebrated before the Lord gleefully and mirthfully, dwelling in booths, eating and drinking, and hearing the words of the Law read to them.
And yet again in 1 Kings 8 during a “planned” event during the Feast of Tabernacles when all the people had assembled for the feast and the Temple was dedicated and the ark of the covenant was placed in the Most Holy Place, “…the cloud filled the house of the LORD 11so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD…” In other words, God showed up, and the priests could not continue doing what they were doing because of it! Makes me think of Isaiah 6 when Isaiah was overcome with emotion when in the presence of the Most High, and he cried out that he was undone for he was a man of unclean lips.
Indeed, we as humans when we come into contact with the holiness of our great God always have an emotional response to that experience: sometimes grief-stricken repentance, sometimes dancing with exuberant joy, and sometimes it renders us unable to go about our normal activities.
Asbury 1970
There is an old documentary that appears to have been filmed back in the 1980s or 1970s about the Asbury revival of 1970. And in it is the unquestionable account of what happened and how it was all about prayer, genuine repentance before God and the restoration of relationships and lives, and testimonies. It was not merely emotional nor planned nor conjured up and was not about signs and wonders or show or lights or fog machines or anything man-made, not even angel feathers or gold dust. It was was an incredible time of giving God the time to do a deeper work in His people, His Church, His Bride, and to call those who did not know Him to Himself. Please, take a listen to this documentary to understand it more fully before speaking in a derogatory way about it. This is the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSkzQD74hEs Could this not genuinely be called apart of the Jesus movement/revolution that Chuck Smith founder of Calvary Chapel was very much apart of, and Hal Lindsay too?
The term “Revival” As for the present revival, if there is a problem calling it “revival” because of NAR false prophecies and propaganda then let’s use a Biblical term such as an “outpouring” of the Holy Spirit. After all, it was God Himself in both Joel 2 and Acts 2 Who stated,
“17‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.”
The Lost Youth and a Dead Church
This is the most unchurched generation and most ignorant generation regarding God in the history of the world. They have been spoon fed lies from their birth from children’s entertainment, movies, school, family, media, video games etc., deluged by filth on every hand, overwhelmed by despair and purposelessness and fear, and who are being destroyed by a tidal wave of addictions and suicide. Are they not the field white unto harvest while the drought ridden church lies unmoved and apathetic? And who will reach them? And how will they be reached if the Church is so dusty, dry and dead that they cannot speak? Is not the church of America like Sardis of Revelation 3?
Just like Sardis, the church in America has had “a name” for a long time. It had been alive. From America thousands of missionaries were sent out into all the nations of this earth. It was here that Great Awakenings ignited, countless tent meeting revivals took off, and incredible, individual moves of God drew people closer to God and sent them out into the highways and byways to reach the lost. The American church was indeed a shining city alight upon a hill for all the world to see. But, that light is nearly out, and she is a dying remnant of what she once was. Faded and dingy, like coal smudged windows of jolly old England, she has lost her brilliance and glory. Like the Temple of Ezekiel 8, her walls have become lined with the idolatrous images such as that of the “American dream” (a house, a dog, 2.5 kids, a white picket fence, etc), busyness, prosperity, vacations, sports, entertainment, New Age practices (yoga, meditation that empties the mind, the idea that we are all christ and little gods, etc.), Catholic mysticism (labyrinth walks, “practicing the presence”, asceticism, etc.), ecumenism (being united equally with other religions of the world), dominionism/kingdom now/manifest sons of god false doctrine that teaches the church will take over the world and then Jesus can come back; demonic lying signs and wonders that they attribute to the Holy Spirit (The Toronto Blessing’s barking like dogs, roaring like lions, unholy laughter, and writhing about like snakes; Bethel church Redding’s gold dust, angel feathers, fire tunnels, Tarot cards and Ouija boards, etc); the apostolic movement that states that modern day prophets and apostles are greater than those in the Bible; the abomination of LGBTQ+ is welcomed with open arms. It is no wonder that 70% of those who call themselves Christians in America believe that a person of another religion can be saved without Christ, that Jesus is not the only way for everyone. Oh how far the mighty have fallen!
And the Lord said to Ezekiel, in Ezekiel 8:6, 17, ““Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here, to make Me go far away from My sanctuary? Now turn again, you will see greater abominations…And He said to me, “Have you seen this, O son of man? Is it a trivial thing to the house of Judah to commit the abominations which they commit here? For they have filled the land with violence; then they have returned to provoke Me to anger…”
Because of Israel’s departure from God, He departed from them as Ezekiel 10:18-19 and 11:22-23 says, “Then the glory of the Lord departed from the threshold of the temple and stood over the cherubim. And the cherubim lifted their wings and mounted up from the earth in my sight. When they went out, the wheels were beside them; and they stood at the door of the east gate of the Lord’s house, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them… “So the cherubim lifted up their wings, with the wheels beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel was high above them. And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city and stood on the mountain, which is on the east side of the city.”
Even so America and the American church has departed from the Living God, and the time is drawing near wherein He will depart from them – even in the great departure of the Rapture when He snatches His Bride home and unleashes the Tribulation upon those who have rejected Him and His supreme holiness and absolute truth.
Jesus is returning SOON. Thus, in Revelation 2-3 is He not calling to His Bride to awaken, repent, and return to her First Love, to do the first works? Are we not still in the Last Days, even the last of the Last Days? Thus, will He not continue to be at work among His people, pouring out His Holy Spirit? Will not the latter rain be poured out even as the former upon those who seek Him? Does He not say that those who seek and keep on seeking Him will find Him, and that He will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and keep on asking? (Luke 11:9-13). Does He not say to Sardis, “Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent?”
The NAR
Now, as for the NAR false prophets and false teachers, they like the devil, piggy back onto any true move of God. Did not Simon the sorcerer of Acts 8 try to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit with money for his own profit and glory? And what of the spirit of python in the oracle of Delphi in Acts 16 who followed Paul around like a puppy announcing truth so as to appear to be one with the Apostles and thus be seen as legitimate? Just because the NAR attempt to steal God’s glory does not mean that what is happening genuinely at Asbury is not of God. So far there have been no lying signs and wonders and thus no false holy spirit; no false doctrine, and thus no false Jesus. And there have been no NAR big names leading from the platform. They may sound their own horn, but if it is of God then He will deal with their Luciferian thievery in His own time and in His own way.
