Who Would Have Believed It? A Demon Preaches The Gospel!

I had been hearing the buzz around the supposed "horror/thriller" movie called Nefarious for quite awhile, before my husband, Mark, and I decided to find out what the fuss was all about. What no one who had seen it had adequately explained was that it was a very accurate account of how Satan uses demons to both oppress and possess people, whether they are Believers or not. And here's where I'm probably going to catch a lot of criticism... but it is necessary to clarify that last statement, before moving on with this discussion, and I can do it from experience.

Having been called to an Inner Healing/Deliverance Ministry ten years ago, Mark and I have dealt with many Christians who have been tormented by demons. Most of the spiritual battles have involved low level struggles with spirits of anger, self-hate, rejection, abandonment or guilt and shame. Working with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we can show the Beloved how to counter the lies and deception from the Enemy and walk in their God-given identity. But there have also been times when we have had to deal with what I will call "parts" of a Believer, who are fractured identities of the person before they were Saved, and that part of them may be in a real battle with a demon who has taken up habitation within them. The core person, who is Saved, has been sanctified and sealed by the Holy Spirit and the demon cannot occupy or possess them. But when trying to get the injured part free, we have often encountered demons [like in the movie] and they love to spar with us, trying to convince us we don't know what we're doing; or trying to scare us into submitting to their power over the Beloved. But we know who we are, our power and authority, and who we serve, so their antics are unconvincing. But you can imagine the oppression the Believer still feels while the battle rages on inside them between their "parts"; illness, addictions, wrong thoughts, or becoming accident-prone are just some of the ways the devil can persecute them.

But what I really want to talk about today is the remarkable way that the movie Nefarious was able to present the truth of the demonic in our world today. In a very simple way, the writers of the film created a character who, as a convicted serial murderer on death row [possessed by a demon], espoused the battle between good and evil; the war between who he called "my Master" and "the carpenter". It was nothing less than brilliant how the demon spoke through the criminal to show just how Satan is able to use demons to do his will through us. And an equally captivating idea was that the writers used an atheist psychiatrist to be the protagonist to counter the demon's arguments for why he inhabited the criminal's body. 

Right from the start, the demon controls the criminal's body [whose name is Edward] and announces "I am a demon" and introduces himself as Nefarious. And from that moment on in the movie, is some of the most precise and accurate verbal judo I've ever seen written to explain the truth of how demons operate within our society today. The atheist psychiatrist, James, suggests that perhaps Edward is just being delusional, and his claim is both illogical and irrational [which by the way, is often what the church will argue when someone presents themselves as afflicted by a demon[. Nefarious responds to that charge with, "I am the most rational being you will ever meet". Then Nefarious proceeds to present the most explicit [and Biblical!] argument for the reality of demons among us today. NOTE: When, during discussions with my fellow Christians who say they don't believe in demons -- that they don't exist anymore -- my response is always to ask them three questions ... Do you believe the Bible when it says demons existed in the Bible and that Jesus cast them out? Do you think that when Jesus was resurrected and went to Heaven, all the demons said, "Well, He's left, so I guess we'll go ahead and leave, too"? And finally, Do you think that Jesus would leave us here on earth for 2000 years with no way to protect ourselves or no strategies against them?

And that's why the character of the demon is so good in this movie! He presents a logical and true perspective of demonology, and how this belief system is as present today as it was in the Old Testament. He very effectively compares today's belief in abortion with ancient Israel's participation with the false god, Molech. He tells, James, the psychiatrist, "The Creator creates, and we destroy. And we do it all through you. We always have. Did you forget your history, Jimmy? Even in ancient times, the arch-demon Molech was celebrated by tossing infants into flaming bonfires", referencing the use of crematoriums to destroy the remains of aborted babies today.

And here was a particularly damning exchange of dialogue: "Now, there's evil everywhere ... and no one even cares. We achieved our goal. Slowly. With your movies, your TV, and your media. We desensitized you. Redirected your worldview. To the point that you can't recognize evil when it's right in front of your face. More to the point, James, you can't even feel it when you're doing it. As for winners and losers, whoa, whoa, whoa! That gets decided at the time of death. The exact numbers are a closely guarded secret, but there are more of you ending up in my master's house than with the Enemy [with Jesus in Heaven]... a lot more, Jimmy"!

But the importance of the movie for me is in the indictment of our mainstream culture. Hopefully, it will be a wake-up call! This is a movie that takes God seriously, without all the Hollywood soft-sell of His authority and power. Even Nefarious is unable to speak the powerful name of Jesus, instead preferring to call Him, "the carpenter". He knows and admits that Jesus's power is greater than his master, but Satan has been able to find a workaround, and it is through "the permissions" we give him through our daily lives. In fact, Nefarious says Satan's goal is to get us to harm ourselves, something we are only too willing to do, by being disobedient to God's commands, or doubting the reality and power of God. 

Nefarious tells the naive atheist psychiatrist,  "[It's] the entire fallen race. All of us against all of you". James responds: "Well, if that's the case, your side's not doing so well ... we've never been freer. Illiteracy is at an all-time high. We're working to eliminate racism, intolerance, gender inequality. People can love who they want. Be who they want, do want they want. Diversity is no longer a dream. Hate speech is no longer tolerated. And politically, we're reclaiming the moral high ground". With a smirk and whispering with the utmost cynicism, Nefarious answers, "James, I think I love you. Literacy, James? The average high schooler graduates at the sixth grade level. Your basketball players make $30 million a year, and are decrying racism. All the while wearing sneakers made from slave labor. Now, here's something for you. Right now, your world currently has 40 million slaves. More than the Romans had at the height of their empire. And you want to know the best part? Half of those are sex slaves, James. As for hate speech, well, you want to hear some irony? We didn't even come up with that one. You did it all by yourself. [CHUCKLING] Sometimes you amaze even us. Bottom line is, you're done. It's over. That's it. And we did it all right to your face. And now there's evil everywhere. And no one even cares. More to the point ... you can't even feel it when you're doing it".

The beauty of this movie [even within its disturbing and accusatory truth of our culture] is that it lays out very simply and astutely what the Lord has shown Mark and I in the lives of those we minister to. Each and every soul that has crossed our threshold to sit at the table that Jesus has prepared for them, is precious in our sight as a Beloved child of God. And we have seen how Satan and his demons have taken advantage of sins, known and unknown; sins that have been self-inflicted and/or caused by others to do exactly what Nefarious boasts about ... falling prey to the cunning strategies of the master of evil. And it is a privilege of the highest honor to work with Jesus to set these broken-hearted captives free!

This is a movie that, in my opinion, cannot fail to make us enter into self-reflection, throwing off the spirit of contentedness and yes, participation, in the modern-day culture of delusion. It is time -- no, beyond time! -- that we Christians face reality. Demons do exist, and they are celebrating our ignorance as to how they are working to entrap us into disobedience against the Most High God ... just as their master did in the Garden of Eden. And if you need further proof, the spiritual battle that occurred during the making of this movie leaves no doubt that Nefarious was the perfect name for this demon. It defines the activity of the dark side in our world amidst all its activities: wickedness, evil, sin, iniquity, rebellion, depravity, perversion, diabolicalness, lawlessness, and all the illegalities against "the carpenter"... Yeshua HaMashiach, our Redeemer and the Savior of the World. Don't wait! Rent this movie and share it with other Believers who need to come to the truth of the spiritual battle we are in! It's not over! We win! But there are lots of lost souls we need to rescue from the clutches of demons like this.

 1 Timothy 4:1    Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

Can We Still Claim to Be a Moral and Religious People?

As I've sat and watched the circus surrounding our government's House of Representative hearing on censorship, it was plain to see the mockery against the First Amendment of our Constitution. And I harkened back to a quote from one of our Founding Fathers; one that has long struck a chord in my patriotic soul. One sentence of a speech made by President John Adams in 1798 [to the Massachusetts Militia] has survived on the pages of history ... Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.  First of all, I want to make it clear that he is insinuating that without moral and religious people, the Constitution would be inadequate to rule any other people. He is pointing the Constitution towards the people, NOT the government. So, in the wake of increased contempt and scorn for our founding document, I believe it is incumbent upon us to examine ourselves. Are we still a moral and religious people? What were the 18th century standards for those character virtues which President Adams mentioned?

