Tag Archives: christianity

A Cheerful Giver?

Posted on by

I made the mistake of asking …

So, I asked God what He wanted as a Christmas gift from me to Him. I expected Him to say that my love and admiration were all the gift He needed. But, instead God said that He wants me to create my first video in this new season describing who He is.

Oh I wanted the first one to be an easy introduction, and maybe even kinda cute, about why knowing true doctrine is important. After much conversation with Him, the first one is going to be very deep theology made simple. I have a headache!

Well since I asked, now I must deliver. So in the next few days, maybe not in time for Christmas, I hope to record the first doctrinal video. I’m praying that God equips me to handle the technology issues. I just received the new mini wireless microphones and haven’t even taken the time to read the instructions or charge them yet. The lighting that I ordered wasn’t quite what I expected. So we’ll see how this first one takes off. Did I mention that I’m having computer issues? Listen, I expected that if God really wanted this gift, He could make it a little easier to deliver. (Don’t tell on me for shaking my head and rolling my eyes.)

My love language is actually gift giving but I’m feeling a little reluctant with this one. Every time that I say that “I can’t do it”, God says that I can. I guess vacation time is OVER! All this and putting together the False and Repulsive Theologies (FART) Awards for the false teachers by the end of the year. Whatever God wants …

Seasonal Finish Line

Posted on by

For some, this time of year is met with too many obligations, too much financial stress, and an unwelcome busyness. For others, it’s a time of feeling abandoned, left out, and alone.

It’s sad that what should be a joyous time can often be overshadowed by grief and discontent fueled by frustration of not measuring up to expectations.

I don’t have the answers and maybe I’m just writing this post to hear my own analysis, so please bear with me. It’s 3:00 am and I’m worried that I’m not doing enough to help others. I know a widow who lost her husband earlier this year. I’m wondering if she’s feeling alone and forsaken. I’m worried that my adult children are feeling pressure to do too much between decorating, entertaining, gift buying, etc. And, I’m worried that I’m not doing enough in an effort to not be in the way or to exaggerate the mayhem.

Perhaps, we are all just pushing through it to get to the other side not realizing that these are the times when memories are made. For myself, I propose finding some solace in walking in the park or spending time alone with God at the river’s edge for peace. Worship heals me. I’m reminded that the important things towards true contentment aren’t wrapped up in events or ribbons but in the smiles and laughter of those we love.

For these next few days towards the finish line, I’m asking God to keep me available for those who are hurting and to give me His eyes to see who needs a kind word of encouragement (even if I’m the one in need). I always want to be led by God to nurture others while being careful not to overstep invisible boundaries or privacy. I hope I’ve been clear that I’m available to teach others to hear God’s voice so that He can strategically walk with them through the hard times and loneliness better than any human agent.

Soon all the glitz and glamour of the season will settle down and we’ll meet to celebrate a new year of new possibilities. We’ll be more mature, more trained, more aware, and ready to step forward like never before.

Merry Christmas beloved.

A Remembered Scripture?

Posted on by

It’s been several months ago since I had a specific dream about wearing pearls.

In the dream I was lounging on a couch, laughing about fun mischief going on in the room. In the dream, I could see myself enjoying the comical relief. But I also could clearly focus in on myself wearing a pearl necklace and pearl earrings. When I awoke from that dream, the Lord made it a point of sending me to buy a pearl necklace. The pearl necklace was symbolic and there was no point to spending a lot of money to purchase it. I went to Beall’s and bought a $14 necklace and matching earrings for under $10.

I remember that the first time that I wore the pearl jewelry was when I was visiting a new church. Even the name of that church should have been an obvious clue to me, but I didn’t get it right away.

Fast forward to my birthday this month, when my best friend gave me a pearl bracelet as a gift. She wasn’t aware of the dream or of my earlier purchase of the necklace and earrings. It’s as if God were secretly planning all of this out to reveal something to me. And I think He was.