What would cause the NAR to do such a thing? Well, they have taught for a long time that there was going to be a revival among the youth. And some have even “prophesied” that this last days revival was just around the corner, including Dutch Sheets and others. They believe that this revival must happen and spread to the entire earth, infiltrating and taking over all 7 mountains of influence in this earth. These 7 mountains include education, government, business etc. This is otherwise known as Dominion Theology, the Manifest Sons of God, the Latter Rain, etc. They really truly believe that they must unite the world for Christ in order for Christ to return and that Jesus cannot come back until they do. And revival is the first step in the direction of this Dominionist mandate (if you are unclear about what Dominionsist Theology teaches, please refer to the references regarding the NAR and Dominionism below).
Thus, some believe that the NAR have planned this “revival” at Asbury, and are fanning the flames of it into other colleges. They see the One World Order agenda of antichrist arising, and are zealously eager for their chance at a counter move with their own one world order agenda in order that Christ might return soon. And the NAR had planned for a prayer event on February 23rd at the time of the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the original collegiate day of prayer. As the ag.org website states (link below), “Officially formed in 1815 as the Concert of Prayer for Colleges, by 1823 every major denomination and every college adopted the last Thursday of every February as a day of prayer for all U.S. college campuses — where churches, parents, students, and others commit to pray for specific colleges and universities on one day. This day was frequently associated with powerful revivals and awakenings in schools across the U.S.”
However, just because someone wants something does not mean that they can make God move. For unless the Lord builds the house the laborers labor in vain (Psalm 127). No matter how powerful the NAR apostles and prophets think they are (and they do think they are greater than the apostles and prophets of the Bible – even believing they are little gods and little christs), they cannot conjure up a move of the real Holy Spirit. I’ve seen worship leaders attempt to stir a crowd to no avail. All those kids are not faking worship.
Now, how is it that NAR leader and teacher of false Dominionist theology, Dutch Sheets, had such a detailed vision in Boise, Idaho on September 11, 2001? Assuming he really did have this vision this then would fall into the category of Deuteronomy 13 wherein God states that He is using the false prophet whose prophecy actually comes to pass in order to test His people. “1If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, 2and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’—which you have not known—‘and let us serve them,’ 3you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” The fact that Dutch Sheets has had this vision come to pass does not mean that he is of God nor does it mean that you can trust him. His teaching and doctrine are still false.
A Warning to the Vigilant and Discerning
All of you who are concerned about what is going on at Asbury and now other colleges, remember the Ephesians of Revelation 2. Continue to be patient; continue to not bear those who are evil; continue to test those who say they are apostles but are not – even the NAR – and continue to persevere and not become weary. And indeed, thank you for pressing on, for being passionate, for being watchful, on guard and aware, and for stirring others to be watchful, aware, and on guard too.
But, dear ones, do not lose your first love like the Ephesians were in jeopardy of doing. They had become so fervent, so careful, so overly protective, that they not only had forgotten to spend quality time in the presence of the Lord, but had also lost their love for each other. For flowing out of that love and time with the Lord is the love for one another as brothers and sisters in Christ – for will not the world know us by our love for one another? (John 13:35). Think back to when you were first saved. There was a closeness and a bond you had with other believers, a nearness, and a great love like a warm fuzzy blanket felt between you all. They were family. And if there was a financial need, it was met. If there was a spiritual need, it was prayed for. If there was a practical need, it was provided for. If one needed healing, people prayed over you. If there was an emotional need, there were hugs and words of encouragement. And everyone was quick to forgive and full of grace.
While still being vigilant and watchful, may this same heartbeat of overflowing warmth and love be in you now toward these youth. Please, in our great zeal against the NAR do not speak against these youth who are desperate for what you experienced when you were saved, set free and delivered. Do not speak against what may truly be of God just because the false apostles of the NAR are trying to steal God’s thunder. Do not turn on the genuine in your fervor to stamp out the strange fire of the NAR madness. According to both Matthew 12:20 and Isaiah 42:3 Jesus would not break off nor snuff out even that which is barely hanging on in spiritual vitality. “3A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench.” So then, why are we so quick to do so?
No, not everything ‘supernatural’ is of God. But equally true is that not every ‘move of God’ is of the NAR.
Do not stand against those who are so thirsty, so parched, so deeply dry that they desperately need the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Do not oppose those who are so hungry that they cannot get enough of spending time worshiping, kneeling before the awesomeness of our God, who are so enthralled by His glorious love and forgiveness and deliverance that they cannot help but lift their hands, fall on their knees or get emotional – and like David desire that they “may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple” (Psalm 27:4). And as the sons of Korah said in Psalm 84,
2My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
3Even the sparrow has found a home, And the swallow a nest for herself, Where she may lay her young— Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, My King and my God.
4Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; They will still be praising You. Selah”
Please, do not be like David’s wife Michal of 2 Samuel 6:20-23 who cynically and critically responded, but rather be like Gamaliel of Acts 5:38-39 who said, “…now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” Do not throw the proverbial baby out with the bath water. One who is questioning, be careful here. Please, rather be like Paul who said in Philippians 1:15-17, “Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.”
We are the body of Christ, and as such, let those of us who are vigilant and guarded and watchful not become so hyper critical that we turn upon the good as well as the evil. As the “Body” of Christ, let’s not develop an auto-immune disease wherein the human body’s immune system becomes so hyper sensitive that it begins destroying the bad along with the good. Being on high alert, it mistakenly attacks itself.