You can get a better idea how to answer those questions when you read President Adam's sentence within the context of his entire speech. And it will definitely make you wonder what he would think of us today. Here's the full version of what he said: “While our Country remains untainted with the Principles and manners, which are now producing desolation in so many Parts of the World: while she continues sincere and incapable of insidious and impious policy: We shall have the strongest reason to rejoice in the local destination assigned Us by Providence. But should the people of America, once become capable of that deep simulation towards one another and towards foreign nations, which assumes the Language of Justice and moderation while it is practicing Iniquity and Extravagance; and displays in the most captivating manner the charming Pictures of Candour and frankness and sincerity while it is rioting in rapine and Insolence: this country will be the most miserable Habitation in the World. Because we have no government armed with power capable of contending with human Passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, Ambition, Revenge or galantry, would break the strongest Cords of our Constitution as a Whale goes through a Net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and Religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

First of all, that is quite an image ... a whale going through a net implies that the net is weak and insufficient for protection. I believe the meaning is that we are the net that protects the power and strength behind the Constitution. Are we worthy of the freedoms it offers? And don't let the language of that day prohibit you from discerning the spirit of those well informed words. I believe this is what he was trying to say, in terms of today's conversation... At the time he gave this speech in 1798, we were still a new nation. And the newly-elected second President of the United States was stating several social, moral, and religious principles we needed to sustain in order to avoid a rapid dissolution of our unified states. He's careful to say, WHILE (as long as) we do these certain things, we will be successful. What were those things? First, we needed to remain undefiled by the conspiracies and plots that were enveloping Europe at the time, such as the French Revolution and its consequences: attempts at de-Christianization of the populace, a leveling of social classes, and bribery attempts within official government circles, both foreign and domestic. The new American nation was also subject to seizure of property on the high seas by both English and French ships, and it certainly seemed as if war was impending and the U.S. could be drawn into it. That would have been disastrous for us, having just emerged from the long war that was won for our independence. 

And, IF we, as a nation and government, could continue to function honestly, without covert and secret operations, and, instead, form our policies in a Godly and righteous manner, THEN we could hope that the nation would survive, just as Providence (God) intended. He then gives this warning ... BUT, if the people of America should ever become deceptive and deceitful in their dealings, acting as if they supported Justice and fairness, yet actually adopting wickedness and greed -- if they should ever wear the mask of truth, honesty, and innocence while rioting in rapine (the violent taking of what belongs to others) and insolence (rude and disrespectful behavior), THEN "this country will be the most miserable habitation in the World". 

President Adams then goes on to say that these sins of the nation rest on the shoulders of the people, not the government! What?! Why? How could he say that? Let me posit my theory as to his suggested meaning. Our nation was built with the idea that the government would reflect the character of the people. For the first time in history, a country's citizenry would decide the moral character of its government through the process of democratic representation. This means our government is elected by its citizens. Citizens vote for their government officials, and these officials represent the citizens' ideas and concerns in government. In other words, we deserve the government we elect.

 Look closely at what he says ... there is no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled [unchecked] by morality and religion. In other words, if the character of the citizenry of our nation becomes corrupted and polluted by [in his words] Avarice (extreme greed for material gain); Ambition (here, in the sense of being driven or motived for wrong reasons and toward wrong ends); Revenge (refusing to forgive and instead, choosing to pursue retribution); and Gallantry (which in 18th century speech, meant viewing women as sexual objects for gain, rather than behaving in honor towards them) -- If we decline into that shameless and sinful behavior, then there is no government, nor governing document, like the Constitution, that can control the inevitable loss of the country.    

Can you honestly meditate on John Adams's words and deny that we are becoming the very definition of what he warned against? This nation has long been loyal and believed in the ideals of civil and religious liberty, as well as the value of moral character. The first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were adopted to establish and protect these ideals for all the generations of this nation. But they seem to be coming into question now. Moral character used to be important, espoused throughout our national identity -- from families to the Halls of Congress. 

And how do we define moral character? The best definition I've found comes from an online class I am taking from Hillsdale College, called Theology 101: The Western Theological Tradition. The definition is this: "Moral Character is to build [within yourself] the courage and the justice and the wisdom and the moderation to live your life as a good human being". I believe John Adams and his fellow Founding Fathers had that in mind when they crafted our nation's government and the Constitution, which was written to influence every aspect of our daily lives.

But, as I witness the way in which some of the members of our society behave, and the ways in which our members of government carry out the ideas and concerns of the citizenry, I am left wondering if we can still claim to be a moral and religious people. And my understanding of that concept is that morality and religion are intertwined -- the way we treat each other is influenced by our relationship with a Sovereign God who bequeathed this blessed land to us so that we might receive the blessings of a virtuous and righteous nation. Even more important to understand is the idea that this morality and virtue/religion is the foundation of our republic, and the means by which we remain free. 

So, in my personal opinion, President John Adams would look at where we are today, and shake his head in sorrow. We are in jeopardy of losing what he and the Founding Fathers fought so hard (physically and philosophically) to establish for us. He warned us against all the things we are steeped in today ... corrupt politics, greed, deception, rioting, sexualization of women [and now children], wickedness, and the destruction of our relationships with each other and with God. We can no longer deny it, and if you aren't seeing it, you need to come out of your delusion, because it is coming for all of us. 

I, for one, -- and I know there are MANY more like me -- still believe the spirit of our founding exists today. And restoring it begins with me. We must all take John Adams's words to heart, and declare, "Not on my watch, and not by my family". I am grateful to have been born in this great nation, and to have received its abundant blessings. It is worth preserving, and it is worth the hard work it will take to repair the mistakes we've made. But I believe the Lord wants to work with us to re-establish His original purpose for this nation. We might not be able to claim we are still a moral and religious people, but we can sure begin to become one again! And let us stand behind the Constitution and not let the whale destroy the net of freedoms it guarantees us. Let us be a people that are worthy of them!

Acts 10:34-35    So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him". 

The Constitution, the Bible & the Survival of Our Nation

I have an important question to present to you ... Is the meaning and history of our nation's Constitution still relevant? I ask because over the last few years it has become apparent [to me, at least] that many of our government leaders have come to believe that it is insignificant and no longer suitable for our modern, enlightened, and morphing nation. After all, they believe, it was crafted by old white men, whose ideas of equality could never align with the modern, informed and progressive minds of today's governing class.

They will tell us that there is no place for the Constitution today -- not only in our national dialogue, but neither in the three branches of government, nor in the courts of the land. But they seem to have forgotten that our Founding Fathers were educated men; schooled in the wisdom of history and able to discern the dangers and possibilities of losing their God-given freedoms.  It was these ideas that were part of the founding of America; these ideas that made up the American people and constituted our American ideals. Is that still a part of our American nature and do those ideals still hold to be true?

I think now, more than ever, it is inherent on every American to understand how the Constitution came into being, and to know its meaning and history, because we are about to discard these principles and institutions and adopt others. There is a vast difference between our founding principles and the new ones our politicians are considering, and they are highly incompatible. We'd better know how they are different! 

We need to understand the uniqueness of both our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. According to Thomas Jefferson, America's Declaration of Independence "was the product of  'the American mind.'  Our Constitution was made with the same purpose as the Declaration -- to establish a regime where the people are sovereign, and the government protects the rights granted to them by their Creator."