This morning, I was talking with God while still laying in bed. We were discussing the false doctrines in the church … yes, again. I was sharing with God my reluctance to keep trying to get through to the pastors who refused to hear a word from me. God said that while one particular pastor absolutely had no heart for God, the others did have a heart for God. And, yes, they were clearly teaching wrong doctrine, but it did not stem from a wrong heart. Then …

I heard a Scripture in the distance as if it were a memory being recalled. This is the text:

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” (Matthew 7:6 NIV)

In an instant, I understood the reason that God wanted me to have the pearls jewelry. He wanted me to remember that as His Apostle & Prophet that I have pearls of wisdom that have been “bought” at a great price through much sacrifice. He doesn’t want me wasting my time on fools who have no heart for God, but to spend my time helping those who really do love God despite their wrong theology.

I get it! And I think the new watch (bought with a birthday gift-card) has implications too.

Upcoming Apologetics Video Podcast

Posted on by

Well, I have a few more pieces of the puzzle for the upcoming video podcasts planned for 2026.

The series will be “Voice of Truth”, Christian Apologetics (more specifically Protestant Christian doctrinal study). Technically Catholicism and Mormonism are under the Christian category but are very different from Protestant Christianity. The Catholics have a different (expanded books) Bible and they pray to Mary and saints among other things. The Mormons have “The Book of Mormon” and many varied differences from Protestant Christianity.

Listen, Protestant Christianity is a mess too with plenty of doctrines to discuss. Here are some of the denominations that fall under the category of Protestant Christianity:

Methodist
Baptist/Southern Baptist
Assemblies of God
Church of God
Pentecostal/Apostolic
Presbyterian
Episcopal
Lutheran
Anabaptist
Anglican
Quaker
Seventh Day Adventist
Congregational (governs independently)
Non-Denominational (Church of Christ, Christian, Calvary Chapel)

All of the denominations INTERPRET the Bible differently in many doctrinal stances. Protestant Christianity has many different translations of the Bible to choose from. To name a few: New International Version, King James Version, Holman Christian Apologetics, New American Standard, The Message, New King James, and many more. Even with the same foundational material at the core of each translation, the Bible is interpreted very differently by the various denominations on key doctrinal subjects. They can’t even agree on what translation of the Bible to use. Seriously?

Some denominations believe that there is only one God while others believe in a trinity of Gods that has a Son God sitting next to a Father God on thrones in Heaven.

Some denominations believe that women are anointed by God to be pastors and leaders in the church while others relegate women to minimal authority and silence in the church.

Some denominations prohibit musical instruments in worship and others believe that baptism is a requirement for salvation. The doctrinal differences are astounding especially since every Christian should hear God’s voice in prayer and know very specifically true doctrine by learning it from Him.

The video podcast will feature real-time words from God as I ask Him questions and He answers through my voice (just like the process of speaking in tongues except in my native language). God speaks every language and can speak through us when we are intentionally yielded to Him. Believe it or don’t believe it. It doesn’t matter to me because YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR OWN RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. I’m just showing you the process. I’m not responsible for what you believe.

I used the word real-time in that last paragraph but I should say that the videos will be recorded and uploaded rather than live-streamed. This is necessary because I have limited accommodations, no staff, and potential for many interruptions. I live near a train track, rocket launches from the space center, and the noise from the air conditioner makes it difficult to manage the sound fluctuations. I live in a little camper that has little to no sound dampening. Some of the specifics I’m still figuring out.

In an effort to make this as easy as possible on me, while still being obedient to God to make the videos, I will likely limit any teaching graphics or screen animations. It will probably just be my old-lady face on the screen talking to “you” as a sister in Christ. In truth, the videos that I worked the hardest on to provide teaching graphics have been the least viewed videos while the ones that I made early on with me just talking to my phone screen have surprising numbers of views all across the world. So that’s what I’m going back to all these years later.