God’s Promise for the Last Days Still Stands
Jesus is coming soon. And He did promise that in the Last Days He would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh, that our sons and daughters would prophesy, that young men would see vision and old men would dream dreams, and that all who call upon the name of the Lord would be saved. And these are still the Last Days, the last of the Last to be exact. And as such, the Lord is still fulfilling His promise. No one else, not in the NAR or otherwise can take the credit for a prophecy fulfilled except the Lord Himself. Indeed, well over 2,000 plus years ago God predicted that His Spirit would be poured out upon the youth. Why are we surprised that He is doing it yet again? And truly, why not now just before He returns? Why not one more time?
And to the dead church of America turn your eyes to Jesus’ warning of Revelation 3, “…if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’”
Vigilant and discerning Christians, let’s not be found overly suspicious when God Himself prophesied that He would do just what is happening. Let’s not let the NAR steal God’s promise fulfilled anymore than we ought to allow the LGBTQ+ movement to steal God’s rainbow or the New Age religion to steal God’s crystals. Let’s instead be found both watchful and rejoicing in the outpouring of His Spirit upon this desperate and final generation just before all hell breaks loose upon the world. Let us be refreshed that God is washing over His dead church with the latter rain of heaven. Let us be comforted that He is awakening His Bride, and refilling His Body with the Holy Spirit of the living God for the glory of His great name! Praise the Lord! So be it!
Jesus is coming soon! Let’s be ready!
Looking up,
Holy Light Ministries
References: (Holy Light Ministries does not endorse any link just because they are used for referencing purposes)
Note: I highly respect Light House Trails Research and have quoted them often in other articles on this website. However, in this instance I am in respectful disagreement — and am also respectfully calling them to be careful in how they approach what is happening at Asbury and other colleges in the U.S. right now.
Note: I highly respect Pastor JD Farag of Calvary Chapel Kaneohe, Hawaii, and have both quoted and posted in full his Sunday prophecy updates on this website. He is truly a man of god and a treasure to the Body of Christ. However, in this instance I am in respectful disagreement — and am also respectfully calling him to be careful in how he approaches what is happening at Asbury and other colleges in the U.S. right now.
Note: Dutch Sheets is known to be a false teacher of the New Apostolic Reformation, and was actually the founder of the NAR C.Peter Wagoner’s personal pastor. He is false in that he teaches Dominionist/Latter Rain/Manifest Sons of God theology to the body of Christ, stating that Christians are here right now to rule and reign with Christ in all areas of society, that a great end times revival will usher in a time wherein Christians rule in all “seven mountains”, is focused on making America great again and defended the false prophecies that Trump would be reelected for a second term, and firmly believes that America as a nation will be saved.
Informative Articles on Sheets and the NAR and Dominionist theology:
Here is a summary of what Dominionism is. It has gone by many different names such as Manifest Sons of God, Seven Mountains Mandate, Latter Rain, Joel’s Army, New Breed, Dominionism, etc., but all of them refer to the same thing. The Great Commission is to take dominion over the entire earth and all areas of society. Furthermore, they teach that last days Christians are not only reincarnations of Christ but are becoming Christ. They are therefore not awaiting the Second Coming of Christ but the “becoming of Christ.” As those who are becoming christs they must take back each of the seven mountains of society until they take over the world with the greatest revival the world has ever seen. Those who are little christs/little gods will take on immortality and will be an invincible Joel’s army of supermen that will conquer the world for Christ, and Christ will then be released to come down from heaven.Doesn’t this sound familiar — maybe “lo here is Christ, lo there” from Matthew 24
Note: C.Peter Wagoner is the founder of the New Apostolic Reformation. In this presentation from back in the early 2000’s, Wagoner even mentions Dutch Sheets’ definition given at this conference of the difference between pastor preaching and apostolic preaching (about the 9 minute mark). Quote: “Pastoral preaching stresses Jesus’ death on the cross…but apostolic preaching takes that verse literally…Jesus came to save that which was lost literally that dominion that Adam gave up… is now being restored.”
Quotes:
At about the 1 minute mark, “Dominion means being the head and not the tail. Dominion means ruling as kings…we are kings for dominion. Now the dominion mandate is another phrase for the Great Commission…”
10:45 second mark, under point number 4, “…Jesus delegated establishing His kingdom to us…to you and to me. We are the ones who are supposed to bring this about. See, Jesus trained His disciples to take charge after He left…”Acts 1:8…what did Jesus mean by be my witnesses? He meant that we are to be people who would speak and act on Jesus’ behalf, as if Jesus Himself were doing it; Jesus wants us to do that.”
12:50 second mark, “This is kind of, sort of a prophetic word, see. Let me just read this so I get the wording right. ‘Satan has been losing ground for 2000 years…now I say this, Satan will lose more ground in the next hundred years than he lost in the past 2000… the year 2001 opened the second Apostolic age. The government of the church is now in place. We’re aligning with apostles and prophets, and this war that we’re in…has two fronts. It has a spiritual front, and it has a natural front. And the spiritual front it says we must stand against the wiles of the devil…the wiles of the devil are anything he does to maintain the dominion that he stole from Adam in the garden of Eden. And what does that mean? Spiritual warfare…that’s the spiritual front. But we’d better not stay there! We better bring it down to the natural front…bringing it to earth…And this is a new cutting edge for this generation.”
Quote: “William “Dutch” Sheets is a leading figure in a fundamentalist movement known as the New Apostolic Reformation, whose followers believe America is anointed by God to convert the world to Christianity — by force if necessary — and they seek to accelerate Jesus’ return and rule over the Earth. This divine mission, as they see it, will be carried out when true believers seize control of the institutions of the U.S. government.”
Quote: “Sheets and his “prophetic” colleagues like Engle and Cindy Jacobs believe that the church—which they refer to as the Ekklesia—is meant to be God’s governing authority and legislative body in the world.”
Sheets said, “You will fail! … The Ekklesia will take you out. The outpouring of Holy Spirit will take you out. Angels will take you out. You are no match for any of the above. You are no match for Father, Son, Holy Ghost, or his family or his angel armies. You are no match for his word. You are no match for his prophetic decrees …. So we push you back. And we say your finest hour has come and gone, and the church now rises to the place that he has called us to walk in …. We now rise up and I call that new order into the earth.”
