Lord Jesus ... Forgive Us Our Trespasses!

As mankind recovers from the overindulgence of the Christmas season, I wonder how many who profess faith in the true meaning of Christ's birth are honestly assessing if we are honoring Him and why He came to live among us. Maybe it's my advancing years that has me carefully looking at my life [and the world], but I find myself sensing the magnitude of how much we've failed Him.

I am not given to gloom and doom, or a sense of defeat. In fact, I am exceedingly mindful that He loves us and all that He's created; that He forgives us when we ask in repentance, expecting us to forgive others who've hurt us. And I praise His Name and work in my life. But, still, I often feel a heaviness that blankets my soul. And my spirit cries out, Forgive me, Jesus, for putting my needs and feelings before those of others! I haven't followed Your example of being a humble, sacrificing servant. I truly mean it when I ask You to cleanse me of everything that is not of You; I want to be worthy to invite you to sit on the throne of my heart!

The joy of the hope of Christmas is true and encouraging. So, the world has no excuse for the state it's in. God made His presence known to Abraham, Moses, and the prophets, telling them what He expected from mankind and bidding them to share His precepts, statutes, and guidelines for pleasing Him. Actually, ancient civilizations [such as the Sumerians] that predate the father of our faith, had creation and flood stories that mimic what we've been given in our Bible. Modern man is the recipient of a collection of texts considered to be the authoritative and inspired Word of God, determined in the 3rd-4th centuries by various councils [including Councils of Nicaea, Rome, and Carthage]. It wasn't until the Fifteenth Century [1455, to be exact,] that the masses had access to the printed Word, available in the Gutenberg Bible.

But my point is this: Since the creation of the world, God and Jesus have made themselves known. We've had thousands of years to get it right. Paul explicitly tells us in Romans 1:20, Since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse. So, here I sit, the day after Christmas, a day we ostensibly profess that we are celebrating the birth of our God and declaring our faithfulness as His followers -- yet the world doesn't reflect what we proclaim. 

It is obvious we need a Savior. And, yes, He came as an innocent, helpless baby. But if that's the only Jesus that people relate to, then I guess I can understand [a little], why so many people aren't convicted of their sins or His divine authority. I can understand why they don't have the "fear of God' [the reverence and recognition of His full identity]. And that's where I often find my active faith wanting. The world is a reflection of how we reflect Him in our lives! We are pretty good at sharing His attributes of Love, Grace, and Mercy. But the full picture of our Savior includes His character as a warrior king, a righteous judge, and the commander of Heaven's armies -- waging war against the dark kingdom of Satan's forces; forces who have found a world too eager to give in to its temptations of power, wealth, and fame. That's a powerful motivation to skip studying God's revelation about Himself, and seek what pleases ourselves. 

So, most of the world is left with images of Jesus as a newborn baby, or a physical man whose message is defeated as he dies, nailed to a wooden cross. Sadly, even Christians don't take the time to seek the fullness of who He is from the inspired Scriptures. It's there, if you have the desire to know "the whole story".  Within that holy Book, you will see Him with eyes blazing; hair as white as snow; feet like fine brass [as if refined in a furnace]; with a sharp, two-edged sword coming forth from His mouth; His countenance like the sun shining in its strength; a Lamb having seven horns and seven eyes [the seven Spirits of God]; who will rule all nations with a rod of iron; clothed in a robe dipped in blood; riding a white horse, judging and waging war in righteousness... and all because of our sin.

It's easy to get caught up in the sentimentality and emotionalism of Christmas. And it does remind us that God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. The love of God is most assuredly part of the Christmas spirit. But as we come out of the romanticism and nostalgia of the Christmas season, we are met with the truth of what the world really looks like. And that finds me repenting, asking my Lord for the forgiveness of my part in its failing Him. 

So join me in reviewing what Jesus has commanded us to do -- live both a compassionate, loving life and a moral, righteous one. Let us take a good look at ourselves and commit to repent; believe in Him with all our hearts, minds, and souls; and put others before ourselves, serving selflessly, just as He did. When we pursue an intimate relationship with Him; praise and worship Him; care for others less fortunate or in need; and turn from our sins of greed, materialism, and selfishness, He will respond and lead us on paths of His righteousness. And that will lead to us reflecting His moral justice system, such as defending the unborn; and fighting human trafficking, religious persecution and oppression.

So, today, I commend my spirit to renew my commitment to furthering the Kingdom of God. I ask Jesus to help me fulfill the Great Commission to which He has called me ... to share the Hope I have in Him and His promises, and to make Him known among all peoples. I have repented because I know His expectations are high, but I also know that the Holy Spirit resides in me and will empower me to reflect the Glory of my Savior as I take a stand for His Kingdom. This broken world will be conquered by the love of Christ, and I want to be a part of seeing that promise come to fruition. Bless you all as we move forward into 2026, the year of our Lord!

Philippians 1:27    Only [be sure to] lead your lives in a manner [that will be] worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I do come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit [and one purpose] with one mind striving side by side [as if in combat] for the faith of the gospel.    

  

    

 

 

Christians: Know the Whole Truth of the Christmas Story

I want to begin by saying it is not my intention or the purpose of this post to offend anyone or cause strife in the midst of the Christian community. But I would just like to share some thoughts and insights I have in the hopes that we can worship our God in the fullness of His sovereignty, recognizing Truth. So, I approach you in love, and ask that you read these words I've written, taking them to the Lord and see what the Holy Spirit reveals to you.

Once again, we in the Twenty-first Century think our perspective on the world is the only true one; that we have the ultimate authority in determining what the truth is [and has been]  about anything. Take Christmas, for instance. We decorate our trees, sing our Christmas carols, and exchange gifts ... declaring that we are celebrating the birth of our Savior. The exchanging of gifts honors the tradition of the Wise Men bringing their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The 25th of December is the day to acknowledge that the baby Jesus was born in a manger, in Bethlehem of Judah, and we honor our religious tradition by setting up nativity scenes in our homes and churches. It is a season of Good Tidings and Joy!

But there is so much more to the story. Yes, our Savior was born in a manger in Bethlehem -- God came in the flesh! -- to save, first, the lost sheep of Israel, (Matthew 15:24), whom He had chosen for this task, according to Old Testament prophecy. And then through the Jews, salvation would come to the Gentiles, so that all who believe in Him will be saved and delivered into the Kingdom of God (John 10:16).  "And I have other sheep that are not of this fold (Israel). I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd". 

BUT, there's a crucial component of our Christmas celebration missing from this narrative. Nowhere in the Bible does it confirm December 25th as Jesus's birth date. In fact, there is some evidence that there was a lack of consensus among early Christian groups as to his date of birth. (See this article). And then there are others that promote the idea that this date coincides with Emperor Constantine's worship of the Sun god Ra, and Ra's birthday on December 25th. One thing I know for sure, no one has been able to prove any verifiable evidence of either of these conjectures. 

Maybe that's not important to you, and you desire to just celebrate the truth of the holiday -- that Jesus came to save us. That's fine and I totally understand the simplicity and truth of that belief. But I have long been bothered with the commercialization of Christmas, concerned that it leads into a tempting sentimentalism that obscures [and ignores] the harsh truth of the state of the world when God decided to send His Son -- a state that was anything but nostalgic and warm and fuzzy.

But before we get to that, I'd like to touch on just how our modern ideas of Christmas were marketed and came to be. As I noted in a 2015 blog post, in our early history as a nation, Christmas was celebrated in a far less extravagant manner than it is today. It was an understated family affair, and people chose to go to a church service, where the emphasis was on Luke 1 and 2, and the story of Jesus's conception and birth. Piles of gifts under a Christmas tree didn't come until later after the poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas", written in 1823 by Clement Clarke Moore for his family's entertainment, sparked the interest of canny entrepreneurs and businessmen to begin creating specific holiday traditions.

