October 21, 2024

Because of Jesus’s sacrifice and resurrection, we do not have to fear death as those who came before him. However, I know people still fear death because of the unknown. That’s where our faith in Jesus comes into play. We need to fix in our minds the resurrection power, Jesus’s conquering of death. Matthew Henry’s Commentary says it beautifully:

“Christ became man, and died, to deliver them from those perplexities of soul, by letting them know that death is not only a conquered enemy, but a reconciled friend, not sent to hurt the soul, or separate it from the love of God, but to put an end to all their grievances and complaints, and to give them a passage to eternal life and blessedness; so that to them death is not now in the hand of Satan, but in the hand of Christ - not Satan's servant, but Christ's servant - has not hell following it, but heaven to all who are in Christ.”

As the world crumbles, our hope is in Jesus; trust that he has our best interest at heart, and if we die, we will be with him in paradise. 

And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Hebrews 2:15

October 20, 2024

The Bible tells us that there are spiritual beings amongst us. We can be sure that angelic beings have been there from the beginning to minister to us and help us in our journey. They’ve seen all the things we have done. These same angels go in and out of the presence of God. Though powerful, they are not above Jesus; they worship him. If you remember, at his human birth, they came and worshipped him and called on the shepherds to go and see him so they could worship him, too. We also have demonic beings that have been around people for a long time and know our reactions to certain things. They may not be able to steal our soul from the hands of Jesus, but they can sure make us look bad if we fall for their taunting that causes us to sin. Tidy up your life and refrain from participating in the practices associated with evil. Make it easy for others to recognize that you are a child of God and that He is the only one you worship. 

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Hebrews 1:13-14

October 19, 2024

As I was trying to pick out a Psalm this morning to cover as an offering of worship during this Feast of Tabernacles to help us draw closer to God our Father, I remembered my friend who sings and praises the Lord with her voice every day. God gave her the ability to play the piano and sing as a gift, and she uses it to sing with all her heart. When she sings and plays, you can feel her love and thankfulness for all that God has done for her by saving her from the hands of the enemy. God gave her this special gift, and she uses it. When she sings, it’s as if you can see right into her heart as she lifts up her voice to honor the Lord. Not only is she worshipping Him with all her heart, but as she does, the sound spreads, and those who hear her are blessed as she ministers to the Lord. I imagine the Lord smiling as He is honored by her song. 

You don’t have to have a special gift to honor God through your singing. Sing to Him with all your heart, lift Him in praise. It is the least we can do for all He has done for us. Worship Him today and give Him praise because His love endures forever.

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Psalms 100:1-2

October 18, 2024

Yesterday, I found myself starting to spiral and feeling a little depressed. It has been creeping up on me over the past week, and I didn’t notice. With all the sad stories and tragedies from the devastating hurricanes, fires, and flooding, it’s easy to fall into dismay. I have nothing to be sad about in my life; God has blessed me beyond measure, but seeing others suffering or missing loved ones makes me hurt for them. However, to see others pitching in and helping their fellow man gives me hope that the American people aren’t as bad as the news portrays us to be. This is also a time of year when evil abounds; those who are caught up in the practices of the occult dance around in plain sight, taunting us and scaring the children. I used to love the month of October and all the fall activities, but I’m starting to despise it because it has become the month of the devil. If you are a bit out of sorts as I have been, the word of God is your source. This morning, I could hear the Holy Spirit pointing me to the words of Isaiah 41:10:

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 

We have so much to be thankful for; think of those things when you start feeling down. God’s word will lift you out of the barren wasteland of depression and raise you in the glory of His hands. 

October 17, 2024

We know that our calendar is inaccurate, and the counting of the days has been sullied and rigged by those who seek to confuse us, making me wonder if the feasts are also out of line. The Jewish nation keeps a different calendar, but I’m unsure if it is accurate. We can still honor God by acknowledging His appointed feasts even though we don’t live under the old covenant. Since the Feast of Tabernacles began last night and continues until nightfall on October 23, 2024, we can still acknowledge God and give Him glory by drawing closer to Him through worship. We don’t have to go to the trouble of building a temporary shelter because our bodies are temporary shelters for the Holy Spirit of God, and we already dwell in them. 