“Jesus is considered the ‘Pattern Son.’ He was the first one to make it as a divine, immortal, sinless Manifest Son of God and this accomplishment will be duplicated by each individual who, following Jesus, become Manifest Sons of God. This Christ Company, now individually Manifest as Sons of God, will execute judgement at the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord… “Rick Joyner is another teacher for this movement. He believes that the elite ‘overcomers’ will conquer the world. This will lead to the greatest revival of history, where the majority of the world will be won to Christ and the kingdom made ready to be received by Christ.””
“Every man who has been born again is an incarnation and Christianity is a miracle. The believer is as much an incarnation as was Jesus of Nazareth.”
– Kenneth Hagin, The Incarnation, December 1980, p.13
“Who are you? Come on, who are you? Come on, say it: ‘Sons of God!’ Come on, say it! And what does work inside us, brother, is that
I think I just got it! The Bible says of Jesus that He learned obedience through the things that He suffered in Hebrews 5:7-9 which states, “…when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him…”
Before I continue I want to make it clear that this experience took place when Jesus had cloaked His divinity and took on human flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus as eternal God did not need to be perfected in any way. But Jesus did come as a sinless man, God in the flesh, referred to as the “last Adam” or “second Adam”, and experienced being human in this fallen world. And while here, He exemplified the footsteps in which we are to walk, and thus attentively learned obedience (5218 hypakoḗ) through the experience of and by heading the voice of suffering. In other words, suffering is our path.
The word for “suffering” in Greek is pásxō (3958) and refers to when something happens to us that is strongly, emotionally overwhelming to the one that is experiencing it. This happened in the past while Jesus had humbled Himself as a servant, but this learning (3129 manthánō) was objectively, unshakably real, and its lesson remains with Him who is now seated on the right hand of God, doing intercession on our behalf as our great High Priest.
We can all read that over and over and over again, and it is all just words. But, I’d been wondering about it, and been thinking on it – what the Bible terms “meditation” (as seen a lot of the Psalms). Plus, I’d been thinking on the book of James, specifically James 1:2-4 and 5:10-11. James 1:2-4, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” And James 5:10-11 goes on to say, “My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed, we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord – that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”
In short, it is through suffering that we are perfected (and no, I do not mean we will attain perfection while here). Whatever that suffering might be, whatever that trial might be, whatever that difficulty or hardship or suffering, it is there to train us, to mold and fashion us, to conform us into the image of Christ. As Romans 8:29 says, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” And Jesus humbled Himself to the lowest degree, becoming the servant of all (Philippians 2). A servant is also termed slave in Scripture, and a slave had no rights and had to obey their master’s commands, even doing the most menial tasks. Soldiers in the military were no different, and priests in service to God in the Temple were no different either. They were in “service” to whoever was above them, and when they heard a command they did not question – they just did it. Period.
This is what our Jesus did. He who made all things, and in whom all things consist and are held together by the word of His power, the One who created principalities and powers and shaped man into His own image, whose fingers formed the stars, the very One who said “let there be light”, stepped down into darkness cloaking His glory; God incarnate, bowed down low, obeying every command no matter how demeaning, even to the point of death – “for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2b)
I’ve read it time and again, but never had it touched me as it did today. Just the other night I was emoting to the Lord about how there are certain people who seemed to be very touched by His favor, and how I do not feel or appear to be favored by Him. It’s not that I even want “their” life nor do I wish them less joy. I just look at my own life and it appears so void of what everyone else has or is doing. And without going into too many details, my world is filled with pain, challenges, and grief; when one thing appear I was careful not to accuse the Lord of withholding, because that is not what I was doing. I was simply hurting and venting to the One I love the most, the One I know I can come to with any and every problem, my dearest friend and Father.
Then today I experienced great anger over the fact (and yes it is a fact) that many good things I’d been looking forward to have all be stifled by some form of suffering. Over and over again something I’d looked forward to has been dashed by some unforeseen pain or disappointment or grief. Now, no, it’s not maybe every time, but it is often enough that I can list many instances. And today all of that happiness turning to sadness time after time vented like a volcano. On top of this – not to justify my emotional explosion – so many of my dear friends are overwhelmed with physical illness and/or pain, circumstances and relationships out of their control, and are lost in a sea of emotion.
And then it hit me – Bam! We learn through suffering. Jesus did. And God’s almighty hand is fashioning us into the image of His dear Son by the same instrument of suffering. After all, the pupil is not above his/her teacher. Jesus showed us the way in which were to walk, and He walked the path of suffering. It is no wonder then that we are all walking this path. Jesus did not like it. We don’t like it. The student never likes being tested, but the test is essential. Even so, we are being tested. And this test, this suffering, is not to make us fail or weaker or make us look foolish or belittled by God. NO! God does not tempt us to fall! Ever! (James 1:13-15). But, this testing is to make us more resilient, more enduring, more sparkly more eternal and more and more like Jesus!!
Our life does not belong to us. Our lives here on earth are not about our happiness. We as Christians are not our own. We are bought with a price. We belong to God.
Even so, I am considering myself blessed because of all of my “temporal” happiness constantly turning to sorrow. I’m changing my attitude. I am choosing to count it all joy to endure my string of trials of sadness in order that I may be perfect and complete, wanting nothing. God is doing this for my good, and I am honored to be His child, that He is taking the time to carefully fashion each intricate detail, mold each divot, chisel each mark, sand each edge, sharpen what should be sharp, placing each gemstone just where it ought to be, and firing me in His kiln when necessary for both refinement and sparkle. I am not my own. I am His creation, His workmanship created for good works in Christ, His masterpiece, His little seed that must die that one day I might rise in the glory ordained for me in the eternity to come – for His praise and glory!