Popularity of the holiday grew after the Civil War when magazines like Harper's Weekly and Godey's Lady's Book published images and engravings of a family gathered around a small tree set atop a table, and the Christmas tree market soared. It wasn't long before F.W. Woolworth, a successful retail mogul, exploited this romantic sentimentalism about Santa Claus and the Christmas holiday, and saw the commercial possibilities of selling Christmas lights, Christmas cards, and an unlimited supply of creative Christmas decorations... none of which are Biblical, but enhanced the idea of "the spirit of Christmas". Sadly, too often the real spirit of Christmas has been secularized, or if Christ's birth is mentioned or celebrated, it is considered a right-wing holiday. 

I will say that I am happy to see that the "War on Christmas" of a few years back -- when you couldn't even say "Merry Christmas", or display a nativity scene in the town square -- has subsided. But I fear the average American (let alone the average Christian) doesn't see that our desire for the nostalgic memories of Christmases past has distracted us from the truth which that momentous night in the stable represented ... As Russell Moore, Editor-at-Large at Christianity Today, wrote in a blog post, titled The Antichrist Hides in Plain Sight at Christmas: "Evil is in the backdrop of your Nativity set... the hope and fears of all the years are met in that manger [feeding trough] in Bethlehem. It's beast versus baby".    

You see, I think when we ignore the efforts of the Enemy of God to distract us with the warm, fuzzy emotions about this holiday, we are in danger of missing the truth that the Bible does give us about what Christmas is really all about. We like to picture that scene of Christ's birth with a little drummer boy, docile animals gazing upon the Christ child, and Angels and the host of Heaven singing of the Glory of God. In reality, Roman soldiers and a violent, sadistic King Herod sought to have the Holy Child killed. We tend to think of the Bethlehem of the Bible as a safe little oasis, a sleepy, peaceful little town separated from the brutal conditions of living under Roman rule. 

That scene comforts us during the Christmas season, when we are all trying to escape from what we think of the Bethlehem of today -- we see war, terrorism, threats of genocide, and pure hate. We think that our nostalgic idea of the Biblical Bethlehem, the scene of Jesus's birth, seems far more preferable to what we see on our TV screens. But nothing could be further from the truth! 

The Bethlehem, at Jesus's birth, is under the thumb of tyrannical Roman power. It is governed by King Herod, a pretender to the Jewish throne of David in Judah, and a vassal of Rome; his power is contingent on paying tribute and allegiance to his Roman overlord. With Jesus's birth, Bethlehem became the center of an epic battle between God and the AntiChrist spirit in the world. Our nostalgic version of the The Christmas Story doesn't reveal the whole truth.

No one loves the comfort, peace, and love of that Christmas Story, as much as I do. Luke 2 focuses on the joy of that version -- our Savior has come into the world, bringing the hope and promises of ancient prophecies: peace on earth, and good will towards men. But Matthew 2 also adds to the Christmas Story by revealing that King Herod knew of the prophet Micah's prediction that from Bethlehem of Judea, would come "a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel". Herod was unaware that an angel of the Lord had appeared to some shepherds, keeping watch over their flock by night, and proclaimed that Christ the Lord (the Messiah) had been born that night.

When the wise men (Magi) from the East appear in Jerusalem looking for the Christ child, whose star they had seen, Herod becomes frantic to keep his fraudulent power. He orders his soldiers to " put to death all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that area who were two years old and under, according to the date which he had learned from the Magi". In response to this atrocity, God sends an angel of the Lord to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod intends to search for the Child in order to destroy Him" (Matthew 2:13).

Both Luke 2 and Matthew 2 give us this skeleton of the Christmas Story. But the Apostle John is given another version [by Jesus, Himself] in Revelation 12, where we get a picture of a woman who cries out in labor pains while giving birth to a baby who would rule the nations; and a dragon who sought to devour that child and chased Mary, Joseph, and the infant baby into the wilderness of Egypt. Immediately in 13, Jesus tells John that the dragon (Satan) appears on the scene bringing forth a "beast" to whom Satan gives his power and authority, along with another "beast" who "makes the earth and those who inhabit it worship the first beast". 

These three passages [Luke 2, Matthew 2, Revelation 12-13] should expand our understanding of the Christmas Story. It is the fullness of what happens on that glorious night of Jesus's birth - the disclosure of God's plan to redeem the world through the birth of His Son - and the response by Satan to lock down the dominion Adam and Eve had conveyed to him in the Garden. God sent the King of the Universe, who is also Ruler of this world; and Satan established the beast(s) who were to become the authoritarian political power and the religious power  -- both to be worshiped by the masses. 

Can you see that part of Satan's plan to rule the world has been to introduce a softer version of the Christmas Story; a warm and fuzzy account, centered around a vulnerable baby, lying in a manger? And then, he adds distraction from the truth by introducing jolly old St. Nick; presents piled high; and glittery, shiny ornaments and decorations -- all with the plan to take our focus off the darker picture of slaughtered babies and beasts. These systems and powers have been working since Jesus's birth to thwart God's plans.  

But, if we're honest with ourselves, we know we can't ignore the truth; that Satan has been lurking in the shadows of Christmas since the beginning. The reality of that night in Bethlehem when the Savior of the world was born, was not warm and fuzzy. It would lead to violence, death, and centuries of a spiritual war that is building to a crescendo. The Christmas Story is one of flesh and blood; God comes to us in the flesh and He pays the price for our salvation with His blood. Satan spills the blood of those precious infants in Bethlehem and in untold numbers through wars, murder, and fratricide through the centuries. 

When you take a good, long look at the world, nothing has changed since that first Christmas Story ... while we see Satan's Evil towards the child in the manger and towards His followers today, we can also see the good tidings that the Light of the World is shining in the midst of our Enemy's darkness! Yes, there is darkness in the midst of the Christmas Story, but we must establish in our hearts the words of the Angel who spoke to the shepherds: Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. For this day in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah". 

You see, it doesn't matter to me the exact date of Jesus's birth. I will continue to praise my God for coming in the flesh to save me. I will honor His sacrifice and His victory over the evil forces of Satan -- the forces and power who have come against that vulnerable baby in the feeding trough, and yet have not been able to snuff out Christ's Light or His Love. The violent battle rages on, yet we have a reminder every year that we have been promised victory. I choose to embrace that victory and the nostalgia of Christmas -- past, present, and future.

But I'm also going to be vigilant to guard my Faith against the beasts that come to deceive and destroy. I praise You, Lord Jesus. I kneel before the manger in honor of your commitment to come save us and to establish Your Kingdom on earth. And I stand in obedience and allegiance to Your Throne in the earth, as it is in Heaven. So, I will delight in the warmth of the Christmas season, knowing that there is more beyond the superficial benefits marketed to the masses. And I acknowledge the hidden darkness in the history of its celebration, just as I express my gratitude for the knowledge that a precious baby will rule victorious over the beasts of hell. Rejoice and celebrate Christmas! The hope and fears of the generations are about to be met!

Luke 2:14    Glory to God in the highest [Heaven], and on earth, peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.

  

     

Jesus Created You to Have an Effect on the World! Now is the Time!

This is a timely and somewhat personal post. I have been invited to speak to a group of girls and young women at a fun event combining food, games, creative projects, and worship; a time dedicated to lifting up the Lord in our lives. As always, I seek Jesus and Holy Spirit as to what They desire me to share. I know it is important to be encouraging in these uncertain -- and let's face it -- dark days. I want these young girls and young adults, along with their mothers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers, to leave the event with their identity in Christ at the forefront, and with a firm grasp of why Jesus created them. I want their spirits to be awakened to joy, action, and purpose.