I'm not sure our modern institution of government would even recognize that intellectual position. For just a moment, consider this: What IS the Constitution? The root or history of the word is fascinating. The word "constitution" means "to ordain and establish something."  It also means "to set a firm thing strongly in place." It is also linked to two other words that give it meaning:  statute and statue.  "Statute" means a law; ordained and established by a government upon a people as a practice that is mandatory. "Statue" connotes a work of art; something a human being makes, that is firmly established, intentional, and deliberate. The Constitution of the United States is a work of art; something lasting and beautiful.  It gives America its form. And it matters what a work of art is made of! 

So, what gives America its form?  Anytime America acts as a nation, it acts through the Constitution.  We seem to have forgotten that the President holds his office through the Constitution; the Congress is established through the Constitution; and the Courts are answerable to the Constitution.  The way the United States proceeds as a nation was very deliberately designed to be influenced by the Constitution. Sadly, we have let this founding document come under severe attack, and there is no evidence that our governing bodies still revere it, or intend to protect it. 

But what do you do when half the country's idea of what our government should look like is the polar opposite of the other half?  And what do you do when half the country wants to destroy the Constitution, doesn't think the people are sovereign, and has no desire to protect the rights granted by God? It is quite apparent that we may soon live under a different Constitution than the one bequeathed to us. We may soon have to make a choice, and the choice we make will have a profound effect on everyone in this country and the world. Our choice needs to be made well, and we need to understand the consequences of choosing any other alternative!

But there's another important aspect that impacts this discussion  ... I truly believe that God was involved in the creation of our Constitution through the men that He put in authority.  At that time, these men foresaw a nation of individuals who were generally governed by Biblical precepts -- checks and balances and a limited government were at the center of the Constitution, and would serve such a Biblically-minded society well.  Then, as now, I believe that the Bible has authority over each of us as individuals, and the Constitution has authority over the government.  That combination has worked for us since our inception as a nation, and contributed to a generally balanced co-existence between the two powers -- as long as we continued to embrace Biblical morals and principles. And that's where we find ourselves today.

Just read the headlines and look at how our society has deteriorated. Both the Constitution and the Bible have lost their influence upon the national soul. We have seen that both the Bible and the Constitution have lost their place in the governing of our nation.  In fact, there is a third player in the game, and it is Government, with a capital "G".  Since our society seems to want to eradicate the influence of both the Bible and the Constitution, is it even relevant to the masses to ask which has more authority?  Clearly, the Bible is being mocked, derided, and re-conceptualized to serve the needs of the ungodly.  And, in its tattered state, is there enough of the Constitution left to warrant any real authority?

Perhaps the more appropriate question is this: Is there enough of the Bible's influence in the Constitution to withstand its destruction by the Government?  Ultimately, as a faithful Christian, I have to go back to the one Truth that overrides all ... YHWH is Sovereign, Supreme, and the absolute Head of this State. His Word is authority over everything man-made ... whether it is a governing document like the Constitution, or a governing body of men. That might not be the politically acceptable answer in this debate, but we are at the stage in this nation (and the world) where the individual freedom of men and women is at stake. It is time to quit playing the political game, and recognize Who has the real Power in this world.  

It is clear to me that God is the Ultimate Authority in this world that He created. But I also know that His Word says that He appoints rulers over nations by His authority, and we are to be loyal to that government... as long as they are loyal to God's laws.  It is also clear that we have a spiritual Enemy that seeks to usurp God's authority in this nation. And he is doing a pretty good job! So I pray that the goals of the Founding Fathers will be realized as they expressed their hope for the new nation .... I thank God that I have lived to see my country independent and free. She may long enjoy her independence and freedom if she will. It depends on her virtue (Samuel Adams) .... Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other (John Adams) ... The sum of all is [this], if we would most truly enjoy the gift of Heaven, let us become a virtuous people; then shall we both deserve and enjoy it. While, on the other hand, if we are universally vicious and debauched in our manners, though the form of our Constitution carries the face of the most exalted freedom, we shall in reality be the most abject slaves (Samuel Adams). 

So, what shall be our destiny? The Bible proclaims the path to a righteous and prosperous nation. And the Constitution was designed for a moral and religious [faithful] people. Will we reap what we have sown, or will the cries of the truly repentant restore our nation to one that God will recognize and bless? I exhort the Ekklesia in the land to join with me on our knees, praying together as ambassadors of the Kingdom of God for a return to righteous government. And then rise, and staying focused on Jesus, our Authority in Heaven, we will declare a revival of morality and virtue in this nation, and it will pierce the hearts of all those in rulership positions -- that hearts will be turned away from self-aggrandizement and humbled in servitude to meet the needs of all people. Pray that if God determines that judgment is due our land, that it be swift and completely cleanses us of our sins. And finally, we find our strength and our truth in the Word of God. It is still relevant and it is still Light and Life to our souls and spirits. God bless each of you as you seek solace in the Word today!

Nehemiah 9:36    Behold, we are slaves today, and as for the land which You gave our fathers, to eat of its fruit and its goodness, Behold, we are slaves in it.

Walking In The Darkness

Publicity Still courtesy of Angel studios

I've spent a lot of time talking about the Kingdom of God; learning how to operate in the Kingdom as we grow in the understanding of our Kingdom assignments. But today I want to give you a personal testimony of how Jesus can throw you a curve ball, especially when you think you have it all figured out.

For the last month or so, He has been pushing me to stop and focus on how I was accomplishing my assignment, and where I was going to go next with it. I know that the assignment He has given to me and my husband Mark is to continue His work in setting "the captives free" [from physical, emotional and spiritual bondage] through our Inner Healing Ministry. I also know that part of our assignment is to teach what Kingdom Living looks like, and then encourage and equip people to DO IT.  I fully understand that "Kingdom" is at the heart of what He has called me/us to do.

But my spirit is beginning to be troubled because I can also see that another level of our ministry is pulling on our hearts and, while we want to become involved and know our Inner Healing ministry has trained us to take this next step, I'm not sure how we are to enter into this new stage of our Kingdom assignment. I am fully aware that if it is Jesus's will, it will happen. And I know He can make a way, and I know it will be in His timing. But my soul is crying out to make it happen NOW!

I'm sure many of you can relate to the emotions that the movie Sound of Freedom stirred in your soul. I have been aware of Tim Ballard and his organization, Operation Underground Railroad, for about seven years, and Mark and I have financially supported this foundation. But it is easy to become satisfied with that effort when the evil is hidden and you are not directly faced with it. Tim's movie, Sound of Freedom, hits you directly in the gut and shatters your heart, and Mark and I can no longer put the sex trafficking and sexual exploitation of children on the shelf. This evil business demands more than money. It demands action! Bottom line: We are no longer satisfied with sitting on the sidelines!

I don't know what that is going to look like for us, but I'm asking Jesus to give us the desires of our heart. And those desires are to see these children delivered of their trauma and healed from the spiritual wounds and scars that trafficking has inflicted on their bodies, souls, and spirits. Yes, I know that these children are going to need psychological care, and their bodies are going to need medical attention. But they are also going to need the presence of Jesus to step in and heal the pain forced upon their innocence by pure evil. I and my husband want to be a part of that process and their journey to restoration and wholeness. 

Incidentally, we are blessed to be in the company of a group of people who feel strongly about the direction of our country and protecting our families from the deterioration in our culture. We come from all kinds of backgrounds and faiths. But we all have a strong moral compass and believe in the power of Jesus in our lives. And I have not been surprised at the response of the tough, masculine, Jesus-loving men after seeing Sound of Freedom. They want justice for the children! I am seeing them express their righteous anger; sensing the deep anguish they feel as they express their emotions over the film; and feeling their primal need to put an end to this evil. They instinctively know what Mark and I have discovered in our Inner Healing ministry... severe trauma takes long-term dedication and commitment on the part of the one ministering "healing" to the victim. The abuse, coupled with the hopelessness and despair of being held captive in this invisible system can literally kill their spirit.