To whoever is reading this article in this strange time in human history, even the end of the end of the world, let us embrace the time that we have left on this earth, however long that may be, and choose not to fear the storms. And by storms I mean all storms: tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, political upheaval, unemployment, bankruptcy, world war, medical emergencies, death of loved ones, injustice, and whatever else you can think of or are experiencing. After all, is not God in the storm and greater than the storm? (Job 38:1; Nahum 1:3).“Fire and hail, snow and clouds, stormy wind fulfilling His word…” Psalm 148:8. Is He not the One who stilled the wind and the waves? (Matthew 8). Is He not the one who closed the lion’s mouths (Daniel), parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14), kept the shipwrecked Paul from drowning (Acts 27), delivered Peter supernaturally from Prison (Acts), upholds all things by the word of His great power (Hebrews 1:3), and answered Job from the whirlwind (Job 38:1)?
Even when we think we are in control, we are not. Us thinking we were ever in control was a lie, a mirage, an unreal fantasy that we came to believe when all was well. But, we do not control whether or not we are born nor who our parents are; how many hairs are on our head; who we fall in love with or who falls in love with us, who will employ us or who will unemploy us; the car on ice that slides into us or the plane that is late or the train that derails; our children’s decisions in life whether good or bad; who will like us or not like us for who we actually are, and the list could go on indefinitely. What we actually control outside of ourselves is not under our jurisdiction even when we think we have it all together and we “pulled ourselves up by our own bootstraps” as the saying used to go.
Moses and the Israelites were encamped between Pharaoh’s massive, intimidating, enraged army and the choppy, overpowering waves of the Red Sea. They did not know what to do. They were trapped. And all of them began to cry out. In that tumultuously intense moment, Moses too cried out to God too……….and God answered.
What would you have done? Perhaps you would have wanted to fight and would have picked up any instrument in order to do battle. Others maybe would have chosen to try swimming in the stormy sea. Still others may have wanted to attempt to build rafts out of whatever wood they had. Some of you may have run to the nearby caves to hide. Perhaps a few would have wanted to wave a white flag of surrender and turn themselves over to the enemy, hoping to save their lives. And a few of you would probably have melted into a puddle of emotion, weeping profusely for all was lost.
Isn’t that how we are handling our own personal Red Sea situation now?
What would you have asked God to do if you’d been one of the Israelites? How would you have had Him help? Would you have prayed that God would grant you victory in battle? Would you have prayed to survive the surf? Would you have prayed for refuge in the nearby caves and that the army would not see you? Or maybe, as so many of us do, we would have turned on God unjustly claiming that He wanted us to die! In any case, the people felt that because everything was out of their control that it must be out of God’s control too.
But, God was not out of control, not even for a second.
Exodus 14:13-16 reads, “And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea…”
Indeed, the greatest choice is to trust the ONE who controls and is sovereign over all. We can choose to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). We can quit looking at Pharoah’s army, quit staring at the Red Sea, and quit allowing emotions of all kinds to cascade over us like a tidal wave.
Instead, we can choose to “Be anxious for nothing…” (Philippians 4:6), to think on things above and upon godly things (Colossians 3:2; Philippians 4:8), and on how BIG our God is (Colossians 3:2; Isaiah 26:3). To be silent. To be still. To not be afraid. To stand back and see the Lord’s salvation.
And God’s salvation may not come in the expected package of deliverance. He did not help the Israelite’s to swim or to fight or to hide. He did something they never would have envisioned. He parted the Red Sea. And He did not merely part it, He dried the sea bottom for them to walk upon. I mean, think about that detail that God provided for them. He made sure that they would not walk through the muck and mire. Don’t limit God’s answers to what you envision. Remember the Red Sea.
I am also reminded of an incredible story in 2 Chronicles 20 wherein the Jews were overwhelmed by overpowering circumstances beyond their control: a massive army of several nations was descending upon them to annihilate them. Thus, they all had gathered at the Temple together where they prayed, “we are powerless before this vast army…we do not know what to do, BUT our eyes are on YOU.” In short, while choosing to trust the Lord, they marched singing in worship to the Lord, and God did battle for them by turning the enemy upon themselves. It states in verse 22 that “…when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people…and they were defeated.”
And that is just where God wants us — to be like “babes and infants” (Psalm 8:2), in humble, out of control weakness in order that He might be our strength, to silence the enemy and the avenger (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Psalm 8). Believe it or not, we are completely in need of God who is our ever present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). After all, God who is in control has called on us to trust Him in all situations, at all times. Our life is God’s. Our children are God’s. We have our job because of God. Our bodies are God’s. Our house or apartment or condo is God’s. Our car is God’s. Our bank account is God’s. He is the owner of all. We are the stewards. Can we not then trust Him?
So, no matter what monumental thing you are facing and enduring, choose to trust in the Lord instead of leaning on your own understanding. And in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5). And choose to walk by faith not by sight. Let us therefore, not limit our God by our own limitations! Be men and women of faith in these final hours. Be those who trust without question. Be those who fear not (not tornadoes nor hurricanes nor earthquakes nor floods), not cancer, not suffering, not persecution, not world war, not medical tyranny, imprisonment, not pain, not loss of job or money or house or lands). Be those who stand firm upon the promises of God. Indeed, let us “…hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of hope firm to the end…” and “Beware … lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God, but exhort one another daily while it is still called “Today”, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end…” (Hebrews 3:6, 12-14).
God is BIGGER. God is in control. He upholds the world by the word of His great power. God is sovereign. After all, God is God.
In Christ,
Holy Light Ministries
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” Psalm 34:8) “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is in the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:7)
The secular new year of 2023 is nearly upon us, and the year of 2022 is nearly behind us. Really, the past few months have felt really, really strange. For one thing, I and my family were sick over the Thanksgiving (in America), and so we celebrated it late. Then, because of sickness the early Christmas activities were missed such as going to Handel’s Messiah and the lighted Christmas parade, and then because of ice and snow we missed all of the week before Christmas events like the Christmas Eve specials at various churches and shopping for last minute gifts. Therefore, Thanksgiving did not feel like Thanksgiving and Christmas did not feel like Christmas.
On top of this there was a heaviness over the season. I thought I was feeling this way simply because I had not experienced all the fun events, but it went deeper. Each time I would shake it off. Each time I would struggle against it and turn up the Christmas music a bit more, and sing a little bit louder. But something was definitely different. It was nearly tangible.