Now, for the personal side of this post. I am able to draw on my own experiences and relationship with Jesus to encourage the women who will be coming to this event. When you are able to discover (and then act on) your unique and individual passion [in righteousness, of course], then it gives meaning to your life, and you please the desire of the Lord's heart for you. In my case, I loved to read and loved how I was able to use my imagination to begin writing historical fiction, even at the young age of 12. I continued to engage with my love of writing through high school (writing articles for my small local newspaper), getting a Journalism degree in college, and following that up with free-lance articles from interviews of the up-and-coming music scene in Austin, TX. And then I stopped writing. 

The world came calling, and being single, I had bills to pay. Then I got married and when my husband announced that he wanted to pursue his God-given talent and become a professional artist, I knew he was ready to chase his dreams and I didn't want him to be 70 years old and say, "I wish I had gone for it". I continued to work my job and pay the bills, while he paid his dues in the art business. The next 12 years saw success come his way and I became his business manager, web designer, scheduler, accountant, and all-things administrative. It was an exciting lifestyle, but I began to want to pursue my own creative passion. The problem was that I kept that to myself. My husband had no idea that I had ever had a love of writing. The time for that was long gone by the day I met him.

But then God intervened. In 2007, I had a chance meeting (or so I thought) with a man God sent as His messenger. We were in Montana at a wedding in which my husband was a groomsman, and another of the groomsmen had a gift of prophecy. On the last day before we were to return home, it was arranged for me to meet and talk to him because he had "something I needed to hear". And what he told me literally changed my life. He said that God had come to him in a dream with a message for me. That message changed my direction and focus. This modern day prophet wrote something on a piece of paper and shoved it across the table to me. "Does this have any meaning to you?", he asked. Written in a bold scrawl was Be the Pen -- not the blank piece of paper.

I stared at it for a full minute. I knew what it meant ... don't squander my passion and gift for writing. I had abandoned it for too long, leaving blank pages unwritten upon. I was to pick up my pen and start writing again. I finally looked at this man who had hit the target that was placed on my heart, and asked, "How did you know? No one -- not even my husband -- has known my love of writing". I'll never forget his response ... "God made you to write, and He desires to see you do what He made you to do. It pleases Him. Don't write to be a #1 best selling author; don't write for the money. Simply write because it pleases Him." I can't tell you what that did for my soul and spirit.

We drove home to Texas and I spent the next two years writing a fiction novel. Every day, my husband made me stop whatever I was doing for his art business and take the next two or three hours writing that novel; developing and fleshing out characters, and letting the Holy Spirit pour the storyline into me. I swear, when I would go back over my progress the next day, I would not remember writing the words on the page. It was one of the most spiritual experiences I've had in my life -- creativity just poured out of me! At the completion of that two-year exercise, it was like God said, "OK, I can trust that you will listen and seek My will, so I have another assignment. I want you to begin a blog, speaking to both men and women about the journey I'm going to take you and your husband on; about your seeking more knowledge of Me, and how it relates to what's happening in the world." And what a journey it's been! It's tested my faith; it's challenged my theology; and it's opened the Bible up to me in ways that continue to astound me. 

And I'm amazed that it's been 18 years since that encounter with God in Montana and I'm still learning how to write all that He's revealed in our time together. And one of the most interesting concepts is one that I've learned from a series of historical fiction by another author, Ginny Dye. Her books, The Bregdan Chronicles, have introduced a principle that I plan on sharing this weekend with the young women and their family members at the event I'm attending. It fits so nicely with some of God's principles, and I want to share it with each of you. 

The word Bregdan comes from the Gaelic language and is a term for weaving: Braiding. As the author explained, "Every life that has been lived until today is a part of the woven braid of life. It takes every person's story to create history. My life [and your life] will help determine the course of history. You may think you don't have much of an impact. You do. Every action you take will reflect in someone else's life ... someone else's decisions ... someone else's future. Both good and bad. That is the Bregdan Principle".

Think about it. God has created each of us to have an effect on the world! And, of course, He desires that we affect others and the world according to His will. It's easy to have an effect when we act according to our will, and oftentimes our decisions are made solely for our benefit instead of others or God. But it is important that we come to realize -- and acknowledge -- God's power within us to actually change the world! And when you recognize the passion that comes from God, and that He desires you use it to reflect Him to the world, then that passion becomes a powerful and joyful tool to effect someone's life, and to change the world. I have seen strangers look upon a piece of my husband's art and begin to cry; their soul touched by the reflection of God he shares in his painting. And just when I think maybe I've done all I am meant to do in affecting someone's life through my writing in this blog, I will receive a comment that says, "I was about to give up and then I stumbled upon your blog. This is exactly what I needed to hear today". 

Just like when God first told me that His gift of writing is not about me making a million bucks off an award-winning book, He has often whispered, "If you reach just one person today for Me [with your words], then I have more for you to do with your gift".  I want these women to know that each of them was created by Jesus with a purpose; to use whatever gift He has given them to affect the world for God's Kingdom here on earth. I want them to be on the spiritual lookout for signs that He's trying to communicate with them; to pay attention to those thoughts that come unbidden, or those "coincidences" that speak to their heart.

As I've contemplated what I will be speaking about this weekend, I kept hearing "Colossians" in my mind. So, this morning I sat down with my Bible and opened it up to the Book of Colossians. There, highlighted in yellow, with my hand-written notes in the margin, I saw the summary of what I want each of these precious girls and women to receive ... And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God: being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:9-14).  

There it is! This is what it means to be pleasing to the Lord: Bear fruit (discover what you're passionate about and do it unto the Lord!; increase in the knowledge of God; walk in His power and authority; be patient and endure with joy! Thank our Father for moving us into the Kingdom, and thank Jesus for redeeming us and forgiving us! 

And that's the way you have an effect on others and the world! You won't escape pain in this life, but you can outlast it by choosing joy in the midst of it, and giving thanks and credit to the Lord who has been there every step of the way. The world appears pretty dark these days, but we can be fully pleasing to the Lord, when we seek Him and are willing to pursue His path for which we were created, and then walking in our authority to fulfill that purpose. The world needs the light of God that we will reflect. Take a chance, trust Him, pursue Him, and see just how much effect you can have!

Ephesians 3:20-21.     Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work in us, to Him be glory in the Ekklesia and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. 

 

Do Not Be Unaware of the Coming Storm! Immerse Yourself in Faith and Trust!

I am continually amazed at the number of my fellow Christians who are still asleep. Throughout the Bible, we are told to stay awake. Our faith journey is long and there is so much to be awake for... God's Presence in our lives; the spiritual war we find ourselves battling; and the knowledge of what God's Word tells us we can expect to experience. Whether we are asleep or awake in these instances will greatly affect our lives and the lives of those we love and are responsible for. I'm sure you are like me -- I want to be fully awake in my relationship with my Lord; alive and active in my faith. It will not only benefit me, but anyone that I can encourage and in whom I can instill hope and trust as they pursue growth in their faith.

So what does staying awake look like in this generation? Unless you are hiding under a rock, no one should be ignorant of the warning signs that the world is in danger of becoming so disobedient to the God of Heaven, that He is storing up His wrath against those who are steeped in their stubbornness and unrepentant hearts (Romans 2:5). That includes against those who glorify their unrighteousness and purposefully sow injustice (Proverbs 22:8). 

Just read the headlines of the day ,,, The Earth is in Chaos. What's Going on Right now?; Trump Issues Explosive Warning to Europe -- Warns Europe of "Civilizational Erasure" Unless It Stops Mass Migration; China Deploys More Than 100 Military Ships, Worrying Taiwan and Japan; Killing Us For Money? Government Sides with Monsanto to Shield Roundup from Cancer Lawsuits... and those are just the tame ones! NOTE: I am not saying that we should believe every news report or headline that comes across our phone or computer feeds. Our Godly discernment is more important than ever. But I am cautioning all Believers to recognize that there is ample evidence that the Man of Lawlessness is stirring up his accomplices on the earth and that the God of the Universe is keeping watch over the unrighteousness in mankind.

