1.30.2019

What Does the Blood Moon Mean?

There have been a number of astronomical phenomenons in recent years. The latest one being a phenomenon called a blood moon. What does a blood moon mean though?

In short, a blood moon, or lunar eclipse, occurs when the moon moves into the shadow of the Earth. The sunlight is refracted through the Earth's atmosphere, giving the moon the reddish color which causes it to be called a blood moon.

In the Bible, the moon is the faithful witness in the sky, symbolic of the believers, (Ps. 89:37), while the sun symbolizes Christ the bridegroom and champion (Ps. 19:4-5). The apostle Peter, quoting from the prophet Joel, included blood moons in the signs of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the time of salvation before Christ returns (Acts 2:17-21). The red color of the moon reminds us that we who believe are covered by the blood of the Lamb and have overcome Satan by our witness and the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 12:11).

There is more to the phenomenon that we can glean from the Bible and from studying the heavens (astronomy; never astrology). However, this is the short story. So be sure to testify about the blood of Jesus today, the blood moon has provideed the perfect opportunity to do so!

8.20.2017

Understanding the Times: The American Eclipse of 2017

This Monday-- August 21, 2017-- America will see a total solar eclipse from coast to coast and I believe it is a critical message for American Christians.

What is the message of the eclipse? I believe the eclipse is a call to repentance. I believe God is calling His people to repentance. God is warning His people in America of impending disaster and destruction. This is what I felt God was saying to me. So  I began to research and as I did my due diligence, I found some astounding facts.

First, God created the cosmos in part to communicate to us through signs. "And God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years" (Genesis 1:14). The prophet warned, "...the sun will be turned to darkness…before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord" (Joel 2:31). Jesus told us to watch for signs "in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars" (Luke 21:25). The book of Revelation also appears to have many celestial events. So understand there is biblical basis for keeping tabs on the heavens. Additionally, understand that this is not astrology, but astronomy with biblical understanding. Stay away from astrology and horoscopes-- they are demonic counterfeits of God's planetary signs. Be careful. Practice simple biblical
astronomy.

Secondly, the Israelites considered eclipses to be warnings and calls to repent. Because Gentiles go by the sun for their calendar, a solar eclipse represents judgment coming upon a non-Jewish nation, whereas a lunar eclipse represents judgment coming upon Israel,  because Jews use a lunar calendar.

Third, on the biblical calendar, the day of the eclipse falls on Elul 1. This day and month has signified repentance for God’s people. It was on Elul 1 that Jonah left for 40 days to tell Nineveh to repent. It was on Elul 1 that Moses went up Mt. Sinai after the sin of the Golden Calf, trying to make atonement while Israel was repenting. It was on Elul 1 Jesus went out into the wilderness for 40 days, coming out on Yom Kippur. Elul 1 starts the month of repentance and to have the solar eclipse fall on this day and month is of the utmost significance.

Fourth, history shows significant events follow the unrepentant after eclipses. After a total solar eclipse over Eastern Europe, we had WWI  and the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Same with a Roman civil war and the fall of Rome.

Today, people are preparing to celebrate this event  with parties. Viewing the phenomenon aside, I'm not so sure it's something to celebrate. The celebratory attitude regarding the eclipse brings to  mind the ignorance of Babylonian King Belshazzar who threw a drunken party the night the Medes and Persians crept under the city gate.  Belshazzar was dead the next day and the Babylonian empire fell.

Fifth, there was a total solar eclipse over Nineveh a month before Jonah showed up. It was called the Bur-Sagle eclipse. It's part of why Nineveh repented when Jonah arrived.

Sixth, this year, Elul 1 starts 40 days ending in Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement ending the month of repentance. The number
40 appears to mean a full or complete trial or season; often with something decisive to follow.

Seventh, another eclipse comes in 2024, 7 years after the Aug. 21, 2017 eclipse. The path of the two eclipses  mark either a T or an X shape over the United States--  either in the shape of a cross or an X-mark. Whether the two eclipses  mark a cross or an X-mark appears symbolic of whether we respond during this time with repentance or continue our ways. Which do you want?

Let's not be ignorant of God's ways. When the Israelites ignored or scoffed at God's ways, they usually missed what God was doing and saying at the time. God said, "My people perish for lack of knowledge" (Hos 4:6). When the Israelites paid attention to God's ways-- like the shepherds and wise men during the birth of Jesus-- they were able to be a part of what God was doing. Thus, recognize that it seems God is signaling to America about something-- firstly to the church, for "...judgment always begins with the House of God” (1Pet 4:17). Eclipses seem to forewarn of impending division and destruction, but God seems to always provide a window of opportunity for repenting and staving off the just consequences. God is always good and is the One who knows what's best for us and who wants us to repent and prosper. I believe it is time to embrace God in sincere, heartfelt repentance before we reap the just consequences of what we've long sown. 
It is time for God’s people to get right with Him. We must repent of each our own sins. Gluttony, gossip, laziness, adultery, fornication, cohabitation, homosexuality, transgendering, divorce, lying, dishonesty, selfishness, witchcraft, pornography, abortion, drunkenness, abuse, arrogance, pride, jealousy, anger, religiousity, unbelief, double-mindedness, lukewarmness, and so on. There are so many to name! We must obey Jesus. We must be and live holy as He is holy  (1Ptr 1:15-16). We must heal the sick, cast out demons, and share the Gospel with our neighbors (Matt 10:8; Mk 3:15). We must make disciples of all men (Matt 28:18-20). We must pray fervently and constantly (Acts 1:14). We must climb the mountains on our knees-- like Jonathan (1Sam 14:1-14)-- in heart wrenching prayer and battle back the enemy. Evil prevails when good men do nothing. How can you expect the world around you to change when you won't even put down the phone or turn off the TV to pray, repent, and intercede for that change? Be the change  you want to see. Christian, we must take our rightful place and define our culture from on our knees! “Who knows? He may return and have pity and leave behind a blessing” (Joel 2:13-14).