Just after Christmas I and a family member listened to Dana Coverstone’s most recent dream (posted about a week before Christmas) about the canary in the coal mine, and it not only explained the growing darkness, it also explained that we as Christians in that darkness must continue working and worshiping while we work. We must not stop singing. And, we must not attempt to defend Christianity or the Holy Spirit or ourselves. We must not be defensive, but must be active in working and worshiping, for when we do so we will not be discouraged nor distracted nor defeated. This is, in short, the interpretation of the dream.
Then, yesterday I went onto youtube looking for something else when I came across the video below by Adele Grobler of Bold Existence. Adele Grobler and Candace and Michael Foy are the “coaches” and ministers of Bold Existence. They are true Christians, and are Holy Spirit- empowered sisters and brother in the Lord on the other side of the world. They do not appear to be apart of any nefarious group nor are they a cult. Praise the Lord! And they have deeply refreshed me! And oh! How I needed refreshing after a very oppressive week!
Yes, I believe Jesus really shared His heart with Adele through the Holy Spirit, and I pray that whoever it is that is reading this today would also click on the video below to hear Christ’s “right now” message (rhema word) to the Church.
Indeed, it has been a blessing to hear from both Dana Coverstone and Adele Grobler the same exact thing that I have been experiencing and feeling. They truly have confirmed what I have been dreaming and hearing from the Lord.
The darkness is growing. But as it does, we who have been in the secret place, who have pressed in to the Lord, who know Him will be unshaken by what is coming on the earth. And we must continue to worship and shine, for as we do so the darkness will still be perplexed and will be rendered powerless to overcome us! (“Christmas 2022: Choosing to Shine,” https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2022/12/23/christmas-2022-choosing-to-shine/).
Indeed, God has made His heart known to mankind, and is about to show forth His great power in the earth. He has given many warnings, allowing time for people to repent. Things are going to happen more quickly now than ever before, “wave upon wave. All this is of My doing, and My shaking, and final attempts to wake mankind up, to wake them up to the hour that is upon them… Will not all these things that I have spoken come to pass? The clock is ticking and is running out; the hourglass is almost empty. My light is almost here…I will continue to shake everything…they will see many tears in days ahead, and you will hear many cries of suffering and pain and anguish on the lips of my people who wake up too late. They will beat their breasts and cry out loud saying, ‘Why didn’t I listen? Why didn’t I hear? He spoke but I was blinded in my own ways. He made His way known to me, but I refused to follow. I wish I could turn back time. I would do things differently if I knew what I know now.”
To these the Lord responds, “I will never turn My back on my people who repent, but I won’t ease the consequences they will need to walk out because of their disobedience. They have made themselves their god. They are so focused on their next meal, their next success, their next holiday, their next entertainment. They put me on a shelf thinking as long as I gave my life to Christ I will be saved, and yet, little do they listen to the rest of my instructions, what it means to be a true disciple and follower of Me.”
Truly those “Christians” who, like Jesus said to Adele, have been looking to their next vacation or meal or fun thing will seriously be affected by the grave darkness that is descending palpably upon the world.
And so dear Christian who is reading today as the year 2022 turns into 2023 and as Christ’s return is upon us and the darkness is becoming so thick that it can be felt, do not be found lukewarm! Do not be found wanting! Do not be found pursuing your own goals, your own pleasures, your own gains, your own wants, your own ways when Jesus calls His Bride home! For truly, who is it that you are serving? Yourself? Are you your own god? Are you your own idol? Is your family your idol? Are your kids? Your spouse? Your job? Your house or your car or your tv shows or movies or vacations or life in general? Do you say you believe in Jesus, but everything else is on the throne of your heart?
Where is your heart? I pray the Holy Spirit convicts you now, today, and that today if you hear His voice you will not harden your heart! For today is the day of salvation (Psalm 95:8; Hebrews 3:15). You must choose THIS day whom you will serve. Everyday you make a choice. Every single day you decided who rules your life — you, another person, or God. If it is not God, then it is time to repent. For real. Today. Right this minute. This very second. Whether or not you go in the rapture of the Bride depends on it! Seriously. We are called to lives of holiness, for without holiness and undiluted, unadulterated faith we will not see the Lord (Hebrews 11:6; 12:14). “28Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29For our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12).
“25“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”29Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 34“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Let’s be found watching. Let’s be praying always that we may be counted worthy to escape. Let’s not be found enamored by the things of this world nor be found overwhelmed by all that is happening, but rather, may we be found looking up. May we be found believing Jesus’ words that will come to pass and will NEVER pass away.
“2The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.” (Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 4:14-17)
“2For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 3The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.” (Isaiah 60:2-3)
This Christmas season wherein we commemorate Jesus as the Light of the world, great darkness still covers the people. And this darkness is certainly growing deeper and darker, even as dark as before the creation of the world when all was without form and void (Genesis 1:1-2). And as the darkness grows, the shadowy beast system is slinking stealthily upon the world stage for the final countdown of time itself. All secret societies are boldly straining to amass enough of a stronghold, to unite the world under a new world order, like the tower of Babel, before God can reveal the rest of His preordained plan. Nearly every nation is right now flexing its muscles, suppressing its people, creating chaos, slowly demolishing their own money, establishing – unbeknownst to most of its patriots – a new set of laws, and enforcing medical tyranny and moral depravity. The distant storm once seen far in the distance is now upon us. Though not everyone understands why the storm is here (rising gas and food prices, immoral transgender agendas, unfair judicial decisions, legislatures that do not represent the people anymore, warnings from well-known economists about the plunging stock market, and the intensifying persecution of Christians in nation after nation including China, North Korea, and even Ukraine where it is the Ukrainian government that is unfairly intimidating Christians under the false accusation that their church takes orders from Russian based organizations), there are those of us who do know why. But whether we understand or not, the darkness is here and growing more palpable.