If you know God's character, then you know His wrath is not inconsistent nor unreasonable. His judgment and wrath are in balance with His immense love for us, and His holiness. It is all in keeping with His desire to establish a relationship with us; challenging us to repent and draw close to Him, while making it abundantly clear that He does not sacrifice His Righteousness nor His Judgment. And that brings me to the foundation of our holy relationship with Him.... our faith.

Hebrews 11:1 says, Now Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. That confidence and assurance that Scripture speaks of is identified as Trust. They are intertwined to be sure, but it's important we acknowledge that Trust springs from our Faith. The Greek word for Faith is pistus -- the conviction of the truth God exists; that He is the bestower of eternal salvation through our acceptance of Christ as our Savior. We know we can rely on Him. The Hebrew word for Trust is châçâh, meaning having a certainty; not questioning or doubting; contingent on our faithfulness to God. The result of trusting in our faith is that we make God our refuge, we have hope, and we find peace in knowing that God is our rock and our shield.    

But this knowledge does not come without effort on our part. We have an Enemy that is constantly tying to sow doubt and fear into our faith. How many Christians do you know that declare their faith in God, yet live in fear and doubt? Fear comes from not trusting that the Lord's promises to us are true, leading us to doubt [or hesitate, waver], and results in a lack of faith in His character. How then can we ever be at peace or find refuge in Him?

I believe I'm safe in saying that the turmoil in today's world is leaving many people -- both believers and non-believers -- in various stages of fear, doubt, and wavering faith. But why should we be surprised? Our Bible tells us in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 that people [even the elect] will fall away from their faith in the midst of mankind's rebellion. Because of the doubt that fear in the world's disobedience brings to some of the faithful, they will abandon their faith and begin to believe false teachings as the Day of the Lord approaches.

So, what are we to do in the face of such rebellion against God; a rebellion that is so evident in today's world? It is my opinion that we are to examine the state of our hearts and determine to remain steadfast in our faith, which is stand fast in our conviction of the truth of God's promises to us. We are to keep the armor of God securely fastened and be prepared for what the Word has declared we will experience. We are to be prepared in confidence and readiness, with a heart that is assured we can stand and endure whatever comes, whenever it comes.

Let us be prudent [wise, wary, sensible, far-sighted, forearmed and forewarned] in the Word. We know that the battle is the Lord's, so we need not be foolish and trust only in our might. It is He who trains our hands for war and gives us spiritual armor that is both offensive and defensive in the storm that is brewing. Do you feel it? Do you see it? Do not hide in fear from what is evidenced, but be awake so you can battle in faith on behalf of your God. Be a living demonstration [to the lost and confused] of Faith and Trust in the Lord. Prepare yourself in readiness. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 24, there will be various stages of collapse in the world, but we who endure in our Faith will be steady and resolute as we wait for the Victory that we know is ours. The storm is coming, but we can be ready for it as the Lord plans our steps and guides our way, renewing our strength. Let us anchor ourselves to our trust in Jesus and our growing faith. It is the eternal hope of our hearts.

Romans 4:20-21     Yet he [Abraham] did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He had promised.    

      

   

 

We Have A Special Obligation To Gen Z and Gen Alpha

There is a spiritual Truth that has recently become obvious in my mind, heart and soul. As a Baby Boomer, I am aware of just how blessed I've been to live in the years that have encompassed my life. As a child in Post-WWII America, I received the benefits of the boom in prosperity that our nation enjoyed. Children had care-free lives, playing outside, with no fear of abduction or harm. My parents were able to buy a home and help all five of their children go to college through hard work, supplemented by guaranteed student loans (which we all paid back in full). I saw the birth of the Civil Rights Movement, which sought to bring justice and equality to all Americans. I witnessed the bold vision of President Kennedy to conquer Space, which inspired the generations that came after him to dream of new frontiers. I saw the beginning of a change in our family dynamics, as The Pill and the Feminist Movement redefined the roles of women in our society. I have seen the first computers go online and the explosion of technology invade every aspect of our lives ... for both good and bad. I have seen changes in our education system; our energy consumption; the rise in violence, perversion, cancer, viruses, hate, and risk of nuclear war. I daresay that the extent [and range] of change just during the span of my lifetime has been greater than perhaps any other generation.

I can look back and see the phases [and stages] of change, and it now seems so massive, that I wonder how long we can sustain a cohesiveness as a nation and people. While WWII brought the American people together in unity, the Vietnam War divided us in ways that we have yet to recover from. The fight for Civil Rights for our Black citizens was marred by horrendous evil towards individuals that believed God's human rights belong to all men, no matter their skin color. Within a matter of five years [during my childhood and teen years], I was witness to three assassinations of political and social leaders. I have seen the attempts to destroy the Holiness and existence of God, including His covenant of marriage, the sanctity and sacredness of life in the womb, and the very identity that He created in each of us.

And yet, I still call myself blessed because I know who I am in Him. You see, I've often thought of human existence since the foundation of this world like a cosmic chess board. With every move that God made to make Himself known, the Devil moved his chess piece to block it. It began in the Garden of Eden; and continued in the angelic rebellion in Heaven, leading to the Genesis 6 abomination; through the Exodus and history of God's chosen people [to share His Goodness and Mercy with the world]; to the birth of our Savior, and His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection; to the continued wars throughout Daniel's prophesied Empires [always between God's Kingdom and satan's kingdom]; to this age where we wait for our Redeemer's glorious return ... it's all led us to this moment in God's prophetic plan. 

So, why does this post point to an obligation to Gen Z and Gen Alpha? These two latest generation designations (that cover those born in 1997 until now) are the people most affected by the inventions of the personal computer, the internet, and artificial intelligence -- all of which are convenient tools for the Devil to oppose, and interfere with, a personal relationship with our Creator, Jesus Christ. I had the advantage of people in my life who taught me about the Bible and who Jesus was, and why He was important to my life. Gen Z and Gen Alpha were born at least 35 years after the Bible and prayer were removed from the classroom, so their chances of being brought up in a family influenced by Godly principles is less. 

Then there's the reality that the advancement of technology has been so fast [and extreme], that young adults and children are being introduced to personal computer robots [such as ChatGPT] at a very young age.  These conversation platforms are capable of developing belief systems for them to follow. And believe me, they do not point these young people to God. In fact, they can become "substitute gods". In fact, OpenAi.com describes a newer version of its Chatbot [or "robot capable of discussion"], called GPT-5.1 as "smarter, more conversational, warmer, capable of more advanced reasoning, and faster and easier to understand." Sounds a lot like the tempting snake in the Garden, to me. 

So, I'm really discerning that we Baby Boomers may be the last generation to try and steer Gen Z and Gen Alpha away from the pitfalls of technology and Satan's desperate attempt to make one final chess move to secure his kingdom among humanity. You see, I also believe Jesus is very close to announcing His arrival with a trumpet blast from Heaven! I see this because, recently, I have been experiencing more phone calls, texts, and requests to talk with these younger generations because they are responding to Jesus's invitation and discerning that something's wrong in the world, but they have no reference points. Any news they receive is usually internet-generated and/or manipulated by those creating the platforms. 

And I will also say that Charlie Kirk's tragic death has stirred something in these young people. God is using Charlie's faith to ignite a hunger in these two latest generations for more of Jesus. But sadly, I am recognizing that their Biblical knowledge is sadly lacking. And, even more discouraging is my understanding that the Church has not fulfilled their calling to educate the masses in the knowledge of Christ. It takes an incredible amount of time and commitment to study the Word, if you truly wish to know Jesus. I'm happy to hear that there is a revival of interest in Jesus among the young, but it's going to take us older Believers getting involved and mentoring these young people. They simply do not have an understanding of how Evil has been working in the world and our country.