Isn’t it odd that many are living in temporary shelters because of the hurricanes? Was that purposely done to set an example? Only God knows the answer. What I do know is that I live in my booth/tabernacle, and the Holy Spirit lives in me, and if you’re reading this as a Christian, you also live in a booth/tabernacle and have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Make a point to draw close to the Lord today to honor Him.

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

October 16, 2024

If ever there was a time we needed the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it is now. After experiencing two major hurricanes and seeing the devastation they caused, we could all use some peace. However, there are still many people missing in North Carolina, Tennessee, and elsewhere, but others are without the comfort of a home to go back to. Such circumstances should humble us about our situation and make us grateful to God we escaped with our lives. Imagine having a family member missing and fearing that they may not be alive. Their families will never be the same. Rather than being angry, put your situation in perspective and be grateful to God for your life and the lives of your family. 

We will not find peace in this world; the sin that it is mixed with doesn’t bring restfulness like the peace that Jesus gives us. Rather than feeling sorry for yourself, escape the world through prayer and worship and enter into His peace. Do not conform to the world’s standards and allow upheaval to overtake you; renew your mind, concentrate on Jesus, and accept the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2

The Feast of Booths, also known as Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles, starts tonight and is celebrated by creating a temporary shelter and concentrating on our relationship with God and drawing close to Him. It is celebrated yearly to remind Israel of God giving them freedom from Egypt.  

October 15, 2024

It is obvious to most that the demons are running scared and grabbing anyone they can get their hands on before they are sent into the pit of fire. Not only are they stirred during this last ditch effort, but we are coming up on their favorite holiday, All Hallows Eve, Halloween. I’ve noticed that they tend to be more active and reveal themselves during this time of year more than any other time. The best thing you can do about it is to stay in prayer, polish your armor, and be ready at any moment to fight against these powers and principalities of the dark world. They may not put a dagger through your heart, but they will toy with your emotions and cause friction. They will laugh all the way back to hell if they can get you to react. Don’t let them win! Stay calm, pray, and think things through before you open your mouth; let the Holy Spirit guide you. Praising and worshipping God is the key to your success. His power is made perfect in our weakness.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

October 14, 2024

Do you ever look at old buildings like you might see in Ybor City, Tampa, or other old cities and wonder what happened to the craftsmanship that helped create such intricate details? Did we lose that technology like we lost the technology to land on the moon? I’ve thought about it in the past, but some people have brought it up lately, and it has piqued my interest again. There are mysteries about the past that I feel we aren’t getting the full details of, or maybe our history has been sanitized or corrupted. Then you read the infallible word of God, the Bible,  and find many mysteries that are hard to explain, like we might be missing something.

For this reason, it is vital to harness the power of the Holy Spirit when digging into things that don’t make sense. Seek God when you are curious and ask Him questions; He is such a wonderful Father and will guide you in the right direction to help you find the answers if you are meant to know such things. As we venture into what seems like a blurry past, we can be sure of one thing: the Lord our God loves us, and His Word is trustworthy and true.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

October 13, 2024

The Kingdom of God is spiritual.

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. Luke 17:20-22

We have undeniable proof of this when we saw a monstrous storm coming, and we collectively prayed to calm that storm and then watched it break up before it hit Florida. We still had devastation, but not total annihilation of life. We know that it could have been worse, but we harnessed the power within us that God gave us, to decrease the storm's power. This collective power only happened because of our faith in Jesus. In scripture, Jesus told us repeatedly that the kingdom of heaven is within us. Why don't we believe him? If you lack faith, pray, and ask God to increase it. We can live the life that is becoming of a person saved by grace if only we believe with our whole hearts that the kingdom of God is within us, just as Jesus told us. We need to do the same type of praying, collectively as the Church, to overcome the enemy's plan to take us out and try this again, but on a grander scale so unbelievers can see it with their eyes and believe.