May God  remember His mercy (Habakkuk 3:2)!

11.01.2016

America: Pray As We Approach the 2016 Election

Praying about the election is one of the most imperative things you can do right now. The election is almost here. Much has been said and much is still to be said. Regardless, there is nothing more vital you can do right now than pray! I want to share a few things the Lord has led me to pray.

IN GOD WE TRUST: No political party or candidate is going to be our savior. Only God will be that . No matter what happens, we must trust Him. If we elect the worst candidate; if we eat breadcrumbs; if we have no electricity; or any other circumstance, God is still there. He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb 13:5). We are citizens of Heaven first and foremost (Phil 3:20). No one can take that from us! No matter who we elect, we must put our trust in God. Pray and dedicate your trust to God -- always and forever!

DONALD TRUMP: Pray that God will guide Donald Trump. Trump has surrounded himself with a fleet of Christian ministers and leaders. Pray that Trump will bear witness to the Spirit-filled Christian ministers and leaders he has around him. There is testimony that Trump has come to faith in recent months or years. Rejoice that Trump may have come to faith in Christ. Pray that Trump's newfound faith is indeed sincere. Pray that Trump will grow in his newfound faith. Pray that he will continue to be convicted and will repent of his old ways that remain. Pray that his old ways will fall away as God forms His Way in the Donald. Pray that, if elected, he will end up being a good president. Pray that he will be a prayerful president. Pray that he will be surrounded with people of good character and influence. Ultimately, whatever God's purpose with Trump, let it be done.

HILLARY CLINTON: Hillary is in need of deliverance and is surrounded by other wicked, corrupt people. Pray that God will get through to Hillary and deliver her of all spiritual wickedness-- including the spirit of Jezebel and any other spirit that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. May she find spiritual freedom! Pray that Hillary will be convicted by God's mercy and will repent and come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Pray that Hillary will be surrounded with Christian ministers and leaders of good character and influence. Pray for Hillary and her health. If Hillary remains unrepentant of corruption, pray that she will be brought to justice in a court of law so that she might be moved to repentance. Pray that the American people-- particularly Christian voters-- will not surrender the office of Presidency to the spirit of Jezebel or any other wicked spirit. May God's wonderful and sweet transforming and redeeming love fill Hillary's life to overflowing!

VOTER FRAUD: This might be the most important thing you can pray about until the election is conceded. They have already uncovered voter fraud during early voting. So far, they have discovered 4 MILLION dead and ineligible people have registered to vote! Many electronic voting machines have been compromised already or are vulnerable. Pray that God will expose all voter fraud. Pray that poll workers will spot and stop any voter fraud. Pray that the voters will be made aware of any voter fraud around them and that God will guide them to report fraud and suspicious activity to the right persons. Pray that the true will of the people-- no matter what it is-- will ultimately be the outcome. Pray hard.

YOUR VOTE: I encourage you to lay down all your personal preferences and opinions and ask God what he is doing in such a time as this. Then I encourage you, whether it makes sense or or not, to co-operate with God's direction regarding this election. Ask God to help you see through His eyes. I encourage you to step out in faith and follow His direction. God's ways are not our ways and it may not make sense. We are called to listen to His voice, trust Him, and step
out in faith!

There are many other things you can pray. However, ultimately, these are some of the most important things you can contend for right now. Many of which you can continue to pray even after Election Day. Pray in the Spirit as often as possible. If you have not yet prayed in the Spirit, I encourage you to ask and seek earnestly to activate your gift as you embrace the Holy Spirit. It is a vital and powerful weapon! For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds (2 Cor 10:3-5). For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph 6:12). We have been given the privilege of partnering with God to advance the Holy Spirit throughout the earth. Let the Holy Spirit of God speak through you! In the beginning God spoke... and there was light (Gen 1)!Pray prophetically as well. Never have? You can always begin! Learn to align your words with God's own! We have been given all spiritual authority in Christ Jesus (Lk 10:19). We are God's children; we are co-heirs in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:17). We are not beggars! Don't live in fear! Open your mouth and release that authority, both from your mind and also from the Spirit! Christian, take your rightful place! Step out in faith with your actions and prayers! May our prayers be effective and a pleasing aroma to our Father God and to our Lord Jesus Christ!

6.30.2015

What Do the Scriptures Say About Repentance?

What does the gospel message say about repentance? Did
Jesus remove the need to repent? Here is what the Scriptures have to say about repentace:


"In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" Matthew 3:1-2

The gospel of the kingdom: Repent and believe.

"The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. Luke 16:16

John the Baptist preached the gospel.

"Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." Mark 1:14-15

Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, "Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." Luke 3:7-9

"I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. Luke 5:32

"There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, "Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish." Luke 13:1-5

How far have we gotten from the Gospel?

"I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7

Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10

"Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:46-47

Repentance of sins and remission of sins, not just remission of sins, should be preached in His name to all nations.

"Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:37-39

"To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities. Acts 3:25


"But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity." Acts 8:20-23

"Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." Acts 17:30-31

"Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. Acts 26:19-20

"Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. 2 Corinthians 5:9-11

"Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. Revelation 2:4-5

"But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. Revelation 2:14-16

More repentance for the Christian too.

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Revelation 3:19

More repentance for the Christian-- the immoral Christian, in fact.

"But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. Revelation 9:20-21

"And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory. Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain. They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds. Revelation 16:9-11

Without repentance the end result is death and eternal consequence. The need for repentance did not end at the cross. Repentance IS and MUST be a part of the gospel message.