In fact, I've been surprised at just how little comprehension they have of Heaven and Hell, the afterlife, or God's Justice and Judgment. Too often, there is a simplistic and false belief that "if I'm a good person, that's enough to get me into Heaven". Or there's the equally false belief that they could not believe in a God that justifies killing innocent women and children. If we, as mature Christians, are unable to explain that our entrance into Heaven has nothing to do with what we did to earn it -- but, rather, what Jesus did to make a way for us to experience that Eternal Life, then it will be easy for Satan's followers to convince them that their salvation depends on themselves. 

Yes, we can teach them that God is full of Grace and Mercy, but He is also a Holy God, and demands righteousness from those who believe in Him. We are called to live Godly lives, rejecting sin to become more like Jesus. It is important that these younger generations understand that one day, we all will stand before Jesus, and we will listen as He gives us an accounting of our lives. How did we live our lives -- according to what the internet, our friends, or the world told us was good enough? Or did we fervently try to live a life that was pleasing to Him? What did we do for His Kingdom here on earth, and for others? Or were we only fixated on our fleshly desires? God is a Righteous and Holy Judge, and He declares that Vengeance is His, whenever injustice is done to the innocent.   

We must be able to explain what the Bible tells us is coming in our future -- the things Jesus warned us about. There will be wars and rumors of wars, pestilence, death, hunger, persecution, and an evil spiritual presence that will try to force us to reject our love and obedience to Jesus. They need to be prepared for that! If it's not those of us who are washed in the Blood of Jesus, then who will guide them? We must be honest, yet careful not to exploit their confusion and fears. I sense so much uncertainty in these twenty-somethings [and younger]. They are searching for something to hope in, as they innately understand that the world is disintegrating around them. We, who have known what it is to have certainty about our eternal future, must point them towards Jesus, giving them the courage and faith to endure dark days. They have an imperishable life waiting for them, and they can navigate whatever is coming if we can give them the certainty of Hope in our Lord. They don't need false promises of worldly comfort, but the certainty of their security in Christ.  

So, I hope you will join me in being observant and committed to walk beside the members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Show them how to walk in this world, without becoming part of the world; how to develop a close relationship with Jesus, so that the embers of revival we see in their generations will be fanned into a firestorm of faith. Lord, guide us to teach them and nourish their hunger for understanding and Truth. Holy Spirit, give us the Spirit of the Lord and Your wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, might, and fear of the Lord, in order that these young generations might endure the world that will soon be their future. Help us to prepare them to greet our Returning King in all His Glory, and in all their godly character. We, who have been blessed in receiving true knowledge of You, commit ourselves to share it with those who will need it to overcome the Enemy. I thank you, Lord, for placing me in the generation that can discern this span of time and see why I am here. Renew my strength and commitment as I wait for you, Lord! Amen!

1 Peter 2:9     But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.    

Have You Counted the Cost To Become a Disciple of Jesus? Is He worth it?

 

I've had a lot of time to reflect on the consequences of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. God has really challenged me to discern what I believe about some of Christ's discourse in the Bible. Add to that, I am amazed at the questions that have emerged in my spirit regarding the effects Charlie's life and death have had on Believers, skeptics,  and the Church. And as I look at the world today, and the growing animosity towards Christians and our faith, I am certain that it is more important today, than ever, that we are firmly committed to our discipleship.

First of all, let's establish what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. In the Greek language, the word used is Mathētēs, "a learner", from the root word math, indicating "thought accompanied by endeavor". I want you to remember that phrase. I'm going to return to it later. We can apply the following descriptors to Jesus's twelve Disciples in the New Testament. If we look at their example, they were described as "abiding" [staying] in His Word. They believed upon Him and confessed Him. They were not only pupils, but adherents [supporters, defenders, devotees]. And perhaps, most importantly, they were spoken of as imitators of their teacher. 

We know of the twelve disciples within His inner circle, but remember that Jesus also  appointed and sent out 72 [or 70, depending on which version of the Bible you are reading] to go before Him to spread His teachings that the Kingdom of God was near. We know that by the end of His ministry, only the original twelve [minus Judas] were still with Him. The rest had deserted Him. Many had avowed their allegiance to Him, but only a dozen were willing to pay the cost. He promised long, lonely days on the road, with no place to call home; they had to be willing to leave obligations to family and loved ones if they were to imitate Him. The cost was steep, and self-denial and suffering was to be their lot. 

In Luke 9:23, Jesus says, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me". I want to make sure you understand the seriousness of that statement. When Jesus used the terminology of "taking up one's cross", He didn't mean our twenty-first century interpretation of suffering from some lightweight burden such as a bad relationship with your parents or spouse; a job you hate; high blood pressure, or some other annoying difficulty in your life. To the people He was addressing, "the cross" meant one thing: death by crucifixion. It was the maximum amount of shame, humiliation, and torture that the Roman government could devise. Victims would literally carry the instrument of their own torture and death.

Jesus made it very clear that any one who does not renounce all that he has [family, home, money, reputation, pride] cannot be His disciple [Luke 14:33]. All of that belongs to this world. Among what He offers His true disciples is tribulation, because He suffered tribulation. BUT, He also offers us [perfect] peace in Him. We can expect tribulation, distress, and suffering in this world. But He reminds us that He has overcome the world! Hallelujah! And so shall we if we can remain confidant, undaunted, and filled with the joy of His promise of everlasting life in His Father's Heavenly Kingdom! So, I ask you ... If you call yourself a disciple of Christ, have you counted the cost? Is He worth it?  

Let me, once again, share the story of a man who counted the cost and was willing to pay the price. I have returned time and again to the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor during the rise of the Nazi regime in WW2 Germany. He became alarmed as he witnessed the German State Church acquiescing to Hitler's anti-Jewish propaganda, demanding that Jews not be allowed to worship in Christian churches. He increasingly saw the Church compromising the Bible's demands of obedience to Jesus in favor of meeting the requirements of German society and the Third Reich. His spirit was in turmoil as he began to witness the cheapening of the power of the Gospel message, while obedience to the Living Christ was being buried and lost to religious formulas and rituals. 

In fact, one of the most defining quotes of Bonhoeffer is in regards to the distinction he makes between "cheap" and "costly" grace. According to Dietrich, "cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate."  In today's world, do Western Christians give discipleship any of this thought, at all? Do they contemplate the cost, or even realize that there should be a cost for something so valuable?

Well, we are told by our Savior that it is the lot of a true Disciple! "If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master'. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My Word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of My Name, because they do not know Him who sent Me...".

As I finish up this post, I want to return to that earlier phrase I wrote ... the root of the Greek word for "disciple", meaning "thought accompanied by endeavor". It takes some serious thought on our part to decide to become a disciple of Christ, don't you agree? We must first count the cost, and if we have decided to follow Christ, we must imitate His work and his labor in the harvest of souls. We must be willing to pay the price of death to remain in His service. Are American Christians willing to do that? Or are they counting on getting "Raptured" out of here, with no pain, self-denial, or sacrifice.

Because I will tell you that Christians around the world are in the cross hairs of those who hate our faith and our Savior! In Nigeria alone, between 2019 and 2023, nearly 17,000 Christians have been reported killed; 7,000 victims in just the first seven months of 2025. According to Intersociety, the International Society for Civil Liberties & Rule of Law (located in Eastern Nigeria), at least 52,250 have been brutally murdered over the past 14 years. This is just the tip of the iceberg. And according to Open Doors' World Watch List, more than 380 million Christians suffer very high or extreme levels of persecution. Christians have been targeted primarily in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East; but Mexico, Nicaragua, Cuba, and Columbia are now added to the Watch List. With the increase in political and ethnic rhetoric and violence in our own nation, it's not hard to see that religious persecution could easily be coming to us, as well. Jesus says it will!