But I do believe that Jesus is going to shatter their darkness soon and the sex-trafficking business will be exposed to His life-saving Light. And I know that I am not to hate anyone, and I'm supposed to love even my enemies, but it's hard to consider offering forgiveness to anyone who would willingly involve themselves in harming children for their own wicked pleasure. The Bible says, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron (Timothy 4:2).” That means their God-given moral consciences have been literally cauterized so that they are insensitive to any moral pangs that could keep them from committing these unholy acts. If they continue in this depravity, there will be no redemption for them. 

Yet, I am reminded that God can [and wants to] save even the most vile sinner. The Word of God says when a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life. "Because he considered and turned away from all the transgressions that he had committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die" (Ezekiel 18:27-28). In an interview I watched with Jim Caviezel, the actor who played Tim Ballard in the movie, he reported that after he played Jesus in Passion of the Christ, there were instances of two murderers [who had gotten away with their crime years ago] and were moved to confess their sin and turned themselves in. He stated that he believes there will be whistleblowers who, after seeing Sound of Freedom, will come forth to confess their sins and participation in the heinous business of child sex-trafficking and blow the lid off this hidden evil. Lord, let it be so!

Until then, I am going to be persistent in asking the Lord to show me how I can become instrumental in bringing Your love and healing to the millions of children who are being harmed every day. Lord, you know my heart and my desire to DO the Kingdom -- not just preach it and teach it. I want to work with You to see this Evil eradicated from our culture and the world! Show me the way that I should walk in this darkness so that I can bring Your Light and Freedom to these precious children. I promise, I will run and not grow weary, and walk and not grow faint until all the children are rescued. Until you show me my path, I will wait upon You and daily renew my strength and faith for the battle ahead. Make it soon, Lord! I don't want one more child to disappear!

Psalm 35:6.    Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them!

 

 

PETA and Artificial Intelligence Co-Author New Bible Version of Creation!

I hesitate to say that I have "seen it all", but a headline on The Christian Post website titled PETA sells vegan-friendly AI Bible rewrite of the Creation story, certainly pushes the bounds of absurdity. The article by Ian M. Giatti, reports that PETA used ChatGBT to steer an AI developed version of the Book of Genesis to support their animal rights message.

First of all, it must be recognized that ChatGBT is an AI software platform that ... surprise! ... has bias built into it based on the source data that is feeding it, and has the ability to modify itself according to corrective information and algorithms input by its human handlers. So, any logical thinking human should be mindful of the predisposition and prejudice of any person, group, or organization presenting information via AI and/or ChatGBT. 

That being said, just how is PETA using AI to alter the text of Genesis in their 75-page digital download, and what is the revised "word" they are promoting? Mr. Giatti records several instances of changed wording, along with deliberately deleted passages to promote their version of the Creation story. I'll share some of them, point out the truth of the Bible, and an ulterior motive for their false variation of Genesis.

Giatti states, "According to PETA, 'The message in Genesis is that God created every sentient being. He saw that they were good, and He gave them greens for sustenance' ". Ok, let's break this seemingly simple sentence down. The word sentient means "able to perceive or feel things; having a conscience".  By using the words sentient being, PETA is implying that God made humans and animals as equals. God very specifically refers to the animals as "beasts" or "creatures". That is an important distinction that has been obscured in the AI wording of this interpretation. Furthermore, there is the reference that He gave them greens for sustenance. In other words, PETA wants the readers of this new Genesis account to believe that mankind is meant to follow vegetarian practices. There is much to understand about God's instruction in the Bible regarding what is acceptable to eat. Let me try to simplify our understanding by pointing out a few Scriptures...

Yes, in the beginning God revealed that He provided plants as food for both man and animals (Genesis 1:29-30). PETA and AI stop there in their narrative. They do not reveal that after Man's Fall and the Flood, God changes His plan, and tells Noah in Genesis 9:3, Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I [now] give you everything. GotQuestions.org points out "Throughout the Old Testament, meat eating was the norm, from the Passover lamb (Exodus 12) to the quail that God provided in the wilderness (Exodus 16) to the portions of the animal sacrifices that the priests and Levites ate (Deuteronomy 18). Daniel and his three friends refused to eat the king’s food in Babylon, choosing only vegetables (Daniel 1), but this was probably because there was no guarantee that the meat would have been considered clean according to the Mosaic law. Vegetarianism was not the issue" [my emphasis]. Furthermore, Jesus ate meat when He observed the Passover meal of the sacrificed lamb. 

As Mr. Giatti points out, "Another deviation is the use of plant fibers like hemp and bamboo as clothing rather than animal skins, a significant change from the narrative in Genesis 3 in which God made “garments of [an unidentified animal] skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21). I believe this is an intentional attempt to disregard the first blood sacrifice in the Bible that foreshadows the inevitable sacrifice of Jesus's blood on the Cross for the forgiveness of our sins. As I noted in my prior blog post, Bible illiteracy in this nation [even, sadly, among Christians] opens the door for deception and delusion [and false belief systems]. Satan would love nothing more than to wipe the truth of the power of the blood of Jesus from the AI-indoctrinated generations to come. 

Perhaps the most grievous misinterpretation centers around the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, to show his faith in God. In the PETA/AI version, Abraham's strength of faith is diminished to merely befriending a lamb, rather than any reference to a sacrifice, whether of Isaac or a ram. And among the most absurd additions to the Genesis account is the fabrication that Abraham and Sarah, who are 100 and 90, respectively, decide to add to their family by adopting a dog they name Herbie! If you can pick your jaw up off the floor, here is how the AI passage reads: "As they walked with Herbie, Sarah and Abraham thought of the importance of adopting dogs from shelters and rescue organizations rather than purchasing them from breeders...". How could anyone believe this blasphemous nonsense?!? But believe it they will, because "they refused to love the truth and so be saved".  

When confronted with this false revisionist form of the Bible, PETA President Ingrid Newkirk rationalized it by stating, “The Bible has long been used to justify all forms of oppression, so we’ve used ChatGPT to make it clear that a loving God would never endorse exploitation of or cruelty to animals ... This modern rendering of Genesis is a positive approach to bringing more people to understand God’s message of compassion, a return to the Garden of Eden, if you will,” she said. “This chatbot interpretation of the creation story clarifies and highlights God’s intended message of kindness, gentleness and love for everyone.”

So, now PETA claims to know the mind of our sovereign and God??? It appears to me that they have decided to rewrite God in the image of man! And do they really think they have the right and permission to change God's holy design of Creation that has been believed for thousands of years? It should also be alarming to all Believers that they are soft-pedaling their version to capture the attention of the faith-based public by claiming "Scriptural evidence for what Peta says is God's plans for animals under the stewardship of man". But when they go so far as to proclaim that "a vegan diet is a Kingdom diet", and use the harmony between man and animal in Isaiah 11:6-9 as their justification, the distortion is all too obvious. 

In summary, this is just one more example of how Satan is using technology to put forth AI-scripted theological discourses that will lead the blind and Biblically illiterate down a path of deception. We must educate our youth as to the Truth of the Bible and how to discern the spirit of not only people, but what is being disseminated as coming from God, for many false prophets and teachers are operating in the world today. It is our duty as Kingdom ambassadors, to take a stand; and do not be caught off guard when that results in harassment and tyranny from an increasingly AI-dominant system. But fear not! Jesus will soon come and confront the liars and deceivers, the falsifiers and the fabricators. Stay vigilant! See where technology is taking us, and be ready to stand on solid Biblical ground. We need Believers who see and hear without error! 

Thanks to christianpost.com and got questions.org for the reference material that contributed to this blog post. 

2 Timothy 4:3-5    For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching .... and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

What Happens When the Bible Is No Longer Publicly Avowed

If you are old enough, you might remember when the school day began with a Bible verse spoken over your school's loud speaker system, and your teacher led the class in a prayer. But the Supreme Court Case Engel v. Vitale (1962) determined that school-sponsored prayer in public schools was unconstitutional. The next year, the case of Abington School District v. Schlemp (1963) limited Bible-reading in public schools, and 17 years later, the Supreme Court ruled in Stone v. Graham (1980) that the presence of the Ten Commandments in schools violated the establishment clause of the First Amendment.