I have heard from various Christians from different walks of life, that there is a heaviness right now. Depression is hitting harder. Discouragement is stronger. Feeling alone or a failure or dismal is a force to be reckoned with more so now than ever. People don’t want to get up in the morning. Along with everything that is happening on the world stage, Christians are facing very real, insurmountable odds in their own lives. They are battling cancer, recovering from major surgery, dealing with deep grief over the recent loss of a loved one, fighting illness, going home for the holidays to unsaved loved ones or unhealthy situations, unemployed, deep in credit card debt, their one child with whom they are close has moved far away or is moving far away, some can’t go to college because they can’t afford it, others are wondering what their purpose is, and the list could go on indefinitely. All in all, everything seems to powerfully overwhelming.
Not long ago, I was overwhelmed. At first I just went with the feeling, and thought it was warranted. So, I felt a little depressed. I had a right to be. But, something was wrong. And as I attempted to shake it, it grew stronger. But, I just kept praising and worshiping God anyway, and kept the worship music on in my home and car. As I called out to God to clean out the room of my heart and to be the Lord and Master of this throne, I felt a burden lift that had been quite heavy. But, that same night I awoke to a terrifying, demonic dream wherein a muscle-bound entity was wrestling with me. After wrestling it off and feeling weak, I moved to reach out to someone I know for help, but the entity made a surprise attack at that point of my weakness. I awoke with a loud cry.
I am sharing this to let you know that it is not okay to indulge any longer is depression, feeling sorry for oneself, discouragement or any of those downhearted feelings, for they are not just feelings. There is a demonic element to it. Whatever you and I got away with before in the arena of emotion, we are not going to get away with it now. It is time to take authority in Jesus’ name, and it is time to stand in agreement with a brother or sister in Christ in Jesus’ name. This is exactly what I did immediately after that nightmare. I rebuked the demon, and then went to my best friend who stood in agreement with me. And though depression has attempted to return, I have not allowed it. I know now first hand that it is not just an emotion. It is demonic, and not to be tolerated.
Yes, it’s dark out there. Yes, it is easier to just give in to an emotion. Yes, our circumstances are disheartening. But, we as Christians are called to shine anyway; we’re called to rejoice anyway; we’re called to praise anyway; we’re called to bless God and accept good and bad from Him anyway.
Jesus called us, in Matthew 5:14-16, the lights of the world. Not only is He the LIGHT of the world, but He gave us the same title. And we must not let our lights go out. We must not allow the darkness to overcome us when we’ve been made more than conquerors through Christ Jesus. We must not give in to the demonic forces when we have authority to trample upon them.
Paul did not allow his beatings and shipwreck and being lost at sea and intense persecution and opposition to keep him from rejoicing always (2 Corinthians 11). For he knew the sufficiency of God’s grace, and that when he was weakest, God’s strength was strongest (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). For though “we are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…” (2 Corinthians 4) We are not to lose heart for “Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4).
Joseph did not lose heart though his brothers at first conspired to kill him, and then decided to sell him into slavery instead. Joseph did not lose heart when he was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and unjustly imprisoned. He knew his God was bigger and would fulfill what He had promised through the dreams He had given. (Genesis 38-50)
Job did not lose heart, and said to his dear, grieving wife that she must not be like one of the foolish women but instead was to accept from the Lord both good and evil (Job 2:10)
And a modern day example is that of my friend Don. For ten years his wife faded away into the darkness of Alzheimer’s at a care center where I was chaplain a number of years. But, unlike so many who only visit a few times and don’t stay long with their loved one, he came daily for around 5 hours at a time. He fed her, watched over her, attended hymn sings and Bible studies with her, and wheeled her down to get her hair done. And one time, I unbeknownst to him, saw Don and his wife dancing – she in her wheelchair and he twirling her around to music in the activity room. It was a sight I will not soon forget and still impacts me today. For that man could have been out on the golf course in denial about everything or could have been depressed or angry with God, but instead, he chose to dance. He chose to shine.
There is much in this life that does not make sense. There is so much heartache, hardship, unfairness, injustice, pain and grief. But, just like Paul and Joseph and Job and Don, they did not let their light, momentary affliction destroy them. Instead, they chose to shine.
For, whether you know it or not, there is always someone watching you. It might be a co-worker, a neighbor, or a relative, and you have absolutely no idea that they are seeing your response to things. They are observing your reaction. They are admiring your ability to rejoice in spite of suffering. They are inspired that you’ve chosen to smile, to sing, to dance, to press on no matter what your burden or insurmountable obstacle. I was one of those who saw. I was one of those impacted. I was one of those who still sees in my memory, Don dancing with his beloved wife in the midst of a trial turned to gold.
Even so, I call on you, dear overwhelmed brother and sister in Christ, chose to shine like the stars in the universe as you stand blameless and harmless before a watching world, even a crooked and perverse generation, holding fast to the word of life (Philippians 2:14-16).
In this Christmas season, as you admire all those beautiful lights around you, may you reflect on Jesus who came as the LIGHT of the world. His own did not receive Him (John 1). He was rejected and despised, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53). But, did He diminish in His brightness? No. He is the LIGHT, and as such cannot help but shine!
Do you think you can top Jesus in your suffering or challenges or disappointments? Do you think you are poor? Think of Jesus born in a stable/cave around animals. Do you think you have no purpose? Think of Jesus who was born to die. That’s right. He was born the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. This means He was born as a sacrificial Lamb for us. Born to die. Do you think you are unloved or rejected? Reflect on Jesus was was rejected to the point of being crucified. Do you think you are treated unfairly or unjustly? Well, meditate on Jesus was was given a mock trial and condemned to die through no fault of His own by those who knew that He was innocent. Do you think your pain is greater? Think on Jesus who was beaten mercilessly, had his beard plucked out, thorns pressed harshly into His scull, was forced to carry a heavy cross, and then nailed to it where He took upon Himself the weight of all the sins of the world and died of heart failure.
This same LIGHT calls US His lights in this world (Matthew 5:14-16), and thus, we too ARE lights. And as lights, we are made to shine no matter what the storm, no matter what the attack, no matter what the injustice, no matter how fearful the situation, no matter how deep the darkness. You ARE light (Ephesians 5).