October 12, 2024

The water that overtook our land is slowly starting to recede. We watched it come up, hoping it didn’t breach our house. We are grateful that we are still dry. However, we can see those around us who didn’t escape this trial without water intrusion or wind damage. Our hearts go out to those who feel that they have lost everything. Is this a testing of faith? You bet it is! Will you come out as pure gold or be like the dross that burned away during your refinement? When gold is refined and the impurities burned away, though it seems like some of the volume is lost, what you are left with is more pure and essentially more valuable. Will your focus be on the dross that is gone or the beautiful gold? Will you be a 24-karat Christian or a 10-karat Christian? God knows what He’s doing, so change your focus to refined faith. Ultimately, He has the perfect plan for your life; what you lost may not be part of it as you go forward. Praise and worship Him whether in the valley or on the mountaintop! God deserves every ounce of praise and more!

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1 Peter 1:7

October 11, 2024

The day of atonement begins tonight at sunset. The Jewish community considers it the most holy day of the year. It is one of God’s appointed feasts in Leviticus 16 and 23. According to biblical law, it is a day of rest and fasting, where no work is to be done and no food eaten except by those who are sick or children. It is the only feast that requires fasting. As believers, we know Jesus fulfilled this prophetic feast through his blood on the cross, covering all our sins. I think it is appropriate to acknowledge this feast, but because we are under the new covenant and not the law of Moses, we are not required to follow its tenets. Because we believe in Jesus and his saving power, we are privileged and can live our lives knowing every sin is covered by him, and even though it is a feast of the Lord, we can be sure that Jesus covers us when we choose not to keep it. 

Could this feast be the beginning of Jacob’s trouble? With all the calamity we see happening throughout the world, it makes you wonder. Stay vigilant, remain repentant, and look for the blessed hope. Jesus could return at any time.

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:13-14

Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. Jeremiah 30:7

Doesn’t it look like these stars are in front of the clouds? Very interesting. I didn’t notice it last night when I took it.

October 10, 2024

Well, that was scary!! How is everyone who experienced Hurricane Milton? We now have lakefront property (just kidding) but praise God, we are still alive, and our house is dry and still standing. Richard is out assessing the damage; he’s probably putting a plan together to see how we will get out of our driveway since it’s’ covered with about a foot and a half of water. The hurricane didn’t fizzle as we prayed, but I’m sure God will teach us many lessons as we go through the trials it has caused. Never underestimate the power of God’s season of training. He tends to give us more than what we’ve lost, especially in the area of perseverance. As you face the challenges ahead, don’t forget who you belong to. As a child of God, others will be watching how you act and react to your troubles. Make sure you represent Him well and exhibit the fruits of the Spirit in your dealings. This is just the beginning of the recovery, so stay safe out there and remember to praise God that he spared your life and that there is still time to bring others into the sheepfold.  

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

October 9, 2024

My birthday is tomorrow, and if you want to make a difference in my life and the lives of my family, it would do my heart good to know that everyone wishing me a happy birthday had prayed for me and my entire family. We are all in the cone of uncertainty and near the projected track, except for a few. I wish for no one to be harmed by this monster of a storm, so if we pray collectively, maybe it will prick God's heart and spur Him to weaken it to protect His children. We have done all we can to protect ourselves, so the rest is in the hands of God. 

I have already prayed for you this morning. Whatever situation you are dealing with, once you've done all you can do, leave the rest to God. Trust that He will do whatever is best for you. 

Also, pray for the linemen keeping our electricity on for the air conditioners! It's a hot one here in Florida! 