I don't think you have to be particularly wise to understand that Bible literacy began its slow and inevitable decline in our nation. There might be those who say, "So what? It should be a choice of parents whether their children are subjected to religious practices or teachings". But, I think there is a direct correlation between the moral downslide of our nation [and the Western world], and the Bible being celebrated as the historical foundation of our cultural and yes, even political, way of life. As Kurt Hofer, an author for The American Mind website points out, "We have been made to believe that churches and families (and in some cases parochial schools and universities) alone are the only legitimate vessels of Christian expression". That expression does not belong in the public venue. 

And that's where, in Mr. Hofer's opinion, we have been "snookered". In other words, we have been indoctrinated to believe that the principles and teachings of the Bible have no place in the public realm except inside a building. Our laws proclaim that the Bible is not for public consumption, and is no longer for the moral or intellectual instruction and improvement of a nation and its people. But how has that worked for us? The uncoupling of Biblical virtue [understood to be moral excellence] from society and government, and its consignment to personal faith alone, has resulted in a world that has opened the door to the spirits of Chaos and Lawlessness. 

At this important juncture in the history of the United States, we would do well to remember the admonishment of John Adams, a Founding Father and second President of our country: "Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other". This sentiment was shared by those who shaped our Constitutional government, with this warning: no matter how well a constitution is constructed, it will not insure freedom and prosperity unless it is supported by a moral, virtuous population. This goes for our nation and all the nations of the world. Remember, without virtue and moral excellence, we get chaos, disruption, lawlessness, and pandemonium.

Just look around the globe today ... rioters are setting fires all over France; the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) just launched the largest military operation in the West Bank in over 20 years; the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is in the crosshairs of both Russia and Ukraine; the international banking system is on the verge of collapse; the mind-blowing growth of AI threatens the sovereignty of man; a reported 105 million working-age Americans can't find work; the homeless population in our cities is growing and out of control; volcanoes and earthquakes are on the rise; our education system has stolen the ability to critically think from our youth, leading to confusion, anger, and entitlement among many; plus a generation that neither knows or understands our history and the battle for individual freedom that was waged so they could express their views -- even those views that claim to hate all that we stand for. Little do they know that by rejecting a moral Christian foundation, they are subjecting themselves to the chains of tyranny.

But I want to make sure you understand one thing ... Church membership alone will never restore us to a virtuous nation, and God has never asked for that! The purpose of the Bible was to render His instruction on how to live a moral life; lives that were pleasing to Him and could build the foundation of families, societies, nations, and governments that would reflect His standards and principles, making a world that operated like Heaven. But when the Bible is removed from public inspection and influence, the temptation from Evil begins to intrude upon the hearts and minds of men, bringing with it corruption, turmoil, and confusion. These can quickly advance to wickedness, perversion, and depravity when the Bible's standards are absent from a society. And it happens quickly!

In my lifetime, which is just a blink of God's eye, I have seen the innocence of my childhood traded for the grooming of children into a perverse lifestyle. It is incumbent upon those of us who remember the freedom of being an innocent child to stand and fight to return the Bible and its teachings to its honored status in our nation. The future of our children, our culture, and our institution of government will benefit from returning to its guiding principles. We must return to being a virtuous people [and nation] that adhere to the principles of the Bible: to embrace shared morals, and recognize our responsibilities to stand for sacred and timeless decency towards others; protection of the weak; honesty and reliability; and praise for our God who is good and faithful to those who follow His ways. 

Anyone with eyes to see can discern that our nation has drastically changed in the 60 years since the Supreme Court removed the Bible [and its invitation to prayer] from our schools. Do we need any more evidence that we need to reverse the direction we are headed, and return the influence of the Bible to our culture? I applaud and praise the Lord for the signs He is showing us that He is on the move. Through recent Supreme Court rulings; movies like "The Sound of Freedom" and TV shows like "The Chosen"; parents standing up at School Board meetings to protect what their children are being taught -- these are all encroaching [in the spirit] upon the influential mountains of government, entertainment and education. God is fighting with us to take back the dominion we are to hold for the Kingdom of God on earth. Reconcile Your people to You, once again, Father! Establish us as a righteous nation, and guide us into becoming a virtuous land! We repent for being lax and not protecting all that you have given us, and we declare that we are ready to do the hard work to reclaim our destiny! May You smile upon us as a favored nation once again. Amen!

Job 12:23-25   He makes nations great, and he destroys them; He enlarges nations, and leads them away. He takes away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth and makes them wander in a trackless waste. They grope in the dark without light, and He makes them stagger like a drunken man.

  

Independence Day: Supporting The Cause of Liberty and Freedom!

Do you feel it?  The electricity in the air is tangible. Nerves are taut and frazzled. Do you see it? It's a wariness and a weariness; most notably in the eyes and voices around you.  There's a readiness and a resolve.

I've heard it said more and more lately ..... "I'm so ready for it all to fall in, so we can start over and build from the ground up. Then maybe we can begin where we started and re-institute small government, and return the power to the people. Until we do, we will continue to lose our personal freedoms until we won't recognize ourselves anymore. And I can't stand this slow torture."

Why would anyone wish for the destruction of our economy, our political system, our way of life? Let me attempt to answer those questions.

Perhaps it's because we still have a modicum of freedom-loving spirit still in our DNA.  Maybe what brought those earliest settlers to Jamestown in 1607 and fueled the fire of liberty in their descendants in 1776, still courses through our veins.

I contend that the American soul recognizes that God intended us to live as free men, and it is inherently against our human nature to surrender our ability to become all we can be. We rejoice in our own accomplishments, instead of degrading our innate talents through entitlements and handouts. 

Another component of the "let it all fall in" mindset is the desire to avoid a slow Argentina-style slide into Depression and destabilization. This coincides with a "just rip off the bandaid and let's start the healing" mentality, instead of prolonging the pain by slowly picking at the edges of the adhesive and lengthening the duration of the suffering.

Now, don't get me wrong --- Americans aren't quitters. We don't give up! But anyone who thinks we can turn this massive ship of debt, corruption and constraint around needs to examine the social, historical and ideological forces at work. This situation didn't just happen overnight, and we instinctively know we're headed in the wrong direction. You see, Americans are innovators, trailblazers and pioneers. We chafe under oppressive limitations; we perform our best (and our country benefits most) when enterprise is allowed to flow; free and unfettered.

We will admit to our own failings; we fell asleep on the job. We didn't protect and preserve what was diligently carved out for us by our Founding Fathers, and was fought for and died for over the last two hundred-plus years. And I think that weighs heavier on our hearts than we want to admit. We've wasted our heritage and our God-given blessings. And we want to make it right!

So that's why there are so many of us who want to take on the mantle of leadership and responsibility that is so desperately needed in these times. We are ready to pick up the pieces and re-establish the precious principles that set this nation apart from any other people or country in history.

We don't relish the hardships and misery that will be a necessary part of pushing that re-set button. But we're ready to quit pretending the economy is in recovery; the culture is healthy; and our leaders have our best interests in mind. The quicker we face the music, the faster we can regain our footing and get back on solid ground.

As James Madison so eloquently expressed in 1787, "Is it not the glory of the people of America that, while they have paid a decent regard to the opinions of former times and other nations, they have not suffered a blind veneration for antiquity, for custom, or for names to overrule the suggestions of their own good sense, the knowledge of their own situation, and the lessons of their own experience? To this manly spirit, posterity will be indebted for the possession, and the world for the example, of the numerous innovations displayed on the American theater in favor of private rights and public happiness .... Happily for America, and happily we trust for the whole human race, the founders of the nation pursued a new and more noble course. They accomplished a revolution which has no parallel in the annals of human society. They reared the fabrics of governments which have no model on the face of the globe. They formed the design of a great confederacy, which it is incumbent on their successors to improve and perpetuate."    