So, this Christmas season, choose to dance; choose to rejoice; choose to love others to Jesus; choose not to worry about anything but to pray about everything and let Jesus protect your hearts and minds with His peace (Philippians 4:6-7). Choose to shine as the lights of the world that Jesus has commissioned and created you to be, and do not lose heart! We can do all things in Christ who strengthens us, for He is greater in us that he that is in the world! (Philippians 4:13; 1 John 4:4). And Jesus has overcome the world! As Jesus said, “33These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world,” (John 16).
Jesus is coming soon. Let’s be found faithful, and as people of faith. Let Him turn your trial to gold. Let’s be ready!
In the wake of many disappointing elections in the United States and upheaval in Brazil because of their elections; in light of what is happening worldwide as the rumblings of war grow louder and longer such as in Tigray of Ethiopia, Ukraine of Europe, Taiwan, and the Middle East; and in the reality of tyrannical governments, such as China’s and Myanmar’s and North Korea’s, continuing to constrict and clamp down more tightly on their people, it is powerfully clear that we must live in the truth of 2 Peter 3:10-18.
“10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.14Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless…17You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”
Think about that. The heavens are going to disappear with a great roaring, crashing sound, and all will melt with extreme fire. And all the earth, everything held too dearly right now, will be loosed from the word of God’s great power, and will burn with an unimagined intensity until liquified, and will never be found again even if one sought to find it.
What then are we holding onto so tightly?
The affect of the knowledge that God’s kingdom is coming and that we are very much apart of it, and the hope of a new heavens and new earth and the conclusion of the present world is to be the cause of an inward change in us that in turn causes an “up-turn” of inner beliefs that leads to an alteration in outward behavior (https://biblehub.com/greek/391.htm). And this modification of behavior is to be one of holiness and reverent devotion to God. Verse 12 then goes on to explain that as we live out this holiness and reverence we will be “looking for and hastening” the day of God. To be “looking for and hastening” means we are eagerly and expectantly looking for this culmination of all things, and are earnestly desiring it above all else. It is not that we bring it into being by anything that we do or say or think. No. But it does mean that we are looking for it with every fiber of our being, our hearts singing and singly looking for it, awaiting with intense eagerness the coming of our King and His kingdom.
Dear reader, this is what God would have us doing now. He does not want us full of gloom and doom because of the disintegrating of this dying world and the death even of America. He does not want us disillusioned because of corrupt politics. He does not want us distracted by elections and talk of election fraud nor because our candidate did not get elected.
There are those who have tried their best recently to resuscitate America. They have poured their hearts, their time, their energy, their prayers, their money into saving her. The same is true also of other nations of this world such as Tigray, Myanmar, Brazil, Ukraine, Russia, China, Taiwan, Israel, Canada, and the list could go on indefinitely. But these nations are passing away, and we must not forget that God is still in charge. He sets up leaders and nations, and it is He who brings them down, even by bringing to power those we know are unworthy (Job 12:23; Psalm 75:7; Daniel 2 and 4). And we must not forget that this world is passing away! It is all being “loosed” as God intended long ago when He first created it. It is apart of His magnificent plan. This is that moment. This is that time.
Dearly beloved of Christ, our great God, Savior, and coming King is reminding us that He is “loosing” the world – He is letting the world go. And as He lets this earth go, we are to let it go too. It is time. And we are therefore, according to 2 Peter 3:14, to “be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless…” This means we are to be morally blameless, untainted by this world, faultless, and at peace – whole in our minds, hearts, and our unity with each other as the body of Christ.
Let us not get caught up in the error of the wicked that Christ cannot possibly be coming soon (2 Peter 3:1-7). Let us not become cynical or sarcastic regarding the eternal hope that we have. Let us not become weary and lose our mooring, our anchor and become like a helpless ship stuck on the sands of the shore. It is imperative that we keep our eyes on Jesus, our hopes in the coming of our Lord alone, and our minds set on things above and not on earthly things. Jesus warned us of all that is happening so that we would not be taken unawares, we would not be taken aback, we would not lose hope. He lovingly told us all we need to know in order that we might remain steadfast, firmly rooted in Him, planted upon the solid rock foundation of the eternal faith of the unchanging Christ.
Fear not little sheep, our Shepherd knew this day was coming, this valley of the shadow of death. There is nothing new in this to Him. He is in charge. He is in control. The devil can do nothing but what God gives him leave to do it. Thus, as Isaiah 50 states, 7“…the Lord God will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed.” Rest in this unchanging fact, and “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity!
Just thought I’d share a mystery with y’all. The Georgia Guidestones which have been called ‘America’s Stonehenge’ were mysteriously struck by an explosion of some sort yesterday. I say mysteriously because no one is sharing what really happened. They have security cameras focused on the Guidestones, but they still seem clueless — at least that’s what they say. Maybe they don’t want the truth to be known. Maybe they just want some attention.
Or… did God do it?
After hearing what had happened, I immediately thought that because of what those stones stand for, I would not be surprised if God struck them Himself. Interestingly enough “former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Kandiss Taylor” spoke aloud the same sentiments when she tweeted, “”God is God all by Himself. He can do ANYTHING He wants to do. That includes striking down Satanic Guidestones.” (quote from the Reuter’s article below).
What are the Guidestones? In short, they are the ten commandments of the New World Order. Two of their commandments call for population control and a world court. To learn more, please watch the video below.
Think about this — Didn’t the idol of the false god Dagon literally get struck down by God? We find this story in 1 Samuel 5.
“1Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. 2When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon[a] and set it by Dagon. 3And when the people of Ashdod arose early in the morning, there was Dagon, fallen on its face to the earth before the ark of the Lord. So they took Dagon and set it in its place again. 4And when they arose early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on its face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. The head of Dagon and both the palms of its hands were broken off on the threshold; only [b]Dagon’s torso was left of it.”
This being remembered, and since the episode is a mystery at this point, it is quite possible that God did strike them. After all, why not? Is our God not still the One who struck down Dagon? Is He not still the all-powerful God of the Bible?