God and I had a staff meeting together over breakfast this morning and He gave me notes for the first couple of videos. My hesitation to make these videos had nothing to do with confidence in discussing the material. The reluctance comes from wanting to invest the time and energy to speak to those who are too stubborn to listen. Every religion on the planet thinks that their religion is the correct religion despite that they haven’t bothered to personally ask God and hear from Him. My hope above all else is to get people asking God about doctrine. We’ll see.

Contently Remaining Vigilant

Posted on by

God seems to waver between wanting me to be highly confident and wanting me to be extremely meek. Those levels of humility may have little to do with my obedience and more to do with individual assignments.

Mighty warrior me has to be reduced down to her meekest levels when there is a direction shift in the battle plan. God can accomplish that by putting me in situations that have factors beyond my usual control and most abruptly in the form of digestive issues causing sudden anxiety. Yes, I have food allergies and intolerances that appear to be divinely appointed. Not having control of my own body takes me quickly into my most vulnerable position as suddenly as a flip of a switch. I’m thankful that only He has sovereignty over the on/off button. I trust God to immediately tame me before I (figuratively) cut the ear off of a Roman Centurion and to equally strengthen me before the rooster crows.

It’s during those less-than-victorious or remediating times that I want to be taken from active duty and allow others to fight the battles. I hate being weak and needy. I cannot camp out there long without feeling utterly defeated. But, God knows better than I do the version of me needed during any given mission. Whether I’m equipped for meekness or boldness, He arms me precisely for the road ahead. In this I must be content while remaining vigilant. Even Superman had to deal with Kryptonite. What’s your area of weakness that takes you out of the thick of battle and prompts others to step up in your place?

At times the strong leader must be held back so that others can step forward into their divine anointing. Understanding that perspective adds value to the sudden vulnerability, but shifting positions is difficult still. Reduced traction is sometimes for the purpose of holding us in place but also for priming us for an upcoming victory race. It isn’t intended to harm us. Instead it can harness our giftings and allow others to excel.

Reluctant Perseverance?

Posted on by

Yesterday was a peaceful and awesome day embraced in the company of my God and my children. Interspersed between breakfast at my son’s and Thanksgiving dinner at my daughter’s, we watched the national dog show, worked on a quilt project, and talked about our blessings. After dinner, we went on a walk and enjoyed the cooler night air.

This morning, I needed to exchange the (quilting) rotary cutter blades (that I purchased last week) for a larger size which took me to one of my favorite places … Hobby Lobby. When I was at the counter making the exchange, I was offered a free booklet, “The Case for Christmas” by Lee Strobel. I accepted the booklet having read Lee Strobel’s book “The Case for Christ” many years ago.

Since I was already in the area, I stopped in at Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. (Imagine the smirk on my face please.) I opened the new book and started reading in Chapter 4, How The Messianic Prophecies Point to Jesus. Now let me say this. Maybe most people wouldn’t find that as leisurely reading and might not even bother. But, what it did for me was inspire me to really talk to God about the teaching videos that He has asked me to make starting in the new year.

Truly, I know that I was made for this. Teaching on Christian Apologetics seems to be weaved into my spiritual DNA. That’s probably not something that has much value financially or in making new friends. So it isn’t the coveted role for most people. But when you have been divinely ordained for such a purpose, you know that it is your main Kingdom responsibility.

Next week, I will turn 63 years old. The main concern that I have with making the videos is that I don’t want my old-lady face on big screen televisions (through YouTube) where every wrinkle and imperfection shows. I have asked my technology experts (adult children) how to make videos to adequately communicate the message without a full-screen image of me. However, I do think having my face on the screen allows for a more intimate conversation then not having it. This is where I am in the process, with more concerns than confidence.