The emphasis in the previous sentence is mine, and it is the very reason I can understand the desire to get on with our reconstruction as a nation. Sometimes the only way to "improve and perpetuate" a great design, (or in modern terms, "to revive and keep alive"), is to let it fail and rebuild it stronger and to a higher standard. We know what that looks like and we're ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work!

Everything you just read was a post I wrote in May of 2012! Can you believe that was eleven years ago? Somehow, by God's Grace, as we celebrate this 4th of July, the nation is still hanging on by a thread. As precarious as it seemed in 2012, we have slid even further down the rabbit hole. We are more deeply divided along the lines of politics, ethics, culture, and morality. The battle between Good and Evil is more pronounced and more evident. God has pulled back the curtain, revealing the wickedness, lawlessness and depravity of the Evil One and his servants upon our nation; forcing us to take a side. 

For the last 11 years, we've pretty much been able to avoid making that choice. We've limped along, hoping and praying that some righteous leader would lead us out of our crippling national debt; heal us from a devastating world pandemic; and restore our individual freedoms that have been increasingly stripped away. But now, we can no longer fool ourselves that our beloved nation is on the verge of collapse, both from within and without. Have we ever seen the future look so despairingly fragile?

I submit to you that 247 years ago, we were facing a similar crisis. Much like today, the inhabitants of the 13 colonies were divided regarding the road the nation was going down. And full support of the Declaration of Independence was not supported by all members of the Continental Congress. A representative of Congress rode horseback 80 miles to reach Philadelphia and break a tie in support of independence. In fact, the names of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were withheld from the public for more than six months to protect the signers. If independence had not been achieved, the treasonable act of the signers would have, by English law, resulted in their deaths. They believed that strongly in their bid for freedom!

Do we have that same spirit, that same commitment to independence today? I love that this year, I am hearing more people say they are celebrating "Independence Day", rather than the "4th of July". I think that is in keeping with the spirit of what this holiday represents. After all, our Founding Fathers wrote a document titled, The Declaration of Independence. This was an important step in the evolution of a nation and of mankind.  The Founders of our nation were declaring that they were ready to live their lives as free men, unencumbered by the heavy hand of an oppressive authority; that they wanted to live their lives according to the "Laws of Nature", which in the 18th century meant certain fundamental principles or moral standards that were apparent to everyone.  This thought was perhaps best expressed by English philosopher John Locke, in his Second Treatise on Government: "The natural liberty of man is to be free from any superior power on earth, and not to be under the will or legislative authority of man, but to have only the law of nature for his rule."  These laws of nature were understood to be that which the God of the Universe had instituted when He created man in His image.

On this Independence Day, 2023, it is important to know and understand where we came from. Let us renew the hopes of Samuel Adams, upon which this nation was founded: I thank God that I have lived to see my country independent and free. She may long enjoy her independence and freedom if she will. It depends on her virtue ... The sum of all is [this], if we would most truly enjoy the gift of Heaven, let us become a virtuous people; then shall we both deserve and enjoy it. While, on the other hand, if we are universally vicious and debauched in our manners, though the form of our Constitution carries the face of the most exalted freedom, we shall in reality be the most abject slaves.

So what shall our destiny be? Can we restore our virtue [our honor, our goodness]; or will this nation just be a footnote in history, known for its violence, corruption, and debauchery? July 4, 1776 was a day of far-reaching consequences; just as these days are.  We are faced with no less a serious choice. Will we continue to labor under repressive directives from a governing body that pays no mind to our concerns? Or will we decide that our liberties are precious and worth standing up for? I contend that there is not much difference between the significance of that July 4th and this one. The only question is, are we as brave and committed as they were? And believe me, the future of our children and nation -- and maybe even their survival -- depends on understanding the significance of July 4th and why it is worth celebrating our independence and freedom. 

In summary, I think it is important to keep our history in focus -- both where we were just 11 years ago, and where we have come since 1776. I want to finish by quoting once again from my favorite Founding Father, Samuel Adams. Mr. Adams was something of a firebrand, and was not afraid to confront his fellow countrymen over their subservient nature. What he had to say to them in 1776 is just as relevant today.  Ponder his words: "If ye love wealth better than liberty, [and] the tranquility of servitude [better] than the animated contest of freedom -- go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!"

That may sound a little harsh, but we are at a time in our nation's history when you must choose your path. Are you willing to crouch down to those that promise to feed you? Or are you willing to stand for something more honorable and noble? Will you depend on the iron fist for your crust of bread, or will you make your own loaf?  Sam Adams was among a unique corps of men who understood that the right to make of themselves what they wished could never be compromised. It was a truth they understood as "self-evident". And they were willing to sacrifice their very lives for it. Are you?

1 Peter 2:16     "[Live] as free people, [yet] without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but [live at all times] as servants of God."

  

As We Move Towards a Cashless Society, It's One More Step Towards the Mark of the Beast

At the beginning of 2013, Bloomberg Businessweek featured the headline, Bill Gates Hates Cash. Here's Why. At the same time, Africa's Mail & Guardian highlighted an article entitled Cashless Society and Fingerprint Payments on the Horizon. The reasons for promoting this new technology are always presented as positive and forward-thinking.  In Bill Gates' case, we all know that his desire comes from his deeply-held humanitarian beliefs, right? You see, he is mainly concerned that those on the low end of the economic spectrum --- the poor and unbanked (get ready to hear that term a lot!) ---- are made to feel ostracized and left out of the system. If we could just create a money system that made everyone feel, well .... equal .... then poor Mr. Gates could sleep at night.

We are now more than 10 years past those predictive headlines, and it's amazing to me just how quickly the young generation is accepting a cashless society. Just last week, my husband and I joined our niece and her boyfriend for dinner at a casual restaurant, and there was a prominently displayed sign that proclaimed this was a "cashless establishment" and no longer accepted cash. My husband and I looked at each other with that knowing glance that said, "Yep, we're staring at the beginning of Revelation 13:16-17, Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name". Other translations actually say, He has forced everyone, small and great... Of course, "He" is the Anti-Christ. 

So, what is the "it" that the Anti-Christ uses to cause this mayhem to come upon the whole world -- the small and great among us; the rich and the poor; the free and the slave? From the perspective of my Biblical worldview, "it" is a pervasive system of control that will rule the world and we are simply being herded towards it like blind sheep. It's described in the Bible as "the Mark of the Beast", in which no one will be able to buy or sell without this "mark".  Secularists will say that this is all nonsense. Mankind is just evolving; we are discovering new and more efficient ways to live our lives, and technology is the means to achieving maximum productivity with a minimum amount of wasted time and effort.

And the younger generations pride themselves on adopting a cashless society and digital currencies, seeing themselves as progressive and socially advanced. This has become their mantra: "I want to have the option to go out without carrying my purse or my wallet, I want to make my life easier, I want to be able to go everywhere without additional weights, all I need is my phone". Checks are becoming obsolete and socially unacceptable. [Just notice the disgusted looks if you write one at the check-out counter]. Even credit cards are becoming passé, with many opting for digital wallets, which are apps that allow you to store funds, make transactions, and track payment histories on devices like your phone or tablet. But these payment methods are only the tip of the iceberg!

We now have terminology like QR code, cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, etc. that are used to describe even more methods of buying and selling. But the Beast System is not stopping there! In 2013, Computer Weekly reported that "the new generation of banking customers would rather use biometric security devices than PINs and passwords for authentication, [according to Visa Europe]." It seems that to "Generation Z" it felt like passwords were an unnecessary burden. To them, Biometric authentication using fingerprint recognition or retinal scans offered an ideal solution, combining unique security and ease of use. What's more, more than half of 16 to 24-year-olds thought passwords would no longer be needed or used by the end of 2020, and would be replaced by authentication methods such as facial recognition or fingerprint and retina scanners. We're now 10 years down the road, and their predictions are bearing fruit.