But rather than live in fear, let us walk in the truth and strength of our Christian faith. Let us become true Christian disciples, drawing strength from Jesus's promises that He is with us. And we must lean on one another in community, encouraging each other as we face the persecution and trying times together. God has given us His Word as the foundation (and weapon) to face persecution with boldness and courage. Let us pray for our Christian Brothers and Sisters in Nigeria and around the world, and join with them in the Spirit, as they face their trials, even unto death. 

1 Peter 2:21     For [as a Believer] you have been called for this purpose, since Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in His footsteps.  

The World Desperately Needs to Understand the Biblical Meaning of Zion

Understanding the truth about who and what Zion is, is a very touchy subject in the world today, and it is at the root of so much conflict between peoples and nations. I know that even approaching this subject, I will be roundly criticized by Believers and Atheists, Christians and Jews, the Religious and the Secular members of society. But I hope I will be seen as someone who seeks to express God's heart rather than my own worldly agenda. And for that reason, I ask for a measure of Grace as I share what I have come to believe.

So, this post is not just for Christian readers; I have written it for secular readers, as well. We all need to understand each other and our different opinions concerning the land of Israel. But most of all, we need to understand what "Zion" means to God. And, as in the past [whenever I've written about my Biblical view of Israel and my interpretation of their role in these End Times], I'm sure I will be labeled a "Zionist Christian", and/or typecast as a "pro-Feast, Jewish apologist". To be honest, if I am forced to apply a label to myself, I prefer "faithful follower of Jesus Christ", which includes my Biblical worldview.

First of all, when I speak about Israel, most times I am referring to the land according to that Biblical worldview. I see the land of Israel [which I differentiate from the current nation state of Israel] as that land promised to God's Chosen People in the Bible. Although there has been an ongoing debate regarding Israel's right to occupy the land, in my opinion, that debate begins and ends with the authority of God in His Word: So that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that heavens are above the earth (Deuteronomy 11:21). In regards to that view, I recognize that there is a distinction between the future prophetic restoration of that land, and the Israel that exists there, today. Now, before everyone gets all riled up and assumes that I am dismissing the modern state of Israel as inheritors of God's promises, you would be sorely mistaken.

According to my Biblical worldview, I know and understand that Jesus will not return until God turns the focus of His saving mercies on Israel again, and Israel responds to God through Jesus Christ, calling upon His Name for Salvation and Deliverance. That hasn't happened yet in a national sense. And statistics have been reported that 45% of Israeli citizens identify as Secular, 33% as "traditional" Jews [in matters of their faith], and 10% as Ultra-Orthodox  [following strict Jewish religious laws]. Another 10% identify as Christian, and a small minority (10-20,000) boldly call themselves "Messianic Jews", who are Jews who believe in Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling the promise God made in Zechariah 12:10 ... Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayers, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a first son.

That brings me back to this discussion about "Zionism" and the truth about its Biblical significance. Remember, I'm not interested in promoting the world's interpretation of political Zionism, or Christian Zionism, or any other definition of Zionism that is not of Biblical consequence. I want to make it clear that from the position of my Biblical worldview, there isn't much about the state of modern Israel that coincides with the Biblical Israel. HOWEVER, that doesn't inhibit my belief that it will one day step into its prophetic and true role as Isaiah 35:10 says: So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee. 

And this confusion over the misinterpretation of the true Zion leads to so much of the conflict and hatred in the world today. From an initial understanding of the word "Zion" in the Bible, it is synonymous with "City of God", and it is a place that God loves and dwells with His people. But Zion is much more than a place or characteristic of its geography. Zion is the spiritual heart of Israel, representing God's presence among His people. It stands for the joy, holiness, and divine beauty that encompasses God's everlasting covenant with Israel; a sacred relationship that will endure forever. So, from one aspect, it can be identified as Jerusalem in the Old Testament; the place God dwelt on Earth. It is Mount Zion, the high hill on which David built a citadel. After King David's conquest of the ancient city, he built his royal palace there, and Zion/Jerusalem became the seat of power in Israel's ancient kingdom. When his son, Solomon, built the Lord's temple in Jerusalem, the word Zion expanded to include the temple area, what we call the Temple Mount today. 

As Biblical time marched on, Zion grew figuratively to mean Israel as the people of God in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, Zion refers to God's spiritual kingdom. I admit it is confusing and covers a wide scope of understanding. To make matters even more complicated, in this modern century, the word Zion and Zionist have taken on negative connotations among a wide variety of peoples and nations. There are those who see the reestablishment of a Jewish homeland as illegitimate, and desire to "drive them into the sea" or destroy them completely. And there are obviously those who do not know the history of the Bible, or what it says about the Jews and their ancestral lands, and why it is important to them, and specifically to God .

For centuries the Jews had been exiled around the world from the land that God promised them, and there was a collective desire to return and resettle their ancestral lands and to revitalize and cultivate their native Hebrew culture. They longed to return to the Biblical Zion. But after the atrocities of the Holocaust and with the establishment of the Jewish state in 1948, this love of Zion became a nationalistic and political movement, rather than a religious, spiritual, or cultural identity. Zionism, today, continues primarily to advocate on behalf of the nation of Israel and address presumed threats to its continued existence and security. It has little to do with God's view of Zion.

Let me be clear in explaining my sensitive position, and please read the next couple of paragraphs before you pass judgment. The state of Israel, as it exists in the Middle East today, does not represent the Israel that will say, "Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord" ... YET! As I stated earlier, it is largely a secular and political state, with no religious connection to Yeshua, their Messiah, at all. In fact, they are still waiting for Him to arrive and rescue them from their enemies. They are true political Zionists. Remember, the population includes a sizable number of religious Orthodox Jews who remain blinded to their future [as the Bible attests to], and most probably view themselves as Zionists from a historical, Old Testament perspective. But I want to remind you that there is a growing population of Messianic Jews, who know and believe in Yeshua as the Biblical Messiah, and are evangelizing "in the Name of the Lord". And I praise God for this remnant who are returning to the true identity of Zion in the land.

So, in my opinion, the current nation of Israel, as a whole, has a long way to go to return to their Scriptural identity. The are still in rebellion and refuse to recognize their Creator and Messiah. Indeed, Tel Aviv has declared itself "the gay capital of the world", [not exactly a descriptor of God's holy Israel]. As proclaimed by one gay Israeli citizen: "Israel isn't a regressive [Taliban] state based on ancient scriptures. It is a modern, democratic, and progressive society built on democratic values. The people of Israel have chosen to have a free, secular, democratic, and pluralistic society where gays are not only tolerated, but where gay culture is celebrated." Does this sound like the Biblical Zion?

So, having said all this, when I look at modern Israel, I choose to focus my prayers on the small, but growing numbers of Messianic Jews who see the real reason they are "back in the land", and who recognize their calling and purpose. When I say I love and support Israel [as God calls us to], I am looking beyond the nationalistic, political reality of the current state of Israel and seeing them as God sees them ... His beloved Zion, the people that He longs to dwell among. I see the devoted Jews who have surrendered their lives to their Savior Messiah and are faithfully working to bring about His return.

For any Christian who believes in "Replacement Theology" and accuses me of not supporting Israel, as the Bible demands of us -- or conversely, of supporting a Zionist state -- I understand that I will likely be condemned by both sides of that coin. For the adherents of Replacement Theology, please know that I do not share in the belief of your doctrine. I do not believe that the Church (and especially not the Western Church!) has replaced Israel as God's chosen people. I read Romans 11 and do not try and corrupt it. I accept it, word for word ... God's gifts and His call are irrevocable [He never withdraws them once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call] ... and so all Israel will be saved. As it is written, The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will banish ungodliness from Jacob. And this will be My covenant [my Agreement] with them when I shall take away their sins.