After being reinvigorated by reading Lee Strobel’s booklet this morning, I’m thinking that maybe the old-lady face might be ok if the Kingdom is advanced. Of course, I say that today but when reality hits, I’ll probably be just as worried. I guess I could ask God to make me cute to prove that this is what He really wants. 😉 If I wake up one day soon, and am suddenly cute, I will make sure to give Him all the credit. LOL

I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving!

Challenge Accepted!

Posted on by

As God’s prophet, I have a much higher responsibility to bring words from Him that are not filtered or modified than any other Kingdom position. That’s the exact truth and you can surely ask God about it.

When I first started hearing God’s voice more than two decades ago, I had a people-pleaser mentality that God had to deal with very early on. As His prophet, I always must put pleasing God above pleasing others. To make it easier on me to do this, God threatened the lives of my children if I did not take my responsibility seriously. That potential consequence loomed large but it did make it easier to speak boldly and face every obstacle on my path. Knowing God’s sovereignty and understanding how quickly loved ones can be removed by God, left no room for any debate when God told me to step out against the enemy’s schemes. (My youngest brother Robby was killed in a car accident just two months before his 20th birthday. In an instant he was gone.)

Another thing that God had to deal with early with me was true understanding of the spiritual war. On March 23, 2009, I spent a night in spiritual battle with the enemy that I was not prepared for. To this day, uncontrollable tears well up in my eyes to even think about the horrendous things that I heard from the enemy that night as I endured a spiritual attack that ended with me in a psychiatric ward. God had to expose me to the devil’s ways so that I would be ready for that combat in deliverance ministry. You see, without actually experiencing the devil’s tactics, I might have been convinced that none of that was real. But, oh I assure you that the enemy is real.

For the first decade of hearing God’s voice, I experienced every conceivable betrayal and persecution from those who were supposed to love me. They wanted me either in a permanent psychiatric ward or locked up in a prison cell. But listen to me, if the fear of God taking my children’s lives weren’t foremost on my heart, I would have never made it through all the tremendous hurts. And I promise you, the hurts and losses were devastating.

I thank God that He challenged me with that threat or I never would have made it through. Today, I still daily ask God about my children’s safety and if I’m doing His will. I do understand the consequences even if others don’t. Maybe they don’t grasp why I have to distance myself when God says to. Maybe they don’t have that same weight on their shoulders when God says to speak or to move, but I do. I will never take it lightly when God says to expose false doctrines. I will never choose to turn away from facing the enemy’s schemes. I know my place in the Kingdom. Nothing about it is remotely vague or up for human counsel.

Not So Predictable Accountability

Posted on by

It’s possible that I’m enjoying vacation-life a little too much. God seems to be justifiably concerned that I might decide being lazy could work indefinitely. Recently, I have slept in until 8:00 am on more than one occasion. I didn’t know that was allowed, but now I’m negotiating for it to be a new routine. Maybe I better just settle for it being a temporary reprieve from the more rigorous schedule of ministry.

This morning, God and I were dining at a local coffee shop together. He told me to bring in my notebook. At times, the notebook is for writing down a to-do list, but not today. Today God wanted to dictate a message to provide here. Having seen the finished product, I believe it is a good reminder for us all.

Today’s Message from God:

The community that is found in the churches extends beyond the walls of the sanctuary into meeting places, restaurants, hobby forums, golf courses, sports arenas, coffee shops, and homes. The friendships formed with the love of Christ at its foundation are worthy. It is good to be encouraged and even rebuked by those who hear God and want the best for each other.

Accountability can only work when God is leading ALL counsel. We must learn to consult God before offering judgment or confidence. God sees the motives of every heart and will reveal schemes against us when we seek Him individually. We must first have accountability with God. If He moves us to counsel others, then we can step forward accordingly.

All rebukes should be done initially in private. There should not be a public embarrassment unless or until God mandates it. He alone can give that authority without it being tied to spiritual consequences. He will discipline a wrong heart and punish the gossiper.

A destroyed reputation can restrict future ministry. That needless wreckage angers God, and He will display His wrath towards the evildoer.