It appears as if the Beast System has slipped in on the heels of technological advancements, and we are seeing the shift from cash to electronic payments across the spectrum of our methods of commerce. We see it in the disbursements of salaries, payments to suppliers, pensions, social welfare stipends, cash-for-work programs, emergency relief payments, and others forms of payments by governments and development communities. But in order to accomplish all these "benefits", we literally pay a price -- we give up all kinds of data that give control over our lives to the system; we give up access to our bank accounts; and, ultimately, we sacrifice our privacy and civil liberties. 

We are being told told that it is all for our own good; it is inclusive, convenient, faster and needed.  Even now we no longer hear each other's voices when we communicate. It almost feels as if the Powers-That-Be have succeeded in molding us into compliant little robots that create their super-wealth. We have forgotten to think for ourselves because a machine does it for us. We have abdicated our responsibilities as consumers and free-thinking citizens to "systems" that know better than we do what is best for us and our families. 

If you are a citizen of the United States, you cannot fail to understand that the value of our currency is on the decline, so a digital currency is already in the wings. Our government [and the governments of the world] are just trying to figure out how to keep us from making it private. They want access and control! As D.D. Nave writes in a January 2023 article on the Elizabeth Star website, "Globalists have been waging a war on cash for years. Globalists have a concerted campaign to shift consumers toward a digital mode of commerce that can be monitored, tracked, tabulated, mined for data, hacked, hijacked and confiscated when convenient". And the author proposes that the QR code, which is already in frequent use, could be the perfect vehicle to accomplish that -- plus it could be a good candidate for the Mark of the Beast. 

There has always been a lot of speculation throughout history as to what the implementation of the Mark will look like. We don't exactly know. But what we do know is that it will be used to control trade and commerce. And the Galion Inquirer sums it up quite succinctly: "When a person controls who can buy, he controls demand. A person controls supply when he controls what is sold. He who controls the purse strings has total control. The Antichrist will rule the world’s economy". And Scripture certainly makes it clear who will be able to buy ... those who have accepted the Mark of the Beast. 

Let's face it ... the technology is here to implement this Mark. All we're lacking is the repressive, dictatorial system to implement it. But make no mistake, the Anti-Christ will do so quickly and efficiently. So, here is what I want us to be cognizant of: Today -- right now! -- we need to take note that there is a prophecy that all men will be required to accept "a mark" to buy or sell.  That means in order to eat, to work, to bank ... to survive ... you will need to comply with "the system". 

So, let me ask you this question: Does it look as though technology is taking us to that moment in prophetic time? I think so. And I am deeply concerned that my fellow human beings are being seduced by the temptations of more convenience, ease of use, and cutting-edge technology. Maybe you don't believe in the Bible or the prophecy, but can you deny that it is getting more difficult to act outside the system? Think about it. And then take a moment to consider this thought: what if there is a possibility that the prophecy is true? Do you want to take that chance? Today's Scripture tells you the grave consequences of complying with the system of the Beast. All of us would do well to view technology with new eyes, a new understanding, and a healthy dose of distrust. There is a better "system" to invest in ... and His Name is Jesus!

Revelation 14:9-11     “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of His wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.  And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.”

A Witness For Jesus Christ In Times of Chaos

Is anyone else feeling the urgency to reach the lost and the skeptics in this hour chaos and deception? As I watch the news reports of fading justice in our nation, along with what looks like Russia descending into a "civil war", I recognize that I must rely on Jesus and the Holy Spirit to show me the truth. And what is the truth? As my husband often tells me regarding what the world shows us, "It's all kabuki theatre", meaning what is being presented to us as truth is all about showmanship, rather than any real content. In other words, it's a performance meant to convince us of the presenter's viewpoint, rather than giving us any substantial facts by which to make our own decisions.

That got me to thinking along so many paths ... with all the cascading events happening in the world, how do I reach those who need to know Jesus? What is my best approach? And how do I avoid all the pitfalls, missed opportunities, and wrong approaches that the evangelistic movement has participated in over the last few decades? How do I reach the lost and skeptics like Jesus did? Because I know, without a doubt, that time is running short.

My husband and I have no lack of testimonies of the times we failed to reach someone for the Lord. Whether it was the time a friend could have been interested in pursuing Jesus if we had had the answer to his question, "Where are dinosaurs in your Bible"?; or our inability [and spiritual immaturity] to authoritatively explain our reasons why we don't believe God controls everything in our lives -- which could have shown a believer that we too often blame God for our wounds, when it is the devil that is the initiator of our pain. Needless to say, these shortfalls only made us more determined to seek better ways to represent Jesus to those who so desperately need Him. And I'm seeing just how desperate people are becoming, and just how much they are going to need His Presence in their lives in the near future. 

When I encounter a non-believer, I now focus on not just knowing the truth of the Bible in the following verse, but doing it: So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:13). I am prepared and alert for those opportunities that present themselves to tell of my faith in Jesus. I'm not afraid or self-conscious -- in fact, I am confident of who I am in Christ, and who He is in me, so that I do not let the Enemy cower me into silence. I know that the Holy Spirit will give me the words I need because this time in history requires that we stand on our faith; and to continue to stand, even in the midst of rebuttal, repudiation, contempt and chaos. There are lost souls that need our witness in this hour!

So, how should we witness? First, I believe we need to recognize the mindsets of those who intentionally reject their need for Christ, whether they identify as atheist, agnostic, or just disinterested. We are now in an age of advanced technology, and our faith can look superstitious, and/or devoid of any connection to science or modern culture. Furthermore, in this era of equity and inclusion, many Christians can appear intolerant, judgmental and bigoted. And need I even mention the label that is most associated with Believers ... hypocritical. Sadly, many atheists can back up their position for non-belief better than Christians can justify theirs for faith. We need to grow up into a mature faith to be effective in modeling the benefits of salvation through faith in Jesus!

And what about those who profess belief, but find themselves doubting in these perilous times? They need our mature and wise witness, too. It can be difficult to counsel a fellow believer when you see them straying from the path of righteousness to which Jesus calls us. We don't want to appear condemning, or holed-than-thou, but again I find that Scripture gives me advice that best suits this situation. And again, our perspective when delivering the message is more important than following any "evangelical code of conduct". Consider the Amplified version of 2 Timothy 4:2: ...  preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching. The core of what I heard is this: we should be prepared at all times to speak to our fellow Christians when we see them in doubt or unbelief. We need to be willing to correct, rebuke and encourage, "with great patience and careful instruction". 

You see, Jesus is our model! It was a time of great chaos in the Roman Empire when He appeared on the scene. Religion was in conflict with Roman authority, and then He brings the Kingdom of God into the mix, offending both factions. [Can you see that Christianity is in conflict with the culture and the governing authorities? And, as Kingdom ambassadors, we often find ourselves at odds with both the organized Church/Religion and the powers-that-be?] Rather than trying to convince those He encountered with how wrong they were, Jesus approached them about their attitude. What if we went right to the heart of the matter and testified that we aren't trying to convince them that Christianity solves all the issues of the world [that they are interested in], but rather, we are interested in why they are having trouble in submitting to Jesus as the Son of a God who loved them so much, He was willing to die for them. 

Another issue that skeptics have is their pride in thinking they have all the answers. They will declare that Jesus has nothing to offer them. So when we share that they couldn't come to Him [even if they wanted to on their own] except for the fact that it is the Father who draws them, we can introduce a truth that there is a greater Power in the Universe than man. This life is fleeting, and what does one have to show at the end of it? What hope is there after your last breath? And so many times we are met with the arrogant reasoning of the flesh ... "I think God knows I'm a good person", meaning "So, I know I'm going to Heaven" -- whatever that means to a person who has no relationship with the Savior. But how are they going to answer Jesus when they stand before Him and He asks, "So what did you do for My Kingdom"?

It is so important that we speak in our authority as someone who knows the difference from living in our flesh and living in the Spirit. Our own testimonies of being drawn to Jesus through no desire of our own, and the miraculous ways it has changed our life, can spark a fire in their heart to take that first step.