And for the secularists and atheists who discount the Word of God, I will agree with you that the Zionist, political State of Israel is not perfect. I do not blindly uphold it as the Israel of the Bible. But I would like you to understand that it is not yet that Biblical nation of Israel who whom God established a covenant ... but one day it will be. And it is the future Israel that I pray for and long to see come out of its rebellion and recognize its Messiah. I have close friends who are among the beginning of that true Biblical remnant in Israel, and they have shown me the hope and the promise of Israel's restoration.

I do not expect this post to change anyone's mind. To those that hate Israel as an aggressor in the Middle East, and who vehemently disagree with its divisive government and policies, I will tell you that I acknowledge your viewpoint. And I see the spiritual forces that are behind the efforts to encourage that hatred and hostility. And for those who believe we should worship and pray for the modern state as the embodiment of Biblical Israel, I would say this to you: If you say we should love Israel and stand with her, no matter what, this is my response ... we must love Israel through a Biblical lens. We must support her and pray for her to come out of her rebellion and reclaim the covenant of her ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and we must long to see her restored to the fullness of her power in God; restored to her true character and purpose in leading the world to Yeshua. For all this, I make no apologies. BUT, I must also declare that I do not yet see that version of Israel. So I continue to pray and hope.

Finally, I will pray that the land and the people of Israel will be returned to the holiness that YHWH bestowed on Zion. May the God of Israel remain patient as He waits for His chosen people to call upon the Name of the Lord. May they fulfill their destiny soon, turning from their rebellious nature in the world, and spiritually living out Psalm 137:1 ... By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. Let us keep God's view of His land and His people in perspective. And may the world come together over the Truth of Zion. 

Isaiah 2:3-4    .... For out of Zion shall go forth the law [the teaching], and the Word of the Lord  from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. 

         

Personal thoughts: Keeping Hope Alive In a Battered America

Today is Veteran's Day, and I'm thinking of all the men and women who have served in the wars of this country, dating back to the American Revolution. I'm grateful for their service to our nation; for the sacrifices they made in the name of Liberty and Freedom. The wars that they fought in were not always for virtuous causes, and sadly, there were too many who profited off of them at the expense of millions of young lives throughout the existence of America. 

And that brings me to the other thoughts occupying my mind these days ... we are rapidly approaching the 250th anniversary of our nation. While many consider the United States an empire, and therefore wish to come to the foregone conclusion that "empires rarely last over 250 years", I'm not willing to give up on us just yet. First of all, I don't consider America an empire. While empires are usually distinguished as being a central power which exerts control and power over conquered territories and peoples, occupying those territories and enslaving the conquered peoples, America has favored the promotion of democracy and self-determination, and post World War II, has championed national independence and sovereignty. Additionally, our American culture is most often voluntarily embraced, rather than enforced.

I know that we are not a perfect nation and there are those who will argue that our expansion and acquisitions of Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines in recent history, along with our military interventions and economic influence, argue for the "empire" label. The debate is legitimate, but my purpose for writing today covers whether the idea that America still exists as the land of opportunity where people can still dream of the freedom of self-determination, economic self-sufficiency, security, and the hope of a peaceful and prosperous future. Some call that "the American Dream". I like to think of it as God's will for all people.

But I cannot deny that, as a civilization, I see the warning signs of our decline. We are experiencing economic decline [due to government overspending, inflation, and excessive taxation]. We certainly have political instability, and the growing threat of marxist/socialist ideologies within our educational and political institutions, is causing social upheaval. And when the governing power grows increasingly centralized in Washington D.C., rather than being determined by a representative democracy among the people, it fractures our founding principles of individual liberty and self-determination. Finally, the deterioration of our moral and spiritual belief systems serves to cause division and decay within our society. The loss of faith, in both our religious and societal institutions, has the potential to be the final blow to this "great experiment" called The United States of America.

So, now that I've cited the current woes of our nation, I want to tell you why I still have hope for us. At the heart of America lies a legacy that I believe still offers the embers of Freedom and Faith; waiting to be revived and restored in the hearts of those who appreciate and honor the liberty that America can provide. I grew up loving the ideals of our nation's history -- that when we work hard, we can be rewarded with opportunities to make our dreams for our families come true; and that at the heart of the American populace is a shared identity, but also the right to disagree and express our differences. But we must remember that unique heritage. We cannot let our history disappear from our schools or our collective memories. It must be taught and preserved, or the core values and identity of America will be lost.

All I have to do is watch the various newscasts of young people being interviewed across our land to discover that they cannot name the country we fought that gave us our Independence. Some do not even know the name of our first President, nor who wrote the Declaration of Independence. They cannot even name one of the Ten Commandments. Civics classes have been removed from most school curriculum, along with the statues and names of the Founding Fathers. Remember when we memorized and recited the intro to the Gettysburg Address? They have no idea what that is or why it is important to our history. 

Yet, I have hope when I read the our U.S. Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, is praising an Independence Day Ceremony activity book that teaches children about our American ideals of liberty, limited government, and Judeo-Christian values -- and in less than 15 minutes, to accommodate their attention span. I have hope, knowing that there is a growing number of parents who home-school, and a growing number of college-age young men and women who are now recognizing the extraordinary good that is in America. I am grateful for the dedication and commitment that the late Charlie Kirk instilled in these young people. Through his example, I have hope they will become the leaders of tomorrow, instilling the goodness that is America, while rooting out the dangerous seeds of materialism, radicalism, and anti-God ideologies.

I want to reiterate that I know America is not perfect. We have made lots of mistakes, and have tried to correct them. We still have a ways to go. But in the midst of the lawlessness and false identity that is trying to overtake this country, I see rays of sunlight and hope. I have faith that God is not done with us yet. I am encouraged by those who have the courage to stand up and call for unity and shared purpose; to bravely pronounce their faith in God and seek to join hands with our fellow citizens of all colors, ethnicities, and creeds in order to preserve this great land in unity. And, by the way, did you know there is an actual American's Creed? Here's a key except: 

I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies. -- Written by a public servant, William Tyler Page in 1917, accepted by the United States House of Representatives on April 3, 1918. How appropriate for Veteran's Day! Thank you to all our veterans who answered that call.

So, I hope you will continue to pray with me for the future of our nation... that we might sustain the hope and promise that is the United States of America, and that it is God's will that we persevere in righteousness for generations to come, turning away from all evil influences and keeping His statutes forever. Amen!

Romans 15:4    For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

The Corruption in "The Days of Noah" is Being Repeated, Just as Jesus Said!

It's been more than 15 years since I first began writing about Genesis 6 and the perplexity that this subject has caused the established Church. And I believe perplexity is the proper word to use in this instance. It means "inability to deal with or understand something complicated or unaccountable". Throughout the centuries, the topic of what happened in Genesis 6:1-4 has been mysterious, debated, and contested throughout the Western Church. And it still is!

My husband, Mark,  and I host a small Home Church in our home, and I proudly call us a group of Christian "misfits". We come from all denominations and backgrounds, and the one thing we all have in common is that we were hungry for more knowledge about the God we love and serve, and our established Churches were not feeding us. Some, like Mark and myself, tried various churches to get our questions answered but always seemed to come away disappointed. Our questions couldn't be answered, and we were often counseled to stay within the rigid theological explanations that our spirits discerned were incorrect. So, we jumped into studying the Bible for ourselves, and found it not only fascinating and full of supernatural wisdom, but seemed to be encouraging us to go even further. 

The first question that we could never get satisfactory answers to was the ever-popular and controversial passage in Genesis 6:1-4 ... When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. Then the Lord said, "My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years." The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown."