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psalms 91:2

A few people are missing from this picture, but you get the idea. 😊 

October 8, 2024

Whether worldwide governments are exacerbating our weather or not, God is allowing it. It's funny that the airplanes flying into the storm are coming out of Lakeland, a local town. As we approach Jesus' return, things will only worsen; it's almost like a last call for the unsaved to repent and accept His free gift of salvation. God's word said it would be like this, though most of us hoped we would be spared the inconvenience of storms and tribulation. I would hate to see full-on tribulation if these are the birth pangs! 

My house is dark because we have covered all the windows with steel. I am confident we will be safe inside, though we won't be able to see what's happening except through the cameras until they go out. Whatever happens, we are eternally secure, hidden inside Jesus, just like we are hidden inside the safety of our home. No matter what happens to our bodies, we will live on, Jesus promised. 

If you are reading this post, I ask for your prayers. Let's come together and take authority over this storm, defying it as a united community. We might need to wake up Jesus to help us, but our collective prayers will make a difference.

And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. Matthew 8:24-26

October 7, 2024

Now is your chance to fast in an acceptable way to God. I was watching a video, and a woman was reading from Isaiah. It was beautiful, so I looked it up this morning. She said it meant one thing, but when I looked it up, it meant something different than what she described. Thankfully, I didn’t understand her and sought clarification for myself. I learned a critical lesson about fasting, but it’s funny that I highlighted it on my Bible app and never looked beyond the scripture. After digging into the commentary, I realized I’ve been fasting to God wrong!

I will keep fasting for the health of my body, but that’s not the fast that God desires. Do you know what is? It is helping someone who is in need! Feed them, shelter them, and clothe them! That means you give up something you have rightly earned to someone else. For goodness sake, help people! If you haven’t taken the opportunity to pitch in and help your fellow citizens recover from the tragedy of Helene, it’s not over yet. The recovery will take a long time, but the immediate need is food, shelter, and clothing. If you cannot go there yourself, give money to an area church so they can pass it on to those in need. Do not give to anyone federally backed; we are finding that they are not our friend. If you fast by helping people, the scripture says God will provide you more than you need. Here is the verse:

And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:11

To my local Florida sisters and brothers, do something to help the victims of Hurricane Helene because Hurricane Milton is coming, and we will need God’s promise to be fulfilled for us. Go read Isaiah 58:6-12. It’s beautiful.

October 6, 2024

I’ve had to limit my time on social media because of the heartbreaking stories told by the survivors of Hurricane Helene. The anger I’ve felt and tears I’ve shed from seeing the lack of humanity of public servants pretending to be in the business of helping people, then denying help to the people who are struggling and hungry. Not only that, but seeing them stand in the way of others helping gets my blood boiling! Since when have civilized humans followed the orders of the indifferent left rather than their hearts and the commands of the All Mighty God? For goodness sake, help those in need! On top of Florida continuing to dig out from Helene, another storm is coming in hard, and the current trajectory of the eye is going right over my house. We need to get our act together and stop cowering to a government that cares nothing for us other than to keep us as enslaved people paying taxes for their lavish lifestyles to the detriment of our families. God has the perfect place for those people! Pray for God’s intervention for the people still struggling after Helene, and also pray that this next storm fizzles out before anyone is harmed. Pray that God the Father would send Jesus to get his wife soon!

Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?  Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matthew 25:44-46

October 5, 2024

Forgive me for being a "conspiracy theorist" today, but has anyone seen the first sign of the new moon? I know we have been a little stormy, but usually, by morning, you can see it even when the moon is a dark new moon. When the stars are clear, and you can see them, we should be able to see the moon too. We are in the cycle of the new moon, so it was dark on October 2, but we should have started seeing the new crescent by now. The reason I'm saying that is because the first sighting of the moon is supposed to be the beginning of the new month on the Jewish calendar; no moon, no crescent, no new month; at least that's my thoughts about it, but I'm no scientist and could be wrong. I have been purposely looking for it in expectation of Jesus's return, if, as most believe, will happen before the tribulation begins. And being in the High Jewish Holy Days season, we should be on point with the moon cycle. There is nothing to be concerned about, but this might be a red flag since we are looking for signs in the stars and the heavens. I'm sure it will show in a day or so. Stay aware of your surroundings and pray. The world is a terrible place, but it's only our temporary home. Keep oil in your lamp; the Lord has gone to prepare a place for us, and soon, the Father will release him to come and get his bride, the Church! 