It's time to face reality ... We find ourselves in an age where man's arrogance has led us to the precipice of destruction. The human race is dangerously close to passing the point of no return, and it is incumbent upon those of us who have been snatched from the edge to witness in our power and authority. It is time to educate, equip, and train others to go and speak into the world that the only way we can turn the tide of this upheaval in the world is to humble ourselves before the One who created us. It is time to surrender our very lives to follow His ways, faithfully teaching and encouraging; in patience and in love. But we also go forth in boldness and courage! Chaos does not scare us, and Evil does not deter us. Christ goes before us, battling with us, and Evil will be defeated, leaving righteousness in His wake. The way we live our lives will be a witness of our obedience to Him; He who is Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World, and the Prince of Peace! 

Ephesians 6:19-20.   And pray for me, that words may be given to me when I open my mouth, to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news [of salvation], for which I am an ambassador in chains. And pray that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly and courageously, as I should. 

       

God Is Gathering The Millstones!

There have been many times, as a Christian, when I could no longer remain silent about social issues that go against my deeply-held beliefs and the Biblical standards put forth by my God. This is one of those times. I understand that I am wading into controversial waters, and that I am swimming against the proverbial w•o•k•e culture. But nothing hurts my heart or my spirit more than the way the Enemy is coming after the children of the world.

From child-trafficking to child pornography; from the sexualization of children in the entertainment industry; to the flagrant sexual displays during story-time at your local library; and to the gender confusion being sowed within our educational system, it is time to protect all the children – before God decides He’s had enough. 

The other night, I woke from what I knew was a vision I had been shown by the Holy Spirit. Occasionally, I am well aware that my spirit is being taken to places to show me things that the Lord wants me to pray for, be sensitive to, or even personally minister to. This time, I was shown buses upon buses of emaciated children; the number was endless and it was a scene full of chaos and fear. They were frail, with sunken, sad eyes, and the strongest of them cried out to be rescued. I understood deep in my spirit that they had been treated unjustly and misused. The time I was there was short, but it was long enough for my spirit to know that the Enemy has been successful in putting our children in a state of bondage that is fast becoming irreversible.

None is more devastating and disastrous than the seemingly overnight pursuit of transgender surgery that is captivating the nation. Out of nowhere, this agenda is being normalized under the heading of “Gender Dysphoria”, which has become synonymous with a crippling disease or mental disorder [among those pushing this agenda]. Children are being convinced by teachers, internet influencers, and even the medical community that they are suffering from gender dysphoria, a byproduct of puberty, and they can be “cured” by surgical modification.

The word “dysphoria” means a state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction with life. Doesn’t sound quite like the monstrous condition that the medical, psychological, and pharmaceutical complex would like you to believe, does it? Yet they’ve been able to convince a disproportionate amount of children, young adults, and educational professionals that gender is a fluid state – that it is adaptable, changeable, and open to discussion. And lives are being drastically altered; physically, mentally, and psychologically. 

As often happens, God reveals to me His perspective on such issues, and I am able to see another cosmic chess move between Him and Satan. If you read this blog, you know my position that we have been engaged in a Seed War with the devil since he realized God gave mankind dominion over the earth (see Genesis 1:26-28). There’s been a battle ever since between God and Satan for control over man and the earth. Satan has tried everything he can think of to change the fact that we are made in the image of God. 

Attempts to corrupt our DNA is his favorite method. The Genesis 6 incursion of fallen angels to impregnate earthly women to give birth to hybrids [called Nephilim] didn’t work. God still found a pure bloodline in which to bring about the holy conception of Jesus. Wars and plagues and abortion and pharmaceutical inventions in which millions upon millions of God’s creation have died, has not enabled the devil to conquer the Kingdom of God on earth and take its inhabitants into ultimate demonic captivity. 

So, now we see Satan’s next move … capitalizing on the “dysphoria” of children and mostly young adults. What teenager has not, at one time or another, felt uncomfortable in their body, or as if they didn’t belong? Who can identify with looking or feeling different from “the crowd”? I certainly did. I didn’t fit the mold of the popular girls in school. I was too tall, with naturally curly hair. Every boy was shorter than me and all the girls had long, silky hair. But did I think I would be happier as a male? Quite simply, no. And it was never suggested. 

Yet the current generations measure themselves against popular and successful internet stars and influencers, many of whom are “manufactured”; they do not represent the majority of girls and boys, men and women, who are all different and unique in their own ways. So, can you perceive what a great opportunity it is for Satan to sow into this dissatisfaction? He can achieve his goal to change us from who God made us to be, while also introducing a harmful phalanx of hormones and drugs into still-developing young bodies. As an extra bonus, transitioning into a different gender means reproduction rates of humans goes way down. Satan must think he’s hit the ball out of the park. 

And maybe it's just me, but it sure seems as if another aspect of this is a war against women. There seems to be more young girls transitioning into men, with puberty blockers and harmful hormones insuring their infertility. We cannot forget the prophetic promise of God in Genesis 3:15 ... And I will put enmity (open hostility) between you and the woman, and between your seed (offspring) and her Seed...". If Satan can prohibit [or at least inhibit] the ability of women to procreate, I think that qualifies as enmity and open hostility toward the female gender.   

Please know that I do not present myself as any kind of expert to comment on the lives of people who find themselves confused about their sexuality. And you need to know that I am not “phobic” about any segment of our society. I try to look upon all people out of the compassionate heart and spirit of Jesus, who came to deliver us all out of captivity and bondage from Satan – no matter what that looks like in your particular life. I will let those who have experienced body and life-altering surgeries tell you their stories, in their own words. You can read their testimonies for yourself here and here and here. All I keep hearing in my head are the lyrics to the popular song, You Say, by Christian artist, Lauren Daigle … 

I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I'm not enough
Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up
Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low?
Remind me once again just who I am because I need to know

You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
And You say I am held when I am falling short
And when I don't belong, oh You say I am Yours
And I believe, oh I believe 
What You say of me 
I believe

Satan has managed to convince a generation of people, both young and old not to believe that the way He created them is enough. He whispers that they will never measure up … that they don’t belong … that they can never be sure who they are. That is all deception and lies from the Enemy! Each individual in uniquely created by God and loved for who they are. 

And perhaps the most disturbing thing about the harm being done to the children made in God’s image is that there are men and companies willing to profit off it! Medical transitioning through surgery and pharmaceuticals is Big Business! Billions of dollars are made off of human emotional pain and confusion at puberty, at the expense of those the conglomerates purport to be helping. The absence of a relationship with God in our culture has opened the door for Satan to introduce medical transitioning as the cure for all that ails you!

But God sees it all. He sees children being exploited in all the ways I’ve mentioned. We are all aware of Jesus’s stern warning: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea”. Considering the fact that a millstone in Christ’s time would have weighed 3300 pounds, it is not hard to perceive how serious God intended the punishment to be for harming a child. 

It makes me both sad and angry when I contemplate all the ways that Satan has sought to harm children just in the last 50 years of my life. It hasn’t been enough to kill them in the womb. He has also attacked them through sexual abuse, trafficking, temptation to perversion, and to the diabolical means of changing the very gender they were created to be. So many lives are being irreversibly altered through painful surgeries and harmful drugs. Through some of the testimonies I have read, it can cost $1.3 million per transitioning child. That’s quite a financial incentive for doctors and Big Pharma, wouldn’t you say? 

I pray that each of these precious creations from God will know their value and their worth to Him and to the world. I pray they will be spared all the pain [both physical and emotional] from any of the methods that are being utilized by Satan’s followers to rob them of their innocence. They are precious in His sight! He has created each one to His Divine specifications! And I pray that those who have harmed them will begin to see the danger they are in and repent of their evil ways. And Lord, I pray that You will appear to each child in their hour of despair and let them know that You are there with them; that they will be avenged for the harm done to them; and that You will restore their innocence on the Day of Judgment. Thank you, Lord, that You are our hope in the midst of this darkness!

Ephesians 5:6     Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.