What exactly happened in those  infamous four verses? I say they are "controversial" because they have been a sticking point for many a congregation throughout the millenniums since the Bible was written, and are currently a topic of great import in these days. And that's the real purpose of this post -- to wake up those who are not aware of the literal truth of Genesis 6:1-4 and how the consequences of that fateful event are still impacting us today. So, I'm going to try to give you a synopsis of what happened in the distant past and then connect it to the warning that Jesus gave us ... that in the End Times, there would be events like those during the days of Noah. I hope to show you that what He was describing is occurring today and what we need to be prepared for. 

So, if you are interested in reading some of my older posts that go more in-depth on what the Bible says about the Nephilim and what was actually happening between the Fallen Angels and the daughters of men, you can read here, here, and here. 

But these are the bare facts you need to know and where I stand today ... Because the established Church is unable to admit the possibility that the Fallen Angels came down from Heaven, mated with earthly women, who then produced children that were a hybrid race of giants, or semi-divine beings, they have had to come up with explanations that, while they may seem logical, are patently false. They attempt to explain the "sons of God" as the righteous descendants of Seth (the third son of Adam and Eve), who was also the six times great-grandfather of Noah. They go on to explain the "Daughters of men" as the ungodly descendants of Cain, Seth's brother. They explain away the description of the Nephilim as "giants" by construing they may simply be dictatorial, oppressive, and controlling "giants of men", in terms of how they wielded their power and exercised their violence.    

But ancient writings such as 1 Enoch, and early Christian Fathers such as Tertullian, Irenaeus, and Justin Martyr all confirm the angelic interpretation.  The Hebrew term for "sons of God" is bene ha'elohim, and scholarly debate throughout the centuries has settled on determining who were the "sons of God" , and what was their relationship with the Nephilim. According to the Book of Enoch and the writings of Second Temple Judaism, (Jewish religious and cultural practices developed between the construction of the Second Temple upon the return of the exiles from captivity in Babylon and its destruction in 70 A.D), the term "sons of God" (bene ha'elohim) refers to angelic beings.

In summary of how history has viewed the story of Genesis 6:1-4, I can say this: As I noted, Enoch, Tertullian, and Justin Martyr took the narrative at face value; that the Fallen Angels had violated God's heavenly order and produced gigantic children. Later theologians like St. Augustine and the early church became uncomfortable with the implications of that model and moved the needle towards a more human explanation, known as the Sethite View. But we can't ignore passages in the New Testament like 2 Peter 2:4, and Jude 6, both of which allude to Angels who left their "proper dwelling" (Heaven) and committed ungodly deeds; who are held in chains in hell until the day Jesus comes to execute His Divine judgment. 

And that brings us to how this extraordinary story has eternal implications for us, and why I see "the days of Noah" in our future. You see, the Fallen Angels not only cross-bred with human women, producing the Nephilim hybrids, but because they corrupted God's divine order even further by cross breeding species, they created a nightmare of genetic engineering, which we call chimeras, defined as "an organism consisting of two or more tissues of different genetic composition, produced as a result of organ transplant, grafting, or genetic engineering. Chimeras are often referred to as the mythological creatures that appear on ancient castle walls, or in cave dwellings -- with a lion's head, a goat's body, or a dragon's tail. But those stories have existed for centuries because they were real. And here's the real kicker ... as the Nephilim died, they had no hope of reuniting with their Creator in Heaven, and their disembodied spirits were condemned to wander the earth until the Day of Judgment, which means they are still here! 

And today we are producing human chimeras as noted by author Alice Park in a 2021 article in Time magazine ... "In a ground-breaking experiment, researchers have successfully created the first human-monkey chimera. The work, published in the journal Cell, describes the first embryo containing both human and monkey cells that was cultured for 20 days...which the scientist [who created it] hopes will now apply to humans." Here's the thing, God specifically states in Deuteronomy that He prohibits mixing together that which was to stay separated -- different kinds of seeds, animals, yarn, and yes, humans with other species. No other species besides man is made in God's image, and we are not to be polluted and corrupted by anything that does not hold the Spirit of God. 

Each "kind" has it's own God-designed "flesh", called Nephesh in Hebrew, and that word transcribes to "soul" in English, but also insinuates "life", describing living beings, including humans and animals. Unfortunately, the Bible doesn't offer as much clear-cut language as some of the extra-Biblical texts do, and that explains a lot of why Christians and the Western Church aren't as educated on Genesis 6:1-4. "Extra-biblical" has long been considered an abomination in the Western Church because it is not found directly in the text of the Bible, and therefore not considered "inspired". But these writings can be useful in providing additional context, historical records, accepted traditions, writings and reasoning from early church fathers, as well as noting that content from Enoch, Jasher, and Jubilees can help us understand details and historical background that Scripture leaves out. But we must use careful discernment in applying the entirety of these extra-biblical texts to God's Truth. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what is consistent with the infallible Gospel message. [NOTE: There are passages from these extra-biblical texts that are repeated verbatim in the Bible. For instance 1 Enoch 1:9 appears as Jude 1:14-15. Is God inviting us to search out more of Him with the Holy Spirit's guidance?]. 

So, as I wrap up my thesis on the corruption that happened in Genesis 6, and the fact that Scripture says the abominable Nephilim (defiled, hybrid creations) "were on the earth in those days [of Noah] and afterward, it seems to speak to the idea that the Flood did not wipe them off the face of the earth. I don't have any way of definitively explaining how they remained, or continued, but we know that although Noah was declared "perfect in his generations" [which included his sons], we also know that there were Nephilim tribes post-flood. There has been all kinds of conjecture as to how that could happen, and to be honest, no one can say for sure. There are projections that there might have been a second incursion of Fallen Angels ... or that one of Noah's sons' wives might have had Nephilim genes. At this stage of the game, I don't really need to have that answer.

It is enough for me to be understanding that in Noah's day, God proclaimed all flesh to be corrupted, debased and degenerate, and He vowed to destroy mankind from the face of the earth. It's not hard to see that the genetic manipulation that created the first-generation Nephilim is still being propagated with our modern experimentation with mRNA technology that alters the fundamental biology of our God-created bodies. Nothing has changed. Humans are injected with chimeric vaccines and chimeric cancer chemotherapy. The generations in Noah's day corrupted the human image of God that He called good. But God's spirit cannot dwell in genetically modified beings. Maybe we're not using the exact same methods, but the results are the same: mixing different DNA and creating beings without God's signature in them. 

What do we think is going to happen? The move towards transhumanism -- integrating humans (with and without corrupted DNA) and computers is creating godless vessels; host bodies for the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim (demons); opening gates and portals for these demons to once again flood the earth. And so they have continued to this day. 

I'd like to end with this quote from the website, The Wise Wolf... "The most damning parallel [from the Days of Noah and today] is this: casual acceptance. People eating, drinking, marrying right up until Noah entered the ark. No alarm. no panic. Critical detail: the pre-flood world didn't stumble into darkness screaming. They walked in calm, convinced they were progressing. Genetic manipulation felt like medicine. Chimera creation felt like science. Corrupting all flesh felt like evolution. Transcendence.

Right now, scientists edit human embryos and call it therapeutic. Create human-animal chimeras and call it research. Build artificial intelligence and call it tools. Smash particles hunting the "God particle" and call it physics. Every step justified. Every threshold crossed with peer review and ethics approval. Nobody thinks they're the villain. The pre-flood world didn't either. They didn't know what they were building until it killed them".

We're doing exactly what they did ... corrupting God's image and He will not put up with it for long. And quantum computers are going to speed up the destruction and any chance we have of turning back. Christ uttered those prophetical words 2000 years ago ... As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be at the coming of the Son of Man. For those of us who can see what's coming, please don't stop warning the unconvinced. They are our friends, our family members, and our neighbors. Jesus has warned us, and we're following the model of those who lived in the days of Noah. We're corrupting our flesh and destroying mankind. Jesus won't wait much longer. 

Genesis 6:5    The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.