“In the serene climate of Arabia and Judea, its first faint crescent is, for the most part, visible to all.” From the note on my e-sword app for Numbers 29:1 for the Feast of Trumpets

And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you. Numbers 29:1

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 25:10-13

October 4, 2024

Today until nightfall is the last day of the Feast of Trumpets. The Day of Atonement, which is found in Leviticus 8 and 23, is next on the calendar, beginning at nightfall on October 11 and ending at dark on the 12th. Jesus has already atoned for our sins, so the most reverent thing for us to do is to acknowledge what he did for us on the cross by worshipping and praising him for his atoning sacrifice. We know his sacrifice is worthy of more than one day, so we should mark the days from here until the 12th as special days in our hearts and honor him in an extraordinary way, different than our usual daily routine. What could that look like? Singing your favorite worship songs, reciting scripture, reading your favorite passages to him in prayer, or something that differentiates the time as unique. Isn’t he worthy of this and more? It seems we are knocking on the door of tribulation, and the times we live in are becoming more and more unbearable. If we are to be taken out beforehand, as many believe, I expect that to happen soon. If so, wouldn’t it be great for Jesus to find us worshipping him as he calls us home? Stay focused, brothers and sisters, and keep worshipping him with a heart full of love!

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2

October 3, 2024

The underworld has surfaced, and we are seeing more and more evil tactics. It’s undeniable that the disasters created by Hurricane Helene put into perspective how fragile our existence is and that it would be best for us to stay on our toes and become proactive in doing whatever it takes to secure our homes and families. However, in this time of uncertainty, we need to be more concerned with what God wants from us. Consider keeping praise on your lips and worship Him in Spirit and truth as a part of your security plan. Involve Him in every aspect of your life because, ultimately, He is the one who has the perfect plan, and your existence is only because of Him. 

Keep praying for North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida and the people who are dealing with significant loss from the storm. 

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of ourlips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16

October 2, 2024

 

Feast of Trumpets begins tonight at dark through October 4th.

Last night, I happened to run across a video of a former satan worshipper; former because the grace of God now saves her through Jesus, and she shared something that I didn’t know, and maybe I’m the only one that didn’t understand, but according to her, blood is a currency in the spiritual world. Her revealing that one seemingly little thing made it all make sense. My brain could not comprehend why God required blood or even the purpose of Jesus dying and bleeding to cover our sins; so now I get it! If he didn’t die for us, it would take our own blood to cover our sins to make us holy and acceptable to God. However, even our blood wouldn’t be good enough because it isn’t pure and undefiled because of our sin, but the blood of unborn children is considered pure and undefiled by some, making ab**tion, satan worshippers preferred currency. The people wanting it to stay legal are profiting financially in the physical realm and spiritually in the demonic realm. God certainly doesn’t want unborn babies sacrificed to him, because even their blood isn’t pure enough or lasting and also because he created them for a purpose. There are some sick individuals out there, and now my mind is clear as to what drives them to do such heinous things; it is the power of satan that has blocked their minds from accepting Jesus’s blood. Do you see how rich we are in the spiritual realm? That’s why they hate us; it’s because of our spiritual wealth in Jesus. I’ve been praying for all this to make sense, and now I have the answer. 

Do not follow any famous person, whether religious or otherwise; they are all compromised and participate in evil; they are only famous because they made a deal with the underworld, and blood is their currency. I would even go as far as to say, get out of the mega-church; ask yourself why it is mega. Jesus is the only way! All other ways involve spiritual darkness and disturbing rituals. 

For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. Leviticus 17:11

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:11-14