All the disciples of Jesus were unfairly accused and suffered at the hands of those that the devil used to batter them. It’s so important not to allow oneself to be used by the enemy to harm God’s beloved and chosen instruments for the Kingdom. Again, God sees everything. He is sovereign over life and death.

Proverbs 26:28
“A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”

Be Fruitful & Increase

Posted on by

Today I want to provide debate over an often misinterpreted passage of Scripture. The Trinitarians want this vague verse to be translated to the idea of three gods or multiple gods. The problem with their misinterpretation is that it greatly contradicts the full context of the Bible.

So here’s the passage. I will point out the one verse and why it cannot refer to multiple gods.

(Genesis 1:25-28 NIV)
“25 God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

The Trinitarians will promote a false theology of multiple gods from verse 26 and the words “Let us … in our image” despite that immediately following those words are verse 27 where there are no plural words used to describe God. If their theology were correct, the next verse would have used the words “they” and “their”. At the very least they are jumping to conclusions with no analytical reasoning to support their theology.

So what could the words “us and our” in verse 26 represent that doesn’t contradict the many Scriptures that record that there is only one God?

I’ve discussed this with God in prayer and will give you the insight that He gave me, but I ALWAYS want you to discuss this with God yourself.

Moses is attributed to writing the first five books of the Bible. Moses was NOT alive at creation. He was born thousands of years later. He wrote the creation story as he spent time hearing God’s voice in prayer. So to be clear, Moses did not real-time overhear God speaking to anyone in the Garden. God met Moses where he was in the day and time of his life. We tend to want to read those verses as if Moses was standing beside God during creation. He wasn’t. Moses’ role was to tell the story from God’s perspective.

The “us” and “our” words represented 1) the part that God plays in creating the spiritual body of each person AND 2) the part that the human parents play in the biological human reproduction process. God is giving credit to the human parents for being fruitful and increasing in number as they are commanded to in the next sentence, verse 28. God was also foreshadowing when He would spend 33 years wearing human flesh delivered through the human reproduction process.

It is very important to read verses in context and to understand the whole counsel of the Scriptures.

Please let me remind you of the many Scriptures that record that there is only one God.

(Isaiah 43:10-11 NIV)
10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. 11 I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior.

Study: Exodus 20:3-7, Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Mark 12:29-30, Malachi 2:20, Isaiah 44:6-8, Isaiah 45:2-6; Isaiah 46:8-9; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6, 1 Timothy 2:5, James 2:19, Ephesians 4:4-6, Revelation 4:2-3

Cheap Identity Ambience

Posted on by

As children of God, we have a true identity in Him. He chooses our purpose, path, and priorities. We can rebel against His plans for us or trust in His sovereignty.

For example, God has told me that I am His Apostle and Prophet. I could buy into the deceit of the enemy delivered through his minions that say I’m not qualified and chosen by God. Or I could humbly walk under God’s authority and divine calling. He can deal with those who speak against His choices.

This morning while I was doing my morning exercises I had a YouTube ambience video playing on the television. It depicted gentle rain falling with an autumn view outside the window. There was a fireplace crackling and candlelight glowing. It calmed my perspective while I stretched and pained through the daily routine towards getting in shape. But when it was time to press the off button on the television remote, I had to shift my perspective to plan my clothing for the day. I could choose gear suited for the ambience video or instead what the reality weather required.

It’s the same concept with our identity. We can choose to accept our identity as God determines or we can choose a fake identity that is driven by a narrative from other than God. We can let the devil and his deceit define us or we can choose to see ourselves as God sees us. If you are not sure what God wants from your life, then you must seek Him daily and ask Him. There is nothing more certain than hearing God speak His will over you and to you.

Faith requires being sure of God’s spoken words to you. It doesn’t require faith to listen to the lies of the enemy and morph into his fake identity politics. Know who you are and whose you are!